Reckoning LARP and How We Came to Found Wandering Folk Society

Well, we are here.

Who are we?

LARPers who love Reckoning LARP.

Where are we?

Here, at the founding of a nonprofit that I hope sticks around, because I have done my best to let it reflect what I think this community is.

Why?

What a question. Why did I start Wandering Folk Society, a nonprofit Social Club for LARP enthusiasts, to host Reckoning LARP. Gosh, lots of reasons.

First and foremost, in observing and participating this community since its formation and its evolution, eventually landing myself in a place of leadership, I felt that we are all a bunch of folks who want something very specific that feels…communal. That feels like we are part of something. It has always felt like this community really just wanted to be heard, and known, and seen in its many different ways.

Secondly, and more practically speaking (and less romantic), our main LARP that started our community, Reckoning LARP, needed a home with an entity that could intake a large quantity of money meant to be put toward our game. Yes, Reckoning LARP used to be operated LLCs. But that structure has not worked for us for a multitude of reasons, the first being…we really are not trying to make a profit, none of us. Not that LARPs should not, I think each one is structured differently. But, specifically, the folks I have seen and met in Reckoning LARP have been more concerned with the game than the money (which I cherish so much about our folks). Still, that being said…we must have an entity that can intake money, somehow. And, like I said, LLCs have not worked and besides that first reasons, the reality is that there are tax implications for the individuals who take on membership of an LLC and for folks unconcerned with profits, the LLC is a bane and a financial burden on the named individuals.

Lastly, I think that, while Reckoning LARP is and will always be our flagship event, we as a community yearn more. And having a nonprofit hosts can give us more opportunities to expand…apply for grants…perhaps even buy our own land, someday, to build permanent structures.

I promise, this nonprofit was created with you in mind. I want you all to have a voice. I am the President now, but my term is limited and you each will have the opportunity to run for the Presidency, or other Officer positions, or apply for Board Membership, and have your chance at the wheel. I think that’s important. I happened upon this thing by sheer luck and proximity and so I am President. If I get re-elected at the end of my term, I will be thrilled and honored.

But if I don’t?

Then I will be so happy to have at least started Wandering Folk Society and made your voice heard! Even if it means you ultimately want to continue with someone else! The point will be…to continue.

I know my time with Reckoning LARP comes with some doubts, but I really hope that I can use this year to show you why I think we are on the right track.

My hope is for sustainability and consistency of this game, of our hobby. My hope is for this to feel more like a community and re-instill some trust amongst ourselves and for this game. I want us to be able to focus more on the story we have been creating and on each other and less on…everything else.

I hope I do you all proud in guiding you there, along with the other Officers of this nonprofit (also known as your Wardens). I promise I will try my best to listen to you all, to promote creation of your game, and to support you as best as I can. I am sorry if this feels like yet another change, yet another upheaval, but if you bear with me, I think our game and community will come out better and stronger after it.

For the future, you can expect to hear about timelines for stuff like the finalization of rules, the date of our wiki release, when quests need to be submitted and how your LARP game leaders can obtain funds for those quests, what our schedule will be, how to purchase our immersive meal plan, how to reserve an RV spot, how to ensure you get early access to set-up at the game, and what perks and discounts you will be getting for being a member.

I promise I will write more, introduce myself a bit better, and answer some outlying questions, but alas, I have been at it for days now and I think my cat and partner need me for at least an evening.

Yours,
Gabby Johnson
President of Wandering Folk Society
president@wanderingfolksociety.org

P.S. Today, I am thinking of those who became before me, and I wish them well and send them all of my friendship and gratitude.