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September 02, 2010, 09:57:11 pm

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[MortalisGames]

First off, I'd like to share that you'll soon be able to read these weekly columns on RPG.net as well as here at Mortalis Games. Yes, RPG.net expressed a desire to re-publish my columns on their site and I agreed. Shortly after they go live at the Mortalis Games site you should be able to find the column up on RPG.net.

I would also like to apologize for the lateness of this week's column. It's been a bit of a balancing act getting everything ready for RPG.net and this week's column written. I had hoped that the past columns would be up on RPG.net by the time this one went live on the Mortalis Games site so that I could point people in that direction if they wanted to see the RPG.net offerings. Alas, that wasn't to happen this week.

This week and next week's article is courtesy of a conversation I had with a fellow LARPer and friend, Adam. We got onto the subject of costuming and by the time our several minute conversation had ended we agreed that an article (or two) on costuming would be a good idea. Thus from that conversation we have Costuming and You, parts one and two. This week I'll be sharing part one and next week will be part two.

One of the points we did agree on, and I think many LARPers will agree with, was that part of the joy of character creation is the fun of costuming that character. Their stats may all be noted on that sheet of paper in your pocket, but the character really comes to life when you dress up and assume that role. There were many valid points that we discussed during that conversation and those points are what I'd like to share with you with the hope it'll help you have a more engaging time when you assume the role of your character.

• Costuming helps enhance and keep game atmosphere: I can't repeat this enough times. The game organizers can decorate the game space, have awesome NPC costumes and provide cool props, but that can all be put to waste if you suddenly have a cadre of PC's in shabby costumes (t-tunic just thrown over street clothes, for example). Yes, it can be harder to costume for certain genres, however most organizers also understand that if a honest, conscious effort is being made to be more forgiving. At the same time this isn't an excuse to show up in a sloppily created costume. Just as organizers should do all they can to provide a setting that helps you suspend your disbelief and create the feeling and atmosphere conducive to the game they are running, you too have a responsibility to do all that you can to costume appropriately to help enhance and uphold that atmosphere.
  
  LARP Organizers and plot crews, don't think I'd let you all off the hook so easily. Just as it's important for the players of your game to be well costumed, the same is true for your NPCs; even if the NPCs are just toss away crunchies. The players should never have to ask "What do I see?" when an NPC approaches them. The more you can do to enhance game atmosphere through NPC costuming and props the better the game will be and more engaging the players will likely be with the game environment.
  
  It's also important to make sure that you communicate to your players the expectations you have for costuming and make up, and keep those expectations realistic. You should also be aware of the message your expectations send and set. If you're going to have some pretty stringent costume expectations for your players, they have a right to expect that you'll have a lot to offer them in return (see the point just below).
• Expectations: Make sure that you're aware of the game's overall costume expectations and do all that you can to meet them. Likewise, game organizers should be fair and aware of what the they can expect from their players based on the costume expectations they set.
  
  I really like what Kitten, a member of the Mortalis Games forums had to say on this, "... If you are more forgiving with your armor and costuming requirements, the atmosphere may not be as authentic but the average here-for-the-fun-of-it-and-pretty-well-broke players will likely be more content (and may surprise you with how creative they can be!), while those with the desire to go above and beyond have the satisfaction of being envied and admired.
  
  "... On the other end of the spectrum, the higher the expectations on armor and costume, the more the game needs to return in retrospect: extra bonuses for good costuming; strict, fair, and well-followed rules on armor points (with benefits for going the extra mile), contests for Best Costume or Best Armor, etc.  If you expect more from the player, the player expects more from the game.  If you demand above-average costuming for a below-average to average game, expect to have some very disillusioned players who won't be coming back."
  
  You can read their whole comment here.
• Costuming for the Weather: Those who play games inside a climate controlled building won't need to worry about this point near as much, though you should consider how your character would dress during extremely hot or bad weather upon arriving at the in-game gathering location (particularly if you might step outside for a bit). If you'll be one of those playing outside a lot, this point becomes more important; as you create your costume, be aware of the weather it'll be worn in. If temperatures will fluctuate during the day, dress in layers so you can shed layers as it warms up and then add them back as it cools down. If it'll be really hot, wear light weight fabrics in light colors. If it'll be really cold, wear a light layer next to your skin, then add on the heavier, thicker layers. While there are a bunch of synthetic fabrics out there, I've also found that when costuming for temperature extremes that sticking to primarily natural fibers is best: Cotton, linen, silks when it's hot and cottons, silk, wool, flannel when its cold. This is because natural fibers breath better and some fabrics, like wool, will keep you warm even when they are damp.
• Appropriateness: As you create or develop the costume for a character make sure that it's appropriate for the game's location, the game's genre and style and your body type. Showing up in a Princess Leia slave girl style outfit, as appropriate as it might be for the character you're playing, it might not be appropriate for the game's location or non-participants that might be in the area. Overly skimpy, risqué and excessively gruesome costumes should be kept to private venues and then only put on and removed within the confines of that venue's changing areas. If the venue won't have changing rooms for you to get changed in then make sure you wear something over the top that's modest or covers the shocking parts of your costume that you can quickly remove once you get to the game site. If you really must wear something that shocking to a game that isn't at a private venue, tone it down as much as you can and then wear a skin colored body suit underneath, that way if something does shift the wrong way you won't suddenly have a horrible, embarrassing and inappropriate wardrobe malfunction. Better yet, have a "public safe" outfit that you can wear for such occasions.
  
