Mark Lester (left) with his group LARPing in Riverside Park in February, 2022.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Amtgard-Barony Of Ominous Valley

Grownups dressed in medieval costumes, carrying prop swords and shields can be seen running through the trees at Riverside Park in Kamloops every Saturday.

They are LARPing, that is, Live Action Role-playing, and they love it.

“We play out medieval fantasy adventures where we can whack each other with weapons like in dungeons and dragons but we do it for real,” said long-time LARPer, Mark Runebeard Lester. “I will never get too old to have fun.”

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The activity includes creative costume and set design, and story elements and quests, where the participants physically portray their characters. Lester joined the Kamloops group, Amtgard-Barony Of Ominous Valley, in 2014. He said interest in LARPing has grown over the years with more members from all walks of life are joining in the fun. 

“We have almost thirty members showing up regularly,” he said. “It is an amazing community of people who just want to have a good time. But it is more than that. It is a supportive, inclusive group where strong friendships are made.”

A LARPing group in Riverside Park, Kamloops in February, 2022.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Amptgard-Barony Of Ominous Valley

The players pursue goals within a fictional setting represented by real-world environments, while interacting with each other in character. Event arrangers decide the setting and rules to be used and facilitate play.

“We tend to use Lord of The Rings stylization,” Lester said. “Generally the leadership changes every six months bringing fresh, creative fantasy themes and quests. Recently our quest was to capture a caravan of orcs.”

Each player creates their own character and play goes on year round in rain, snow and shine.

“Characters are up to the individual,” he said. “I go by Runebeard, a character off of Dungeons and Dragons. Some people change their names but I’ve kept mine for years. Playing in different weather adds unique challenges.”

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When asked how grownups role-playing games in the park is received by the public, Lester said onlookers cheer.

A LARPing group in Riverside Park, Kamloops in February, 2022.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Amptgard- Barony Of Ominous Valley

“People clap and honk and wave at us when they see us,” he said. “We have too much fun for anyone to really get us down. Most times, people are interested to know what we are doing. For those that think they are too old to play they should know you are never too old, and anyone can do it.”

Games can run from half an hour to over two hours long and are free. Beginners are encouraged to show up and will be provided with loaner equipment.

“Plenty of lifelong relationships have been made here,” he said. “It is common to bring along your significant other. All ages, backgrounds, genders and sizes, etc are welcome.”

Lester said the group is putting up posters around the community, inviting one and all to show up at Riverside Park on March 26 to meet the group at a barbeque, where hotdogs will be on sale by donation.

For more information on the group or the  barbeque, click here.

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