So I went LARPing for the first time in my life

For anyone unfamiliar, LARP stands for live action roleplay. It's essentially where a whole bunch of nerds get together, dress up, and fight (either npcs or each other).
The one I attended was called Dystopia Rising and is an apocalyptic mix of Mad Max/Fallout/ect. I just wanted to share a little bit of my experience there, and if anyone is interested in LARPing..
DO .
IT.

Everyone attending dresses up and let me tell you, they are the most creative and talented people out there. So many people's costumes looked so amazing.

Also during the weekend, you get to play as an npc or non-playable character. This is your opportunity to become the zombie(zed)/raider/a whole bunch of other wasteland creatures that everyone has to fight off. These three studs are Gorehounds, which are basically the Deathclaws of DR. These lil fuckers look cheeky but they one shot you and drag you out to the wilderness to be fodder.

Each character is hand crafted by the player. You can literally be WHOEVER you want. Wanna be an asshole? DO IT. Wanna be a racist medic that heals people by making them drink their blood, hey DO IT.
Everyone is super unique. Traits. Appearance. Attire. Its amazing.

( it me!) There are also a ton of classes to choose from. You can be a lone scavenger, a caravan driver, a sawbones (doctor), a teacher, a priest, a hunter, a hire solider, ect
THERE ARE SO MANY TO CHOOSE FROM.
It's basically the best RPG game ever because it all feels real and the combos are limitless

Before I actually went LARPing, I was pretty apprehensive because I barely knew the people I was going with (also over 200 attended) and I've never been really good at making friends. When I first got there, I was greeted by happy faces. Everyone helps everyone and these freaking people are the got-dang most pure hearted people I've ever met. They are hilarious, kind, and inclusive.
And spicy.
A lot of them are spicy.

The entire weekend was just a whole bunch of unity, friendship, and fun. If you don't feel comfortable, you tell them, and they help you out. If you can't stay in character because it's too much, they help you out. If you get sick, injured, scared, someone is always there for you. It's just a big family.

I love this shot. This is everyone charging a scary ass tank.
Teamwork is key
nEVER Go ANYWHERE ALONE

Again, with the individuality and effort people put forth in their costumes. I love it all.

NO ONE LEFT BEHIND

A brief summary (from the Website) : Dystopia Rising is a game that is not centered on the undead. It is a game that is centered on what becomes of the human condition when forced into an environment where survival could very well be your only concern. Do you decide to become a ruthless warlord, an amoral sociopath, or a monster much uglier inside than any zombie is on the outside? Perhaps you take the high road as a nameless wanderer, find higher purpose in faith, or do everything you can to force civility into a chaotic world. No one can tell you what you will do other than your own conscience. The world died many generations ago, and it is your turn to build the new world from the ashes.

This is the group I was introduced to. Most of them I had never met before, but ever since that game, I have found my best friends. These people have become my family. They are all absolutely ridiculous and I freaking love them each to pieces.

ARTSY SQUAD. But really you guys, Dystopia Rising has basically changed my life. I have found my niche, and I'm just so excited, I had to share it with Imgur. If anyone is considering trying LARP, just do it! Give it a shot. The Dystopia Rising chapter I go to is in Southern California, but they are literally EVERYWHERE. Try it out guys, fo real. If anyone has any questions about it, you can message me! I'd be happy to help out!