So You Wanna Go to Bicolline…
A How-to and Introduction for English Speakers
Hail and well met, friends! I put this google doc together to help other anglophones (English speakers) like myself know a little bit more about Bicolline! Mostly, that you can go without spending an arm and a leg. I want to preface this doc with this:
This is in no way bashing The Voyage North. I went with them my first year, as did many other English speakers you’ll meet on the grounds. But as someone who fell in love with Bicolline, I could never financially afford to attend with them year after year. Some do and that’s great! What they do is amazing and they bring a lot of new players to the LARP. They were super kind and provide a lot to their members. They make Bicolline feel like a vacation and have a LOT of fun while taking the stress of planning for a week long LARP out of the equation. But they aren’t the only ones that exist out there! The Duche is full of amazing Guilds and people and that’s what this is all about.
I reached out to all of the Guilds I knew of that are primarily anglo (or heavily bilingual in membership). Below you will find summaries of said Guilds, their leaders, and their logos so you can recognize them out on the grounds and/or on the field. If you’re interested in finding out more, don’t hesitate to reach out to me or the Guilds themselves (they all have groups on Facebook - if you can’t find it, let me know!) I will also be linking to various YouTube videos with information and examples of various Bico-related topics.
*You don’t have to go with a Guild! You can go alone and register as Independent. These Guilds are great sources of info and friendship more than anything!
The Free Company of Lys Noir
A lot of people found here are LARP veterans and fighters; refugees from former Guilds. They favor tactics and training that wins wars, and makes everyone feel helpful and welcome (drama-free and no toxicity!). Current aesthetic draws from Seafaring Lancers and Knights. This Guild is split between New England and Montreal mostly, so not fully anglo.
Leaders: Robert Swift, Adria Kyne
Covenant of the Black Rose
Primarily out of Western Canada, this Guild does it all! A military specialized guild in the geopolitical side of the game; they focus on both combat and roleplay at game. In this Guild, you pay a flat fee and they take care of the rest. They also introduce you to the grounds and game and are happy to take you to see and meet whatever and whoever!
Leader: Abbey Johnston
The Bastard Sons
The Bastard Sons (Fils Bâtard) are the oldest english speaking guild at Bico. They have a core of members coming from Quebec and a smattering of people from the rest of Canada and the US, mostly bilingual and always happy to help other english speakers out. With a laid back camp atmosphere and no strict guild style, they are ever on the lookout for new members.
Leaders: Samuel Lubberts (Fionn Gawynsson), David Villeneuve (Sir Eagle), Jeremi Szlachetka (Einnar Bollisson), Cassandra Carnahan (Ediana)
Twilight’s Dawn
AKA “The Fae” Guild! There is a vetting process to join this Guild that involves acquiring a sponsor (that you’re NOT friends with - but a friend can set you up with). You must then have an interview with said sponsor, the leaders, and one Ombudsman to determine whether you’d be a good fit for the culture of the Guild.
Leaders: Ricky Maddox, Kaia Maddox, Colson Tarband
Realms Embassy
Born out of New England LARP The Realms, Realms Embassy is an Exploration Guild that hunts the monsters or nuisances that occur in countries and often gets requested by kingdoms to hunt in their lands. Always looking for new members but are selective as they have a lot of their own decorum equipment! Lastly, they have translated a lot of the game documents from Quebecois to English!
Leader: Andrew Disbrow
The Oathsworn
A Viking Guild made up of close friends from all over. This Guild knows how to have fun. If you’re looking for a Viking-esque experience, I recommend seeking them out. They don’t actively recruit but are open to new members if you become friends and feel right to the Guild.
Colibrille
Solari elves from the far southern lands of Bicolline. They are skilled archers, explorers and diplomats of their nation. Once isolated and unable to return to the lands of Irendille, they settled in the “Valley of the Sun.” Now they’ve returned and hope to rekindle their relationship with their northern kin while also establishing trade routes, allies, and satisfying their elvish desires for adventure and discovery. (This is a newer Guild that I’m really excited to see grow!)
Leader: Niki Giangiulio-DeGraffenreid
DTCo coming soon!
The Voyage North
Ordo Cervi
I’m...just going to link Momo O’Brien’s latest Bicolline video here as it’s basically one big advertisement for TVN.
Which isn’t a bad thing. That’s her job.
Really great video found here! Click!
Marchwardens
Nova Vitae
More info found here: