If you're attending a larp (live action role-playing) event that will only last for a single day, here are some things you should consider bringing with you. Be sure that everything you're bringing to a game is ok to bring via the rules and game hosts.
Comfortable clothing and shoes: You'll want to wear something that allows you to move around freely and that you don't mind getting dirty or scuffed. Be sure that our period garb fits and is comfortable to wear throughout the day. Dress for the weather, bring layers. If you don't have layered period garb, cheat and wear modern clothing under your garb until you do. Definitely consider bringing a change of clothing, especially socks, to a larp event. Socks can get dirty and sweaty during physical activity, so it can be nice to have a fresh pair to change into. Deodorant is also a good idea, especially if you'll be participating in physical activities or if the weather is hot. Wet wipes can be handy for cleaning up after battles or other physical activities, or for freshening up before a feast or village activity. They can be especially useful if there are no shower facilities available at the event.
Water and snacks: It's important to stay hydrated and nourished throughout the event, so be sure to bring enough water and snacks to sustain you. Be sure the containers are period or hide the modern stuff. Be aware that your wrappers crinkling can take away from the immersion so perhaps change what the food is in. You will go through a crazy amount of water when larping, stay away from sugary beverages that'll make you crash and again, have a drinking vessel that fits the game and be aware of the sound of opening beverages if it doesn't fit the time period. Do not bring alcohol or other drugs. If alcohol is allowed, check your local game host for specifics on what and where you can consume that. Bring extra water in your vehicle just in case, you can never have too much water.
Sunscreen and insect repellent: If the event is outdoors, you'll want to protect yourself from the sun and bugs, especially ticks. Check with your game host to see if your area is being pre-treated for insects and look at the map to see if you can figure out if there will be any standing water.
Any props or costume items you need for your character: Depending on the theme of the larp and the character you're playing, you may need to bring specific props or costume items. Most weapons and bard will be checked at the beginning of a game.
A first aid kit: It's always a good idea to be prepared for minor injuries, so consider bringing a small first aid kit with band-aids, gauze, and other essentials. Bonus points for making a period first aid kit, you'll end up using it if you play long enough for everything from bug bites to minor sunburns and scrapes. Also know how to use a first aid kit, there are lots of tutorials online for this.
A charged phone: You may want to bring a charged phone with you in case of emergencies or to keep in touch with other players. This will have to be hidden or may not be allowed out on the field if in a battle (don't chance it). Check with your game host on what they'll allow.
Cash: You may need to purchase food or other items at the event, so be sure to bring some cash with you. You'll also need your character sheet or related game credentials, that includes the in-game coin if the host uses those types of props.
A backpack or bag: You'll want to bring a bag to carry all of your supplies and any items you pick up during the event. Again, make it fit the time period and hide the modern stuff or leave it in the vehicle.
In the next post we'll expand upon this list and talk about what to bring to overnight larps. If there's other items to bring, post them below!
Comfortable clothing and shoes: You'll want to wear something that allows you to move around freely and that you don't mind getting dirty or scuffed. Be sure that our period garb fits and is comfortable to wear throughout the day. Dress for the weather, bring layers. If you don't have layered period garb, cheat and wear modern clothing under your garb until you do. Definitely consider bringing a change of clothing, especially socks, to a larp event. Socks can get dirty and sweaty during physical activity, so it can be nice to have a fresh pair to change into. Deodorant is also a good idea, especially if you'll be participating in physical activities or if the weather is hot. Wet wipes can be handy for cleaning up after battles or other physical activities, or for freshening up before a feast or village activity. They can be especially useful if there are no shower facilities available at the event.
Water and snacks: It's important to stay hydrated and nourished throughout the event, so be sure to bring enough water and snacks to sustain you. Be sure the containers are period or hide the modern stuff. Be aware that your wrappers crinkling can take away from the immersion so perhaps change what the food is in. You will go through a crazy amount of water when larping, stay away from sugary beverages that'll make you crash and again, have a drinking vessel that fits the game and be aware of the sound of opening beverages if it doesn't fit the time period. Do not bring alcohol or other drugs. If alcohol is allowed, check your local game host for specifics on what and where you can consume that. Bring extra water in your vehicle just in case, you can never have too much water.
Sunscreen and insect repellent: If the event is outdoors, you'll want to protect yourself from the sun and bugs, especially ticks. Check with your game host to see if your area is being pre-treated for insects and look at the map to see if you can figure out if there will be any standing water.
Any props or costume items you need for your character: Depending on the theme of the larp and the character you're playing, you may need to bring specific props or costume items. Most weapons and bard will be checked at the beginning of a game.
A first aid kit: It's always a good idea to be prepared for minor injuries, so consider bringing a small first aid kit with band-aids, gauze, and other essentials. Bonus points for making a period first aid kit, you'll end up using it if you play long enough for everything from bug bites to minor sunburns and scrapes. Also know how to use a first aid kit, there are lots of tutorials online for this.
A charged phone: You may want to bring a charged phone with you in case of emergencies or to keep in touch with other players. This will have to be hidden or may not be allowed out on the field if in a battle (don't chance it). Check with your game host on what they'll allow.
Cash: You may need to purchase food or other items at the event, so be sure to bring some cash with you. You'll also need your character sheet or related game credentials, that includes the in-game coin if the host uses those types of props.
A backpack or bag: You'll want to bring a bag to carry all of your supplies and any items you pick up during the event. Again, make it fit the time period and hide the modern stuff or leave it in the vehicle.
In the next post we'll expand upon this list and talk about what to bring to overnight larps. If there's other items to bring, post them below!
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