So What is Larp......
A Live Action Role-Playing game (LARP) is a form of role-playing where the participants physically act out their characters' actions. It is unlike other role-playing games in that dice, cards, and other paraphernalia are not used. The players pursue goals within a fictional setting represented by the real world, while interacting with each other in character. The outcome of player actions may be mediated by game rules or determined by consensus among players. Event arrangers, called storytellers, decide the setting and rules to be used and facilitate play. To quote Laws of the Wild, " It's More like the make believe of childhood than what most people typically think of when they imagine "games"."
The first LARPs were run in the late 1970s, inspired by role-playing games and genre fiction. The activity spread internationally during the 1980s, and has diversified into a wide variety of styles. Play may be very game-like, or may be more concerned with dramatic or artistic expression. Events can also be designed to achieve educational, physical, political, or any kind of goals. The fictional genres used vary greatly, from realistic modern or historical settings to fantastic or futuristic eras.
Most scenes during a LARP are played out in real time. That means that an hour in the game is the same as an hour in the real world. During this time, players endeavor to remain in character unless there may be a dispute about the rules or input is needed from a storyteller.
Each participant creates a character based upon the rules provided by the source materials of the setting, in our case Laws of the Wild and its associated books. Each character should have a detailed and rich backstory that connects them to the world created by the storyteller. Characters can be almost anything. The only limit is the imagination of the player. Storylines are created by both the players and the storytellers. For instance, a player could open a bar in the local area and invite other players to the scene and would design and direct the location as they wished. The player is directing the story. Then, the storyteller may dictate that a local celebrity comes to the location and starts a brawl. Now the players are reacting to a situation set by the storyteller. It is a give and take between ALL participants.
The first LARPs were run in the late 1970s, inspired by role-playing games and genre fiction. The activity spread internationally during the 1980s, and has diversified into a wide variety of styles. Play may be very game-like, or may be more concerned with dramatic or artistic expression. Events can also be designed to achieve educational, physical, political, or any kind of goals. The fictional genres used vary greatly, from realistic modern or historical settings to fantastic or futuristic eras.
Most scenes during a LARP are played out in real time. That means that an hour in the game is the same as an hour in the real world. During this time, players endeavor to remain in character unless there may be a dispute about the rules or input is needed from a storyteller.
Each participant creates a character based upon the rules provided by the source materials of the setting, in our case Laws of the Wild and its associated books. Each character should have a detailed and rich backstory that connects them to the world created by the storyteller. Characters can be almost anything. The only limit is the imagination of the player. Storylines are created by both the players and the storytellers. For instance, a player could open a bar in the local area and invite other players to the scene and would design and direct the location as they wished. The player is directing the story. Then, the storyteller may dictate that a local celebrity comes to the location and starts a brawl. Now the players are reacting to a situation set by the storyteller. It is a give and take between ALL participants.
*Credited in part by http://birminghambynight.weebly.com/larp.html by James Strader