Never been to a LARP personally, but I think you're on the nose as far as a great event being one where the focus is on collaborative story telling rather than "winning".
Hey LA, or as I know ya Berolt. Recently, I went to my first larp and had the absolute joy of interacting with you as my new character Magnus. We did a small scene about your characters family sword, and in that moment you helped me feel important, valuable, and like my Grey Warden style character existed! So thank you for helping my first larp feel amazing for me!
I live in Germany, the holy kind of larping as far as I can judge it. We have a place you would love, it's called Bogenwald. It's a Village constructed just for larping, the buildings are constructed by players, owned by players and rented to the ther players. I was there for a Hobbit themed larp, no plot, no fights, no other races, nothing, Just Hobbits celebrating midsummer. There where people baking cakes in character, using period utensils (or at least lookalikes) and giving it out to guests on their verandas. It was a deep experience even tho nothing happened. I think you're u would love the place.
Your idea of a perfect larp reminds me of what Disney did with the Halcyon Starcruiser. It was fully immersed, everyone was in-character, even the janitors and waiters. If you asked some random worker where they were from or why they wanted to work there they would answer in character. That level of performance is highly immersive to the players/ audience. Mix in an awesome set/ hotel to live in for a few days and you really believe you are in a different universe. If they can do it, there's no reason why it can't be accomplished on a smaller scale. Given enough funds and passionate people, anyone can achieve the same level of immersion. I think it should be what every larp strives for. Don't settle for half of a fantasy experience.
Agreed. Disney is notoriously rigorous with their casting and rehearsals, but I think teams at larps could pull it off, with perhaps a change in the business/game model. It would require the funds to either hire or train the cast, and treat it like a production, rather than relying on volunteers and enthusiasm alone
I really wish more LARPs were focused on the atmosphere and the theatrics of it all. If I want to whack my friends with foam, I can do that, as you said, at home for free. But I LARP because I want to play a character and feel like I'm part of the world around me. I had that experience at Drachenfest US last year and went searching for something a little closer to home (Illinois), but it seems like most of the LARPs around here are boffer fighting with a thin layer of roleplay attached as opposed to the roleplaying, immersive, shared storytelling with a splash of foam whacking that I'm looking for... If anyone knows a LARP in the Midwest that fulfills what I'm looking for (and basically what Kramer here is looking for), let me know!
Drachenfest US was fighting with a thin veneer of roleplay? thats disappointing to hear. Twin Mask is one i've heard of, but that's not really "midwest" is it?
I came for the garb and the cooking, stayed for this type of content. While I've gone to the KC Ren Faire and various Highland Games more or less in costume, my only actual LARP type events have been American Civil War re-enactments. With the persona of a 'camp follower/military wife', those events are mostly tending fires, cooking and repairing kit and people LOL. Being focused so much on the practicality of actually feeding people and making sure they won't get in trouble for public indecency means that I've never had the luxury of getting into the kind of headspace you describe. I'm a bit too old to be fighting or sleeping on the ground for that matter! But your description makes me want to try a fantasy LARP. Anybody need a fat old crone with bad knees who can spin, weave, knit, sew etc?
These experiences like Sleep No More and that Star Wars thing at Disney are an amazing example of what I strongly desire out of this kind of LARPing. I really want to just experience these worlds as someone that is there, not just as an onlooker. This is made worse with how realistic and fantastical my dreams often are, that it's become a sort of desperation for me. That's probably not good, but it's an unavoidable thought I often have that I really want to live in and immerse myself in these realistic worlds that have been created for me.
My main takeaway is that the best part of a LARP, what provides that immersive experience you and I yearn for, is the environment/atmosphere/setting. I completely agree that what I want most out of a LARP I am most likely to find at a non-LARP experience, like a Renaissance Faire or Sleep No More, or even theme parks or some escape rooms. How do we solve the problem that that’s probably the most expensive/difficult aspect of creating a LARP? Immersive buildings take a lot of money and care to construct. Then once they’re in place, they can’t move. If you want your LARP to be an ongoing adventure that takes place across time, how do you generate a sense of travel, of progress? Some LARPs are structured around a concept like “Every year, warriors from across the realms gather here…” Another takeaway you got me thinking by bringing up Sleep No More: Of course players want the game to revolve around them, and their actions should affect the world. But perhaps having a main cast of characters with clearly defined goals and objectives, would help build immersion and anchor players in the world. So players can go off and do their own thing but if they ever lack direction they can come back and catch up with the main cast. The main cast’s objectives would be flexible enough to bend or alter depending on actions and interactions with the players though. I dunno, it’s a thought.
I agree with your perspective, that the atmosphere, environment, and setting are what contribute greatest a great experience. My thoughts on it are that, perhaps, the first year (or few) should be non-combat realm and story building. "We fled the devastation of our old lands to forge a new kingdom. We do not know what dangers this new land holds, or if our enemy pursues us still, but our wise King has decreed that this good earth is where we build anew."
I 100% agree with the idea that larp combat should not be like boffer or belegarth or sca where you try to get as many touches as possible to "win". It should have some roleplaying and be a bit cinematic.
Some of my favorite LARP combat was a theatrics-style tournament at Drachenfest US where the "winner" was decided by who acted the best and created the best "epic moments" for them and their aggressor. Frequently the one who "lost" in combat was declared the winner because they just made the "winner" look so good. It was INTENSELY more fun to me than trying to tip tap someone with my foam sword.
Better than buhurt's overemphasis on dropping someone to the dirt, too. "Salute" by clanking axehead on shield rim. Wave your axehead in the air, just to catch the audience's attention. Talk some smack in character, in accent. Like TLOTR, the audience might not even be able to pick up on a lot of the details, but the sum total impact of those collective details will come through. Let them collect little snippets of your convos, and make them WANT to be in on the rest of the convos. Make them feel like there is so much more below the surface that they are missing out on. Draw them in. Overact a little. Ham it up. Do HEMA. Learn real moves with your weapon of choice. Actually knowing your stuff can eventually contribute to a demonstrable sense of self-confidence. Have that swagger because you can back it up. Don't be a poser. Practice the art of dieing well. Make it count. Hit 'em in the feels.
@@texasbeast239 agreed. Also, one thing that LARPs must allow, I don't want to hear bs claims of "but muh safety, blah blah blah" is headshots. Not allowing headshots DRAMATICALLY changes fighting styles to the point that it looks very fake and not realistic. Don't want to get hurt? Wear a helmet, or don't fight.
I have an internal conflict on SAT mornings, whether to be up when the LA notification comes up, or to sleep in and just watch it whenever. Now, I love a little extra shut-eye as much as the next lord or lady. But inevitably I end up kicking myself, wondering how I could have ever held out on watching any of these videos. That's x amount of hours of LA goodness that I missed in my life. 😕😉
@@texasbeast239 haha I always wake up early, but his videos come out late in the morning for my time zone anyway, but they’re such a blessing! Love Kramer’s content
What a great question. It sounds like you've got a quest on your hands. To travel all the realms in search of the ultimate medieval fantasy experience. It would be an ambitious series of videos, but your thoughtful interpretation of the various events would be a valued contribution to the fantasy community.
I love those immersive moments--those brief periods when the LARP world feels like reality and the OOG world seems like a distant fiction. I also love being in character. Each character that I portray is a facet of my true self. By becoming that character I have the opportunity to explore that facet and learn how other people interact with that facet.
I've heard all kinds of good things about Empire LARP in the UK. My local ren faire is King Richard's Faire, over in Carver, Massachusetts. It's tons of fun, and a friend of mine is one of the cast members.
"quiet freedom from modernity." That!! As far as experience, the closest I've come to an immersive experience was at a Breughel evening (named after the painter Peter Breughel) at a medieval building in Delft (The Netherlands). It's basically a medieval feast like in Breughel's painting. It's a group event, where you're sitting on wooden benches at long tables with your own group (there were 2-3 groups of abour 30-50people served simultaneously) No modern cutlery, everything pottery and wood, and some knives, and period appropriate food. The serving staff were all dressed the part, and there was a band of minstrels interacting with the audience, playing appropriate historical songs/themes. When leaving all the women were given a rose by one of the cook's boys. Never had such an immersive experience again, just a shame I was just a teenager back then, I'm sure I would've appreciated even more now.
Nicely done, I feel like this may be a elegant way to express the things you may want to experience rather than to complain about things that you may have found lacking in a larp that disappointed you. I always enjoy your content thank you.
Your ideal larp is a good dinner murder mystery. Everyone has a role, a character, and a goal. Atmosphere set to enhance immersion, meal matches setting, and nobody is just there to be a bump on the log.
