Aaron Veach, co-captain of Owensboro’s Black Forest Live Action Role Play (LARP) group, is passionate about sharing his love for foam weapon combat and the camaraderie it fosters. Veach said LARPing combines elements of medieval combat and strategy games, offering participants a unique physical and mental challenge in a safe and fun environment.

“We’re currently the only LARP group in Owensboro,” Veach said. “We follow a rulebook called Belegarth, which makes it more like a foam combat sport rather than just role-play.”

Veach co-founded the group with his roommate. They host games every 2 weeks at Unity Fellowship Church at the corner of 7th and Daviess streets. The church allows them to use its grassy lot for their activities. 

Despite the growing popularity of LARP nationwide, Veach noted the local group remains relatively small.

“Right now, not a lot of people know about us,” Veach said. “But we’re hoping to change that by getting more people involved.”

Veach’s interest in LARPing stems from his background in combat sports, such as boxing and kickboxing, but he wanted something that could involve more people and include weapon-based combat without the risk of injury.

“I’ve always been interested in combat sports, but with just hands, it’s limited,” he said. “LARPing is quick, simple, and anyone can do it. Plus, it’s foam-padded, so it’s safer.”

While costumes and medieval garb are encouraged at larger events, Veach said new participants can show up in comfortable clothing. The emphasis is more on fun and safety than strict adherence to historical accuracy, though some larger events across the country require costumes for full immersion.

Black Forest games vary in style, including objective-based scenarios and team combat. One popular game, “Kill Your Killer,” starts as a free-for-all where players re-enter after the opponent who tagged them out is eliminated. He said the variety of game types helps keep things fresh and fun for everyone.

“What makes LARPing enjoyable is that it’s a great group-building exercise,” Veach said. “I personally enjoy making the gear, but my co-captain is more on the field. It’s about creating a fun experience for everyone.”

With around 30 members on their Facebook page and about 10 actively attending events, Black Forest is hoping to grow. Veach previously led a LARP group about 7 years ago that saw larger participation, and he hopes to replicate that success with this new venture.

In addition to local meetings, Black Forest has started to expand its presence at larger events. The group hosted a booth at Owensboro’s recent Multicultural Festival and assisted with activities at OMG!con, a popular convention held in June. They also hope to participate in the upcoming Owensboro Comic and Toy Convention.

The group plans to continue meeting every two weeks on Saturdays, with their next event scheduled for October 5. For more information, interested individuals can follow the Black Forest LARP Facebook page, where they post updates and details about upcoming events.