Well, you've taken the first step - you've decided to learn more about Amtgard. But where to begin? This page should answer all of your basic questions, and there are reference links at the bottom of the page for more information.
WHAT IS AMTGARD?
Amtgard is a group of people who like the medeval time period and like to roleplay. There are fighters and non fighters in Amtgard, although fighters are much more common.
WHAT DO YOU FIGHT WITH?
You can make an Amtgard version of just about any weapon that was available in medeval times. All weapons are padded so that no serious injuries can occur and that they do not hurt to be hit with. The most common weapon to use is a sword, which come in varying lengths to suit your needs. All weapons are made by players, which is part of the fun. You can also make shields and armour to assist you on the field.
CAN I GET HURT?
There is always the possibility, but Amtgard weapons are required to be padded in such a way that injuries are rare and minor. For example, all weapons are made to be too large to fit into a person's eye socket so that no one's eye can be injured. Most injuries occur from things like people tripping and falling.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Amtgard is free to participate in. The only costs you will have are the materials for your weapons. There are optional dues of $1.00 a month, which get you a vote in important matters in the kingdom, but matters like that are rare and often do not affect small groups.
WHERE DO YOU MEET?
We meet in two different locations in the city of Toronto: in Scarborough, at Thomson Park, on Sundays at 1pm, and downtown, at Rosdale Valley Park, on Tuesdays at 5pm. Check the locations link above for more information.
WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE COMING TO PLAY?
You should read through the rules enough to understand the basics, i.e. what strikes count and do not count, how fights are generally run, etc. You should take a look through the different classes and choose one that you would like to play. This class can be changed later if you find you do not like the class after all, but you will start your new class with no rank, so try to choose a class you think you'll like. Try to have a rough idea of your persona; at least a name is essential before you come to the park. Don't worry about weapons, the group has spares and it would be best to get a look at some proper weapons and figure out what you like and don't like in a weapon before trying to make some of your own (you don't want to buy all sorts of nice materials just to be told that you can't use your sword because it isn't legal to use!). If you want to get in touch with someone before you come out to join us and you were not referred to us by anyone in the group in particular, feel free to contact our new player contact at livethelegend@twilightpeak.ca!
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW?
Just keep in mind that every single person that you meet in Amtgard was once new to the game, as you are now. They didn't know how to make a sword or shield, they weren't good at fighting, and they had to learn by doing, just as you will. That being said, this group is very welcoming and friendly, so as long as you are willing to learn they will all be more then willing to help you learn.
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