So, what do you guys think of LARP?

LARP otherwise known as live action role playing, is apparently some kind of thing (yes i know, a brilliant explanation). I've seen videos of these dudes (and surprisingly chicks) doing what they do several times, but forgot to ask the community what they thought of it. So, what do you think of LARPing? I'm not trying to judge btw, live and let live right? But i gotta say, some of that stuff looks really freaking awkward...

Here are some vids.

Both are old, but they convey the point. Discuss.

If that's what they're into, then let 'em have at it.

I knew some people that LARP'ed in college. I joined them a few times and ran around hitting people with foam-padded implements. It was pretty fun.

I've always been interested in participating in something like that. I'm surrounded by people that would raise an eyebrow at such an event, but whatever.

@believer258 said:

If that's what they're into, then let 'em have at it.

Pretty much what I think. I have zero interest in ever trying it myself.

I would definitely do it if the plan was to raid nearby towns and villages. Would love to see the look on those farmer's faces as we ran through their crops, stealing their women and their livestock.

I'm fascinated by people who recreate battles from the Civil War and other wars, but generally I have no interest.

Kind of weird, but I guess it's sort of like a fantasy airsoft/paintball type of deal. Also, at least they're getting some vitamin D.

I have no interest in it but I think it's cool these people can get together and enjoy their time doing what they want to do.

@believer258: Any interest in trying it yourself?

@mandude:Yeah, but those longships are pretty fucking expensive.

I'm jealous of their imagination and childlike sensibilities. My brain wouldn't allow me to partake in such activities because she would constantly be berating me.

And civil war renactments a huge thing in America? Isn't this essentially the same thing? Seems kinda cool tbh.

@believer258 said:

If that's what they're into, then let 'em have at it.

Also, you should add in videos of people using Airsoft guns in the woods, since that's just MW LARP'ing. Don't kid yourself.

@JCTango Whoops, just saw yours. M'bad.

If you're interested in it you should definately check out the documentaries Darkon and Monster Camp.

@Grimhild said:

@believer258 said:

If that's what they're into, then let 'em have at it.

Also, you should add in videos of people using Airsoft guns in the woods, since that's just MW LARP'ing. Don't kid yourself.

Ah now. In Airsoft there's a lot of feedback. As in, getting shot and all that.

@mandude said:

@Grimhild said:

@believer258 said:

If that's what they're into, then let 'em have at it.

Also, you should add in videos of people using Airsoft guns in the woods, since that's just MW LARP'ing. Don't kid yourself.

Ah now. In Airsoft there's a lot of feedback. As in, getting shot and all that.

So is getting hit in the face and body with blunt instruments, I'd imagine. Less stinging, more dizzy, perhaps?

@Grimhild: From most the videos I've watched, they just tap each other and shout "2!" which is the amount of health they're attacking for. I'd love to be wrong. I, for one, would readily commit any form of non lethal full contact fantasy warfare.

EDIT: Okay, just watched the videos up there and they found a way to make full contact warfare look lame as hell.

@mandude: I remember seeing this awhile ago and thought it was pretty awesome. Obvious sound fx added in after the fact, but it's pretty clear that there's a bit of contact going on.

I've had some pretty good times a few years ago - with the biggest thing being a week long event with everything from scouting, trading, diplomacy, small skirmishes and ending in a 24 hour long siege of an actual castle (granted it was more of a ruin but still a ruin of a real castle).

@mandude said:

@Grimhild: From most the videos I've watched, they just tap each other and shout "2!" which is the amount of health they're attacking for. I'd love to be wrong. I, for one, would readily commit any form of non lethal full contact fantasy warfare.

Hint, he's lying.

EDIT: Okay, just watched the videos up there and they found a way to make full contact warfare look lame as hell.

But i agree.

@Grimhild said:

@mandude: I remember seeing this awhile ago and thought it was pretty awesome. Obvious sound fx added in after the fact, but it's pretty clear that there's a bit of contact going on.

And i stand corrected.

i think its awsome. i have some friends who are really in to it. i dont really know that much about it though. never tried it and most likely never will.

I would never do it myself but I can see how some people would enjoy it.

I would need to be very into a girl who was into this in order to take part in it. However I'd love to be able to randomly beat my friends with weapons. I just wouldn't want to wear costumes in order to do so. I want to do so while being comfortable.

lol... I would probably try it :P

@pyromagnestir said:

However I'd love to be able to randomly beat my friends with weapons. I just wouldn't want to wear costumes in order to do so. I want to do so while being comfortable.

