YOU can go to BICOLLINE - Largest LARP in North America

[@natefoldan]

Really nice to see a Bicolline video that isn't just an ad for The Voyage North.

[@Wrendition]

So real! I wanted to see the other sides and it was all tvn. I've heard some iffy reviews from non-content creators, not to mention tvn and the founders have major beef

[@mwrench4185]

I'm from Quebec and it's nice to see English information out there outside of The Voyage North sphere of influence. Was surprised how they seem to have cornered the market for outsiders. If I ever decide to go to Bicolline I'll help outsiders read signs and quests in French on the boards, maybe do a little translation, help them participate more independently.

[@the.mothsmith]

@@mwrench4185 that is a wonderfully kind idea! There are more anglos outside of TVN than you think too! We are everywhere hehe

[@junglejim8371]

I have been going to Bicolline for 25 years. This is an excellent guide for newcomers. Bravo!

[@erichebert1916]

Finally ! English speakers are organizing outside the voyage north. Very refreshing to see this videro, good job and well explained.

[@bandicootcollector]

I want to go by myself, without TVN because it's too expensive, but I'm a bit nervous going alone. I'm living in Japan.

[@Theblaire2010]

My drive is 24 hours stops not included like bathroom breaks, food, gas ect so it's more like 30 hours one way. This will be my third year in a row driving :) I bring the lady favors every year it will be coming back for the third year in a row. Super excited to see people handing them out again.

[@the.mothsmith]

@@Theblaire2010 oh wow! That’s some real commitment! I used to live within driving distance, and I miss it! Thanks for your comment :)

[@rickchollett]

I'm planning the drive in 2025 from Texas!

[@Theblaire2010]

@@rickchollett I know many people from Texas going two in fact are in my guild :)

[@chahootlu_________7043]

Yeeeessss. So satisfying to see the main talking points of the travelers guide (Discord) in video form. This has got to be one of the most precise guide videos to date. I didn’t even know they banned plastic utensils!

[@the.mothsmith]

Aaa thank you sm! Glad you enjoyed it :))

[@M0_SS]

7:13 Also, if you're planning to go to the river, wear a plain color bathing suit. Preferably not a neon colored and the least 'drawings?' on it. You can also wear a decorum shirt between your tent/house and the river to stay as decorum as much possible. For children tho, there's not really strict (well... not really strict...but kind off?) stuff for the appearance of the bathing suit. Also, if you plan to go swim after a battle finished, there might be a lot of people. If you wonder about ceremonies, yes, there are some ceremonies that happen at the river and they can be pretty cool to watch! (Great video btw!!)

[@robertchagnon9063]

I was a participent for 15 years at Bicolline and i am surprise of the popularity that spread in USA Have a good trip and hope you a great time

[@the.mothsmith]

timestamps: 0:00-0:58 Prologue 0:58-1:19 Intro 1:19-3:50 Clothing 3:50-5:32 Travel 5:32-7:54 Camping 7:54-10:16 Battle 10:16-13:03 Character 13:03-14:16 Final Thoughts

[@ladejathirkill741]

I appreciate this honest and condensed guide on this possible venture I want to take [solo/with a party]. I found out about Bicolline once I got into DnD and ren faires back in college and dreamt of going since then. So thank you!!

[@the.mothsmith]

it's totally possible solo! i've made so many lifelong friends just from attending. i hope you can make it!

[@ludwig2822]

This is the best video on Bicolline I've seen so far! I do sincerely hope you make more videos on this subject, going into any of the details of the manh subjects you touched on in this video wokld be a small blessing for us aspiring first-timers.

[@the.mothsmith]

@@ludwig2822 they’re in the works! I have to set up my filming space but the scripts are mostly written! Thanks for the comment I really appreciate it!

[@LarpLegion]

Congrats on your first video, it's super well done! Always nice to have more creators to share this great hobby, looking forward to more!

[@the.mothsmith]

thanks! means a lot man, can't wait to see DTco soon!

[@ShaunHall-i7e]

Agreed!

[@Penguin11515]

Thank you for this. I've been a part of a 5000+ person D-Day Paintball game for the past 12 years, rising from FNG to General. I re-found my love of D&D over the past few years and I think I'd like this even more. Will be going solo next year so this is incredibly helpful from a New Yorker. Thank you!

[@coureurdesbois6754]

Bicolline is in my hometown and it's been really werod seeing it grow such. But it's great to have so many friends to share my passion with.

