New Player Section

What do I need to Attend?

This page is provided to advise you on the various items you will need to attend a live role playing event. You can also find links to useful sites and information for contacting organisations that can provide you with the items you will need.

So, you're going to come along and play, and are considering what to bring and what you will really need.

This section is a guide, and it's just that live role playing is not just playing a game it's playing a role and being at an event. Most live role playing events involve camping. This in itself brings about a selection of items you should bring with you. On top of that, live role playing includes looking the part, so costume and props are required. As mentioned elsewhere the game has a combat system. This requires that you have foam latex weapons if you are to take part in combat. Camping equipment, costume/props and weapons are the three main areas to consider in what you need to participate in Live Action Role Playing or Larping.

Playing the game may be the most important thing about Live Action Role Playing, but to do that you need to be at the event in the first place. This generally means camping. This advice is based on attending a Live Role Playing outdoor camping event. Some items may vary dependent upon the events you attend and their location or the time of year.

The very nature of live role playing itself means that you will more than likely spend a lot of time on your feet in varying weather conditions. We advise wherever it's possible to bring spares of sensible things such as clothes, especially socks and towels. When it comes to footwear get the best you can with good support. From experience, we know that nothing stops you enjoying an event more than being cold and wet, although we can't control the weather, bringing changes of real clothes and costume can make the situation a lot better.

Your tent should be a serious consideration. Although you may not see your tent and sleeping bag very much, by the time you do see them, you want them to be warm and dry. Even though most events are in the summer, nights can still turn cold. So something to get you off the floor is a good idea, whether you choose a camp bed, airbed or just a roll mat.

Other considerations for your camping equipment at live role play events include lights and food. Tents are flammable so we strongly advise you not to use any naked flames in or near them. Electric torches are best for light, but no good without batteries.

All main Lorien Trust events provide caterers where food can be purchased. For example a burger, fries, and a drink will cost you £4.00 to £5.00. For sanctioned or other companies events, you will need to check with the organisers as to what they provide. You may also want to bring your own food. If so, you need to consider how and where you'll cook it. Please read the Lorien Trust site rules for further advice on camp fires and cooking. Don't forget the cutlery you'll need to eat with, or the can opener!

Minor scrapes and bruises are commonplace in live role playing, and although First Aiders are always on hand, we advise a small first aid kit of your own, just for those little cuts and scrapes that happen.

All these items should be purchased from a reputable outdoor activities store. It is better to purchase good quality equipment if you can afford to do so.

The links below are supplied to help you:

Costume is the other important aspect of attending a live role playing event and looking the part adds to the feel and enjoyment of the event for all concerned. More costume information can be found on costume and weapons later on in the new player section.