The Agora

Bannor · Emperor Pro Tem Joined: 27 Mar 2007 Posts: 34

Joining Laconia and Laconian Citizenship
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Welcome to Laconia!!! Or as the Greeks say "Chairetismata!"

In The War Room boards citizens have been discussing creating a Helot Handbook for new members, but until we complete it I feel some of the information needs to be available so I want to post it here. Please post any commemts or other ideas for things as new Laconians or new LARPers in general that you were wondering about.

Skip/Bannor
(this is important stuff from the old boards please read)

Bannor · Emperor Pro Tem Joined: 27 Mar 2007 Posts: 34

What is a Laconian?--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is Laconia all about, and what does it mean to be a Laconian?

Laconia is an ever growing circle of friends that like to fight with padded weapons, and share an intrest in fantasy and history. We play out our adventures in real life through full contact padded wepons fighting and live action role playing.

Laconia's misson statement is "Keeping the ancient warrior spirit alive today." Laconia is based on ancient Greece. Laconia is the modern name given to the southern part of the Peloponese where ancient Sparta was located, in ancient times called Lacedomia. The Spartan's represent the first great warrior traditon in western civiliztion, and we as neo or new Spartans aim to live up to their reknown as elite warriors with indominable spirits. Laconia is also imbued with a good deal of "Alexander worship" as the ideal of the adventurer spirit, and his vision for a united world through conquest, empire, and enlightenment. Laconia is an amalgamation of what was best of the ancient and fantasy worlds giving players the ability to choose many different paths to develope their game personas.

Bannor · Emperor Pro Tem Joined: 27 Mar 2007 Posts: 34

Geography
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Laconia is A southerly, tropical Land. We have many beaches, jungles, forests, deserts and several ports. Our lands lie south of the Broccolli Forest, west of the Forgotten Ones, a viking clan, and east of Rokugon, a samurai clan.
Much of our land was once inhabited by the elves of Sildaren G'waith, our Mount Olympus was once thier capital. It is not uncommon to see elves among the mostly human populace here, although not all of them hail from this race.

Settlements and Places of Interest

Neo Sparta - Once the capital of Laconia, this was the first city of our people. Most helots reside, and are trained here. This city is an excellent example of ancient greek architechture, with many corinthian columns and breathtaking temples and theatres.

Tharropolis - The Black City, the current capital of Laconia, this heavily fortified city is said to be inpenetrable. Home of the Kings of Laconia, the council meets here. Also a greek styled city, but most of the buildings are made from onyx and obsidian, the blackness a tribute to our Lion God, Tharros. A giant spire with the likeness of Tharros stands proudly at the center of the great city.

Argyle - This village of celtic immigrants is presided over by Connar McStonebeard, and is friendly to it's elven neighbors. The greatest brewery in Laconia is here, although it has been attacked by goblins several times.

Argos - City of Intrigue, was once ruled by the Hobbit Shapwin, but a series of events caused him to lose control of the city (and his mind), and it is now ruled by Phobos, one of the Lawbringer clan. Now an orderly prosperous port, it was once a home for thieves and dark wizards.

Shadowgrave Keep - Little is known of Sinvarien's home, and he likes to keep it that way. Located in an area known as the Southern Cross, it is surrounded by a foul swamp, and even fouler creatures. Unauthorized travel here is FORBIDDEN. (rumored to now lie in ruins, which from the way things were there before is an improvement)

Temple of Delphi - Home of the Oracle, Elektra, this is the prime Temple of Laconia.

Mount Olympus - The only mountain in all of Laconia, this is a serene and divine place for worshipping the gods.

Guar-Noss - Home of the Mud Elves, this forest lies just northwest of Argyle. The free spirited wild elves here refer to themselves as "Mud" elves, because of their mixed heritage.

Bronze Guardia - Home of the Bronze Guardians, this city acts as a port and embassy to the international society of Bronze Guardians.

Northern Provinces - Home to many elven and Half elven, as well as humans, these sparsely populated areas are ripe for development.

Ithica/Eastern Shore - The eastern shore of Laconia has been heavily fortified, and is watched by the port town of Ithica, another spartan settlement.

