PORTAL
Upcoming Events
Immersive Adventure Events
Portland & Surrounding Areas, Oregon USA
PORTAL Events
A Message From the Executive Directors
Hello Everyone,
We have officially launched PORTAL!
We have begun Virtual Orientation/ Q&A type events, as well as Creation Day events.
We will be working towards building In-Game Events and then transition asap to Full Weekend Events including overnight stays (basically approx. 42 hours of continuous In-Game experiences).
We will need our community’s help to get there.
If you are interested in helping make this a reality, please reach out and let us know!
We are not PORTAL without YOU!
Joe & Noelle Furi
Executive Directors
07, 14 & 28
January 2025
Step Through The Portal (Virtual)
When: Tuesday, January 7th, 14th & 28th 2025 – 6pm – 8pm
Type: Virtual, OUT OF GAME – Free Event
Looking for a new adventure? Join us and take the first step into a world of imagination, medieval fantasy, and fun. Let’s create your story together!
Discover PORTAL, the new LARP in town! This is a virtual one-on-one meeting to connect with you-whether you’re interested in joining as a player, NPC, or just learning more.
During these sessions, we’ll guide you through everything you need to get started:
- Character Creation: Build your unique persona for the game.
- Garb, Footwear, and Makeup: Learn what’s needed to bring your character to life.
- Weapons and Armor: Share what you have or ask about what’s required.
We’ll also walk you through preparation for your first Adventure Day, covering everything from now until the first “lay-on” moment.
11 & 25
January 2025
Step Through The Portal (Virtual)
When: Saturday, January 11th, 25th, 2025, 11am – 1pm
Type: Virtual, OUT OF GAME – Free Event
Looking for a new adventure? Join us and take the first step into a world of imagination, medieval fantasy, and fun. Let’s create your story together!
Discover PORTAL, the new LARP in town! This is a virtual one-on-one meeting to connect with you-whether you’re interested in joining as a player, NPC, or just learning more.
During these sessions, we’ll guide you through everything you need to get started:
- Character Creation: Build your unique persona for the game.
- Garb, Footwear, and Makeup: Learn what’s needed to bring your character to life.
- Weapons and Armor: Share what you have or ask about what’s required.
We’ll also walk you through preparation for your first Adventure Day, covering everything from now until the first “lay-on” moment.
8 & 22
March 2025
New Player Days: Character & Combat Workshop
(Free Event!)
When: Saturday March 8th & 22nd @ 11am-3pm
Type: In Person, OUT OF GAME, Free Event
Location: Bloomington Park, SE Steele & SE 100th Ave, Portland, OR 97266
New Player Days are unique Out Of Game experiences designed to bring your character to life while teaching participants the fundamentals of LARP combat, including weapon safety, spellcasting techniques, and strategic gameplay. They are your ultimate gateway to adventure, offering hands-on workshops, interactive activities, and expert guidance to help you craft your character’s persona and prepare for epic in-game action.
This workshop is the perfect way to step into the exciting world of LARP combat or take your skills to the next level, all while having fun and building camaraderie with fellow players!
Whether you’re new to live-action roleplay or looking to refine your existing skills, this event offers an inclusive and supportive environment to prepare for in-game battles. It’s a chance to learn, practice, and connect with others in the community.
Led by your Executive Directors (two experienced LARP combatants and trainers), the workshop focuses on developing your combat confidence, improving your game mechanics during fights, and enhancing your overall gameplay experience.
Learn More About New Player Days!
Activities and Features
- Character Creation & Orientation:
Work with seasoned LARPers to craft your perfect in-game persona. Build a compelling backstory, choose your race and class, and align your character with the world’s lore. - Weapon Combat Basics:
Learn the essentials of using foam and latex LARP weapons safely and effectively. Trainers will demonstrate proper stances, swings, and parries, followed by hands-on practice. - Advanced Techniques:
For those with prior experience, this session covers advanced combat strategies such as feints, counterattacks, and two-weapon fighting. - Spellcasting for Roleplay:
Spellcasters will practice delivering verbals, throwing spell packets, and roleplaying magical effects. Emphasis will be placed on accuracy, pacing, and immersion. - Tactical Gameplay:
Group exercises focusing on teamwork, battlefield communication, and situational awareness to prepare for large-scale In Game battles. - Combat Certification:Participants will have the opportunity to complete their combat certification, ensuring they’re ready to take on In Game challenges safely and confidently.
- Weapons & Armor Check:
Bring your weapons for safety inspection and compliance check. so that you are ready to bring them In Game. Bring your armor for armor point evaluation. - Rules and Safety Overview:
A review of LARP combat rules, safety protocols, and etiquette to ensure a fun and fair experience for all players.
Special Highlights
- Mock Combat Matches: Participants can test their skills in controlled sparring matches or mini skirmishes with guidance from trainers.
- Guest Trainer Q&A: A duo of experienced players sharing their best tips for LARP combat and answering participant questions.
