Einsteiger4 min readPublished on 27 Aug 2026
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions about LARP
The most common questions about LARP and our events — answered briefly and honestly.
- Do I need prior experience for my first LARP?
- No. Every one of our events welcomes first-timers. On the game field you will always find experienced players ready to help — and the game master team is there for any questions. Bring an open mind; the rest comes naturally.
- What does it cost to attend a LARP event?
- It varies greatly depending on the event. Smaller day events often cost 10–30 €; multi-day conventions typically range from 50 to 150 €. Add to that costume and equipment costs — though these can be kept low. A basic kit for a first event can be put together for around 30–60 €.
- What should I wear?
- That depends on the event's setting. For fantasy LARP: simple clothing in natural fabrics (linen, cotton, wool) in muted colours, no plastic or modern prints. A belt, a pouch, and sturdy shoes complete the look. Details can be found in our article on Costume & Equipment.
- Do I need my own weapon?
- Not necessarily. Many players start without a weapon and play an unarmed character (merchant, healer, diplomat). If you want to fight, we recommend buying a beginner weapon (30–50 €) from a reputable LARP supplier — avoid cheap products from unknown sellers, as these usually fail the weapons check.
- What is a weapons check?
- Before play begins, the game master team inspects all foam weapons for safety: is the core fully padded? Is the latex intact? Are there any exposed hard parts? Only inspected weapons may be used in play. Check your own weapon before the event and bring it to the check early if possible.
- Can I participate if I don't want to fight?
- Absolutely. A large part of LARP consists of social play: conversations, political intrigue, trading, intelligence gathering, healing. An unarmed character can have just as exciting an experience at an event as a combat-focused one.
- How do I create a character?
- Ask yourself: who are you? What do you want? Where do you come from? That's all you need to start. A simple character — merchant, mercenary, healer — is easier to play than a complex one. Plot hooks (relationships, secrets, tasks) make the character interesting to others. Details can be found in our article on Character Creation.
- What happens if my character dies?
- That depends on the event's rules. Some LARP systems have permadeath (the character is permanently dead); others allow resurrection or a new character. Ask the game master in advance. A character death is not the end — it is often the beginning of a new story.
- What do IT and OT mean?
- IT (In Time) means: you are your character — everything you do applies in the game world. OT (Out of Time) means: you are speaking as yourself, outside the fiction. Keeping the two clearly separated is a core principle of good LARP. More on this in our article IT and OT.
- What is a safeword?
- A safeword or timestop signal stops the game immediately — for injury, genuine discomfort, or an emergency. It is passed on loudly by all participants. Use it without hesitation if you or someone else needs it. The specific signal for each event is explained during the briefing.
- Can children or young people participate?
- That depends on the event. Some events are explicitly family-friendly or designed for younger audiences; others are adults-only. Check the age information in the event description. Tales&Legends clearly marks age recommendations and restrictions in every event announcement.
- What is the difference between PC and NPC?
- PC stands for Player Character — your own character. NPC (Non-Player Character) is a character played by the game master team or staff volunteers to populate the game world and drive plots forward. As a beginner you almost always play a PC.
- What do you wear in bad weather?
- LARP takes place in almost any weather. Bring rain protection (a poncho, a waterproof jacket under a cloak), dry spare clothing, sturdy shoes with grip, and — in cold weather — layers you can add. Wool stays warm when wet. Cotton and linen tops dry slowly — plan accordingly.
- Am I allowed to take photos?
- Each event sets its own rules. Most events allow photos in OT areas; some have clearly designated photo windows. Always ask other players before publishing photos of them. Respect characters who don't want to be photographed.
- What if I feel unwell or overwhelmed?
- Go immediately to an OT area or use the safeword. You don't need to explain why. Everyone has the right to take a break. The safety team is specifically trained for situations like this — don't hesitate to approach them.
- How do I find events near me?
- Good starting points are larpkalender.de, the German LARP community on Facebook, or searches for LARP in your region. At Tales&Legends you'll find our own events in the event overview.
Want to try it yourself?Take a look at our schedule — getting started only takes curiosity.
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