[@Wirmish]

J'étais là la 1ère année. On était une centaine. J'y suis retourné 12 ans de suite. Puis la vie m'a rattrapé...

[@miss_lavender_witch]

Watching this, was like finding a hidden treasure! 🗺 I live in Denmark, so it’s a bit of a journey, but I’m scouring the lands for cheap travel tickets. As someone who’s lived in fantasy worlds for ages, I’ve got all my LARPing gear ready; just need to summon the right spell for budget travel! 🧙‍♂ Your video is a fantastic guide for fellow adventurers. Keep shining, and may the winds of fortune guide you!"

[@the.mothsmith]

thank you! you as well, hope to see you there someday!

[@alisonpudwell4054]

Yay! English content for Bico! 🎉🎉

[@michaelshepardson8436]

Thank you for the 'do it yourself' Bicolline video.

[@LarpMix]

Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@richardmarriott-smith9517]

I would love to go to Bicoline. Thanks for this video. Loads of great advice.

[@JacobBoyle-m6o]

As soon as I saw you I thought: “Dang. That’s the Queen of the North.” You have my sword M’Lady.

[@JeremySpringfield]

Great video!

[@byrpunchabear2225]

Ver well done!!!

[@the.mothsmith]

thank you ver much byr🫡

[@KaylaSalasidis]

Bicolline’s existence made me so happy to be quebequois

[@robertday1926]

Super helpful video! Tons of great advice I will be taking for my first GB this year.

[@arkmiir]

Excellent video, all the info is spot on!

[@Pipsqueaq]

Such wonderful tips! Wish I could go but I'll be happy vicariously watching your adventures 💕

[@everadventuress]

Fantastic video! Yes please tell us the general French we would need to know for signs and basic communication there

[@the.mothsmith]

@@everadventuress definitely in a later video! (I’ll admit, I think I’ll probably grab a quebecois friend for this one, maybe interview style hehe)

[@TheRiverStudio]

Wonderful first video! Looking forward to more~

[@bambii_witch]

Hey, it's Orchid from the Magpies! I was happy to recognize you from our campsite, great video!

[@the.mothsmith]

@@bambii_witch aaaa hey orchid! thanks for the comment! hope you’re doin well, i’m bummed I didn’t get a drawing from you! I know my guild mates loved theirs

[@gilgalad_multiverse]

Wonderful video ! Thanks for the mention in the description ! 😊

[@kitcait5369]

super helpful! there's so much info about Bico out there, super helpful to have all the main stuff condensed! thank you for posting

[@thegentlemanbarbarian7619]

Wish this video had been around when I first went! Nicely done 😊

[@thehumortumor]

FIRST VID LET'S GOOOOOO

[@TheRocksteadyla]

Great video! Loads of helpful information and links. Just started getting into larping a few months ago. Already trying to plan a Biccoline trip for next year.

[@MrNettsen]

Actually very helpfull! Its going to be pretty tough to get there though..I am from Germany. Its not easy, LMFAO! But I am going to be there one day.. I know it. The moment I first saw it I wanted to attend and be a part of this giant and amazing world. Never did LARP but...will start there! ♥

[@KingMATTtheSuperior]

Hey I’m a long time profound decisions Empire LARPer in the UK and Bicolline is very much on my bucket list! I hope to attend in the near future even if it’s just the once. Thanks for the great video 👍

[@the.mothsmith]

hey thank you! there are certainly some people that attend from other continents. you can do it!! i think it's worth it; i feel so jaded now every time i attend another ren faire or fantasy event just because bicolline is so impressive! i can't speak for empire though!

[@myleft9397]

I'm not that far from this and I just found out about it from another KZbinr. I'm definitely going.

[@ChrisDattoliVO]

Super informative! I just subscribed!

[@Joahbah]

This is awesome and is inspiring me to attend next year. Thanks. 🙏

[@TallianAdventures]

Amazing video!!! well done!

[@the.mothsmith]

@@TallianAdventures thanks for your help! Couldn’t have done it without you!

[@TallianAdventures]

@@the.mothsmith You are to kind! I barely did anything!! Im happy to see the footage go to such a good use! Your video will help so many people!!

[@justlanchen]

LOVE IT

[@the.mothsmith]

heyyy i'm glad! i can old attempt to live up to your content :,)

[@AG-ng1ml]

Great tips! Thank you so much for the advice :)

[@ShaunHall-i7e]

Nice! Ive been looking into getting into Larping. I will take a train. I've got a Viking tent I've made that is water proof.

