I recently returned from playing at NERO Mass, a game that I had never been to before, and it got me thinking about some of the challenges that I have had to face with every new game setting that I have played in. Whether you play in a live action role playing game that has multiple chapters (places where the game is played), or you are simply looking to try a new game, you will almost always be faced with the same basic problems:
No one knows you. This is hazardous because familiarity breeds trust and when no one knows you no one trusts you. This can easily lead to your character not being invited to participate in the storylines being presented, or missing out on fun stuff other characters are doing.
You are instantly viewed as ‘one of them.’ This is inherently different than the view ‘one of us’ which of course is the view that most players and characters are looking for. As one of ‘us’ there is an element of trust (as noted above) but you also have the advantage of knowing where you fit into the scheme that is the ‘us crowd.’
Perhaps you are the thinker, the thug, or the ‘go to’ guy; whatever role you play you are likely to be consulted or involved when a role such as yours is needed.
As ‘one of them’ you are generally treated less favourably – perhaps even to the point of hostility. The other characters don’t know why you are here, what your purpose is, or how you could possibly help them and most of the time they don’t care to. You must earn your keep and move slowly away from the ‘one of them’ circle.
These two basic challenges can drastically change how you play the game and directly affect how much fun you have while at that new game. Live action role play is a social atmosphere and nothing affects your game more than being unable to socialize.
So I thought that I would share how I handle these situations so that you get a leg up in your ability to integrate yourself into a new LARP environment as quickly as possible.
I have been able to go from having a horrible time as an outsider to having a great time as ‘one of the gang’ in less than a day using these simple tricks.
Seek out those who have a duty to interact with you. Simply put there may be characters who have a position in your game setting in which they have a duty to uphold. Seek them out and discuss what their duty is and how it affects the rest of the game world.
Explain to them how you relate to their duty so they feel like they are getting to know more about you and why you have chosen to approach them. Don’t forget to listen to them and pay attention to what they are saying to you.
This exchange will provide you will valuable information about the game setting and allow a key member of the setting to get to know you a little. Once you have proven yourself hospitable, polite, and worthy of conversation to the key members of town others will be more likely to approach you.
Do not be afraid to ask. I recall speaking with another character when the local authorities came over and requested her help. They were going to do some meanial task that didn’t require a lot of muscle or skill, and although she wasn’t particularily interested it needed to be done so she agreed.
I immediately asked if I could venture with them and my request was granted. This provided me with more exposure to the characters involved and allowed me to continue my conversation with the other character which would have otherwise been interrupted.
Spend some time giving to others without worrying what’s in it for you. Showing other characters that you are useful and valuable to them in some way is a quick way to have them continue to get you involved – even if they don’t trust you. And if they don’t trust you that will change soon enough.
By taking actions that is in the best interest of others, without coming across like a suck-up, they immediately feel a kinship with you. This is a natural and unconsious response to your efforts.
What makes this so powerful is their immediate unconscious decision to like and trust you more – so be sure to do it again and again! The more you show others that you have their back the more they want you to be there to protect their interests.
The foundation to interacting with any new LARP game is to earn the trust of the other characters involved. In order to do this you must show them that you are valuable to them in someway, and that you are not there to tear down what they have strived to build.
Although these variables never change in any LARP interaction there are lots of components that can change so be sure to take your time to evaluate your new LARP, the characters involved and the people participating.
All the best in your future LARP endeavours,
Kevin Tjia
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