Atmosphere and Accessibility
The event will be casual and beginner-friendly, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions, get feedback, and learn at your own pace. We will strive to have enough necessary equipment (weapons, shields, spell packets, etc.) to provide for everyone, but supplies are limited. Attendees are encuoraged to bring their own weapons and armor for certification, feedback and advice.
Light snacks and refreshments will be available, along with open break periods to chat and socialize with other attendees. Participants can also explore a display table showcasing LARP weapons, costumes, and accessories for inspiration.
Takeaways
By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with:
- Improved combat skills and confidence and PORTAL combat certification
- A better understanding of LARP rules and safety
- Their weapons checked and armor points assigned
- New friendships and connections within the community
- A readiness to tackle in-game challenges with skill and flair
The Character & Combat Workshop is the perfect way to step into the exciting world of LARP combat or take your skills to the next level, all while having fun and building camaraderie with fellow players!
TBD
April 2025
Adventure Days
When: TBD April 2025
Type: In Person, IN GAME, Paid Event
Location: TBD
Adventure Days are our first In-Game Events where you will begin to play your character, an NPC or an RNPC.
What To Expect At An In-Game Event!
Details about what you can expect when you attend an In-Game PORTAL event!
For Out-Of-Game aka Member Events, specific event details and what to expect will be listed on the actual event.
Check In
You have arrived at Camp! Welcome, Please Proceed to Check-In!
Check In locations are noted for each individual event in that Event's Information and will be well signed at the location.
For In-Game Events, if you have a white headband, (don't worry if you don't) please put it on and proceed to the Check-In location.
Logistics personnel will greet you at the Check-In table and walk you through each step of the New Player Process!
Do I Need A Costume?
More Info
One requirement for whatever you’ll be playing: Bring a comfortable shoe or boot. (For In Game Events)
If you are NPCing the whole time, your costuming, weapons, armor and makeup will all be provided for you.
If you are PCing (playing your character) you should purchase your costuming ahead of time. Your costuming doesn't need to be expensive or complicated, check out the Costuming Page for inspiration and information!
While PORTAL strives to have as much costuming and accessories available for sale at each event, our supplies are currently limited.
PORTAL prefers medieval, period looking costuming and footwear; but don't forget, comfort rules the day when it comes to an active day or weekend of adventuring at PORTAL!
How Much Does the Event Cost?
More Info
Each Event Cost varies and is listed next to each event on the Events Page.
NPC's play for FREE. Costuming, weapons makeup, and accessories are provided by PORTAL.
You MUST bring your own footwear and undergarments!
There is a limit to the amount of people who can NPC at each event so register as early as possible to secure your spot!
Full Weekend Events are often around $90 per person (Friday evening-Sunday afternoon play), sleeping accommodations are included.
Food is available on-site at all Full Weekend Events and is available as an addition to your event cost as a bundle or a la carte.
Food typically averages out around $12 per meal.
Healthy & sinful snacks and beverages are also plentiful and available a la carte!
You may use PORTAL Cash to offset the cost of your event at 1 PORTAL Cash per $1 dollar (cap of $40 per full weekend pass)
Is There An Age A Requirement?
You must be over the age of 18 to attend a PORTAL event!
What is Membership and why is it free for the first event?
More Info
PORTAL Membership is $20 and helps to offset the cost of player insurance and organization fees.
Everyone must be a PORTAL Member to play, but PORTAL does not require your Membership to be paid until your second event.
Membership Forms are available at every event!
Role-Playing
However you are choosing to experience PORTAL, whenever you are playing the game, you will be Role-Playing!
What does this really mean for me?
When you are at PORTAL, In Game, you get to spend all day (and sometimes all night) being your character; making decisions, having conversations, adventuring, planning, living and dying as the character you have created would.
Learn More About How To Create Your Character
You get to do all of the same things as an NPC & RNPC, but these characters motives and actions are under the direction of PORTAL.
Oftentimes, these characters are monsters that you cannot play as a Player Character, affording NPCs & RNPCs the opportunity to experience Portal in a completely new way!
New Player Training
Every new player will get to experience New Player Training as part of their introduction to the amazing world of PORTAL and Telemere, the In Game world which awaits you.
Here you will quickly learn the rudiments of all the basics you need to play the game!
This includes but is not limited to: Common Terminology | Combat Training & Certification | Magic | Injury, Death, Dying, & Resurrection |
After New Player Training, (at In Game Events) you will be guided on your first adventure as an NPC so you can enjoy your first PORTAL experience with other new & experienced players (without worrying about killing your new character)!
Go have fun!
When you return, you can either go play your Player Character or continue to NPC/RNPC!
Adventuring
At our In Game events you are able to spend all day in your character, interacting with the other people of Telemere or embarking on a grand adventure!
