5 Easy Steps to Get Into Character

[@Keltain]

Tips from a long time DM -don’t be afraid to be fool. You may think what you’re doing is the weirdest or really lame, but you’re likely the only one who’s gonna think that about yourself -be animated. If your character is mysterious go all out; skulk around, whisper to people, cover your mouth covertly when you talk. Etc etc for what you’re playing. -if you’re gonna follow a trope make sure you subvert it a little. Subverting tropes is super fun, but it is easier to stick to them. Example: I once played a Valley girl elf but she wasn’t dumb, she was actually very smart and was concerned about people damaging the welfare of the kingdom. Stuff like that makes the character more memorable and more fun for others to interact with. -flaw yourself/your character’s self! Perfect characters/Mary sues are NEVER fun! Flaws are! Especially if they’re weird.

[@adamshulda-maui524]

I’m not really into larping but this is also amazing advice for getting my DnD players invested in their characters! Thank you so much for a simple but extremely helpful video 👍

[@MrFusomuso]

A few awesome tips I've picked up: - A simple backstory makes for an amazing character. Not only does it make it way less complicated to remember everything that your character has done, but it leaves your character open to flourish and grow, instead of being controlled by their past. - Simple story telling goes a long way. I have a character who grew up in the "wurm district" of his (fantasy) world. Its an area where giant 'wurms' come out of the ground after every winter to feed on livestock, and in turn fertilise the ground in time for a wonderful harvest. Simple interesting things like that can add so much .. 'character'… to your character! - In regards to costumes, small trinkets and pouches are the best thing to spice it up. Think about where your character is, where they're going and what they'll need, and base your costume off that. Surprisingly a rucksack can add a lot of realism to a character.

[@KazaMarie]

I completely agree. The simple stories are always the best. A lot of growth comes from them.

[@oddeyes9413]

I'm just adding the finishing touches to my character whose an Empyrean (Celestial interwoven beings, known as startouched) and has a personal mission in the Kingdom of Orn. She's also not alone in the journey and has a special necklace she wears. I'm looking forward to letting her story begin

[@CommanderLink]

these are pretty good tips for roleplay in general, don't know why there aren't more views yet :O thanks for this, it's given me some things to think about, I only started larping about a year and a half ago and my character's story/background is still muddy like a legend, i change it fairly often as i go along, thinking of improvements and such, but people would get confused about details that have then changed

[@KazaMarie]

Thank you!! Imnglad I'm glad you liked this. I am sure more views are to come. :)

[@icallfrancis]

You're an absolute life saver and my new hero. I'm going to my first event this weekend

[@KazaMarie]

icallfrancis I hope you have a blast! Tell me about your great adventures and good luck!

[@MothSignal]

hello welcome to a great hobby. Google is a great tool. 11 year Olds can go to a lot of fantasy larps but you might not be able to do combat related things. but most thinks like post apoc and cyber punk might be out of your reach

[@owlblocksdavid4955]

Maybe your character WANTS to be the town drunk? Maybe when he's drunk, he thinks he wants to be the town drunk, but when he (or she) is sober (if he's ever sober) I doubt he would be thinking "you know, my life goals are to be the town's drunkard".

[@melvyn6206]

OOC obviously...

[@johnhawks2305]

Owlblocks David I mean i would love to be the town drunk. Think of a demoknight. Still badass and scary, and yet still drunk

[@dazeen9591]

a drunk knight, yea sounds about right.

[@FuzzyTrekkie]

I would imagine that larping would be an awesome way to work on developing a character for a novel you're working on.