  While most people don't have an issue with making sure that their costume fits the game's genre and style, I think a reminder is still a good idea. Be aware of the game's genre and costume accordingly. Be aware of the materials you're using or incorporating to make sure that they enhance the costume in a way that fits with the genre. A bright, construction orange shirt probably wouldn’t work well for a fantasy themed game, but might be perfect for that post-apocalypse LARP. Also, be aware of the game's style. A theater style LARP will be more forgiving and open to having an elaborate costume that might include a lot of straps, spikes or "appendages" than a live-combat LARP where such a costume would likely create a safety hazard and thus not allowed. Please don't let your costume become a safety hazard and design accordingly where such things can be easily removed for more active games or are less obtrusive, thus preventing them from becoming a safety hazard.
  
  Be aware of your body type and costume accordingly; some materials and styles are flattering for only certain body types. Yes, this means that just because you can wear something doesn't mean that you necessarily should. Keeping this in mind will not only will help you create something that will flatter your body type and remain comfortable, but can also keep you from creating a health or safety hazard. Wearing a piece that's too large in some way can not only be cumbersome, but can lead to safety issues. Likewise, wearing something that's too small in some way can be a potential health hazard if you can't move or breathe in a fashion that won't cause you to keel over.
• Utilizing colors (or lack thereof): If you tend to be the kind of person who creates very monotone costumes in a particular color or very few similar colors, consider adding an accessory or two or that adds a splash of color to your outfit. If you want to go dark, you can do it without going all black, mix in dark jewel tones to add some depth and variation. The same goes with very pale colored costumes, very light pastels mixed in with the white or ivory do the same. Some groups may reserve certain colors for various items like belts or sashes for special groups, such as knights and white belts. Be aware of such color restrictions so that you don't make a color fumble with your costume. Also be aware of the colors you pick and the time of year. As noted earlier, darker colors will soak up the heat of the sun much more than lighter colors.
• Footwear: Wear good shoes! It doesn't matter if you're going to be walking around a hotel ballroom or out booking it across a field with a horde of NPCs in tow. Take care of your feet and they'll take care of you. Most game organizers understand this and are willing to be more lenient with footwear/costume clashes (particularly if you have special shoe inserts/orthotics you need to wear). Make sure the shoes you wear are broken in and well cushioned too. Nothing will ruin your feet faster than wearing shoes that you've not broken in or are ill fitting. Likewise, don't wear a style of shoe you're not used to wearing. If you hardly wear high heels, don't suddenly wear a pair of stilettos to a game. Your feet will hate you (and your back might too). If you'll be participating in a live-combat game make sure you wear shoes with at least good arch support and good ground gripping tread on the bottom, good ankle support is strongly recommended.
• Cleaning, repair and storage: Keep your costume pieces cleaned and in good repair and they'll last you a long time. When they get dirty or smelly, clean them as soon as you can to keep stains or smells from setting in. Torn or ripped costuming should be repaired as soon as possible keep further damage from compounding the problem or making the costume unwearable. If you don't know how to sew or the damage is beyond your skill to repair check around your LARP group or the LARP community in your area; someone is bound to know how to fix it or know someone who can. If your costume has been in storage for a while air out the pieces before wearing; a musty costume that's been stored away for months on end can be rather unpleasant smelling. Packing small blocks or balls of cedar wood around your costuming are not only good for helping to repel wool eating moths but also keeping mustiness at bay. You may also want to spray down your costume with a product like Febreeze to help clear out any nasty odors it picked up while in storage.

Here's a parting treat, a link a friend sent me: Warm Weather Costuming for LARPs, Renaissance Faires, and Conventions. Thanks, Conor!

Next week I'll cover various resources that one can utilize to help create a fun and dynamic costume on the cheap in part two of Costuming and You.

In closing, do you have any other points that you feel should be shared? Any sources or tips you want to share for next week's half? Any other costume related thoughts you want to share?

As always I love to hear feedback and suggestions for further articles. Feel free to leave a comment here at the Mortalis Games site, write Amber at webmaster@mortalisrpg.com or once this goes live on RPG.net, visit the article's forum thread (there should be a link below the article to it) to see what else has been shared or to leave a comment there.

[Sue McLoughlin]

Great article! As the owner of my own business dedicated to LARP costumes(www.susofashions.com), I have to agree with much of what you covered! When I create costumes for sale at conventions, I try to include a variety of fabrics for all weather, plus a range of colors to suit anyone's tastes. I always try to keep in mind that many of these costumes will see combat, so I try to construct them to withstand it. Also, I think it's important that most items are machine washable, since many people will never find the time to hand-wash or dry-clean their garb. I'm looking forward to part two!

