Have a LARP – Adult Role-Playing Is Back!

For centuries children have grabbed swords and fought mythical dragons attacking from the sky. Sometimes two or three children would take on a fantasy garrison of soldiers to protect their kingdom’s treasure. Nothing was impossible in the imaginary world, and the more children that were involved, the more exciting the battle that ensued could become. Although it took adults many years to realize they didn’t have to give up the active imagination they had as children, adults have finally begun creating live action role playing worlds where anything that can be imagined is possible. Here are some ways to enhance your LARP enjoyment.

Costumes

Don’t be afraid to portray your character to the fullest. From elves to zombies, you can make the design as spectacular or ridiculous as your persona requires. If you aren’t familiar with sewing, taping, or gluing fabrics together, there are almost always other LARP participants in your group that would be willing to help you design your character.

Props

While children may need to grab a cardboard box to create a space ship or snap off a tree branch to make a sword, you can dream bigger and better thanks to other individuals that like to imagine big. From individual lightsaber colors to attachable elven ears, there are numerous props to be found on the internet. All you need to do is decide what you want to be and create your world around that character.

Sites

LARPs can be found in almost every major city across the United States and in some small towns around the world. From action games for 50 to games with several hundred, there are many different types of groups you can find and interact with. If you are curious, check out city news, bulletins, or flyers. You can also ask on forums for information about LARPs near you.

Participants

Although you may create a mighty character with a hundred special abilities, you may be surprised to find the games may limit your race, magic use, or costume. Although you may step into the game expecting to be king of the castle, other participants have been there longer and have earned that right. When you join the group, you may need to find how your character fits into the social structure. If there is already a magical elven wizard from King Arthur’s time, and that is what you are, you may need to change your costume, storyline, and props.

Belonging to a group of role playing adults with like minds can offer hours of creative enjoyment. Remember your props and conquer the world with your new friends.