The Witcher: Aretuza - 4-day inmersive larp event in a castle, Spain

aretuza

School of Sorcery

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castell de ciutat 4*

Catalonia · Spain

Run 1: January 30 - February 2, 2026 [4 tickets left]

Run 2: February 6-9, 2026 [6 tickets left]

Sign up is open - request your ticket now

LARP · IMMERSIVE EVENT

There are multiple academic definitions of the term magic. I could cite them all, point out their various inconsistencies, and reflect on which one should be considered the most correct, but I will not. Instead, I will borrow the words I once heard from my own mentor, Tissaia de Vries, when I was a young and inexperienced sorceress and posed a similar question.

In the end, magic is all three things. It is Art, Chaos, and Science: a blessing, a curse, and progress. It all depends on who invokes it and for what purpose. Magic comes from nature. It is in the earth we walk on, in the fire that burns in our hearts, in the air we breathe, in the water that gives life and flows within us. If you happen to be blessed with this particular talent, all you need to do is reach out and grasp the Magic around you.

Welcome to Aretuza

Last tickets left

Limited spots available.
Fill out the form and request your spot for your desired run. If we can honor it, we will send the invitation to buy a ticket immediately.

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Before it starts, join us for a special live session on Twitch at 18:00 CEST the same day. The team will walk you through the Aretuza experience and answer your questions live.

About the event

The Witcher larp

Aretuza is a four-day immersive event where you will play as a magic apprentice in a school of sorcery. Your character will learn to control Chaos while unraveling the school's mysteries, get involved in the political game, making friends and enemies, enjoy grand balls, and much more.

Aretuza is a saga of events set within the world of Geralt of Rivia, specifically within the magical society of The Witcher. It takes place in the sorceresses' school of the same name. Participants will portray apprentices of the art of Chaos from both Aretuza and Ban Ard, and they may continue playing the same character across multiple episodes as long as it makes sense.

Prologue (Episode 0): The Awakening – January 2026 Circa Year ~900 – The founding of the magical school of Aretuza, before gender segregation.

Saga I (3 episodes): The White Rose – 2026-2027

Saga II (3 episodes): The Blood That Watered the Valley – To be determined

Saga III (3 episodes): Time of Contempt – To be determined

These events may intertwine with other future The Witcher events, set in different locations within the same universe. Players will be allowed to join with the same character.

Main topics

Magic and Low Fantasy · Daily Life at the School · Personal Relationships · "Magical" Slice of Life · Investigation and Intrigue · Tough Decisions · Politics and Social Issues · Negotiations · Lesser Evil and Fate

Sensitive Topics

Racism towards Fictional Races · Character Death · Romance · Classism · Violence · Torture · Graphic wounds · Drugs

Excluded topics

Sexual Violence · Sex Work · LGBTQ+ Phobia · Discrimination Based on Real-Life Circumstances.
You don’t need extensive knowledge of The Witcher to take part in this adventure.

You’ll receive all the essential information with your character sheet—everything else can be discovered naturally during the game.

About the experience

Episode 0: The awakening

Set before the gender segregation between Aretuza and Ban Ard, this prologue explores the origin of Thanedd and the founding of the academy.

Aretuza: Episode 0 takes place around the year 1052, shortly after the creation of the Chapter of Sorcerers. While scientific research into Chaos is already fairly advanced, much remains to be discovered about the legacy of the Elder Races. The first Witchers have been created, but the project was shut down by the Chapter, and they are now considered renegades. The civil war among mages—where Raffard the White met his end—has already taken place, and the foundations are being laid to build a powerful sorcerous guild that can interact with the Continent’s spheres of power.

Redania has granted the Chapter a building to establish an elite school of sorcery, though the castle had long been home to a monstrous creature said to kidnap young women and devour them. Thanks to the intervention of those versed in the arcane arts, the creature was defeated and the area cleansed. Still, no respectable citizen wishes to live in a cursed place—or so the whispers say. As a gesture of gratitude, the king offered the grounds to the Chapter… in exchange, of course, for a few future favors for the crown.

