For the first time in the convention’s history, Zenkaikon will add to its already generous roster of offerings a LARP (live action role playing) event. I was fortunate enough to conduct an email interview with Lan, one of the co-organizers of the event. She and her team were gracious enough to provide me with a wealth of information about the event which is certain to attract both hardcore LARPers and curious newcomers alike.
1. Can you elaborate upon the theme of this year’s LARP, “The Big Dreams Competition”?
Without giving too much away, we’re looking to have characters who have strong dreams and ambitions, both big and small, good and bad, realistic or ridiculously unachievable. This is common in anime, and I think we’ll have a lot of characters in the game who fit this description.
2. At what other conventions have you run the LARP activity? How have those experiences been, both for you as an organizer and for the players themselves?
The GMs (game masters) of this LARP have previously helped run LARPs at AnimeNEXT, Otakon and Nekocon. Several other conventions hold LARPs as well. We get a lot of open-minded and friendly gamers who just want to have fun with their characters. Organizing a game is a lot of work, but the fun everyone has is a great reward.
3. What is it like playing in a LARP? How does it differ from straight cosplay or masquerade?
You act as your character, and the game has a system and character sheets to play along with. Cosplay is not necessary to join in the LARP, but is welcomed. Generally a LARP has an overarching plot for the weekend, and also events that are scheduled, so you can attend as much as you’d like.
4. Do you have any particularly memorable experiences from past LARP events?
I can’t even begin to tell you about my memorable experiences from the LARP! I’ve been doing these games for ten years now, and each game has its own amazing scenes and characters that make each one a unique and memorable experience. One year while running AnimeNEXT’s LARP, I was playing Miles Edgeworth as an NPC, prosecuting Mousse as assault against Lina Inverse, whom he had mistaken for Ranma. Pheonix Wright defended Mousse brilliantly, and brought such witnesses to the stand like Kakashi, who was a “honored war veteran” to be a character witness for Mousse. Hilarious scenes like that stick out in your mind for a very long time!
5. What characters are the most popular at LARP events? Do you find that most come from series, movies, manga, or video games?
Definitely mostly from anime, and the most popular series’ character(s) get picked up. Naruto, Bleach, and Death Note are great examples, but you still get surprised with the occasional obscure or old school characters too.
6. Do you have any other information you would like guests, be they potential/past LARPers or simply curious parties, to know?
The LARP staff and players are very welcoming and open to players new and old, and will be glad to teach anyone to play who wants to learn. It’s an easy and fun game whether you’re a lifelong player or new to LARPing all together. Stop by and check it out!
For more information on the LARP at Zenkaikon V, please visit the ZenkaiLARP page.