Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Welcome to the Chimera Legion



Welcome to the Legion
Your Gateway to Adventure

Come, join us and be a hero. Just like Mercurius!


What, you haven't heard the tale of Mercurius? Let me tell you.
                                          
When the chimera attacked his legion, he rushed into the fray. With a backhanded slash, he slit the goat head’s throat. The lion head chomped his shield, splintering it. Mercurius brained it with the pommel of his sword. The dragon head breathed fire at him, but he ducked and rolled clear. Grabbing a spear lying on the field, he thrust it into the dragon’s neck with such force that it burst through the back of its head. The beast fell dead at his feet.

We know that you yearn to be like Mercurius. The heart of a hero beats within you. You long to pick up a sword, bow, or staff and confront the ravening hordes of the enemy.

We know, for we are like you. Let us show you the way to glory.

Navigation
Want to know more? Click the links to the right.

About the Legion

What is the Chimera Legion?
The Chimera Legion is a LARP group located in Broward County, Florida.



We are a chapter of Valiant LARP. Go to the Valiant LARP page for more information.

Lore - Our World

 The Legion's adventures occur in a world simply known as the Olden Wyrld.



CONTINENTS
The Olden Wyrld consists of three continents:
  • Opeura - the northwestern continent
  • Kafira - the southern continent
  • Cipangu - the eastern continent
HUMAN CULTURES
There are several major human cultures in the Olden Wyrld.

Lands of the Empire
Our home is the dominant state of the Olden Wyrld. It stretches across many lands, although it was even bigger at one time.

Currently, the Empire consists of these regions:

Aurelia
The heartland of the Empire. This is a land of fertile valleys interspersed with low mountains. Initially, the valleys sprouted independent city-states, but these were united under the rule of Aurelia, which then conquered much of the Olden Wyrld.

Culturally, Aurelia is similar to Earth’s ancient Greece and Rome.
  • Garb – short-sleeved tunicas preferred
  • Armor – subarmalis, chainmail, lorica segmentata, linothrax, lamellar

Nevora
Nevora was divided into a myriad of city-states until Aurelia conquered it. Still, internal intrigue continues among the nobles of the region. Due to winds blowing from the dwarven mountains, Nevora’s climate is colder than Aurelia.

Culturally, Nevora is similar to Renaissance Europe and Tudor England.
  • Garb – breeches and doublets, slash-and-puff, or similar Renaissance styles
  • Armor – gambeson, brigandine, plate

Palmyra
Palmyra lies in northeastern Kafira. While the surrounding area is hot and dry, the Elin River waters much of Palmyra, providing fertile land. Conquered in the early days of the Empire, Palmyra remains a province under Aurelian rule.

Culturally, Palmyra is inspired by ancient Egypt.
  • Garb – tunic, white cotton kilt
  • Armor – padded, leather, lamellar

The Crescent
The Crescent is an area of fertile land along the northern and western coasts of Cipangu. It was conquered by the Empire and has been thoroughly assimilated into Aurelian culture. 

Follow the Aurelian cultural guidelines.

Cultures Outside the Empire
These regions lay outside of the Empire. Their relations with the Empire vary, but you will often see adventurers from these far-flung provinces serving in Imperial forces.

Aridia
Aridia is the northern area of Kafira. It is a dry, desert area punctuated by fertile oases. The people live either in cities clustered near the coast and oases or as part of nomadic tribes. At one time, the Empire conquered the northern coast but now Aridia is independent and broken into a myriad of independent emirates.

Culturally, Aridia is inspired by Arab and Moorish cultures.
  • Garb – tunics and robes
  • Armor – padded, leather, chainmail, lamellar
Chevalia
Chevalia is a former province of the Empire but maintains cordial relations with the Aurelia. Chevalia is a feudal monarchy. Its ruling aristocracy adheres to the trappings of chivalry.

Culturally, Chevalia is inspired by the tales of Arthur, Charlemagne, and their knights.
  • Garb – tunics and hosen, topped by surcoats or tabards
  • Armor, gambeson, brigandine, chainmail, plate
Rhuunheim
The Rhuunese live in a harsh, wintry land. For years, they thrived by raiding their more affluent neighbors. Recently, however, depredations by the Urkha have driven some to seek shelter in the lands of the Empire, where many have hired themselves out as mercenaries.

Culturally, Rhuunheim is inspired by the Vikings
  • Garb – tunics and breeches with winnigas or fur leg wraps
  • Armor – padded, leather, chainmail, or lamellar
Sarsia
Sarsia is a populous kingdom to the east of the Crescent, which fought a long war against the Empire. The Empire was on the verge of a decisive victory when the leaders of Sarsia called upon the aid of the Dark Magi. Now, the people of Sarsia labor in slavery while the Dark Magi’s undead minions fight against the Empire.

Sarsians are currently not playable as player characters.

Scymatia
Once prevalent throughout the northeastern lands, the Scymatians now reside primary along the coast of the Shrouded Sea, where they have taken refuge from Urkha raids.

Culturally, Scymatia is inspired by the peoples of Eastern Europe.
  • Garb – tunics, baggy pants, fur hats
  • Armor – padded, leather, chainmail, lamellar, plate
The Isles
An archipelago situated northwest of the continent; the Isles are a sometimes harsh but beautiful land. Its people are organized into clans ruled by lairds. There is a high king, although his power is weak. At one time, the Empire ruled the Isles but abandoned it centuries ago.

