Drachenfest US in review.

[@TheIrishWill]

Thanks for all the nice comments everyone! I'm really glad so many of ye enjoyed it! Just to clear up a couple of concerns I've seen about the bandit group thing: On reflection I probably shouldn't have used the term “create a feeling of danger at night” I meant this more as in character caution/ out of character excitement and not one of out of character fear/feeling unsafe at night. So I just wanted to clarify this wouldn't be a bunch of lads roaming around wailing on people and thinking they're great. It would totally be a play to lift group that would give players something to get their teeth into (In terms of roleplay and/ or fighting if that's what they're up for) when roaming around exploring the site. It would be a dynamic that would give other players cool stories and experiences they could share with others later or experience together. The bandits themselves would be closer to low level ruffians that you would fight in the tutorial mission of an mmo, that kind of thing! Its all about everyone getting to have a good time while playing the game.

[@Rob_IE]

Can't wait for next year! 1000% agree on the social media presence suggestion.

[@TheIrishWill]

Thanks brah!

[@dappernecromancer5364]

"Public transport was a problem" Ah, I see you've encountered the US

[@WaterDragonRai]

And it'll probably be worse to get to Cooper's. I'm not even sure the nearest airport for international travel. Maybe Cleveland?

[@marshallfett98]

Does Pittsburgh not have one?

[@TheIrishWill]

Oof yeah I feel bad for ye! In saying that, I initially wasnt planning on being in a position where Id have to look into using it, so Im just giving folks who might be flying in or whatever a headsup! 🙂

[@Jumbojet776]

Oh boy... Limbus was absolutely the most *REDACTED* experience I've experienced in a while. It was crazy entering the *REDACTED* and having to *REDACTED* without getting *REDACTED*. I genuinely didn't know if I was gonna *REDACTED* or *REDACTED*. But anyways, I'm glad I made it out. Generally agree with all your pros and cons and had a great time, especially representing Blue as their champion in the tournament! Was great to meet you and say hi! Blue Camp! For the Drink and the Abyss! (Side note: I'd absolutely do a bandit camp! Maybe play the honorable scallyway who steals from the rich and gives to the needy... Tho he doesn't say that the needy are actually himself)

[@TheIrishWill]

Glad to finally see someone else encountered *REDACTED* in there! Ah likewise! The tournament was such a fun watch!! Hahaha noted! Itd be great to have you on board! We'll have to see if it becomes a thing!

[@Evan-lr8nq]

Dang. That is some SCP level of redacted...

[@KevinAdams2003]

RED AVATAR ACCEPTS YOUR DESCRIPTION MORTAL!

[@WaterDragonRai]

YOU WERE ONE OF THE BEST PARTS OF RED CAMP! I won't go Red again, but you were awesome!

[@TheIrishWill]

This is one of the kindest things anyone has ever said to me.

[@burrick2245]

Bandit Camp, eh? Yes, absolutely, count me in

[@TheIrishWill]

BANDITS.

[@thirrinmonaghan1434]

Bandit camp is a 10/10 idea

[@BeKindToFellowBrothers]

If there was a lot of people would join so then it would be madness.

[@BeKindToFellowBrothers]

But if it was a small group of people that would be cool.

[@MagpiebonesCostumes]

Would only enjoy it in an opt-in capacity and made fun for the people being mugged.

[@TheIrishWill]

​@@MagpiebonesCostumes This is 100% the idea. Its more about making a "oooh there could be something exciting that happens if I head out at night!" if someone isn't consenting to the interaction/generally doesn't seem up for it we totally leave them be. Its all about making a good time for everyone involved! 😁

[@johnknecht6958]

So I totally misread this comment initially and when I realized that it's BANDIT camp and not BAND camp now I'm giggling at the words "this one time at bandit camp"

[@elaineogawa9263]

Hey, Will! Solid review. So glad I got to be your Tavern Traversing buddy that first night. Your reaction to Fireflies was legendary. Hopefully I will cya at the next one! ~ Selenite from Camp Silver

[@TheIrishWill]

Right back at you!! I feel like our first conversation was like: "Pints? Pints! Questing for pints? Questing for pints!" 😂 Yeah I hope I can make it back across for it!

