LARP

[WolfThomas]

the original poster stated it is indeed like when children play in the playground. most adults grow out of this as their minds develop and find interest in other things.

For the record the playground was fun, mindless blissful fun, something I feel we're all lacking in this day and age.

I don't LARP, but if somethings fun (for them) and not illegal why not?

 

[Labyrinth]

Just throwing this out there. We should have a LARP at Escapicon. Ohhhh yeahhh.

 

[Silver]

Just throwing this out there. We should have a LARP at Escapicon. Ohhhh yeahhh.

No idea what Escapicon is, but hell yeah!

 

[Graustein]

Just throwing this out there. We should have a LARP at Escapicon. Ohhhh yeahhh.

You have no clue how much I endorse this statement.

 

[Labyrinth]

Escapicon [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/jump/18.76255.897086] is an Escapist convention which is in the works for some time in the hopefully-not-so-distant future.

EDIT: I might even toss a brief afternoon long one into April's proposed Escapism Sydney.

 

[Cousin_IT]

I always just seen LARPing as Cowboys & Indians for Tolkein nerds, but then I used to go to airsoft games where ppl took it ALOT more seriously then most LARPers Ive seen so cant fault it for that. Is just continuation of escapism through fantasy. Now watching grown ups running around bopping eachother on the head with rubber swords is a bit harder to swallow than kids doing it; but that doesnt make it any less of a legitimate pastime for those who enjoy it; be it a simple extention of a table top/computer game or full on medieval reenactment/recreation.

With that said; I think ill leave this [http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=lpmvFK02jY8] to the professionals [http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=tB8VMNymEPA&feature=related] :-D

 

[s0denone]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvPiEkg-N5s&feature=related

This is Larp, not your bullshit painless way!!!!

YES SIR

"Live Action RolePlay"
Emphasis on action.

 

[Graustein]

On-topic, I'm considering getting into LARP, so I've a few questions.
1. How would I go about finding a group?
2. Is there anything in the groups that I should look out for and avoid? (Any telltale signs that it won't be a pleasant experience)
3. How open are groups, generally, to new members? (Talking in terms of newbie-tolerance mostly)
4. How do I sign up?
5. How expensive is it?
6. What sort of time commitment is required? Is LARPing generally done weekly, monthly, annually...?
7. Anything else?

 

[Cid Silverwing]

LARPing would be kickass if you didn't have to keep track of Health Points on every single body part or interrupt fights to recite rules in your opponent's face.

 

[s0denone]

On-topic, I'm considering getting into LARP, so I've a few questions.
1. How would I go about finding a group?

Ask around, search the web for any in your city, or nearby big cities.

2. Is there anything in the groups that I should look out for and avoid? (Any telltale signs that it won't be a pleasant experience)

What floats your boat? Look for that, rather than looking for something you don't like.

3. How open are groups, generally, to new members? (Talking in terms of newbie-tolerance mostly)

Extremely open, since most of the people LARPing are 15 years of age or below; If you're older than that, which you are, you are welcomed heartedly into the circle. There will always be people being dicks, arrogant douches, just ignore them: It's impossible to avoid.

4. How do I sign up?

Since you've now found a group (See question one) just look on their website, if not go to one of their meetings and pay for membership/sign up there.

5. How expensive is it?

The cost to join varies greatly, so does the gear. Being a wizard in a fantasy settings is cheap, since all you need is a robe and a stick. Just like if you're going to play in a modern roleplay; Just wear your normal clothes, unless you want to play something really special/wicked. If you're looking to be a warrior in a fantasy setting, it'll be expensive (Armour, weapon(s) and whatnot) as this trend goes for everything.

6. What sort of time commitment is required? Is LARPing generally done weekly, monthly, annually...?

Varies greatly as well, some group meet every week, some every month, and some even only annually; Just check their website/ask a member of the staff.

7. Anything else?

G. Enita Lworts

 

[Graustein]

On-topic, I'm considering getting into LARP, so I've a few questions.
1. How would I go about finding a group?

Ask around, search the web for any in your city, or nearby big cities.

2. Is there anything in the groups that I should look out for and avoid? (Any telltale signs that it won't be a pleasant experience)

What floats your boat? Look for that, rather than looking for something you don't like.

3. How open are groups, generally, to new members? (Talking in terms of newbie-tolerance mostly)

Extremely open, since most of the people LARPing are 15 years of age or below; If you're older than that, which you are, you are welcomed heartedly into the circle. There will always be people being dicks, arrogant douches, just ignore them: It's impossible to avoid.

4. How do I sign up?

Since you've now found a group (See question one) just look on their website, if not go to one of their meetings and pay for membership/sign up there.

5. How expensive is it?

The cost to join varies greatly, so does the gear. Being a wizard in a fantasy settings is cheap, since all you need is a robe and a stick. Just like if you're going to play in a modern roleplay; Just wear your normal clothes, unless you want to play something really special/wicked. If you're looking to be a warrior in a fantasy setting, it'll be expensive (Armour, weapon(s) and whatnot) as this trend goes for everything.

