How to Play Wyld West

Wyld West is an immersive Live Action Role-Play (LARP) event where you step into the world of Saxum and bring your character to life. While the game is centred around character interaction, problem-solving, and storytelling, there are some key mechanics that help facilitate the experience and ensure everyone’s safety which are covered later. Here’s an overview of how to play:

Character Creation

The first step in playing Wyld West is to create your character. Think about who they are, what they want, and how they would react in different situations. Create a backstory, reading through the setting provided in The World of Saxum section of this book will assist, choose your character’s Flaw, Archetypes and Sub-Skills as found in the Character Creation section, and decide how they fit into the world of Saxum. Your character is at the heart of your experience.

Role-Playing

Wyld West is all about role-playing. Immerse yourself in your character’s mindset and act according to their personality and goals. Whether your character is a courageous hero or a cunning villain, remain true to their nature, and interact with others as they would.

In-Game Calls

During gameplay, in-game calls, for example “strikedown”, “Rend” or “Fear”, are used to signal certain actions and events. These calls help communicate what’s happening in the game world and how your character should respond. Please see the In Game Calls section of this book for a full list.

Combat and Conflict

As part of playing in the game you will very likely encounter moments where combat may be necessary—whether it's a heated argument that escalates into a fight or a deadly shootout at dawn. Her are a few points to note on combat:

Live Action Combat: Combat in Wyld West is done with LARP-safe weapons (e.g., foam swords, cap guns). Always follow the safety rules for combat—whether it’s in a duel or a skirmish.
Combat Calls: Pay attention for Out of Character Calls which can happen., especially “First Aid” which is the call for when a player is actually injured and needs medical attention. See the Out of Character Calls section for a full list.
Death and Injury: If your character is “killed” in combat, you’ll need to follow the rules for Death and Dying. This is an opportunity to create a new character or re-enter the game in a different way.

Respecting Others

Wyld West is a game where everyone should feel welcome and respected. While your character may have rivalries, conflicts, or personal drama with others, it’s important to remember that the experience is for everyone’s enjoyment. Keep interactions positive and respectful, both in-character and out-of-character.

Safety and Injury

Safety is our top priority. During combat or physical actions, always use controlled, safe movements. If you or someone else is injured, stop immediately and check that everyone is okay. The referees and staff are there to assist in case of any accidents, so please be aware of your surroundings and play responsibly.

Staying in Character

The immersion of Wyld West relies on staying in character throughout the event. This means acting, speaking, and thinking as your character would, even when you’re interacting with other players. If you need to step out of character, please do so discreetly and in designated areas to maintain the experience for others.

If in Doubt, Ask a Referee

If you ever find yourself uncertain about the rules, what to do next, or how to handle a particular situation, don't hesitate to ask a referee. They are there to help ensure everything runs smoothly and to answer any questions you may have.

By following these basic guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to having an exciting and immersive experience in Wyld West. Don’t forget, the choices you make help create the story—this is your chance to shape the world around you!