Live Action Role-playing is a wonderful way to enhance practical skills, social skills, and overall creativity. One example close to home is the Refuge LARP out of Calgary.
What is LARP?
LARP or live-action roleplaying is an immersive game with the storytelling of traditional role-playing games such as D&D, Pathfinder, Gamma World and D6.

Like traditional roleplaying games where one creates a character within the specifications of the game rules, and plays out that character’s thoughts, actions, and phrases. However, in a LARP, it’s merely live action. This means that you act out the motivations, and actions, roleplaying what your character would do in any given situation. From combat to diplomacy to adventure to friendship, there are all kinds of situations to advance the characters’ storyline.
No matter where the thrill of adventure and imagination can be found. There’s a story for everyone in a LARP game.
Introducing Refuge LARP Calgary
“Being a Hero is what LARP is all about,” explains the organizers, “Take on a role as a daring fighter, a dashing rogue, a powerful scholar casting magic or a combination of the three!”
The LARP website explains, “Our story focuses on our players as high-fantasy heroes pitted against seemingly insurmountable odds. Many times, they are victorious, but other times, well, that remains to be seen.”
LARP or Live Action Role Playing Games are an immersive roleplaying game played in person instead on paper. Refuge LARP Calgary is one of the longest running campaigns in Alberta. Starting the LARP in 2011, they’ve gained quite a following for the immersive fantasy game.
The Story of the Game
The story that’s the background for all roleplaying within the game is based on the mythical land of Calandonia. About the size of Europe theoretically, it provides a huge level of exploration for the characters. This land is the main area for game play and the most prominent of the world’s realms. It’s the seat of power.
There’s an overarching storyline with many different facets. There are many ways to engage with the storyline. From simple encounters with a goblin in the woods to more intricate engagement with the arch mage and grand council. The political ties between them makes it even more interesting including arch mage, grand council, and the Dwarven Enclave to name only a few of the participating rulers.
Joining meta organizations or Organizations that your character may join provides another way to engage with the material. These include The Home Guard 2.0: The Arcane Sanctum 2.0: The Silken Refuge: The Uruzaries: and Hammer Outfitters: to name a few.
Refuge LARP Calgary Prep Playlist
Don’t hesitate to check them out. If you want some inspiration, here’s a LARPing playlist to get you in the LARPing mood!!
Medieval Fantasy Background Music By Realm of Dementia
Epic & Powerful Fantasy Music By Mortifer V.
Dark Chocolate and Classical Music By Sundew Baggins
Medieval Fantasy Tavern By Daydreaming of Persephone
An Epic Ride By Blue Turtle
Magic Bookstore in The Woods (Iroh’s Bookstore) By The Vault Of Ambience
Tree Temple By Ambience Lab
Exoplanet Nature II By Michael Ghelfi Studios
Dark Atmospheric Music from The Shadowlands By Cryo Chamber
Up To the Mountains By Unwind Station
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