[@drsnova7313]

I have to disagree a bit with choosing a character that's close to how you are, at least in regards to how easy it will be to get into character. In my experience, doing the exact opposite, choosing a character very unlike yourself, forces you to actually noticeably switch to another persona, and keeps you from drifting in and out of character. It is probably true, however, that for beginners a character close to themselves might be easier to play at first. One thing that i always found helpful to stay in character is to develop some special speech pattern for them. Be it an accent, a stutter, a lisp, over- or underpronouncing certain letters, growling, snarling, constantly sounding drunk - anything. Again, this makes the switch to the persona more noticeable in your head, and keeps you from "slipping back". As for a detailed character history: I don't disagree, but it's not the only way. If you're good at improvising, you can do it in reverse: Only define the basics, and fill in the history on-the-fly, whenever a situation in the game arises that needs you to have experienced something before in a certain way. And of course stick with that from now on. Just as an example: One of my fighters was asked where he came from. I invented a story about my parents having a farm. mostly raising pigs. Over time, from this arose many stories about pigs, farming, having pork products with him at all times, telling that he needed to escape the poverty of home, having a sister who wants to marry but doesn't have the dowry to marry the man she loves, and my character starting to save money to send home to her. So she's out of the house and he can get her bed that's nearer to the oven. Obviously.

[@thomasoare8243]

You are awesome!!! I've been wanting to larp for a while and never knew how to really do the whole character creation and transformation thing. So when I found your videos I watched them all! Now its about 4 in the morning and I'm working on a character history. So excited!!!! xD

[@Vinkittymeowningstar]

i'm using this to help for getting into character for cosplay... just the first video to pop up.... holy everloving hell though we have the same laptop.

[@FlowerKnight2]

This was a really good video thank you. I'm looking to get into Larp and am going to be creating my character soon. At first I was going to make him experienced but you gave me a great idea on making my character inexperienced since I've never been in a sword fight before. I've done knife fighting while airsofting but swords, and things alike I am completely new at. So thank you for that awesome idea :)

[@TheBeardedAxe]

Great foundational wisdom to creating a Larp character

[@JordanVanRyn]

I really like inventing characters based on myself. Thank you for these tips.

[@JaredRLikeABoss]

thanks for the tips I'm just getting started in LARPing

[@jokesontojo]

I love thinking as my character ^.^ though...most of the times it gets me into trouble, or worse killed XD

[@powerslide573]

T Or even worse, expelled.

[@FoamandSteel]

We take step 4 to heart. We fight everyday!

[@lordjs9726]

You're truly a cool girl. Glory to you.

[@aaronjv]

YAY! Great stuff, and I love your new look. Sorry I haven't been watching more, but, been busy larping. ;-)

[@KazaMarie]

Thank you Aaron!! Just following your advice. :D

[@Catinnor]

Ok I know I haven't developed my character much though I have made more of a story for them then I will say, basically I'm 12 which sucks because I want to get into LARP with a character who's an orphan who has no idea how to survive as he lived a life of luxury in the country, his parents were both humans (I know it's a boring story and I'm sorry but this I only started thinking it up a while after what hung this hopefully taking what you said into account) they met because his father owned a farm and his mother was a guard for a caravan of new tools he had requested (I know "but you haven't got an ending for that have you boy!?!" And no because the one I did have was kinda crap) anyway the week before I would turn 12 the farm was attacked by a group of bandits and so he alone escaped only because his mother defended his room long enough for him to slip into the sewers with only a simple dagger and the clothes he wore, he soon found himself picking pockets, also finding sewers to be his new home of choice, anyway I won't waste anymore of your time with this story all I want to know is will I be accepted anywhere to join in with LARP or will I have to wait a few years?

[@thepreppylarper8428]

hey man I like it!

[@zomkit5227]

would contacts be bad for larpping ? i now its stupid to ask. but there mite be rules about not hiting some ones face.

[@jamesforgie6594]

Zom Kit umm, I think there are generally rules against hitting the head. As for contacts, I assume you mean contact lenses? They should be ok. Some fantasy characters have different coloured eyes and contact lenses are one of the best ways to achieve that.

[@Sickoftheoldone]

What do you think of a shy servant girl character

[@thepreppylarper8428]

any character is a good character if you love playing as her :D

[@XoikanGreylord]

You're such a cute lassie! Besides that, I really like your words on this subject of becoming one's character.

[@KazaMarie]

Thank you!! I've always found that getting into character to be the most fun! it is a great way to learn things about one's character, as well as learning things about yourself. :)

[@novahdesign]

I'm joining my local group soon, this is very helpful! Thanks so much, and here's a new subscriber :P

[@O.B.E.A.S.T.T.]

