Meet Us

Meet Us

The heart of Kingdoms of Novitas is in our staff. Each of our staff members are volunteers who generously dedicate their time and talents to building a captivating and immersive experience for our players. What makes it better? Our staff are all active players! You won’t find any outsiders running our game – we’re run by players, for players. At Kingdoms of Novitas, our staff is split up between 8 different teams who each own the experience of a specific part of our game. Learn about our teams, what they do, and who leads them below! 

First Marshals

Kingdoms of Novitas is a game run by Adrastea Inc., a charitable not-for-profit organization based out of New York. The board of directors for Adrastea Inc are Christina Mevec, James Vertucci, and Ryan Green, who serve as the first marshals of Kingdoms of Novitas.

Ryan Green
First Marshal

Ryan Green has been attending Kingdoms of Novitas since 2015. His first LARP was a Vampire the Masquerade event at Gen Con in 1996. He’s run them periodically ever since.

In 2002 he was briefly employed at White Wolf where he had the job title of “Intern”, he did the things no one else wanted to do, it was a great time. Later in 2008 he co-founded Jupiter Games in Vestal, NY (which later moved to Johnson City, NY).

He’s currently solely focused on managing Novitas while his wife is the managing Partner at Jupiter Games. As Plot Marshal his goal is to help the gamemasters create a diverse array of stories that provide a little something for every interest.

Christina Mevec
First Marshal, she/her

Christina Mevec has been attending Kingdoms of Novitas since 2011. This was her first ever LARP experience. Previously, she was in charge of the Inn. She then moved on to the Props and Atmosphere second marshal position before becoming the Props Marshal and First Marshal.

Professionally, Christina was a teacher for eight years, five of those she spent teaching abroad at private international schools in Japan. She has since moved back to New York, made a career change, and is now an instructional designer for a local credit union.

When she’s not at larp, Christina can be found sewing, painting, leatherworking, spinning yarn, traveling, playing board games, table-top rpgs, or chill strategy video games.

James Vertucci
First Marshal, he/him

Hey! I’m James Vertucci, one of your First Marshalls at Kingdoms of Novitas. I’ve been playing since 2006, but before that, I would boffer fight with my brother and friends at home with duct tape weapons.

I’ve been a part of staff since 2008. I was the Ops Second Marshal for 10 years and now I’m a proud First Marshal. This game isn’t just my hobby, it’s also a passion of mine. It’s meant a lot to me over the years and is the place that made me most all of the friends I have today. 

Out of game I like to travel, play Magic the Gathering and DnD, hangout with my cats, brew beer, and play video games (especially RPGs). 

Player Outreach

Player outreach aims to cultivate and nurture community within the game’s atmosphere, by hosting events out-of-game and attending different community events to bring in new players. The job of Player Outreach is to keep track of the pulse of the players and to continue to build our game and community.

Brandon Febles
Marshal

Hello, I’m Brandon, the Player Outreach Marshal for Kingdoms of Novitas. I have been a player of Novitas for about 14 years and have been a part of staff for over 6 years. As a player and a staff member, I have met lifelong friends and gained so many great memories in and out of character. One thing that this game has is a strong supportive community who are happy to help new players. From garb, rules, or just simple questions we strive to be a place where a new player can thrive in our system. If you are looking for a medieval fantasy larp then take a chance and join us here at Kingdoms of Novitas. Hope to see you soon so you can join our great adventure.

Michael Maneri
Second Marshal, he/him

Michael joined the Kingdoms of Novitas community in 2019 and began his time as Player Outreach Second in 2021.

Affectionately referred to as part of “the welcome wagon”, his job includes the curation of Novitas’ discord server and helping new players acclimate to game.

Out of game, he enjoys hiking and setting small kitchen fires with garlic bread. As a player and Game Master, he loves to see collaborative stories play out – whether they end up as expected or go entirely off rails.

Plot

The Plot & Continuity team is in charge of the Game Masters who tell the story of Kingdoms of Novitas. They oversee each shift and send Non-Player Characters (NPCs) out on plots that the Player Characters (PCs) then interact with. Plot also oversees collecting Post Event Letters (PELs) from players after each event, answering Lore questions, and writing details for Player Initiated Plots (PIPs). Twice a year the Plot Work Group also oversees Role-Playing Skill advancements.

Ryan Green
Marshal

Ryan Green has been attending Kingdoms of Novitas since 2015. His first LARP was a Vampire the Masquerade event at Gen Con in 1996. He’s run them periodically ever since.

In 2002 he was briefly employed at White Wolf where he had the job title of “Intern”, he did the things no one else wanted to do, it was a great time. Later in 2008 he co-founded Jupiter Games in Vestal, NY (which later moved to Johnson City, NY).

He’s currently solely focused on managing Novitas while his wife is the managing Partner at Jupiter Games. As Plot Marshal his goal is to help the gamemasters create a diverse array of stories that provide a little something for every interest.

Donald Tyson
Second Marshal, he/him

Don Tyson has been attending Kingdoms of Novitas since 2013. Before that, he had participated in parlor larps and attempted to get an Amtgard (boffer larp) unit established while attending college at SUNY Oswego. A long time tabletop roleplayer, Don fell in love with Novitas for its combination of combat and roleplaying, and its original site happened to be within a short commute from his house.


Don has worked in customer service most of his life, but is working on a second degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, and is fascinated with tinkering and designing gadgets that can be used in LARP or real life.

Props & Atmosphere

The Props and Atmosphere Work Group sets the tone for what the game looks like. They decide what props meet the standards of what the game wants in play. Costuming for our creatures and NPCs is created largely from donations and whatever Props and Atmosphere builds. Of all the workgroups, Props and Atmosphere has the most special projects for various objectives. The make-up table is also staffed and stocked by the Props & Atmosphere workgroup.

Christina Mevec
Marshal, she/her

Christina Mevec has been attending Kingdoms of Novitas since 2011. This was her first ever LARP experience. Previously, she was in charge of the Inn. She then moved on to the Props and Atmosphere second marshal position before becoming the Props Marshal and First Marshal.

Professionally, Christina was a teacher for eight years, five of those she spent teaching abroad at private international schools in Japan. She has since moved back to New York, made a career change, and is now an instructional designer for a local credit union.

When she’s not at larp, Christina can be found sewing, painting, leatherworking, spinning yarn, traveling, playing board games, table-top rpgs, or chill strategy video games.

Liska Gutierrez
Second Marshal, she/her

Hello! My name is Liska and I am proud to be Kingdoms of Novitas’s Props and Atmosphere Second Marshall. I joined Kingdoms of Novitas in 2019 and never looked back! I became Logistics Second Marshall in 2021, and then moved to Props and Atmosphere Second in 2022. In the real world, I spend my time expounding the wonders of SCIENCE to middle schoolers and am frequently found surrounded by the chaos of a new craft. In game, you can find me enacting the will of the Sept and scolding my fellow adventurers for their nonsense ideas.

Operations

The Operations Workgroup is the first to arrive on the Friday of each event. They oversee emptying the props shed and setting up the logistics building. Electric torches are placed and managed by Operations, as are any signs put out. When something goes wrong and the ranger needs to be contacted, you should speak to a member of the Operations Work Group. Lighting fires (other than candles) must be done by members of the Operations Work Group.

Chris Soukup
Marshal, he/him

Chris started playing in 2014, initially attending sporadically. However, since then, he has only missed a few events.

Throughout Chris’ LARPing experience, he’s played three very different PCs—a human, an elf, and a drake. 

Zach Goldstein
Second Marshal, he/him

Zach has been with Novitas since 2021. He comes from another game originally but has come to love Novitas. The best way to find him is to look for the tall bald guy with a beard that won’t shut up.

Logistics

The Logistics work group oversees the informational book keeping to keep our game running. Our responsibilities include tracking character experience, character information (including death and retirement), player sign-in to events, the pre-production process for crafters and producers, and maintaining the game item database. All players interact with Logistics during sign-in at any of our games or events, and we’re often your first point of contact for questions about any of the above.

Frank Tamburrino
Marshal, he/him

Frank has been attending Kingdoms of Novitas since 2017. During this time, he has worked on the Rules, Inn, and Logistics work groups. In game, you may see him as his innkeeper Gerard, playing a spooky wraith, or as his PC Jace Flynn. Outside of game, he has a Masters of Science in Computer Science and works as a software engineer.

Taylor Dean
Second Marshal, she/her

An avid fan of all things numbers and local Excel extraordinaire, Taylor entered the Kingdoms of Novitas community in 2022 and joined the logs team in early 2023. As second, she maintains and optimizes the spreadsheets that make the game run, including experience point tracking and sign-in. When she’s not at game, you can find her wrangling her two cats, her dog (and her boyfriend), and enjoying everything nature has to offer. Novitas has introduced her to roleplaying games of all varieties, and she loves the work she does.

Inn

The Inn Workgroup is on a mission to keep everyone well-fed and they’re the powerhouse behind all of the delicious meals served during weekend events! You’ll find this team decorating the inn, cooking tasty dishes in the kitchen, and roleplaying as Innkeepers serving the hungry adventurers of Maplewood.

Jordan Bellassai
Marshal, he/him

Hola! My name is Jordan Bellassai and I started at Kingdoms of Novitas in 2005. I’m an avid board gamer who has a passion for community organizing. Currently, I work for a health foundation to build livable communities and advocate for universal healthcare.
Throughout my time at KoN I’ve played a wide range of characters, from the holiest of septons to the shadiest of gem dealers, pacifists, and weapon masters. I’ve served on the Inn work group for over a decade and I have a passion for eating! I’m excited to enter into the role of Inn Marshal and to serve the game in this capacity!

Heather Miller
Second Marshal, she/her

Hello! I am Heather Miller and I started in KoN in 2022? I think? time sure flys when you are having fun! I enjoy board games, DnD, and feeding people. I work as a teacher in a special education class. I am super excited to start working as the Inn second!

Media & Communications

The Media and Communications workgroup is in charge of the game’s public facing platforms, visual media, branding, and marketing efforts. You’ll find this group taking pictures and videos during events, and designing graphics, social media campaigns, and website pages in between.

Kat Crossman
Marshal, she/her

Hey! I’m Kat, the Media Marshal here at Kingdoms of Novitas! I never had any experience with RP or LARPing before, but I’ve always been a video game nerd. So when my friends invited me to join them for LARP in 2013, I was instantly hooked. Getting to run around in the woods and BE a character in real life? It was love at first LARP 😀

Novitas is a special blend of amazing, full of interesting stories, RP, Combat, and of course, amazing people! I have never met a more welcoming group of people in my life. At game you’ll usually find me holding a camera or playing my very obnoxious PC named Arbor. But, out of game, you’ll find me hanging out with my cats, playing Assassin’s Creed, or planning my next trip abroad.

I love meeting new people at game so definitely please come say hi if you’re joining us! <3

Chris Toia
Second Marshal, he/him

Hi, my name is Chris, I am the Media and Communications Second at Kingdoms of Novitas! My role involves creating awesome social media content and connecting with our players, and the LARP community as a whole!

In game, I play Armsmaster Dante, AKA “Prettyboy”. He’s a former thief turned mercenary for Sable Company, an in-game mercenary group. I love getting to create characters and bring them to life. I also really enjoy LARP combat, so playing a mercenary really gives me the opportunity to do that!

Outside of game, you can find me acting in local movies and theater productions. I’m also a fan of miniature painting and have even won an award for one of my pieces!

At our game, it’s YOU who wields the power to shape the world called Novitas. Every twist and turn in our game, every moment of triumph or challenge, is shaped by our incredible players; making Novitas a living, breathing world like no other. Our community is vibrant and diverse with individuals from all walks of life. Doctors, librarians, business execs, teachers – you name it! We have players of every kind in our community. So whether you’re unleashing your creativity for the first time or have already mastered the art of RP, there’s a place for you in our LARP. Learn about our players, their PCs, and their tips for noobies below!