We'd all want this my friend...we'd all want it.

If that's what you like and think its fun and don't feel totally embarassed, I respect that. It looks super fun. But its still the lamest thing ever

@TheDudeOfGaming said:

@mandude: I remember seeing this awhile ago and thought it was pretty awesome. Obvious sound fx added in after the fact, but it's pretty clear that there's a bit of contact going on.

And i stand corrected.

I know, right? I want to party with those guys like it's Ragnarök. Ich würde eine Dignität froh opfern, mich mit jenen Kerlen betrinken gern.

People do that here at my college. It's not my thing, but whatever.

I can't even convince my friends to try out D&D so this is something that is way over on the other side of the lake for me. I wouldn't mind trying it out but I'll admit it still looks lame.

@TheDudeOfGaming said:

@believer258: Any interest in trying it yourself?

No, because:

@mandude said:

Okay, just watched the videos up there and they found a way to make full contact warfare look lame as hell.

Like I said, if that's what you're into then have at it. But I don't care one bit to try it, see it tried, or even to hear it described.

I find it kind of sad and pathetic. Then again, I played Skyrim for 6 hours yesterday, so I can't really judge.

I knew some people who played.

Thought it was stupid as all hell then and think the same now.

Those videos gave me douche-chills.

But whatever floats your boat.

I'd rather play paintball.

I see it occasionally in the valley on campus, it's always interesting to see it happen, it's unfortunate I can't really sit down and watch most of the time because I always have somewhere I need to go.

Lamest and most out of touch of reality thing a person could do. Get a job.

It looks like stupid fun. Nothing wrong with that.

That lightning bolt guy though, that seems like the sort of thing that would degrade into fisticuffs fast.

"LIGHTNING BOLT, LIGHTNING BOLT, DEATH"

"fuck off gary, you can't just spam that shit"

"fuck you will, i'm a wizard"

"fine then, i'm resistant to all magic"

"what the hell, you can't do that!"

And then they fight for real.

@Franstone: @Zacagawea: The only difference between them, and us (gamers), is that we do it virtually...which is arguably, even lamer.

@TheHT: Made me laugh ^^

Only if I were to participate with these guys.

It's not for me. I would feel silly. But if you're into that sort of thing, go for it.

@believer258 said:

If that's what they're into, then let 'em have at it.

Exactly my thoughts. I don't get it, and I won't lie, I think it's pretty bizarre, but who am I to judge?

Some people like to wear weird leather suits and have sex.

Others like to wear the same thing and swing foam swords at each other.

Different strokes, y'all.

Before college I was 'eh' on the whole thing, but then I found the LARP club at my university. I didn't think I would get sucked into it, but then I did and it's been great! I've met a lot of awesome people, made great friends, and started dating a great girl. Basically, because of LARP I now have a social life. Crazy, I know. I've felt my imagination actually working again like it hasn't since I was in middle school, and I love developing my character both during the meetings and on the forum we use for in-character interactions. It's some of the most fun I've had in a long time, better than most tabletop experiences.

My opinion is that you should channel your nerdom into a more practical or established discipline like a martial art or fencing.
 
But who am I to judge?

A Larper group rents out the Boys and Girls club next door to my work and they always seem kind of silly, but they seem happy. Apparently there is a lot of drama in the Seattle LARP world. Had no idea.

Almost did a Vampire LARP once, then I heard about some of the... er, after parties, and quickly said "No thank you."

This thread also reminded me how much I actually want to see this movie.
 
  

@TheDudeOfGaming: There is nothing lame about video games, that's like saying watching movies is lame, or reading books is lame.

Dressing up like video game characters and running around in the woods with foam swords while pretending you're an elf.

I'd say that qualifies as lame.

Like I said though, whatever floats your boat, I could care less if someone chooses to do this.

I Mtn. Bike, I play golf, I play paintball.

I don't pretend to fly through the woods on a bike, I do it.

I don't pretend fight in the woods because to me that is lame. (In addition to dressing like and pretending to talk like an ogre.)

Llllllllightning bolt!

I think its awesome, I wish had that kind of confidence to enjoy something like that. I would be too self-inhibited to enjoy it, sadly.

It seems like it could be a lot of fun. It also seems like it could be the worst thing ever, depending on how seriously a group took themselves.

LARP...those damn dog socialists.

THE WORST

(I've only actually seen in person done by people on the campus lawn, but the worst human being I ever knew was really into it)