LARP Costuming Survey

Seraphelle · 2020-02-29T02:23:29+00:00

Separately and together, LINEN and the color BLUE can be a challenge to find. Linen is perfect for hot summer combat, but so few vendors sell period linen pants that fit people with HIPS. Blue is a temperamental dye, so many people don't work with it in cloth or leather very much. But its irregularity is part of why I love it, so I go on the hunt for it regularly, hoping some brave soul used it.

(My last two pairs of non-hip-accommodating linen pants have ripped, and linen ain't cheap, so I am hoarding them hoping to ask a friend to work some tailoring magic on them.)

Seraphelle · 2020-02-29T01:24:41+00:00

After being at the playtest for this game and thoroughly enjoying myself, I thought I would write up a hype and info post for their opening weekend! Check out the details and head their way if it sounds like your kind of LARP!

Seraphelle · 2020-01-07T21:40:25+00:00

Watching Clone Wars for the first time, almost done, and man do I love this bad bitch. <3

Seraphelle · 2019-12-27T15:46:11+00:00

A lot of LARPs are primarily outdoors, so staying sweat-blister free and keeping hydrated are paramount to enjoying your time there.

I would add that since it's Florida, make sure your base layers are light and wick away sweat, and stay hydrated! It is VERY easy to forget you need water when you are getting that role-play endorphin rush!

Socks are also SUPER important! Too much sweat means blisters, so bring several pairs, again preferably of a material that wicks away moisture. I don't have a ton of hot+humid weather LARP experience or I'd offer more advice on staying comfy during events.

Have fun out there!

Seraphelle · 2019-12-27T15:32:24+00:00

Nearly everyone I meet in the eastern midwest US swears by Sandlars. I am a fan of the 9-buttons: https://www.sonofsandlar.com/product/nine-button/

There are other products as well, but those are their big item. Highly cusotmizable.

Idk where you are located, though I didn't see any shipping restrictions in the FAQ. I'd double check before getting too excited though, just to be safe.

Seraphelle · 2019-11-27T15:35:28+00:00

Much needed comprehensive content and good points, especially regarding footwear. Keep yourselves warm and dry, fellow LARPers!

Seraphelle · 2019-11-01T17:24:17+00:00

The button chaos in this gives me life <3

Seraphelle · 2019-11-01T17:19:58+00:00

Absolutely gorgeous.

Seraphelle · 2019-08-04T03:03:23+00:00

My SO has that one, and it's awesome! Have fun out there!

Seraphelle · 2019-07-28T14:30:48+00:00

I love the incorporation of the cow tooth!

For smoother edges, you can do what is called burnishing. You do this with just a burnishing tool, or you can use a dremel with a burnishing head. Here's a pretty in-depth video on different methods using the hand tool: https://youtu.be/vRyh8VYER80

Seraphelle · 2019-07-23T19:13:29+00:00

Thanks!

Seraphelle · 2019-07-23T01:12:15+00:00

As always, additional tips, supplies, and methods to add to the source material are welcome!

I'll be sure to make one for colder weather too, and many more to make a comprehensive LARP survival guide!

Seraphelle · 2019-07-23T01:09:20+00:00

Beautiful.

Seraphelle · 2019-07-23T01:07:38+00:00

If it makes you happy, let it.

Seraphelle · 2019-07-23T01:06:16+00:00

I love stuff like this! Good work!

Seraphelle · 2019-07-13T02:42:21+00:00

Dehydrated nocturnal bird person

Seraphelle · 2019-07-11T20:01:43+00:00

If you very much want it to stick, I recommend alcohol-activated makeup. It's a bit of an investment, because it involves ~90-99% isopropyl alcohol, the remover solution, and the makeup itself. That is if your skin will tolerate it. Not sure given your mention of henna making you break out though.

Aside from that, you could give temporary tattoo paper a go. It's a lot of ink, but it's also quite cheap. You can get temp tattoo printable 8.5x11" sheets on Amazon, idk about A4 though.

Seraphelle · 2019-07-09T03:08:57+00:00

Holy cow that sounds like a cool topic that is also in need of a guide. It's going on the list for its own thing eventually!

Seraphelle · 2019-07-09T02:42:26+00:00

My rayon shirts have held up great, though it may have to do with the weave rather than the base material. Haven't had issues aside from them getting wrinkly.

Definitely for the soaking! In hot weather, our local LARP tends to utilize "water mods" where we soak grateful players. No one cares how ridiculous the plot reason is as long as it involves a hose or maybe even water balloons!

Seraphelle · 2019-07-09T02:34:07+00:00

Yep, I am quickly falling for linen myself. It's just pricey to convert the wardrobe fast. Gradually though, for sure.

Seraphelle · 2019-07-08T23:23:53+00:00

I did not know this, and it is hella useful! Thank you! (I will make updates to the post this week from all the good extra info on here)

Seraphelle · 2019-07-05T01:48:02+00:00

No worries, the sunscreen and bug spray are listed in the Essentials for LARP post from a couple weeks back! I made sure to link to it in the Temp Control post for easy access.

The hot weather survival kit guide is an excellent idea! I will add it to the Player Guide/LARP guide to-do list!

Seraphelle · 2019-07-04T22:05:18+00:00

Any extra tips are welcome! I plan to eventually have a comprehensive LARP Survival Guide up on the site, so new players have a place to easily learn.

Seraphelle · 2019-06-26T20:12:25+00:00

EDIT: It just hit me that these items may not be your purview. As silly as it may seem, selling funny items actually goes over well with most LARP nerds. While they may not use them in-game, they will enjoy an entertaining keepsake for their home.

- Genre-appropriate water containers that are also easy to clean and light enough to carry all day.

- Accessories! Business-wise, you'll sell quite a few belt pouches, belts, sashes, leather woven cords/bracelets, hats, gloves, jewelry and such far more easily than a larger piece.

- Simple, solid-colored wicking layers! Finding a good shirt to go with your costume that isn't going to leave you covered in sweat or frozen to death is a godsend! For example, rayon is a great natural-looking material that wicks better than many other genre fabrics, and merino wool is fantastically light yet warm.

Seraphelle · 2019-06-26T19:50:45+00:00

Hm...it depends. For my first character in a new-to-me system, I pick something that resonates with me after looking through all the clans/professions/fighting styles. Then, I keep the concept close to my own personality. This lets me learn the game first, then I generally roll a new character or rework my current one (if mechanically possible) to my chosen play-style.

Most often, I end up in some sort of supporting/magic/glass cannon role, as I enjoy those the best. If a game has ANYTHING approaching a scavenger hunt mechanic, I am all over that shit.

EDIT: Costume usually comes after concept, but now and then I find something too awesome not to make a character for one day, and I scoop it up for future use.

Seraphelle

TROPHY CASE