[@adele-francescahermance3962]

great greattt video

[@Incandescentkiki]

Slayed

[@the.mothsmith]

@@Incandescentkiki ayyyy thx! Can’t wait to see you there this year!

[@xdarthxzannah5187]

Great info here !!! Also side note your hair looks amazing. We need tips on how to manage long hair at bico 😅

[@the.mothsmith]

@@xdarthxzannah5187 hahahaha oh my god, you flatter me😭 Honestly, I hate to tell you this but I’ve finally found that I get the best results if I just let my hair air-dry after washing (without brushing it). I was a victim of the frizz for a long time😄

[@superking962]

Can you make a video about the guilds

[@FraterRC]

thanks

[@vannpritchard2171]

I'm sorry, but when you said 80 degrees, I gasped and said that's warm😅. I am definitely going now. Greetings from Georgia

[@the.mothsmith]

haha i get that actually, you have to remember no AC though! and it was mid-upper 80s this year some days! (with humidity, which i know you're used to being in georgia haha.)

[@alexcoffey8804]

Thanks for the info! I'm going to bico for the first time, but I'm a little worried. I hear that Adahn guy's gonna be there. He smells.

[@the.mothsmith]

oh god, yeah, best avoid that one, luckily you'd probably be able to smell him from far away ;)

[@alexcoffey8804]

@@the.mothsmith So true! 🤣

[@reis6483]

He smells delightfully good, I think you meant to say. Like Petrichor or fresh gardens

[@alexcoffey8804]

@@reis6483 If I knew what Petrichor was, maybe. Does Petrichor smell bad? 🤣

[@mikeytom2991]

I rough having kids and such. Something I definitely want to try, never did larp or anything like that. Also nice to see something other then The Voyage North. The price points I would have liked to see how you budgeted thanks!

[@the.mothsmith]

I'm actually working on that right now! I have my script I just need time to film, I've been very busy as of late :)

[@alisonpudwell4054]

Just to mention, not everything can be purchased for money. Some individuals sell things and can't accept legal tender cause they aren't a licensed vendor and are worried about getting in trouble with taxes or border crossing guards

[@the.mothsmith]

great point! i wanted to convey that yes, there is in-game currency, but if you want to buy food or goods from licensed vendors, you definitely must have Canadian cash! (also, as a first time attendee, you won't be given very much Solar at all haha)

[@the.mothsmith]

Actually, I'll add "licensed vendor" to my captions!

[@bravestripes]

I might have seen you. I'm in ordo Cervi

[@kodywolf12]

Somehow I clicked "thumbs-down" ... continued watching ... removed it - and ended up clicking "Thumbs-up" because you gave a few pointers of information that I haven't heard from other Bico videos - mostly from advertisers of the Voyage North - way too expensive for me - so I'm glad you provided other options and how "normal" people might do it. I hope to attend "one-day". I'm not sure what the heck I'll do yet there. But I've LARP'ed for over 20 years, top 1% boffer fighter, and I love tent camping! Thanks for doing this video and sharing! I'd love to join a Bico inspired discord if there's one available.

[@the.mothsmith]

@@kodywolf12 it’s in the description!

[@ToriTried]

Great video, I hope to attend next year. Is there vegan food available at restaurants in Bico?

[@the.mothsmith]

hey! i hope you can too! i think i remember seeing some vegan options at bico but i can't speak to that personally since i am not vegan. i can ask some of my friends and get back to you, however, i think it's worth it to swing by a grocery store right before, bring your own food to cook/snack on, and borrow a friend's campfire if you're not able to manage cooking equipment on your own.

[@ToriTried]

@@the.mothsmith thanks so much! That is super helpful and much appreciated 💖 Since I’ll likely be flying to bico, I might have to go with the vegan food plan through TVN but it would be great to have some options aside.

[@dreambiggarage]

Ya some basic French phases would be awesome :)

[@SiennaNelson-m3s]

Thanks so much for the video! Do you have to be in a guild to participate in the battles?

[@the.mothsmith]

nope! (usually) you'll have to pick side when you enter the battlefield (denoted by colored armbands), BUT if you're coming alone, you want to talk to other guilds so you can have some instruction on how to fight and where to go. plus some will hire mercenaries for solar occasionally!

