Yeah, so I killed like 3 people, but I also died about 20 times.

(Photo courtesy of http://www.bobafettm.com/eryndor/page_joining/joining.htm, Dagorhir players from the 1980's - check out those weapons XD)

A little confused by the title? Assuming I must be talking about some bizarre game?

Damn straight.

For those of you who have never heard of LARPing (Live Action Role Playing), it's time you learned.
In the late 70's, a group of friends in Maryland got together, dressed up, made some foam weaponry, and proceeded to beat the crap out of each other. Why? Because it's an amazing way to kill time, as well as each other (or at least pretend to, of course).
While it is a full contact sport (yes, it is a sport), there are strict safety regulations and a large set of rules regarding weaponry and how you may strike your opponent. Weapons, garb (the costumes) and of course, the number of people involved, have all evolved and changed. There are hundreds of thousands of players world-wide.

I just recently got involved, though I'd known about related activities for years and wanted to try it for some time now - and now I'm hooked. For those of you who think it's dorky or lame, I'd like you to consider that while many Dagorhirrim (as players are called) are teenager-early 20's age range and are indeed interested in "geek" activities such as D&D, Renaissance Fairs and the like, many are also ex-military, practitioners of martial arts, actors and other interesting characters. You are, if you have no battle experience whatsoever, likely to get your ass kicked several times at your first practice... but those there will also take the time to show you what you're doing wrong. Not only will you learn something about fighting with a sword (and come on, who doesn't want to do that?) but you'll also meet some really unique people, have a good time, and experience something something solid and energetic however imaginary the idea may be.
You create a persona, you put on their clothes, you pick up a weapon, and you charge onto the field of battle - perhaps to watch a movie and eat pizza later at your guild leader's house.
It's a fantastic mix of history, fantasy and original creation, with warrior types ranging from Pirates, to elves, to orcs, to Romans to Samurai, with a wide array of techniques and fighting styles, costumes, languages and tight-woven groups of comrades and an open-arms approach to welcoming new players.
Interested but don't know if there's a chapter in your area? Google Dagorhir or visit the official national website here, and check out whether or not there's a recognized chapter or unit that you can hook up with. Don't want to play, but still interested? That's fine too - this is some really fun stuff to watch. Sympathizers - people who like to be involved but not actually fight - are also welcome to become part of the story line and join in in events such as Ragnarok, the annual upcoming gathering of 1000+ Dagorhirrim in Ohio to battle it out, camp out and hang out. No unit or chapter in your area? Don't fear! Contact the High Council (emails available at the website) about starting one up yourself. It's easier than it might sound, and a good deal of fun as well.

To give you an idea of how fun this can be, here's a short 5 min and some "documentary" on Dag. Sums it up pretty well. And oh - yeah. Watch for the guy that falls down at the very beginning. >:D
Enjoy


And a rather spiffy (if a bit un-energetic) student commercial for Dag.