Melee (LARP)
A LARP
Contents
What is it?
MELEE stands for "Martial Enactment League Enabling Expression," and is a live-action medieval battlegame (or LARP) organization founded in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1982. MELEE has organized chapters in seven other states, organized into four tiers (Tributary, Redoubt, Faction/Bastion, and Stronghold) based upon chapter size. As the original birthplace of MELEE, Tulsa is its "Crown Province," or permanent capitol. MELEE is primarily a combat organization, with less role-playing activity than in some LARPs (including Amtgard). MELEE does not allow magic or monsters in its standard games, though monsters sometimes make an appearance in special scenarios at its events. The game itself is set in a mostly-human fantasy world. Much of the emphasis is on conflicts between several households, or "factions", which rival each other across the lands of MELEE. Weapons are similar to Amtgard weapons in the 1980's-- mostly constructed of PVC or fiberglass cores wrapped with foam and duct-tape, but with a stronger emphasis on minimum weights for each weapon and shield type and the use of colored duct tape to make weapons look even more realistic (brown tape on wood, silver on metal, etc.). MELEE members are also expected to garb and present themselves well, and when combined with the realistic look of their weapons, their quality garb creates quite an impression when large groups of warriors take to the field! Members are generally expected to stay somewhat "in-character" during events, though few actually roleplay much beyond choosing a MELEE name.
How is it different?
MELEE's combat system is similar to Amtgard, but hits to the groin and upper shoulders are banned, and breast-shots against women do not count. This is partly because MELEE's weapons are harder and heavier than those used by Amtgard, and because less padding is required around core materials. Hands on weapons and feet on the ground are also legal targets, and strikes to these locations are in fact a preferred tactic among some members. MELEE's combat system allows shield bashing, grabbing opponants' weapons or shields, and even tripping, throwing, or physically grappling with opponents. Dropped weapons or discarded equipment lying on the field of battle may be picked up and used by anyone.
Conflicts between Amtgard and MELEE
According to current MELEE members, the Amtgard Shires of Lazarus Grove and Storm Peak in Tulsa were both formed by ex-MELEE members, and both Shires were accused of having been organized merely to antagonize MELEE members after a long internal dispute. In response to what they saw as repeated personal attacks against MELEE and its members, MELEE's leadership is said to have actively discouraged the growth of Amtgard in Tulsa by organizing competing MELEE events at the same parks and at the same times that Amtgard groups were meeting, in an attempt to draw attention (and prospective recruits) away from Amtgard. At least partly due to fallout from this dispute, until very recently Amtgard continued to have a bad reputation among current MELEE members, though the two groups are interacting more and more with each other as of 2008. In September 2008, the Freehold of Five Banners ran a scenario at a major MELEE event (using Amtgard weapons, monsters, magic, and rules).
As it stands right now, relations between these two groups are better than they have ever been. Many Amtgarders in Tulsa and a few from other areas have visited and sometimes frequent the fields of MELEE and visa versa.
Players who have crossed over, or play both
MELEE web site
