Post/Author/DateTime	Post
recluce1 03-09-05, 03:15 PM	hey, i was wondering if anybody of you other dungeon crawlers did any larping or NERO stuff? Just curious how many people who play dnd have ever tried it. I happen to like it just as much as dnd.
Seeker95 03-09-05, 03:29 PM	No LARPing, but I've done some "real" jousting at a Renny Fair or two. Blunt weapons still hurt... even through the armor and shield.
Dark_Tide 03-09-05, 03:54 PM	Not LARPing, but close. My friends and I build foam weapons (Belegarth) and go to the local park in the summer. The 10 of us line up on opposite sides of a small field and charge. Its a blast... not really painful. We made swords, maces, and shields. Its really fun building your own weapons and using them in battle. Highly recommended.
recluce1 03-09-05, 04:46 PM	yes i completly agree any kind of larp is great. You should look for a NERO chapter near you, its great! Like dnd come to life!
Melpomene 03-09-05, 05:03 PM	I'v done LARPing for ::non-Wizards RPG deleted::. *sigh* Good times. I long for it again so much... ...that besides, I have some theatrical experience with pre-gunpowder weaponry, but little more.
Lord Dracos 03-09-05, 05:06 PM	Sorry, but could someone clear up exactly what LARPing is?
Ascian 03-09-05, 05:21 PM	Live Action RolePlaying. Acting out an adventure with costumes, props, etc. Instead of sitting around a table sounding like dorks, you run around the woods looking like dorks. Dorks with nerf weaponry and beanbag fireballs. (None of this is to suggest that I wouldn't like to give it a shot someday, mind you.)
Titan W 03-09-05, 05:44 PM	Never LARPed, although have suggested ti on many occasions with my friends... less than receptive... The closest I've gotten is probably going out wiht some friends and clobering each other with sticks... plastick hockey sticks, or whatever... below the neck...
twad 03-09-05, 07:27 PM	where i live there are LARPs almost every months.. (and even more in summer) Im actively "working" in one as a "DM", plays in 4 and there are many more i could participate in but i just dont... too many. LARPs are fun, but since we are facing people, some of them have a hard time controling themselves..
Lord Dracos 03-09-05, 09:00 PM	I fence, but never Larped. Probably never will.
Braids 03-09-05, 09:13 PM	I'd like to try some day, but I'm too shy...I'd be too afraid of making myself looks stupid [not by LARPing, but by LARPing badly].
Stardrake 03-09-05, 09:24 PM	Not only have I LARPed, I met my WIFE at a LARP. Although it wasn't either a boffer-swords type or a Pale People In Black type game. It was a Victorian steampunk no-combat LARP--I was playin Prof. Henry Higgins, she was playing Ada Lovelace, Lady Byron. It went well... (I'd like to try the boffer-swords type of game sometime--they're not common in the US, unfortunately, since we tend to be a frighteningly lawsuit-happy folk :rolleyes: )
sirmeatball 03-09-05, 10:01 PM	I've been LARPing for about 2 years now, great fun. I've never been keen on the combat part, but it is a lot of fun to keep in character for an entire weekend.
Wharin 03-09-05, 11:17 PM	Ive been LARPing for about 3+ years now. Its great fun. I am not a big fan of the Vampire LARPs or the other "By Night" LARPs because from what i have heard, they do the larping in public, which bothers me. I prefer to be secluded in the woods swinging Boffer weapons. There are a few good ones in NE Penn. if you are ever near there. For the one that i go to, i actually have a Bastard Hammer (i guess an equivlant to a Maul) that actually looks like the Moradin holy symbol hammer. It gets alot of compliments. Though on the converse, i gotta say that its incredibly tiring. Depending on how the rules work for a specific LARP, you gotta be alert 24/7, lest you be jumped by some critter or PK'er cuz its always "game on" and even the best locks can be "picked" and every door can be smashed. Every weekend that i LARP i come home exhausted (but in a good way, i guess).
Wizard 03-10-05, 12:16 AM	Unless you count "grappling," never.
DrWorm 03-10-05, 01:16 AM	I got dragged to a Vamp LARP once and it was okay, but seemed like just a big vampire erotic famtasy. 2 people ended up getting intimate (yes that is what I mean) with two other people, and most of the women seemed to be just there for the flirting and the action. Not that I mind, really; I made out with a couple of hotties, but it never really felt like roleplaying.
Solaris 03-10-05, 01:40 AM	Sorry, but could someone clear up exactly what LARPing is? http://www.milkandcookies.com/links/9271/
green_yawgmoth 03-10-05, 03:42 AM	Never LARPed, because the LARP group around here is a bunch of goths and emos who just like to have fake arguments when they aren't having real arguments. :rolleyes: I do a little swordfighting with the PVC and duct tape swords/quarterstaffs/other things we have around here. It's great fun. TWF = teh win. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/yawgmoth/kittyjig.gif
Wharin 03-10-05, 06:49 AM	http://www.milkandcookies.com/links/9271/ Yeah alot of people think that it is the funniest thing, but really thats not too far off from how most LARP's run. Looks like that one guy wasted his spells for the day.
Thuragrun 03-10-05, 08:07 PM	http://www.milkandcookies.com/links/9271/ OMG, the fat 35 year old guy with the skirt, repeatedly yelling "Lightning Bolt!"!!!! I just blew water out my nose, you owe me a new keyboard! And people wonder why D&D is percieved to warp the mind(sarcasm). LARPing sure looks special!
