We were all new once… and many of us have been new several times. Each time you try a different larp, you’re a new player, walking into a community of people who have established connections, jargon, and traditions. As we remember how tough it can be to take those first steps, most of us do all we can to welcome new players. But how can we help? Here’s three things we shouldn’t say (and three we should) to new players.
Don’t ask, “Tell me about your character?”
Ask, “What does your character do?”
Larp is something you do, it’s a verb. A lot of larpers are also writers, and writers want to tell a story. There’s nothing wrong with that… but stories have a lot of elements, and when you first enter a long-running larp, there’s a lot to pick up: history, non-player characters, lore. For a person unfamiliar with the setting it’s difficult to even answer, “Where are you from?” But larps have activities and those activities are likely to be familiar. A person who has never seen Star Wars might still know that the characters fly spaceships and fight with laser swords, even if they have no idea where Tatooine is. More importantly, focusing on what they’ll actually do during the larp prepares them for the activity and helps them start playing faster than if they have to learn a bunch of lore up front.
Don’t ask, “Do you want a character tie?”
Ask, “How are you getting to the game?”
When you hear an acquaintance is coming to your larp for the first time, your first response might be to make a connection… after all, you want to play with them! But remember, this isn’t about you: it’s about them. The best way to connect with them is to make sure they make it to the event, and are safe and comfortable while they’re there. So check to make sure they have a ride, or on their sleeping arrangements, or their meal planning. Helping someone get there, as well as making sure they’re comfortable and well fed, will support them immediately and also help you get to know them better as well.
Don’t ask, “Can I help you make your character?”
Ask, “Have you talked to the New Player Guide?
Onboarding new players is a key part of larp design, and your organizers probably have a plan for how to introduce them to the world. While you want to be helpful, a good larp will have a curated portal to the world run by a staff member. The best thing you can do is get them in touch with that staff member, who will help them make a character that’s best for the larp.
Lastly, remember… just because a player is new to your larp, doesn’t mean they’re new to larp in general. Even if they are, they’re still people who have a lifetime of experience to bring to your game. Don’t lecture them or tell them “how things are,” but rather focus on being helpful, and sharing stuff you personally learned during your first event.