FAQ

What are all of these acronyms and slang words I keep hearing?

LARP/LRP – Live Action Role Play/Live Role Play

LT – The Lorien Trust who run this system

1IC, 2IC, 3IC, etc – First In Command, Second in Command, Third in Command

OOC – Out of character

IC – In Character

Kit – equipment required for live role playing which can include anything from weapons and armour to a tent and sleeping bag!

Erdreja – the world within which the LT game takes place

NPC – member of Lorien Trust staff who leads/runs the faction IC and OOC

NCP – Non Combat Prop. Things which are carried for in character or ooc reasons which are not safe to be used in combat (for example, a walking stick, a drum, etc)

Physrep: A prop item used as the physical representation of an item that is impractical or dangerous to have within the game. Weapons, masks and makeup effects; even fake shoulder-sitting parrots are all examples of physreps.

Lammie: A laminated card issued by the LT to denote a special item or character. Only items with lammies issued to them may have or grant unusual in-game powers and all such lammies are created in-character during game events.

Stel or Stell: The silver currency unit of Erdreja. There are also copper and gold coins, uninterestingly called copper coins and gold coins. Sixteen copper coins are equivalent to four silver stela or one gold coin. All game money is issued by the LT.

Heartlands: The area of Erdreja co-ruled by the ten player factions. It is one of four major political territories on the world of Erdreja. (A link to a map showing the Heartlands within Erdreja could be added here)

Caledonia: The homelands of the Bears faction within the Heartlands of Erdreja.

Bears: One of the ten player factions within the LT system, and of course the best. Why else would you be here?

How do I become a Bear?

Well technically all you do is tick the box which says “Faction = Bears” on your LT booking form, however the Bears have a close knit and friendly OOC community. By finding these boards you are half way to being a Bear. Create yourself a login and come and say hi. The best place to introduce yourself on these forums out of character is the LT Related OOC Chat board, the best place in character is The Bar.

Where can I find the posting guidelines for these forums?

http://www.bearsfaction.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1597

Which Clan Shall I join?

The Bears faction is made up of many diverse clans and groups. Some clans happily accept new players, some are invite only. If you would like to join an existing clan, just ask on the forums. Different types of character suit different types of Clan so its important to let people know what kind of character you want to play.

Of course you can always create your own clan, either on your own or with a group of friends. If you choose to do this its probably best to contact the NPC team at Bearsplot@yahoogroups.com so they can help your ideas fit into the faction and the game world.

Where do I get tartan/which tartan should I get?
Tartans are very important to the Bears. They are unique identifiers for each clan and as such its important that no two clans have the same. If you have joined an existing clan they will let you know which tartan they wear and the best place to get it from. If you are forming a new clan, the NPC team will let you know which tartans are already in use.

www.houseoftartan.co.uk is a great place to start looking.

What basic equipment do I need to start?

Well the stuff you need tends to fall into two categories In Character kit and Out of Character Kit. In the Bears all you really need is a kilt, shirt and a sword to start off with although the list and tips below can prove invaluable!

• Spare costume. You have a costume - now replicate it for 4 days. - You don’t have to have a full change every day - but if you get it wet/muddy - what will you do then?
• Do you know what you will wear if it gets cold? It can get quite chilly at night. Cloaks can look really cool, the better ones are nice and warm and a REALLY good one will keep the rain out too. All of them will hamper your movement a lot more than you thought when you suddenly have to fight / run for it.
• A good belt. Unless you want to be carrying everything - most of it will hang from your belt. Better yet, bring several – they break, they get borrowed and you can easily find yourself running out of hanging space!
• If you are wearing a kilt, take a kilt pin. This is a family event.
• Your weapons.
• Boots x 2. Even waterproof boots get wet in big enough puddles.
• A light source can be handy
• A way of carrying water - when you are half way up the hill and the monsters are still coming - you’ll thank me. Best £5 I ever spent was on a wine skin.
• A tankard isn’t essential but it’s fun.
• A watch and a way of hiding it.
• Where are you putting your IC money? And your OOC money? Pouches & more pouches.
• Lots of pairs of socks. I cannot emphasise enough how much a clean dry pair of socks can change your outlook on life.
• A tent. Don’t laugh I know people who’ve done it.
• A sleeping bag. Ditto.
• A blanket - it gets cold out there. In fact if there is enough space in you bag / car - take your duvet and be smug.
• An airbed. Forget the roll matt - the ground is hard and cold, and you probably pitched it after dark and right on top of a bunch of pebbles and twigs.
• Plastic bags. The LT like factions who leave a tidy camp site.
• A torch.
• A folding chair. Asda normally get them all ready for us and everybody wants one by day two. This does mean, however, we all have the same chair - so do mark yours as yours.
• Towels. If you and your stuff are soaking, lots of dry towels are lovely.
• Baby wipes - the only way to wash in a tent.
• Toilet roll. And double the amount you first thought of.
• Medication. I go away like a little pharmacy as do quite a few others! I’m not going to be slowed down cos I drank too much / caught a cold in the rain / got blisters / ate something dodgy / twisted my knee / etc. And of course anything you need to take daily.
• SUN CREAM.
• Your ticket.
• Vaseline. Particularly if you are wearing stuff you aren’t used to. I am reliably informed by many of the kilt wearers that there are some things that just shouldn’t ever be allowed to chafe.

