Why LARP at Labyrinthe?
We asked some of our club members why they come to our club, and what they love about it, hopefully to inspire you to come and try a new player game now that the fest-LARP season is over.
"LARPing at Chislehurst Caves is an unforgettable experience that combines the best elements of fantasy role-playing with the unique setting of a historic underground labyrinth. The caves’ atmosphere is unmatched, providing an immersive and authentic experience for LARPers of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to the world of LARP, Chislehurst Caves offers an opportunity to lose yourself in a different world, surrounded by like-minded adventurers. This venue turns a fun hobby into an extraordinary adventure that lingers in memory long after the game ends."
"Labyrinthe was my first delve into the forbidden kingdom of LRP and got me hooked. It’s a place that runs regularly not just around specifically chosen weekends in summer so I can always get my fix but also more accessible without prior planning as time opens up. I’ve met the widest range of people from every walk of life and made life long friendships as a result which I think you’d struggle to get at other LRP clubs. Versus other systems I’ve tried Labyrinthe has an always going play style so where some fests have seen me bored of sitting around waiting for the next challenge there is always another encounter to keep you busy! For those with a love of complex games that keep you thinking and on your feet as well as active and engaged with dungeon there’s nothing like it."
"Initially we went to Birmigham, the alleged home of treasure trap the first sensible LARP system. It was fun but missing something. Then we were told about Labyrinthe. It has its own permanent site. It is underground so weather proof. Owners over the years have bult rooms and areas to represent different things from two taverns and even a two story house and many more. Because it is its own site we don’t need to cater for those who don’t know what we are doing constantly walking past and asking us thus breaking our immersion. Another great facet is that because it has been running for forty years there are a lot of cool props, costumes, weapons and so on that allow a referee’s imagination to come to life more visibly. It is a game and experience that many different people of all ages can enjoy and experience together. I am so pleased to have been introduced to this, the most intriguing, immersive and detailed LARP system that exists. (probably)"
"Labyrinthe is a system I enjoy because if its three great pillars: Community, gameplay and customizability.
The gameplay itself takes you on a journey. Not just a fantasy advenure through an epic cave system, but it's a system that grows with you. When you start, the system is simple enough to grasp: wizards cast spells, warriors take and give out damage, scouts sneak about and find treasure, all the classics. But you grow with your character, you find what kind of wizard you want to be, or if you want to be a spiritual warrior or a grizzled mercenary. The system gets gradually more complicated, and gradually less forgiving, sure, but at the same pace you, the player, get the experience to meet it.
The customizability is unrivaled. I have friends who play sea-nature-elf-pirate-soldiers, ratfolk necromancers with their vampire ogre bodyguard and shadow elf assassin butlers. In any other system, you could play it, sure, but it'd be a dab of face paint and a backstory. In the caves it matters, hugely, who your character is and what they can do, because no two characters are alike, and the sytem gives actual meaningful mechanics to every starting character combination, and every experience point spent.
Finally, the thing that makes the caves come alive is the community. A lot of systems talk a big game about it, but Labyrinthe has folk who have been in the system since the 80s who are still every bit as welcoming, insightful and helpful to new players as they could ever be. I've never been told I'm asking a stupid question when asking about the rules, allways been supported when asking advice on choosing abilities, and allways been warmly welcomed to every event I've been too. Community is what makes any game, and community is what has kept me coming to the caves to play Labyrinthe."
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