|
Header art by
Lauren Snyder
|
 This web page is part of a hosted copy of the WoodWorks eZine at Elfwood. (#166)
The eZine is no longer updated, nor does it have it's own domain left... This also means that it's no use to contact the WoodWorks editors, etc, etc... | | |
Woodlarping
By Annet Nijmeijer
It’s a hot summer.
No doubt most of the people who read this know this already. Whether you spend more time at the beach or in parks, I still appreciate you all reading this. And though I can imagine you would rather not have someone pointing out the clearly obvious, please bear with me a bit longer.
Personally, I don’t like the summer. Of course, there is something to be said for ice cream, summer cocktails, freshly pressed orange juice with ice. a straw and a slice of lime. I prefer the winter. In winters, you get to stroll in snowy landscapes and wear thick sweaters. You get to sit on a rug in front of the fireplace, hot cocoa in your hand. You get to cuddle with your spouse or pet, because you’re cold.
Yes, I have a point, and I’m getting there. Only a month ago the largest larp event in Holland was held, in the foresty meadows near Apeldoorn. And I was not there. I wasn’t there! Yes, I am sorry, and yes, there are good reasons why I didn’t make it (money is one), but somewhere I also was glad.
You see, during this particular event, there was a heat wave over Holland, similar to the one that is crippling the country today. With the sun blistering your shield and armor, the only breeze that stirs the light cloaks people wear is just as hot as the air that lies as a warm blanket on your skin.
I have heard stories of this event: it seems that it is all people can talk about right now, or at least until the next larp. Stories of raging hordes of savage creatures. Stories of the gypsies and their carts in the middle of the field. Stories, of people wearing chain mail, padded war-coats and plate armor in the blistering sun.
If you’ve never worn any of these clothes, or you can’t imagine what it must be like think of the following. Try to picture yourself standing outside in the hot sun right this very moment. And you’re wearing jeans and your winter sweater. But, since chainmail isn’t very light (unless made of aluminum) imagine yourself wearing jeans, your winter sweater, and a 5 kilo bag of potatoes on both shoulders. Can you picture this?
Good. Now, imagine you’re holding a weapon, just a sword, nothing fancy. And all of a sudden, as if there isn’t a thing like hot weather, sweat, and dehydration, the crazy people around you start running and fighting! It just seems to take all of the fun out of the larp.
On the other hand, there are other roles which are more suitable for this kind of weather. Pixies, for instance, seldom wear anything else then skirts and shirts that are quite light, sometimes even see-through. For pixies, winterlarps aren’t any fun.
And while everybody else was playing around in the blistering heat of the largest larp even Holland has to offer, I just spend my summer days cooped up inside, trying to keep the heat out of the house, working on warm costumes for this winter when I get to play again.
Can’t wait.
|
 |
Annet Nijmeijer is a student in Holland who spends more time on Larp than on studying. She designs Larp costumes for her friends and herself. She has attended ten Lives so far, and doesn't intend to stop any time soon.
|
|
|
Top
|