My dream business is to buy a tract of land on which I can build a true adventure. It will be set up like one of my favorite scout camps, Philmont Scout Ranch and adventures will be several days. On the first day, players will be in base camp and meet their ranger, who will lead them on the trek, and learn about the quest. They'll then spend the next week alternating from dry camps and staffed camps until on the second to last day, they beat the boss fight and can go home. Weapons will be rented or brought, as will tents and hammocks. Every building will be built with versatility in mind so that the quest can change on a seasonal basis. I don't know if I'll ever get to build it, but if I do, I'll make sure to let you know.
We are the musicians in "The Tavern", no electricity involved. Just musicians who love to sit in the inn and sing. And that's how we became the first LARP band in Sweden :-) You're welcome to Sweden and join in! Language is not a problem, we have a huge world.
I remember the first time I found photographs of people LARPing online. Realizing I wasn't the only person who wanted to actually play the parts, not just wear the costumes (I'd been to re-enactments) was just astonishing. 20 years on, I think of LARP first and foremost as a unique artform, a theatrical medium - and as in all art, the medium is the message. LARP opens up avenues of storytelling that simply aren't possible to explore in other mediums - it also has unique pitfalls and challenges. I also think of it as a distinctly postmodern and inherently deconstructive medium, uncoupling the characters in the story from it's plot and inviting it's participants to step over the 4th wall.
A thought that I have had for a while now is that you should strive to create an environment that actively pulls you into the world and story that is trying to be told as apposed to a environment that has one to many things that draw you out of it. This factor has been one of the biggest for me in my experience at LARP. I strongly suggest if you ever get the chance to attend Bicolline in Canada do so. It has such a amazing set and history that truly sucks you into its world and furthermore into character.
I just recently discovered your channel and just wanted to thank you for the amazing content. I have played TTRPGs for quite some time now, but you inspired me to actually try LARP, as it has always been in the back of my mind. I now have planned to go to a LARP next year and couldn’t be more excited while i am binging a lot of you older content about creating a kit and character. Thank you again for being so inspiring and creative in your content! :)
Very insightful. I’ll be sure to tell my sister about “Sleep No More” when she goes to New York. Thanks to your and Skill Tree’s videos, me and a friend are planning on going to The Reckoning next year.
Like myself. I can make the room I'm in disappear into a desert, tropical forest, etc. Easy enough to picture forts, castles, great halls, and so on. I've done that since I was a child with my friends, the 'unvisible dinosaurs', whom I would visit with beneath the canopy of a great old willow at my grandfathers' house. :) This is very well done. I've been a Scadian for fifty odd years, and in the 80s helped create the LARP 'Realms of Wonder' or just 'The Realms'. Mostly I run solo now, as an old Ranger who does more music than combat. :) I'm in my late sixties after all. Keep up the awesome work! :)
Never been to a larp yet, but I've always wanted to go. Since I found your channel through shadiversity I've tried some of your suggestions for medieval inspired camping and it was amazing. Also found the idea of having that aesthetic at home great. Keep up the great work
We have been on this video journey for 3 years now? Wow, time flies when we are having fun huh? As for your larp thoughts, I agree with you, my top needs are location and immersion. I don't want to see modern buildings or cars driving by. For immersion it comes down to sets like you said and cast costumes. A white t shirt with goblin written in sharpie just doesn't cut it. And I love larping not only because of my love for medieval fantasy, but the side benefit that going and role playing as a character actually helps with my PTSD from my military career. Its not a cure, but just seems to ease up a bit when I am out there not being "me". I call it a bonus for something I love to do. And I think you should collaborate with kitt and Maddie on a larp, the 3 of you would make the greatest larp in existence.
haha the whole time I was thinking "like sleep no more but no one has been able to replicate it" and then we got there. I've tried putting on my own immersive theater productions, the logistics and game design needed is crazy and every time we tried to do something modular we essentially ended up with people having to form lines in front of characters to interact with them, which sucks. I recently went to the dept of wonder in houston, they did what I thought was both effective and profitable-you only get an hour inside the world and they only allow a select number of people in. they make do with a minimal number of actors and there's just enough to do an hours worth of content without totally exhausting the space. Was definitely fun if you ever find yourself down there.
I really love your channel, it a specific niche a lot of people do not get but the ones who do are usually all in. I started to going to Renfest about 10 years ago and it was love at first sight. I have always loved gaming, Fantasy and I am older. About 5 years into Renfest my BF did not want to go anymore as he was bored of it. So I went myself, I have to say I have met lifelong friends. The last 3 years me and my BFF girlfriend who I met at Renn met a varied group of people of all walks of life and ages. There is about 14 of us in our core group and we have literally become a family. We do something at least once a month or more once Renfest is over and it such a wonderful time. It was really weird when we first met up out of garb lol. We just had out Tree Tribe (name of our clan) Thanksgiving at the park in S. FL where our fest is and we are planning our Christmas get together and we are so excited. I can truly say I have met some of the best friends I have ever had . We all go full out at fest and are always in Garb....it takes years to build up your kit and lots of money but you add as you go. Keep making your videos as they are wonderful!
Wonderful video! Out of curiosity was this filmed before or after reckoning? And in the far future would you consider trying to make/host your own larp to meet those desires?
I prefer low rule larps, where focus is more on character interaction and such. There's also fighting, but in orde of telling a story, not in order to win or whatever. In fact something we frequently say is "play to lose", in the sense that you shouldn't be too careful with your character, but try things that make sense without being afraid of the consequences. If anything, the consequences mean your character has more to talk about later. I also want a larp where everyone keeps things ingame. Sure, there can be a lot of innane talks, but always in the world, not about the last sports game on tv or whatever. Your last story about that show in New York sounded awesome though, and reminded me a bit of the larp I went to in Poland last month, organised by Chaos League. It was set in a castle turned hotel that was hired off completely for the event and was changed into a university. With over 100 people playing students, teachers and headmaster, it did evoke the feeling of truly being a student (we even had a schedule to keep to). It was called Miskatonic University if you want to check it out. The same group also organises a larp in the desert in Tunesia. I think all their events are set early 1900s unfortunately, so not really your setting.
That sounds like so much fun, and I'd love to do something like that one of these days. My storytelling is better on paper than in person though. Although historical costuming has been a favorite hobby of mine since I was a kid. I agree with you that it would be fun to have an event of some kind that's more immersive, though. Anyone can go into the woods to swordfight, but not everyone can dedicate time and effort into portraying a character and moving a plot along.
Hey Kramer, I've only rarely been able to LARP, but as a tabletop player I must pipe up about a couple thoughts on the video today. I really relate to your thoughts on tone and loving craft to experiences. I must admit how much the particular players of the game bring to the tone of a game. It's a lot about enjoying the other players and what they bring. I'd imagine developing the ultimate larp might mean bringing that dream group of people together, and figuring out the system to support the experience best for that specific group. So glad to see the channel and you succeed so much lately. Best to you and your LARP quest!
I'm so glad I got the chance to attend a larp with you and your friends this year. I cannot express how grateful I am still for you and your crew helping me get to Reckoning. You are all amazing and I had so much fun with everyone. Playing as Eir and getting to interact with you a few times during the fights was enjoyable. Keep up the good work, and I hope to see you soon!
Here in Texas we have the sherwood forest Faire they have a event each year call hynfol which is like a full role-playing setting with quests and stuf like that!
I was just through Cumberland yesterday, on my way to the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, going to visit family out in Morgan County WV, in a town called Paw Paw
Crazy to see you mention knight realms. Thats the larp my buddies and i go to. Its difficult during college, though! Take care, much love from the east coast
I think it could be possible. All my LARPing has been futuristic sci-fi, but recently I have been checking out some of the fantasy LARPs. There is a significant financial commitment to trying something you may not like.
Been larping since 2003 in CT. Tried a few different ones but settled on one that is currently in it's third campaign. What has brought me back year after year are: Friends I've made The stories each event are usually amazing (few events where I didn't agree with direction they were going, but there's a way to give feedback to the runners and for the most part, each members feedback is addressed) The craft systems keep getting better Safety calls are simple Combat is simple Spell casters have many options (I'm not big on being a warrior type, and the various magics give options how you want to play your character) Deep lore for each character race and nations.
sounds fun if larp could be that way. i've never done larp and i suck at roleplay, but love fantasy and games, so it would be cool to visit a place like that 7 story building you mentioned, especially if it was medieval.
