Contributor: Zoe
Submission: A non-fiction look at bringing newcomers into an existing LARP group.
Bringing people to a game can be one of the most fun parts of a LARP. After months, maybe even years, of trying to convince friends to play with your team, you may find yourself wildly excited, and nervous, to bring new sheep to the flock. But why nervous? You may ask. Well, because suggesting a LARP to someone is like recommending a favorite restaurant to a friend. What if, despite your gushing and glowing, the friend hates the apple pie at Mimi's Diner? Or what if they get food poisoning from the seafood platter? Or what if, worst of all, the restaurant staff is rude to your friend? After a bad experience, your friend will, of course, still be your friend... but something is undeniably different-- you, O' Sage Suggester, have demonstrated that, despite a nigh familial bond with Friend XYZ, you either have a) poor judgment or b) no understanding of Friend XYZ's tastes. Despite everyone's good intentions, when you lovingly recommend something to a friend, and things go poorly, trust is a bit shaken. This probably resonates with many people who have or would consider bringing a friend to a LARP.
Obviously, LARPs just aren't for some people. I like to think these people don't like fun, but, hey, that's why there are different flavors of ice cream. For most people, LARPs are awesome-- for many, however, LARP-fun might require a bit of social lubrication. This is especially true if you, the seasoned LARPer bringing friends to a game, is well-established in the LARP community. So, here are a few tips to consider before you usher in your companions.
Submission: A non-fiction look at bringing newcomers into an existing LARP group.
Bringing people to a game can be one of the most fun parts of a LARP. After months, maybe even years, of trying to convince friends to play with your team, you may find yourself wildly excited, and nervous, to bring new sheep to the flock. But why nervous? You may ask. Well, because suggesting a LARP to someone is like recommending a favorite restaurant to a friend. What if, despite your gushing and glowing, the friend hates the apple pie at Mimi's Diner? Or what if they get food poisoning from the seafood platter? Or what if, worst of all, the restaurant staff is rude to your friend? After a bad experience, your friend will, of course, still be your friend... but something is undeniably different-- you, O' Sage Suggester, have demonstrated that, despite a nigh familial bond with Friend XYZ, you either have a) poor judgment or b) no understanding of Friend XYZ's tastes. Despite everyone's good intentions, when you lovingly recommend something to a friend, and things go poorly, trust is a bit shaken. This probably resonates with many people who have or would consider bringing a friend to a LARP.
Obviously, LARPs just aren't for some people. I like to think these people don't like fun, but, hey, that's why there are different flavors of ice cream. For most people, LARPs are awesome-- for many, however, LARP-fun might require a bit of social lubrication. This is especially true if you, the seasoned LARPer bringing friends to a game, is well-established in the LARP community. So, here are a few tips to consider before you usher in your companions.