Melpomene 03-10-05, 11:59 PM	Again, the is a D&D forum, which is why I am loathe to bring up non-Wizard's product lines. I would have to say that if you were unhappy with a Vampire larp, it was because the storyteller failed. I had a really excellent group, and it was politiking, inrique, and other "subtle" arts which are lost in nearly all other formats. *sigh* ...but that was oh-so-many years ago...
bahamut_0 03-11-05, 07:59 AM	Nope, I never had, and don't intend to.
Rian Lightblade 03-11-05, 02:06 PM	http://www.milkandcookies.com/links/9271/ That video sums up what LARPing is to a "T" and also illustrates why I'll never LARP again even if my life depending on it. Yes I'll admit that I strayed from the true path (once). But seriously, RPGs have a negative enough image as it is without people seeing players run around in a cheap Ren faire or cos-play costumes, swinging fake weapons and "casting spells" by throwing ping pong balls (or other such items). Yes I know that there are groups that LARP on secluded, private property or other non-public locations (Good for you!) but for every group that does there is another group that just goes out to the nearest park (although I doubt that any of those groups will respond to this, just the first). I feel, as do many other gamers (I know), that LARPing hurts the hobby more then it enhances it. And does so by feeding into the stereotype that gamers are of bunch of people with little to no grip on reality and who are so socially estranged that they rather dress up and spend their free time acting out their fantasies rather then living in the real world. These are not my views of gamers but it is the stereotype that mainstream society has about us. The attacks from religious groups, anti-roleplaying movies like “Mazes and Monsters” and bad press that besieged gamers in the 80’s, often stemmed from the actions of LARPers who, frankly, “freaked out” most non-gamers. Granted LARPers have come along way from the steam tunnel delving, gamers portrayed by Tom Hanks. Also the success of ventures like the LoTR movies and even the Harry Potter novels have given way to greater acceptance of Fantasy (by the public) in films and books That does not mean that people are ready to see a guy in a loin cloth, brandishing a club made from electrical tape, running around the neighborhood park as Th’rak the half orc barbarian. LARPers probably are, unfortunately, the most public face of the hobby/sub-culture. So they are the first image of gamers that usually come to the average person’s mind, that and a bunch of guys, in costumes, sitting around a table on a Saturday night. Not a very positive image is it? Now I know it’s a free country and the people who LARP can go on LARPing as much as they want. However please use a little discretion, when you do, people don’t think the best about us as it is, so don’t make it any worse. Sorry, I didn't mean to turn my answer into a comentary on LARPing but,that is how many people feel and why most gamers (IMO) don't LARP. Well that’s my 2cp, well… looks more like 3cp.
Wharin 03-11-05, 02:58 PM	I am definately of the camp that if you LARP, it should be done on a private/secluded property away from the "straights". To me, the tape wasn't that much different then how an actual fight in DnD would go down, although i am sure that most "real fighters" would have more skill then us "weekend warriors". But outside looking in, watching a LARP can be a little scary (not life-threatening scary, but still scary), as it does give off that "separation from reality" vibe that is not appropriate in public settings. Which is why i really don't care for the "By Night" LARPs. I admit that when i was young (like 7th-8th grade) me and a bunch of guys took our boffer weapons into the local park and started sparring and running around doing "LARPy" things, and after the fact, it was a little embarrasing. Some people gave us the stink eye, and others tried to pretend like we were not there. Not something that people should do. On a humorous/scary note, one weekend at this private park, we were LARPing and a Camper-truck pulled in with an older couple inside who were lost. We let them stay the night in the parking lot, so they can get a fresh start in the morning. That night i think i heard that they were scared senseless by a horde of people in skeleton costumes walking down the path, as these NPC's were getting fixed to attack the "town".
recluce1 03-11-05, 03:13 PM	Nero, the organization that i play in is awesome! We do all of our weekend stuff at a camp that is rented all for ourselves. The one day modules we do we go to the Paint Creek Trail (if any of you live in rochester mi). I personally couldnt givea rats a#$ how poeple feel gamers. I do what i want, and they do what they want. People dont make fun of me civil war reenacting. But they are different. Anyway LARPing is awesome i love it! I love the combat, but i love the roleplaying more!
Rian Lightblade 03-11-05, 03:21 PM	I am definately of the camp that if you LARP, it should be done on a private/secluded property away from the "straights". *** On a humorous/scary note, one weekend at this private park, we were LARPing and a Camper-truck pulled in with an older couple inside who were lost. We let them stay the night in the parking lot, so they can get a fresh start in the morning. That night i think i heard that they were scared senseless by a horde of people in skeleton costumes walking down the path, as these NPC's were getting fixed to attack the "town". Great story Wharin!! I can just imagine the couple in the RV, "Harold! Harold! Look at that!! Oh my god, are those..." Well it looks like they at least had a story to tell the grandkids back home.:D Also I'm very pleased that you got the point of my post and didn't take offense. As my post wasn't meant to say the LARPers shouldn't LARP, (Although I was a little hard in the first paragraph) but rather LARPers should understand that they are out there interacting with the public and putting a face on the gamer for the "mundanes". And unfortunately the "straights" (as you say) will, usually, only have a negative reaction to them and hence a negative perception of gamers in general. So please do like Wharin, and try not to freak out the norms. As to recluce1's statement about LARPing organizations. He's totally right! Many LARPing oraganizations use rented property, others own property. I remembering hearing (back in mid 90's) that there was a LARPing group some where in New England that built a little town on the of the founding member's property, honestly that's sounds really cool.
