FARMINGDALE — Hall-Dale High School’s Robotics Team will host its second annual live action role-playing event at 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at Hall-Dale High School, 97 Maple St. The event is a fundraiser for REM Delta Prime Robotics Team 4473.

Delta Prime is a member of FIRST Robotics Competition, an international high school robotics competition that gives students real-world engineering experience, according to a news release from Delta Prime.

The Black Knight (Nate Stahlnecker) stands over his “victim” (Barry Nitzel) after a duel at last year’s LARPing event.

A melee rages between LARPing participants at last year’s event. Contributed photos

The competition combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources and time limits, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills, and build and program robots to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team.

Delta Prime needs to raise more than $40,000 each year to enter and participate in the competitions, many of which are out of state.

What is LARPing?

Larping is an awesome, slightly nerdy sport that’s been around since the 1970s. Typically, larpers dress in costumes and wield homemade padded weapons, known as “boffers,” in simulated hand-to-hand combat with varying degrees of role-playing, according to the release. This event will be light on role-playing and heavy on action; a fun way to let off steam for beginners and experienced LARPers alike. Players must be 12 or older. Costumes are optional but welcome. Entrance to the event is $5 for player and spectators alike. Duct tape swords can be rented for $10, purchased for $20 or build their own for $15 at the event. Participants can bring their own duct tape sword. Safety monitors will ensure that all equipment is up to safety standards before it can be used in the games.

Real swords and any other weaponry are strictly prohibited.

How it Works:

This event will use a set of rules that makes the combat fast-paced yet safe for everyone. After being armed by either renting, buying or making a sword, players will be assigned to kingdoms for vying for victory on the battlefield. Each player will be assigned ribbons and will earn ribbons for winning duels or large combats, according to the release. Different scenarios will be used to keep the event fresh and interesting. Training begins at 10:30 a.m., but the sword making table will be open throughout the event. At the end of the event, the winning player will be crowned champion and rewarded with an epic prize.

For more information, contact William Fahy, Student PR coordinator for Delta Prime Robotics at info@deltaprimerobotics.com, deltaprimerobotics.com or Karen Giles, Lead Mentor at kgiles@deltaprimerobotics.com.

Related Stories