Me cosplaying darth maul: 🙃

[@palashmuley5755]

omg !!u look so innocent. .... any body can fall in love with u

[@josephtate5315]

You are awesome Larp Girl, I can't wait to see you in game. I thank you for your advice, your tips and what not, I have been Larping off and on for many years. I would love to do an interview as my Dark Elf, I do attend PRO, and would love to have you show up at an ARGO event. I am the player Rep for ARGO, and would love to utilize your videos to grow our player base. Look me up at PRO events, and do everything you can to attend an ARGO event. I will be in Hawaii for the upcoming ARGO event but will be returning around July

[@korynnininm]

I like accents they really help

[@TRPufnStuf]

I like the video but you may want to consider editing and lowering the music volume.

[@TheFantasylover96]

I have a question, I saw a video about a LARP group where if you get killed during their events, you'd have to create a whole new character, is this the same for every LARP group?

[@KazaMarie]

Hello! Sorry for the delay. Most larps have respawns or a place you go after death. You will be brought back to life, sort of how they do it in WOW. Each larp is different, but you may come back not fully yourself. Death is a scary thing. Perm death at a larp is rare, but can also be fun. Let me know if you have any more questions! :)

[@emmacoulson4701]

Are kids allowed to LARP? I like the sound of this cause I love role playing (although I only ever get to role play with myself :( ) and when I grow up I want to write stories! Anyway, can kids LARP (or can you at least tell me how old you have to be to be allowed to LARP)?

[@hunterfindon1018]

Depends on the LARP organization your in or planning to join. In LarpCraft's Myth and Legends, people under the age of 16 or 17 (I'm not really sure which) must have a parent with them at all times. But yeah, kids can definitely LARP!

[@emmacoulson4701]

Hunter Findon YAY!!! Thx dude! *starts looking for LARPs on internet* :D

[@Trevorious2010]

I have a question about coming up with a back story for a character. is it looked down upon if major events in your characters history closely resembles your own IRL? I'll be designing my first character soon and for example, I am an orphan. I grew up never knowing my family and as such, I've developed some trust issues. would it be appropriate if my character was orphaned (family eaten by wolves) and he's had to learn he can only rely on himself (trust issues). would this be acceptable because it's something that feels natural to me or am I encouraged to challenge myself by trying something new? maybe my character is the youngest of 12, and the only way I can advance my secession to my family inheritance is by questing to bring glory to my family name and out Witt my rivals? tips? opinions?

[@cayleighwales8164]

+Trevor Daniels I think it depends on your comfort and experience in creating characters. If it's your first time, using some of your own experiences will make it easier to get into character. When you have more experience you could try experimenting more and getting farther from yourself. As long as it fits the immersion setting, I doubt anyone is going to condemn you for your backstory, whatever it is.

[@Trevorious2010]

+Cayleigh Wales thanks :)

[@julieponcet5621]

Larp girl you should come out to park hills Missouri we have a great larp group look up phlarp on Facebook

[@FWeltonPerry]

Ok my character is a time traveller that uses Guns aka air soft guns 😂😂😂😂😂🤣😂🤣😂😂🤣😂😂

[@thatoneguy3415]

So I have a samurai outfit that ok?

[@Hereistos]

I am not sure. Something bothers me. Maybe it's the title. The first three points are more about character creation. Although char creation is important preparation to get into character, I expected more... well, I don't know ;) From my many years of larp experience I couldn't think of any really helpful advice to get into character. It's like asking yourself "what would my character do" until I becomes natural and you don't have to ask anymore.

[@nobleani9177]

Hey there! So, I want to get into larping and I have my eyes on a couple of groups that I want to join but, from what I understand, larping isn't as big in the uk and I'm kinda nervous. I have social anxiety too but I really want to do it, do you have any advice for me for if I do get to join a larp group? It's so scary xD thanks!