Apprentices from across the Continent, including Mirthe, Loc Muinne and Rissberg, now arrive at what will soon become their new home…

Set before the gender segregation between Aretuza and Ban Ard, this prologue explores the origin of Thanedd and the founding of the academy.

Aretuza: Episode 0 takes place around the year 1052, shortly after the creation of the Chapter of Sorcerers. While scientific research into Chaos is already fairly advanced, much remains to be discovered about the legacy of the Elder Races. The first Witchers have been created, but the project was shut down by the Chapter, and they are now considered renegades. The civil war among mages—where Raffard the White met his end—has already taken place, and the foundations are being laid to build a powerful sorcerous guild that can interact with the Continent’s spheres of power.

Redania has granted the Chapter a building to establish an elite school of sorcery. The castle had long been home to a monstrous creature said to kidnap young women and devour them. Thanks to the intervention of those versed in the arcane arts, the creature was defeated and the area cleansed. Still, no respectable citizen wishes to live in a cursed place—or so the whispers say. As a gesture of gratitude, the king offered the grounds to the Chapter… in exchange, of course, for a few future favors for the crown.

Apprentices from across the Continent, including Mirthe, Loc Muinne and Rissberg, now arrive at what will soon become their new home…

Every legend has a beginning. Yours starts now.

Welcome to the School of Sorcery

This event recreates daily life within a magical school, focusing primarily on the experience of characters who study and share their day-to-day lives in an academic setting: attending classes, participating in extracurricular activities, organizing the end-of-year ball… all, of course, with touches of fantasy and the supernatural.

Chaos knows no age

Although Chaos can awaken at any age, all characters are adults. Players will not be able to portray children or teenagers. The focus will be on personal relationships, difficult decisions, and the complex morality of a universe where nothing is simply black or white.

Great power comes with great responsibility

The social and political aspects of The Witcher universe will play a key role. Relationships with kingdoms, power groups, and other races will become increasingly important as Aretuza itself grows in influence. Characters will have to navigate difficult choices and situations within the political landscape surrounding them.

Destiny is written, and you discover its path

Some events will happen no matter what—inevitable and unstoppable. What matters is the journey, not the destination. The goal is not to solve a puzzle that prevents future situations, but rather to explore how your character changes and evolves through them.

This is not the end of the world

Episode 0 is a standalone event that will serve as the kickoff for the other sagas. Each episode will have an overarching storyline to connect all the smaller character stories and tie the sagas together into a cohesive whole. There will be mysteries and powerful characters. However, the experience will always encourage a calm pace, allowing space for character growth and personal relationships.

On this path, you are not alone

This event is designed for collaboration. There will be reasons for rivalry, conflict, and confrontation… but generosity, camaraderie, and relying on your fellow apprentices will be key to facing whatever lies ahead—whether things end well or not. Scenes will be collaborative, and the spotlight will be shared.

The sword of destiny has two edges

And you are one of them. Destiny is deeply ingrained in the beliefs of the Continent, spanning all levels of society. It doesn’t matter whether you believe in it or not. Every choice you make will lead you to an ending from which you cannot escape. We take note of your actions and ensure that they matter.

Evil is evil. Lesser, greater, middling...

There is no difference. There is no villain to defeat with the power of friendship. Anyone can be the villain in someone else’s story. Sometimes, the monster does not roam the woods—it sits beside you, dining from a silver plate.

Your character

Throughout the entire experience, you will not be yourself; you will portray a character created especially for you.
You will be assigned one of the 80 character concepts we have written specifically for this larp, based on the preferences you indicate in the casting form (see “Registration Process”). We will do our best to respect your choices, but we may not be able to include all of them.

Your character will have a brief backstory that provides context on why they end up at the school and serves as a moral compass for facing the challenges they will encounter during the event. However, they will not have a pre-established intricate web of relationships and secret plots to uncover.

Once you receive your character sheet, you will have time for co-creation with your fellow players, allowing you to establish two additional relationships with them through the dedicated Discord channel. Additionally, there will be some blanks left for you to fill in yourself, allowing you to fine-tune your character sheet while staying within the framework set by the Organization.

Remember that this is a semi-sandbox experience, and the effort you put into customizing your character and calibrating relationships beforehand will greatly enhance your experience.

Tale

Your story and reason for being at Aretuza.

