Advice for new players

Back to the Tome of LARP

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Getting involved in LARP can be a daunting thing but there are some steps that can help with making the most out of it.

Look around online

There are many fine resources about LARPing available to prospective players. Articals, documentaries and YouTube channels area all availible at the click of a button. Some of the ones I'd reccommend 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.

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 attituides 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.

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.

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.