[@Aaaaahlice]

I go to a Larp Event in the UK called Empire! Its really good :D

[@deen1789]

TotoroCraftYT What area is it because I can't find any near me

[@nobleani9177]

Yeah, whereabouts is it? Because depending on how far away it is I might not be able to attend haha

[@Aaaaahlice]

Its in a place called Studley Just a few miles away from Warwickshire. You just missed the latest event but the next one is around the Summer Holidays

[@naralynnightstar3912]

NobleAni There is also the Lorien Trust in Derbyshire

[@Heidiblackrose84]

What is larp

[@KazaMarie]

Larp stands for Live Action Role Play. These are events hosted as interacted experiences, following a story or goal. They adopt methods from interactive theater and conceptual art.

[@Ezyar_]

O_o The skyrim references

[@thepreppylarper8428]

yeah some will allow simple takedown bows that are in Decorum (As LARP Girl would say) just check the rules on bows

[@boogietaveras92]

I hope I see you in the battlefield ;)

[@connorkirwon]

Where did you get the sky rim helmet :p

[@KazaMarie]

Fantasy Armor made it for me! :)

[@jakewright5173]

I didn't quite catch your email, I was wondering if i could have your email because I have some questions about joining a new larp.

[@senarahome3868]

Don't pull from your own life as much as you are saying. So many times people's reasons to LARP are to get away from their own past or issues. You should pull from things you WANT not are. Ug. You annoy the daylights out of me. No wonder you were not allowed at my LARP.

[@KazaMarie]

I'm not allowed at a larp? News to me. I'm sorry you don't agree with some of my larp tricks but I do appreciate you sharing. I hope it helps someone. I enjoy Nordic larp so alot of my tips come from that background. I do agree that players shouldn't try to escape their problems with larp, but I do think that they can troubleshoot their lives a bit with larp to help them over come difficulties. Hope to hear more from you! :)

[@drsnova7313]

+Larp Girl Hello! Since you're (mostly) LARPing in North American, i wonder: Where do you encounter anything resembling nordic larp - and how would you actually define it?

[@KazaMarie]

+DRSNova A lot of LARPS recently are springing up with Nordic influences. New World Magischola is one of them. I've seen a ton of little ones pop up here and there. They are usually small but equally fun. I also feel like just because I attend a traditional or any other LARP doesn't mean I can't bring my own understanding of LARP with me. Not to mention I'm not always looking to challenge myself with a complicated roleplay scenario. For me, Nordic LARP is when I'm fully immersed (I feel like I'm really there and my character and I are one in the same), I am challenged by the role play to over come something not just physically but challenges my own mental strength as well as gives me knowledge of myself and others I can take with me for the long term. And finally, for me, Nordic LARP is something I can express myself artistically. I will say at times, I just want to be a stick jockey and throw down at a battle sport larp. However I take with me that Nordic mentality. A small example: I went to Hema for sword fighting lessons for months. I just wanted to learn more and how to do it a but better. larp combat and "real" combat may be different, but I learned how to better treat the roleplay between myself and the weapon. Even though no one may ever hear the thoughts of my character, it makes things fun for me. I may seem annoying to you, but I am having fun in my own way. I'm also trying to offer advice for people trying to find their own way. You never told me what LARP I'm banned from. It would be helpful to know so I don't stir the pot for anyone. Feel free to email me privately if you don't want it made public.

[@drsnova7313]

***** Ummm...first of all, I think you're confusing me with the other poster, that was quite a bit rude towards you ;) You're certainly not annoying to *me* - I like your videos and think you're doing a good job! That being said, thank you for your elaborate answer, even though you seem a bit defensive - for obvious reasons. No need for that, of course. I was just curious. I'm from Germany, not quite counting as "nordic", but I feel our way of LARPing has become pretty close to what you describe, especially in the last 10 years or so, due to a lot of exchange in ideas. (esp. Knutepunkt / Mittelpunkt). In regards to these new LARPs springing up - are they also rather rules-heavy as seems to be the default in US LARPs, or are they going a more "European" way? (Which I would see as rules-light or rules...nonexistant). This summer I will travel to the US to participate in 2 "traditional" US-LARPs in New York state. Since the trip is already planned, I won't be able to see any other event - but just out of curiousity, could you recomment anything in that area which you would classify as "nordic"?

[@KazaMarie]

+DRSNova I love you and I'm sorry. I did confuse you. Haha you're the best. ♡

[@AxelLover89]