Culturally, the Isles is inspired by the Scottish highlanders
  • Garb – kilts and plaid
  • Armor – chainmail, leather
Teikoku
An isolated island in the middle of the Shrouded Sea, Teikoku is a land ruled by its proud warrior class of samurai. Teikokuans tend to be reclusive, but a few adventurous souls left the island to visit the Empire and beyond.

The culture of Teikoku is inspired by feudal Japan.
  • Garb – kimono, hakama
  • Armor – lamellar
Tortuga
Tortuga is a pirate-infested island in the western part of the Inner Sea. Its crews plunder and pillage across the coasts of the sea.

Culturally, Tortuga is inspired by the buccaneers of the Caribbean.
  • Garb – breeches, pirate shirts, bandanas. No tricorns
  • Armor – padded, leather, plate
RELIGIONS
There are three main deities of the Olden Wyrld.
  • Daeus – the sun god. Considered by his adherents as the creator of the world.
  • Alterra – she represents mother nature.
  • Erlich – god of death and destruction. The progenitor of evil.
Other minor deities are possible, but we have not listed them out.

Lore - Non-Humans

"Friendly" Races
These non-human races also populate the Olden Wyrld. They are usually not enemies of the human cultures.
  • Aelphyn (Elves)
  • Trowe (Dwarves)

They generally are reclusive and rare, although you could chance across a few adventurous ones.

Enemy Races
Four main groups of enemies plague the civilized lands of the Olden Wyrld.
  • Dark Magi – powerful necromancers and their undead hordes
  • Faedwyr – dark elves
  • Hyenids – hyena-headed humanoids
  • Urkha – orc raiders

While usually seen as enemies, some Urkha have taken service with the Empire.

Lore - The Imperial Army

The Chimera Legion represents a military unit of the Aurelian Imperial Army.

Mission
The Legion exists to defend the Empire. We go where the Emperor sends us and we fight whom he tells us.

Legion Structure
Like the chimera, the Legion consists of many disparate parts that form a dangerous whole. Recruits to the Legion come from many backgrounds and even many lands. We've had legionaries from as fat afield as Rhuunheim and Teikoku.

The Legion also employs auxiliaries - mercenaries and allies who fight for the Empire. As a result, we may present a motley appearance. Yet we will be as brave as a lion, as fierce as a dragon, and as stubborn as a goat.

The sigil of the Chimera Legion

Ranks
These are the enlisted ranks. Characters earn ranks through service to the Empire and the Legion.
  • Rudis (newbie) – all new players begin at this rank.
  • Tiro – a legionary in training
  • Miles – regular soldier
  • Emeritus – a veteran
  • Principale – an esteemed veteran who serves as an example to the Legion.
  • Optimates – The best of the Legion.

In addition, officers run the Legion. Ranks include: 
  • Optio – commands a century in the absence of a qualified centarch.
  • Centarch – commands a century of 4 or more legionaries.
  • Comes – commands a bandon of 2 or more centuries or an understrength Legion
  • Dux – commands a full-strength Legion.
The Legion commander selects the officers.

Lore - The Legion's Story

The Legion has had many exciting adventures.
  • Last year, we defeated an invasion from the Dark Magi and their undead hordes. We then liberated a city from their tyrannical rule.
  • This year, we are searching for the Rod of Demon Slaying so that we can save our emperor. So far, we have bested bandits, living statues, and pirates. What's next? We'll find out in game!
Read all about our adventures at the Legends of the Legion blog!

One of the living statues


Our Rules

The Chimera Legion is a chapter of Valiant LARP.
Go to the Valiant LARP page for rules.

Events

What
The Legion hosts a variety of events.
  • Practice - an informal meeting so that we can sharpen our game skills. Garb is not required but recommended.
  • Lore Battles - these are formal combat scenarios that create an ongoing narrative and shape the history of our world. GARB REQUIRED.
  • Feasts - we gather to share a meal with our comrades in arms. Typically held in conjunction with a lore battle.
When
During the season we meet on Saturdays, usually starting at 1 PM.
We take a break from fighting during the summer months and meet at Tate's instead.
For specific dates and times, check our Facebook page.

Where
We run battle games at Oak Hammock Park in Sunrise, FL.
  • Address - 9220 NW 44 Street, Sunrise, FL 33351

We'll either be at the Live Oak pavilion (P3 on the map) or in the Outdoor Classroom Area.
We recommend parking in the south lot off 41st Street. You can access 41st from Pine Island Blvd.

Getting Started

So you decided to join the Legion? What's next?

Here's what to do.
  1. Visit us at one of our events. We'll help you with your next steps.
  2. Complete a waiver.
  3. Learn the rules. The best place to start is the Valiant LARP Codex.
  4. Create a character. Decide on a culture, character class, and name.
  5. Begin practicing with the Legion.
That's all you need to get started. You don't need garb at first, and we can loan a weapon and shield.

Eventually, you will want your own gear.
  1. Get garb - you need a costume appropriate to your character
  2. Get weapons - you need your own weapons. 
  3. Get armor (optional) - you may also want to get armor or safety equipment.
But the most important step of all - HAVE FUN!

Contact Us

Questions? Here is how to contact us.
You can also show up at one of our events.