How does the Bears Faction work?

The Bears faction is a Feudal Monarchy figure headed by the three Queens and run by the Ruling Lairds. Clan lands are governed in their name by the Clan Chieftans. The main thing to remember is to leave your 21st century values behind! In character, the Bears are not a democracy. The Bears have no written laws; only the words of the Queens are binding until the Queens themselves choose to say differently. Going against the word of the Queens, the Lairds or any other duly authorised representative is not forbidden, but expect there to be consequences! Executions do occur. It is well worth finding out in character what things the Queens and Lairds expect of the Bears.

How do I get special items or powers?

Items and powers are coveted by many people in the system. They are not particularly easy to get within the game. The first way would be to procure a ritual slot at an event and find a team to perform a ritual for you. This can be very expensive. Secondly, you could ask the faction to provide a slot but please bear in mind, the faction has very limited slots and has to think of what is best for over 200 people. You could try to buy items from other players or the guild but again this can be expensive. Finally, the faction has a limited number of items it distributed to the clansmen on a per event basis, usually though the chieftains. You may be able to borrow something this way.

How do I get a faction position?

Make yourself useful, work hard and get noticed. Working for the person whose position you covet is usually not a bad place to start, as you can learn what the requirements are. Sitting in your tent moaning about not having a position won't get you anywhere, there is always something to do in the Bears. If you get bored, ask one of faction command if there is something you can do, thre are never enough bodyguards.

How do I find out the latest IC and OOC news?

Faction musters are usually held twice every day at the main events and are used by faction command to put accross in character and out of character information. Attending musters is a great place to start when it comes to finding things out.

Is wearing a kilt or speaking with a terrible Scottish accent necessary to play a Bear?

No, but they're both quite popular. Wearing the appropriate Clan tartan somewhere visible is often encouraged but is up to the discretion of the Clan's Chieftan.