More player interviews coming soon!

Josh Van Alstyne
He/Him

When was your first game at Novitas?

June 2013!

Did you have experience with LARPing before you started?

Kinda? So before attending Novitas. My friends and I would gather at each other’s houses. We would gather up sticks, and head into the woods. Where we would then practice our sword fighting. We weren’t exactly playing out any certain personas. Or dressed up in any fancy garb, but it was that same feeling of just badasserry, and fellowship that LARPing gives me. So I’m gonna count it haha.

Can you tell us what it’s like to be a player at Kingdoms of Novitas? What do you like about the game?

Being a player at Kingdoms of Novitas is like being apart of a massive story. One that is still writing itself and captures all of its community within its pages. I love that this game continues to evolve itself to better that community. To create a world that is welcoming to LARP veterans, and new comers alike.

What is a tip you would tell someone that is thinking about trying our game?

Don’t over think it! At first, our game can seem overloading. There’s a lot at first glance. Form lore. To rules. To character creation. Don’t let it all overwhelm you. By all means get hype. Just rest assured that when you arrive there will be a whole community of people to help, and support you through the processes of our game. From a welcome speech. To combat tutorials. It will all be covered.

What was one of your favorite in-game moments?

Oh man. Over the 10 years I’ve been coming to this wonderful world there has been so many. I have to say though one of my top moments that has stuck with me through the years is the time I basically got a exorcism. My character had been toying around with some dark forces and ultimately ended up corrupting his spark. What you would call a soul in our game. To the point that my character started going through physical and psychological changes. This was a very intense role playing moment for a whole group of people that had surrounded me to perform a ritual that would cleanse my spark of this corruption. I was laying on a table surrounded by candles and Incense. Some people started chanted. My closest companion applying the ritual ink to my face. It felt like I was in a movie scene. Like at any moment the director was going to yell “Cut! That’s a wrap!” I’ll never forget it.

What is your favorite type of NPC to play? Why?

The crazy old mystic! I don’t know what it is. I just love the role of the wild old person in the woods who actually knows what’s going on but just explains it in riddles. It’s so fun to watch everyone be slightly uncomfortable and slightly intrigued all in one.

What’s your favorite meal from the inn?

Soup. Any kinda soup. I don’t know how they do it, but it’s on par with Olive Garden.

What’s a song on your LARP playlist? Bonus – if you could pick a theme song for your PC, what would it be?

Of Dreams and Dragons by Karpov Kinrade.

PC theme song would be Trouble Is a Friend by Lenka.

What PCs have you played? Let us know who they are in 3 words

Sorien: Charming empathic merchant

Can you tell us about your current PCs?

Sorien Frayrim is a wood elf of many trades and talents. He is a merchant. A mentor. A medium. He likes to help find paths for those who feel lost and misunderstood. His character concept started out with my love for elves in general. Legolas was a heavy inspiration at the start. However I am terrible with a bow and arrow so I had to make some tweaks. Also from day 1 he experienced things that shifted his design. Heavily. I was coming in with a group of friends from high school. A few of us decided that our characters would have connected backstories. My best buddy and I decided we would tie our characters together at our first event introducing them to the game world. We took a walk out into a marsh (we had absolutely no idea where we were going as total noobs lol) and it ended up being the perfect atmosphere. For what would be a defining moment for both our characters for years to come. Unfortunately I can’t disclose what exactly happened in that moment but it completely shifted the direction I took my PC My point being. He ended up nothing like Legolas haha. That no matter how much you think you may have planned out. The world will help you shape out a lot of things that just can’t be experienced otherwise.

What’s one item your character can’t live without?

His basket! My character carries around all his bobbles in a picnic basket. Cause no bag was big enough!

Who is your favorite PC other than yourself? Why?

So I have two PC’s that have kinda followed me along on a lot of different adventures. There’s Odric played by one of my close friends. He’s kinda like my Jiminy Cricket. There has been a handful of times that I would have been in deep trouble without him. He has a way of looking at things from a philosophical perspective that my character just does not pick up on. The other is Thaerion Lady Silvertree, Wildrunner know as Path Finder of Lodge Mossdeep Daughter of Lord Sidhan Celeberyn of clan Silvertree, Niece to esteemed Narene Tvarus, Wife over Wildrunner Draug Tinirtihtinir’druul, Dedicated Healer to The Stranger by High Priestess Lady Morninglow; Highest
Death Caste Knight of Evenandra. If we are going by the full name. And yes those are her titles, rightfully earned. To Sorien, Thaerion is kinda like Avatar The Last Airbenders Uncle Iroh. Always providing esteemed wisdom, but in ways that absolutely frustrate my character internally. Either because she sees right through him. Or is right and he doesn’t want to admit it. Thaerion too bad acted as a guide to me. In and out of game, and that’s what I love about her.

Leah Haines
She/They

When was your first game at Novitas?

June 2022

Did you have experience with LARPing before you started?

No

Can you tell us what it’s like to be a player at Kingdoms of Novitas? What do you like about the game?

It’s like being part of a great big living organism that runs on love, hard work, and lots and lots of creativity

What is a tip you would tell someone that is thinking about trying our game?

Come with an open mind, be ready to experience a lot of emotions, and drink lots of water!

What was one of your favorite in-game moments?

Having a very special moment with my group at the September event. We were doing a very big, important ritual and ceremony and it really got me in my feels :’)

What is your favorite type of NPC to play? Why?

I love to play an NPC that has a special purpose, for example being part of a group or character’s PIP or other specific storyline.

What’s your favorite meal from the inn?

BAKED POTATOES

What’s a song on your LARP playlist? Bonus – if you could pick a theme song for your PC, what would it be?

Playlist song: Paper Planes by MIA
Theme song: Level Up by Vienna Teng

Can you tell us about your current PCs?

The concept of Cor at the start was to evoke the energy of Little Red Riding Hood from Into The Woods: young, learning the realities of the world, and a bit annoying. This is something she has grown into – at first a lot more timid and shy, now more rambunctious and taking risks. She joined the Harbingers in May of 2023 and has had a blast being part of such a dynamic group!

What’s one item your character can’t live without?

A bag. She has too much stuff!

Who is your favorite PC other than yourself? Why?

I would say one of my favorites is Thaerion because she seems so incredibly complex and interesting. There’s so much I don’t know about her yet. I really appreciate the depth of her character and how she interacts with other people, especially her pair, Draug.

Felix Sanchez
He/Him

When was your first game at Novitas?

May 2015

Did you have experience with LARPing before you started?

Yes, I was doing a different Larp when I was introduced to Kingdoms of Novitas. I fell in love with it right away

Can you tell us what it’s like to be a player at Kingdoms of Novitas? What do you like about the game?

Being a player in Novitas is very rewarding in many ways. I’m able to get to know different people and see what kind of ideas they come up with I enjoy combat and playing monsters. The many people who make the game work do a great job.
I’m also able to craft my story in a way that fits me and my friends, I’m not locked in on a class system, which is very freeing. The most enjoyable thing is the option for Player-to-Player Combat (PVP). It gives a different feel to this Larp that I didn’t find in my past one, so dealing with other players can be tricky if you’re not used to it.

What is a tip you would tell someone that is thinking about trying our game?

Don’t dip a toe, just jump in

What was one of your favorite in-game moments?

When I first got into game I was with this group called the Running Rhinos. This was way before we got to the fame we did.
We encountered a minotaur and at that time we had no idea what to do. So, we did what any great adventure would do – we hit it with everything to see what hurt it. After a bit, I got hit by it and I yelled out, ‘ This baby Hurts, don’t let it hit you!’ So we surrounded it and played tag, making sure we were never hit.
The best moment was after the fight. We were hot, tired, and beaten. We turned around and saw the whole town just standing there, seeing this new group take on this beast. And when I mean the whole town, I mean everyone. You could see on their face that they accepted us as fighters and adventures. For me and my brother, we will NEVER FORGET that feeling. We talk about it to this day.

What is your favorite type of NPC to play? Why?

I like the big, bad, hard-hitting monsters to play. It just fits what I want from Novitas. And why? Because I like to fight and drop players to add fear to the game.

What’s your favorite meal from the inn?

It would have to be the ramen

What’s a song on your LARP playlist? Bonus – if you could pick a theme song for your PC, what would it be?

I Listen To The Score To Get Ready For The Game. ( Theme Music Is: GoT- Light of The Seven)

What PCs have you played? Let us know who they are in 3 words

Fedabutcher: Leader, Fighter, Braggadocious
Cedar: Servant, Plotter, Loyal
Pitohui Von’ironsbane: Religious Zealot, Ambitus, Bold

Can you tell us about your current PCs?

His name is Pitohui Von’Ironsbane – A Religious Freelander who has an alternative way of thinking. He has a strong dislike for those who have come from other places than his land. Pitohui understands their part within the Freelands, but truly wishes they would just go home and end their adventures sooner.


Pitohui spent many years learning and studying the Scripters that his Grandmother Renada Von’Ironsbane taught him, never forgetting her words and motions. He is young in his religious path but with the people he has put around him, Pitohui feels ready and ambitous.

What’s one item your character can’t live without?

A dagger passed down from his grandmother called: Kiss of the Stranger.

Who is your favorite PC other than yourself? Why?

Arc: I’ve seen this player truly grow. I was there when he was just a soldier in a group run by an old grumpy man. I’ve seen him build a story that I love and respect – from taking over his old group to building a new one and to building a church to losing the church. From doing good things to doing questionable things he felt were right. His story is the true journey an adventurer would have to take if they wish to be the best of their PC. He is a story that never gets old to see. Truly, Arc has built a great PC.

Mortinn N
They/Them

When was your first game at Novitas?

December 2019

Did you have experience with LARPing before you started?

Yes! I LARPed in a university club during undergrad!

Can you tell us what it’s like to be a player at Kingdoms of Novitas? What do you like about the game?

It is really interesting! There is always something more to learn or another thing to do. The community is also really supportive and welcoming.

What is a tip you would tell someone that is thinking about trying our game?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, we are all here to help. In a similar vein, don’t be afraid to speak up if something or someone makes you uncomfortable, we are all here to tell a story together and that is impossible if it is at the expense of someone’s comfort and security.

What was one of your favorite in-game moments?

Getting to have a deep conversation about life goals and actual freedom with a struggling PC as an old, crazy tattoo artist! (She’ll be coming back!)

What is your favorite type of NPC to play? Why?

I often play dead bodies! They are fun and you get to lay down ;). Otherwise I go for less heavy RP characters that still have some room for depth to them.

What’s your favorite meal from the inn?

The baked potatoes are fire and the fried cinnamon cheesecake sticks were also really good!

What’s a song on your LARP playlist? Bonus – if you could pick a theme song for your PC, what would it be?

Come and be Welcome, by Heather Dale is my favourite LARP song. I don’t really have a specific song for my character, but Hope Shines Eternal is a really good one.

What PCs have you played? Let us know who they are in 3 words

Anlyth Naevyre: Quiet, Observing, Reserved.

Can you tell us about your current PCs?

They were originally going to be a stealthy elf who had some skill in forgery. Originally they had a twin that they wouldn’t separate from, however circumstances didn’t allow for this. They are still a twin, but their twin is not being played by anyone and exists purely in their backstory. They’ve become more of an alchemist and are not nearly as sneaky as the original concept. They are still developing as I play them, but I have a few fun plans in the works for them!

What’s one item your character can’t live without?

They have a memento which they carry at all times that they will kill to keep safe.

Who is your favorite PC other than yourself? Why?

I really like all the Harbingers, they are all so confident and unique in such an intriguing way. They are all so different but work so well together, it’s really fun watching them all together and experiencing the world with them in it.