I’m new to LARP and hoping to one day go to Reckoning or Bicolline.. or perhaps another one somewhere here on the East coast (in PA).. my issue is often I find LARPs are people with boffers just wailing.. I want the fight to feel real not like button mashing in mortal Kombat.. that ultimately is my biggest thing.. then immersion.. I want to be fully immersed at all times I can, as otherwise I know I’ll crack and break character because I’ll feel goofy or self-conscious.. I hope one day to see you at a LARP! Love the videos!
Wish I had seen this earlier, but a lot of what you described is what can be found within the SCA, and the event you would see it at is the Pennsic War which starts next week. It is located in Western Pennsylvania near the Pittsburgh area and is the largest gathering of its type in the world. The only issue is it is not 'fantasy' based. It much more emulates medieval Europe. In any case I believe this is an event that would really encapsulate you completely.
In London in the year 2000, a group of friends of mine, called the Liquid Connective, squated a 7 Story Office building in central London called the AXA building. In the 7 story office block, they put on a Trance / Techno / New Age Rave - the whole place was decked out in psychedelic art, plants and music. It was EPIC! :D
I think the Society for Creative Anachronism's Pennsic War is the best full immersion 'larp'. Or perhaps Bicoline in Canada, though i've not been there yet. I plan to buy land in nw Arkansas soon, 60+ acres, and build a 'Viking' community...houses, village, great halls, etc. I'm certain people will join. Especially if one is looking for 24/7 immersion. Wear garb while on the property, no public use of cell phones or modern tech. I have designs for off-grid homes, solar for power, geothermal heat pump for AC, rocket mass heaters for heat. Hyper insulated. Built mostly from salvaged materials, basic infrastructure should quickly populate the property.
I agree with you about immersion being the key to the best LARP experience. I read about a space LARP happening where they rented a WW2 US Navy destroyer as a starship stamd-in...
A dear friend of mine is well up the food chain in karate. He is a teacher etc. and loves the samurai way of doing things. Honor etc. However, he has told me that although he is very high up the food chain today, he would not survive five minutes as a samurai in those times. He is very appreciative of the fact that he can play the game today without having the fear of death that came in those days. It allows him to choose out the most honorable parts of history and bring them to his students today. Interesting take... How much do we look back to history to choose what we want. As long as honorable, compassionate and empathy comes forth it is okay. The violence stuff not so much, but I do enjoy watching well trained larpers doing their thing. They are having a ball and so am I and I can see they are always careful not to injure each other.
I agree that what my brain wants is a space where I don’t have to work terribly hard to immerse myself. I can do that, yes, and we want a certain separation, but to enter a world where your brain can relax and your heart can lead? That sounds beautiful to me. Also, Sleep No More sounds fascinating. 😮
I agree 1000% on the point you brought up about acting like your weapons have weight. I see so many boffer LARPs where everyone is moving their swords in ways that discourage edge alignment and would break their wrists if they were using real swords. And when I see that I loose all interest in participating. I get the competitiveness however I think that limitations breed creativity and realism. It should be standard for LARPs to have a qualified combat instructor to give a class on weapon etiquette and technique before the event begins so everyone is in the same page and equipped with the right knowledge for satisfying combat. I also think that for a LARP to be really great it would help for it to be based on a pre-existing property so the world and lore are more clearly defined and understood by players. Take Elden Ring for example, it’s written by George R.R. Martin, based heavily on European and Scandinavian mythology with tons of weapons, spells, incantations, classes, factions, religions, items, status effects and more. And to give examples of how detailed it is already, specific plants and deities show up as iconography in the clothing, weapons and architecture in their respective areas. A LARP with that much depth is bound to be more immersive.
Sleep No More sounds, at first blush, to be the antithesis of an immersive LARP because the audience members are at best NPCs if asked to participate (that assumes your responses are scripted- if not that’s completely different) and at worst, victims of a poor narrator because you can’t be in multiple places at once to see all of the story. But on reflection it would make me at least want to attend multiple times to follow different characters so I could piece the whole story together, like a movie I’ve only ever seen clips of and finally settle down to see the whole thing. Whoever thought it up is simply brilliant.
This reminds me of... Westworld 😅. I don't larp but I agree with you, this is what I seek at fantasy conventions and as a TTRPG DM. Changing the lights, choosing a fitting musical background...
3:31 I don't have to imagine any number of Orcs charging at me, they just do it on a daily basis... (mind you, often enough they're actually fleeing from me in terror)
The problem is when you're roleplaying, really getting into your character, and then you walk across the tavern to open a door because that's what your charaacter would do, and it's glued shut or it turns out it's a facade or a fake. You get that moment of feeling betrayed, the immersion is broken. You went through the work of "becoming" a different person, someone who lives in this new world, but the world spits you back out because (in this example) it's all just skin-deep. Though I myself have never tried LARP, I'm sure for many people an average LARP experience begins with you testing the boundaries of the immersion, looking for "the edge of the map". If the immersion is crafted well enough, you may never even find it, never run into the invisible barrier. Almost a Westworld/Truman Show sort of thing, where the real world ends at the entrance with the ticket, and everyone within is devoted to keeping this escapist paradise running seamlessly. Edit: I should've listened further, that show sounds amazing. Yes, that's a step closer to what my image of great LARP would be. Lindybeige did something similar, but he got to participate, and there was no audience.
I can consider myself very fortunate to be able to claim that I have participated in, and helped create, my ideal LARP. It was beautiful. We had to make a few sacrifices, but they were all worth it. Firstly, it was a relatively small game, about 20 people. It was set in a low-fantasy viking-era inspired world. We wrote interesting culture and religion packages, lots of worldbuilding, and character writing. The unique thing was that the characters were all prewritten, and we hand-picked really awesome people from our community to play them, while also tailoring the characters to fit the plays. Think like casting actors for a play. It was a limited run event, 6 games start to finish, which means that the story had a definite beginning and end, so you could really focus and let loose without fear of losing a character that had 4 years worth of loot and experience. the system was relatively very rules light, with no damage calls and low HP. combat was super simple. 1 handed weapons deal 1, two handed ones deal 2, if you dont see what hit you, its a 2 (backstabbing!), players had about 5HP to start, and MAYBE 15 max by the end. Progression was pretty frontloaded, so there was no insane power scaling, which felt realistic and fair. Magic was old, tricky, and subtle. No fireballs and lightning bolts. Think more like, a ceremony with drums and fire where a shaman blesses his warriors to harden their resolve and fury in battle, or praying to your god to heal your wounds overnight. Monsters were also super rare. Something like a troll was a thing people only heard about in stories, but the first time your character sees one in real life, it's super impactful. (especially since most players didnt expect any monsters at all) Immersion was the main focus, with all the garb, armor, weapons, props and even camp setup to be completely setting-accurate. we cooked in cauldrons on tripods in front of full canvas tents filled with furs and wooden chests. it was the only game where i was able to completely fall into the world even as a one-off combat NPC. Character stories were prewritten, and with that, tons of juicy connections and drama between players. The story was very player driven, with the plot team just facilitating their decisions. TL;DR: I got to spend a summer creating and curating a perfect low-fantasy viking larp with my friends and it was a resounding success.
So with Evermoore park shutting down and Brandon Sandersons company buying up all of the land around it, does this mean it's being reopened as a giant larp? Are you going to be involved now that you're in Utah?
I gotta know too. Was considering Reckoning, but couldn't swing it this year. Seems like the closest LARP for me that has that cinematic, RP-heavy vibe to it and isn't just a boffer meet with a thin dusting of roleplay.
@@Jumbojet776 So I think the best way look at reckoning is that it's on year 2. that means there area alot of areas of improvement that is needed 100%. The biggest thing I think is that communication needed to be a bit better. as well as better devised things to do. but over all I really enjoyed the event. I also wasn't someone who came in with Any lore back ground. I legit picked a faction and ran with it. I am also a boring person because I play the same character at ever larp I go too so it makes it easier for me to fit into situations because I have that character mostly fleshed out. my highlights of the event would be the tavern night and the battle at the end. Atmosphere is key at larp events and I personally felt like it was pretty good especially the night life other than that if anyone has anymore question about reckoning please DM I'm an open book for the event and will give honest opinions about it
I think the small time LARP I attend here in Oregon (30-40 people) hits many of these points. I feel like it would be absolutely perfect if we had enough money to build a whole set. We just rent out a 4H camp with cabins and what not 2 weekends a year. We do pretty good with our décor for what we have to work with. I've never attended another LARP or been to a ren faire to compare though. But other people in our group have, and say that ours is the most enjoyable. Probably because we focus on safety and respect before anything else.
