Frequently Asked Questions
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Where did it start?
Amtgard formed in El Paso, TX in 1983.
It has grown into 12 Kingdoms world-wide.
It reaches many countries such as Croatia, Germany, Korea, Finland, Sweden, Brazil, Australia, Japan and Russia.
Who owns the rights to Amtgard?
Amtgard, Inc. is owned and copyrighted by Amtgard,
Kingdom of the Burning Lands in El Paso, Tx.
(copyrighted in 1983-2003)
Kingdoms across the world are semi-autonomous groups
bound together by the Amtgard contract and a shared set of rules and bylaws.
Who is allowed to participate?
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.
How is Amtgard unique from other LARP's?
Firstly, in the use of its class ability systerm and magic points rules that allow diverse recreations of personas from history and fantasy. Secondly, in the fast action combat that is both realistic and safe.
What are Amtgard battlegames like?
Amtgard battlegames range from tournies and duels (one on one combat) to quests versus monsters to grand melees and wars between kingdoms that involve hundreds of individuals. All battlegames and scenarios are covered by a comprehensive set of rules.
What about the weapons?
Amtgard weapons are made of bamboo, graphite 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 brake bones are disqualified by the Reeves.
How do I get started?
Getting started is easy. Show up at a 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.
What does 'Amtgard' stand for?
The word is essentially Norse/Icelandic in origin
and refers to a land between Midgard and Valhalla,
a plane of existence for heroes who are more than human
but still less than 'gods'.
Does Amtgard publish more information about itself?
Amtgard publishes a variety of publications including the Rules of Play, Corpora of Bylaws, the Amtgard Contract, Dor Un Avathar, Interkingdom newsletters and various newsletters published locally by the many kingdoms, duchies, baronies and shires of Amtgard.
What kind of people participate in Amtgard?
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.
Is Amtgard combat really safe?
Amtgard weapons are safe, foam-padded replicas of the real things. Weapons are checked regularly by a guild of referees (Reeves) and there are strict rules on safety (such as shots to the head are Not allowed). Generally, Amtgard combat is safe fun recreation and entertainment.
Do I need to make a costume?
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. New members are allowed a grace period but are eventually, with the aid of Amtgard Garbers, expected to garb themselves.What about Roleplaying?
Roleplaying is important to Amtgard. Members choose a persona
(Dwarf, Hobbit or Elf, 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.
Fourteen specific battlefield classes range from Archer and Assassin to Monk and Wizard. Try out as many of the classes as you want. Those who wish to participate in non-battlefield activities can play other characters- Waterbears, Artisans, Merchants, etc.
How much does it cost?
Amtgard participation is free. Local groups, though, may ask for an optional $6.00 donation every six months. This confers voting rights and a copy of the rulebook and corpora. Nominal fees may be asked for special events (such as to pay for food at feasts).
However, there are no pay-for-play rules.
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