World of Warcraft in real life? In a small forest in the Czech Republic, it is possible! For the 16th time, more than 100 WoW fans gathered at the end of April for a reenactment of the famous MMORPG.
For two days, a real-life event for the online role-playing game World of Warcraft took place in a small forest near the Czech town of Kamyk nad Vltavou. About 150 fans met dressed as Orcs, Trolls, and Elves and reenacted the MMORPG.
The event has been held annually for 16 years and attracts dozens of fans each year. It ended on April 29.
“It relaxes my mind”
The fans apparently have a great time. With homemade armor and costumes, they come together and defend their home against the invasion of the Burning Legion and other intruders.
One of the players is web developer Vojtech Ruzicka. He has crafted the armor of a Troll from fur and skulls. He also has a blue-painted face, fire-red hair and beard, turning the developer Vojtech into a true Darkspear Troll!
His reaction to the event: “I always forget the real world. It relaxes my mind.” Even in real life, fans can fully immerse themselves in Azeroth and bring their own characters to life.
Vojtech Ruzicka, dressed as a ‘World of Warcraft’ character, stands in a Czech Republic forest during a two-day live action battle between orcs, elves, knights and other fantasy characters from the online role-playing game: https://t.co/vPVAVqMrDk ? David W Cerny pic.twitter.com/l6lenJdfns
— Reuters Pictures (@reuterspictures) May 1, 2018
Not cosplay – but robust clothing!
Most costumes involve a lot of work and effort. Players must pay special attention to ensure that their costumes not only look good but can also withstand a lot.
The participants take part in fights, which can often involve rough contact. It can even go as far as characters dying. Only having a great look won’t get the warriors far – the armors also need to be functional!
Especially the homemade weapons can quickly become a downfall for the artistic costumes. Those who do not pay attention to being well-equipped will have to build a new armor next year – perhaps with more leather and metal.