[@luvnotvideos]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm just getting into LARPs and Drachenfest sounds wonderful. Hearing first-hand accounts really helps since, as you rightfully pointed out, there's almost no social media content that's easy for the average person to find. I understand not wanting to harm immersion by allowing everyone to carry cameras, but at the very least, they need to invite more KZbin influencers to participate and film so more people can be introduced to the game. I also hear you about people not taking hits, or knowing how to play up the battle mechanics. The US is very "me"-centric, and it shows in our fighting style. Hopefully, game runners can place more emphasis on the importance of the "acting" part of LARP, rather than the "I win" attitude people want.

[@anthonymanzi5298]

If you didn't like the hill at that site, wait till you get to cardiac hill at Cooper's!

[@TheIrishWill]

Omg I just looked at google maps and its literally named that. 😬

[@marshallfett98]

Solid review from all I’ve already heard from other folks who’ve attended. If you do show up this year I hope you enjoy the new site. It’s got a bunch of terrain features from forest to streams to hills and open fields! I’ll be attending this year and am HERE for anymore talks/stories/information about the day to day during the events 💕

[@TheIrishWill]

From what I hear it sounds a bit more hilly but it also maybe sounds a bit more open in places? Id be interested to see it anyways! Ah thank ya! Ill definitely have more chats about it in future!

[@Erykthebat]

My friend ran the death/resurrection scenes and modules

[@jnev5572]

Play to lift and fostering that mindset and culture within a group could be a good video unto itself. Loved this one :)

[@TheIrishWill]

That's true actually! Tbh I didn't really realise it wasn't the standard in some events. (Like I said Im an eternal newbie!) I for sure want to talk about it more in future!

[@marathuzula9024]

Fireflies are magical as children, so remembering that magic for a moment is amazing

[@barvelo26]

Well, let's get to see your face again. I'm glad you're able to go to the fest and I hope the best for you

[@Celcey24]

I always love seeing content about my favorite LARP! Although I will sadly say that some of the things you mentioned are unique to the campsite it was held on last year. Like the tavern- the the cups and bar and decorations are part of the campsite. And the stuff about the terrain too. This year’s campsite is completely different (and another commenter mentioned it was hilly 🥲) It’s interesting to hear a European’s view on things, because “traditional” American larps are very different, with PVE and battles that are (unfortunately) all about hit points and skill calls. Hence why people were waiting on content and not used to the theatrical fighting style. Drachenfest has ever-so-slightly ruined me for regular American larps 😅 If you’re ever so inclined, I would be very interested in a follow up video talking more about your personal experience. Like who your character was, what you did, which camp you were in, etc.

[@Scampcam]

interesting how you say it ruined you for American-style larping. But, i must admit while i love the enthusiasm from boffer-style games, i can't deal with tap-fighting and holding the weapon by the furthest point or shouting numbers like a machine gun.

[@TheIrishWill]

Its funny coming in from the other way around where all Ive known has been the more lifting, theatrical style of event. I assumed everyone would know what was up and pick it up right away! I think as long as they get the same/ similarly enthused bar staff the tavern will be great! Sure the venue had a nice one all ready to go but it was the staff that made it for me! Ah I might do! To be honest having my own stories and experiences is something I want to focus on more vs just wandering about and observing you know?

[@FaclanS]

Aaaagh this sounds like so much fun! I’ve only recently learned about the Dracenfests after finding a German group of Skaven who play together and just been loving the idea of it all. Big fantasy fan and a massive drama nerd so this sounds so perfect. I don’t know if I’ll be able to get things together to go to US next year (want to try that which is just on the other coast before thinking about across the ocean) but Wel see what I can come up with! Thinking about trying to get a Skaven Skurvy ship surgeon together if possible. Healer/artisan for hopefully lots of fun chats with screaming people. Really hope I can get things together in time. No idea about camp color yet but wanted to focus on the character first. But looking at yours and many other reviews makes this seem like an epic event to go to. I just hope that I can do some good lifting as a new player to larps.

