NEW PLAYER GUIDE
NERO is a fantasy roleplaying game that allows you to play a character that actually fights and solves problems within a live setting. The following information will help you to discover what NERO is all about if you are unfamiliar with the game.
NorthCoast Nero has a costume and weapon supply for you to borrow at your first game. We offer this service for free at your first game. Costuming and weapons are also available to rent after your first game.
I. Who am I?
First, you need to decide who you will portray in the game of NERO.
1. Pick a race for your character. Will you be a care-free gypsy who likes to sing, party and tell stories? Maybe a staltwart dwarf, cunning elf, or mischievous Hobling better suits your taste? A full list of races can be found in the rulebook. Your race will help to form how your character acts within the game.
2. Pick your class. A class is a type of profession. You can be a Warrior, skilled in weapons and armor. Or maybe a Rogue, stealthy and skilled in the ways of lockpicking and subterfuge. If magic is your taste, become a Scholar, specialized in healing or elemental energies. Finally, you can choose to become a combination of a Scholar and Warrior with the class of Templar. Some races are better suited for certain classes, so choose carefully when deciding which you want to become.
3. Pick your Skills. Your skills will help to round out your character. Is your character a blacksmith? Does he/she fight with a sword and shield or two short swords? Perhaps you are a sailor on the open sea? Only you can decide what your character will do.
II. What do I look like?
Your costume is the next step in creating your character. All players at NERO must be dressed in costume. If it is your first game, feel free to contact us about costuming help. We do have some rules to follow when it comes playing NERO.
Costuming Rules:
No jeans, sneakers, ball caps, clothes with logos, or sunglasses.
Watches should be worn out of sight.
Avoid Velcro and zippers.
No real weapons, such as: knives, real swords or bows are allowed.
Sweats, sandals, scarves, jewelry, belts, boots, and eyeglasses are all acceptable.
A pocket knife are permissable if used as a tool (Example: for trap disarming).
No flashlights will be permitted during the game.
Certain races have regulations for costuming. For instance, if you are an elf, you must wear "pointed ears". Dwarves require beards. You can find more information in the Rulesbook. Most of these items can be found at your local costume shop.
Anything else to make your character more "realistic" in a fantasy setting can be used with your character.
III. Armor and Weapony
Some armor and weapons can be borrowed for your first game, as available. These will have to be provided by you for future games or can be rented through NorthCoast Nero for a nominal cost.
There is a weapon construction section in the rulebook for boffer weapons. While this may seem difficult, many people in the game can offer you help with your weapon construction. All weapons will be checked prior to the game for safety purposes and you may only use weapons approved by the Weapons Marshal.
Armor is actually used within the game. There are four types of armor:
Clothing - Offers little or no protection.
Leather - Offers light protection.
Chain Mail - Moderate protection.
Plate Mail - Heavy protection
Note, this armor can be made from plastic, suede, or the actual items. However, you cannot wear a grey sweater and state that this is chainmail. Your armor will be checked prior to the game for safety purposes and you may only use armor approved by the Weapons Marshal.
IV. Equipment
Here is a list of items that you will need for your weekend of NERO enjoyment. NERO Equipment Check List
A tavern will be provided on-site where we will have food, water, and other non-alcoholic beverages provided for your use. As always, alcohol is prohibited at NERO events.
V. New Player Training
An NPC will be available to help train new players in the use of proper combat training, magic use, skullduggery (lockpicking, trap setting, etc...) and so on... Remember: If you do not have a skill, you can not attempt to try that ability. (Example: To track someone, you need to have the skill - CO:Tracking. See the rulebook for more details)
VI: New Player Information
Membership to NorthCoast Nero is required after the first game. Membership cost is $20.00 per year.Membership benefits include: Internet Forums, Insurance, Yearly Events Calendar, Character Tracking, and Membership Card.
Transfers are welcome.
You must be 14 years old with a parent/guardian to participate; 18 to participate without parent/guardian consent.
Forms for participation can be found on this web site and will be available on-site at the event. (i.e. Medical, etc)
Prices:
A $50.00 Yearly Membership Includes:
$30.00 Nero International membership which includes:
one year of insurance and national player data base.
$20.00 NorthCoast NERO membership which includes:
$40 credit game that can be used immediately or saved for a later date
2 Goblin Blankets
Pouch with 2 gold, 3 silver coins to get you started.
2 Cure Light Wounds Potions
Normal Event Costs
$20 Per Day
$40 Weekend event
$5.00 discount with military ID or DD 214 for veterans
It is Free to NPC but if not a member you will still need to pay the $5 insurance fee below.
