Event Info

Event Info

  • February 10, Feb Feast
  • March 1 – 3, Winter Weekend
  • April 5 – 7
  • May 3 – 5
  • May 31 – June 2
  • June 29, Junebilee
  • August 2 – 4, Harvest Fest
  • August 30 – September 1
  • September 27 – 29
  • November 1 – 3
  • December 6 – 8
  • February 1, 2025, Feb Feast

2024
Events

2024
Events

  • February 10, Feb Feast
  • March 1 – 3, Winter Weekend
  • April 5 – 7
  • May 3 – 5
  • May 31 – June 2
  • June 29, Junebilee
  • August 2 – 4, Harvest Fest
  • August 30 – September 1
  • September 27 – 29
  • November 1 – 3
  • December 6 – 8
  • February 1, 2025, Feb Feast
  •  

All new players play for free at their second standard event!

Join Us for the Adventure

The experience at Kingdoms of Novitas is like living a weekend in a medieval town, under siege by the forces of undead, rampant orcs, and shifty bandits. You take away from the game what you put into it; whether you’re a fan of archery, spell-casting, shield-walls, or just living the story. As one of the cheapest LARP events around, you’d be crazy not to give it a try!

Event Fee

Includes
Participation
Food
Lodging

Pay online or with cash at sign-in

 

$30

Event Hours

Friday
Set Up: 4pm – 7pm
Sign In: 7pm – 9pm
Shift 1: 9pm – 2 am


Saturday
Shift 2: 10am – 3pm
Shift 3: 3pm – 8pm
Shift 4: 8pm – 1am

Sunday
Clean Up: 9am – 11am

DO NOT arrive before 4pm, Friday
You MUST leave by 11am, Sunday
These are Camp Rules

Don’t Forget

Pack extra:
Socks
Water
Feast Gear


Check your Gear:
Weapons
Shields
Armor

“A nice weekend of escapism from the stress of normal life is quite a relief. I love getting to come out to the middle of the woods and act like a huge nerd with a bunch of other huge nerds.”

~Sage B. player since 2018

“A nice weekend of escapism from the stress of normal life is quite a relief. I love getting to come out to the middle of the woods and act like a huge nerd with a bunch of other huge nerds.”

~Sage B. player since 2018

Standard Events vs Special Events

Kingdoms of Novitas hosts many events over the year. Events are either our standard LARP weekend or they’ll be a special event, a unique experience outside of our typical weekend in the woods. If an event is considered “special” it will have a name, such as Feb Feast, Junebilee (sometimes called Julybilee), or Castle Siege, as seen in the event list above. For more special events info, you must join us on Facebook or Discord.

Current Weather

AVA, NY WEATHER

You are responsible for bringing your own weather appropriate attire to game.

Pack appropriately so that you can enjoy game to its fullest!

Next Game: November 1 - 3

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
It's event weekend!

or pay with cash at sign-in

Our game is hosted at a Boy Scout camp called Camp Kingsley, located in Ava, NY. Spanning approximately 400 acres of lush woodlands, this site boasts a myriad of trails, waiting to lead you on thrilling encounters! To get a feel for the environment, make sure to check out our Gallery!
Warning: Many people don’t get service in this area, unless they use AT&T or TMobile.

Parking, Logistics, and Sign-In

Once you arrive to our site, make sure to park your vehicle in the designated parking area and join us in Logistics for sign-in! This is where you’ll find the rest of us gathering and where we’ll give you the 101 on all things Kingdoms of Novitas.

1. Park in the Designated Area

It is important that our game remains as immersive as possible. That’s why you can only park in the designated area by the Robert G. Barnes Sr., Welcome Center.

*DO NOT PARK BY LOGISTICS*

2. Join us in Logistics

 After you’ve parked your car, we suggest that you stop at our logistics building right away. Logistics is the building closest to the camp road, next to the flag poles. There you’ll find a big table with staff members – talk to them and they’ll help you sign in.

3. Sign-In

Not sure who to go to? In Logistics, there will be a large table with staff behind it. Every person behind this table can help you with sign in or by answering any questions you have while we wait for first shift to begin.

