Frequently asked questions

I am a parent and want to know more about this?
Is there an age limit to this game?
Do I have to have a costume?
How or what should my character description look like?
Where do I get weapons and can I bring my own?
I just want to visit, I do not want to play. Is that possible?

Is there an age limit to this game?

No there is no official age limit. Everyone who feels that this hobby might interest them is welcome. From experience though, we can tell that children of 10 years or younger have trouble coping alone and are better off attending together with a custodian or teacher.

There is no upper age limit as well. If you think that you are too old to keep up with the younger players running around the forests, just choose a more passive character.

If you are younger than 16 years old you will need a printed and signed parental agreement to join the event. If you have no printer, a written agreement on a A4 sheet will suffice. The form for the parental agreement can be obtained here. The written parental agreement is not necessary if the parent is also attending the event.

Do I have to have a costume?

Although you theoretically could attend Nordic Equinox without a costume, this is not considered a good conduct. Take it as a theme party - friends without a costume are welcome but everyone who puts in some effort will make the event so much more enjoyable for himself and others. It is very easy and cheap to make a simple costume for the event. Instructions and ideas for that can be found ##here## (untranslated - sorry).

Joining a group can possibly be a  good way to obtain a costume or get help making one. The list and description of groups can be found here.

How or what should my character description look like?

Very complex character descriptions are not necessarily needed. But you should have at least a general idea of who and what you are going to be. Your choice of character is entirely up to you, just as your choice of host and/or group. More information about that can be found here.

Your character description should at least contain your characters name, historic background (what area or what age is he from) and maybe his occupation. If you have chosen a specific host or group you can also mention why your character fights for that particular side.

After that everything is up to you and your fantasy. You can add as many details to the description as you feel necessary. Long character descriptions and backgrounds (more than 300 words) should be sent to us by e-mail: info-at-ancalagon-dot-ee. If you e-mail us your character description, just note "Will send with e-mail" into the character description box on the registration form.

Where do I get weapons and can I bring my own?

Larp uses padded/boffered weapon imitations and participants need to have their own weapons.

You can build your weapons yourself or if you are a member of some group, you can ask your group leader about borrowing a weapon. If you do decide to construct your own weapons be sure to follow the safety requierements for weapon imitations, that can be found here - it is VERY important that you read them carefully BEFORE you start building your weapon. If this is your first game we strongly recommend that you build just a simple sword, instructions for that can be found ##here## (once again untranslated - sorry).

If you build your own weapons, we recommend you make 2 or 3 of them and also bring along some spare materials (padding, tape) and tools, for on-the-spot changes or repairs. Weapons break - this is inevitable - sometimes you can repair them, sometimes you have to get a new one. Be prepared for that.

I want to come and just have a look; take pictures; film; visit... etc. I do not want to play. Is this possible?

Yes it is. You must still register for the event and pay the participation fee but you do not have to play if you don't want to.

I am a parent and want to know more about this?

Live action roleplaying event "Nordic Equinox" is held in Estonia, Jõgeva county, at Kassinurme hillfort. To attend, your child must register and pay the participation fee. The organizing body is NPO Ancalagon, main organizer Allan Bernard (+372 55 632 698). The event is held in accordance with the local laws and neseccary permits have been obtained. The event is held successfully for the 7th year, with participants numbering from 100-200. You can learn more about the conditions at the location here.

Estonia is a Eruopean Union country with all the laws and public services associated with a modern democratic society. Althoguh there will be no internet on the event location there is GSM reception and if your child has roaming services activated, phonecalls are no problem. Estonian timezone is GMT/UTC+2 (DLST applies), local currency is EUR. You can learn more about Estonia here.

It is a sporting and entertainment event which is similar to a costume party. The theme is medieval ages and fantasy literature. Majority of the participants are youths (from 14-24 years) but the organizers and a lot of players are also adults. "Nordic Equinox" is a organized event, it has a timetable and specific activites. Every participant (your child included) will be divided into groups, each group has its leader who will coordinate the groups activities. You can find the timetable here.

Most activites involve sports. A lot of it is fighting with padded and safe imitations of medieval weapons. Therefore the event includes elements from light contact sports, playful fighting and acted violence. All the fighting is done, following specific rules and safety instructions and closely observed and supervised by the organizers. You can find the game rules here.

Like every active hobby in wilderness or contact sports, larp has a risk of injury. Considering the scope of the event there have been very few injuries and they have been limited to common sports related injuries: scrapes, bruses, concussions, strained muscules. There is a well stocked first aid kit on the event and persons to administer first aid. If the situation requires it, the nearest town (Jõgeva) is 7km away and has a 24h emergency room and paramedics. The roads to Jõgeva are in very good condition. Estonian emergency response forces are requiered by law to give first aid to anyone who needs it, but its good if you have made arrangements for a international medical insurance or travel insurance for your child.

"Nordic Equinox" IS NOT a youth camp. We don't have caretakers for your child and we do not take responsibility for minors! We do our best to observe the event and prevent accidents but we do not take responsibility for anyone's safety. If you do not trust your child alone to the event, please accompany him/her or appoint a custodian. Parents or custodians must also register and pay the participation fee.

Players under 16 years must have a written permit from their parents to attend the event alone. The form for the parental agreement is here. If you sign this document you agree that your underage child attends this event on his/her own and without any supervision (unless you have appointed a custodian - who must also sign the form).

You can find the house rules for the event here. You can read more about larp here.

For more information feel free to browse this webpage or contact us directly at: info-at-ancalagon-dot-ee