[@yoavbuddy]

You are SO humble and professional! I love you🤘❤️

[@TheIrishWill]

Tbh I feel like Im the MOST humble. Right back at you!

[@markus4732]

Hey man - are you at Drachenfest Germany this year? Your Drachenfest videos are one of the first LARP videos I watched - and a big reason why I will be at DF for the first time this year :) Would be super awesome to meet you there! (I will be in the green camp btw)

[@paigeherrmann6332]

I played in shadow in this drachenfestUS as one of their diplomats and I agree that the avatars were amazing. They did a fantastic job. It’s very cool to hear your perspective on the US and the German games! Do you feel like the forest terrain impacted the contest element of the event? I thought it played a HUGE role in strategy so I’m curious to hear how that compares to the open fields of the German version

[@TheIrishWill]

Hmmm yeah I would say it definitely did, I think the proportional distance between certain camps was a big factor too. Also the fact you couldnt really observe another camps movements and activity the same way you can in the German game. Like over there you can usually see when someone is attacking an ally, mobilise your people and head out to help wherein the US event you had to get word from a runner or something if another camp was being attacked if you get me? I feel like I stumbled across a lot more little skirmishes and stuff though rather than spotting them a mile off on the the field like in Germany!

[@birf1277]

Thanks for the review. See you at DF in Germany in just a couple of weeks! :-)

[@bilbobaggins8962]

Im at my first Drachenfest (germany) next week. I dont have social media, communication has been a nightmare for me! The forums are dead, so I've relied solely on others for speaking for me through Facebook to get any Information.

[@anthonymanzi5298]

Also, wait till you see all the fireflies at Coopers! Its a view that you dont see any where else.

[@TheIrishWill]

Oooh nice, sounds great!

[@ToadenK]

Considering how close I have places to stay near this year's US Drachenfest . . . I might go. I know my wife will be there

[@valholla100]

thank you for this, will be sure hitting this years us drachenfest, hope you come

[@TheIrishWill]

Thank you! Yeah man hopefully I can make it!

[@abigalmariee]

This was a great video!!

[@TheIrishWill]

Thanks Abby!

[@thirrinmonaghan1434]

Awesome review, thanks Will

[@TheIrishWill]

Thank ya Thirrin!

[@dappernecromancer5364]

I play in Shadow as a demon who encourages people to be their worst selves and the bandit camp would be DELIGHTFUL to play off of

[@TheIrishWill]

Would a terrible bandit be a good person ooooor would they be a paranoid mess of a person willing to stab their colleagues in the leg and/or back on the slightest of urges? 🤔

[@GuildsAndGates]

Im going this year and am really excited. ive really enjoyed your videos to get ideas on what to expect. Thank you!! and keep them coming!!

[@TheIrishWill]

Ah nice one! You'll have a great time! Thanks I really appreciate that! The next couple of videos might not be LARP based (am just trying to get back into some kind of routine with uploading tbh) but Ill definitly be putting some more stuff up soon!

[@azarael77]

Regarding the "in English bitte": I'm not sure if it's a thing all around German Drachenfest or only in the golden camp, but we have a tradition that when people are shouting battlecries, someone who isn't native shouts back "What are they shouting?" and everybody answers "Something in German!" 🤣

[@TrezlySnipes]

“This one time at bandit camp…”

[@JeanZGerman]

You serious about the bandit camp? I'm going this year. If you're for real then I want in.

[@TheIrishWill]

We'll see if I can even make it first! I think itd be a lot of fun for everyone though! Its something we'd need to make sure everyone was on the same page for though in terms of lifting others and the purpose of the group.