For your first game you will need to sign our waiver form upon sign-in.

“I’ve always loved fantasy games. This game has met every expectation I have had for a LARP and gone beyond it. I know it sounds like a cop out, but honestly it has always had such a great community that it’s hard to not bring it up.”

~Pat L. player since 2008

“The stories really come alive when you’re out in the woods, away from regular life. You can really get lost in the world and adventure of it all.”

~Leah M. – player since 2017

Lodging & Facilities

There are more than enough beds available at our site for all players that join our game. If bunking in a cabin or lean-to isn’t your style, you can also pitch your own tent or stay at a hotel in the nearby city of Rome, NY.

You can view our lodging and shower/toilet facilities below.

Lodging & Facilities

There are more than enough beds available at our site for all players that join our game. If bunking in a cabin or lean-to isn’t your style, you can also pitch your own tent or stay at a hotel in the nearby city of Rome, NY.

You can view our lodging and shower/toilet facilities below.

There are many of rules at Kingdoms of Novitas. We recommend you get familiar with our rules before attending, but don’t worry about becoming an expert. You’ll be paired up with veteran players so you can learn as you go while starting out. Every rule in our game can be found on the Kingdoms of Novitas Wiki.

Click on the New Player Training below for the most important basics of our game (opens in a new window).

Live version coming soon!

Before Your First Game

While there is a lot to know, the three rules below are required of you to follow in order to participate in our game. Context for the rules below can be found on our Wiki.

No Modern Gear
Except for medically required garments such as perscription glasses, you will be required to cover anything noticably modern before playing game. You will be asked to change if your garb and/or gear does not meet our standards.

18

You Must Be 18+
Players must be eighteen years of age or older to participate in Kingdoms of Novitas events. For immediate family ages 15 years or older, review our wiki for specialized rules.

No Spectators Allowed
We encourage those who are curious about our game to participate in it. We do not allow spectators or independent photographers to be bystanders at game as it is distracting and draws from our player’s immersion experience.

“It’s a golden community. The rules are well balanced and the game welcomes all sorts of people & playstyles. It allows you to make your own paths and play your own way within reason.”

~Ceilidh M. player since 2017

“It’s a golden community. The rules are well balanced and the game welcomes all sorts of people & playstyles. It allows you to make your own paths and play your own way within reason.”

~Ceilidh M. player since 2017

Dos & Don’ts

LARPS come in all shapes and sizes, so to ensure players have a great time at Kingdoms of Novitas, we have a few Dos and Don’ts about joining our game. These expectations allow all players to have a great time. Always feel free to reach out to us if you have questions or concerns about participating or joining us!

Do

Peruse the New Players section of the Wiki

Join the Kingdoms of Novitas Player Discussions and introduce yourself to the other players

Ask genuine questions and familiarize yourself with the rulebook and worldbook

Look for information in rulebooks before posting questions. (Simply: RTFM)

Create a backstory for your character that would be useful for GMs to write plot about

Compliment others at game for plots and encounters that you enjoyed or well-roleplayed scenes

Don't

Do not make game suggestions before attending

Do not troll our discussion channels with a flood of topics. (Please be considerate)

Do not assume you’ll be coming into game as the King of France, or anything silly like that

Do not forget to bring garb. (You cannot play this game in sneakers. No exceptions!)

Do not bend rules to your liking. This game is based on an honor system. People will know you’re cheating

We recommend that newer players consider participating in a full event as an NPC (Non-Player Character). This experience not only aids in your understanding of the game mechanics and earns you XP but also offers you a deeper insight into the captivating world of Novitas. Additionally, opting for NPCing reduces the items you need to bring for your initial event. Of course, if you decide to play as a PC (Player Character) during your first game, we have provided all the essential information you need below! For further details, feel free to explore our comprehensive wiki resources.