Laconia is always growing! Many of these settlements are citizen owned and operated, you too, as a citizen, may gain the right to hold provinces, and help shape the face of this nation!

Grommit, Ranger of Laconia, Seeker of Traderoutes
Xoticus, Shaman of Tharros, Helot's worst Nightmare

Bannor · Emperor Pro Tem Joined: 27 Mar 2007 Posts: 34

Heraldry and symbology--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Today as in the ancient world, color and symbolism is used to evoke strong emotions, and deep meening.

LACONIA
Our country name evokes the legendary strength of the Spartans and the mystery of the ancient world.

The Symbol:
Lion/panther - dauntless courage

Lion's Wisdom Includes:
Brotherhood
Letting go of stress
Strong family ties
Strength
Courage
Energy
Self fulfillment
Lion - Emblem of royalty, symbol of the Sun. Courageous guardian protectors.
Black Panther's Wisdom Includes:
Astral travel
Guardian energy
Symbol of the feminine
Understanding of death
Reclaiming ones power
Ability to know the dark
Death and rebirth

We believe in equality amungst Laconians, King and conjurer, hoplite and helot must do their part.
~Do not walk behind me; I may not lead.
Do not walk in front of me; I may not follow.
Walk beside me, that we may be as One.
THARROS
Our patron god, in Greek his name means courage, the spirit of adventure.

When Tharros enters your life, it is time for a new beginning, a new door has opened up for you. Tharros introduces you to an expanded awareness, alternate realities, the elimination of fears, and most of all, total rebirth. Tharros gives us the opportunity to become a whole new person, and he promises to be our protector and guardian throughout this rebirth process. He tells little but listens much. He is careful not to share too much information, only enough to ease curious minds.

HE IS ELUSIVE, BUT WE ARE EVER DRAWN TO HIM, LIKE THE DREAM OF EMPIRE.

The crown…is the symbol of our manifest destiny, our ambition to rule. Royalty~The Nobity of our shared ambition.

The colors: Not only are red and yellow the most visible colors on the feild, but they too hold meaning.
Gules ..... Red warrior, brave and strong but generous and just; the martyr's color, blood

Or ..... Gold/yellow generosity and elevation of mind, the sun, day

Sable ..... Black constancy or grief, the void/chaos, night

Bannor · Emperor Pro Tem Joined: 27 Mar 2007 Posts: 34

Joining us in the great adventure!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Laconia is an open group dedicated to having fun, living out our fantasies, exploring history, and our imaginations. Anyone over the age of 16 can join us, regaurdless of expierience, as a Helot. More expierienced LARPers may enter Laconian society as Perioece.

HELOT: New players are initiated into Laconian society as Helots. In ancient Sparta Helots were the serfs and slaves of Sparta. Helots are expected to obey the Helot Taskmaster and respect other Laconian citizens. Service gaurantees citizenship. Helots are tasked to collect firewood, move gear, and otherwise help out as they learn the Laconian Way. Helots will also learn how to play Darkon to the spirit of the rules, recieve training in combat, weapon making, construction of garb, armor and equipment, have alot of fun, and make new friends. After 12 events Helots are considered for Laconian citizenship, and the honor of wearing the symbol of Tharros. Helots are given "colors", a red and yellow sash or quartered belt square to represent their alliegence to Laconia. In addition to "colors" they also wear a chinton(long tunic) of either red, yellow, or black.

PERIOECE (pronounced "pair'e'ah'koy'koy" : Perioece, in Greek meaning those that dwell around or about, are expierienced players that have decided to join Laconia. Perioece are exempted from service as Helots, and may continue to wear the garb, and use other equipment that they have become acustomed to, Helenizing their gear at their own descretion. Players with more than 2 years of varifiable LARP expierience will be considered for Perioece status. After 6 events Perioece may earn the honor of wearing the symbol of Tharros and becoming Laconian citizens. Perioece are expected to wear either a red and yellow sash, or a quartered belt square to represent their new loyalty to Laconia.

Absolom · Posted: Thu, December 6, 2007, 2:35:32am Post subject:

Reading this makes me swell with pride. If I wasn't already a Spartan, I'd join in a heartbeat.

Pinned.

Absolom