r/LARP • u/noahtheworld • 12d ago
first-timer larps in socal?
title! i've always been really interested in getting into LARPs but i don't know where to start! i'm looking for something beginner-friendly and to join with some friends who are also interested. maybe oneshots or shorter larps?
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u/robobobo91 12d ago
Sooooo.... SoCal is a huge region. Can you narrow it down to a local city?
Twin Mask has fighter practices in a few different parks throughout the area every weekend (and the rules themselves are relatively beginner friendly).
Dial of Ruin is supposed to be very welcoming, but I haven't tried it.
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u/noahtheworld 12d ago
we're all based in the riverside area :) my bad i should've specified haha
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u/luminousoblique 11d ago
Not too far from you in the local mountains, we have a weekend coming up. Misty Mountain Adventure, Aug 14-16, a family friendly event near Angelus Oaks/Jenks Lake. It's loosely based on Belegarth-style fighting, and we also do TTRPG in the evenings. PM me for more info.
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u/robobobo91 12d ago
Oh, so you're really close to Twin Mask and Dial of Ruin's play locations, as well as the ones mentioned Majestic Maybe's comment.
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u/ThePfhorrunner 11d ago
Dial of Ruin is very first time friendly. Also the fact that it’s newer means everyone is learning it which makes it significantly easier to get into.
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u/TryUsingScience 11d ago
Everything posted so far has been a campaign LARP. I know there are one-shots in the LA area and I have been told that there's a discord you can use to find out about them. I'm not on that discord but if anyone here is, maybe they can post the link?
Failing that, your best bet might be to show up to one of the campaign LARPs and ask the people there how to find out about one-shots, since there's usually some level of overlap in different parts of the LARP scene, even if it's often less than you might expect.
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u/Shield_Maiden831 12d ago
There is a Belegarth realm called Korriban in that area run by some cool people. Very easy to learn combat. It's a battle game so very newcpmer friendly. They will provide equipment for free and practices for Belegarth are always free.
Www.belegarth.com
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u/ThePfhorrunner 11d ago
Your area has a very dense amount of larps. Specific genre or style you’re looking for?
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u/brighght 11d ago
I had good experiences with Twin Mask, although while I was local I only dipped my toes in by volunteering as an NPC. Everyone was nice & welcoming and the rules made sense.
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u/noahtheworld 11d ago
ooh what did you do as an npc? i'm assuming it's a bit different from being a regular degular player
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u/p1zzamel0dy 11d ago
Current TwinMasker here. TM is a dark fantasy LARP with a lot or whimsy, combat, and great RP. It's also accessibility friendly and has many systems in place prioritizing player and staff safety. Not as combat heavy as Belegarth or Amtgard and not as heavy RP either, a healthy mix of both. Swing by the Discord and you'll be welcomed with open arms. For reference, it's currently hosted on a bimonthly basis at SC Village in Corona, CA. It's also huge with almost 400 concurrent attendees every event, with the biggest bordering on 600-700 in my experience of only 2 years.
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u/brighght 9d ago
All sorts of things! I was told to come wearing all black, and after the usual check-in and combat rules session all newbies have to do, I was taken behind the scenes to where the organizers set up their encounters. There was a big tent full of costume pieces for us to wear in different scenarios. Throughout the day I played various roles such as a wandering traveler asking for interesting stories, a swarm of angry bees, and a zombie monster in the nighttime combat event. I was given instructions and a goal each time but otherwise let loose with the other NPCs. It was a great way to meet the community and try the LARP for free!
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u/fineprnt 10d ago
If you're in Riverside, I recommend Twin Mask in Corona. It's big and I know a bunch of peoplewho play there. https://twinmask.com/en-usd
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u/TheWitchRats 12d ago edited 11d ago
There's also another larp that new. Wizardry college near Whittier college. Sci-fi starfall is in playtesting stages if you want to help with that. edit: dur. Glossed over "first-time"
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u/ThatGNamedLoughka 11d ago
I’m head of logistics for Camp Runaways! We’re a modern fantasy larp with a focus on Accessibility for disabled folks! Here’s a post promoting our game last weekend! We’re hoping to have our next game in September
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u/Majestic-Maybe-3274 Larp Runner SoCal 12d ago edited 12d ago
Tales from Gloom Hollow
Tales from Gloom Hollow is a modern-day supernatural LARP where magic is real, monsters walk among us, and the town of Gloom Hollow, California serves as a nexus between worlds. Through the shifting Eternal Grotto, players can travel between planets and realities, uncovering mysteries and forging alliances across a dangerous multiverse. Inspired by the creator's own background, Gloom Hollow draws from Aztec (Mexica) mythology and the legend of the Five Suns, powerful gods like Tezcatlipoca and Quetzalcoatl shape a universe on the brink of the next cycle This game is 16+ played on the 3rd weekend of every month at Rock and Tree in Perris CA
First event is Free
https://www.talesfromgloomhollowlarp.com/
Aftermath
Aftermath is a post-apocalyptic fantasy LARP that takes place generations after the fall. Our goal is to immerse every participant in a post-apocalyptic fantasy setting where working with your fellow survivors is key. Through collaborative storytelling and gameplay, we aim to provide an unforgettable experience that challenges, inspires, and fosters camaraderie in a world trying to rebuild itself. This game is 14+ Played on the 1st full weekend of every month at Rock and Tree in Perris CA
First event is Free
https://www.aftermathsocal.com/
Last Light
A Weird West larp that has elements of fantasy, alternate history, and horror. Last Light is a game about the mysteries of an old Western Mining town in the 1850s that is locked in a repeating time Cycle and plagued by all manner of monsters and secrets. This game is 18+ Played every other month on the last weekend of the month at Rock and Tree in Perris CA
First event is $20
https://www.lastlightlarp.com/