Race

You may play as a human or an elf.

Kingdom

Your place of birth and its values.

Social Class

Noble, bourgeois, peasant...

Gift

Your ability—or not—to channel magic.

Resonance

Similar to a horoscope.

Discover more about your character in the game guide.

Discover your Resonance...

To join Aretuza, you must first know yourself. This test will reveal your Resonance, and perhaps you will uncover things about your own nature that you never even knew.
Come on… start dreaming.

We recommend taking this test three times:

1. The first time, follow your intuition without thinking about the result you’d like to get, even if your answers seem disconnected.

2. Then, take the test while considering who you are and what result you would like to obtain.

3. Finally, take the test while thinking about the character you’d like to create, without considering the final result.

The Academy

Discover everything the school has to offer in the game guide.

Aretuza: School of Sorcery

Aretuza is the most prestigious magic school on the Continent. Although the prologue begins with its founding—when there is still no gender segregation—over time, it will become an exclusively female institution. Its counterpart for men will be Ban Ard, though it is widely known that its standards are far less demanding.

Both Aretuza and Ban Ard operate under the direct authority of the Chapter of Sorcery, the organization that regulates the ethical use of magic and holds the power to decide who earns the title of a fully recognized mage. Despite this segregation, the two schools often share knowledge and space during special events such as the opening of the academic year, certain festivities, or graduation. Young sorceresses entering at an early age receive separate training from adult apprentices. It is rare to see students younger than 13 at Aretuza unless they are dangerous Sources who require strict control, in which case their education focuses on mastering their Gift.

Collaboration with Ban Ard

Although Aretuza welcomes female students and Ban Ard male students—and despite Aretuza’s superior academic performance—their structures are entirely shared. Because of this, joint learning sessions are frequently organized, usually around significant dates such as the start of the academic year, festive celebrations, or graduation. Everything explained in the game guide applies equally to any adept from Ban Ard.

Genderfluid and nonbinary characters are welcome and may choose which school they prefer to attend.

The Paths

During the Prologue, all adepts attend the main lessons, common for everyone. These deal not only with magical abilities, but also in subjects like combat or diplomacy.

Beginning with episode 1, the adepts that pass the first year will be able to choose a path to specialize in.

Path of Diplomacy

Above all, sorceresses receive an exceptional education in every sense. This is why many noble families pay for their daughters to study at Aretuza, even if they lack the Gift. Studying at Aretuza is a privilege that grants any graduate strong connections with the highest circles of the Continent. Those who aspire to a prestigious courtly position or wish to pull the strings of the powerful must walk this path.

Path of Investigation

Some sorceresses feel a calling—a thirst for uncovering the mysteries hidden within ancient elven runes, lost prophecies and curses, the monsters that arrived from other spheres, or the Ley Lines that flood the Continent with magic. It is undoubtedly the riskiest and least lucrative path, but the perfect choice for those drawn to adventure and discovery.

Path of Evocation

Shaping the Art at will requires practice, sacrifice, and above all, a multidisciplinary understanding of magic. Only those adept enough to master the intricacies of each discipline will be able to bend Chaos with a mere gesture. Performing powerful rituals, crafting spells, or navigating the realm of dreams—these are just some of the skills one can acquire on this path.

Path of Construction

Those who seek to apply their magical knowledge for the betterment of others—or for less altruistic reasons—will find great satisfaction in this path. Alchemy, artifacts, sigils… Learning how to imbue ordinary objects with magic is an invaluable skill, especially for those who have not been fortunate enough to be blessed with the Gift.

Path of Combat

If there is one constant in the world, it is violence. Whether in the form of war or personal vendettas, there is always someone in need of protection—or someone seeking to strike first. Chaos is not exempt from the arts of warfare. Adepts who follow this path strive to become skilled warriors, wielding magic as a formidable offensive force.

Location

Learn more about the location and how to get there in the game guide.

Castell de Ciutat 4*

Aretuza will be brought to life at the Castell de Ciutat, a 4* hotel seamlessly integrated into the 9th-century medieval fortress of Castellciutat, ensuring a truly immersive experience.

