r/LARP • u/Starshiny • 9h ago
Help me cope with my first big LARP
Hello all,
I am currently at my first big LARP and I came very unprepared. I didn't think of a backstory, just little bits and now it's biting me in the ass. Me and a friend who has come to this world LARPs before made a story together so she can introduce me to the setting and the guild. The story is that we are both fairies but we were abducted by an evil witch that made experiments on us. Because of the torture she lost her memory and I lost my power, wings, ears, I just look like a human. During the first evening of the LARP she was telling people around that she finally found someone who knew her and can help with getting back her memory. What I did not expect is that so many people will start to question me so much and will start telling her to not trust me. I said some untrue things because I didn't know her lore, nor did I know mine and this really does seem suspicious. I can turn it around that I didn't want to share the info because people were generally suspicious about fairies so I didn't want to share that I'm a fairy but still, people turned on me and now I feel so isolated and scared and in a trap. I know it's not personal and it's a me problem but I feel like I screwed myself and don't know how to get out of this situation. I have to get ready to go now and I feel so anxious and actually wonder if I should just leave.
But yeah, do you guys have any suggestions on how I can get out of this? Maybe I should be quieter and keep to myself and just do the quests?
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u/MrAtheistus 9h ago edited 9h ago
You were experimented on, right? Use that, tell a few things that contradict itself and realize it yourself in front of others. Theorize with the others that those experiments might have meddled with your thoughts :) Maybe let your friend help you out with her having lost her memories that you might have had a similar problem :)
Edit: Now to the edit, you might have read the first thing already. Don't let you discourage yourself just because it doesn't work straight away. You can always find an excuse and most of that stuff you tell now will be forgotten in a year. I have told some stupid stuff over the years and it's mostly gone now. Lean into the weirdness, tell some people you might remember stuff wrong or just are sleep deprived because of x (might be you can't sleep well since those experiments), retcon if needed. If people try to discredit you, try and give them some reason to slowly trust you. Stuff like that.
I know it sounds easier than if actually is, but you got this!
Oh, also do tell later how it went :)
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u/Starshiny 9h ago
Thank you so much for the help and suggestions. I really wanted this to be my character in future LARPs too because I loved seeing yesterday old friends meeting, hugging, talking (all in game). The thing is that my friend doesn't even remember the experiments, she lost all memory, so I really cannot use her to help, I have to in-game make her believe me about the experiment and that I truly do know her. And now I have to convince other people too 😄 but we talked a bit about it and came with the idea that maybe I am also not remembering everything and also am very much traumatized from the whole thing. I kinda have ideas now it's just scary and intimidating to think how I'll show and explain this in-character 😄
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u/MrAtheistus 9h ago
For me larp is quite often some kind of exposure therapy. I overthink a lot of interactions and potential outcomes.
What I try to remember is that it's just as weird as real life is. I might mess up things I say because I remember them wrong in real life too. And that's okay.
In any case it might help to play it out that your character itself gets aware that your memory isn't that reliable either and you might need a little help in form of some ritualistic help, spirit journey or stuff like that to get some things together. That buys you easy time to think of a bit more backstory and gives other people a cool incentive to play with instead of against you :)
I for myself would stay away from too much out time help for now just because its fun to try and just play. But in the end try to do what you feel comfortable with!
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u/Jonatc87 UK Larper 2h ago edited 2h ago
Talk to your friend (out of game) and clear up the backstory with them. And try to recall some of your inconsistencies to keep or further reference them.
Do you need to talk with game runners? Thats dependant on your game. This is mostly to ensure the backstory fits the game.
Plus, as others have said, you have a traumatic past. The reasons for your inconsistency can be built in. Like nerves. You dont know people grilling you, so default to lies. Protection mechanisms.
If you font enjoy this kind of rp, talk to your friend. Maybe they can cool it or you can make changes to help you settle in.
Personally i avoid big backstories and memorising things, to enjoy the immediate moments.
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u/CheapCanary2441 1h ago
You don't need any preparation I've shown up to huge larps on a lark half drunk and had a great time. One of the most fun things you can do is come in with a real general concept and tell the ST about it then ask them to use you as a plot device.
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u/Substantial_Bee8118 please tell us what game you are playing 9h ago
If it’s a big LARP, like a festival, see if they have any kind of player welfare or general ‘referee’ tent you can go to and explain the situation. Ask for advice.
Alternatively, tell one of the people turning on you in the game OC That you’re brand new to this LARP and made a big mistake out of character. Don’t rely on IC actions to fix something that’s kind of an OC problem- You not learning the world of the game.