Jordan Bellassai
He/Him

When was your first game at Novitas?

Spring 2005

Did you have experience with LARPing before you started?

Nope

Can you tell us what it’s like to be a player at Kingdoms of Novitas? What do you like about the game?

You can experience different ways of life without having lasting impacts in real life. It was a great way to imagine what could be as a young adult.

What is a tip you would tell someone that is thinking about trying our game?

It’s less weird once you are at KoN. Say yes to every opportunity to explore and try something new. If you don’t die every event you are not experiencing the game fully.

What was one of your favorite in-game moments?

We were paying homage to a fallen evil person. It was in the middle of the winter and my colleagues and I went there and in front of everyone we slit our own throats to pay honor to them. (We didn’t tell our one buddy so the surprise was even better) It was pretty gnarly! All the other favorite in-game moments are redacted.

What is your favorite type of NPC to play? Why?

For fighting: A 1/1 skeleton because normally there are lots of us and so chaotic.

For Roleplay: I love being a hook and having free reign to create where I came from and really make it feel like I am a real person and ask the PCs to dig in deeper to why they do what they do and see how they respond to the encounter I’m leading them to.

Dislike the Most: A hook that is a trap. I’m evil as a PC so I want to ha e positive encounters with the player base because in real life I’m a pretty positive person.

What’s your favorite meal from the inn?

Breakfast quiche! I’m always a fan of more vegetables.

What’s a song on your LARP playlist? Bonus – if you could pick a theme song for your PC, what would it be?

Baptize (spillage village jid & earthgang feat. ant clemons) Let all receive Darkness into their spark

What PCs have you played? Let us know who they are in 3 words

Nai: Septly Knight, Selfless
Durum: Alchemist, Evil, Slate Stone
Micah: Gem, True Darkness follower
Birch: Druid, pacifist

Can you tell us about your current PCs?

Micah was originally a young adult who traveled from Civil to pinedale for adventure and sharpening his skills. He was always fascinated with gems because he believed all power came from them. He quickly became known as the master jim merchant of Pinedale and one of the founding members of the Owl and Ore. He didn’t really worship any gods and hung around a variety of characters. Once his closest friends who worshiped the sept left he became friends with some shady fellows. That is when he learned there is more power than gems or coin could ever provide. Micah began to understand how to implement the will of Darkness thinking of generations to come. He has been able to corrupt Avatars of other Gods, Create great places of power, and changing the meta plots over the past decade. Understanding the long game has allowed him and the GMs to have a place for Dark Three followers while making sure the overall player base has fun! (Micah did has a dark period of open murder/chaos over a 12 month period but has always stood shoulder to shoulder with towns folk against any atrocities that arose against us)

What’s one item your character can’t live without?

Normally whatever. I keep in my pouch around my neck but that changed a few months ago… My scroll book I would say is now the item I can’t live without. It provides me coin when I have little by selling scrolls, it allows me to protect and heal the people I love, it also allows me to resource allies from afar.

Who is your favorite PC other than yourself? Why?

Reaver: the amount of detailed and thoughtful role play really brings the interaction to life. Every time there’s something new and interesting that I look forward to learning/seeing them do in the game.

Kelly S
She/Her

When was your first game at Novitas?

February 2021

Did you have experience with LARPing before you started?

No

Can you tell us what it’s like to be a player at Kingdoms of Novitas? What do you like about the game?

I like the chance to be new things, get out and about with my friends, and play pretend for a while! Everyone is so welcoming and helpful, they make you feel like you belong right away.

What is a tip you would tell someone that is thinking about trying our game?

Don’t forget bug spray, and make sure to bring a friend!

What was one of your favorite in-game moments?

I think my favorite in-game moment was probably when Lorelei broke open the rock. She had been watching everyone try all sorts of things on it, except smacking it with a sword… So she tried it, and the rock broke open and we found all sorts of cool crystals inside it. Then she got to do an interview on it and has developed a fan club!

What is your favorite type of NPC to play? Why?

I like going out as a townsperson who needs help with something. Whether I’ve lost something, need help defending my house, or am trying to trick someone into something it’s always a good time.

What’s your favorite meal from the inn?

Favorite meal from the inn: the French toast rolls with the cream cheese sauce

What’s a song on your LARP playlist? Bonus – if you could pick a theme song for your PC, what would it be?

Song on my larp playlist- Fleetwood Mac, The Chain
Loreleis theme song- A Whole New World from Aladdin 🤣

What PCs have you played? Let us know who they are in 3 words

Lorelei: Naive, loyal, friendly

Can you tell us about your current PCs?

So I’m currently playing Lorelei, who didn’t really start out with much of a concept. She had run away from home because she was sick of being told what to do. Now, she’s out in the Freelands with a couple really good friends and spending her time how she wants to. I had originally thought of maybe going druid with her, but I’m now leaning more scholar.

What’s one item your character can’t live without?

Lorelei can’t live without her circlet

Who is your favorite PC other than yourself? Why?

Lotharwen. I love her high elf style, and how kind she is.

Nick Browne
He/Him

When was your first game at Novitas?

August 2016

Did you have experience with LARPing before you started?

Yes

Can you tell us what it’s like to be a player at Kingdoms of Novitas? What do you like about the game?

Being a player at Novitas is a really special experience. Its so easy to immerse yourself in the world and really get into the characters you build. The community is incredibly welcoming, and the staff/playerbase all contribute toward the highest standard of aesthetics, plotwriting and overall gameplay ive seen in the Northeast.

What is a tip you would tell someone that is thinking about trying our game?

Just dive in! Theres no better time to start running around the woods and whacking your friends than the next upcoming event!

What was one of your favorite in-game moments?

There has been loads of incredible moments but one that will always stick out is my battle with Lord Mortis, a wraith lord that attacked my temple. After spending a few events tracking him down, I brought a few of the best fighters I could find and went out to face him in single combat. We squared off in a dimly lit battle circle while my comrades kept the other undead minions off my back. We crashed into each other over and over, pausing to back off and heal for another go. Eventually there was a split second opening and I hear Jaroth yell “PUSH” from behind me and I just dove in like a maniac and took down the wraith.

It was one of the hardest fights I have ever taken part in, and by far the most intense.

What is your favorite type of NPC to play? Why?

I love playing evil cultists and undead! Sometimes its really fun to just be a spooky nutjob screaming in the woods about IMPENDING DOOOOM

What’s your favorite meal from the inn?

MEAT PIES.

What’s a song on your LARP playlist? Bonus – if you could pick a theme song for your PC, what would it be?

Something to Believe In by Young the Giant, and Arc’s theme song would have to be Light From Above by Black Tide

What PCs have you played? Let us know who they are in 3 words

Arcturus: Friendly neighborhood paladin

Can you tell us about your current PCs?

Arcturus was born from a character concept I had been toying with for a few years prior to joining KoN. Namely the young holy warrior-type that had a lot to learn. Arc started off with a lot more ambition and overconfidence than common sense, but over the years as he’s tempered out Arc has definitely learned the value of patience, planning and diplomacy (even if he routinely ignores them).

He started as a simple adventurer and an apprentice to Septon Marcus, and eventually was chosen to succeed him in command of our original group the Templar Legion. One substantial rebranding later and Arcturus shed the black and red of the Templars for the blue and white of the Lightsworn Order. Today he leads his merry band of misfits as your quintessential “good guys” with a penchant for hunting down cultists, undead, and evil monsters as well as regularly making hilariously bad decisions (the consequences of which are often equal parts funny and traumatizing).

I originally intended Arcturus to be a “holy warrior” type as well as a reflection of my own exaggerated personality traits. Despite my best attempts at getting him killed by walking headfirst into certain death, Arc is still somehow alive and well. He grew into much “bigger” of a character than I had planned for, and I wouldnt have it any other way.

What’s one item your character can’t live without?

He’ll tell you it’s his holy books or his enchanted swords, but the real answer is good Vleanoan wine!

Who is your favorite PC other than yourself? Why?

Thats a really tough question, there are so many amazing PCs to choose from. If I had to pick, id have to say Alareon played by Stefan Bellows. The amount of raw emotion, energy and depth he has put into that character over the years has been a constant benchmark for me to up my game in kind.

Kitana Monroe
She/Her

When was your first game at Novitas?

November 2018

Did you have experience with LARPing before you started?

As a matter of fact, Adventures in Midlands was my first LARP.

Can you tell us what it’s like to be a player at Kingdoms of Novitas? What do you like about the game?

It’s been amazing! Being a transgender woman,KON has been my only social outlet at times.
So i would my favorite thing is the acceptance.

What is a tip you would tell someone that is thinking about trying our game?

Don’t think, just do it!!! It’s an absolutely amazing experience that you couldn’t find anywhere else.

What was one of your favorite in-game moments?

So many that it’s hard to pic just one but id have to say it was when Lethia was invited to join the Rhino’s, only to have them disbanded before being accepted.

What is your favorite type of NPC to play? Why?

Definitely playing the “hook” lol. I love getting the players invested in an encounter.

What’s your favorite meal from the inn?

Sausages lol… there’s a story there.

What’s a song on your LARP playlist? Bonus – if you could pick a theme song for your PC, what would it be?

Endless War by Within Temptation

What PCs have you played? Let us know who they are in 3 words

Lethia: She’s extremely complicated

Can you tell us about your current PCs?

Lethia was a slave that was eventually sent to the arena to become a gladiator and wound up becoming a creature of hate and violence until a Civen General bought her freedom and made her a soldier and his personal guard.


I always imagined her becoming a kind of paladin, But some things are not to be.


Lately Lethia has seen things done by supposed holy men that has made her question the status quo and embrace a slightly less honorable path .

What’s one item your character can’t live without?

Her helmet.
It’s the one thing she’s managed to keep through everything and her last tie to the Civen Empire, The Empire she would die to protect.

Who is your favorite PC other than yourself? Why?

Daitoro, because he just looks badass!

David Coyle
He/Him

When was your first game at Novitas?

September 6, 2013

Did you have experience with LARPing before you started?

I did and it was a such a negative experience that I said I wouldn’t try another LARP again so I stuck with Live Combat Gaming instead. Looking back, that mindset is so illogical because all it took was a great LARP to get me to love LARP. That LARP is, of course, Kingdoms Of Novitas.

Can you tell us what it’s like to be a player at Kingdoms of Novitas? What do you like about the game?

I love playing my Player Character. I love the intersecting stories between the plots and all of the other respective PC’s arcs. I love the silliness, the drama, the action, the adventure, the surprises at store at each event. I also love when a GM picks me for a specific Non-Player Character role because they think I’m the right one to play their character they created.

What is a tip you would tell someone that is thinking about trying our game?

There is a lot I could type here but I’ll pick just one: Ask any questions and you’ll get an answer!

What was one of your favorite in-game moments?

The most important in-game moment was when I got to my Capstone plot and became a Level 5 Medium. My father’s military funeral was literally days before the May 2022 event and then I did that Capstone plot which literally dealt with Daitoro going to the afterlife, called The Well in our game. What happened during those RP moments ended up being the most cathartic thing to ever happen at game for me. I’ll always be grateful, not just for an amazing Capstone plot but the fact it played a role in my healing.

What is your favorite type of NPC to play? Why?

I have the reputation of being a go-to person for the funny and crazy characters because I love those kind of plots. Also, I love plots involving blood, gore or anything with make-up. It is so much fun to get great reactions from PCs, sometimes they end up breaking character because of me *laughs*.

What’s your favorite meal from the inn?

Because the question asks about what is my favorite meal from the inn, I cannot pick the steaks that people cooked over the years outside the inn! Inside the inn, my favorite meal would probably be the Bacon and Leek soup.

What’s a song on your LARP playlist? Bonus – if you could pick a theme song for your PC, what would it be?