Choosing Appropriate Garb & Gear

One of the many things Kingdoms of Novitas strives for is immersion, and we take pride in raising the bar for authentic garb, higher quality weapons, and a heavy restriction on anachronisms. You’ll find us using latex weaponry and pushing for ‘prettier’ weapons rather than ‘burrito boffers’ or pool noodles. You also won’t find plastic, rubber, or foam armor, as our players are expected to carry the weight of realistic materials such as metal and leather.

Check out our Garb Guide for examples of our player’s garb, gear, and our suggested vendors.

Packing for a Fun Novitas Weekend

We often get asked: “What should I bring to my first game?” What you’ll need to pack depends on if you PC during your first game. Either way, the below guide will help you pack for a fun weekend at Kingdoms of Novitas!

Non-Game Needs

There are a few items you can bring to game that will help you have a fun and comfortable weekend. If you have plans to spend the night at our site, be sure to bring sleeping gear such as a sleeping bag and pillow, a tent if you’d like, and toiletries to use in our shower facilities. It’s also important for you to be prepared for the seasons. We play in snow, rain, and shine, so you may want to pack items like bug spray, sunscreen, extra socks, and more, to have a comfortable event.

NPC Needs

When you join us at Kingdoms of Novitas, you’ll participate in what we call NPC shifts. Our game runs on 4 shifts, and every player is required to NPC for two of those shifts (though you can NPC for more than that!). Its important that you bring a base-layer of non-descriptive garb for NPCing as we only provide masks, make-up, weapons, and garb to augment your base-layer.

PC Needs

Each player at Kingdoms of Novitas can PC for up to two shifts. Your PC is a character you get to create yourself. Because each PC is different, what you’ll need to pack is entirely up to you, your character design, and what you want to carry. You are responsible to provide all gear and garb for your PC. Before buying items for your PC, reach out to us to ensure it passes our rules and guidelines so you don’t spend money on something you can’t use at our game.

“This was my first ever LARP and I love how supportive the community is to new players. I’ve probably asked a couple hundred questions so far from rules to world clarification and everyone has been very helpful. The people that make up Kingdoms of Novitas, staff and players, are phenomenal and I’m happy to call them friends.

~Katlyn H. player since 2017

“This was my first ever LARP and I love how supportive the community is to new players. I’ve probably asked a couple hundred questions so far from rules to world clarification and everyone has been very helpful. The people that make up Kingdoms of Novitas, staff and players, are phenomenal and I’m happy to call them friends.”

~Katlyn H. player since 2017

Creating Your First PC

A PC (player character) is any character created by, and role-played by, it’s creator. Players are allowed to play a PC for up to 2 shifts per event as long as they NPC at least the same number of shifts the event. Once you start playing your first PC, you really get to see the world of the Novitas come to life. Some players PC their very first game, while others have waited months, or even years, before deciding they were ready to create their PC. We have an extensive library of information about creating a PC on our Wiki, but below are a few quick tips to get you started.

Earning XP

The amount of experience points (XP) you’ve earned at Kingdoms of Novitas, determines what level your PC is and what in-game skills the PC can use (such as magic or crafting).

There are many different ways to earn XP for your PC at Kingdoms of Novitas. Generally the ways to earn XP are by completing activities that enhance the game. To list a few examples – participating in our workgroups, joining us for volunteer days, NPCing, performing extra NPC shifts, assisting with game set up/break down, writing post-event letters (PELs), donations to game, and more – can earn you XP for your PC.

Follow us on Facebook or Discord so you know when we have Volunteer Events!

Earning XP

The amount of experience points (XP) you’ve earned at Kingdoms of Novitas, determines what level your PC is and what in-game skills the PC can use (such as magic or crafting).

There are many different ways to earn XP for your PC at Kingdoms of Novitas. Generally the ways to earn XP are by completing activities that enhance the game. To list a few examples – participating in our workgroups, joining us for volunteer days, NPCing, performing extra NPC shifts, assisting with game set up/break down, writing post-event letters (PELs), donations to game, and more – can earn you XP for your PC.

Follow us on Facebook or Discord so you know when we have Volunteer Events!

