Gamemasters, Live Action Role Play (LARP), Interactive Literature – all new terms or not so new…

Have you heard of Live Action Role Play (LARP)? This is an area of gaming that is part fantasy, part fact, part theater, all interactive. The origins of LARP, according to information posted on Wikipedia, are multi-national but in each country the games are based on participants’ desire to act out, in real life, episodes of life in another time. Some LARP groups focus on replaying specific battles, historic or futuristic while others establish rules based on games such as Dungeons & Dragons.

As important as the play actors, costumes, and weapons in LARP, are the Gamemasters (GM) who identify the setting, determine the rules, and handle recruitment and financial aspects of the events.

The oldest recorded LARP group in the U.S. began in 1977 with a focus on reenacting fantasy battles. Since then, this adult form of make believe is typically meant for entertainment, artistic expression, or educational purposes. LARP events may be as short as one or two hours, or may involve a great number of players and last several days.

Whether your involvement is as a participant, GM, or crew member, Cappel’s has great costumes, accessories, wigs, and fake weapons for your next LARP outing.