Are You Ready to Take It Up A Notch?

Are you ready to take it up a notch? Are you ready to take your game to the next level? Do you have no idea what to do? One of our own, Armus Blackhand, wrote some awesome suggestions (located below) on how to get the ROLE PLAYING into Live Action Role Playing. Here is the summary for those of you who only read summaries of articles:

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Good evening, barkeep. I’ll have a round of ales for my friends. I’ve got a story to tell tonight….

Alright. Let’s step out of character for a bit.

As we’re all gearing up for the next day, and some are preparing new personas, there are a couple things that your character needs. No, not health potions or a new sword (not even if it’s dragonforged).  What your character needs is…well… character.  So what makes a persona transform from a name on parchment to a living, breathing character? Is it the backstory? The props? While both of these help, they are not, as I see, what births a character. No, for your character is more than that. The richest backstory defines only your past, not your future, and weapons are merely means to an end.  In the words of Sir Galahad, “Manners Maketh Man”. Likewise, your manner at LARP determines your LARP character. Note that I do not refer to presumptuous fancery at a feasting table, such “manners” ought to be done away with outright.  Instead, your manner is how your character conducts themselves–How they think, act, and what their goals are.  By preparing this manner ahead of time, you will not only be better at role-playing your character, but have more fun as well. To that end, I’ve come up with a few tips for you.

#1- Be flexible

While it’s a lot of fun to diagram every detail of your characters backstory, from birth to tragedy to heroic revenge, it can leave you in a sudden bind; if the enemy has a sudden change of heart, doesn’t show up, or beats you, it will throw a wrench in your plan. The first option is to let this ruin your day and/or character. The second option is to go with it, and role-play a new path.  Instead of having your character dead set against defeating an enemy (such as the Roaman Empire, dragons, or villainous kittens) give them reasons to hate said nefarious foe. If events take a sudden turn, fear not! Just play your character out in accordance with your pre-established motives.

#2- Have a plan.

Now wait—didn’t I just tell you not to plan everything out? That’s right. You don’t want to plan FOR your character, let YOUR character plan for YOU. So go outside, put on your costume, and listen to your theme music, whatever helps you get in character. Then use your in character knowledge– and I’ll say this again, in character—everything you know from backstory, past LARP events, gossip on the palantir—but nothing more. Think of what your character wants (a drink of frothless ale, to become king, or to sit on your weather rock.) Come up with at least 3 different goals—all of which you must be able to play out in character. Now think of your friends—not your friend who lives down the street, but your character’s LARP friends. Think about who can help you achieve your goals. If you have trouble coming up with names, stop by the biography page, and look to see who might help you. Now, here’s the fun part. When you arrive at the next LARP, do EVERYTHING your character would do to achieve their goals. If that means going on an epic quest, do it. If it means trying to rob highborn travelers, do it. If it means murdering someone in broad daylight, do it consider your actions carefully.  

#3- Plan your manner.

This one is the hardest to pull off, but also the most rewarding. Read through your story. Think about what parts inspire you. Now make your character the star of a thrilling series. How do they walk? Do they limp, sneer, smile, or remain silent? Do they condescend toward others, like fighting, or loathe violence? Visualize them entirely; think about the details: posture, speech patterns, triggers (events that will incite a reaction from your character). I find it helps to imagine my character in various scenarios, and see his reactions. Once you’ve finished, memorize the manner which you’ve just created. This is the HEART of your character. Not their backstory, nor their reactions, nor plans—but the manner in which they react. Now when you get to LARP, accept no excuses, give no quarter, and ignore the white flag— you are going to stick to your character’s manner throughout the day (save any possible emergencies).

I hope you enjoyed reading this. These steps help me to develop my personas, and I believe they shall help you also.  In addition, there is a great article I’ve linked below, which contains additional ideas to improve your role-playing. http://www.larping.org/larp-articles/5-ways-to-generate-your-own-role-play-at-a-larp/

Now then, as our drinks have arrived, where were we? Ahh, yes, my fellow Faltonians, I was going to tell you the tale of the White Tower’s breaking. It was long ago….