recluce1 03-11-05, 03:31 PM	Great story Wharin!! I can just imagine the couple in the RV, "Harold! Harold! Look at that!! Oh my god, are those..." Well it looks like they at least had a story to tell the grandkids back home.:D Also I'm very pleased that you got the point of my post and didn't take offense. As my post wasn't meant to say the LARPers shouldn't LARP, (Although I was a little hard in the first paragraph) but rather LARPers should understand that they are out there interacting with the public and putting a face on the gamer for the "mundanes". And unfortunately the "straights" (as you say) will, usually, only have a negative reaction to them and hence a negative perception of gamers in general. So please do like Wharin, and try not to freak out the norms. Yeah i wouldnt want to scare those mundanes. Yeah i cant see myself running through the streets screaming "Come back foul beast and prepare to meet your death!!"
Mister Mayhem 03-11-05, 05:06 PM	Now I know it’s a free country and the people who LARP can go on LARPing as much as they want. However please use a little discretion, when you do, people don’t think the best about us as it is, so don’t make it any worse. On the same note, can we request that only good looking people with perfect teeth and attractive partners admit to playing D&D in public? Really, I wouldn't want anybody to associate my favourite hobby with a bunch of adolescent antisocial geeky nerds. :rolleyes:
Thuragrun 03-11-05, 05:17 PM	On the same note, can we request that only good looking people with perfect teeth and attractive partners admit to playing D&D in public? Really, I wouldn't want anybody to associate my favourite hobby with a bunch of adolescent antisocial geeky nerds. :rolleyes: LARPing goes way beyond geeky. It's pathetic. Sorry if the truth hurts. I do not want THIS associated with my D&D. /evades "Lightning Bolt, Lightning Bolt, Lightning Bolt!" //points and laughs
Lina_Inverse 03-11-05, 05:21 PM	Blasphmy!you Diceless Freaks Shall Be Destroyed By The Holy Power Of Gygax!
Lord Dracos 03-11-05, 05:29 PM	Gotta agree. :dice: :dice: :dice: :dice: :dice: :dice: :dice: :dice: :dice: :D Still can't see myself playing like that...
recluce1 03-11-05, 05:59 PM	LARPing goes way beyond geeky. It's pathetic. Sorry if the truth hurts. I do not want THIS associated with my D&D. /evades "Lightning Bolt, Lightning Bolt, Lightning Bolt!" //points and laughs ok let me just say that you are a complete jerk. I say this with the upmost respect. Dont disrespect my hobby, and call me pathetic. I wouldnt dare associate a person of your caliber to my hobby. I just happen to love roleplaying and, beating poeple with plumbing materials isnt bad either! I still am in shock that you would say that, just because you dont personnaly enjoy it.
green_yawgmoth 03-11-05, 06:08 PM	ok let me just say that you are a complete jerk. I say this with the upmost respect. Dont disrespect my hobby, and call me pathetic. I wouldnt dare associate a person of your caliber to my hobby. I just happen to love roleplaying and, beating poeple with plumbing materials isnt bad either! I still am in shock that you would say that, just because you dont personnaly enjoy it. Okay, so you say "don't insult MY hobby!" and then follow it up by insulting him? Why hello kettle, but you appear to be black. :rolleyes: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/yawgmoth/kittyjig.gif
Thuragrun 03-11-05, 06:10 PM	ok let me just say that you are a complete jerk. I say this with the upmost respect. Dont disrespect my hobby, and call me pathetic. I wouldnt dare associate a person of your caliber to my hobby. I just happen to love roleplaying and, beating poeple with plumbing materials isnt bad either! I still am in shock that you would say that, just because you dont personnaly enjoy it. As I am embarrassed of the mullet I wore when I was your age, you will be embarrassed of larping when you are 30.
recluce1 03-11-05, 06:10 PM	yeah im sorry man i was just angry. Hope there arent any bad feelings
Callista 03-11-05, 06:16 PM	As I am embarrassed of the mullet I wore when I was your age, you will be embarrassed of larping when you are 30. Well, I'd take the embarassment in exchange for the sheer fun I'm having now. Really, is blushing at the thought of what you did when you were younger really so uncommon? I'd rather remember LARPing whenever I think of it, than remember any number of much more embarassing things--like these. (http://www.collegestories.com/) Well, I've done the Ren Faire thing--made my own garb, too, and have a persona named Therese--and it's a lot of fun. Also got the plastic weapons out and my friends and I started beating each other up (apparently I'm the hardest to hit, and another girl as short as me is the best at hitting back... 5'0" me versus 6'8" guys tells you why halflings get size bonuses to AC)... Anyway, so yeah, I haven't tried LARP. I'd like to, though. I agree with the people who say to "keep it private" though--just like regular D&D, actually. Unless you don't RP much at all, D&D in public can put a bad face on the game. Here's why: There's this social order that says, "Don't do anything out of the ordinary". What people don't understand, they aren't generally attracted to... and the average person who's never even read a fantasy novel doesn't understand what you mean when you shout something like, "Come back, foul beast, and prepare to meet your death!!" Things that people don't understand, whether they be races or religions or cultures or--yes--"geekyness"--they tend to reject. People are afraid of being rejected. They don't want to be associated with something that they're afraid will make them look bad, lose face, and lose popularity. Sure, we know there's nothing wrong with LARPing or playing a heavy-RP session of D&D, but... the people watching us don't know that. Do we want to turn into a clique that scares all outsiders--or do we want to show those "mundanes" just how fun role-playing can be? Don't threaten people with your "geeky" (read: Different and just as acceptable) behavior. That just encourages prejudice against people who aren't slavishly following the social norms. Instead, lure them in one-by-one, in a way that isn't threatening to them. Incidentally--Why do people say D&D or LARPs are a bad way to spend your time? Let's say the average person has 14 hours of free time a week... that's 2 hours a day. Why is it less practical and down-to-earth to spend those hours playing D&D and using your imagination, than it is to veg out in front of the TV? Is it more realistic to watch soap operas than to battle orcs? I think not...