I have been larping for 21 years now . At first the thing I wanted was fighting and going on quests etc... As I have gotten older; i'll be 55 in September; I have started to enjoy the RP aspects more. I can sit in a camp or a tavern at a game and only ever draw my weapon to show someone, or to defend where I am at so I can go back to telling and listening to stories; although this may be because having to walk 1/2 a mile to get to a quest location, fight, and then walk back is getting a bit harder. I am in agreement with what you are looking for, no damage calls, enough magic to give it that high fantasy feel, and letting the players be their characters. We are starting a new larp here in Indiana and will be trying to do exactly that. The goal is to make combat seem like an actual fight instead of a yelling contest to see who can call the biggest number.
I am more into Boffer games like Belegarth and Amtgard that are LARP adjacent, than what you do. Within that space I am more there for the high of combat and the permutations of the line fight than the garb and social aspect. I have been in the game long enough to accumulate some decent looking kit (both garb and weapons), but I view that as more cost of entry that a main draw. My perfect LARP event would be a combat boffer larp where head protection is mandatory, and standardized safe weapons are provided by the organizers. There would be classes for the fist few days teaching solo combat, small unit combat, then larger field combat with regular sparring sessions for the participants to practice what they learned. Players would join units lead by experienced players/instructors who would know a field signaling system. The final day would be dedicated to large unit warfare where opposing "generals" would direct the units with the field signaling system. The generals would be experienced players with maybe 2+ previous attendances who get to submit a battle plan to the event runners. The battle plans are picked at random for each reset of the battle, and the "general" who made it gets pulled out of their unit to direct their battle via the field signaling system that should be known to them and the staff unit commanders. Perhaps modern walkie talkies could be used to replace the unit commander briefing where the battle plan would historically be memorized . I would also have multiple professional photographers and Drone cameras recording the event so that people would have a record of their greatest moments without having to worry about recording it themselves. I don't know how big an audience would be for this sort of event, but it appeals to me, so I figure I would write it out.
If you ever find yourself in the UK I think you'd enjoy Empire by Profound Decisions! I went to my first event at E1 this year and it was incredible and so similar to what you describe
I feel like I've hit a home run with the LARP group Eras Chronicles. Good mix of roleplaying and combat which uses skills, and armor that matters to your health. The people are great and they do there best to immerse you in the medieval fantasy esthetic. Also shout out to MD rennfair one of my favorite festivals. Come back again, cup of mead on me 👍🏼
I have to thank you LARP folks for keeping the essence of the Braunstein and 1:1 time alive, so that we could point to it as a successful example when we rediscovered it's implementation in AD&D.
When I'm done viewing this video I must review this video again, taking notes, and of course, jotting down notes. So many ideas and concepts are forming in my mind listening to you. Great video by the way! Love the obvious time and energy you put into your presentations.
You should check out Drachenfest if you can make the journey. 4 days long in PA, in its second year of running. There was a few hundred people last year, and they moved camp sites to something larger due to an expected increase in players. It's a what you see is what you get LARP, so monster all had pretty awesome kits, you're supposed to act out your strikes. There is a delineation though between more competitive combat that will tend to happen on the battlefield and sort of theatrical duels that will happen off the competitive side of the game. Basic story is its a Festival/Contest and your character has been chosen to represent one of 5 Great Dragons that all have core values. For example the Blue Dragon, and its camp by extension is all about freedom, discovery, and self determination at any cost, but they're generally greedy. There's only a couple NPCs, every guild is player run, and all the camps too. Only true NPCs are the Avatars of the Dragons.
I feel like you really should visit some German LARPs. Most of the things you mentioned are pretty much standard here. There are some immersion breakers (bathrooms etc.) but it's really amazing what even the smallest LARPs do immersion wise including hundreds of pages of in game texts, probs and so on.
For me, the Fell & Fair LARP here in SC is my ideal LARP for one main reason, which is that they have strict kit requirements, and keep it low-to-no-fantasy. All-human setting is perfect, because everyone attending can look like a human effortlessly, they do it every day, and while some people can pull off amazing makeup and rubber masks for fantasy races, not everyone can 'as well' and you get a variety of believable mixed with unbelievable. The visuals of a LARP is the main thing for me, yet unlike what you said about setting, for me it's the other players - the cast that "I'M" watching. The requirements that Fell and Fair puts forth requires all leather be real leather, metal has to be metal, linen and wool primarily, some cotton is okay, and polyester banned, like pleather. And the requirement of only having the most realistic looking LARP weapons. I avoided LARP for over 15 years because I only thought boffer-style larps, throwing spell bean bags, and such was the experience. For me, the location doesn't have to be built up. Throw a few hundred players and NPCs out into the wilderness and woods, who all look legit, and that's all I need. This isn't to say that story and roleplay and quests aren't important, they absolutely are, but as long as everyone elses's kits look good, the setting of -insert state park away from modernity- or whatever is good enough. lol
I actually prefer larps with slightly wilder combat that are more like a game and are fighting 3-4 or more opponents at once, the insanity of it all, but I enjoy all types of larps and I am happy to participate in anything and any style that is near me and interesting. I don't think you ideas are out of reach, but as important as it is to have ideals, sometimes it's also good to settle for something close. You could also always try making your own larp, just make it real small to start, you and 5 friends, see how it works out. If it's all you thought it could be, grow it until you create your own perfect larp. I'll come play.
I read "Lamp" (as in "my ideal lamp") and thought "easy. Hooded lantern. A bullseye let's you see further, but I like the ability to drop the hood for only a little dim light around me, and 60' is usually enough for combat (if we're talking dnd)." I quickly realized that was *not* the topic of today's video lol
I think the most important thing for a LARP to grasp is shared environmental attitude. If the attitude can be shared with everyone through the environment, then the LARP would be "successful."
I want combat that doesn't suck. Most of the larps I've run into are lightest touch combat with hit points where ultra light weapons dominate and everybody fights with two swords because the only thing that matters are how many hits you can throw out. Bow, crossbows, two handed weapons and staves just can't compete in an environment like that. Also... wear head protection! I hate combat where head shots aren't allowed. It drives me insane!
i guess it could exist, idk im still new to larp/rpg. i first got into it because i seeked the aesthetic and atmosphere of the medieval/ancient time period. the devil is definitely in the details i agree. even going to the star wars part of disneyland and getting immersed in that world is pretty cool it helps you totally escape the mundane world for a while. its their business model now that i think about it. After a while, for me in the sca, it also became about the relationships and politics which i guess is another way of getting immersed, i just got sucked-in grinding my character. i have to remind myself to also take care of the immersion and attention to detail in that way. hopefully my descendants will get to enjoy medieval westworld or the holodeck, but i would def settle for an all medieval disneyland with less merch and more taverns
Never been to a LARP personally, but I think you're on the nose as far as a great event being one where the focus is on collaborative story telling rather than "winning".
Hey LA, or as I know ya Berolt. Recently, I went to my first larp and had the absolute joy of interacting with you as my new character Magnus. We did a small scene about your characters family sword, and in that moment you helped me feel important, valuable, and like my Grey Warden style character existed! So thank you for helping my first larp feel amazing for me!
I live in Germany, the holy kind of larping as far as I can judge it.
We have a place you would love, it's called Bogenwald.
It's a Village constructed just for larping, the buildings are constructed by players, owned by players and rented to the ther players.
I was there for a Hobbit themed larp, no plot, no fights, no other races, nothing, Just Hobbits celebrating midsummer.
There where people baking cakes in character, using period utensils (or at least lookalikes) and giving it out to guests on their verandas.
It was a deep experience even tho nothing happened.
I think you're u would love the place.
Your idea of a perfect larp reminds me of what Disney did with the Halcyon Starcruiser. It was fully immersed, everyone was in-character, even the janitors and waiters. If you asked some random worker where they were from or why they wanted to work there they would answer in character. That level of performance is highly immersive to the players/ audience. Mix in an awesome set/ hotel to live in for a few days and you really believe you are in a different universe.
If they can do it, there's no reason why it can't be accomplished on a smaller scale. Given enough funds and passionate people, anyone can achieve the same level of immersion. I think it should be what every larp strives for. Don't settle for half of a fantasy experience.
Agreed. Disney is notoriously rigorous with their casting and rehearsals, but I think teams at larps could pull it off, with perhaps a change in the business/game model. It would require the funds to either hire or train the cast, and treat it like a production, rather than relying on volunteers and enthusiasm alone
I really wish more LARPs were focused on the atmosphere and the theatrics of it all. If I want to whack my friends with foam, I can do that, as you said, at home for free. But I LARP because I want to play a character and feel like I'm part of the world around me.