Daitoro’s theme is “A Dream On The Way To Death” composed by Graeme Revell.

What PCs have you played? Let us know who they are in 3 words

Daitoro: Scary. Ninja. Dude.

Can you tell us about your current PCs?

Daitoro is my love letter to ninjas. He’s the kind of character who would actually appear in the horror genre of stories. When I started, he was stoic and shrouded in mystery where you didn’t know if he was good, evil or in-between. As he slowly regained his humanity, he eventually gained the reputation as “Friendly Shadow” among the people.

What’s one item your character can’t live without?

That’s an easy one: Daitoro’s mask!

Who is your favorite PC other than yourself? Why?

Our game is a tapestry of a wonderful cast of characters. The amount of hard work and love to each PC is beautiful. Picking one is hard but if I had to pick the first PC that helped turned my then anti-LARP mentality to making me fall in love with Kingdoms Of Novitas, that would be a black drake named Shadaku. His mere presence and non-verbal ways to communicate were so great. I only wished that his last event wasn’t my first event. But it left a huge impression on me as a newbie.

Shauna Goldstein
She/Her

When was your first game at Novitas?

November 2022

Did you have experience with LARPing before you started?

Listening to my friends talking about it every time we got together. Pretty sure I knew the entire rulebook via listening to them before I even considered going to game.

Can you tell us what it’s like to be a player at Kingdoms of Novitas? What do you like about the game?

Everyone is very chill and open to new people. I’ve never felt out of place or like I wasn’t welcome, it’s easy to just walk up to anyone and talk to them or join in on a conversation, and any questions I’ve had were taken seriously no matter how silly I thought they were. Even if you mess something up, people are nice about working around it and explaining to you what is supposed to be happening.

What is a tip you would tell someone that is thinking about trying our game?

When in doubt, just fall over and die dramatically. Dramatic deaths are never questioned.

Pace yourself! Fourth shift of your first game is going to be one of the most exhausting you will experience because of how much you will do and learn, and unless you develop an unhealthy caffeine habit like the rest of us you’ll want a little bit of energy left for that last leg of game. Don’t be afraid to say you need a few minutes to take a break or get food, because nobody will ever fault you for needing to do either of those things.

What was one of your favorite in-game moments?

I was PCing and Richard B came out as a snow goblin named Yox looking to have tea with someone. Lynn, Makhno, Shandeen, Pseudolus and I took him up on it and we discussed things like “What if the gods weren’t here to divide us?” and “What if there was a nation of just faekin?”. It was the first time Poppy really realized how little she knew about the world outside of Civen and stories in books. It was a really great character moment to have and was one of the first times I started feeling like I was Poppy and not just trying to figure out how to portray a character I was playing. The fact that this snow goblin is from a clan that has strong ties to Lorelei and Shelaz was a fun bonus. Also the tea was good :)

What is your favorite type of NPC to play? Why?

Anything where I can cause a little bit of chaos or mischief. Everyone else tries hard to make sure everyone is having fun, and I want to make sure I’m doing my best to do the same. I have an easier time when I can go out and cause some havoc, such as playing a boggart eye physician or a harpy that wanted to see a tournament to determine the best people to recruit to her following.

I just realized both those examples are fae huh? Whelp, if the shoe fits…

What’s your favorite meal from the inn?

Ramen is the only acceptable answer to this question, though Hannah and Sage could probably cook just about anything and I would eat it with no complaints.

What’s a song on your LARP playlist? Bonus – if you could pick a theme song for your PC, what would it be?

I am not a woman, I’m a God – Halsey

Poppy’s theme song – The Show (I’m partial to the Melanie Martinez version)

What PCs have you played? Let us know who they are in 3 words

Poppy: Chaotic adorable redhead

Can you tell us about your current PCs?

What was Poppy supposed to be?

A socialite schemer who wrote and distributed adult novels via a shell company to cover up slightly more illegal activity. She was supposed to pick her words carefully, make herself well-known, and generally be just enough of a pain that people didn’t want to ask too many questions. I had a pretty lengthy backstory in my head and I had a lot of plans for her. They all went out the window when I brought her into her first game and she got the Mind Shatter plague two hours in. It was then I realized that Poppy has her own story to tell, my lengthy backstory be damned, and she has a few secrets even I haven’t quite figured out yet.

What did Poppy turn into?

Penelope, AKA Poppy, is a loud, impulsive, blunt, headstrong red faekin who likes to wander around town and people watch. She’s the sister of Lynn, another faekin PC in game, and the reason Poppy gives for coming to Maplewood was to visit her. While she seems like an open book, the more you talk to Poppy the more you’ll realize all the details she gives are superficial and she is trying almost a little too hard to appear incompetent. I’ve described her before as being in “That part of your twenties right before your head pops out of your ass, where you’re still self-centered but starting to realize that the world is way bigger than you are”.

Poppy’s from a big family in Civen- this is the one part of her story that stayed consistent from start to finish. In addition to Lynn she has a younger brother named Lucas who just turned 18. Her father is a plebian-turned-patrician that does scribal work and bookkeeping, and her mother takes care of the family’s social obligations and appearances. While Lynn proved to be better at the scribal aspect of family work, Poppy excelled at seeing the bigger picture of what was going on around her. Despite the large and often busy household, Poppy spent most of her time when she was young in the library reading and writing stories. She found herself with less time to do this as she grew older and Lynn ran off to adventure in the Freelands, leaving Poppy to step up and assist her mother with the day to day dealings of running the house.

Lynn had always written home asking Poppy to come out and visit her but she had absolutely no desire to leave the comforts of home. After an incident with a mercenary that left her feeling very alone and insecure, she met a young high elf named Lorelei who had traveled to Civen to looking for information in the Mage Hall. After deducing that Lorelei was a member of a group Lynn had fallen in with while traveling, Poppy quickly took the elf under her wing with the intention of just using her for information but instead they wound up becoming close friends. When Lorelei returned to Maplewood, Poppy went with her.

Poppy made her own business shortly after leaving home called Steamy Ink Publishing, which is currently most well-known for the Steamy Ink Press. SIP is a gossip rag that is written for the non-PCs of Maplewood to get an idea of who the adventurers that flit in and out of town actually are, and is slowly starting to gain more popularity. She plans to expand into short stories, scholarly papers, and- ehm- adult novellas in the future.

Where is Poppy going?

Like I said earlier, she has her own story to tell. For example her reason for leaving Civen to visit Lynn is obviously a complete lie, but I only just realized the actual reason myself last game. Poppy’s also beginning to learn that she doesn’t actually know much about society outside of Civen at all- case and point, she has little idea about any sort of faekin oppression that occurs in the bigger world- and is starting to feel more like a square peg in a round hole by the day. How that actually shapes her as a person and where she ends up is going to be very fun to experience! Steamy Ink Press is one of my favorite things to do and she will be writing/editing that for a very long time.

What’s one item your character can’t live without?

Poppy has a book that she is almost never seen without, and also an emergency cheese snack.

Who is your favorite PC other than yourself? Why?

I feel like saying Lynn is cheating since she’s technically Poppy’s sister, but she’s one of the defining things that make up Poppy’s character so of course she is my favorite to play with! We’ve been asked if we’re sisters in real life before because we portray that relationship really well together.

Family excluded, I find Shandeen (Poppy calls her “Shanty” since she’s from the sea) fun to be around. She’s very friendly, her kit is super cute, and her blog speaks to my inner hopeless romantic. Poppy and her actually have a lot in common, though that hasn’t come out in game yet.

Arden McBride
He/Him

When was your first game at Novitas?

August 2019

Did you have experience with LARPing before you started?

Yes, I started larping back in 2016. I was mostly doing foam combat larps like Dagorhir and Amtgard.

Can you tell us what it’s like to be a player at Kingdoms of Novitas? What do you like about the game?

Novitas has such a wide variety of things a player can choose to do. Yes you fight and kill monsters but then there’s a whole aspect of role playing. Immersing yourself in the setting and making your own fun. Ex. During our harvest fest event I spent most of the evening cooking lamb over a campfire in character. Just chilling and enjoying the moment.

What is a tip you would tell someone that is thinking about trying our game?

Get good boots and build up your cardio. It’s a ton of walking, running and hiking. Spend a while npc’ing to get familiar with the game mechanics and build up XP. Low levels are rough but if you find a good group you’ll be set.

What was one of your favorite in-game moments?

Harvest fest 2022 was just a really good “Oh this is epic” moment for me. I felt whisked away and lost in this fantastic world. Me, a leg of lamb, a campfire and a few friends telling tales.

What is your favorite type of NPC to play? Why?

I really like playing npc’s who are weird. Golems, Wraiths, Fae. Things other worldly. That or a snarky ass snatching a few coins or epic item off a dying pc. 

What’s your favorite meal from the inn?

My favorite meal would be the beef stew. It’s been a bit since that was an option so I’ll have to bring my crockpot sometime.

What’s a song on your LARP playlist? Bonus – if you could pick a theme song for your PC, what would it be?

For me it would have to be Ten Speed (God’s Blood & Burial) by Coheed and Cambria. For Vahn I’d say it’s “We All Lift Together” from Warframe. Also “god shattering star” from Fire Emblem and “Serpent the devours the horizon” from Bravely Default.

What PCs have you played? Let us know who they are in 3 words

Vahn Dir’Nix: Exiled Noble Heretic Ahtem
Atten Raj: honorable Persian-esqu knight.

Can you tell us about your current PCs?

So my current PC is Ahtem. I started playing him in 2023. And only 6 months in things have spiraled. He started as an Al’Kesh (a guard/knight) in service to the noble houses of Varganian. Six months, a murder investigation, and a dark deal with a fae things have changed drastically for Ahtem. I don’t know where it’ll go but I’m excited to see what happens next.

What’s one item your character can’t live without?

For Vahn it would have to be his Family crest shield. For Ahtem it would be his 8 pointer star pendent. (In honor of the Sept and Darkness). 

Who is your favorite PC other than yourself? Why?

I’d say Therion or Marcus. Both are really in-depth characters. Thea has some crazy plots going on and a general chaotic and mischievous attitude. She stab ya, and then in the same breath act like it was a tree or something.

Marcus is a chill guy, with the fighting skills to backup whatever plot he’s apart of. I’ve only really had interactions with him as Vahn. Usually during a patrol or something. We’ll pass by, here screaming or fighting and leap into the fray.

Christopher Robin Hicks
He/Him

When was your first game at Novitas?

October 2010

Did you have experience with LARPing before you started?

No

Can you tell us what it’s like to be a player at Kingdoms of Novitas? What do you like about the game?

What I enjoy most about this game is going out on adventures with your friends. I have played this game as an independent, however the full experience is with a group of close friends in an adventuring party. This also extends to NPC shifts playing a variety of roles with your friends as well.

Two unique features about this game that I enjoy are a more realistic combat system (not lightest touch) and low numbers which helps to mitigate too much power creep. Low numbers means that keeping track of the math is easy and no players ever feel unstoppable at higher levels.

What is a tip you would tell someone that is thinking about trying our game?

Make introductions with as many people as you can. Making friends could open opportunities for joining an adventuring party.

Do full NPC duty your first event. This gets you experience with our game mechanics, more XP for your character, and you get a chance to interact with all players at the event.

Bring your own cup/mug. Additional dinnerware is a bonus.

Monitor the weather for upcoming events. If weather is cold, bring extra clothing layers and/or underarmor. Additional blankets for sleeping if needed.

What was one of your favorite in-game moments?

Kato married a ghost he couldn’t see as he is not a medium. There was a guy looking to marry off his ghost sister as it will fulfill unfinished business and send her spark to the well. Kato stepped-up and married that ghost which was officiated by another medium PC. After attempting to kiss the bride that he couldn’t see, her spark was sent to the well and her business concluded. The wedding caused this other family to send a fat Kazvack assassin to try and murder Kato. Turns out marrying the ghost cursed this other family and they tried to get Kato killed. Kato has not heard back from that family since (I should probably PIP that at some point).

