LARPs: “In LARP, or live action role-playing game, players assume the identity of their chosen character and physically perform their actions (as opposed to simply describing them).”

I enjoy cosplaying whenever I have the chance to, and I enjoy playing RPGs of any format, but I have never participated in a LARPing session. The idea does not appeal to me. When I watch the web series LARPs however, I find it difficult not to be entranced by all the possible stories.

LARPs revolves around 5 friends who spend their free time writing and playing their own characters in a variety of stories, on the hunt for the Eleventh Eye, a mystical object the groups were guardians of until losing it in battle. On their journey they face off against NPCs (non-playing characters- played by Evan, the Game Master) that stand in their way.

So far in the second season, Arthur has played the “Kenny” of the group, killing off his character during each session so he can regularly play a new person. Will is playing, while attempting to hide from his friends after being turned down by Brittany after revealing his love for his character over her in real life (meanwhile still playing her character’s lover). Shane has introduced a newb into the game, creating a new learning experience for the entire group. Evan continues to try new storylines, preventing strife amongst the group so the story can work without personal battles.

Three years after The Guild and The Lizzie Bennet Diaries ended, I see LARPs as the new go-to web series. With entertaining and emotionally-driven characters — both characters and players — along with impressive actors, all of whom are unknowns — the series is a wonderful journey for fans of larping and RPGs as well as muggles unfamiliar with the game. During a free hour, I recommend checking out this series, and afterwards, why not create your own story to larp.