The use of magic in Larp

Magic is an essential part of live role-playing. It is one of the main aspects that makes the difference to medieval reenactment, i.e. the replaying of the pure Middle Ages.

The use of magic in Larp is always pushed to the limits of representability. But having imagination is also an important part of Larping.

Thus, magic is mainly represented by a lot of gestures, loudly intoned magic formulas and various components. The different spells and their components are defined in the Larp rule system, so theoretically everyone can know about the different spells, if they have learned them at some point as their Larp character.

What exactly is magic?

Magic is a mystical power, which occurs over and over again in legends and sagas. Some religions also rely on the fact that there are magical powers in the world. Especially in fantasy movies and books magic is a very important part. Those who can cause and control magic are called mages, wizards or sorcerers.

Some creatures are magically gifted from the very beginning, such as elves, fairies and ghosts. Others, such as humans, must first learn how to use magic. There are partly very different kinds of magic, nature magic, clerical magic or arcane magic. As a great power it can also be used devastatingly and so there is black magic, which deals with forbidden spells or magic practices such as the resurrection of the dead. These practices also include curses, i.e. bewitching of a person or group.

How do I practice magic at Larp?

Magic at Larp requires some acting skills and energetic speaking. Often there are clear gestures and catchwords which are supposed to illustrate a certain magic. „shock wave“ or „fireball“ are clearly shouted and supported by gestures of the magician to indicate their area of effect.

The magic effects can be supported by smaller and larger pyrotechnics. Otherwise, the play with magic in Larp is significantly influenced by mutual role-playing. So a magical fireball can go up unnoticed or become a real highlight by a good interplay of mage and the enchanted people. Shock waves can sometimes knock down entire rows of warriors, which is a breathtaking effect on the battlefield when everyone is playing along. Visible components such as softballs or cloth ribbons should only ever be supportive and not replace the spell itself.

But there are also „quieter“ spells that are not meant for the battlefield, like healing spells or shaman dances. Here the acting skills determine the effect of the spell even more. Protective spells are often represented by colourful ribbons that you swing on a string around you. Healing spells are usually done by laying on of hands, but you can also build light effects on your hands or your staff (But as you know, safety first with larp weapons!). And of course there are many magic rituals that can sometimes keep wizards, druids and witches busy for hours.

Building light effects like LED lamps into magical objects is a nice effect. Because we already have the magic of light through our modern technology, so why not use it?

A good representation of magic starts with your own equipment. This should be characteristic for the mage. The basic equipment can be obtained from us, at Andracor.com