Your first event? No worries. We got you.

If you’re like me, you strive for perfection - and it was hard not to do so when creating my LARP character and how I wanted her portrayed, how I wanted her to act. I’m 4 events in and I’m still tinkering with her outfit - it might never be perfect. However, I didn’t want my need for perfection to prevent me from playing and I hope you can defeat that monster to attend your first event.

So, listen. People are here to have fun and part of that fun is making mistakes. If you find that you’ve made a mistake during a battle or while casting a spell - or even with your costume, there’s no need to fret my friend! Everyone started as a beginner (or more than once, if they want to explore many options before deciding what they really want). At Dawn Lands we just want you to make an effort - that’s all. It doesn’t have to be perfect or expensive. There will be lots of time to fully immerse yourself later - because adventuring never ends!

It’s fun and exciting to see new players/LARPers at events - because we want to share the experience with you. Ask questions! Look over the website and read the rules. Feel free to talk with those who have attended a Dawn Lands event in the past. The quest for knowledge is commendable, so no question will be seen as dumb. If immersing yourself fully into your character is a bit daunting for a weekend event, there are a few options you can take. Sign up as a “Ghost”(this is what we consider a spectator. There are limitations on your interactions, but you’ll still get to have lots of fun. For the full definition please visit the rules section) - or - help out by being an NPC. This will allow you to be in the middle of things, but as an observer.

No one will mind if you spend the least amount ($$$) possible for your first event for your character. While we want an effort taken for you to look like your character at events, it doesn’t have to be perfect. As mentioned, an attempt is greatly appreciated. At our events, we try to have items that one can borrow such as weapons or clothing, but it is first come first served, so the sooner you let us know, the sooner we can help!

After reading the rules and checking out the website, if you’d still like to seek clarification on something, feel free to ask us directly. We are more than happy to explain how something works or doesn’t work. To help with gameplay, it’s better to ask the same question a few times before the event - before you’re engaged - as opposed to in the middle of play.

While out and about, you may feel like others are into the setting more, know their character more, or have better outfits and kits - simply put, you might feel like you aren’t into the game, but that’s probably not true. The most important thing you can do while adventuring in Dawn Lands is to make an effort, understand the ruleset, and to respect the other players. Sometimes, trying a new activity is easier with friends or family - same with LARPing. So, bring your family or a friend to help you feel at ease. This will give you someone familiar to try something new with and it can help you relax while being around other players you don’t know (yet! You don’t know yet!), which means you might have more fun. I’ve found that I feel better at events with someone I know and it gives me more confidence to interact with other players (cause I can hide behind my friends). It can be hard joining a new game or trying something new - so ease into play and ease into your character. Do you want to observe for a bit? The Dragon’s Den is a great place to just sit and watch. Don’t feel like you have to immerse yourself right away (unless that’s your thing, then you do you!) or even talk to anyone. We won't throw you into the deep end unless you’re ok with it. Just between you and me, I still get stage fright and sometimes don’t quite know how to act or respond - but practice makes perfect! And knowing your character can really help with this too.

We want you to have fun! Start small. Remember, you don’t have to be perfect.