recluce1 03-11-05, 06:44 PM	hey man great post :) I just wish poeple would be more open minded. I didnt think that a fellow D&D player would hate larp so much. I was just looking for other players. Not to be put down by someone.
Thuragrun 03-11-05, 06:47 PM	They are all going to laugh at you! :looloo:
recluce1 03-11-05, 06:53 PM	They are all going to laugh at you! :looloo: No we are pretty about it, but dont hold back if someone is intrested in seeing it. Besides i got all the friends i need.
Thuragrun 03-11-05, 07:18 PM	Dude, you are 15!! You should be chasing tail, not Merlin McManboobs, the lightning bolt master.
Callista 03-11-05, 07:42 PM	And who dictated that a 15-year-old should be attempting to reproduce rather than pretending to be a wizard? Popular society. Same society that is only now getting over REALLY bad stuff like racism and sexism. My opinion? Attempting to place a standard of behavior on someone else, simply on the basis that "they're all going to laugh at you", is nothing but pure prejudice, not to mention a rather hurtful "herd mentality". So is laughing at them for doing something they enjoy. We know we should accept someone with a different skin color or sexual orientation, but somehow, we can't accept someone who enjoys something we find "geeky"? Be a little more open-minded, please.
green_yawgmoth 03-11-05, 09:01 PM	Dude, you are 15!! You should be chasing tail, not Merlin McManboobs, the lightning bolt master. No, no he shouldn't. Not to detour the thread too much, but he's 15. He should not be trying to procreate, he should be enjoying his youth while he still has it. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/yawgmoth/kittyjig.jpg
Thuragrun 03-11-05, 09:44 PM	No, no he shouldn't. Not to detour the thread too much, but he's 15. He should not be trying to procreate, he should be enjoying his youth while he still has it. I never said he should be having sex. Chasing girls is not a bad thing. It is quite enjoyable.
recluce1 03-11-05, 10:27 PM	Ha the things my virgin ears are hearing! :P You guys are great, but i do have a girlfriend who i met through LARP. I know the "lighting bolt" sucks, but....I truly dont know what to say. Watching D&D can also look redicoulis to an outsider. here is our site if anyone is truly intrested in michigan larp. http://www.neromichiganeast.com/Michigan%20East%20Policy.htm
Thuragrun 03-11-05, 11:36 PM	Fair enough. Just one more time, since I have been laughing about this for hours....... "Lightning Bolt!!!"
Armorlord 03-14-05, 12:01 PM	Live Action, Dice, Freeform, Video Game, Text, Online.. All of the above. As far as Live Action goes I prefer combat heavy and hit location based, with a leaning toward more realism/balance in characters. If I'm up all night waiting for the next horrible thing to come bursting into camp (or on the cast side BEING said thing), I'm having a great time. Good exercise and I enjoy the fights. Admittedly, there are some individuals at some larps that can give it a bad image- usually the same ones you wouldn't want in a promo for D&D either. One more reason I favor combat heavy and characters with even footing, comes down to skill rather than skillpoints. :fight!: If I want politics, character with hundreds of hitpoints, talking for several hours, and super abilities- I'll sit down with my players and see how they're doing against my current deeply woven ages-spanning alternate history conspiracy that spans two universes. :evillaugh
green_yawgmoth 03-14-05, 12:36 PM	I never said he should be having sex. Chasing girls is not a bad thing. It is quite enjoyable.For you, but it is hardly something that every male 15 year old should be doing. Some of us like to let the girls come to us. :P http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/yawgmoth/kittyjig.gif
recluce1 03-14-05, 06:47 PM	For you, but it is hardly something that every male 15 year old should be doing. Some of us like to let the girls come to us. :P http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/yawgmoth/kittyjig.gif thats right! :cool: why waste the time chasing when there at my backdoor as it is!
Draco Strang 03-14-05, 08:44 PM	For you, but it is hardly something that every male 15 year old should be doing. Some of us like to let the girls come to us. :P 15 year old girls don't come to you, they come to the 17 year old guys with cars. Believe me, I was 15 once, it happened. I was 17 once, it happened again. Ah...to be 17....:)
Thuragrun 03-14-05, 11:42 PM	I am so happy this thread ended in a prideful and masculine way. My intent from the start. Chase more tail, men. Good day.