I had that experience at Drachenfest US last year and went searching for something a little closer to home (Illinois), but it seems like most of the LARPs around here are boffer fighting with a thin layer of roleplay attached as opposed to the roleplaying, immersive, shared storytelling with a splash of foam whacking that I'm looking for... If anyone knows a LARP in the Midwest that fulfills what I'm looking for (and basically what Kramer here is looking for), let me know!
I know your pain my friend. I'm still searching.
@@callsigngrimdoll Same here, the midwest so far seems pretty dry of too many of these
@Jumbojet777 Have you heard of the KANAR larp in lower MI? I know they have dedicated acreage, but have not gone yet to check it out
@@BloodlightRadio I haven't, but I'll have to give it a look! Thanks!
Drachenfest US was fighting with a thin veneer of roleplay? thats disappointing to hear.
Twin Mask is one i've heard of, but that's not really "midwest" is it?
I came for the garb and the cooking, stayed for this type of content. While I've gone to the KC Ren Faire and various Highland Games more or less in costume, my only actual LARP type events have been American Civil War re-enactments. With the persona of a 'camp follower/military wife', those events are mostly tending fires, cooking and repairing kit and people LOL. Being focused so much on the practicality of actually feeding people and making sure they won't get in trouble for public indecency means that I've never had the luxury of getting into the kind of headspace you describe.
I'm a bit too old to be fighting or sleeping on the ground for that matter! But your description makes me want to try a fantasy LARP. Anybody need a fat old crone with bad knees who can spin, weave, knit, sew etc?
17:00, magic music box lol. not speakers. enchanted by travelling bard.
These experiences like Sleep No More and that Star Wars thing at Disney are an amazing example of what I strongly desire out of this kind of LARPing. I really want to just experience these worlds as someone that is there, not just as an onlooker.
This is made worse with how realistic and fantastical my dreams often are, that it's become a sort of desperation for me. That's probably not good, but it's an unavoidable thought I often have that I really want to live in and immerse myself in these realistic worlds that have been created for me.
I feel your pain haha
My main takeaway is that the best part of a LARP, what provides that immersive experience you and I yearn for, is the environment/atmosphere/setting. I completely agree that what I want most out of a LARP I am most likely to find at a non-LARP experience, like a Renaissance Faire or Sleep No More, or even theme parks or some escape rooms.
How do we solve the problem that that’s probably the most expensive/difficult aspect of creating a LARP? Immersive buildings take a lot of money and care to construct. Then once they’re in place, they can’t move. If you want your LARP to be an ongoing adventure that takes place across time, how do you generate a sense of travel, of progress? Some LARPs are structured around a concept like “Every year, warriors from across the realms gather here…”
Another takeaway you got me thinking by bringing up Sleep No More: Of course players want the game to revolve around them, and their actions should affect the world. But perhaps having a main cast of characters with clearly defined goals and objectives, would help build immersion and anchor players in the world. So players can go off and do their own thing but if they ever lack direction they can come back and catch up with the main cast. The main cast’s objectives would be flexible enough to bend or alter depending on actions and interactions with the players though. I dunno, it’s a thought.
I agree with your perspective, that the atmosphere, environment, and setting are what contribute greatest a great experience. My thoughts on it are that, perhaps, the first year (or few) should be non-combat realm and story building. "We fled the devastation of our old lands to forge a new kingdom. We do not know what dangers this new land holds, or if our enemy pursues us still, but our wise King has decreed that this good earth is where we build anew."
I 100% agree with the idea that larp combat should not be like boffer or belegarth or sca where you try to get as many touches as possible to "win". It should have some roleplaying and be a bit cinematic.
Some of my favorite LARP combat was a theatrics-style tournament at Drachenfest US where the "winner" was decided by who acted the best and created the best "epic moments" for them and their aggressor. Frequently the one who "lost" in combat was declared the winner because they just made the "winner" look so good.
It was INTENSELY more fun to me than trying to tip tap someone with my foam sword.
@@Jumbojet776 yes!
Better than buhurt's overemphasis on dropping someone to the dirt, too.
"Salute" by clanking axehead on shield rim. Wave your axehead in the air, just to catch the audience's attention.
Talk some smack in character, in accent. Like TLOTR, the audience might not even be able to pick up on a lot of the details, but the sum total impact of those collective details will come through. Let them collect little snippets of your convos, and make them WANT to be in on the rest of the convos. Make them feel like there is so much more below the surface that they are missing out on. Draw them in.
Overact a little. Ham it up.
Do HEMA. Learn real moves with your weapon of choice. Actually knowing your stuff can eventually contribute to a demonstrable sense of self-confidence. Have that swagger because you can back it up. Don't be a poser.
Practice the art of dieing well. Make it count. Hit 'em in the feels.
@@texasbeast239 agreed. Also, one thing that LARPs must allow, I don't want to hear bs claims of "but muh safety, blah blah blah" is headshots. Not allowing headshots DRAMATICALLY changes fighting styles to the point that it looks very fake and not realistic. Don't want to get hurt? Wear a helmet, or don't fight.
I’m always so excited on Saturday mornings when I see your thumbnail pop up
I have an internal conflict on SAT mornings, whether to be up when the LA notification comes up, or to sleep in and just watch it whenever. Now, I love a little extra shut-eye as much as the next lord or lady. But inevitably I end up kicking myself, wondering how I could have ever held out on watching any of these videos. That's x amount of hours of LA goodness that I missed in my life. 😕😉
@@texasbeast239 haha I always wake up early, but his videos come out late in the morning for my time zone anyway, but they’re such a blessing! Love Kramer’s content
What a great question. It sounds like you've got a quest on your hands. To travel all the realms in search of the ultimate medieval fantasy experience. It would be an ambitious series of videos, but your thoughtful interpretation of the various events would be a valued contribution to the fantasy community.
I love those immersive moments--those brief periods when the LARP world feels like reality and the OOG world seems like a distant fiction. I also love being in character. Each character that I portray is a facet of my true self. By becoming that character I have the opportunity to explore that facet and learn how other people interact with that facet.
I've heard all kinds of good things about Empire LARP in the UK.
My local ren faire is King Richard's Faire, over in Carver, Massachusetts. It's tons of fun, and a friend of mine is one of the cast members.
Went to my first Empire this year and I would really reccomend it if you find yourself in the UK
"quiet freedom from modernity." That!!
As far as experience, the closest I've come to an immersive experience was at a Breughel evening (named after the painter Peter Breughel) at a medieval building in Delft (The Netherlands). It's basically a medieval feast like in Breughel's painting.
It's a group event, where you're sitting on wooden benches at long tables with your own group (there were 2-3 groups of abour 30-50people served simultaneously) No modern cutlery, everything pottery and wood, and some knives, and period appropriate food.
The serving staff were all dressed the part, and there was a band of minstrels interacting with the audience, playing appropriate historical songs/themes. When leaving all the women were given a rose by one of the cook's boys.
Never had such an immersive experience again, just a shame I was just a teenager back then, I'm sure I would've appreciated even more now.
Nicely done, I feel like this may be a elegant way to express the things you may want to experience rather than to complain about things that you may have found lacking in a larp that disappointed you. I always enjoy your content thank you.
You have impeccable insight
Your ideal larp is a good dinner murder mystery. Everyone has a role, a character, and a goal. Atmosphere set to enhance immersion, meal matches setting, and nobody is just there to be a bump on the log.
My dream business is to buy a tract of land on which I can build a true adventure. It will be set up like one of my favorite scout camps, Philmont Scout Ranch and adventures will be several days. On the first day, players will be in base camp and meet their ranger, who will lead them on the trek, and learn about the quest. They'll then spend the next week alternating from dry camps and staffed camps until on the second to last day, they beat the boss fight and can go home. Weapons will be rented or brought, as will tents and hammocks. Every building will be built with versatility in mind so that the quest can change on a seasonal basis. I don't know if I'll ever get to build it, but if I do, I'll make sure to let you know.
We are the musicians in "The Tavern", no electricity involved. Just musicians who love to sit in the inn and sing. And that's how we became the first LARP band in Sweden :-)
You're welcome to Sweden and join in! Language is not a problem, we have a huge world.
I remember the first time I found photographs of people LARPing online. Realizing I wasn't the only person who wanted to actually play the parts, not just wear the costumes (I'd been to re-enactments) was just astonishing. 20 years on, I think of LARP first and foremost as a unique artform, a theatrical medium - and as in all art, the medium is the message. LARP opens up avenues of storytelling that simply aren't possible to explore in other mediums - it also has unique pitfalls and challenges. I also think of it as a distinctly postmodern and inherently deconstructive medium, uncoupling the characters in the story from it's plot and inviting it's participants to step over the 4th wall.
