Getting started at a new LARP can have a lot of moving parts! We want to help to make sure that when you come to an event, you’re able to hit the ground running – so we have created a quick checklist to make sure that you have at least most of what you need for event.

Preparing for your first event

Before your first event, try to get as many of these steps done as possible. This will help you get into game and into the action even faster!

The time immediately before an event can be pretty hectic. We will work to accommodate you at game, but the earlier you can get the paperwork done, the easier it is to get you playing as quickly as possible.

• Create a Database account. This will help you to create your character, and let you log for your first event! If you have any issues, email logistics@fantasyalivelrp.com.
• Create your character! We have some helpful hints as to how to create your character on our New Player Information page, as well as some pre-generated characters.
• Read over our Rulebook. While you don’t need to have all of the rules of play memorized, and people will be happy to help you at the event, being familiar with what your skills do will help you to stay in character.
• Read over our Policies – particularly our Code of Conduct and our Health and Care of Player Policy. These policies are there to help everyone have a good and safe time at event.
• Read and sign the Consent to Participate in EAO Games and Release From Liability form. If you can, scan in the consent form and send it to our Logistics Email – otherwise, you can bring it with you to game.
• Fill out the Emergency Contact Form. This helps us to keep you safe in the event of an emergency. If you can, scan in the filled out form and send it to our Logistics Email – otherwise, you can bring it with you to game.
• Let us know if you need to borrow some basic gear for your first game. Fantasy Alive can provide you with a boffer, basic costuming, and a couple of props – but it helps us to know what you will need. On subsequent events, this comes with a fee of $10. You can let us know as a part of your log for your event, or by emailing our Logistics Email.
• Pay for your event! As a new player, your first event is free, but choosing the First-Time Free Weekend Event option allows us to anticipate numbers. As well, you can choose to be on our Meal Plan – tasty and nutritious meals provided with event, for a fee.
• (Optional) If you have an idea about the character history that you wish to have for your character, consider submitting it! This can help us to help you find a place for your character in the world, and comes with some extra build once assessed. (It is likely that submissions within one week to the event will not be immediately assessed.)
• (Optional) Join our Discord! We’re excited to have you come out to Fantasy Alive, and people in the Discord chat will be more than happy to offer any advice or aid that they can.
• (Optional) If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to our New Player Reps team.

Packing for event

Bringing the following can help to make sure that you have everything you need to participate at a Fantasy Alive game!

• Bring suitable changes of clothing appropriate to the anticipated weather. While you will generally be wearing a costume, having fresh underclothes can help you to feel your best, especially in wet weather. If the weather is expected to be cold, bring gloves and other gear that is suitable to cold weather – it’s better to be warm than to look cool, and we want everyone to be safe.
  
  Remember that the temperature may vary considerably between day and night, and pack accordingly.
• Bring any medication that you will need or may need over the duration of the event. As we are in nature, this may include allergy medication, as there may notably be insects or pollen in the environment.
• Bring any costume pieces that you wish to use at event. In general, Fantasy Alive is a medieval/early renaissance fantasy LARP, and costuming that you might see at a Medieval or Renaissance Fair is appropriate. If you can, choose props and costumes that you think support your character idea!
• Bring any makeup or prosthetics that you wish to use at event. This is mainly for the case of people playing non-human characters, and may range from elf ears, to dwarven facial hair, to full makeup for an orc or a minotaur.
• Bring any boffer safe weapons you wish to use at the event. Fantasy Alive accepts the use of latex weapons sourced from LARP vendors, or you can make your own following one of numerous guides online. Fantasy Alive reserves the right to inspect any weapons to be used in game and deny the use of unsafe weapons. (If you don’t have anything suitable, we can provide you with the use of a weapon for your event.)
• If you are not participating in our Meal Plan, consider bringing food suitable to the duration of the event. Our current venue is not especially close to takeaway restaurants, so you may wish to plan out the food you wish to bring in advance. LARP can be physically exerting, so pack some snacks as well.
• Consider bringing hydrating beverages to consume at event. LARP can be physically exerting, and dehydration will mean you don’t have the best time at event. While water is available on site, it is most important that you consume fluids and you may benefit from some having electrolytes.
• If you are staying overnight, bring equipment suitable for sleeping – such as a sleeping bag, pillows, etc. If you are camping, bring camping equipment, such as a camping mattress, tent, etc.
• Bring a hygiene kit, including a washcloth, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving equipment if appropriate, and so forth. We have a bathroom with hot water on site, and keeping clean helps you to have your best event.
• Bring footwear appropriate to dirt roads and fields. Due to concern about ticks, it may be suitable to ensure that your legs, ankles, etc. are covered. It is often wise to bring a few extra pairs of socks – wet feet can be most unpleasant.
• Bring sunscreen and insect spray. A lot of LARP can take place out of doors, and that is where both the sun and biting insects live.
• Consider bringing clear tape, to affix item tags (small slips of paper indicating valuable objects) to your props. This helps anyone who finds such items to know what they are looking at right away.
• LEAVE BEHIND any restricted substances not in the form of prescription medication, including alcohol and cannabis. Tobacco use is permitted, but only near fire pits.

It can be a lot to take in – but we know you’ve got this. Making sure that you have done the prep work and brought items that will help you on your journey is just as important in real life as it is in undertaking a perilous quest – and we’re happy to help one lead into the next.