What is Amtgard?

"Amtgard is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization that is dedicated to the recreation of the Sword and Sorcery genre as well as educational aspects of both Medieval and Ancient cultures. Amtgard focuses largely on a Medieval-based combat system but also encompasses the arts and sciences of the time, in a friendly, social atmosphere." - Amtgard Inc., Official Website

Amtgard is an odd amalgamation of activities. It is, at its core, a boffer combat group, which can be translated as anything from "a LARP"or "mock combat" to "an advanced game of tag with sticks," depending on who you chose to ask. There's more to it than just the quasi-sport that forms the core of the organization, however. Beneath the padded weaponry and funny clothes, there is a strong governmental organization that allows Amtgard to exist in such diverse places as California and Croatia, with records and recognition of special achievement and attendance being transferable from one place to another quite freely. A rich arts and sciences community is interwoven throughout the group, creating opportunities for (and, indeed, encouraging) participation in myriad events beyond mere fighting.

Oh, and there's role-playing too.

What does "Amtgard" mean?

As with the true nature of the game, there is a certain amount of doubt and debate as to the meaning of the word "Amtgard." Is it an acronym representing some of the founding members of the game? Is it a Norse word? Isn't the Norse word actually "Asgard?" In the end, it doesn't matter - I'm just tired of being asked the question, so I stuck in this section.

What is the Barony of the Seven Sleeping Dragons?

The Barony of the Seven Sleeping Dragons (SSD) is two things. First, it is a mouthful of syllables that, despite its great length, holds but the merest candle to at least one of the most ridiculous names in Amtgard, and, second, it is the Amtgard group based in San Luis Obispo, California. We meet weekly here, at Santa Rosa Park, just of Highway 1/Santa Rosa St. in San Luis Obispo.

Who can participate? How can they start?

"Anyone aged fourteen years or older may compete in the martial aspect of the game but we welcome members of all ages. There's a place for everyone." - Amtgard Inc., Official Website

It doesn't take much to start playing Amtgard: You just need to show up. While children's participation in the combat aspects of the game is, by necessity, handled on a case by case basis, we welcome all comers. The fighting events are often physically demanding, but we are willing to make an honest attempt to accommodate anybody.

We have a variety of loaner equipment on hand for our new players, and we usually have at least a few people around socializing rather than fighting.