Grab a drink at the Tavern and discuss the matters of the day, make new acquaintances and catch up with your old friends. Gamble the day away, battle your enemies or toil towards your goals, all of the choices are always yours!
All Player Characters (PCs) begin game as First Level Adventurers!
Adventurers share a special place in all the societies of the world.
In Valoria, almost all titles and stations have been bestowed upon powerful adventurers that have proven their loyalty and value to the Duke.
Adventurers are those special few that have chosen to follow different paths to the same ends, the myriad and often perilous journeys where adventure awaits.
Adventurers are typically the type of people that want, desire, or need….something, and are willing to go and do something about getting what they want!
Adventuring is about getting up and doing something!
Go help, go thwart, go study, go create, go cower in a corner; at PORTAL you have the opportunity to live very intense moments, very intentionally.
The Rules
Not every player will at all times know every skill and every single rule, PORTAL does not expect them to.
However, you are required to adhere to the Out Of Game Rules of the Organization as well as the In Game Rules at all times.
Here are some important examples:
The Hold Rule
More Info
The most important combat rule is the Hold Rule, a pause in gameplay, which can be invoked by any player at any time.
What Happens When You Call a Hold
If you hear the cry of “Hold” you should repeat it at once, and then stop any action you are involved in.
When someone calls the word “Hold,” you should stop what you are doing immediately, and stay exactly where you are.
Do not leave the spot you are safely standing on; even innocent shuffling around may cause inadvertant advantage, so please stay still and quite. Do not have any conversation during a Hold, In Game or Out Of Game, unless it relates to the specific reason why the Hold was called.
How to Call a Hold
To call a Hold, say/shout “Hold” loud enough for everyone in your encounter area to hear.
If you are ever uncertian about how loud to speak, then always speak louder. For instance, large battles may require you to shout since your encounter area is an entire battlefield. If you hear the cry of “Hold” you should repeat it at once, and then stop any action you are involved in.
In combat situations, be sure your opponent has recognized the Hold before dropping your guard.
When the reason for a Hold has been resolved, the player who called the Hold or a Marshal should call “Three, two, one... LAY ON”.
The game then resumes from where it left off.
In Game vs Out of Game
More Info
Formal Definition: You are In Game when you are interacting with the game world of PORTAL, you are Out Of Game when you are not interacting with the game world, whether you are attending to some logistical necessity such as tag exchange, a personal errand such as going to the bathroom, or the ultimate disappointment: the event is over until next time.
The game is better if you stay In Game as much as possible.
Try to keep out-of -game comments to a minimum. Remember, the more fully you immerse yourself in your character during the game, the more fun you, and those around you, will have with your character.
If The Rules Do Not Say You Can, You Cannot
More Info
The First Rule
If a skill, spell or other rule does not explicitly state you can do something, then you cannot do it.
For example, the Giant Strength spell does not say you can use it to leap greater distances, therefore, no matter how creative you may be in trying; you cannot leap with a Giant Strength spell.
Another example, the Slay skill says nothing about being used to break an object such as a door. During game play your character wants to get into a room behind a closed door. You cannot use one of your purchases of the Slay skill to break down the door.
PC | NPC | RNPC
PCing (Playing Your Character)
As a PC (player character), you get to make all the choices and decisions involving your character!
You are in charge of, and responsible for, the totality of all of your character’s decisions and actions.
You are free to act however you wish within the framework of PORTAL’s rules and procedures. This is your opportunity to create a character and interact with anyone in any way that suits your desires.
In Game actions have In Game consequences, so please take into consideration that other characters' desires and intentions may be different from yours during your adventures!
You should expect to be as involved as you want.
Very few things happen to those that sit and wait.
NPC
NPCing (Not Playing Your Character)
As an NPC (non player character), you will have the opportunity to play FOR FREE many different characters, classes, and professions, each with varying roles, cultures and experiences!
You will be based Out of Game in the NPC Area, and provided with everything that you will need to play the NPC’s that you are assigned, except for footwear, you must bring your own!
NPC’s are often given as many choices as possible, but ultimately the totality of all the the NPC’s decisions and actions are controlled by the Marshal that assigns you your role.
Outside of the parameters dictated by your NPC Character Booklet or given by the Marshal, there is no improvisation or self direction allowed.
There are always opportunities for vast amounts of fun in any NPC part!
RNPC
RNPCing (Recurring NPC)
As an RNPC (Recurring Non Player Character) you get to the chance to experience playing an NPC character that you help create and play!
You and an NPC Marshal will work together to create a unique NPC just for you.
Your RNPC will ultimately be under Portal control, and must be portrayed according to the RNPC card that you are assigned. The guidelines and boundaries that apply to your RNPC will be in your RNPC character booklet.
Within those guidelines and boundaries, you will be able to chart the course that your RNPC takes in any way you desire.
Your RNPC will receive build for each time you play that particular RNPC.
Spend that build to develop your RNPC as you play over time as you strive towards your given overall goals and objectives.