Melpomene 03-14-05, 11:47 PM	::readies Violated Meteor Swarm:: Er... wait... most trolls with charicter levels wear fire protection... nevermind...
Marchen 03-15-05, 09:24 AM	I LARP. Once a month I got to a weekend event. It's very fun. I can care less what people think of it, much less what the 'alpha geeks' who crawl out of the woodwork to mock LARPs might say. If you have so little self-pride and confidence that you feel the need to hide your activities for shame, then you should quit.
ssampier 03-15-05, 07:56 PM	LARP can be fun. It's good exercise and gets you outdoors (see the sun and soak up some Vitamin D), but overall, I prefer the game with dice. If I want to play a flying character or an orc/goblin, I'm not about to prance on my tippy-toes or put on bad makeup.
Psychotic Loner 03-15-05, 08:33 PM	I don't Larp, primarily because the most exercise I get is walking to the bathroom, and can get tired doing that. Still, I feel roused enough to speak in favor for Larping in public. So what if normal people have a problem with it? Look at what they're doing. Probably just standing around and occasionally saying something ("hanging out" is the correct term I believe) I was under the impression that we should do what we like, not what other people tell us what to like. Also, people think Larpers represent RPGers in general. This is probably because Larpers DO represent us. We are a bunch of pathetic losers, and are proud of that fact. So stop acting like they are a detriment to the hobby, unless you are on the "doesn't roll dice" position. On a final note, why is it so important to "chase" (I assume you don't mean literally, unless you like the taste of mace) women around? RPGing is a significantly more enjoyable and fulfilling task than the "chasing" activities kids engage in. Now I realize many of you naysayers have nothing against Larping in general, just PDN (Public Displays of Nerditude) But these types ARE the bulk of the RPG crowd, and any naysayers are the rogues. So if you Larp in public, continue doing so with pride. All that can hurt you is physical violence, and then you can get a huge angry nerd like me to disembowel the mightiest jock with one cruel swipe of my hand, figuratively speaking (yes, I did use that phrase in another thread, but I like it so much) Oh, and girls don't come to us, they run away from us. Stop dreaming. Fight on, Brave Larpers! :fight!: :mage: :fight!: Okay, maybe I shouldn't post when afflicted with an unknown disease ...
recluce1 03-15-05, 08:48 PM	I don't Larp, primarily because the most exercise I get is walking to the bathroom, and can get tired doing that. Still, I feel roused enough to speak in favor for Larping in public. So what if normal people have a problem with it? Look at what they're doing. Probably just standing around and occasionally saying something ("hanging out" is the correct term I believe) I was under the impression that we should do what we like, not what other people tell us what to like. Also, people think Larpers represent RPGers in general. This is probably because Larpers DO represent us. We are a bunch of pathetic losers, and are proud of that fact. So stop acting like they are a detriment to the hobby, unless you are on the "doesn't roll dice" position. On a final note, why is it so important to "chase" (I assume you don't mean literally, unless you like the taste of mace) women around? RPGing is a significantly more enjoyable and fulfilling task than the "chasing" activities kids engage in. Now I realize many of you naysayers have nothing against Larping in general, just PDN (Public Displays of Nerditude) But these types ARE the bulk of the RPG crowd, and any naysayers are the rogues. So if you Larp in public, continue doing so with pride. All that can hurt you is physical violence, and then you can get a huge angry nerd like me to disembowel the mightiest jock with one cruel swipe of my hand, figuratively speaking (yes, I did use that phrase in another thread, but I like it so much) Oh, and girls don't come to us, they run away from us. Stop dreaming. Fight on, Brave Larpers! :fight!: :mage: :fight!: Okay, maybe I shouldn't post when afflicted with an unknown disease ... great post. Yes i do pratice my fighting skills outside my house, with my larper bro's. I love larp and dnd. but i do prefer using SKILLS as opposed to dice skills.
green_yawgmoth 03-16-05, 11:03 AM	This is probably because Larpers DO represent us. We are a bunch of pathetic losers, and are proud of that fact.I don't know about you, but I am neither pathetic nor a loser. Of course, I don't LARP either, so maybe there's a correlation. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/yawgmoth/kittyjig.gif
Psychotic Loner 03-16-05, 04:16 PM	I don't know about you, but I am neither pathetic nor a loser. Maybe not by your own, but pathetic and a loser by normal people standards. Be proud of the fact, you actually have a pastime that doesn't make you stupider.