A thought that I have had for a while now is that you should strive to create an environment that actively pulls you into the world and story that is trying to be told as apposed to a environment that has one to many things that draw you out of it. This factor has been one of the biggest for me in my experience at LARP. I strongly suggest if you ever get the chance to attend Bicolline in Canada do so. It has such a amazing set and history that truly sucks you into its world and furthermore into character.
I just recently discovered your channel and just wanted to thank you for the amazing content.
I have played TTRPGs for quite some time now, but you inspired me to actually try LARP, as it has always been in the back of my mind. I now have planned to go to a LARP next year and couldn’t be more excited while i am binging a lot of you older content about creating a kit and character. Thank you again for being so inspiring and creative in your content! :)
Very insightful. I’ll be sure to tell my sister about “Sleep No More” when she goes to New York. Thanks to your and Skill Tree’s videos, me and a friend are planning on going to The Reckoning next year.
Have to say it: "Ranger-scented" candle does not necessarily create the mental image/impression that the maker would want....
You are spot on. The immersion and environment are what really matter.
You have poured to words for me that I couldn't so, thank you for helping clear my thoughts on LARP, love it
Like myself. I can make the room I'm in disappear into a desert, tropical forest, etc. Easy enough to picture forts, castles, great halls, and so on. I've done that since I was a child with my friends, the 'unvisible dinosaurs', whom I would visit with beneath the canopy of a great old willow at my grandfathers' house. :) This is very well done. I've been a Scadian for fifty odd years, and in the 80s helped create the LARP 'Realms of Wonder' or just 'The Realms'. Mostly I run solo now, as an old Ranger who does more music than combat. :) I'm in my late sixties after all. Keep up the awesome work! :)
Never been to a larp yet, but I've always wanted to go. Since I found your channel through shadiversity I've tried some of your suggestions for medieval inspired camping and it was amazing. Also found the idea of having that aesthetic at home great. Keep up the great work
We have been on this video journey for 3 years now? Wow, time flies when we are having fun huh? As for your larp thoughts, I agree with you, my top needs are location and immersion. I don't want to see modern buildings or cars driving by. For immersion it comes down to sets like you said and cast costumes. A white t shirt with goblin written in sharpie just doesn't cut it. And I love larping not only because of my love for medieval fantasy, but the side benefit that going and role playing as a character actually helps with my PTSD from my military career. Its not a cure, but just seems to ease up a bit when I am out there not being "me". I call it a bonus for something I love to do. And I think you should collaborate with kitt and Maddie on a larp, the 3 of you would make the greatest larp in existence.
14:42
"...or otherwise you get Character Bleed, and that's where things can start to get a little messy..."
Yeah, it even sounds messy.
haha the whole time I was thinking "like sleep no more but no one has been able to replicate it" and then we got there. I've tried putting on my own immersive theater productions, the logistics and game design needed is crazy and every time we tried to do something modular we essentially ended up with people having to form lines in front of characters to interact with them, which sucks.
I recently went to the dept of wonder in houston, they did what I thought was both effective and profitable-you only get an hour inside the world and they only allow a select number of people in. they make do with a minimal number of actors and there's just enough to do an hours worth of content without totally exhausting the space. Was definitely fun if you ever find yourself down there.
I really love your channel, it a specific niche a lot of people do not get but the ones who do are usually all in. I started to going to Renfest about 10 years ago and it was love at first sight. I have always loved gaming, Fantasy and I am older. About 5 years into Renfest my BF did not want to go anymore as he was bored of it. So I went myself, I have to say I have met lifelong friends. The last 3 years me and my BFF girlfriend who I met at Renn met a varied group of people of all walks of life and ages. There is about 14 of us in our core group and we have literally become a family. We do something at least once a month or more once Renfest is over and it such a wonderful time. It was really weird when we first met up out of garb lol. We just had out Tree Tribe (name of our clan) Thanksgiving at the park in S. FL where our fest is and we are planning our Christmas get together and we are so excited. I can truly say I have met some of the best friends I have ever had . We all go full out at fest and are always in Garb....it takes years to build up your kit and lots of money but you add as you go. Keep making your videos as they are wonderful!
Wonderful video! Out of curiosity was this filmed before or after reckoning? And in the far future would you consider trying to make/host your own larp to meet those desires?
I prefer low rule larps, where focus is more on character interaction and such. There's also fighting, but in orde of telling a story, not in order to win or whatever. In fact something we frequently say is "play to lose", in the sense that you shouldn't be too careful with your character, but try things that make sense without being afraid of the consequences. If anything, the consequences mean your character has more to talk about later. I also want a larp where everyone keeps things ingame. Sure, there can be a lot of innane talks, but always in the world, not about the last sports game on tv or whatever.
Your last story about that show in New York sounded awesome though, and reminded me a bit of the larp I went to in Poland last month, organised by Chaos League. It was set in a castle turned hotel that was hired off completely for the event and was changed into a university. With over 100 people playing students, teachers and headmaster, it did evoke the feeling of truly being a student (we even had a schedule to keep to). It was called Miskatonic University if you want to check it out. The same group also organises a larp in the desert in Tunesia. I think all their events are set early 1900s unfortunately, so not really your setting.
That sounds like so much fun, and I'd love to do something like that one of these days. My storytelling is better on paper than in person though. Although historical costuming has been a favorite hobby of mine since I was a kid. I agree with you that it would be fun to have an event of some kind that's more immersive, though. Anyone can go into the woods to swordfight, but not everyone can dedicate time and effort into portraying a character and moving a plot along.
damn dude your setup and backdrop look awesome
That Odin's skull mead tastes great. Kind of like apple jacks. Really enjoy your videos and keep putting them out.
You have a gift for speaking. Fun to listen to. 🙂
Thank you so much!
Nice shout out to Sleep No More. My friend was one of the lead carpenters for it. Very cool show.
It was an amazing and very memorable experience
Hey Kramer, I've only rarely been able to LARP, but as a tabletop player I must pipe up about a couple thoughts on the video today. I really relate to your thoughts on tone and loving craft to experiences. I must admit how much the particular players of the game bring to the tone of a game. It's a lot about enjoying the other players and what they bring. I'd imagine developing the ultimate larp might mean bringing that dream group of people together, and figuring out the system to support the experience best for that specific group. So glad to see the channel and you succeed so much lately. Best to you and your LARP quest!
I'm so glad I got the chance to attend a larp with you and your friends this year. I cannot express how grateful I am still for you and your crew helping me get to Reckoning. You are all amazing and I had so much fun with everyone. Playing as Eir and getting to interact with you a few times during the fights was enjoyable.
Keep up the good work, and I hope to see you soon!
Here in Texas we have the sherwood forest Faire they have a event each year call hynfol which is like a full role-playing setting with quests and stuf like that!
as usual your comments are filled with heartfelt and sincere writing. good work Cramer
I was just through Cumberland yesterday, on my way to the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, going to visit family out in Morgan County WV, in a town called Paw Paw
Crazy to see you mention knight realms. Thats the larp my buddies and i go to. Its difficult during college, though! Take care, much love from the east coast
I think it could be possible. All my LARPing has been futuristic sci-fi, but recently I have been checking out some of the fantasy LARPs. There is a significant financial commitment to trying something you may not like.
Been larping since 2003 in CT. Tried a few different ones but settled on one that is currently in it's third campaign.
What has brought me back year after year are:
Friends I've made
The stories each event are usually amazing (few events where I didn't agree with direction they were going, but there's a way to give feedback to the runners and for the most part, each members feedback is addressed)
The craft systems keep getting better
Safety calls are simple
Combat is simple
Spell casters have many options (I'm not big on being a warrior type, and the various magics give options how you want to play your character)
Deep lore for each character race and nations.
sounds fun if larp could be that way. i've never done larp and i suck at roleplay, but love fantasy and games, so it would be cool to visit a place like that 7 story building you mentioned, especially if it was medieval.
Thanks, I never have done any Larping but I think you convinced me to go to my local Ren Faire this year have not been in 3 years.
You'd probably adore Empire larp in the UK!
I'd love to make it out there one day
I’m new to LARP and hoping to one day go to Reckoning or Bicolline.. or perhaps another one somewhere here on the East coast (in PA).. my issue is often I find LARPs are people with boffers just wailing.. I want the fight to feel real not like button mashing in mortal Kombat.. that ultimately is my biggest thing.. then immersion.. I want to be fully immersed at all times I can, as otherwise I know I’ll crack and break character because I’ll feel goofy or self-conscious..
