A live-action wargame (LAW) or Live Action Battle Game, is an active participation sport in which one among numerous participants compete in martial-like combat with the use of a point system similar to fencing. Often done with live armor consisting of period-style leather, chainmail, plate, and so forth as well as period/fantasy style dress known as garb.
Contents
Features
Live Action Wargames sometimes also follow the traditional LARP combat style, however the combat system is often simplified. Instead of having character point systems, melee is often resolved through strikes to the body (some systems allow for more strikes if armour is worn). Once a certain number of strikes have been made, players either lose limbs or become incapacitated. The games usually allow players to re-enter the fighting through in-game healing, respawns or through multiple rounds of combat.
Many systems exist, but often follow the same pattern. Points are awarded with a correct weapon to the head or torso, and the extremities are incapacitated on first blow, and the player is out of play upon following hits. This is different from LARP style play which often follows more of a video game or D&D style of play featuring total "life points" in which any contact to specific target zones yields a hit, removing a player only when such "life points" reach a critical point which may vary from zero to a higher number.
"Weapons" are constructed of highly regulated materials, often a fiberglass, graphite, or wood rod known as a "core" and industrial/sport quality closed-cell foam padding, similar to the kind used for camping or wrestling mats.
In addition, a defining feature of LAWs is the use of live ranged weapons rather than mock representations found in popular LARP gaming. The ranged weapons often consist exclusively of recurve longbows and crossbows of lower pull strength (usually 25–40 pounds (11–18 kg)) and use foam-tipped ammunition carefully constructed for safety.
Shields are also common, constructed of sturdy plywood and are heavily padded for safety. LAWs seldom feature pure-foam or cardboard shields as they are considered too light. "Combat" often consists of twenty or more people in teams of various sizes, ranging from one on one duels to full military-style battles of a hundred or more participants. Contact is considered legal if a weapon strikes with a realistic swing to simulate real live combat. Games which use heavier foam types often require blows to be "pulled" so that they do not connect with full force. Light to heavy bruising is a common occurrence, but lasting damage from weapon strikes is rare.
LAW may also include a spell system in which "magic" is employed. The effects of "spells" in game is often to temporarily alter the rules and to remove opponents from game quicker to ensure success. Unlike popular LARP gaming, LAW magic systems often require "spell" effects to have an athletic component, such as the use of heavy but soft vessels to create an often very small target area (one to three feet). Much like a traditional LARP, spell packets are generally used for magic delivery. There is often an emphasis on immersion with magic and "out-of-character" communication is minimised.
While LAW's focus on the combat and overarching goal of a war to win, traditional LARP roleplay is not counted out. LAW's can be described as a mix of SCA and traditional fantasy LARPs.
Examples
Examples of popular LAWs include (but are not limited to):