How to get your LARPing outfit together
Vampires in the World of Darkness come in all shapes and sizes and take all manner of appearances (sometimes literally, as with those who Obfuscate!). In live-action Vampire games, the careful choice of garments can go a long way towards making a character come to life. The old adage about the clothes making the man does have some truth in it. People act and carry themselves differently when they are dressed in formal suits than they do in ripped jeans and leather jackets -- try it and you'll feel it immediately.
A well-planned outfit and appropriate props can also help show important character traits. A wealthy character might wear flashy jewels, while an intellectual character might carry a book bag. You can also use costume as a form of subterfuge. For example, if your character is a conniver at heart, she might change her outfits to fit in with different groups and better use them to her advantage. Or a very clever character might dress in a childlike fashion to distract others from her intelligence.
LARP costuming need not be elaborate (although that's certainly fun!). Simple props and accessories can be evocative of a mood, theme, concept, or profession. All it takes is one interesting item to signify something important about your character. A briefcase may show that you're a serious Ventrue, or a vintage cocktail hat could mean that you're a sophisticated Toreador party maven. A Gangrel could carry a backpack covered in Sierra Club buttons, while a spiked belt says you're a Brujah with attitude. Of course, these are the typical stereotypes, but I just wanted to explain how one simple accessory could show others something about your character.
Thrift stores, vintage boutiques, discount stores, garage sales, hobby shops, party-supply stores, and "everything for a dollar" stores are good places to find affordable and unusual props and costumery. You may even have things in your own closet (or your friends' and family's closets, attics, and basements) that you can combine for new looks. With a little cardboard and hot glue, you can make nifty physical representations of props too. Even seemingly expensive items like cellular phones can be simulated very inexpensively. Look in toy and novelty stores for kiddie versions of these items (I have several $2.00 faux cell phones that originally held bubble gum, and I've seen fake beepers that are also filled with candy). Except for weaponry, why limit yourself to prop cards?
White Wolf's Book of Props has detailed chapters on costuming, make-up, and props for Mind's Eye Theater that could be very useful for those on their first forays into theatrical costume. The authors stress the importance of costume reflecting the character, and they discuss how you can use costume to create effects. It's a good book for beginners and an entertaining read for more experienced costumers.
-- By Trystan L. Bass
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