green_yawgmoth 03-16-05, 05:02 PM	Maybe not by your own, but pathetic and a loser by normal people standards. Be proud of the fact, you actually have a pastime that doesn't make you stupider. Why would I be any of those based on "normal people standards"? I'm engaged to an amazing woman, I'm a psych major and doing fairly well in my classes, and I have spending money in the bank enough to keep me happy. And what constitutes a "normal" person, anyways? It's people like you who keep up the "socially inept kid who hasn't seen a shower since the last full moon" stereotype going more than the so-called 'normal" people. But hey, if you want to associate yourself with such a negative image, go ahead. Just don't try to drag everyone who shares a hobby with you into the same image. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/yawgmoth/kittyjig.gif
Psychotic Loner 03-16-05, 05:56 PM	Why would I be any of those based on "normal people standards"? I'm engaged to an amazing woman, I'm a psych major and doing fairly well in my classes, and I have spending money in the bank enough to keep me happy. Of course your a loser. Monogomy is so uncool. I mean, you should try to bed as many women as possible. Psychology is for geeks. You should be a business major and be a low level worker in a corporation, because high levels makes you a greedy plutocrat. You should also spend more time goofing off, because school is supposed to be about finding yourself and making friends, not being a nerd and learning something. And what constitutes a "normal" person, anyways? People who don't play DnD, for starters. It's people like you who keep up the "socially inept kid who hasn't seen a shower since the last full moon" stereotype going more than the so-called 'normal" people. Why, thank you. I like being complimented on my work to keep DnD gamers misrepresented. But hey, if you want to associate yourself with such a negative image, go ahead. Why is the image negative? I have yet to see someone dislike that image more than you. Normal people think it's just weird, not bad. Just don't try to drag everyone who shares a hobby with you into the same image. So you now constitute everyone in the hobby? You are the odd one out. I don't think you should be kicked out or anything, but if you don't like the people who make up most of the hobby, find another one. You don't have to fit the image exactly, but not insulting us may be a good start.
skywyze 03-16-05, 06:01 PM	I've LARPed lots, and I love it passionately, though it takes a whole lot of work to get started, since you'll essentially need an entire wardrobe of clothes and props for every imaginable situation. Once you have that though, you can LARP all day every day if you should feel so inclined. Highly recommended. Oh, and since when did actor = loser? Cause that's essentially what a LARPer is - a freelance actor. :cool: Edit: If you want the perfect girlfriend - go for a larper. She'll understand your fascination with RPing. And for every thousand LARPers in the city I come from, there are about 4000 female and 1000 male, so I think it's a great place to meet people. Actually, I'd be very interested in hearing why you think DnD players are losers. Not to mention LARPers.
recluce1 03-16-05, 06:12 PM	I've LARPed lots, and I love it passionately, though it takes a whole lot of work to get started, since you'll essentially need an entire wardrobe of clothes and props for every imaginable situation. Once you have that though, you can LARP all day every day if you should feel so inclined. Highly recommended. Oh, and since when did actor = loser? Cause that's essentially what a LARPer is - a freelance actor. :cool: thats right! And by the way, why cant we all just get along. Please dont hate me 'cause i LARP.
Darth Teddybear 03-16-05, 06:41 PM	I don't LARP per se, but I have in the past been active in the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism), which is ...erm...a little like LARPing...sort of. Without the magic. When I was in my prime (ah to be 18 again), I was doing pretty well in the sticks-n-steel category. Once I get married (May 1st WHEEE!), my wife and I will be getting more active again in SCA events. I did participate in two actual LARP events. It annoyed me some because I was a more technically proficient fighter, landing many good, decent, and accurate blows, the person I was fighting ignored them all, hits me once on the foot yelling "CRITICAL", and somehow I'm dead. bleah. The roleplaying was fun though. The second time was a WoD LARP. Nothing like being a manipulative :censored: and calling it fun for all. I was asked not to return. Them's the breaks for making out with the "Prince"'s gf. In character of course. :angel: Before I was engaged...I swear, hun. Heee...I think I'll slip quietly away now...
green_yawgmoth 03-16-05, 10:57 PM	All attempts at humor aside...Why is the image negative? I have yet to see someone dislike that image more than you. Normal people think it's just weird, not bad. So lemme make sure I got this straight: The only thing stopping a person from being normal is D&D? I could have a third arm growing out my ass and have plaid skin, but if I don't play D&D, I'm normal. Got it. And I don't dislike the image of "gamer", I dislike the image of "pathetic loser". Note that these are different. The guy who sits at the bar for 7 hours after work because he knows his wife can't stand him is a pathetic loser; the guy who enjoys hanging out with good friends and playing a game is not. So you now constitute everyone in the hobby? You are the odd one out. I don't think you should be kicked out or anything, but if you don't like the people who make up most of the hobby, find another one. You don't have to fit the image exactly, but not insulting us may be a good start.I don't constitute everyone in the hobby, and I never said I did. I said that you can pidgeonhole yourself in whatever negative light you want all you like (and if you say "pathetic loser" isn't a negative image, I'm going to go blind from over-rolling of my eyes), just don't try to drag everyone who plays D&D, who does constitute everyone else in the hobby, with you. Saying "don't insult me for calling the majority of gamers pathetic losers" is like me saying "don't call that 900 lbs. man obese". I don't know anyone in my city who plays D&D and fits the "pathetic loser" stereotype, so maybe you're the odd one out. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/yawgmoth/kittyjig.gif
Psychotic Loner 03-17-05, 12:45 AM	All attempts at humor aside...So lemme make sure I got this straight: The only thing stopping a person from being normal is D&D? I could have a third arm growing out my ass and have plaid skin, but if I don't play D&D, I'm normal. Got it. And I don't dislike the image of "gamer", I dislike the image of "pathetic loser". Note that these are different. The guy who sits at the bar for 7 hours after work because he knows his wife can't stand him is a pathetic loser; the guy who enjoys hanging out with good friends and playing a game is not. You've stuck two rebuttals in one paragraph without quoting one. Please be clearer for everyones sake. For the former, I only said DnD for starters. Having below average social skills and having skewed views on recreation are other features of gamers. For the latter, one cannot note the diffrence, because they are the same. If you dislike one, you dislike them both. Notice the gamer image is not one of someone who plays games, who can almost be any uncool person. For your examples, the former is neither, for he got married and that signifies some sort of sucess with the oppisite sex. The latter is not a gamer image, for he hangs out. I don't constitute everyone in the hobby, and I never said I did. I said that you can pidgeonhole yourself in whatever negative light you want all you like (and if you say "pathetic loser" isn't a negative image, I'm going to go blind from over-rolling of my eyes), just don't try to drag everyone who plays D&D, who does constitute everyone else in the hobby, with you. Saying "don't insult me for calling the majority of gamers pathetic losers" is like me saying "don't call that 900 lbs. man obese". I don't know anyone in my city who plays D&D and fits the "pathetic loser" stereotype, so maybe you're the odd one out. Actions speak louder than words. You assume that I am dragging down the image, when I am building it up more than you. Mine is of one who is proud of his nerditude. You refuse to explain why the image is negative, instead blinding yourself. No, you are the detriment to the image. You try to protray us as imbeciles trying to copy others for the sake of your vague hatred of geekiness, which the rest of us enjoy. I don't know how the city of "All Your Nuts Are Belong To Us!" compares to the real world, but I have strong suspicions that all your city gamers are losers, but you will not admit it. I've already addressed how you are one, perhaps you would like me to clarify the rest for you? (No, you don't) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/yawgmoth/kittyjig.gif I disagree!
