What is Dragon Thrones in a nutshell?

Dragon Thrones has many features so new players can quickly join a fantastic group of adult players excited about becoming epic heroes in a fantasy realm, vacationing in historic locations, and telling thrilling tales through roleplaying and gaming. Dragon Thrones event features are “opt-in,” meaning YOU choose what YOU want to explore during the weekend adventure! Dragon Thrones is an interactive weekend vacation (for players 21 and over) where you become an original character, creating unforgettable stories! You make impactful game decisions with Game Masters (GMs) and costumed Non-Player Characters (NPCs). Dragon Thrones combines costumed roleplaying with tabletop gaming in extraordinary locations for an all-inclusive fantasy vacation. In the end, you may save the realm to live another day, but through our careful casting, unlike any other event, you will make friends for a lifetime!

What are the rules of play?

Dragon Thrones is a “rules light but story-rich” game with an open-world and flexible plot. Like European theater or parlor Larps (often called “Nordic Larps”), you communicate with other players and plan with GMs before taking significant actions. The goal is to have fun and help others have fun! Even though everyone is working together to tell the best story, this does not mean there is no conflict or combat. Instead, players and GM script scenes and get “consent” from players who want to combat or take risks first. In many ways, this style of interactive roleplaying results in powerful story resolutions because everyone is involved and respected.

Dragon Thrones rules of play include:

• Theater/Parlor Larp: uses collaborative consent-based storytelling rules for character plot progression. This includes ‘light’ Player vs. Player combat (see more below).

• Interactive Physical Questing with Player vs. NPC Monster (Player vs Environment) features are similar to latex weapon combat Larp or convention quests.

• D&D 5E RPG Rules: used for table gaming and map questing in character (more RPG play in winter).

• War & Political Strategy Gaming: for select players who enjoy tactical area control tabletop gaming or model UN modular games (summer only).

• Our games will always use simple rules for that particular feature. Examples: if you opt into combat questing, you will be given cleared weapons, trained, and guided by professionals, or if you enter puzzle space, you may encounter a puzzle master guide, or if you are attending a political high tea with social deduction you will be given the basic rules by an NPC. Our staff is prepared to assist you with having fun at all times!

  Dragon Thrones is a collaborative storytelling event where everyone shares the best possible story.

  Although winning can be satisfying, losing tragically and spectacularly is just as crucial to the story and fun. Your play with others is dictated by what you are comfortable with and what you think would be best for your character, for better (or worse).

Please explain combat

1. Player vs. Player Combat (PvP): Players can combat each other after agreeing (consenting) to PvP combat. A GM first clears PvP combat, and after that, the combat scene takes place in a safe location at the best possible time to progress the story between the combatants and spectators. PvP combat is never random. If desired, it’s taken seriously with the utmost respect for the characters, the historic locations, and a light-touch combat duel with weapons or magic.

2. Player vs. Environment or NPC Combat (PvE): Players can choose to combat NPC monsters and other adversaries. Players are trained on the light touch combat style, given clear and concise instruction, handed an approved weapon, and then permitted to enter areas of our game venues where these enemy NPCs will appear. PvE quests are often a mix of latex weapon combat, magic casting, and puzzles. An experienced staff with decades of storytelling and light-touch combat experience oversees quests.

3. RPG Tabletop Combat: Easy! We wish 5E rules (if you do not play tabletop roleplaying games or are unfamiliar with 5E, no worries - you amazing GMs will teach you with care and patience, and the other players will support you!

4. Note on Death: Your character can die in Dragon Thrones if you choose to engage in features that can threaten your health. If your character perishes, you are sent on a death quest and can return to the game, magically resurrected but permanently changed for the safety of all involved.

What is included in my all-inclusive ticket?

Your ticket covers everything except travel costs and costumes. This includes casting, room & board, meals, drinks/snacks, adult drinks (honey mead, etc.), festivities, thematic photography, pre-event prep in Discord, and more! We believe the value of Dragon Thrones is that, unlike conventions, we cover all your needs in the ticket!

Is the event suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! Dragon Thrones often bridges Larps, RPG gaming, and Ren Faires. The weekend features custom characters and moving plots of a European-style Larp, with the expanded worlds of American tabletop RPG gaming. Add in our light weapon combat and the pageantry and festiveness seen at Ren Faires, and you have a complete fantasy vacation! There is always something for new players to choose from! Weekends are scheduled like a cruise or tour, so you can try what seems most fun for your character!

Do I need a costume?

Yes. But costuming is a personal choice. You are responsible for your costumes. However, we and our eagerly supportive player base will advise on the available costume options! Your Kingdom and character class best determine costumes. Each House has its own rich culture and colors. We can also view photos of costumes you already own to draft a character that fits into (no pun intended) your current garb. Dragon Thrones is judgment-free. You are free to wear comfortable and affordable costumes. We do have a policy that prohibits modern clothing at our events. We ban jeans, athletic gear, loud-colored sneakers, etc. We are happy to consult with you!

May I bring weapons?

No metal weapons of any kind are permitted. Only latex weapons are allowed. Example: https://epicarmoury.com/categories/weaponry/

How are characters created?

Dragon Thrones allows players to create characters using our epic and rich world-building materials. Alternatively, we are happy to provide players with a pre-generated character concept based on their preferences, which they can edit to their liking. The process is collaborative and accessible! The first step is to choose your preferred Kingdom House and Character Class at checkout. If you are new, we will “handhold” you through most of the process. It’s fun! We do not expect you to know how to create a Dragon Thrones character if you’ve never attended an event. You will have an RPG Sheet (5E stats) for tabletop gaming and a LARP Character Sheet for the story to bring to the game and otherwise help you prepare with your Kingdom House or adventure party.

Can I bring a group of friends & family?

If everyone gets a ticket, then yes! We can place you in the same Kingdom (depending on availability) and ensure you do many fun features together. We can even set up your hotel rooms in a group. We are here to ensure that your group has an unforgettable weekend!