6. What sort of time commitment is required? Is LARPing generally done weekly, monthly, annually...?

Varies greatly as well, some group meet every week, some every month, and some even only annually; Just check their website/ask a member of the staff.

7. Anything else?

G. Enita Lworts

Thanks for all that. I was fearing that it would be insular and difficult to get into.

 

[The_root_of_all_evil]

Thanks for all that. I was fearing that it would be insular and difficult to get into.

Most of the LARP groups you run into are always more than pleased to get "newbies", and there's always going to be someone there who'll take time off to show you the ropes (You might be protecting their back one day). You'll obviously find the moron, as every game has one; but in general, these are just people who like dressing up and having fun. Just like any other job.

One thing to check is whether it is LARP or LRP(Freeform) though. LARP consists of running around, LRP consists of talking it out. You pays your money...

Oh, and bringing mead is always a good plan, but don't drink & LARP. Headshots really bloody hurt.

 

[DannyDamage]

Forgive me, is LARPing basically WoW just real?

Lol. Yes, it was invented 5 years ago because of Warcraft. No one had thought of it before then.

No, they've been around forever. In Norway they have a huge one, except they use real weapons.

I was being sarcastic you fool. Jeez. Read the post I made before that one and you'll see that I've been LARPing before and I'm rather knowledgeable on the subject. If you look hard enough you can probably see my slight hatred for how fashionable WOW has become and that's why it 'could' be mistaken as the creator of LARPing by the fad following 14 million.

/sigh

 

[Silver]

LARPing would be kickass if you didn't have to keep track of Health Points on every single body part or interrupt fights to recite rules in your opponent's face.

If you're at a sensible LARP you don't have to.

On-topic, I'm considering getting into LARP, so I've a few questions.
1. How would I go about finding a group?
2. Is there anything in the groups that I should look out for and avoid? (Any telltale signs that it won't be a pleasant experience)
3. How open are groups, generally, to new members? (Talking in terms of newbie-tolerance mostly)
4. How do I sign up?
5. How expensive is it?
6. What sort of time commitment is required? Is LARPing generally done weekly, monthly, annually...?
7. Anything else?

I know you've already gotten answers, but more perspectives are always nice.

1. Depends on where you are. Websites are good. In the unlikely event that you're Swedish I recommend contacting the local Sverok office and ask them about local union (at least that's the correct translation according to wikipedia ). In Denmark and Norway I think there are similar institutions. Otherwise I think you're going to have to find a private group.

2. Every hobby attracts jerks. In LARPing that can be especially dangerous, given the enviroments we're in, and that some people take fighting so seriously. I'd say if a focus in the group seem to be on fighting, and more importantly winning, sometimes with a disregard for rules, or other people's fun, then watch out. You're also going to want a responsible group. In Sweden you and your equipment is going to be covered by insurance, and most LARP are being hosted by Unions, similar to sports clubs so everything is very official, and has support from the state. While this is nice and all, if you have an idiot in the group watching a fireplace, and he burns your equipment, and tent, that's not going to matter. I have heard some real horror stories, let me tell you.

3. You've already heard this, but very much so.

4. Depends on the group and LARP in question. Ask your group when you find one.

5. As people have said, it is what you make it. If you want to you can go with completely historically correct gear, and a pavillion and come up into thousands of dollars, if you want, you can probably get away with passable gear for 10 or so. You can often borrow some stuff when you first begin, to see if it's really something for you, and then build up your own gear later.

6. That depends on where you are and what type of LARPs you attend. I know of weekly campaigns, usually vampire LARPs, that doesn't take that much commitment each time. Then there's the huge LARPs where you stay in-game for a week. It is what you make it.

7. Have fun. Everything else is secondary.

 

[deathninja]

but don't drink & LARP. Headshots really bloody hurt.

Heh, waay too much experience with that(we use watered down absinthe to represent potions, and every once in a while someone messes up the amounts...)

 

[Cousin_IT]

this thread suddenly reminded me of the amusement that I got seeing LARPing & the nativity scene combined. Win [http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=AVZczLuoJoU&feature=rec-HM-rev-rn]

 

[Parattchi]

I would actually love to get into LARPing. I don't know of any groups in the Brisbane area though, so if anyone knows of any it'd be a great help to me.

 

[Asolfr]

well don't know if your still out there but here it goes.

The SCA is a ton of fun there are many sites, and many youtube vids showing the fighting and more. if you want to get into it for the fighting, it wont work, the core of the fighting is being apart of the society, what if you win list, you'll be the next prince or king. what then, what if you win champion it requires you to be in court of the royals you won for, you have to be a part of it.

i hope you'll find out for your self, it can be a blast

 

[rickthetrick]

4 normal

 

[LilGherkin]

Personally, I'd try it once. It would take a lot of convincing, and if I didn't hate myself after having done the LARP, gone home, sleep, wake up with full knowing of what I did.