
FAQ
Welcome to LARP! If you're new to Aisorath or LARPing in general, you're not alone—and you're definitely not expected to know everything right away. Here are some common questions new players have after reading the intro guide.
Looking for more detail? Many questions are answered in our Rulebook, including safety, conflict resolution, and accessibility!
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LARP stands for “Live Action Role Play”
It is a roleplaying experience where you are in a physical space performing the actions rather than at a table describing a character.
The Dial of Ruin is very welcoming to people who have never LARP’ed before and are looking to test out the space. We all started in the same place and want to help anyone wanting to try it out! -
The Dial of Ruin is a fantasy LARP set in the world of Aisorath. A world run by Gods, threatened by the Void and held together with the dead essence from the mother of all gods.
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Our game is located in Southern California in Riverside County.
We do not have a permanent site yet for our games but will update everyone as soon as we do! -
Best place is to read our Rulebook!
In order i recommend reading:
Pages 6 - 10 - The World
Pages 14 - 21 - The Cultures
Pages 11 - 13 - CreaturesPage 23 - Creating A Character
From there take a look at page 25 and see what classes might interest you. -
Our Out Of Game (OOG) system utilizes many Discord features for player management, character submissions and announcements.
While you do not need a discord to play our game we do highly recommend making an account - its free - and taking a peek at our server every once in a while to stay up to date.
If you really do not want to make a discord please email us at DialOfRuin@gmail.com to get started! -
The Dial of Ruin is aimed to be new player friendly.
We pride ourselves with a community that feels like a second family. Always ready to help and make sure you are having a good time.
With game mechanics we rely on a rule of 3s and 5s to help get you used to skills and flow of the game without involving too much mental math.
And if you have ANY questions everyone is here to help. We have a New Player Team dedicated to making sure you have a fun time!
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Where do I find the rulebook?
The rulebook is available online—check our Discord or The Rulebook tab for a direct link.
What if I can’t decide on a culture or creature type?
No problem. Feel free to reach out in the Discord for help! The community is happy to offer ideas, examples, or even talk you through their favorites.
Are there example characters I can look at for inspiration?
We have Pre-Gen characters available at request. Asking around in the #new-player-questions or #character-workshop channels on Discord is a great way to hear what others have created and get assistance with your own character!
Do I need to understand all the game mechanics before I play?
Not at all! You’ll learn by doing. Just read the basics and ask questions as they come up—our staff and returning players are here to help.
What if I submit something wrong in my backstory or skill list?
No worries—we’ll reach out and help you adjust. It’s a collaborative process, not a test.
How long does it take to get a character approved?
It depends, but typically within a few days if everything looks good.
Can I show up to an event without finishing my character submission?
Yes and No. We need to make sure your character is approved and ready to go before you can join the game. However, we do have Pre-gen skills and backstories available if you did not finish your character prior to the game.
If you're unsure where you are in the process, open a ticket with our New Player Team on Discord
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Is there a checklist for what I should bring?
We recommend:
Tent + sleeping gear
Food + water for the weekend
Sunscreen, bug spray, layers for warmth
Your character garb and NPC clothes
Comfortable shoes (trust us)
What time should I arrive at the event site?
Aim to arrive early enough to set up your camp and check in before game begins. Arrival times will be posted with each event listing.
Are food and water provided, or do I bring everything?
Bring everything you’ll need! There’s no on-site catering or water fountains.
What’s the bathroom situation like?
We’ll have porta-potties available.
Is there somewhere safe to store valuables?
We recommend leaving anything valuable at home, in your car or in your tent.
Should I bring a cooler or camp stove?
A cooler is great for snacks or meals that need to stay cold, we do not allow open flame camping stoves at this time
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Where can I get costume stuff without spending a ton?
Thrift stores, Amazon, and even sheets or curtains can be transformed into solid garb. Ask for ideas—we love budget builds.
What if my costume isn’t perfect yet? Can I still play?
Absolutely. As long as you’ve made a reasonable effort to match your culture and creature type, you’re good to go. Let staff know if you need help or time to build things up!
What does “no pop culture iconography” mean?
It means nothing too modern or recognizable—like logos, superhero symbols, anime characters, etc. If it looks out of place in a medieval setting, try to cover or swap it out.
What if I don’t have neutral clothes for NPC shifts?
Try to bring something plain in black, brown, or beige with no logos. If you’re stuck, talk to staff—we may have extras or workarounds!
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What exactly happens during an NPC shift?
You’ll be temporarily stepping into a character run by staff—maybe a merchant, a bandit, or even a monster. We’ll guide you through it, and no acting experience is needed!
Do I need to prepare anything for my NPC shift?
Just bring your neutral clothing and a good attitude! We'll supply the costume, props, and instructions.
I’ve never roleplayed before—what do I say or do?
Start small! Ask questions in-character, respond how your character might, or just observe at first. No one expects you to be perfect—we're all here to play and have fun.
What if I break character or get ovewhelmed?
It happens! Just step away to an out-of-character area or check in with staff. Your well-being always comes before the game.
Is there a way to talk out-of-character if something urgent comes up?
Yes! We use the phrase “Clarify” or hold a fist to your head to pause and speak OOC.
We also use “Caution” to warn about dangerous conditions and “Hold” or “Medic” if there is an emergency. For more safety and communication tools check the end of the Rulebook for OOOC Calls and Symbols -
How long is the event? When does it end?
Events typically run Friday evening to Sunday afternoon. Specific times will be posted in each event’s announcement.
What do I do with my character sheet between games?
You will need to give it back to staff after the event or before you leave to earn your XP for the game.
Still have questions? That’s totally okay.
Hop into the Discord and open a ticket with our New Player Team or ask in #new-player-questions.
We’re here to make your first event easy, fun, and exciting. 💚