The amount of experience points (XP) you’ve earned at Kingdoms of Novitas, determines what level your PC is and what in-game skills the PC can use (such as magic or crafting).

There are many different ways to earn XP for your PC at Kingdoms of Novitas. Generally the ways to earn XP are by completing activities that enhance the game. To list a few examples – participating in our workgroups, joining us for volunteer days, NPCing, performing extra NPC shifts, assisting with game set up/break down, writing post-event letters (PELs), donations to game, and more – can earn you XP for your PC.

 

Follow us on Facebook or Discord so you know when we have Volunteer Events!

Packing List

This is a sample packing list for first time attendees. You may choose to bring everything or nothing on this list, it’s totally up to you! If you have questions about what to bring, reach out to our community through Facebook or Discord.

All in-play items must meet our Garb and Gear standards

Non-Game Needs

  • Your ID (Age Requirement Policy)
  • Sign-In Fee
  • Food and snacks (if you plan on not eating at the inn)
  • Drinks(for the same reason as the above!)
  • Medications (if applicable)
  • Sleeping bag/blankets/pillow
  • Toiletries
  • Towel

NPC Needs

  • Boots/Footwear
  • Neutral Colored Tunic
  • Neutral Colored Pants
  • Socks
  • Cloak

PC Needs

  • Boots/Footwear
  • Tunic
  • Pants
  • Belt
  • Belt Pouch
  • Socks
  • Cloak
  • Lantern or
  • Glowsticks
  • Armor
  • Weapons
  • Shield
  • Feast kit: Bowl, Mug/Goblet, Utensils
  • Magic Items
  • Coin
  • Gems

Seasonal Gear

  • Bug Spray
  • Thermal Underwear
  • Wool Socks (You can never have enough socks)
  • Wool Gloves
  • Hat
  • Scarf

Other

  • Extra Weapons
  • Encampment Props (such as candles, tablecloths, books)
  • Journal and Quill
  • Rope
  • Trap Kit
  • Canteen

Garb & Gear

Kingdoms of Novitas is a historical fantasy game that isn’t set in a specific time period, so the variety of acceptable garb and gear is wide. For those playing non-human roles, infusing your garb with imaginative fantasy elements is highly encouraged!

Our Favorite Vendors

There are no right or wrong places to purchase your garb and gear from, so long as what you purchase meets our standards. Many players have outfitted themselves through thrift store finds, other players make their own garb, and some have purchased everything they wear/use! No matter your budget, there are countless way to source game-appropriate attire.

Our Favorite Vendors

There are no right or wrong places to purchase your garb and gear from, so long as what you purchase meets our standards. Many players have outfitted themselves through thrift store finds, other players make their own garb, and some have purchased everything they wear/use! No matter your budget, there are countless way to source game-appropriate attire.

NPC Garb

NPC garb is the simplest outfit you’ll need to prepare for our game. Don’t worry about investing in expensive tunics, dresses, or accessories (although if you did, that would be amazing!). If you’re looking to try our game, you can arrive in something as simple as black sweatpants and leather boots, so long as there isn’t anything modern like zippers, logos, text, or florescents on them.

NPC Garb

NPC garb is the simplest outfit you’ll need to prepare for our game. Don’t worry about investing in expensive tunics, dresses, or accessories (although if you did, that would be amazing!). If you’re looking to try our game, you can arrive in something as simple as black sweatpants and leather boots, so long as there isn’t anything modern like zippers, logos, text, or florescents on them.

PC Garb

PC garb can be as simple or as complicated as you make it. The outfit you choose should be influenced by who your PC is and which Novitas region they came from. We have guidelines for each country here, but you can also peruse our Gallery to see what other players are wearing. Below are a few examples of player garb that is simple, detailed, and advanced.

PC Garb

PC garb can be as simple or as complicated as you make it. The outfit you choose should be influenced by who your PC is and which Novitas region they came from. We have guidelines for each country here, but you can also peruse our Gallery to see what other players are wearing. Below are a few examples of player garb that is simple, detailed, and advanced.

