Advice for new players
Back to the Tome of LARP
Getting involved in LARP can be a daunting thing but there are some steps that can help with making the most out of it. A Swordcraft specific new players guide can be found here
Look around online
There are many fine resources about LARPing available to prospective players. Articles, documentaries and YouTube channels area all availible at the click of a button. It is good to understand that there is more than one type of LARP game and you may need to find out which is right for you.
Some of the resources I'd recommend are as follows.
http://geekandsundry.com/interview-mackenzie-jamieson-on-how-to-get-into-larping/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_action_role-playing_game
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JUv-o4UTv0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHRReou7XFU
Check how many groups are in your local area
Most major areas will have some sort of LARP presence, however small. If you are lucky enough to be in a major city there may be multiple games. There are various lists that attempt to advertise all the games in various areas, but sometimes a google or facebook search can be your best friend. Also be aware that there are different types of LARP games so if there are multiple games in your area try them all if possible as you will get a very different experience each time.
There is a map version of some LARP systems. It is pretty good but doesn't contain all games. http://www.larping.org/larps/
Just do it.
After all is said and done you will not know what the game/hobby is like until you turn up and give it a go for yourself. Not just whether you find it fun but also the attitudes of the players and organisers. The energy and fun of LARP is difficult to display on screen and while it does look a bit silly from the outside, from the inside is a different matter entirely. Don't be afraid of looking a bit silly on your first time or that you need to have a ton of gear, just do it.
Talk to people
Not everyone is comfortable with going up to strangers but clubs want new players to join and are very nice about it (generally). Often clubs will have people whose jobs it is to make prospective members welcome. People who have been around for a while have great advice about gear, groups and parts of the game.
LARP has a very strong social aspect in most groups and creates a wonderful social circle. Often in the larger systems/clubs there will be enough variety in the players that almost anyone can find plenty of people with similar views and attitudes.
Be open minded
You might find that LARP is different than what you expected. Also the game might have a focus that is not 100% what you are after. Don't expect the entire game to change to meet what you want to play. Look at what is there and what you enjoy and go with that. It is a matter of finding your niche.
One thing that some people have trouble with is trying to bring in elements from and existing game/story world. No you will probably not be able to play that DnD character that you have had for years, or that character from a book. This very much comes into effect when new players come in an assume that their characters are the "Hero" of the story. Nobody starts as the hero, but you can earn that if you try.