[@Ianenin]

Now I finally know what happens in the limbus. 😁

[@BeKindToFellowBrothers]

Lol

[@TheIrishWill]

I feel guilty for spilling the beans so hard!

[@Zandpa]

Ok I’m a US larger I know the location for this years Draconfest. Coopers Lake in Butler Pennsylvania. I hope you like Hills lol 😂

[@TheIrishWill]

It depends on the hill and if our families have some kind of blood feud or not.

[@Starkart87]

i hope i get to meet you there this year.

[@TheIrishWill]

Here's hoping!

[@DigilusionStudios]

Well shit. Now I cant come in hollering "This is SPARTAAAA!" Plus I haven't done the 300 workout or diet so yeah, theres that too. I cant pull off that Spartan physique.💪

[@TheIrishWill]

The is literally NOTHING stopping you from shouting that whenever you enter a room, finish a meal or use the bathroom. Don't let your dreams be dreams.

[@DKwildrift]

It looks like the next one is gonna be in Pennsylvania. Are you going again?

[@TheIrishWill]

Ah afraid not! My bank account just isn't as cooperative this time around! 😅 Am looking forward to hearing how year 2 plays out though!

[@CalvinKlown]

I see you've done a few fest larps, have you thought about attending/ maybe crewing a smaller event? One where you're not the small fish in the big pond.

[@BeKindToFellowBrothers]

Good question

[@BeKindToFellowBrothers]

I thank if he was to do something like that he would get a lot more information about the event.

[@TheIrishWill]

I get what you mean, I actually have done (I've a few College of Wizardry vids on my channel from a few years ago) and have helped staff Skull and Crossbones when it ran before. Its definitely a different (and almost more fun in a lot of ways) experience although doesn't lend itself to doing videos or getting the player/newbie side of things I find!

[@CalvinKlown]

@@TheIrishWill I'd love to see a "Backstage at a larp" vid. seeing the crew ref explaning the next encounter, crew getting ready, costume, make-up, then off into the game, then when they come back to the crew room, what actually happened, what went well, what went differently than expected. I think a newbie would get a lot more out of that than interviews with players at a fest.

[@JohnDoe-dr7ep]

How about if you do get the bandite campe done can a orc join in

[@tauIrrydah]

Curious how many people where there at DF US?

[@WaterDragonRai]

In talking to staff, I think they said about 500 for the first one.

[@sluagh75]

Are you coming out to Drachenfest US? This year?

[@TheIrishWill]

Hey! Im afraid not, I currently have moths flying out of my wallet so had to give it a miss this year!

[@COATEStoCOATES]

Was there an Elven camp?

[@TheIrishWill]

So there tend to be camps with different colours/ rhetorics that players join, so some camps may have like eleven groups camping within them fighting for that camps dragon if you get me?

[@COATEStoCOATES]

@@TheIrishWill yeah that makes sense. Looking forward when I can go to it!

[@razetrench3424]

Is Drachenfest friendly to young players? I want to go with my friends this year but I'm concerned that it won't be a good experience considering our age (all three of us are fourteen)

[@TheIrishWill]

So from what Ive seen there have been younger players at Drachenfest before although you would need to attend with a guardian and may be restricted from taking part in the big battles. You would still be able to do a heap of other stuff there though! (and sure it would get you started with building up a character for future events too!)

[@bowmama8]

Hey Will, been a while since I've seen one of your videos. Just curious, Where in the US was it held?

[@CalvinKlown]

Sparta. New Jersey.

