Chapter 3: Making Characters
Creating a character in Viscentia opens up a world of medieval fantasy, where your choices shape your experience. Whether you wish to rise through the ranks of nobility, establish a thriving trade, or embrace a life of adventure, your character represents your aspirations in this immersive LARP system. This chapter will guide you through the steps to bring your character to life and help you understand how to progress within Viscentia.
Table of Contents
Creating Your Character Profile and Scrolls Account
To get started, you’ll need to create a profile on the Viscentia forums, which also doubles as your character sheet. Visit Viscentia Registration (https://viscentia.com/registration/) and click the Register button to set up your account. Choose your first name carefully, as this will be your character’s temporary name in the game. You’ll have the opportunity to expand or change your name as your character grows in the story.
Your first name should reflect the historical tone of Viscentia, such as “Davos” or “Helga.” Single names without additional descriptors are acceptable for starters, and you can refine your full name as you attend events and gain a deeper understanding of your character’s backstory. Avoid using titles like “King Silvus” or offensive language, as improper names could lead to account rejection.
Once you have played a few local games, you may develop a more intricate name, complete with family ties or titles. Remember to run any name changes by your local group to ensure it fits within the historical context of the game.
Historical and Tribal Names
In Medieval Europe, names were deeply rooted in occupation, lineage, and location. First names often derived from religious figures, mythological beings, or local rulers. Popular names included William (after William the Conqueror) and Catherine (from Saint Catherine), while simpler names like John and Mary were common across Christian societies.
In tribal societies, names had simpler structures but rich meanings. For instance, Wulfgar (combining “wolf” and “spear”) in Germanic cultures or Bjorn (“bear”) in Norse cultures reflected strength or characteristics important to the individual or community.
Viscentia allows you to choose a name that reflects this depth of history, and resources like the Oxford Dictionary of Medieval Names from European Sources or The Surnames of Scotland by George F. Black can be helpful in selecting an authentic name.
Bringing in Characters from Other Game Systems
Viscentia welcomes characters from other game systems. If you have an established character with specific skills, titles, or nobility from another LARP or gaming system, we encourage you to bring those elements into Viscentia. As long as you can provide a historical backdrop and your local group can integrate it into the local lore, you’re welcome to continue your character’s journey.
Even if some aspects of your previous character don’t fit directly, we will still honor your gaming experience by matching your XP and coin count as closely as possible. This ensures that Viscentia recognizes your dedication and allows you to start with an appropriate level of influence and resources.
How to Progress Your Character
Character progression in Viscentia is flexible, allowing you to advance in whatever way suits your goals. You can rise through the ranks of nobility, master a trade, or participate in political intrigue. Your character’s journey is yours to shape.
After setting up your profile, it’s recommended to join a local group or social club at Viscentia Groups (https://viscentia.com/groups/). Participating in group events and familiarizing yourself with local lore will help you immerse yourself in the Viscentia world and develop your character further.
Your First Event & What to Bring
When attending your first Viscentia event, preparation is key. Here are the essentials to bring:
- Your printed profile sheet from Viscentia.
- Extra clothing and a bag for your items, as some events may not have a place to store personal belongings.
- Writing instruments & a notebook—medieval-style materials like parchment are encouraged.
- Identification, waiver, and any payment or pre-registration forms (if required).
- Snacks and water. Some events may provide food, but it’s always best to check event details ahead of time.
- Bug spray. etc. Most events are outdoors, so prepare accordingly.
- LARP weapons, armor, and props, all in good condition. These will be checked by the Host at the start of each day.
What Not to Bring:
- Real weapons. This is a game—only foam weapons are allowed.
- Alcohol or illegal drugs. Some overnight games may allow alcohol, but you’ll need permission from the Host, and you must carry proper identification (21+ only). Always check with the Host ahead of time for alcohol or tobacco regulations.
- A combative attitude. Viscentia isn’t about winning battles; it’s about storytelling. Coming in with the mindset of defeating everyone will likely lead to disappointment. There are many powerful beings that no single character can defeat.
Questing
Another exciting aspect of Viscentia is questing. Hosts often set up quests as a way for players to engage in battles, exploration, lore discovery, or even merchant activities. Quests can sometimes be found on the main scroll boards or announced by the town crier. Participating in quests helps players immerse themselves in the world, contributing to local in-game objectives while earning rewards and recognition in the community.
Quests are an excellent way to help your in-game groups achieve their goals while gaining valuable experience and resources. Be on the lookout for opportunities to embark on quests during your events!
Consider NPCing (Non-Player Character):
If you’re unsure what type of character to play, consider NPCing. As a Non-Profile Character, you might portray a warrior, a town guard, a mage’s apprentice, etc. NPCing allows you to experience a variety of roles without committing to a specific character, and you’ll still earn XP for volunteering. It’s a great way to explore different types of characters and engage in roleplaying in unique ways.
New Character Tips:
As a new player, it’s crucial to understand that actions have consequences. Be mindful of the local laws and the power dynamics within the realm. Insulting a powerful figure—like a Death Knight—may result in swift retaliation.
If you plan to play a thief or a murderer, remember that such characters often have short lifespans. Your character could be caught and permanently killed within a few events if you’re not careful. Get to know the lay of the land and the in-game politics before making bold moves.
Most players will welcome newcomers, and forming alliances early on is a smart strategy. Work together to defeat your enemies, and take time to learn the lore and laws of the land by reading up on the history in the scrolls.
If combat isn’t your style, don’t worry! Non-combat roles are available, and non-combat players are required to wear a yellow or orange band on their left wrist or belt to signify their preference. You can explore, trade, and participate in non-combat quests without being pulled into a battle.
Experience Points (XP)
In Viscentia, Experience Points (XP) measure your character’s progression, tracking how long you’ve been active and how involved you are. XP isn’t spent—it’s accumulated as a marker of your involvement in events and gameplay.
You may need a certain level of XP to take on leadership roles or perform certain actions, like becoming a king or leading a guild. This system recognizes the time and effort you’ve invested in the game, giving you greater influence as your character progresses.
Experience Point Levels
Generally, 1,000 XP is equivalent to one level. Although levels aren’t explicitly used in most gameplay mechanics, they reflect your character’s prestige and activity within the system. The more levels you accumulate, the more weight your character holds in larger decisions and events.
Chest
Your character’s wealth and coin count are tracked through your profile. Coin can be used in both the online forums and at in-person events to buy equipment or props. You can check your coin balance and manage your wealth through the chest feature. Visit Viscentia Chest (https://viscentia.com/chest/) to view, exchange, or convert your currency as needed.
10 copper = 1 Silver
10 Silver = 1 Gold
100 Gold to a Gold Bar
Skills and Abilities
Viscentia does not track character skills through a submission system. Instead, if your character has a skill or trade, you must demonstrate it with props and lore to back up your claim. For example, if your character is a blacksmith, you’ll need to show the appropriate tools and explain how your character learned the craft.
This flexible system allows any character to perform any role, as long as it’s justified within the game’s world and lore. Your ability to roleplay and make your character’s skills believable is key to success in Viscentia.
Summary & Call to Action
In this chapter, you’ve learned how to create your character profile, prepare for your first event, and begin your journey in Viscentia. We’ve covered the importance of historical and tribal names, how characters from other game systems can be integrated, the essentials for your first event, the excitement of **quest