I hope one day to see you at a LARP! Love the videos!
Sadly there's no one to do this with where I live, but it's nice to see people discussing what they love about it.
Wish I had seen this earlier, but a lot of what you described is what can be found within the SCA, and the event you would see it at is the Pennsic War which starts next week. It is located in Western Pennsylvania near the Pittsburgh area and is the largest gathering of its type in the world. The only issue is it is not 'fantasy' based. It much more emulates medieval Europe. In any case I believe this is an event that would really encapsulate you completely.
I enjoy the SCA alot and most of my close friends are very engaged members. Personally though I want the fantasy.
In London in the year 2000, a group of friends of mine, called the Liquid Connective, squated a 7 Story Office building in central London called the AXA building.
In the 7 story office block, they put on a Trance / Techno / New Age Rave - the whole place was decked out in psychedelic art, plants and music.
It was EPIC! :D
I think the Society for Creative Anachronism's Pennsic War is the best full immersion 'larp'. Or perhaps Bicoline in Canada, though i've not been there yet.
I plan to buy land in nw Arkansas soon, 60+ acres, and build a 'Viking' community...houses, village, great halls, etc. I'm certain people will join. Especially if one is looking for 24/7 immersion. Wear garb while on the property, no public use of cell phones or modern tech. I have designs for off-grid homes, solar for power, geothermal heat pump for AC, rocket mass heaters for heat. Hyper insulated. Built mostly from salvaged materials, basic infrastructure should quickly populate the property.
I hope you find your perfect LARP, good sir. Or at least, something very close to it. Keep us up to date on your travels!
Here in the UK we have alot of Larps, one of which is a Witcher Larp called Northern Kingdoms. The current Larp I play at is Empire LRP
I agree with you about immersion being the key to the best LARP experience. I read about a space LARP happening where they rented a WW2 US Navy destroyer as a starship stamd-in...
A dear friend of mine is well up the food chain in karate. He is a teacher etc. and loves the samurai way of doing things. Honor etc. However, he has told me that although he is very high up the food chain today, he would not survive five minutes as a samurai in those times. He is very appreciative of the fact that he can play the game today without having the fear of death that came in those days. It allows him to choose out the most honorable parts of history and bring them to his students today. Interesting take... How much do we look back to history to choose what we want. As long as honorable, compassionate and empathy comes forth it is okay. The violence stuff not so much, but I do enjoy watching well trained larpers doing their thing. They are having a ball and so am I and I can see they are always careful not to injure each other.
would love to hear your thoughts on the SCA. I think you would enjoy Pennsic
I agree that what my brain wants is a space where I don’t have to work terribly hard to immerse myself. I can do that, yes, and we want a certain separation, but to enter a world where your brain can relax and your heart can lead? That sounds beautiful to me.
Also, Sleep No More sounds fascinating. 😮
I agree 1000% on the point you brought up about acting like your weapons have weight. I see so many boffer LARPs where everyone is moving their swords in ways that discourage edge alignment and would break their wrists if they were using real swords. And when I see that I loose all interest in participating. I get the competitiveness however I think that limitations breed creativity and realism. It should be standard for LARPs to have a qualified combat instructor to give a class on weapon etiquette and technique before the event begins so everyone is in the same page and equipped with the right knowledge for satisfying combat.
I also think that for a LARP to be really great it would help for it to be based on a pre-existing property so the world and lore are more clearly defined and understood by players. Take Elden Ring for example, it’s written by George R.R. Martin, based heavily on European and Scandinavian mythology with tons of weapons, spells, incantations, classes, factions, religions, items, status effects and more. And to give examples of how detailed it is already, specific plants and deities show up as iconography in the clothing, weapons and architecture in their respective areas. A LARP with that much depth is bound to be more immersive.
Good stuff this really covers the bases well.
Sleep No More sounds, at first blush, to be the antithesis of an immersive LARP because the audience members are at best NPCs if asked to participate (that assumes your responses are scripted- if not that’s completely different) and at worst, victims of a poor narrator because you can’t be in multiple places at once to see all of the story.
But on reflection it would make me at least want to attend multiple times to follow different characters so I could piece the whole story together, like a movie I’ve only ever seen clips of and finally settle down to see the whole thing.
Whoever thought it up is simply brilliant.
There were 16th century tournament where they wore fantasy armour and larped fantasy battles.
I love it I still play medieval games like a kid to
The fastest comment in all the realms
This reminds me of... Westworld 😅. I don't larp but I agree with you, this is what I seek at fantasy conventions and as a TTRPG DM. Changing the lights, choosing a fitting musical background...
3:31 I don't have to imagine any number of Orcs charging at me, they just do it on a daily basis...
(mind you, often enough they're actually fleeing from me in terror)
The problem is when you're roleplaying, really getting into your character, and then you walk across the tavern to open a door because that's what your charaacter would do, and it's glued shut or it turns out it's a facade or a fake. You get that moment of feeling betrayed, the immersion is broken. You went through the work of "becoming" a different person, someone who lives in this new world, but the world spits you back out because (in this example) it's all just skin-deep.
Though I myself have never tried LARP, I'm sure for many people an average LARP experience begins with you testing the boundaries of the immersion, looking for "the edge of the map". If the immersion is crafted well enough, you may never even find it, never run into the invisible barrier. Almost a Westworld/Truman Show sort of thing, where the real world ends at the entrance with the ticket, and everyone within is devoted to keeping this escapist paradise running seamlessly.
Edit: I should've listened further, that show sounds amazing. Yes, that's a step closer to what my image of great LARP would be. Lindybeige did something similar, but he got to participate, and there was no audience.
I can consider myself very fortunate to be able to claim that I have participated in, and helped create, my ideal LARP.
It was beautiful.
We had to make a few sacrifices, but they were all worth it. Firstly, it was a relatively small game, about 20 people. It was set in a low-fantasy viking-era inspired world. We wrote interesting culture and religion packages, lots of worldbuilding, and character writing. The unique thing was that the characters were all prewritten, and we hand-picked really awesome people from our community to play them, while also tailoring the characters to fit the plays. Think like casting actors for a play.
It was a limited run event, 6 games start to finish, which means that the story had a definite beginning and end, so you could really focus and let loose without fear of losing a character that had 4 years worth of loot and experience.
the system was relatively very rules light, with no damage calls and low HP. combat was super simple. 1 handed weapons deal 1, two handed ones deal 2, if you dont see what hit you, its a 2 (backstabbing!), players had about 5HP to start, and MAYBE 15 max by the end. Progression was pretty frontloaded, so there was no insane power scaling, which felt realistic and fair.
Magic was old, tricky, and subtle. No fireballs and lightning bolts. Think more like, a ceremony with drums and fire where a shaman blesses his warriors to harden their resolve and fury in battle, or praying to your god to heal your wounds overnight. Monsters were also super rare. Something like a troll was a thing people only heard about in stories, but the first time your character sees one in real life, it's super impactful. (especially since most players didnt expect any monsters at all)
Immersion was the main focus, with all the garb, armor, weapons, props and even camp setup to be completely setting-accurate. we cooked in cauldrons on tripods in front of full canvas tents filled with furs and wooden chests. it was the only game where i was able to completely fall into the world even as a one-off combat NPC.
Character stories were prewritten, and with that, tons of juicy connections and drama between players. The story was very player driven, with the plot team just facilitating their decisions.
TL;DR: I got to spend a summer creating and curating a perfect low-fantasy viking larp with my friends and it was a resounding success.
So with Evermoore park shutting down and Brandon Sandersons company buying up all of the land around it, does this mean it's being reopened as a giant larp? Are you going to be involved now that you're in Utah?
Was fun fighting you in the arena at reckoning sir
How was reckoning this year? I heard they changed venue, I wonder if this video was inspired is some way by the change.
I gotta know too. Was considering Reckoning, but couldn't swing it this year. Seems like the closest LARP for me that has that cinematic, RP-heavy vibe to it and isn't just a boffer meet with a thin dusting of roleplay.
@@Jumbojet776 So I think the best way look at reckoning is that it's on year 2. that means there area alot of areas of improvement that is needed 100%. The biggest thing I think is that communication needed to be a bit better. as well as better devised things to do. but over all I really enjoyed the event. I also wasn't someone who came in with Any lore back ground. I legit picked a faction and ran with it. I am also a boring person because I play the same character at ever larp I go too so it makes it easier for me to fit into situations because I have that character mostly fleshed out. my highlights of the event would be the tavern night and the battle at the end. Atmosphere is key at larp events and I personally felt like it was pretty good especially the night life other than that if anyone has anymore question about reckoning please DM I'm an open book for the event and will give honest opinions about it
@@jpbhello Oof sorry to hear that! I was wondering why I hadn't seen any one talk about it yet. Lack of enthusiasm probably.