[@brettosborne3383]

This year its cooper's lake Pennsylvania

[@TheIrishWill]

Ah yeah Im hoping to get to putting stuff out there again in some shape or form. Im just a bit rusty these days! Looks like some folks already got back to you. This one was in New Jersey but the next one will be in Pennsylvania! :)

[@BeKindToFellowBrothers]

Hey will I was the first person here and I just want to say ima huge fan. And I have watched a lot of your videos. I’m from America so this is really exciting to me. I’ve never Larped before and your also how I found out about Larps I’m looking forward to Larping thank you for all the videos. Ps first comment

[@BeKindToFellowBrothers]

And I’m subscribed :)

[@BeKindToFellowBrothers]

I was the second like 👍

[@TheIrishWill]

I DUB THEE THATGUY. FIRST OF HIS NAME AND FIRST OF ALL COMMENTS. HERE, NOW AND FOREVER. Ah thanks man, I think this would be a really good event for you to try if its your first time. If you do get on board just be sure to find away to connect with other players beforehand (Im seeing a lot of talk about camp discords getting setup which is ideal!)

[@BeKindToFellowBrothers]

Thanks also it would be awesome if you were a GM (game master) at these events I know you said that you weren’t huge In the larp but I think it would be cool to see the GMs side of it

[@Erykthebat]

Limbus my friend ran limbus

[@TheIrishWill]

Your friend totally nailed it!!!

[@Erykthebat]

@@TheIrishWill I'll let him know. He is also a semi pro table top rpg designer and makes tens of dollars a tear off it.

[@RiseTheDemonJester]

While i agree with most of your points i will point out that someone not reacting the way you are describing to an arrow vs how you described them acting after being hit does not innately mean they were "cheating" or "ignoring" the shot. Arrows only do one point of damage. Many players have anywhere between 2 to 5 HP. Someone who gets shot by an arrow can still be taking the hit, deducting the total, and looking around to see where they were shot from. A champion fighter who has full HP may not see being nicked by 1 point as a reason to flounder all over the ground until they reach that 1 HP range because he is battle hardened whereas a wizard might. Also thinking people will all fall on the ground from an arrow is just not how it works. Especially when there are abilities like gust of wind and knockdown with those specific purposes. Archers are not using howitzers. I get wanting to enhance the play via lifting and adding to the atmosphere but there is also a degree to which you have to be somewhat understanding that not everyone is going to ham that hard. Now if all you are asking for is acknowledgement, than i agree. I suggest people do a minimum what I did where you stagger and touch the area you were hit. That way the archer gets a two point recognition / acknowledgement of the shot.

[@TheIrishWill]

I get my examples were a bit dramatised in order to emphasise the point about ambience, the thing I was getting at wasn't so much that people weren't flopping around like freshly caught fish enough its exactly what you said there, acknowledgement. Like at least wince or react, dont just pull a "Ive been waiting for this all day and really dont want to take the hit, so Im going to ignore it." approach.

[@TheIrishWill]

...if someone plays some kind of fish man though Imma be pissed if I dont see them flopping around gasping for air at least once.

[@Scampcam]

a bandit group threatening pvp would be a pretty fun concept. but if the player factions are boring, they'll overrun you. :/

[@TheIrishWill]

I feel like threatening isnt the right word on it, more like those crap tutorial level enemies you fight in videos games that you can start some fun play with (but that are actually just not in anyway skilled at what they do. 😅)

[@BluefoxII]

The big question I ask myself is, is this official approved by the original Drachenfest team or is it just a cheap copy? Here the Official YT Cannel: www.youtube.com/@dasdrachenfest

[@JasonTheFavorite]

I volunteered at the last Drachenfest US (Team Limbus!), and am 100% not speaking as Staff. That said, it was an officially licensed event with Drachenfest Germany representation on-site at all times.

[@BluefoxII]

@@JasonTheFavorite It wasn't a criticism either, but more of a question because there have been imitators, so to speak, who had no rights to the material. Hence the question, because it could have been that it was not licensed by DF Germany.

[@JasonTheFavorite]

@Rattenkönig it's cool, it's a legitimate question!

[@BeKindToFellowBrothers]

Drachenfest US has it’s own website so I understand the confusion.

[@BluefoxII]

@@BeKindToFellowBrothers Yes, they have a website without an imprint or other information that might be relevant, such as that it is an official adaptation of the German Drachenfest and that this has also been clarified or approved with DrachenFest UG (limited liability) & Co. KG.