Events: ZenkaiLARP

What is "LARP"? It stands for "Live-Action Role Play", a game where you'll be playing as your favorite anime and manga characters. Hundreds are available for you to play! The game will run the course of the convention, featuring an overarching plot and scheduled events, so you can attend as much or as little as you like. LARP is not a cosplay event, meaning you do not need to be in costume to attend. You don't even need to be dressed as the character you'd be playing. But if you want to, you're more than welcome to!

Character pre-registration is now open! Pre-registration for your character is not necessary to play, but if you're interested in a specific character, you can reserve then ahead of time. We will still have plenty of characters available at the convention – our database has thousands of anime and manga characters to choose from!

If you'd like to pre-register a character, please send an email to zenkaiLARP@gmail.com with the following information:

  • Your full name and e-mail address.
  • Your top 3 character choices and the series they're from, in order of preference. At the moment we only accept characters from anime and manga, as well as video games. However, video game characters are only available by pre-registration. You will not be able to pick one at the con.
  • We do not accept fan-made characters, your own original characters, etc. We only play with characters whose sheets we create, made to be used with our system.
  • Cosplay is not necessary to LARP. You're free to do so if you like, but you don't need to be dressed as the character you wish to play. You can even be in a different costume.
  • Character choices are always subject to approval of the LARP staff. If there is a problem with your choice, we'll work something out with you.

Character registration for characters not currently listed in the databasewill only be open until Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 11:59PM. Registration for available characters will continue until Friday, April 13 at 11:59PM. A list of available characters can be seen here: http://ireneknapp.com/neko/ Please ignore any "registered to" names. They are from Nekocon's past LARP and do not apply to Zenkaikon.

The following characters have been reserved by the GMs for plot use, and will not be available to the players:

  • Pope Alessandro XVIII - Trinity Blood
  • Archbishop Enrico Maxwell - Hellsing
  • Nicholas D. Wolfwood - Trigun
  • Ren Nekoyashiki - Rental Magica
  • Ginko - Mushi-shi
  • Nyanko-sensei - Natsume Yuujinchou

ZenkaiLARP is played using the Nexus game system. An informational meeting will be held early on Friday of the convention about game mechanics, and the LARP staff will always help show you how to play! Check your schedule for meeting times. If you have any other questions, feel free to send an email to zenkaiLARP@gmail.com. Also join http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/zenkaiLARP/ which is the game mailing list. We'll have information, and updates leading up to the game!

Below is a little plot teaser for this year's game. Enjoy!

We come before you today to beseech all the faithful for your help and support in these dark and terrible times. For too long have these so-called "spirits" lurked in the shadows, terrorizing humankind for their own gain. We do not deserve to live in constant fear of these demons and monsters, and pray that you will help band together in support of us in finally vanquishing the Earth of these horrible creatures. We will need everyone in order to banish this scourge permanently. It is only this way that we will be able to reach peace in our lifetime. Think of the child huddling in his bed, not sure what that might be tapping on his window at night. Think of the lone woman walking home at night, unaware of what slithers in the shadows right near her feet. Think of the little girl out in the forest with her friends, who takes one wrong turn and is never seen from again. It will be through our efforts that people will feel safe outside once again, living the life that God has given to them. Please look deep into your hearts - we know you will make the right choice.

His Holiness
Pope Alessandro XVIII
For thousands of years, we have existed and lived our lives in harmony with the spirits. But humans fear what they do not understand, and because of this, the spirits are being threatened. The Order of the Light has been nothing but unreasonable and unaccommodating, and will not listen to anything we say. They have damned us all and have sworn to destroy us utterly. We will not stand for this, and must defend ourselves and the land against these tyrants. We must stand together for what we know is right, that we know that this Earth needs us as much as we need the Earth. Without the spirits, nature will fall apart, so we must rise together to save our history, our culture and our lives. We need to either make the Order understand our intentions, or declare war upon them. Spirits, the Order, and all of humankind have to share this land or we will all perish together. We know you will make the right decision and fight the good fight with us.

Ren Nekoyashiki
Executive Director, Astral