Small larps are better than big LARPS

Community Larp discussion
#1

Are they? I thought I’d get more hits if I titled it this way.

Seriously, I’ve had more fun out of larps that would be considered “small”, especially by international standards. By small I mean fewer than 20 people involved. To be fair, I probably haven’t experienced any larps that are “big” by international standards.

Here is a list of great, small events I have played in:
Nightmare Circle (plug: event this weekend 19-21 May!)
Couples
Executive Decision
May Day

I think we need a new, 50 person plus event for Auckland (a “Mordavia replacement” if you will), but I think the best events are the little ones.

While we’re at it: should we refer to LARPs as larps now? I’m getting sick of capitalising it and COME ON WE ALL KNOW WHAT IT MEANS.

#2

When people say “size doesn’t matter” it usually means they have a little one. I’d agree that small larps can have some very good moments but how can they possibly compare to one where hundreds of people help create a world together?

A picture says 1000 words.

#3

Cool! where do we get them?

#4

If you don’t have them locally you can either recruit them or travel to events.

Travelling to events is lots of fun.

#5

Speaking of large larps and where to find them, the guy who posts on here as 8w_gremlin is thinking of running a large-scale larp in NZ. He’s had experience with them in the UK. He lives in Wellington, see his post on NZRaG:

nzrag.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=456

#6

It’s difficult, to be honest…

I mean, if you attend the smaller events, like Craig said, the 20 odd people, the roleplay is intense, but depending on the setting and storyline, how realistic can you get.

If it’s a big forum meeting, then yes, go for it.
BUT! If it’s a setting with some bully nearby who bashes frequently, you really need more people.

On bigger scale events, it’s harder to be involved in the main plot, granted, but if you try a bit, and go for it all the way, the main plot usually engulfs your character.
Also: Usually, the bigger events (Gathering, Drachenfest (Germany), Dragonbane) divide attendees into factions. The roleplay in and between the factions is satisfactioning too. On most occasions at least…

Like I said, it’s difficult to pick one, it’s larp, it’s an addiction, I just attend events where I have fun and where the story is cool.

Tim