Q: What is Amtgard?
A: Amtgard is a non-profit educational corporation dedicated to the
study and recreation of the medieval and fantasy eras and genres. Amtgard
is also a live action role playing (LARP) game that endeavors to recreate
individual and group combat from the periods mentioned above.
Q: How and where did it start?
A: Amtgard first formed in El Paso, Texas in February of 1983.
Since then it has grown to twelve kingdoms stretching from Oregon to New
Hampshire with smaller groups in such diverse areas as Croatia, Germany,
Korea, Finland, Sweden, and even Russia.
Q: What does "AMTGARD" mean?
A: Contrary to popular myth, Amtgard is not an acronym. The word is
essentially Norse/Icelandic in origin, and refers to a land between
Midgard and Valhalla, a plain of existence for heroes who are more than
human but still less than the 'gods'.
Q: Who is allowed to participate?
A: Amtgard is available to all. It is a non-sectarian organization
that welcomes all participants. However, combat activities are restricted
to those 14 and older and certain government offices are restricted to
those 18 and older. All Amtgard members must sign a waiver.
Q: What kind of people participate in Amtgard?
A: Amtgard members (Amtgarders or Amtgardians) come from all walks
of life. Members have included secretaries, housewives, college
professors, professional writers, anthropologists, students, officers in
the military, police officers, computer technicians, etc.
Q: Do I need to make a costume?
A: Costumes in Amtgard are correctly referred to as 'garb'. In
combat situations garb can range from a simple T-tunic to a full set of
armor. Garb for the feasts and quests is more intricate and involved. New
members are allowed a grace period, but are eventually, with the aid of
the Amtgard Garbers Guild, expected to garb themselves with 'period'
clothing.
Q: What about the weapons?
A: Amtgard weapons are made from a base of either fiberglass or PVC
tubing covered with layers of high impact foam such as ensolite. Cloth
covers along with padded pommels and hiltguards produce functional and
safe weapons. Weapons that could leave bruises or break bones are
disqualified by the Reeves Guild.
Q: How do I get weapons and armor?
A: Most Amtgarders eventually build their own weapons and armor.
Loaner equipment is often provided for new members (i.e. 'newbies'). Most
new members, after participating in Amtgard for a few weeks, quickly learn
to make equipment tailored for their own specific styles and needs.
Q: What about roleplaying?
A: Roleplaying is important to Amtgard. Members choose a persona
(Knight or Elf or Barbarian, for example). Players roleplay their class,
especially in the quests and feasts, and it is this roleplaying that adds
color and depth to the overall Amtgard experience. Persona histories and
personal symbols are encouraged and may be registered with the Guildmaster
of Heraldry.
Q: How do I get started?
A: Getting started is easy. Show up at the group nearest you,
watch, and see if Amtgard is for you. If you like it then go up to any
Amtgard officer or member and ask to get involved. (Amtgard is people
friendly). She or he will introduce you to the Prime Minister or Monarch,
and from there you may have embarked on a lifetime of comradery and fun.
Q: Is there an Amtgard chapter in my area?
A: Amtgard chapters are springing up everywhere. Kingdoms (the
largest groups that coordinate the smaller duchies, baronies and shires)
exist in Portland (OR), Denver, Las Cruces, El Paso, Amarillo, Dallas, San
Antonio/Austin, Nashua (NH), and Houston. More information is located in
the contact flier and starter kit.
Q: If there is no local group, can I start my own chapter?
A: Rulebooks and corpora, and a starter guide, are available online.
All Amtgard starter information is online, no additional information is
available via snailmail.
Q: Can non-fighters participate?
A: Noncombat classes have already been mentioned. But, Amtgard is
much more than the battlegames. In addition to the feasts and quests,
Amtgard holds campouts, arts and sciences competitions, live performances
such as bardic singing and belly dancing, gaming tournies, workshops (how
to build armor, etc.) and so on. Amtgard is a very diverse group with many
interests among its members.
Q: Does Amtgard cost anything?
A: Amtgard participation is free. Local groups, though, may ask for
a six dollar donation every six months. This confers voting rights in
Amtgard government (the Althing), a subscription to the local kingdom
newsletter, and a copy of the rulebook and corpora. Nominal fees may be
asked for special events (such as to pay for the food at feasts). However,
there are no pay-for-play rules.
Q: How does Amtgard fit in with the 'real' world?
A: All Amtgarders are expected to obey the laws of their country,
state and local government jurisdictions. Illegal activities are not
condoned within Amtgard. The Amtgard word for the 'real' world is 'mundania'.
Amtgard endeavors to maintain good relations with government and its
agencies. Many Amtgard groups participate in such activities as telethons,
non-profit fundraising, canned food drives, demonstrations for local
schools and groups such as the Boy Scouts of America, Christmas caroling
for children in hospitals, etc.
Q: Is Amtgard on the internet?
A: Amtgard is very 'wired'. It's many internet resources include:
*Mailing list: [email protected]
to subscribe send mail to [email protected]
with "subscribe amtgard-l" in the body of the email.
Or auto-subscribe at http://www.amtgard.com/cgi-bin/majordomo
*Official web page: http://www.amtgard.com
*AMTMUX: telnet amtgard.com
1995
Amtmux is a place where amtgarders can chat online in real time for free.
telnet://www.amtgard.com via
the web.
*AMTMUD: telnet amtgard.com
5555
Amtmud is a multi-user dungeon (MUD) where players can roleplay and kill
monsters together.
telnet://www.amtgard.com:5555
via the web.
*If you have questions or need help with any of internet resources,
contact: [email protected]
*Remember all internet resources are 100 percent free.
Q: How do I learn more about Amtgard?
A: Try us on the internet or via snailmail. The award winning
official Amtgard website contains a wealth of information, or you can
email:
Grand Duke Ivar at [email protected]
or
Sir Bolt at [email protected]
We hope to hear from you!
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