[@CLatkovic]

Dope

[@TheEmilyAesthetic]

K quick questions: Is there an age requirement for this event? I’m 100% sure I’m too young but as soon as I’m old enough I want to go, but I don’t know the exact age. If you’re comfortable sharing, if I bring my own tent, about how much would it cost for the week, would you suggest buying food there (like a meal plan? Is that a thing?)

[@the.mothsmith]

Great questions! I'm covering some of this in my next video about budgeting for Bico! Short answer, if you're driving and bringing your own tent, plan to expect Bico to cost about $700 USD, which would be your ticket and meals and drinks for the week. This does NOT include whatever gas costs, camp gear and clothing, and whatever you decide to spend at the markets on site! If you're eating two full meals a day from vendors and restaurants it should cost about $300 for the week. No meal plans if you're going on your own, but you can also cook at camp to save some money. You must be 16 years old to fight on the battlefield, and you must be at least 18 to attend Bicolline on your own, otherwise accompanied by a parent or guardian. If you have any more questions feel free to join the Bico community Discord! We have 1.4k members and growing! (link in description)

[@nicklasnilsson2041]

Bicolline seems like so much fun! but its a long long walk from sweden =(.

[@valerielake-Vanahto]

Great Video! Can anyone tell me if you can play the online game in English?

[@the.mothsmith]

@@valerielake-Vanahto the online game is mostly for guilds afaik, it’s difficult to do without a certain number of resources. It’s not as much an online “game” as it is an ongoing war game. I’m doing more research about geopolitics for a video soon!

[@Nixon665]

Some groups that hire mercs will loan Homoligated spears. Some groups *cough* have more spears than hands to wield them. ;P

[@the.mothsmith]

i didn't know that specifically, but based on how generous all of my friends have been with loaning me weapons, i am not surprised! personally, my guild buys extra weapons (usually spears, AKA win-sticks) and shields for the guild to have on stock. so it doesn't hurt to know people!

[@Nixon665]

@@the.mothsmith lol, very true. Next time you are up come introduce yourself at the Tavern Au Coin. (gold tavern next to the Cathedral). We are Pelt-friends, and fun to hang with. -Asher

[@the.mothsmith]

@@Nixon665 ah Asher! I believe we met at the bard sing along! i was trying to figure out whether i recognized you... haha

[@otterbob5771]

Do you know if anyone from the UK attend? I'm a medieval bagpipe pipe player (that is my pipes are a copy from the 1300s and I'm 70 next year ) Would love to come and play but will need help Lots of love Otterbob

[@the.mothsmith]

that's amazing!! i don't personally know anyone from the UK that attends but i know a lot of people come from as far as australia! you should join the discord and facebook if you're looking to make friends and have more of your questions answered! links are in the description of the video!

[@otterbob5771]

Thanks for the reply I went to empire larp here in the UK this year for frist time so I can ask and see if enyone flies over All the best Otterbob

[@oliviasbasket2010]

Yoooooo!!!

[@the.mothsmith]

@@oliviasbasket2010 yooo!!

[@AbbyMaskell]

what are bicolline's rules surrounding glasses? While I can see without my glasses I get really bad headaches if I go for long stretches without wearing them. They modern looking glasses and I'm not eligible for contacts

[@the.mothsmith]

glasses are considered medical equipment so whatever you have is totally fine. it comes down to personal preference. I'd avoid modern looking sunglasses, but no one will bother you for your normal prescription glasses.

[@cesmith777]

The only part I fear is the French language - I could learn a few words I am sure but I would hate to spend so much time and money to not be able to participate in some of the deeper lore. I think it would be cool if people signed up to be Scribes, Acolytes, or Mages that join the party of the traveler and help translate :D

[@the.mothsmith]

There are plenty of Anglophones that attend this event who participate in the "lore" or geopolitics, which essentially boils down to a guilds game. Bicolline is very much a social game, so it's all about making connections and working with others to get involved! Finding an Anglophone guild with some bilingual folk is usually the best way to go about this. It's really difficult to become very involved with the lore your first year, regardless of whether you speak French or not, so my advice would be to come and explore your first time! There is so much to do at the Grande Bataille. Geopolitics is only one very small part.

[@rickyshelton7821]

so this is in Canada?

[@the.mothsmith]

Yes! Quebec, Canada.

[@rickyshelton7821]

@the.mothsmith well since I reside in Texas this will definitely take some planning a head 😅😁

[@the.mothsmith]

@@rickyshelton7821 I live in the western US so it’s definitely possible!