I think the small time LARP I attend here in Oregon (30-40 people) hits many of these points. I feel like it would be absolutely perfect if we had enough money to build a whole set. We just rent out a 4H camp with cabins and what not 2 weekends a year. We do pretty good with our décor for what we have to work with. I've never attended another LARP or been to a ren faire to compare though. But other people in our group have, and say that ours is the most enjoyable. Probably because we focus on safety and respect before anything else.
I have been larping for 21 years now . At first the thing I wanted was fighting and going on quests etc... As I have gotten older; i'll be 55 in September; I have started to enjoy the RP aspects more. I can sit in a camp or a tavern at a game and only ever draw my weapon to show someone, or to defend where I am at so I can go back to telling and listening to stories; although this may be because having to walk 1/2 a mile to get to a quest location, fight, and then walk back is getting a bit harder.
I am in agreement with what you are looking for, no damage calls, enough magic to give it that high fantasy feel, and letting the players be their characters. We are starting a new larp here in Indiana and will be trying to do exactly that. The goal is to make combat seem like an actual fight instead of a yelling contest to see who can call the biggest number.
You should check out the weekend warrior experience on the east coast. It is low fantasy medieval
I am more into Boffer games like Belegarth and Amtgard that are LARP adjacent, than what you do. Within that space I am more there for the high of combat and the permutations of the line fight than the garb and social aspect. I have been in the game long enough to accumulate some decent looking kit (both garb and weapons), but I view that as more cost of entry that a main draw.
My perfect LARP event would be a combat boffer larp where head protection is mandatory, and standardized safe weapons are provided by the organizers. There would be classes for the fist few days teaching solo combat, small unit combat, then larger field combat with regular sparring sessions for the participants to practice what they learned.
Players would join units lead by experienced players/instructors who would know a field signaling system. The final day would be dedicated to large unit warfare where opposing "generals" would direct the units with the field signaling system.
The generals would be experienced players with maybe 2+ previous attendances who get to submit a battle plan to the event runners. The battle plans are picked at random for each reset of the battle, and the "general" who made it gets pulled out of their unit to direct their battle via the field signaling system that should be known to them and the staff unit commanders. Perhaps modern walkie talkies could be used to replace the unit commander briefing where the battle plan would historically be memorized .
I would also have multiple professional photographers and Drone cameras recording the event so that people would have a record of their greatest moments without having to worry about recording it themselves.
I don't know how big an audience would be for this sort of event, but it appeals to me, so I figure I would write it out.
Good day Kramer, my daughter loves your black bread. Thanks and keep up the good work.
If you ever find yourself in the UK I think you'd enjoy Empire by Profound Decisions! I went to my first event at E1 this year and it was incredible and so similar to what you describe
Havin never been to a larp myself (but really wantin to), I loved hesrin your thoughts on this.
I feel like I've hit a home run with the LARP group Eras Chronicles. Good mix of roleplaying and combat which uses skills, and armor that matters to your health. The people are great and they do there best to immerse you in the medieval fantasy esthetic. Also shout out to MD rennfair one of my favorite festivals. Come back again, cup of mead on me 👍🏼
Verisimilitude above all. If it feels like an actual place that is lived in then it becomes easy to get lost in.
I have to thank you LARP folks for keeping the essence of the Braunstein and 1:1 time alive, so that we could point to it as a successful example when we rediscovered it's implementation in AD&D.
Come to pennsic. My camp's name is Croatoan. If you always want try
When I'm done viewing this video I must review this video again, taking notes, and of course, jotting down notes. So many ideas and concepts are forming in my mind listening to you. Great video by the way! Love the obvious time and energy you put into your presentations.
Notes, upon notes... So much can be done to make a good LARP.
You should check out Drachenfest if you can make the journey. 4 days long in PA, in its second year of running. There was a few hundred people last year, and they moved camp sites to something larger due to an expected increase in players. It's a what you see is what you get LARP, so monster all had pretty awesome kits, you're supposed to act out your strikes. There is a delineation though between more competitive combat that will tend to happen on the battlefield and sort of theatrical duels that will happen off the competitive side of the game. Basic story is its a Festival/Contest and your character has been chosen to represent one of 5 Great Dragons that all have core values. For example the Blue Dragon, and its camp by extension is all about freedom, discovery, and self determination at any cost, but they're generally greedy. There's only a couple NPCs, every guild is player run, and all the camps too. Only true NPCs are the Avatars of the Dragons.
I feel like you really should visit some German LARPs. Most of the things you mentioned are pretty much standard here. There are some immersion breakers (bathrooms etc.) but it's really amazing what even the smallest LARPs do immersion wise including hundreds of pages of in game texts, probs and so on.
For me, the Fell & Fair LARP here in SC is my ideal LARP for one main reason, which is that they have strict kit requirements, and keep it low-to-no-fantasy. All-human setting is perfect, because everyone attending can look like a human effortlessly, they do it every day, and while some people can pull off amazing makeup and rubber masks for fantasy races, not everyone can 'as well' and you get a variety of believable mixed with unbelievable. The visuals of a LARP is the main thing for me, yet unlike what you said about setting, for me it's the other players - the cast that "I'M" watching. The requirements that Fell and Fair puts forth requires all leather be real leather, metal has to be metal, linen and wool primarily, some cotton is okay, and polyester banned, like pleather. And the requirement of only having the most realistic looking LARP weapons. I avoided LARP for over 15 years because I only thought boffer-style larps, throwing spell bean bags, and such was the experience. For me, the location doesn't have to be built up. Throw a few hundred players and NPCs out into the wilderness and woods, who all look legit, and that's all I need.
This isn't to say that story and roleplay and quests aren't important, they absolutely are, but as long as everyone elses's kits look good, the setting of -insert state park away from modernity- or whatever is good enough. lol
Larp for me is wearing full kit to the range and rucking through the woods in a plate carrier. Cowboy action shooting is also pretty larp.
The more I get to know you the more I can't wait till you and Shad collaborate in person.
Have you heard of Duché de Bicolline in Québec, Canada apparently thay have 2 towns and a week long event once a year apparently.
Bicolline is more of a festival than a full larp. You can find roleplay to be sure, but it's not a full on immersion event.
@Witchywarlock I mean the week long event is pretty Immersive
I actually prefer larps with slightly wilder combat that are more like a game and are fighting 3-4 or more opponents at once, the insanity of it all, but I enjoy all types of larps and I am happy to participate in anything and any style that is near me and interesting. I don't think you ideas are out of reach, but as important as it is to have ideals, sometimes it's also good to settle for something close. You could also always try making your own larp, just make it real small to start, you and 5 friends, see how it works out. If it's all you thought it could be, grow it until you create your own perfect larp. I'll come play.
I read "Lamp" (as in "my ideal lamp") and thought "easy. Hooded lantern. A bullseye let's you see further, but I like the ability to drop the hood for only a little dim light around me, and 60' is usually enough for combat (if we're talking dnd)."
I quickly realized that was *not* the topic of today's video lol
I think the most important thing for a LARP to grasp is shared environmental attitude. If the attitude can be shared with everyone through the environment, then the LARP would be "successful."
12:09 - 12:39 That's a good way to put it.
I want combat that doesn't suck. Most of the larps I've run into are lightest touch combat with hit points where ultra light weapons dominate and everybody fights with two swords because the only thing that matters are how many hits you can throw out. Bow, crossbows, two handed weapons and staves just can't compete in an environment like that. Also... wear head protection! I hate combat where head shots aren't allowed. It drives me insane!
Commenting for the algorithm.
I feel its just nice to immerse myself into a world where i can breifly forget all the worries of the world for a bit.
It’s different but you should check out Meow Wolf. Interactive exploration experience with storyline.
i guess it could exist, idk im still new to larp/rpg. i first got into it because i seeked the aesthetic and atmosphere of the medieval/ancient time period. the devil is definitely in the details i agree. even going to the star wars part of disneyland and getting immersed in that world is pretty cool it helps you totally escape the mundane world for a while. its their business model now that i think about it. After a while, for me in the sca, it also became about the relationships and politics which i guess is another way of getting immersed, i just got sucked-in grinding my character. i have to remind myself to also take care of the immersion and attention to detail in that way. hopefully my descendants will get to enjoy medieval westworld or the holodeck, but i would def settle for an all medieval disneyland with less merch and more taverns