What is your favorite type of NPC to play? Why?

Bandits – Custom human accessories, no makeup, no mask to mess up peripheral vision, and typically guarantees combat.

What’s your favorite meal from the inn?

Meat pasta

What’s a song on your LARP playlist? Bonus – if you could pick a theme song for your PC, what would it be?

Open Your Heart (Sonic Adventure Theme) – Crush 40

What PCs have you played? Let us know who they are in 3 words

Erimis Mirodon (Nov 2010-May 2013): Crazy Wood Elf
Kato Gallowsbane (June 2013-Present): Human Civenite Lightsworn

Can you tell us about your current PCs?

Kato Gallowsbane is my second and current PC. My original idea for Kato was a dual-wield plate armor soldier from Civen. After one event of wearing plate and hating it, I retconned Kato into a battle mage/fighter hybrid still retaining the Civen millitary backstory with some adjustments to fit his new playstyle. Over time Kato would become more combat-focused with magic for support. In addition, there was a twist regarding boggarts and various memory compulsion tests done to him. After 8-10 years of subtle role-play of his memory conditions and procrastination of submitting PIPs, I eventually concluded Kato’s backstory arc.

Regarding adventuring parties, Kato started off as an independent. I did not have a close group of friends in-game at the time so Kato spent his first couple of years wondering around Pinedale with random PCs and other adventuring groups. Eventually he joined up with “The Keepers of the Well” which eventually became “The Covenant.” Both groups felt about that same as it was Kato just going on adventures with his friends and getting into so much trouble. Overtime the group split apart and Kato was independent for a number of years. Now he is a member of Lightsworn and took the oath to fight evil and defend those in need. I enjoy the classic good hero archetype, what can I say. Also, silly plots are fun for Kato.

What’s one item your character can’t live without?

Naginata Spear – Kato’s weapon of choice if he is not needed for a shield wall. Also helps to keep him alive.

Who is your favorite PC other than yourself? Why?

Arcturus – He is Kato’s battle buddy, Lightsworn commander, and good friend. He inspires Kato to do the right thing every adventure.

Mike Rolston
He/Him

When was your first game at Novitas?

Oct 2016, at Camp Hoover

Did you have experience with LARPing before you started?

Absolutely Zero

Can you tell us what it’s like to be a player at Kingdoms of Novitas? What do you like about the game?

It’s like a big family playing Dungeons and Dragons in real life,

What is a tip you would tell someone that is thinking about trying our game?

Just do it, bring like-minded friends or family.

I brought my sons with me and we were hooked after our first event. We have made so many friends here, it an amazing group of people having a great time in our own fantasy world called Novitas

What was one of your favorite in-game moments?

The moment the immersion kicked in, the tag bags suddenly became spells that could hurt my character, the NPC monsters were no longer costumes and PC’S became friends with real personalities and lives…

What is your favorite type of NPC to play? Why?

Not actually an NPC, but I have been a shift GM for 2 years, a shift GM writes plots and encounters for the PC’s, I love dungeon mastering and this gives me the opportunity to send stuff out that make the world fun, dangerous and interesting.
Or I could just say WRAITH, kill everyone…

What’s your favorite meal from the inn?

Raman with any meat

What’s a song on your LARP playlist? Bonus – if you could pick a theme song for your PC, what would it be?

Anything by Slipknot, if I had to choose one maybe Psychosocial…

What PCs have you played? Let us know who they are in 3 words

Lucius Crey: Honorable, Violent, Neutral 

Can you tell us about your current PCs?

My original and only character is Lucius Crey, he was born in the Dells and gave himself to a Gershan samurai at a young age to be trained in the Way of War, I was not a slave and treated very well and all was but accepted in his house.
After his assassination, common in Gersh, I was exiled and travelled around Novitas for many years trying to find my place. Eventually finding the Way of Draconis and coming to peace with myself and finding Balance. I was heading to a place called Pinedale but while on my way it was destroyed, so I ended up here in Maplewood.
If you want to know more, find me in town…

My concept was that I wanted a character that represented my actual age and with a simple interesting backstory that wasn’t too tragic. It has left me a lot of room for growth and explained why I am the way I am.

What’s one item your character can’t live without?

A weapon, any weapon…

Who is your favorite PC other than yourself? Why?

This is probably the hardest question to answer, there are so many great PC’s.

Arcturus played by Nick Browne, we are polar opposites. He is a Sept I’m a Chosen of Draconis, I believe it is one of my character’s goals to mess with him at every opportunity in the most entertaining ways possible.

He plays his character 100%

(Pano) Anthony Panarello
He/Him

When was your first game at Novitas?

11/2018

Did you have experience with LARPing before you started?

No

Can you tell us what it’s like to be a player at Kingdoms of Novitas? What do you like about the game?

It’s like going into another world, Become a different person, with their beliefs, Problems and unique personality. I like how you make this person and they grow in front of you naturally. The question is always what would my character do or what have I gone through to see what he would do next? I like that you get to explore Different parts of yourself that you may not be able to in the real world through your character. I really like how you can suspend your Sense of reality and everything becomes real despite the actual appearances of things. And my favorite part is how things get develop Into epic tales And character arc from what would be a simple plot.

What is a tip you would tell someone that is thinking about trying our game?

Don’t be nervous to try it out, The community is so welcoming and nice that it is very easy to start playing and get hooked. If you were a looking to make a character, try and see where you would fit in a group and make sure your character is fleshed out, so you know who you will be in this large world of Novita., And make sure you will like playing them before spending time and effort developing them as it is not easy to make a new character.

What was one of your favorite in-game moments?

When I first came to Maplewood, The first thing that I met was a Yeti that feared me and made me run Scared for my life, and from then on, my character had a phobia of yetis. That still to this day is a part of my character. I had made progressively made a resolution with it, but it was still the best moment to start out.

What is your favorite type of NPC to play? Why?

Bandits, You never know what you’re gonna get. Whether you are going to steal everybody’s stuff and get caught or get away with it. Or one time we made a deal with a PC got saved from being killed by the whole town. But it’s always interesting what happens. Deception and stealing are so fine when you do it right. Also always ends up being a good fight.

What’s your favorite meal from the inn?

A Sausage with Primal sauce

What’s a song on your LARP playlist? Bonus – if you could pick a theme song for your PC, what would it be?

Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked

What PCs have you played? Let us know who they are in 3 words

Coinpurse: Riches to Rags

Can you tell us about your current PCs?

Coinpurse was Inspired by my d&d character at the time which was a catfolk who was always pedaling his wears, Which is where I got his voice from. His original concept as a character mirroring the D&D system was a bard/rogue with all types of buffing magic with custom encants that are rhymes. I’m very Italian so I had to go with Vleanoan. I also like the idea of coming from a very strict place And being the opposite. Coinpurse is friendly, curious and open-minded. He was a noble who was stripped of his wealth and now is poor and he always is reminiscing of his past lavish lifestyle. He is constantly learning how be independent and self sufficient. He also is a famous dancer from his homeland to showcase some of the dances I learned that when I started playing him. He is And high-ranking member in the sale company, a mercenary company that arrived at the same time that he did and maplewood. He is the first 4 player characters from sable company And this is where they gave him his infamous name. His name is a direct’s pun on his coinpurse looking like a ball sack and the money he had when he joined Sable Company. His real name like the rest of sable company has yet to be revealed in game and none of my fellow sable company members know each others real names. This is why he became the quartermaster, As he used to steward his land so he. Has the only experience with money and assets. Just like my original character inspiration he is an aspiring merchant And he has come a long way from his humble start And now is a respected merchant who buys and sells goods for sable company. He is a chosen of draconis is very curious about religion as he was not allowed to learn about other religions in Vlean; after met joy and other draconis worshippers he has made an impact in the name of draconis and has become religious Ever since he came to Maplewood, he has propressively grown in aspects with his confidence, Merchant ability, religious beliefs and combat ability. Coinpurse is neutral in his morality and he ebbs and flows with this good or bad intentions. But normally likes to be good. Coinpurse has lived for 3 years in the game and has grown so much and I love him so much!

What’s one item your character can’t live without?

His Coinpurse

Who is your favorite PC other than yourself? Why?

All of my sable company Brothers and Sister because of the synergy we have and how we feel like a real family. Captain Helot is like a father to me. Tiny and Tickler are like annoying Big Brothers. Abacus is my apprentice who helps me with Sable Company’s growing business. We all have a subtle but genuine relationship outside of our real life Friendship in the game that is unrival to none. They all have grown so much As well as us as a group. Playing would not be the same without them and I am always in awe at how cool they are.

Derek Law
He/Him

When was your first game at Novitas?

November 2022

Did you have experience with LARPing before you started?

I have had fleeting experience with both SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) and Dagorhir.

Can you tell us what it’s like to be a player at Kingdoms of Novitas? What do you like about the game?

The best part for me is spending time in the woods with friends the whole weekend.

What is a tip you would tell someone that is thinking about trying our game?

Come on out and just play! Come on out and have fun! If you can, definitely grab a friend or two, gather some garb and just come and check this out for a weekend. It will definitely be eventful, that much I can promise you.

What was one of your favorite in-game moments?

Well, it was the very end of the last shift of game and the rest of my party had fled up to the encampment to escape a wraith that could easily destroy all of us. I had the weapon I needed to down him, but not the spell required to finish him off. While my party ran back up to hide in the encampment, I ran back to the inn and got the required spell stored in the required weapon. I ran back out and hunted down the wraith and dueled him in the dark… finally downing him and saving the party.

What is your favorite type of NPC to play? Why?

I honestly love playing boglurkers. Properly positioned they are incredibly effective at surprise attacking PCs. Their vaguely animal intelligence and food motivation also provides some RP opportunities as well as combat.

What’s your favorite meal from the inn?

Favorite meal thus far was definitely the ramen! 

What’s a song on your LARP playlist? Bonus – if you could pick a theme song for your PC, what would it be?

Dragula (Rob Zombie) is on the larp playlist. I would say the theme song for Shelaz would be Welcome to the Black Parade (My Chemical Romance)

What PCs have you played? Let us know who they are in 3 words

Shelaz: Unpredictable, disappears, stabby

Can you tell us about your current PCs?

Shelaz was originally meant to be a much darker character in theory, a lot quieter and more morose. A combination of how we worked him into his current group, the Chainbreakers, and how well Maplewood received him as a black faekin has definitely made him a lot happier and more outgoing character than he would have been otherwise. I am really glad to see that he’s having a happy turn in his life, he’s a character that just desperately needs/wants that soo much.

What’s one item your character can’t live without?

The elven steel sword he is currently borrowing from Sigos. Shelaz can’t live without it because every night the wraiths come for him. 

Who is your favorite PC other than yourself? Why?

Easily Thaerion Daewen Silvertree, the Forest Shadow herself. A commanding presence amongst the people of Maplewood. Those who know her respect her, those who don’t learn quickly. She’s a character with depth and history in the game. She’s got secrets. Action follows her wherever she goes. She also has a particularly prominent father figure who also comes to game from time to time with even more presence.

Cam Domingues
She/Her

When was your first game at Novitas?

September 2014

Did you have experience with LARPing before you started?

No

Can you tell us what it’s like to be a player at Kingdoms of Novitas? What do you like about the game?

Running around with friends and whacking each other with swords.

What is a tip you would tell someone that is thinking about trying our game?

Just do it. Don’t think twice about it, and have the time of your life. We veterans are all here to help you along the way!

What was one of your favorite in-game moments?