This breathtaking location in the Catalan Pyrenees is the perfect setting to represent Aretuza, thanks to its two distinct buildings:

The fortress, which will stand in for the ruins of Garstang Palace, and the traditional house at its feet, which represents Loxia, the residence of adepts and visiting guests.

How to get there

It is located next to La Seu d’Urgell, a large city 2 hours and 20 minutes from Barcelona, Spain. There are supermarkets and essential services nearby.

We will offer a shuttle bus service from Barcelona Airport for an additional cost.

Join Aretuza

Run 2 [Feb 6-9, 2026] is now open due to the high interest in this larp.
There are a few tickets left for each run. Don't miss it.

How to join Aretuza

This is how sign-up works

It's not about being the first to fill out the form, but about doing it well. Spots aren’t assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, we’ll consider the depth of your answers and how well the experience you're looking for aligns with what this larp offers.

PRIORITY PERIOD - May 14-21, 2025

To prevent a click war, everyone who fills out the sign-up form between May 14-21, 2025, will have the same priority for securing a spot and their desired character profile.

EFIMERAL COMMUNITY PRIORITY - May 14-16, 2025

Those who have previously played in our events will have priority for a spot if they fill out the form within the first three days. However, at least 30% of the spots will always be reserved for new participants.

ASSIGNMENT AND WAITLIST

If the priority period ends and there are more sign-ups than available spots, assignments will be made based on the criteria described in the game guide.

In this scenario, some participants will be placed on the waitlist. If cancellations occur, vacant spots will be offered in registration order. This first-come, first-served rule will also apply to pre-registrations submitted after May 11 or once characters have already been assigned.
Read more about spot assignment in the game guide.

Ticket prices

690€

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Standard

All tickets include

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790€

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Patron ticket

Includes everything from the standard ticket, a small appreciation gift, and a digital individual portrait in your ball attire the last night of the event.

These tickets help to create new solidary spots.

910€

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Noble ticket

Includes everything from the patron ticket, and you will receive the school uniform as a gift.

These tickets help to create new solidary spots.

350€

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Solidary ticket

Includes everything from the standard ticket, while allowing individuals facing financial difficulties to attend the larp and enjoy the same experience.

For students under 25 years old or individuals in a situation of unemployment.

690€

linea-aretuza-01

Standard

Includes everything aforementioned.

790€

linea-aretuza-01

Patron Ticket

Includes everything from the standard ticket, a small appreciation gift, and a digital individual portrait in your ball attire the last night of the event.

These tickets help to create new solidary spots.

910€

linea-aretuza-01

Noble ticket

Includes everything from the patron ticket, and you will receive the school uniform as a gift.

These tickets help to create new solidary spots.

350€

linea-aretuza-01

Solidary ticket

Includes everything from the standard ticket, while allowing individuals facing financial difficulties to attend the larp and enjoy the same experience.

For students under 25 years old or individuals in a situation of unemployment.
You can pay with credit card and bank transfer.
Learn more about the types of spots and cancellation policies in the game guide.

What our community says

Aretuza: The Awakening was held twice in November 2024 for the Spanish community, receiving an outstanding overall rating of 9.25/10.

Curious what made it so special? Read what our players had to say!

What our community says

Aretuza: The Awakening was held twice in November 2024 for the Spanish community, receiving an outstanding overall rating of 9.25/10.

Curious what made it so special? Read what our players had to say!

Aretuza in the Media

Discover what the specialized press says about our event! (Spanish)
"The most authentic RPG experience I’ve ever had came from The Witcher
during a LARP event that I can’t recommend enough."
Raquel Cervantes - 3D juegos journalist
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Contact us

Stay updated with all the latest news on our social media, or subscribe to our newsletter to receive everything directly in your email.
You can also reach out to us through the following form. We will answer any questions via email.

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    Official Partnership

    © All images, logos, and The Witcher setting are the property of CD Projekt Red and have been licensed for the organization of this official event. © All other content (graphic material, photographs, video, and text) belongs to Efimeral.com.

    Official Partnership

    © All images, logos, and The Witcher setting are the property of CD Projekt Red and have been licensed for the organization of this event.

    © All other content (graphic material, photographs, video, and text) belongs to Efimeral.com.