Orkin's Guide for Beginners

Getting started in Amtgard can be a bit confusing and sometimes overwhelming. I've put together this simple list to help you get started with Crimson Circle. If you follow these in order, you will greatly increase your enjoyment of the game and you will impress the other suckers who didn't do these things.

1. Find us. This is pretty basic, but I've seen people give up just because they couldn't find the park or the name and number of someone to talk to about Amtgard. My email address is orkin @ orkin . net (without the spaces). Feel free to email me anytime with questions about the game or for directions. Alternatively, you can call me at 920-737-0305 or just show up at the park on any given Saturday at 1:00. There's a map at the bottom of the About page.
2. Get a copy of the rulebook. There is a PDF version in the Media section, under Documents. You can download this for free, otherwise I have bound rulebooks that you can purchase at the park. The rulebook will explain how to play the game in detail, including persona guidelines, class abilities, magic, and basic game mechanics. Anything you don't understand can be explained to you at the park.
3. Read the rulebook. This is not a joke. Yes, you can play the game without reading the rulebook, but it still amazes me that people try to fly blind. It's so worth it.
4. Show up at the park. We'll let you go your first few weeks without doing anything past this point in the list. Heck, you may have already done this in step 1, in which case you're ahead of the game. This is - by far - the most important step.
5. Get garb. You can purchase medieval or fantasy garb at a variety of online retailers or from Ebay. If you're feeling crafty (or cheap), making garb can be fast, easy, and inexpensive. Crimson Circle has garbing and weapon-making nights just about every week. Bring a few yards of cloth, and I'll be happy to help you sew something simple for garb. Garb is very important; after your fourth week, it's what allows you to play any class other than peasant. There's nothing wrong with peasants, but they're not very heroic.
6. Get weapons. Yes, you can borrow weapons, but after your first couple weeks, people are going to start being less-and-less willing to allow you to do so. Building weapons is cheap and easy, and we can show you in about 10 minutes how to build a sword. Most weapons cost between $5 and $10 in materials, and we would be delighted to show you how to make one.
7. Create a persona. This involves a name and background information, and you are allowed to change it if you grow tired of it or get more creative later on. The important thing is that you make one and get started playing in character for quests and roleplay situations.
8. Pick a class. In your first few months, I encourage you to try several different classes. Eventually, though, you will want to pick one and start taking credits in it so you can access the higher-level abilities. To play a class, remember that you need to be wearing the appropriate garb (sash) for that class.
9. Talk to your class guildmaster. You should really get to know the class guildmaster. If you don't know who that is, please ask. This person will help you with garb, class abilities, and level tests. They will be the person making recommendations for awards you should receive, and they are experienced enough to be able to give you helpful hints for playing your class. Talking to them on a regular basis is a very good idea.
10. Create Heraldry. Creating heraldry isn't 100% necessary, but it's a really good idea. People at the park can help with this, and it helps you to stand out from all of the schmucks who don't have heraldry yet. :)
11. Become a member in good standing. The cost is $6 every 6 months, and it allows you several things. First, it allows you to vote in althings and elections. Second, it allows you to run for office. You cannot become Champion, Chancellor, Regent, or Monarch without being a member in good standing. The money goes to the park treasury, and it is used for park-related expenses. You'll be helping the group, and you'll be helping yourself become a bigger part of the group.

That's it. If you follow these simple steps in order, you will have become a significant part of Crimson Circle.