Drea’s death scene and Daitoro’s Medium 5 Arc, hands down. Both were insane. It felt great letting Drea die while insulting and pleading with her friends, who were all confused and terrified at her appearance and behavior. It was great. Daitoro’s Medium 5 event was surreal. It was beautiful. I’m beyond lucky to have been pulled into it!

What is your favorite type of NPC to play? Why?

Anything, really. It’s fun to play different things, though things that scream or rage are more my thing.

What’s your favorite meal from the inn?

Justin’s meat pies!

What’s a song on your LARP playlist? Bonus – if you could pick a theme song for your PC, what would it be?

“And Plague Flowers the Kaleidoscope” by Ne Obliviscaris is Asha’s theme song

What PCs have you played? Let us know who they are in 3 words

Asha: morbidly curious priestess
Drea: revenge-filled medium

Can you tell us about your current PCs?

Asha Odobreno was born out of my favoritism towards Daitoro – he’s been my favorite PC since I started (a year after Dave). I brought the plans I had for her to him, and he was all aborad. While she does have her own personal and her own motives, she’s mostly known as “Daitoro’s other half”. She’s a devout Draconus priestess who has risen in ranks in her home cult. She comes from the Great Forest, having been raised by elves while being the only human in town. She’s everything I’m not: calm, nice, considerate, religious, and wise. The complete opposite of my previous PC who is thankfully dead, Drea. Drea was more of a 7-year-long tutorial. Asha is the PC who’s actually allowed me to really play and experience more in a year than in 7 with my previous one.

What’s one item your character can’t live without?

She can’t live without Draconus! And Daitoro.

Who is your favorite PC other than yourself? Why?

Daitoro. Knowing him for this long IC and seeing his entire arc has been amazing. I also love it when Dave accidentally breaks character and you just see Daitoro’s usually stoic shoulders shaking with silent laughter.

Caitlin
She/Her

When was your first game at Novitas?

September 2016

Did you have experience with LARPing before you started?

None at all, only with D&D. 

Can you tell us what it’s like to be a player at Kingdoms of Novitas? What do you like about the game?

It’s such a positive, supportive space, and this extends across so many different aspects. People match each other’s energy, and when someone goes above and beyond in an NPC role, with PC garb, with RP, with weapon making, with encampment design etc. it not only creates a more immersive world for everyone, but it is an invitation to also step up. We are a community that lifts each other and creates an environment where it is safe to try new things. I have learned so much from the people who attend game that I’ve then been able to apply, be it sewing, jewelry making, improv, foam fighting, story writing, or make-up.

I also love the social aspects. My community within and beyond NY is huge thanks to the amazing people I have met at Novitas. Some of my best experiences with the game come from the interactions while setting up for an NPC plot, chats after shifts have ended for the day, and the community events that are held after game and throughout the year.

What is a tip you would tell someone that is thinking about trying our game?

As a pretty timid person this took me a minute to get the hang of, but you can leave your self-consciousness at the door. The more you get into the game, the more other people will match – nobody is here to tell you to tone yourself down, and throwing yourself into roles is a great way to learn and have fun while also contributing to the collective story we are all creating.

What was one of your favorite in-game moments?

My favorite in-game moment would be when my PC got her spark ripped up for a moment. Prior to coming to Maplewood, Catori had not yet completed a rite that would establish her as a full member of her tribe, and after her exile from that tribe she was given a task by her mentor Alareon to capture a succubus, which is a creature that is capable to taking a piece of a PC’s spark to consume at a later time. The goal was to use this succubus to demonstrate to Catori what it is that Mediums (characters in game that can see and interact with ghosts and sparks) are actually fighting for in taking care of sparks. The entire plot took around a year to go through, and involved combat, difficult decisions, Medium skill development, a lot of awesome lore about the world and these creatures. It ended with a really cool ritual, some amazing RP, and lasting consequences for the PCs involved.

What is your favorite type of NPC to play? Why?

I love playing NPCs that get painted. They usually have neat rules, so playing them also means learning more about the world, bringing new experiences to the PCs, and acting in ways that are strange for me as a person but make sense for this magical creature.

What’s your favorite meal from the inn?

I loved the potstickers. Tasty and easy to eat while you walk!

What’s a song on your LARP playlist? Bonus – if you could pick a theme song for your PC, what would it be?

When I was doing a lot of the work designing my PC Catori’s personality, it happened to also be when I had just discovered Squalloscope’s song ‘Big Houses’, which I was playing on repeat. I don’t know how much I would say the song represents Catori, but I’d imagine it shaped some of the stuff I incorporated into the character.

What PCs have you played? Let us know who they are in 3 words

Marcella: Social butterfly
Catori: Whoops all anger

Can you tell us about your current PCs?

My current PC is Catori Elantor, a woman from the Dellin Tribelands. My initial designs for her were doodled on a scrap of paper, and it was a long time before I began actually creating her garb (I would realize years later that the look was heavily inspired by The Morrigan from The Wicked and The Divine). I wanted to create a character that was a little lost, struggling with an impossible goal while navigating a skill she wasn’t all that good that and didn’t want. The only other thing I knew about this character was that I wanted to be able to just walk away from pretty much any situation. Everything else grew from there through the PCs Catori met and the plots she encountered.

I have also tried to update Catori’s garb as things happen in-game to reflect the changes she has gone through. When she began, she was wearing the markings of her path in her original tribe. I later incorporated items that are linked to PCs she met in Maplewood. When she was exiled from her original tribe, I changed her markings, made her garb look more ragged, and added her old mentor’s skull to her wig. I did my most recent large change after she hit a milestone that established her as a full member of the group and where she took on a leadership role. I changed her markings again to reflect this, updated her garb to incorporate more reds and greys, and embroidered a belt with symbols representing each part member. I also started leaning into her worship of the god Grak, which included adding some detail to her markings. I’ve tried to maintain her constants as well, by continuing to incorporate black feathers that are associated with her Medium skill. I’m really happy with where the garb currently is, but we will see what kinds of changes come next!

One of the things that I find lead to compelling character choices are internal tensions, and I try to maintain, create, or resolve those through the events at game. I began with a simple question of ‘what happens when someone who’s life goal is to complete a task learns that task is impossible?’. Then I got to ask, ‘what happens when the thing that must be done to save a loved one is the thing that will push them away?’, and eventually ‘what happens if the only way achieve a goal is by betraying your values?’. As the character has evolved, these questions change, but I try to make sure that they inform how she responds to things as they happen. Ultimately, I don’t know how much of all of this makes it to the RP level of game, but those kinds of questions make playing the character fun for me. 

What’s one item your character can’t live without?

I would say she always wants/needs to have the tokens from her mentors (so it’s actually 2 things). I try to incorporate a lot of story into Catori’s garb, and I have written into her character a strong sense of tradition that is rooted in hierarchy. The first token, I incorporated into her garb very soon after I started playing her, and it is a cast metal disk with the symbol of the group she travels with. The second I added a few months later when I did a redesign of the wig I use, and it is the front half of a skull (story-wise, it belongs to her first mentor).

Who is your favorite PC other than yourself? Why?

I really like Laura’s PC Thaerion. She has played this PC for a long time, is always fun to interact with, has such a cool look, and is so different from who Laura is as a person. The character has a lot of depth that makes RP engaging, and she has YEARS of blogs for the PC that further dig into some of the stuff the character goes through.

Laura Kircher
She/Her

When was your first game at Novitas?

May 2015

Did you have experience with LARPing before you started?

Nope!

Can you tell us what it’s like to be a player at Kingdoms of Novitas? What do you like about the game?

I really love how much effort everyone puts in towards making the game feel fully immersive! I feel like I travel through time and space to an alternate fantasy dimension that is vaguely familiar but definitely has its own flavor!

What is a tip you would tell someone that is thinking about trying our game?

Show up with an open mind, positive attitude, and don’t be afraid to approach anyone! We are very welcoming and will gladly do our best to make you comfortable! 

What was one of your favorite in-game moments?

Witnessing any “cool” moments is really fun-whether it’s by me or other players. A fine example is when my PC snuck into a group of undead skeletons and such in the dark. I walked with them until my party initiated combat up ahead. The undead turned to run, but found me and my swords in the middle of them! Our group was able to vanquish them all and win the night!

What is your favorite type of NPC to play? Why?

I especially love to roleplay, so boggarts are very fun to me! In Novitas, they are a tricksy creature that cannot lie and usually like to play nasty tricks on the PCs. 

What’s your favorite meal from the inn?

My PC can always be found with an apple in-hand, BUT my favorite food cooked by our inn was meat pies!

What’s a song on your LARP playlist? Bonus – if you could pick a theme song for your PC, what would it be?

Song on my playlist: Evening Falls by Enya
Thaerions theme song would be Quiet Hills by Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum 

What PCs have you played? Let us know who they are in 3 words

Thaerion: Unpredictable, sly, survivalist
Stone: Beloved mute merchant

Can you tell us about your current PCs?

Thaerion was my first PC, and was designed to gain knowledge of the game at the same pace as I did too. Originally, she didn’t have a real concept, other than to learn how to live in The Freelands with on her own. She did this by being hostile, mischievous, and sly.
After years of growth, forming strong bonds, and a huge learning curve, she is now called upon for her opinions, knowledge, advice, and abilities. It’s really neat to see her grow from needing guidance, to now giving it!

What’s one item your character can’t live without?

Thaerion would be so lost without her special necklace. It’s not magical but it holds a secret purpose.

Who is your favorite PC other than yourself? Why?

I really admire Catori. There is a lot of work that goes into the garb, the makeup, and getting into the mindset of “being” that PC. She truly makes me feel fully immersed in Novitas world. 

Ryan Green
He/Him

When was your first game at Novitas?

May 2015

Did you have experience with LARPing before you started?

I started larping in 1996 with Vampire: the Masquerade and was involved in many since then.

Can you tell us what it’s like to be a player at Kingdoms of Novitas? What do you like about the game?

This game is very community driven and people really come together to make fun events for everyone else. Different people want different things from it, and even the people who aren’t necessarily into that thing will find ways to help provide those experiences.

What is a tip you would tell someone that is thinking about trying our game?

I’m pretty biased here, but I firmly think you should show up as soon as you feel ready. The biggest regret we hear from people who come for the first time is “why didn’t I show up sooner?”. There’s a lot to the game, but we’re here and happy to walk you through it. Don’t let the depth of the game intimidate you, take it your own speed, and there will be people there to support you the whole way.

What was one of your favorite in-game moments?

When our party first got together we had all been at the game for a while but we had only just formed a party. That night I wasn’t feeling great so I decided to drop from the game early. After taking off all my garb, grabbing a drink, and resting for a bit I realized I wasn’t feeling well because I was dehydrated (seriously don’t forget to drink water often). Now I was feeling better, but I had already left play and had been with the NPCs for a while so I already knew what was being planned. Talking to the gamemasters we decided to send me back out again… but as a doppelganger. I wasn’t my character, I was an imposter pretending to be my character. Because I was supposed to be playing at that time it had a good chance of catching people off guard.

What we hadn’t guessed was how well it would work. Enzo is a weird character on the best of days. My party were still getting used to just how weird. So when I claimed I had lost important equipment in a snow bank (because the doppelganger surely didn’t have Enzo’s gear) no one thought anything was wrong. And when I suggested a group hug in the middle of a tense argument among the group, that was fine. Then someone asked me to hold their bag while they got some food. I took off running the second they left my sight. Hid it in a lean-to and waited for people to come looking for me. They never did.
I eventually went back with no bag. They asked what happened and I said I had no idea. Somehow this worked. Everyone just assumed this was Enzo being weird. Nothing I could do seemed to convince them I was up to no good. At one point I stole an expensive weapon and took off running in front of them. They still didn’t come after me.

It took nearly 3 hours for them to realize something was wrong. Much fun was had that evening.

What is your favorite type of NPC to play? Why?

