Home >> Hobbies >> Other Hobbies

How to Make a LARP Character

Live-action role playing, or LARP, grew out of the popular game "Dungeons & Dragons. In a LARP game, players dress up as role playing characters and meet together to act out a role playing quest. LARP games are often held in woodland settings, and players participate in mock combat. People from various backgrounds participate in LARP gaming. Before you can participate in LARP, you'll need to create a LARP character.

Things You'll Need

clothing
props
makeup

Instructions

Planning
- 1
  Decide on a genre, such as science fiction, fantasy, historical reinactment, or gothic drama. Undecided players may prefer to play in a fantasy genre game, as these are particularly popular.
- 2
  Pick a race to play, if you're playing a LARP game in a genre that features different races. If you have a particular body type, you may wish to pick a race that features your body type. For example, a very tall player might wish to play as an ogre or giant. Note that while science fiction and fantasy LARP games feature multiple races, some historical fiction LARP games may only feature humans.
- 3
  Pick a class, such as a warrior, priest, or mage. Pick carefully, because your class determines the actions you can take while playing the game. For example, if you decide to play as a mage, you probably won't get to carry a sword. Contact the LARP group you'll be playing with to see if they need more players of a particular class--often, for example, a group will have many warriors, but few priests.
Creation
- 4
  Visit a thrift store or online shop to pick up clothing appropriate for your character. Avoid investing large sums of money on a costume, because costumes are often ripped, torn or soiled while playing a LARP game.
- 5
  Acquire weapons or props appropriate for your character. Shop online for foam weapons that you can safely wield against opposing players. Wizards may wish to visit a used bookstore to purchase a dusty leather book. Buy inexpensive rings or necklaces at a thrift shop to serve as magical items. Science fiction LARP games may permit toy laser pistols and the like.
- 6
  Visit a costume shop and purchase makeup appropriate for your character, especially if you intend to play an alien, goblin or other race that features an unusual skin tone. Purchase sweat resistant makeup if possible, because physical exertion is commonplace at many LARP games.
- 7
  Travel to the LARP game in ordinary attire and change at the designated meeting place. Ask for help applying makeup if necessary.

Other Hobbies