[@leithafae]

WAIT!!!!!!! sorry you are telling me head hits are allowed and an archer is allowed head shots. every bit of me as a larp archer of over a decade and a half i am totally surprised no larp in the uk i played allows me to loose arrows at peoples heads. Jesus.

[@the.mothsmith]

@@leithafae nonono not at all. Head shots from melee weapons are legal, but arrows to the head/face do not count. That doesn’t mean it still doesn’t happen though! It’s best to stay safe and protect your head! I’ve gotten whacked in the head pretty hard with both arrows and halberds

[@KAMI_XD-13]

I have a question, I wear glasses but they shift to sunglasses in UV light. Can I still go to Bicolline?

[@the.mothsmith]

@@KAMI_XD-13 that is a great question! Medical equipment is the grey area. Modern glasses for everyday wear and safety glasses for battle are acceptable, but walking around with mirrored lens sunglasses, for example, is not really appropriate. I also saw some wire frames with tinted lenses that look a little more decorum/timeless than just a normal modern pair. At the end of the day, if it is medical, do your best to stay in decorum, but bottom line, safety is safety and you need to take care of yourself! So yes, your glasses are fine!

[@the.mothsmith]

I actually rarely leave the house without sunglasses because I have super sensitive eyes. I just made sure to stay in the shade and immediately bought a large brimmed straw hat at one of the shops this year. But that was a sacrifice I was willing to make! In the end there isn’t one person that will be the decorum police, but we do our best to respect the sanctity of the event and each other :)

[@KAMI_XD-13]

@@the.mothsmith Thanks for answering!

[@the.mothsmith]

@@KAMI_XD-13 of course, sorry for being long-winded, but it's kind of a nuanced answer :))

[@pablolimo8481]

Are there bards?

[@the.mothsmith]

There are absolutely a ton of musicians at Bicolline. You'll find people playing instruments almost anywhere you go, and there is even nightly live music on a stage from different professional bands. There are casual bard sing-a-longs and competitions too! If you were thinking along the lines of D&D bard magic, there isn't a system for that or anything, but you're always welcome to roleplay whatever you want with your friends!

[@Shakr_Shakrian_Shakr]

Is there an age limit? If so, are there any events without it?

[@the.mothsmith]

bicolline.org/en/general-information/ If you meant age minimum, this is from the website: "The event is open to all. Children 15 and under must be accompanied by at least one parent during the event. Participants of 16-17 years of age must provide the signed Parental Consent form if they are not accompanied by a parent. In this case, the Parental Consent document mandates a responsible adult of at least 18 years of age to be on site and in charge of the participants during the event." To participate in the GB battles you must be at least 16 as well! There is anyone from young children to grandparents that attend Bico! So much to do and each person's experience varies based on what they want to get out of it.

[@Shakr_Shakrian_Shakr]

@@the.mothsmith yes, thank you so much!

[@Locardox]

Damit I wish I wasn't so latin american and could afford going to Bicolline, but no! god decided I needed to be Argentinean :C, We got Messi so it's something but still.

[@jayred2908]

Beware of the court of mirages. 🙃

[@MavenTheFae]

I feel like calling bico a larp is a little misleading. I understand why so many people call it that but it’s kind of it’s own beast that floats between different categories depending on the person. I typically just refer to it as a week long medieval experience as I don’t wanna scare non larpers who might be interested in such an event but that’s just me, everyone can call it whatever they see fit

[@atoms.channel]

ok, why is it not a larp? it seems to check the boxes for what LARPs are. And what are you not saying that's supposed to be so scary or off-putting about it? everyone should be allowed their opinions, even if it's critical of something generally well-received, and you would be doing people a favor to balance all the (positive) reviews of it I've seen, or just provide some thoughtful nuance - even if it fits a narrow mind-set or circumstance, it might be very helpful to someone with the same or similar. so out with it! LOL

[@LarpMix]

I appreciate this comment. However, larps vary so drastically and the term is used very loosely. But just as any larp, I would highly suggest researching exactly what you are getting into. I like combat, fighting and being the woods and prefer an old school Dungeons and Dragons type experience at larp, but I would totally be down to try this as well but understand it's a different experience. This is why I haven't really been to Drachenfest US or Bicolline, even though I like like 45 minutes from one and only a few hours from the other... It's very cool, but not necessarily my preference.

[@BrandonJames-u2g]

Lol bicolline is funny lol