LARP!

"The Larping Quest"

If someone wanted to know what Franciscan University was about, one would likely tell them about the Summer Conferences, Households, and the Catholic atmosphere. All of these things are Unique to Franciscan University, and it gives it an identity.

Another way to find out about the campus is by just stepping foot on it. The best way to truly experience Campus life is by being here, for all the sights and sounds. No weekend brings more people then Homecoming weekend, and the St. Francis Festival. Every October, Franciscan celebrates the Founder of the Franciscan Order, St. Francis himself, and with this festival, the attractions on campus are many.

One attraction that causes mixed emotions from students is the now famous, or to some, infamous, L.A.R.P., which stands for Live Action Role Playing.

What is this L.A.R.P.?

It is a battle of will, passion and glory, a fight for honor... Well, that is how it is described by the actual participants. To an onlooker though? It would be better described as College-aged men hitting one another with foam swords and battle axes.

A consistent Larper, someone who partakes in Live Action Role Playing, would say that appearance is not everything and that it is not just "some game." Though the average person might see it as that, the Larper's put hours of practice into swinging around their weapons, preparing for the battles that lie ahead. When the St. Francis festival arrives, they are ready.

The campus is filled with families coming to see their kids, and also some trying to convince their younger children to look at Franciscan. The Larper's are well aware, and they showcase their talents for all to see. To some, and I'd say a select some, this is very appealing, and the children watch, hoping to one day partake. To most though, this is seen as very weird, and not something one goes home and talks about. A campuses appearance can make or break someone attending that school, and in most people's opinion, the Larping is not shedding a good light on what Franciscan is about. But regardless, the battles go on.

With each slash, jab, blow, and swing, a battle rages on, with one side partaking in the glories of victory, and the other, suffering a humiliating defeat.

What all Franciscan Larper's must remember is, St. Francis once fought the good fight, and so they are, in a way, following in his footsteps. Win or Lose the battle, something is to be gained, be it glory or humiliation. St. Francis said, "Up until this point, we have done nothing." Larper's must have that mindset before every fight, and fight for glory, regardless of what others might think of their foam weapons.

Fight for God, fight for glory, and above all else, fight with foam!

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