==== Introduction ==== 
Live Action Role-Playing is a unique hobby. It combines the theater of the mind with the activity of a physical sport, improvisation with emotional role-playing, and exciting escapades with heroic last stands. Compared to tabletop games, video games, or even virtual reality, nothing comes close to the excitement of actually engaging in physical combat against an opponent or being chased through a forest at night by a monster hunting your character. 
My first LARPing event was back in 1996, and even as a teenager I was immediately transported to an incredible world where I could try things I’d never imagined before. This is the only hobby I’ve enjoyed continuously across more than two decades. Although the games I’ve played have changed over the years, that moment of excitement when I first inhabit another character’s worldview has never faded. LARPing has allowed me to stretch my communication and emotional aptitude far beyond what I could ever try in “real life”, and I credit this hobby with giving me the Skills I use daily in my professional job. I can’t recommend it enough to those who are ready to stretch themselves in a safe and supportive environment. 

When someone tries LARPing, they push themselves in interesting ways that they might never have the opportunity to do otherwise. Perhaps they’ve always wanted to take on a leadership role and never worked up the courage or been given the opportunity to do so in their regular life. Maybe they’ve always imagined sneaking around in a dark field and proving their mettle in daring escapes, or they love the idea of conjuring powerful magics and saving the day. When LARPing, they can try all of these things and more – they can practice their bartering Skills, seek to outwit those around them, or build a group that helps everyone work together to stave off the destruction of an entire society. They can enjoy these and thousands of other experiences which are more immediate and impactful than any other activity they’ve ever tried. 

While REFUGE inherits from and pays homage to several other LARPs and gaming systems across the US and internationally, it brings a flavor and community uniquely its own. The REFUGE player base is welcoming and open to new players, whether they’ve LARPed for decades or are ready to try out their first event. If you’ve never tried this hobby before, I encourage you to give it a shot with REFUGE – there’s nothing that quite compares to what LARPing can give you. 

This Rulebook serves to introduce you to REFUGE and provides options to play a variety of customizable characters. It provides both the basic nuts and Bolts of how to play as well as examples of how the game looks in practice, whether you want to play a character of your own or try your hand at helping guide the story of the game as a monster or role-playing foil to the other players. Either way, REFUGE LARP serves as a pathway to an enjoyable and enriching gaming experience with a welcoming community. I hope to see you at an event soon!

-Bryan Gregory