OOC FAQ
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		What are all of these acronyms and slang words I keep hearing? LARP/LRP – Live Action Role Play/Live Role Play LT – The Lorien Trust who run this system 1IC, 2IC, 3IC, etc – First In Command, Second in Command, Third in Command OOC – Out of character IC – In Character Kit – equipment required for live role playing which can include anything from weapons and armour to a tent and sleeping bag! Erdreja – the world within which the LT game takes place NPC – member of Lorien Trust staff who leads/runs the faction IC and OOC NCP – Non Combat Prop. Things which are carried for in character or ooc reasons which are not safe to be used in combat (for example, a walking stick, a drum, etc) Physrep: A prop item used as the physical representation of an item that is impractical or dangerous to have within the game. Weapons, masks and makeup effects; even fake shoulder-sitting parrots are all examples of physreps. Lammie: A laminated card issued by the LT to denote a special item or character. Only items with lammies issued to them may have or grant unusual in-game powers and all such lammies are created in-character during game events. Stel or Stell: The silver currency unit of Erdreja. There are also copper and gold coins, uninterestingly called copper coins and gold coins. Sixteen copper coins are equivalent to four silver stela or one gold coin. All game money is issued by the LT. Heartlands: The area of Erdreja co-ruled by the ten player factions. It is one of four major political territories on the world of Erdreja. (A link to a map showing the Heartlands within Erdreja could be added here) Caledonia: The homelands of the Bears faction within the Heartlands of Erdreja. Bears: One of the ten player factions within the LT system, and of course the best. Why else would you be here? How do I become a Bear? Well technically all you do is tick the box which says “Faction = Bears” on your LT booking form, however the Bears have a close knit and friendly OOC community. By finding these boards you are half way to being a Bear. Create yourself a login and come and say hi. The best place to introduce yourself on these forums out of character is the LT Related OOC Chat board, the best place in character is The Bar. Where can I find the posting guidelines for these forums? http://www.bearsfaction.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1597 Which Clan Shall I join? The Bears faction is made up of many diverse clans and groups. Some clans happily accept new players, some are invite only. If you would like to join an existing clan, just ask on the forums. Different types of character suit different types of Clan so its important to let people know what kind of character you want to play. Of course you can always create your own clan, either on your own or with a group of friends. If you choose to do this its probably best to contact the NPC team at Bearsplot@yahoogroups.com so they can help your ideas fit into the faction and the game world. Where do I get tartan/which tartan should I get? Tartans are very important to the Bears. They are unique identifiers for each clan and as such its important that no two clans have the same. If you have joined an existing clan they will let you know which tartan they wear and the best place to get it from. If you are forming a new clan, the NPC team will let you know which tartans are already in use. www.houseoftartan.co.uk is a great place to start looking. What basic equipment do I need to start? Well the stuff you need tends to fall into two categories In Character kit and Out of Character Kit. In the Bears all you really need is a kilt, shirt and a sword to start off with although the list and tips below can prove invaluable! • Spare costume. You have a costume - now replicate it for 4 days. - You don’t have to have a full change every day - but if you get it wet/muddy - what will you do then? • Do you know what you will wear if it gets cold? It can get quite chilly at night. Cloaks can look really cool, the better ones are nice and warm and a REALLY good one will keep the rain out too. All of them will hamper your movement a lot more than you thought when you suddenly have to fight / run for it. • A good belt. Unless you want to be carrying everything - most of it will hang from your belt. Better yet, bring several – they break, they get borrowed and you can easily find yourself running out of hanging space! • If you are wearing a kilt, take a kilt pin. This is a family event. • Your weapons. • Boots x 2. Even waterproof boots get wet in big enough puddles. • A light source can be handy • A way of carrying water - when you are half way up the hill and the monsters are still coming - you’ll thank me. Best £5 I ever spent was on a wine skin. • A tankard isn’t essential but it’s fun. • A watch and a way of hiding it. • Where are you putting your IC money? And your OOC money? Pouches & more pouches. • Lots of pairs of socks. I cannot emphasise enough how much a clean dry pair of socks can change your outlook on life. • A tent. Don’t laugh I know people who’ve done it. • A sleeping bag. Ditto. • A blanket - it gets cold out there. In fact if there is enough space in you bag / car - take your duvet and be smug. • An airbed. Forget the roll matt - the ground is hard and cold, and you probably pitched it after dark and right on top of a bunch of pebbles and twigs. • Plastic bags. The LT like factions who leave a tidy camp site. • A torch. • A folding chair. Asda normally get them all ready for us and everybody wants one by day two. This does mean, however, we all have the same chair - so do mark yours as yours. • Towels. If you and your stuff are soaking, lots of dry towels are lovely. • Baby wipes - the only way to wash in a tent. • Toilet roll. And double the amount you first thought of. • Medication. I go away like a little pharmacy as do quite a few others! I’m not going to be slowed down cos I drank too much / caught a cold in the rain / got blisters / ate something dodgy / twisted my knee / etc. And of course anything you need to take daily. • SUN CREAM. • Your ticket. • Vaseline. Particularly if you are wearing stuff you aren’t used to. I am reliably informed by many of the kilt wearers that there are some things that just shouldn’t ever be allowed to chafe. How does the Bears Faction work? The Bears faction is a Feudal Monarchy figure headed by the three Queens and run by the Ruling Lairds. Clan lands are governed in their name by the Clan Chieftans. The main thing to remember is to leave your 21st century values behind! In character, the Bears are not a democracy. The Bears have no written laws; only the words of the Queens are binding until the Queens themselves choose to say differently. Going against the word of the Queens, the Lairds or any other duly authorised representative is not forbidden, but expect there to be consequences! Executions do occur. It is well worth finding out in character what things the Queens and Lairds expect of the Bears. How do I get special items or powers? Items and powers are coveted by many people in the system. They are not particularly easy to get within the game. The first way would be to procure a ritual slot at an event and find a team to perform a ritual for you. This can be very expensive. Secondly, you could ask the faction to provide a slot but please bear in mind, the faction has very limited slots and has to think of what is best for over 200 people. You could try to buy items from other players or the guild but again this can be expensive. Finally, the faction has a limited number of items it distributed to the clansmen on a per event basis, usually though the chieftains. You may be able to borrow something this way. How do I get a faction position? Make yourself useful, work hard and get noticed. Working for the person whose position you covet is usually not a bad place to start, as you can learn what the requirements are. Sitting in your tent moaning about not having a position won't get you anywhere, there is always something to do in the Bears. If you get bored, ask one of faction command if there is something you can do, thre are never enough bodyguards. How do I find out the latest IC and OOC news? Faction musters are usually held twice every day at the main events and are used by faction command to put accross in character and out of character information. Attending musters is a great place to start when it comes to finding things out. Is wearing a kilt or speaking with a terrible Scottish accent necessary to play a Bear? No, but they're both quite popular. Wearing the appropriate Clan tartan somewhere visible is often encouraged but is up to the discretion of the Clan's Chieftan.