green_yawgmoth 03-17-05, 01:18 AM	You've stuck two rebuttals in one paragraph without quoting one. Please be clearer for everyones sake.I was replying to both paragraphs, since they were effectively the same thought. For the former, I only said DnD for starters. Having below average social skills and having skewed views on recreation are other features of gamers. For the latter, one cannot note the diffrence, because they are the same. If you dislike one, you dislike them both. Notice the gamer image is not one of someone who plays games, who can almost be any uncool person. For your examples, the former is neither, for he got married and that signifies some sort of sucess with the oppisite sex. The latter is not a gamer image, for he hangs out.I disagree. You are trying to build up the stereotype of "gamers have **** for social skills" is negative because this assumes that if you play any RPG, you have **** for social skills. This is not true for nearly every gamer I have met and made friends with. Actions speak louder than words. You assume that I am dragging down the image, when I am building it up more than you. Mine is of one who is proud of his nerditude. You refuse to explain why the image is negative, instead blinding yourself. No, you are the detriment to the image. You try to protray us as imbeciles trying to copy others for the sake of your vague hatred of geekiness, which the rest of us enjoy.You are trying to build up a negative image. The reason it is negative, pay attention now, is because people need social skills. If you attach a stigma to D&D such as "gamers have no social skills", then when someone finds out person X plays D&D, they automatically assume you're a creepy guy in the basement who is detached from reality. Go ahead and be proud of your "nerditude', just don't ruin any chance of making any friends before you even get them. I don't know how the city of "All Your Nuts Are Belong To Us!" compares to the real world, but I have strong suspicions that all your city gamers are losers, but you will not admit it. I've already addressed how you are one, perhaps you would like me to clarify the rest for you? (No, you don't)Everyone in our city is a gamer who has a supermodel anime schoolgirl wife and is MASSIVELY popular with everyone else. I disagree!http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/yawgmoth/kittyjig.gif!!! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/yawgmoth/kittyjig.gif
Psychotic Loner 03-19-05, 02:53 PM	You are trying to build up a negative image. The reason it is negative, pay attention now, is because people need social skills. If you attach a stigma to D&D such as "gamers have no social skills", then when someone finds out person X plays D&D, they automatically assume you're a creepy guy in the basement who is detached from reality. Go ahead and be proud of your "nerditude', just don't ruin any chance of making any friends before you even get them. Ah, now we can get into the center of the argument! Indeed, people need social skills. After all, how else could you interact profitably with co-workers at your job? And even I realise that human contact is needed. All of these things are easily contained within games of DnD. To do anything else with people outside is pointless, and occasionaly detrimental. This is a position to be proud of. We are more self-sufficient (in terms of recreation) and we don't have to leech enjoymet off of other people, instead we make our own enjoyment. And frankly, this is the realistic approach.
DrWorm 03-19-05, 07:57 PM	...hmmm...that's called isolationist. Limiting yourself to only those that share all your passions, is limiting your growth as a person. Do yourself a favor and get to know people outside of D&D.
Psychotic Loner 03-19-05, 11:43 PM	Define what "growing as a person" means. Other than moving out of your parents house and working for yourself, why is it important to grow if you don't need to socially interact? Actually answer my question please, instead of something like ":rolleyes:" Oh, and I could say to do yourself a favor and alienate anyone who does not share the DnD trait, so your last sentence rings hollow to me.
DrWorm 03-20-05, 01:02 AM	Grow as a person: (my definition) To explore new ideas and points of view so as to increase your depth of personality. By your thought we should all isolate ourselves in to little tribes of self interest, and shun all those who do not share these interests. This smacks of fear of new ideas, and that is called ignorance. Do you honestly believe that ignorance is a good thing? You find one clinical psychologist that advises people to avoid new ideas, thoughts, activities, and people, and i will concede. I am a RN (Registered Nurse) and I know first hand the importance of "personal growth" as it relates to physical health. Personal growth is part of the human social condition, and has been what made us successful as a species. Then again I could very well be wasting my time on a Troll, as the trollish smell is getting a bit pungent; however I will give you the benefit of the doubt.