I spend a lot of time working with the gamemasters so honestly every time I get to NPC at all is my favorite type of NPC. Getting more specific, I especially enjoy setting large plots into motion, especially the kind that have a lot of lead up where everyone saw things happening but no one really understood the gravity of the situation until this moment right now. So the NPCs that get to deliver the key puzzle piece that make everything suddenly make sense are the best.

What’s your favorite meal from the inn?

Hannah’s Ramen. How is this a question? Other answers are clearly wrong.

What’s a song on your LARP playlist? Bonus – if you could pick a theme song for your PC, what would it be?

I don’t have a larp playlist. It’s just not my thing.

What PCs have you played? Let us know who they are in 3 words

Enzo: Grossly Incompetent Squire

Can you tell us about your current PCs?

Enzo was originally intended to be a grossly incompetent squire for one of the game’s most experienced fighters. The goal was to trip him up as often as possible… as a friend. To do that there needed to be a reason why anyone would keep Enzo around. So we created a fairly complex backstory wherein Enzo was sent by enemies as a spy but on his way here something erased all of his memories and he arrived naive and clueless. His first event he walked up to his future boss and handed them a letter instructing Enzo to be a spy by posing as a squire.

Since then Enzo has figured out a thing or two, generally with a great deal of confusion created in the process. He goes wherever circumstances dictate which somehow evolved into him becoming a member of the cult of the Great Dragon God.

Sadly I’ve never gotten the chance to poison my boss, however I have gotten to stab him several times. He still hangs out with me. We’re a weird group. It’s delightful.

What’s one item your character can’t live without?

Enzo is the group’s pack mule, there are many items he can’t live without. All of them heavy and bulky.

Who is your favorite PC other than yourself? Why?

I find the most unique characters are the ones that try to be exactly what appears in a setting description. It’s hard to walk that line and represent a setting. So my favorite PC is Liska Gutierrez’s Evilynn who is a fine upstanding Vleanoan who knows everything wrong with Vlean and wants to fix things without burning it all down to the ground.

Nate Chau
He/Him

When was your first game at Novitas?

September, 2021

Did you have experience with LARPing before you started?

No

Can you tell us what it’s like to be a player at Kingdoms of Novitas? What do you like about the game?

1) I live in constant expectation that every 30 minutes or so something will charge out of the woods to attack me or someone else will have some long standing plot going on that I get roped into.

2) Same answer :)

What is a tip you would tell someone that is thinking about trying our game?

Absolutely try it but remember “stab things with foam weapons first, ask questions never”.

What was one of your favorite in-game moments?

First time I came to the game I had no idea what was going on, who was who or why we were walking into the middle of the woods at night to go fight undead. 30 minutes later we were back to back in the dark while some guy (who later became my buddy Ryan) starting ringing a literal dinner bell for a horde of zombies. For a full 15 minutes there were wave after wave of zombies charging us from all sides and I was desperately hoping the people behind me didn’t die and let some undead abomination walk up and eat me. Needless to say I was hooked after that.

What is your favorite type of NPC to play? Why?

The Orcs, beyond doubt. There is a delightful simplicity to playing an overly aggressive, single minded kind of character that doesn’t worry or care about things like money, politics, relationships or anything other than a head to head battle.

What’s your favorite meal from the inn?

They make a very nice pasta dish with what I believe was sausage and assorted veggies. At 1 am after running around all night it was delightful.

What’s a song on your LARP playlist? Bonus – if you could pick a theme song for your PC, what would it be?

Meatloaf’s “Like a Bat Outta Hell”

What PCs have you played? Let us know who they are in 3 words

Ym’Gol: Angry at God(s)

Can you tell us about your current PCs?

Ym’Gol is someone who has gone through a lot of trauma at the hands of people who were supposed to stop things like that from happening and made it happen instead. He has no trust for authority figures, even less for gods and does not believe in letting anyone get with away with anything. Despite this he now has to work together with a bunch of paladins, community figures and the like to get stuff done. I find his result moral dilemmas (and probably aneurisms) amusing.

What’s one item your character can’t live without?

His boots, he does a lot of walking and a good pair of boots is essential.

Who is your favorite PC other than yourself? Why?

I never caught their name but some members of the Chainbreakers group made me coffee for free with no questions asked and I cannot think of a more noble calling than that.

Gabby

She/They

When was your first game at Novitas?

August 2019

Did you have experience with LARPing before you started?

Yes! I larped throughout college. It was actually an alumni who encouraged me and other members of our club at the time to try Kingdoms of Novitas out, even though the structure was unlike anything we were used to. After four years (ahh!!), I can confidently say I have no regrets.

Can you tell us what it’s like to be a player at Kingdoms of Novitas? What do you like about the game?

This is a tough one, since there are a lot of things that made Novitas unique to other larp experiences I’ve had. I think what I like the most is how our plots are run: there’s never a shortage of fun things to look into. You can be a weeping mother and cackling villain in the same shift, and that doesn’t even go into how many roles you’ll be across the entire event, not including your player character.

Another thing that’s stood out to me from the beginning (and an answer I suspect you’ll get quite a bit), is the strong sense of community we have as a whole. Especially when I was a newbie, I was welcomed with open arms, even when I was separated from my friends and didn’t know anybody around. I remember on one of my very first events I was terrified of walking by myself in the dark after fourth shift, and two veteran players walked me all the way back to my cabin, no questions asked. I have never been to a game where I didn’t feel like somebody was looking out for me, and that’s something I deeply value.

What is a tip you would tell someone that is thinking about trying our game?

Keep your limits in mind! It’s so easy to get invested in the game (especially as a new player); encounters can be pretty fast paced, and there are moments when you finish something only for another thing to pop up. And so on, and so on. Make sure you’re listening to your body and your brain, and don’t be afraid to take breaks! Missing something isn’t going to be the end of the world. Arrange times to drink water and eat food, and if you ever need to step away, whether to sit down or have quiet or anything else, you are welcome and encouraged to do so.

And remember to focus on the fun! The intimidation factor can ramp to 100 faster than you think, and I can definitely relate to being terrified of messing up. But remember that nobody’s keeping score, and that we’re all just here to dress in costumes and play pretend. If you need help, ask for it! If you made a mistake, it’s okay. At the end of the day, there will always be more plots, but there will only ever be one you!

More than anything, Kingdoms of Novitas is an experience. The best way to see it is to play for yourself :)

What was one of your favorite in-game moments?

Don’t make me choose! I have so many!

In terms of all-time favorites, it really has to be from one of the first games after we came back from COVID. My friend (who shall go unnamed; find out in game!) had uncovered something very important for their organization via a ghostly agent, but there was one problem: that information had been dropped in the middle of a camp of lethal inquisitors! They outnumbered our small party big-time, so, as the resident “person decent at hide and seek”, I was tasked with attempting to retrieve it.

By far, this was the tensest roleplay I’d experienced up to that point. As I was taking the noisiest of my gear off, I remember my friends hurriedly (and in hushed tones) talking me through what they knew of the situation, alongside the ghost’s explanation of who he was, and how vital that information was to their cause. I was shaking!

It ended up being a stealth mission through the enemy camp, with inquisitors stationed as guards on patrol walking back and forth through the path I had to traverse. My heart was pounding so loudly I thought they’d for sure find me on that alone, but I was able to sneak through, grab the paper we needed, and get back out without being found.

By far, it’s the proudest I’ve ever felt when completing a plot. I remember almost falling over with relief when I made it out, and my friends rushed towards me and began talking about all of their plans on how they were hoping to get me out if things had gone wrong. It was honestly one of the most immersed moments I’ve ever felt, and I still feel so happy when I think back on it.

Later on, I learned that the NPCs playing the guards hadn’t even realized I was there as I went in and out! It gave me such a boost in confidence, I still feel like I’m riding it even now, haha.

What is your favorite type of NPC to play? Why?

I have to put two kinds here, I’m sorry! But it’s pretty equally split between them.

First, I love incredibly serious roles. The ones that are just emotionally devastating, where some kind of tragedy has occurred and the NPC is still clearly shell shocked beyond belief. It’s honestly cathartic to play somebody who’s lost everything, and react to situations the way they would. The best of these kinds of plots are the ones that leave both me and the PCs in tears.

But secondly, I love playing NPCs that are powerful and *know it*. Whether they’re cold, calculated, and intelligent or just a little freaking nuts (preferably both!), being able to play a villain that’s scary for reasons outside of what their stats are brings a sinister vibe to encounters that I find immensely fun.

Okay, I said two, but one more: I love being unhinged. Roles that just let you scream and run around in the woods are the bread and butter of this game. If you ever have the chance to play a brownie or boggart, do it!!!

What’s your favorite meal from the inn?

So Hannah made meat pies I don’t remember how long ago, but I. LOVED THEM. SO MUCH. To the point where I don’t even remember much about them aside from having to physically prevent myself from grabbing one every time I took a batch out of the oven. It was magic. We have such a talented inn workgroup, the food is absolutely one of game’s overall highlights.

What’s a song on your LARP playlist? Bonus – if you could pick a theme song for your PC, what would it be?

Okay, for reference my playlist for my main PC (Lyv) is almost 6 hours long at this point, so bear with me. But one of my all-time favorites for her is this:

Bonus for Ori:

 

What PCs have you played? Let us know who they are in 3 words

Lyv: feral field researcher
Ori: doing their best

Can you tell us about your current PCs?

Lyv’s character concept started very simply, to be honest; I’ve always been a fan of the “reluctant hero” trope, so from the getgo I wanted her to be a medium that hated ghosts. Her backstory at the time was relatively short and sweet- somebody had advised me to keep it that way and fill in the details later, so I did. And honestly, I’m glad for it! As I played her, I was able to craft reasons for why she did things as I roleplayed them. Eventually, parts of her backstory started to fill themselves in, and I found all sorts of places to draw inspiration from, in and out of game. I made her with the intention of hunting down secrets and lore: about the world, about magic, and mostly about other characters.

Four years later, she’s not quite like how she started, but she’s come farther than any rpg character I’ve had, at tabletops or in other larps. She’s stubborn, pensive and prickly, but she’s also adaptable and kind. I love collaborative storytelling more than anything, and she became a vessel through which I could piece together plots from people who’d eventually become my friends, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Learning more about her has helped me understand what I value about myself, and I’ve learned from her outlook almost as much as she’s been informed by who I am. I’ve felt like I’ve been growing alongside her: taking pieces from art and stories I admire, and softening some of the edges I wrote into her as she develops her own experiences.

And while Lyv is my character I make conspiracy boards and spreadsheets for, Ori’s designed to be a return to the sheer sense of wonder this game has to offer. I’ve only had the chance to play them at one game, so they haven’t strayed too much from their concept, but I wrote them with the intention of taking a break from the complex pursuits I was looking into as Lyv. So, whenever I get tired of heroics and horror, I can slip into a goofy little accountant and experience the game with fresh eyes. It’s a really special feeling.

What’s one item your character can’t live without?

Lyv has cycled through a few over the years, but she cannot live without some kind of large shoulder satchel. It’s a personal philosophy of hers (and mine) – if it looks important, it goes in the bag! This has led to some funny situations (and a lot of organizing on my part, ugh!) but it hasn’t led us astray yet.

Ori hasn’t been around enough yet for me to be sure, but I’m looking forward to seeing whatever it is they get attached to.

Who is your favorite PC other than yourself? Why?

This question kills me because of how many PCs I could think of off the bat, so it’s hard to narrow it down to just one. But here are a few I can think of that made me feel especially welcome:

Arbor (please don’t be embarrassed Kat!!!): When we were first coming back to game from COVID, I was so nervous about getting into the swing of things – especially because I had only been at game for half a year before things paused! But from the beginning when the Starlight Legion first set up in Mercy House, we were able to just jump in and talk about how much we loved soup together. Arbor’s enthusiasm is infectious – it always means so much to me that we can hang out so easily and have a blast, no matter the context!