Boots & Footwear

Boots will be one of the most important items in your kit no matter if you’re a beginner or a veteran player. In fact, they’re so important we offer XP to players who purchase great boots. All footwear at Kingdoms of Novitas must be close-toed for safety reasons.

Boots & Footwear

Boots will be one of the most important items in your kit no matter if you’re a beginner or a veteran player. In fact, they’re so important we offer XP to players who purchase great boots. All footwear at Kingdoms of Novitas must be close-toed for safety reasons.

Garb & Gear Red Flags

Few things can ruin the atmosphere of the game more than bad garb. Sneakers, T-shirts, or jarringly modern clothes, such as camouflage fatigues, can completely destroy the level of immersion the game tries to create. Thats why garb and gear at our game NEVER contains:

  • Fluorescent or day-glow colors
  • Modern military clothing in cut or pattern
  • Camouflage patterns of any form
  • Printed bandannas
  • Sneakers in any form or color
  • Modern hats
  • Visible zippers (Zippers on the insides of boots are acceptable if not obvious)
  • Cargo pockets on pants
  • Visible white socks
  • Exposed modern webbing or straps
  • Clothing of obviously modern cut or materials
  • Nylon or zippered backpacks or satchels
  • Clearly mundane prints or logos

Garb & Gear Red Flags

Few things can ruin the atmosphere of the game more than bad garb. Sneakers, T-shirts, or jarringly modern clothes, such as camouflage fatigues, can completely destroy the level of immersion the game tries to create. That’s why garb and gear at our game NEVER contains:

 

  • Fluorescent or day-glow colors
  • Modern military clothing in cut or pattern
  • Camouflage patterns of any form
  • Printed bandannas
  • Sneakers in any form or color
  • Modern hats
  • Visible zippers (Zippers on the insides of boots are acceptable if not obvious)
  • Cargo pockets on pants
  • Visible white socks
  • Exposed modern webbing or straps
  • Clothing of obviously modern cut or materials
  • Nylon or zippered backpacks or satchels
  • Clearly mundane prints or logos

Species

Players at Kingdoms of Novitas can create a PC (player created character) that is Human, Elven, Earthkin, Snow Goblin, Drake, Verduran or Faekin. Each come with their own custuming requirements and skill perks! Take a peek at our playable species below, and read our Worldbook for more information!

Humans

Humans are the dominant species on Novitas, who are easily the most populous and controlling of the most total land mass. Residing primarily in Civen, the Dell, the Freelands, and Vlean, they can also be found in limited numbers in Gersh, Evenandra, the Great Forest, and Terra.  The people of Vargainen also include large numbers of humans.

There is no one culture that defines humans. Of all the species, Humans are the most likely to adapt and create a different culture in each community based on their circumstances. As such, each of the three dominantly human nations (Civen, the Dell, and Vlean), as well as the Freelands, are very different places.

Appearance: Humans look just like they do in the real world. Clothing is generally based on what culture the person comes from or has adopted for themselves.

Elves

Elves are the next most populous species after humans. With their incredibly long lifespans, elves are prone to react to everything slowly and deliberately. They are often divided into the high elves of Evenandra and the wood elves of the Great Forest.  The wood elves and the high elves often refer to one another as “cousins”, a tradition to remind themselves that they were all once one people.

Appearance: Elves are easily distinguished by their short pointed ears. There is no one physique for elves, they are just as capable of having all body types as any other species.  Clothing is based on the culture the elf comes from. Wood elves favor earth tones that allow for easier camouflage, while high elves generally prefer fancy clothing; the brighter and more complex, the better.

Earthkin

Earthkin were once humans and elves, transformed long ago, living deep under the earth working with the Craftsman on Vargainen. Which of these things resulted in the transformation isn’t known. Since traveling to Novitas, most earthkin have once again established lives underground, this time beneath the Thunderguard mountains in the Kingdom of Terra.  Not every Terran is an earthkin and not every earthkin is a Terran. But, most Terrans are earthkin, and on Novitas, most of the earthkin are Terran.