Psychotic Loner 03-20-05, 01:18 AM	Grow as a person: (my definition) To explore new ideas and points of view so as to increase your depth of personality. That doesn't help me. What is depth of personality mean? By your thought we should all isolate ourselves in to little tribes of self interest, and shun all those who do not share these interests. This smacks of fear of new ideas, and that is called ignorance. Do you honestly believe that ignorance is a good thing? Fascinating. From my viewpoint that one doesn't need social interaction as a recreational activty, you have concluded that I think ignorance is good. You find one clinical psychologist that advises people to avoid new ideas, thoughts, activities, and people, and i will concede. I am a RN (Registered Nurse) and I know first hand the importance of "personal growth" as it relates to physical health. For more than a decade, clinical psychologists have tried to help me with my obvious problem. All they ever helped me was to get rid of my vast anger with medicine (and I am quite thankful for that.) So while it I trust thier judgement more than a normal person, I am somewhat skeptical when it comes to diagnostics on wierd people. Personal growth is part of the human social condition, and has been what made us successful as a species. Funny, I always thought it was opposable thumbs and super intelligence that allows us to use them to great effect. Then again I could very well be wasting my time on a Troll, as the trollish smell is getting a bit pungent; however I will give you the benefit of the doubt. Wondering if I am a troll because I don't understand your vague phrases? How zen.
DrWorm 03-20-05, 01:58 AM	That doesn't help me. What is depth of personality mean? Depth of personality refers to a personality that has experience with many different opinions, subjects of learning, and outside personalities (other people). Fascinating. From my viewpoint that one doesn't need social interaction as a recreational activty, you have concluded that I think ignorance is good. Ignorance, as defined as ignoring and avoiding new ideas. One can encounter these by non-social means, but it is not a complete experience. Funny, I always thought it was opposable thumbs and super intelligence that allows us to use them to great effect. Nope...opposable thumbs are nice and all, but the only thing that allowed early man to survive was their tendancy to band together in to strong social groups. It is pretty well documented. I recomend Stephen J Gould. Wondering if I am a troll because I don't understand your vague phrases? How zen. You misunderstand (as do I your use of the term zen in this manner) me. I wonder if you are a troll becuase the ideas that you are putting forth are so strikingly anti-social. Perhaps that is your case, but it could easily be stated by someone trying to be inflamatory. Listen...I am not going to change your mind. If you are as anti-social as you say you are, then there is nothing I can do to change that. To me it seems you are rationalizing your own uncomfort with socialization, but that could just be junk spewing forth from my mouth. It is commonly understood that socialization is key to physical health and development. Children who are not well socialized are often metally disabled to one degree or another, and are ill more often. This is all way off the topic of LARPing, however, so I will drop it.
Psychotic Loner 03-20-05, 02:03 AM	This is all way off the topic of LARPing, however, so I will drop it. If you wish, though I feel it is linked to LARPing.
recluce1 03-20-05, 08:46 AM	yes larping is social activity and i wouldnt recommend it to anyone who can't stand having fun in groups
Psychotic Loner 03-20-05, 03:34 PM	Indeed, LARPing is a social activity. It is just with your DnD group, not with strangers.
MissCalculation 03-21-05, 01:20 PM	Larp? Of course. :) Some sport's never wrong, especially in old castles or ruins.
Wharin 03-21-05, 01:33 PM	Yeah the LARPing scene has to be incredibly awesome over there, seeing how virtually every town has a castle/fortress near by. The trick is to make sure that you can find one that you are allowed to LARP on. Though i am sure that have to be a few out there.Makes most of our larps look cruddy in comparision, i am sure.
MissCalculation 03-21-05, 02:11 PM	The trick is to make sure that you can find one that you are allowed to LARP on. There is no real trick, since Larps are big commercial events and heavily advertised. OK, you have more cons here, because of the people interested in medieaval history and Germany is way smaller and more dense populeted than the US. here some pictures (http://www.drachenschmiede.de/start/content/ronne04.html) from the last con I was on. And the German LARP-Calendar (http://www.larpkalender.de/)
recluce1 03-21-05, 03:28 PM	cool pictures, although i have never been to one that was held outside. :weep: Looks really cool! Yes I LARP with my D&D group, but i also go to other groups and LARP with strangers.
Lia Nightdemon 03-21-05, 07:37 PM	Larping is so much fun :) I am a member of Nero Toronto. I've been doing it for a year now and end of april the second year starts. It doesn't run over the winter since the site isn't equip for the frigid coldness and snow. My character is a level 6 Celestial Scholar that can cast up to the 8th level spells. Though she every spell except ward in her spellbook. In April I beleive she should get to level 7 since I am donating packets so I will get an extra blanket on top of the one I get anyway and the one I get for maxing out at the last event (which was October) www.neroto.com
Morbid Angel 03-21-05, 11:13 PM	To the OP: Well met, fellow Michigan Larper! If you are ever in the area come check out our NERO chapter: http://www.nerotraverse.com/ The site is a bit outdated because of technical issues but we are still going strong. Our first big event for spring will be sometime in May. Live Action is a great shared experience and a lot of fun. I would suggest that if you are riding the fence on this whole issue to please come check it out first before passing judgement.