LA Live Action Resources

A LARP is different from tabletop gaming. In recognition of this, I've provided a section for links and tips that should be helpful for LA's LARPs. Be patient if costuming link selections are initially thin. It is MUCH harder to find links relating to male garb and costuming. I could fill 4 pages with nothing but tips and patterns for female garb. So for women I am only selecting the historical bests, while I desperately search for any links relating to guy's garb.

Tips for LARPers

• Weapons:
  I list links below to armorers, some of whom do produce weapory, but not to weaponsmiths, for a reason! Most conventions DO NOT allow folks to wear live steel, even if it is peacebonded! They allow purchase from dealers, but only on the condition it is promptly returned to a hotel room. Wear an OBVIOUSLY FAKE plastic sword if you feel the need to 'go armed'. Security may also ask you to put up fake items if they look too real, because it can be confusing to them. How can they spot a real threat if everyone is sporting convincing fakes? So leave the replica swords at home folks. Don't make security's job harder than it has to be.
• Wearing Armor:
  If you haven't worn armor before, take heed! Armor is HOT! And, it chafes! All replica armors, and most costume rentals, should be worn with a padded jerkin or some equivalent undergarment. If you own your armor, practice wearing it before hand, to get used to it. A comfortable fake might be a better option than an expensive and authentic replica piece for long LARP events, unless you are comfortable wearing it.
• Transporting Armor:
  When on the road, keep in mind most folks don't know what LARPing is. Don't try to explain LARPing or gaming. It will only confuse and possibly alarm people. For folks crossing the border from Canada, when you go through the border checkpoints, just say the armor is THEATRICAL GEAR for a play, if asked. Ditto for if you get pulled over by highway patrol (but nobody speeds, now do they?), or have a breakdown. Fencing gear or other padded armors can also be classed with SPORTING EQUIPMENT.

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This page was last modified on: 12 July, 2006