Appearance: Earthkin look like humans but with gems growing out of their skin in various locations. These gems grow all over and are impossible to completely cover up due to their frequency (nor would any Earthkin accept the idea of doing so). The gems can be of any color, but each earthkin only has gems of one single color that, at most, change shades based on diet and other life factors.  So, an earthkin with blue gems might have light blue gems one day and dark blue a month later, but never yellow or purple gems.

Gem color is hereditary and as such, black gems only ever appear on Deepkin who all have black gems. At this time, players can not have a black-gemmed earthkin PCs.

Snow Goblins

Twisted by Darkness long ago, Snow Goblins were once Elves that have now been transformed into their present state. For reasons no one truly knows, the Snow Goblins have significantly higher intelligence and agency than their Orc and goblinoid counterparts.  Snow Goblins are also known for always developing mutations.  Most of them live in the Kingdom of Gersh, and though they are able to live elsewhere, they are rarely welcome. And so, most Snow Goblins who leave will eventually find their way back to Gersh.

Appearance: All Snow Goblins have bright white skin and stark unnaturally white hair. Their hair is typically kept long, braided with bones, decorations, or trophies in it. Even facial hair is white on Snow Goblins. Finally, all Snow Goblins possess at least two irregularities which might include pointed ears, an over-sized nose, fangs, extra limbs, a tail, an extra eye (or more), horns, large claws, extra fingers, unusual eyes, severe scarring, or other deformities (such as a hunchback).

Faekin

Faekin are the descendants of Fae dalliances with Humans, Earthkin, or Elves. For reasons unknown, fae are capable of interbreeding with only these species and no other. A faekin who has a child may or may not produce another faekin. The genetic traits however will carry on through the child who may end up having a faekin child of their own. This can even go on for multiple generations, to the point where parents have no idea they have fae ancestry.

Appearance: When a faekin first transforms during adolescence, their hair and eyes will change color, generally based on the fae ancestor they are taking after.  These colors are always the same (eyes and hair) but can be of any color imaginable. Often, the colors are associated with the personality of the faekin in question (one with red colors might be fiery while a green faekin might be earthy and wise).  Whether this is a real thing, or just people projecting, is unknown.

Drakes

Over many millennia, in secret, the once mighty dragons have been secretly losing power. Much like magic has faded throughout Novitas, diminishing the greatest of artifacts, it has also been weakening the powerful dragons. Some time ago they began giving birth to lesser and lesser dragons, and eventually giving birth to the Drakes – humanoid dragons. The Drakes were once the primary citizens of the Draconic Empire; below the dragons, but above their reptilian slave laborers. When that empire fell, the reptilians took their vengeance; not just on the Dragons, but on the Drakes, and their society was scattered.

Since then, the Drakes have never claimed a new homeland. Instead, they live in clusters wherever they can find enough security to settle.

Appearance: Drakes have scaly skin and no hair of any kind on their bodies.  Despite not needing to wear clothing for environmental exposure reasons, they have all adapted to doing so in order to better fit in with other species. They also tend to be quite fond of having pockets. Each Drake exhibits a dominant color which is indicative of what type of Dragon they descended from. See the entry on Dragons for more on this.

Verdurans

There are two primary groups of Verduran people.  The ones from Novitas and the ones from Vargainen.  

Novitas verdurans originate from, and primarily live in, the city of Verdur’kash on the southern edge of the Great Forest. They are exquisite woodworkers who trade regularly with their neighbors. As a people they are cheerful and happy. Capable of gathering nutrients from the ground they have no need of hunting.  Their houses tend to be open, airy affairs, as they do not feel heat or cold as other humanoids do.  However, when they grow extremely cold, they do tend to voluntarily enter a state of near hibernation. Many of these verdurans worship the Elemental who is believed to be their creator. They do not typically worship the rest of the Sept.  The recent discovery of their cousins from Vargainen has started to awaken a sense of wonder in the youngest Verdurans and more are looking to travel than in previous generations.

Appearance: Verdurans have pale green skin.  Leaves and vines grow out of their scalp and sometimes other locations.