Micah: One of my first events was spent entirely in the Slap n Tickle, and not only did it introduce me to a whole different style of playing (we drank tea and played games the whole time – it was so fun), it also created a very fun dynamic where, without too many spoilers, something questionable would happen and Lyv would (genuinely) just happen to be looking away at the time. Micah’s a very intelligent character, and it shows!

Catori: I used to follow the Firekeepers around all the time, everywhere. I just thought they were so cool (spoiler alert: they are!). Without fail, Catori and I would end up hanging out and chatting – she helped me learn a lot about Maplewood and adventuring, and even gave me a few tips about combat. Catori is incredibly true to herself, and acts with a deep sense of sincerity that you can’t help but want to be around.

Opal: My first event was actually the shift after Opal and Lilith got married – and we crashed the reception! But honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better atmosphere to walk into: it was something that really showcased the feeling of intense camaraderie and welcoming atmosphere from PCs. Lyv was designed to be relatively asocial at first, but Opal can get pretty much anyone out of their shell – it definitely helps that the first thing she ever said to me was “do you want some apple pie?”

I cannot emphasize how wonderful and diverse our cast of characters are at game – you’ll have an incredible time meeting them.

Zach Goldstein
He/Him

When was your first game at Novitas?

November, 2022

Did you have experience with LARPing before you started?

I’ve been in the Society for Creative Anachronism for a little over a decade, but Novitas is a different beast entirely.

Can you tell us what it’s like to be a player at Kingdoms of Novitas? What do you like about the game?

The general warmth of the community is amazing. I’ve never joined any group and felt so welcome from the moment I stepped in the door.

What is a tip you would tell someone that is thinking about trying our game?

Don’t worry about messing up a rule. It’s a lot to take in when you first start and people are understanding of that. Focus on having fun.

What was one of your favorite in-game moments?

We were helping another player with a personal quest deep in the woods and it turned into a defense against waves of undead. Watching my friends form a makeshift Testudo as I called out enemies was a moment that let me really play the character as I intended.

What is your favorite type of NPC to play? Why?

I like playing obnoxious monologuing types. Making the PCs roll their eyes as I’m blathering on to be hilarious as they come to deal with me.

What’s your favorite meal from the inn?

Leak and potato soup.

What’s a song on your LARP playlist? Bonus – if you could pick a theme song for your PC, what would it be?

Build That Wall (Zia’s theme) -Darren Korb feat. Ashley Barrett

What PCs have you played? Let us know who they are in 3 words

Cordon Sharptongue – Old country grandpa

Can you tell us about your current PCs?

Cordon Sharptongue is a Terran trap maker and master craftsman. Him and dirt regularly argue about who is older. His entire mission is to see slavery erased from the world of novitas. He’s a bit gruff, a bit cheeky, and is always happy to share a pint of ale or food with others. He has a disfigured leg that forces his use of a cane and is often at the back calling battle formations.

What’s one item your character can’t live without?

His cane. Needs it to walk around and smack skeletons when they come knocking.

Who is your favorite PC other than yourself? Why?

Lapis. Between his costuming and his roleplay he’s always a delight to play with and against when npcing.

DeAnna Beaumais-Liske
She/They

When was your first game at Novitas?

March, 2017

Did you have experience with LARPing before you started?

Nope!

Can you tell us what it’s like to be a player at Kingdoms of Novitas? What do you like about the game?

Home. Honestly, I was so nervous when I started, but I kind of snuggled right in and it’s been like home ever since. You feel accepted and appreciated and it’s a nice time to disconnect from the outside world.

What is a tip you would tell someone that is thinking about trying our game?

Give it your best shot. It can be scary, but it’s fun.

What was one of your favorite in-game moments?

When I purged true Lycanthropy from a young girl using the power of Dracous, The Seven and Darkness all at once.

What is your favorite type of NPC to play? Why?

Dead bodies or townsfolk. I just like to listen to the stories around me.

What’s your favorite meal from the inn?

Can’t go wrong with noodles of any kind.

What’s a song on your LARP playlist? Bonus – if you could pick a theme song for your PC, what would it be?

Theme Song: Pray by Aira Yuhki

What PCs have you played? Let us know who they are in 3 words

Nightingale: Youthful, Sweet, Busy
Lady Arayna: Mercurial, Noble, Powerful

Can you tell us about your current PCs?

I have two:
Warden Adonia Ambrosianus of Civen. Young, noble faekin (purple) who is a part of the Medella Corps in the Civen Leagion; A corps of healers. She is also a medium. She is in the Freelands to keep an eye on the comings and goings of the larger powers that be.

Lady Amunae Silversoul of Evenanessa. High elf druid and archaeologist. She is particularly bonded to The Elemental, and when she is old enough to choose a caste, it will be the Wyld Caste. Her brand of druidry includes finding buried artifacts and treasures, and restoring them.

What’s one item your character can’t live without?

Amunae: The Ring of Safe Haven
Adonia: Her Field Journal

Who is your favorite PC other than yourself? Why?

Narene. He was very welcoming and made my early PCs feel at home.

Zzak Rolston
She/Her

When was your first game at Novitas?

October 2016

Did you have experience with LARPing before you started?

I didn’t have any larping experience before kon

Can you tell us what it’s like to be a player at Kingdoms of Novitas? What do you like about the game?

Well it was a little hokey at first but over all it’s a blast, and you get back at least what you put it. I do like how a decent amount of things are based off what you can do irl such as but not limited to lock picking, sneaking, how well you can move in your armor of choice.

What is a tip you would tell someone that is thinking about trying our game?

Make sure to pack all you need before coming, it’s better to over pack then under pack

What was one of your favorite in-game moments?

My favorite in-game moment has to be when me, Farstider and Lucius went to Mercy house during winter to talk about forming a party and being forced to disappear by the snow around us sinking all the way in, but I was ok and didn’t get too cold from that.

What is your favorite type of NPC to play? Why?

Wrath, because I enjoy being the thing that goes bump in the night, and all the times I “jump scared” people

What’s your favorite meal from the inn?

The egg cups

What’s a song on your LARP playlist? Bonus – if you could pick a theme song for your PC, what would it be?

My mother told me by Jared Halley

What PCs have you played? Let us know who they are in 3 words

My one PC is still alive and kicking

Can you tell us about your current PCs?

My current character is Sage he’s a “not for profit” healer, he’s currently trying to solve his backstory problems while aiding his friends anyway he can, and currently helping in setting up a school in Maplewood for anyone who wants to learn magic, all be it mostly healing magic but going to try and get more people to teach their kinds of magic for the school

What’s one item your character can’t live without?

His papa Smurf hat

Who is your favorite PC other than yourself? Why?

I got a few PCs that are my favorite like Arbor and Janos for their friendly demeanor and I always enjoy being around them, then there would be Lucius for standing up for his friends and against what he sees as injustice, and finally Jade and Mendstone my party members for healing others without always expecting rewards and over all being kind to those around them

Mayelin Liske
They/Them

When was your first game at Novitas?

April 2012

Did you have experience with LARPing before you started?

No I did not

Can you tell us what it’s like to be a player at Kingdoms of Novitas? What do you like about the game?

I love the free flowing aspect of how you can play your character. Be it as a big damned hero or the quiet support. You are free to be what you want in terms of play style and that makes the most fun stories to boot.

What is a tip you would tell someone that is thinking about trying our game?

Be open minded and ready to have the time of your life. Make sure you have no perconceived notions because this game will turn them all on their heads and make you realize we are nothing but one big nerdy family looking to have fun and forget the stresses of real life.

What was one of your favorite in-game moments?

My favorite in game moment had to be one of the most somber and eye opening moments. Jaroth helped with a ritual that destroyed a very evil tainted book at the cost of a pure Spark being sacrificed. Thing was Jaroth himself was a ritual component in the Ritual thus he traveled the Ley Lines and met the Stranger. She allowed him to place the Spark in the Well before returning to the physical plane with a Necklace for Arcturus.

What is your favorite type of NPC to play? Why?

My favorite type of NPC to play is someonr that is going to get attention be it through being dramatic or just being a loudmouth. I love to get to be something or Someone that thinks they need all eyes on them.

What’s your favorite meal from the inn?

There have been so many great meals but I think my go to is the simplest one they have. A simple Sausage/hotdog. Its quick and easy and gets the job done for me which is all I need.

What’s a song on your LARP playlist? Bonus – if you could pick a theme song for your PC, what would it be?

Unravel (Tokyo Ghoul Opening) covered by Jonathan Young

What PCs have you played? Let us know who they are in 3 words

Jaroth: Determined, Savy, Scholar

Can you tell us about your current PCs?

I have only ever played Jaroth. He started as this blantant know it all that thought himself better then others due to his noble status and rank in Evananessa. This changed rather quickly when he became good friends with another PC named Balder and that allowed him to become the confident and reliable character that will do anything to support his friends amd allies. He knows his limits but does not hesitate to break them if its required to safe a friend.

What’s one item your character can’t live without?

His Sword Of the Hydra. He feels that it was this sword that proves he is Chosen by Draconus, the Godbeast, to be a leader of his chosen.

Who is your favorite PC other than yourself? Why?

This is a hard thing to pick. I have had so many interactions with PCs over my time in game and all of them have been memorable. Though I think my all time Favorite PC has to be Arcturus. Not just because he is the leader of the group I am apart of but the sheer amount of Shenanigans he has to deal with becaise of me and the others but at the same time handles it as well as anyone can.

Hannah Vary
She/Her

When was your first game at Novitas?

November 2017

Did you have experience with LARPing before you started?

None, I never even played TTRPGs

Can you tell us what it’s like to be a player at Kingdoms of Novitas? What do you like about the game?

More than just being the most fun immersive experience I’ve ever been a part of, Kingdoms of Novitas is the community I never knew I needed until I was a part of it. The relationships I’ve made here have changed my life and inspire me everyday.

What is a tip you would tell someone that is thinking about trying our game?

When you’re starting out it can feel like a huge information overload. I would just say don’t think too hard & come try it! Bring an open mind and a positive attitude, and you’ll get to see the real magic at Kingdoms of Novitas.

What was one of your favorite in-game moments?

One of my favorite in-game moments was Lilith’s wedding to Opal, it was such a unique moment that has forever changed my PC.

What is your favorite type of NPC to play? Why?

This is probably the hardest question because I love NPCing. Recently though I’ve been having a lot of fun playing different types of ghosts!

What’s your favorite meal from the inn?

I may be too biased to answer this one, lol.

What’s a song on your LARP playlist? Bonus – if you could pick a theme song for your PC, what would it be?

Someone New by Hozier. It’s the song that inspired Lilith’s backstory when I originally wrote it.

What PCs have you played? Let us know who they are in 3 words

Eleanor: Snarky, bard, evil
Lilith Blackthunder: Loyal, hopeful, chaotic

Can you tell us about your current PCs?

My current PC is Lilith Blackthunder, of the Clan Blackthunder of Earthhold. Coming from a large Terran noble family, she found herself in Maplewood after being sent to the surface for the first time to find her smithfather. Not being entirely ready to grow up, Lilith settled down in Maplewood to enjoy her freedom. As the years have passed she’s found a family, faced harsh realities of the surface and uncovered truths about her home below the mountain that are forcing her to try and change Terra for the better. (And for the record she did not kill the King!)

What’s one item your character can’t live without?

Her Drinking Mug. Like any good Terran, she has to be ready to share a drink at any time!

Who is your favorite PC other than yourself? Why?

My favorite PC is Catori (Played by Caitlin Udas). The design details she puts into her costuming, the dedication to her character’s unique personality, and just overall being so fun to interact with makes Catori such an iconic PC.