Kit
For most LARP's, you're going to need some stuff whether its weapons, masks, props, make up etc
Where to buy things from
Where to borrow things from
Where to beg things from
How to make it yourself
COSTUME, PROPS AND SCENERY
Most LRP groups will need some kind of stock of costume, props and weapons. The suspension if disbelief is part of LRP but as with the Location problem, you should try and represent as much of the game as possible. Get as much costume, props, masks and so on as possible. The less that people have to imagine the better. Fantasy or historical games tend to need more (as they don’t have the benefit of being able to wear modern clothing). There are various suggestions on how to do this
Weapons can be purchased from various LRP stockists, costs for an average sword tend to be between £30 and £100 depending on size and quality. If you’re buying in bulk, negotiate a discount. Alternatively, you can attempt to make your own. Quite a lot of the LRP stockists also sell raw materials, and there are a number of how-to guides available. Modern weapons (i.e.guns) are probably best bought from toy shops. Many “Everything £1” shops sell toy guns, but be aware of the possible safety and legality issues regarding carrying realistic looking weapons
Alternatively you could see if any of your potential players have any weapons that they no longer want. If they are happy to donate these (or sell for cheap) then this can top-up your kit-bag for a low cost
Costume and Props – These can come from a number of sources. As per the above, many LRP suppliers sell costume, armour and props. Cheaper alternatives are Charity shops and second hand stores, which can be especially useful if you are looking for “retro” items. If you have access to a sewing machine, simple costume can be readily made, or a more time-consuming method is to sew by hand. The internet is a useful source of patterns, and material can readily be bought from fabric shops. Modern items of clothing can also be converted or disguised to look more authentic.
Scenery – Use whatever methods you can to create new “set dressings” and scenery for your games. Fabric, or backing wallpaper can be used to cover walls and throws can hide a multitude of sins. Move anything that is not in keeping with the game out of the way. Lighting is important. Candles can be very atmospheric, but there is an obvious fire risk. A lamp can make a room look different, if it’s normally lit by a central overhead light. Strobe lights and other effects can be bought quite cheaply.
Have a look on the internet for more suggestions on how to turn a room into a set
Props - If the worst comes to the worst and you cannot find or afford a specific prop, try and improvise. If you need a silver flute, buy a toy plastic one and paint it silver, or at the very least get a piece of plastic piping and paint it silver. Anything is better than a piece of card saying “ This is a silver flute”
Save money whenever you can by shopping around. Don’t scrip too much. A “king” dressed in old curtains will look like a man in old curtains, whereas a “king” dressed in well made, impressive kingly robes, will look like a king.
Never make cuts on safety equipment
Where to buy things from
Where to borrow things from
Where to beg things from
How to make it yourself
COSTUME, PROPS AND SCENERY
Most LRP groups will need some kind of stock of costume, props and weapons. The suspension if disbelief is part of LRP but as with the Location problem, you should try and represent as much of the game as possible. Get as much costume, props, masks and so on as possible. The less that people have to imagine the better. Fantasy or historical games tend to need more (as they don’t have the benefit of being able to wear modern clothing). There are various suggestions on how to do this
Weapons can be purchased from various LRP stockists, costs for an average sword tend to be between £30 and £100 depending on size and quality. If you’re buying in bulk, negotiate a discount. Alternatively, you can attempt to make your own. Quite a lot of the LRP stockists also sell raw materials, and there are a number of how-to guides available. Modern weapons (i.e.guns) are probably best bought from toy shops. Many “Everything £1” shops sell toy guns, but be aware of the possible safety and legality issues regarding carrying realistic looking weapons
Alternatively you could see if any of your potential players have any weapons that they no longer want. If they are happy to donate these (or sell for cheap) then this can top-up your kit-bag for a low cost
Costume and Props – These can come from a number of sources. As per the above, many LRP suppliers sell costume, armour and props. Cheaper alternatives are Charity shops and second hand stores, which can be especially useful if you are looking for “retro” items. If you have access to a sewing machine, simple costume can be readily made, or a more time-consuming method is to sew by hand. The internet is a useful source of patterns, and material can readily be bought from fabric shops. Modern items of clothing can also be converted or disguised to look more authentic.
Scenery – Use whatever methods you can to create new “set dressings” and scenery for your games. Fabric, or backing wallpaper can be used to cover walls and throws can hide a multitude of sins. Move anything that is not in keeping with the game out of the way. Lighting is important. Candles can be very atmospheric, but there is an obvious fire risk. A lamp can make a room look different, if it’s normally lit by a central overhead light. Strobe lights and other effects can be bought quite cheaply.
Have a look on the internet for more suggestions on how to turn a room into a set
Props - If the worst comes to the worst and you cannot find or afford a specific prop, try and improvise. If you need a silver flute, buy a toy plastic one and paint it silver, or at the very least get a piece of plastic piping and paint it silver. Anything is better than a piece of card saying “ This is a silver flute”
Save money whenever you can by shopping around. Don’t scrip too much. A “king” dressed in old curtains will look like a man in old curtains, whereas a “king” dressed in well made, impressive kingly robes, will look like a king.
Never make cuts on safety equipment
