What is going on here?
Amtgard is a fantasy based live role playing organization with a large focus on recreating combat. All of our weapons are safe, foam-padded, replicas of swords, daggers, arrows, and many other things that you wouldn't want to be really hit by. In addition to the fighting, we strive to better ourselves in creating new pieces of costume, armor, music, and art.
Each weekend we hold battlegames in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho for fun and practice. Anyone can attend and the games are free of charge. You must be 14 or older to fight in the battlegames unless you get special permission from the monarch and have a parent present.
In addition to the weekly meetings for battlegames there are several "Interkingdom" camping events that take place each year. These events usually attract hundreds of people to battle, socialize, camp out, and have a good time. We also hold feasts every 3 months to honor both our leaders and Amtgard members that make this game a fun place to be on weekends.
The rules for combat are simple: a hit to a limb disables that limb, a hit to the torso kills you, a hit to a second limb kills you, head and neck are out of bounds. Much like Dungeons & Dragons and other role playing games there are different classes to choose from. Each class has it's own special abilities and limitations, increasing in power as you gain experience. The abilities of your class can sometimes be the only thing keeping you alive versus a more skilled opponent or a horde of new warriors.
Besides, where else can you shoot your best friend in the back with a crossbow and not get in trouble?
What You Will Need To Play
This is a quick primer on things you will need to play and a few tips on weapons and costume to help you get started.
Waiver / New Player Form
You can either download one and bring it with you or pick one up from the Prime Minister at any park. If you are under 18 you will need a parent/guardian to sign it.
Amtgard Rulebook
The rulebook can be downloaded here or they can be purchased from the Prime Minister for paying $6 in dues (includes 6 months of voting and other benefits).
Amtgard Legal Weapon
You won't need one of these right away, there will be some loaner weapons at the park for people to use. Once you have figured out what style of weapons you want to use, ask someone to help you make your first weapons or come to an Arts & Sciences meeting where many people will be making weapons.
Costume / Garb
For a new players first month it is not neccesary to have garb. After that, a basic tabard or tunic is the minimum garb and can be put together for less than $2. If you have never sewn before, come to an Arts & Sciences meeting. Then you can learn to sew or bribe someone else there with Little Debbie snacks to have them sew for you.
