Non Combatants

A Non-Combatant, often referred to as a "Non Com," is an out-of-character term used for players who choose not to participate in physical combat but still wish to attend and engage in the event.

Choosing to be a Non Com is entirely up to the individual, and they are under no obligation to explain their decision to anyone, including event staff or other players. Whether due to personal preference, health reasons, or a desire to explore other aspects of the game, each player has the right to participate in the event in the way that feels best for them.

However, we do ask that you inform the event organisers or a member of staff that you are a Non Com. This will help the Wyld West team keep you out of physical combat as best as we can.

What is Physical Combat?

Physical combat in LARP refers to roleplayed physical violence. This can include:

Being attacked with LARP-safe melee or thrown weapons.
Religious rites or other in-game effects that cause damage or require you to fall over (such as "Strike Down").
However, this does not include gunfights unless the gunshot is accompanied by a call that requires you to fall over, such as "Strike Down."

What Non Coms Must Do at Events

They must not actively engage in physical combat.
If they find themselves in physical combat, or feel they are about to be, they must raise their hand and clearly say, "Non Com." (See Out-of-Character Calls for a full explanation of what a 'Hand in the Air' signifies.)
If their attacker responds to "Non Com" by saying, "I'm going to attack you" or something similar, the Non Com must move to the nearest safe space. This could mean sitting or lying on the ground, or if that is not possible, leaning against a tree or similar structure.
Their character will then be reduced to 0 hit points and must begin their death count. (Remember, you are conscious for the first half of your death count and can call for help.)
If they feel they are about to be involved in another physical combat situation while performing their death count, they should pause the count, move to a new safe location, and then resume the count from where they left off.

Example Scenario

A Non Com is out in the woods when they spot a bloodthirsty bandit 100 feet away, charging at them with a knife.
The Non Com pulls their gun and fires a few shots, but the bandit calls "No Effect," meaning the shots do nothing.
The Non Com, realising the bandit is now only 15 feet away and likely to hit them in moments, raises their hand and says, "Non Com."
The bandit, determined to attack, replies, "I'm going to attack."
The Non Com, keeping their hand raised, walks over to a tree and leans against it.
They then lower their hand and begin their death count.
Since they are still conscious in the first half of their death count, they shout for help, and their friends rush over to heal them.

How to React to a Player Declaring Themselves Non Com

Any player who has openly declared themselves to be under the Non Com rule must not be specifically targeted by any physical attack as defined above.

If you wish to continue attacking a player who has declared themselves Non Com, you must clearly say, "I'm going to attack you," but under no circumstances should you physically engage them.

Mass Combat

There will be times at Wyld West when mass combat involving the majority of people on site will occur. We will make every effort to accommodate Non Coms and allow them to be involved as best we can. However, there may be times when it is not practically or safely possible to include Non Coms in certain battles.

We apologise in advance if this happens. Any such decision will be made for safety reasons, as we want to ensure no one is injured during the event. If you are unable to participate in a large-scale battle, we will do our best to involve you in another part of the game.

Questions or Concerns?

If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions about this process, please speak to a member of staff. We are here to facilitate your game and ensure you have an enjoyable experience.