KNIGHTS, elves, witches and goblins could soon become a common sight in Wangaratta, amid overwhelming local interest in establishing a live action role play (LARP) community in the rural city.

Inspired by the fantasy genre and popular table top games such as Dungeons and Dragons with roots dating back to the 1970s, LARP shares similarities with historical re-enactments popularised around the globe, with “more of an emphasis on creating your own story”, according to local convener Jacob Selwood.

A Facebook post about the upstart initiative made by Mr Selwood last week garnered almost 300 comments from rural city residents, with many expressing their interest in participating or observing, or offering to assist in the construction of LARP-specific foam weapons or plastic armour.

“Currently I’m a part of a different LARP group called ‘Stormglow’ which operates in Albury/Wodonga – I noticed we had about half a dozen members who were from Wangaratta so I put it out there to see if anybody else was interested, and apparently, a lot of people were interested,” Mr Selwood said.

“Usually a scenario is played out with two opposing factions, sometimes even three opposing factions depending on how many people and they run scenarios like capture the hill or storming a castle.

“There are officials who run it called ‘sheriffs’ – those individuals are sort of like referees, they make sure everyone’s following the rules and such.

“I was expecting maybe 20 or so people being interested – it’s kind of got to about 10 times that at the moment I think, so it’s a lot more than I expected but I’m very enthusiastic about setting this up now.”

The ‘Warcry Wangaratta’ Facebook page has since swelled to 175 members, and while Mr Selwood said there were still some hoops to jump through, namely council approval and insurance costs, he had been buoyed by the overall positivity around the initiative.

Those participating in a ‘Warcry’ battle night will be expected to pay a cost of $7.50, with weapons also available to rent for an additional cost.

Those electing to spectate will be able to do so for free.

A potential venue is also yet to be decided, however, Mr Selwood said the events would likely take place at either of Merriwa or Apex parks.

“I’ve had dozens of people reach out towards me asking how they can help essentially, even food vendors asking if they could cater for it,” Mr Selwood said.

“There definitely appears to be a real appetite for this to happen, a lot of people are looking forward to it.

“I have actually approached the council about it and they are very much enthusiastic for it as well.

“It’ll most likely be a weekly event and occasionally we’ll have bigger events, but usually it’ll just be a weekly thing where people can come and participate or have a week off if they need to.”

For more information, search 'Warcry Wangaratta' on Facebook.