FAQ
What is Catalyst?
Catalyst is a multi-genre LARPing experience. It takes place in a world known as the Dreaming -- the mystical liminal place that everyone's dreams feed into. But the Dreaming is in mortal peril. It is up to people from different connected worlds to save it!
What are realms?
Realms are the places your characters are from. They inform who your character is, how much they know about the Dreaming, and how they interact with each other.
The currently active realms (and their genre) are:
The realms will occasionally be explored as settings within the Dreaming when realm-relevant plots are occurring, but otherwise work to help shape your character and flesh out your backstory.
The currently active realms (and their genre) are:
- New Zygaxia - Fantasy / Swords and Sorcery
- Planet X - Space Western / Mecha
- Mundania 93 - 90's Television / Meta-Sci-Fi
- Atlantis - Horror / Myth and Antiquity
- Neo Mukai - Cyberpunk / Eco-Fantasy
- Opus - Mystery / Magitech Noir
The realms will occasionally be explored as settings within the Dreaming when realm-relevant plots are occurring, but otherwise work to help shape your character and flesh out your backstory.
What is the Dreaming like?
Limited only by your imagination, the Dreaming is a place where memories turn to stone and each one you collect gives you incredible power. The Dreaming turns regular people into warriors and helps them forge unbreakable bonds with one another.
200 years ago, a flood wiped out the Dreaming as we knew it, covering it in clouds. The Dreamwalkers, those summoned by the Soul Forge to protect the Dreaming, have been freeing land masses and reconnecting them to one another, securing a future for this world. But the Nightmare King, bent on revenge, is attempting to destroy all that the Dreamwalkers have built.
200 years ago, a flood wiped out the Dreaming as we knew it, covering it in clouds. The Dreamwalkers, those summoned by the Soul Forge to protect the Dreaming, have been freeing land masses and reconnecting them to one another, securing a future for this world. But the Nightmare King, bent on revenge, is attempting to destroy all that the Dreamwalkers have built.
Is this game suited to all ages?
Players must be a minimum of 15 years of age, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Catalyst's content is safe for all ages and is mindful of triggers. Any content that may cause distress is put under an "Orange headband" warning -- meaning that there will be themes that some will find uncomfortable and may not be suitable for all audiences.
What is a US LARP like?
While Nordic LARPs tend to be more scripted with planned out battle scenes, US LARPs tend to rely more on improvisation and unscripted battles. While our battles simulate actual fights, we utilize a Lightest Touch fighting style, which is used to prevent injuries or harm.
Is Catalyst a good intro to LARPing?
YES! The system has been reworked to be as friendly to new players as possible and is designed to be a fun challenge for long-time players, while being very easy for first-time LARPers. If you enjoy tabletop gaming, you're sure to enjoy Catalyst.
Is this game disability-friendly?
This game is built to be accessible for members of the neurodivergent community and inclusive of players with limited mobility. While we cannot guarantee that every mod will be accessible, Catalyst staff tries to reduce the number of obstacles that can prevent people from enjoying the game, while creating opportunities for all to participate.
The game staff includes people who identify as autistic and/or have ADHD, and have worked tirelessly to make sure the game is oriented with neurodivergent players in mind. Safety is a number one precaution at Catalyst, and so mods with potentially distressing content are made optional and distinguished from other mods through the use of orange headbands, with clear explanations of what to expect.
The game staff includes people who identify as autistic and/or have ADHD, and have worked tirelessly to make sure the game is oriented with neurodivergent players in mind. Safety is a number one precaution at Catalyst, and so mods with potentially distressing content are made optional and distinguished from other mods through the use of orange headbands, with clear explanations of what to expect.
How do I prepare for my first game?
Read the Rulebook and the Attend an Event guide.
