Maine's Capital Area

Hall-Dale High School’s Robotics Team is hosting its second annual Live Action Role-Playing (LARP) event starting at 10am on Sunday, October 11, at Hall-Dale High School at 97 Maple Street in Farmingdale, Maine. The event is a fundraiser for REM Delta Prime Robotics Team #4473.

Delta Prime is a member of  FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), an international high school robotics competition that gives students real-world engineering experience. FRC combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources, and time limits, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, and build and program robots to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors.  It’s as close to "real-world engineering" as a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team. Delta Prime needs to raise over $40,000 each year to enter and participate in the competitions, many of which are out of state.

What is LARPing?

Larping is an awesome, slightly nerdy sport that’s been around since the 1970s. Typically, larpers dress in costumes and wield homemade padded weapons, known as “boffers,” in simulated hand-to-hand combat with varying degrees of role-playing. This event will be light on role-playing and heavy on action; a fun way to let off steam for beginners and experienced LARPers alike. Players must be age 12 or up. Costumes are optional but welcome!  Entrance to the event is $5 for player and spectators alike. Duct tape swords may be rented for $10, purchased for $20 or build your own for $15 at the event.  Participants may bring their own duct tape sword. Safety monitors will ensure that all equipment is up to safety standards before it can be used in the games.Real swords and any other weaponry are strictly prohibited.

How it Works:

This event will use a set of rules that makes the combat fast-paced yet safe for everyone. After being armed by either renting, buying or making a sword, players will be assigned to kingdoms for vying for victory on the battlefield. Each player will be assigned ribbons and will earn ribbons for winning duels or large combats. Different scenarios will be used to keep the event fresh and interesting. Training begins at 10:30 but the sword making table will be open throughout the event. At the end of the event, the winning player will be crowned champion and rewarded with an epic prize!

For more information: William Fahy, Student PR coordinator for Delta Prime Robotics at , www.deltaprimerobotics.com OR Karen Giles, Lead Mentor at .

Ages: Participants in the mock sword fighting sessions must be ages 12 or up.

Cost: $5 entry fee. Duct tape swords can be rented, purchased or make your own (additional fees apply).