How to Play

Character Creation

Names in Cascadia

Your given name and surname, together known as your True Name, may be used during backstage events. In the world of Cascadia, however, there is a folk superstition: knowledge of a being’s True Name will give you power over them.

Unsurprisingly, True Names are considered a secret to share with only your most trusted friends. Blend into the world by choosing a Cascadian name for your adventure! Most names in Cascadia are inspired by animals, plants, minerals, or natural phenomena. Honoring a family member by using a part of their name is also common. Take a look through the name bank below for inspiration:

Name Bank

Ash	Aspen	Aster	Autumn	Bowie	Bramble	Briony	Bryn	Calla	Camellia
Clove	Coda	Dash	Dahlia	Dell	Dyer	Eden	Elio	Ember	Fern
Flora	Flint	Foggy	Gale	Geo	Griffin	Harper	Hazel	Heath	Iris
Isla	Ives	Jasper	Jay	Jett	Juniper	Kai	Kit	Kohl	Lark
Luca	Lyric	Marlow	Marsh	Mika	Nestor	North	Nova	Olive	Oleander
Onyx	Orie	Peridot	Piper	Plumeria	Quill	Quince	Rainier	Robin	Rowan
Rush	Ruva	Shae	Skye	Solstice	Steele	Tansy	Tempest	Tidus	Topaz
Umber	Ursa	Vale	Vera	Willow	Winter	Wisteria	Yarrow	Zara	Zephyr

Many Cascadian names are gender neutral, but may be adapted into more masculine or feminine variation if desired: Asher instead of Ash, Skya instead of Skye. Most importantly, choose a name that resonates with you!

Origin

The Realms of Cascadia are vast and populated with a variety of cultures! Choose how you were raised in Cascadia. Consider which culture most closely resembles your own family and home.

Elf

Elven settlements are small and nomadic, including six or fewer families whose entire camp is lightweight and easy to carry. Their culture prizes harmony with nature and artistic pursuits, especially performing arts. Common occupations include traveling traders, couriers, bards, weavers, and herbalists.

Elves hold animist beliefs-- that all creatures, plants, and things carry their own distinct life essence. Elven culture heavily promotes protecting nature and the right for all things to exist.

Dwarf

In ancient times, mining was the main industry of dwarves. However, the stripping of resources from the mountains began to degrade the health of the dwarves themselves, so they retired the practice in favor of crafting. They excel as artisans and makers, but still have the fortitude and awareness of their mining ancestors.

Dwarven culture revolves around caretaking for the mountains they make their home. Mountain living is difficult, and dwarves are raised to be prepared and vigilant for survival situations. They often keep goats.

Finfolk

Long ago, radioactive waters gave rise to mutants with both aquatic and humanoid features. Over time, they evolved stable genomes and established friendly relationships with landlocked societies. Able to breathe and travel by land as well as fresh bodies of water, they tend to specialize in sailing, fishing, and ancient artifact salvage.

Finfolk aren’t always peaceful, however. Their culture considers attacking land-dwellers who pollute or otherwise harm waterways fair game! Younger Finfolk are less accepting of this practice, and may adopt the more progressive course of educating offending land-dwellers.

Human, Nomad

Nomadic humans are common in Cascadia, and have a variety of subcultures based around groups that travel together. These groups tend to number in the single digits, maintaining enormous self-sufficiency. They gravitate towards subtle skills such as stealth, tracking, and camouflage.

Nomads are fiercely loyal to their traveling companions, usually their family members. They aren’t completely anti-social, however, attending monthly gatherings hosted at villages throughout Cascadia on the day and night of the full moon. Here they trade supplies, rearrange travelling parties, and celebrate.

Human, Steampunk

Steampunks are often shunned by other natives of Cascadia for their continued use of steam-powered technology. They live near river ports and old railroad stations, preserving ancient methods of travel. They typically have warm and pleasant manners, and their communities teem with artisans, entertainers, and intellectual thinkers.

Steampunk culture is focused on reusing and repurposing. They prefer to forage or trade for materials rather than fabricating, which leads to many becoming packrats. However, they respect and give back to nature in their own way, continuing scientific studies to heal the earth as well as its inhabitants.

Raised by Animals

You don’t remember your biological parents. A wild creature came across you as a child, lost or separated from your family, and brought you up with their own young. Your upbringing gives you unique survival instincts and appreciation for animals. However, you've found a new challenge in reintegrating with human society.

Etiquette

LARP games are social activities, so arrive ready to interact with others! Below are a few guidelines to promote a positive atmosphere in your game.

Introduce yourself

On the first day, do your best to introduce yourself to as many new people as possible! The more names you know, the easier it will be to overcome shyness and start forging new friendships.

Strive to be friendly and inclusive of others. If you’re already part of an established friend group, try to rope a new Tracker into your conversations.

Hygiene

I know, nobody wants to dwell on the topic of B.O. But after the relaxed standards of quarantine, you’re about to be in close proximity!

Bathing, using deodorant, and brushing teeth are some habits to maintain during camp. In addition, be extra vigilant about washing hands and sneezing into your elbow.

Don’t Be Selfish

This means caring about others’ feelings and striving for a positive experience for all. Actions made “in-character” aren’t excuses for unkindness or hogging attention!

Try to be a good social steward for the community– helping out the organizers on occasion, talking with someone who needs to talk after a game, and being inclusive with other Trackers.

Respect Boundaries (Including Your Own)

Be aware of others’ personal boundaries and respect them during play. If you’re not sure, don’t make assumptions: ask them directly!

Conversely, if you’re uncomfortable with an activity or a teammate’s actions, don’t hesitate to vocalize your discomfort. Have an honest talk with the teammate or seek help from a Guide in resolving the situation.