You've just wrapped up the event and had an incredible time. So, what's next?
First thing that happens is an experience called afters. This is a post event party where people meet out of play to share stories and decompress. Afters is held at the IHOP at 122 Truck Stop Way, Jackson GA 30233
Next you need to get home safely! LARPing is an incredible experience and you may not realize how tired you are until you are well into your drive home. It is okay to take breaks on your ride home. If you feel sleepy pull off the road, take a nap (in a safe spot), get some snacks, or get a non-alcoholic drink like water or coffee. You may want to hurray up and just get home but a little caution on the drive home is necessary, especially if this is your first event!
Now that you are home you should focus on self care. Eat a good meal with plenty of protein! Continuously drink water so you can avoid any side effects from dehydration or muscle cramps. You are also going to find yourself in a deep sleep after LARP. Make sure you set up your alarms for the next day even if “Your just going to lie down and take a quick nap.”
Food - Water - Rest
The winning combo after LARP
The day after the event, take some time to thoroughly inspect all your gear. Make sure nothing got lost or left behind. While checking your items, start your laundry, and if anything got damaged, begin repairs or plan to replace what’s necessary. Many players modify their kits for better comfort and utility after their first event, so don’t hesitate to tweak things and add new elements to your setup. It’s all part of improving your experience and making sure you’re ready for the next adventure!
As you clean and organize your kit, you'll likely reflect on all the exciting things you experienced over the weekend. It's a great idea to jot down notes about your adventures—many players keep a LARP journal to track important events and information from the game. You’ll also be invited to join the Discord community, where you can share your favorite moments from the event.
About a week later, we send out the Post Event Letter (PEL), a survey that allows you to provide feedback on what went well, what could be improved, and any suggestions for the future. The PEL also includes a section where you can submit one "In-Between Game Action." This is where you tell us what your character is doing in the world between events, which often leads to a mini-quest or module at the next event. We’re always working to enhance the experience, and your feedback plays a key role in that process!
You had a fantastic time at the event, but now it's back to reality and work. If you're feeling a bit down, that’s totally normal! This is known as LARP Drop and LARP Bleed.
LARP Drop: This happens when you've been riding a high from all the excitement and fun of the weekend, and then suddenly, you're no longer in that environment. The good vibes and people aren't around, which can leave you feeling a bit sluggish or down, both mentally and physically. It’s common, so don’t be surprised! To help manage this, reach out to others, find activities that boost your mood, and check in with your friends who may be feeling the same way.
LARP Bleed: Bleed occurs when emotions from your in-game character start to affect your real-world feelings, and vice versa. It can happen without you even realizing it. Your character’s emotions could spill over into your personal life, or you might carry your real-life feelings into your role-play. When this happens, it's good to take a step back, process those emotions, and make sure you're okay before diving back into RP. It’s also helpful to check in with those you role-played with to see how they’re feeling too—communication can clear up misunderstandings or help sort out emotional confusion. Remember, this happens to a lot of people, and it’s okay whether the feelings are positive or negative. We’re all here to support each other, so if you need to talk, I’m always around to lend an ear!
This can happen to anyone and its a good idea to check in with your friends—they might be experiencing different emotions after the event. Some may not want to talk right away, and that’s okay. Just be understanding and give space where needed!