Jared’s the Intern, which means he’s really good at coming up with unnecessarily complicated solutions to easy problems. He idolizes Ramses, worships Karen, owes a life debt to Matt, and is in a perpetual blood feud with Robert. To assault him with words, you can reach him at jaredlightle@gmail.com or Tweet him @HealthyLumbrjck.
I have a confession to make. I’ve hidden a part of my past for too long.
I used to fight in the park with foam swords.
While I'm not actually in this picture, rest assured I would have whipped all their asses
Yes, friends, it’s true. And I’m ashamed for having kept this from you. If it were not for the recent Podcast regarding Geek Shame, I fear I wouldn’t have had the courage to step forward.
Actually, I want to be COMPLETELY honest: fighting in the park with foam swords was AWESOME. Back in high school, me and my gaming buddies played Amtgard. Believe it or not, I actually discovered the game via a notecard posting on my local gaming shop’s bulletin board–who knew those things actually work.
If you happen to know much about Amtgard, unfortunately you probably have a pretty negative opinion of it. Even traditional gamer think of Amtgard as “too far” on the nerdy spectrum. In a nutshell, Amtgard consists of players crafting foam weapons and garb, developing characters with classes and distinct abilities, and engaging in mock combat governed by rules (pretty similar to virtually every conceivable childhood sword fight–if you’re struck in the arm, you lose the use of that arm). Players earn experience based on the number of events they attend, and leveling up granted additional abilities.
I know, it sounds really nerdy. And it is. The movie Role Models actually brought the concept into the mainstream, but I don’t know if it did the Amtgard community any favor in terms of reputation.
But I’ll tell you what I do know–I always had a great time playing. I wouldn’t say my world revolved around our Wednesday and Sunday sessions, but I spent an awful lot of time making swords out of golf club shafts and camping foam. I met new people–genuinely GOOD people. And I got a helluva lot of exercise.
People would drive by and honk. I overheard more snickers from couples strolling past. Mockery was commonplace. Unfortunately, I let the misconceptions of others get to me, and I rarely admitted in mixed company that I played–even though it was something I loved.
Wait, there are girls that do this stuff, too?!
No more, though! I’ve never once regretted playing Amtgard…so why should I be afraid to admit it? And shame on the people who make fun of other people for doing what they love. Everyone needs an outlet.
You used to what!?!?!? Really though, kudos to you, Jared. While there is very definite in-fighting among the geek community as to how far is too far and everyone draws their own personal lines, it is important to own your geekhood.
Admittedly, LARPing has always interested me, but it is a matter of self confidence that holds me back. While I am becoming more confident in my role as a geek, there is still a big part of me that can’t handle being judged or mocked. I know I shouldn’t care, but, that’s how it goes. But good on you and other LARPers for bucking the judgement of “normies.”
Oh, and Role Models is awesome, plus, I really want to watch Darkon.
I’ve been LARPing once, although they called it something different since it was really just people getting together to fight with foam swords and no actual role playing. It was a lot of fun, but some of the guys there made the whole thing a little off putting. While I did enjoy the sword fighting aspect of it, I just don’t see ever getting in to a version that has levels. I am way too competitive to allow some guy that barely has the strength to lift his foam sword “kill” me because he is 15 levels higher than me.
Props to Jared! I’ve LARPed a couple of times. Played in a few IFGS games here in Colorado, and I was basically an NPC for a Vampire LARP for an organization in town. Many moons ago, I was in a Top Secret game as a Driver (mainly because I was the only one with a car)
I have a link to Dan (from Gamerstable) talking about fighting with foam weapons.
You might want to check it out before doing it again Jared.
Just sayin’.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZECvMTCAwU
That is just heinous, why would anyone do that? I guess that is one to become the “king” if no one wants to play with you and your piss mace anymore.
@Eric…I’m not sure if that makes me want to abandon the hobby…or just start wielding my own “masterwork maces”.
@Temmogen I think I’d actually give Vampire a shot with the right group. Problem is…it’s hard to find the right group.
@Matt It helped that my entire gaming group was doing it with me. I would have been very self-conscious otherwise. It’s pretty remarkable how little you care what strangers think when you’re having fun with your 4 best friends.
@Robert You’re missing the joy of being able to legally commit battery against an annoying kid who throws nerf fireballs at you. When he misses…foam bastard vindication is a helluva drug.
Jared how can i like you even more than i already do! Dude thats awesome and people should never be ashamed for the fun, interactive stuff they do. Especially if its out of our comfort zones, thats how we grow and learn as humans! I’ve never LARPd but have fought matt and robert with wooden weapons in my back yard, they’re really good and BTW wood really hurts! Great article!