[Kitten]

In regards to Footwear, something I'd recommend: DON'T wear cotton socks.  They don't have enough cushioning (yes, even the thick ones), they have a higher tendency to wear blisters in the feet, they get smelly fast, and they hold moisture up against the skin causing funk and boot rot.  For everyday use, cotton is fine, but if you're going to be running around outdoors for multiple days with no AC and no laundry basket to conveniently dispose of nasty socks, wear wool.

Yes, even in hot weather.  If you're wearing close-toed shoes, wear wool socks.  If you're wearing sandals, well then, unless you live in Seattle you're probably not wearing socks.  

Wool has come a long way and isn't the scratchy itchy stuff people think of.  (Unless you're allergic to lanolin; in that case, avoid wool like the plague.)  Yes, there are still itchy wool items (don't know why people still make the coarse stuff anymore) but Merino wool is superfine and soft, and usually not too hard to find.  They make various styles of wool socks, too, from hiking to running, thick to thin.  I have a pair of thin wool ankle socks from a company called Smartwool that I absolutely ADORE for warm weather.  Wool is funk-resistant, doesn't hold smells, wicks moisture and sweat away from the foot, and cushions nicely to avoid blisters and stone bruises and all the nasty things that leave you limping at end of game.  I've gone for multiple days wearing the same pair of wool socks with no ill effects (not recommended!).  Plus if they get wet and you don't have a replacement right away, wool can hold up to 3 times its weight in water before actually feeling wet.

In summary, wool socks are a lifesaver and can help make good footwear great.  It can even make mediocre footwear good, but stick with good/great.  Wear good footwear, folks.  Limping around game is no fun, trust me.

[MortalisGames]

Thank you for that wonderful bit of advice. Save your feet!

- Amber E.

P.S. Yes, it's true. We Seattlites are the epitomy of wearing sandals and socks

[Nath`]

extra bonuses for good costuming

I really object to this concept, and it would put me off a larp.

Admiring someone for spending time/money/effort on costume is right and proper, but judging their costume and awarding them a 'bonus' seems entirely innappropiate.  

If people are going to create good costume to get more xp (or did you mean some other kind of bonus?) that's a pretty poor reflection on the player's motives.

[MortalisGames]

extra bonuses for good costuming

I really object to this concept, and it would put me off a larp.

Admiring someone for spending time/money/effort on costume is right and proper, but judging their costume and awarding them a 'bonus' seems entirely innappropiate.  

If people are going to create good costume to get more xp (or did you mean some other kind of bonus?) that's a pretty poor reflection on the player's motives.

I've yet to see costuming grant a person extra XP, but say an extra armor point or two. I agree that if costuming granted extra XP I too would be turned away, however granting a small bonus like an extra armor point or two or something comparable I have no issue with.

Also take into consideration the different LARP cultures around the world (or even within a single country as may be the case in some parts of the world). As I pointed out in an earlier article "Each culture has different expectations and challenges it must meet for the game to be successful and the rules to work... .What is considered acceptable and even expected here in the USA may not be over in Germany or Denmark."

- Amber E.

[Baronblackrose]

I don;t believe peopel should be rewarded for best costume. It can make peopel not want to be there. But encouraging them to actually have an outfit. More then just a tunic over street clothes.      I believe in encouraging players to try their best at an outfit.   They don;t have to spend thousands.  Just make a decent attempt.   

[Nath`]

(yes, I'm play devil's advocate here)

I'm not sure that 'cultural differences' are a valid defense in all cases.  If some thing is bad/inefficient/wrong, a lot of people in one area doing it doesn't always make it right?

What is logic behind giving someone armour points for wearing a nice costume? (unless said costume is armour of course) Do you think there are players who will costume if this is done, and not costume if it isn't? 

[MortalisGames]

(yes, I'm play devil's advocate here)

I'm not sure that 'cultural differences' are a valid defense in all cases.  If some thing is bad/inefficient/wrong, a lot of people in one area doing it doesn't always make it right?

You're right, not in all cases, but in some cases it is and that's why I think it should be something that's kept in mind at least in intial observation. Weather or not it's right or not I still think it's important to examine it to see if it's an expectation because of the given culture where that game is. In some cases it may very well be a no and it's just people being stupid about stuff.

What is logic behind giving someone armour points for wearing a nice costume? (unless said costume is armour of course) Do you think there are players who will costume if this is done, and not costume if it isn't? 

To encourage good costuming and yes, players will costume better if they know they'll get something for it. Do I agree with that method of thought, no. However I can share that it's the reality of things at least in my neck of the woods and in many other spots across the US. Now granted the armor points example is primarily what I've seen fantasy-medieval live-combat LARPs use and many do use it. There are some LARPs here that don't offer any bonuses (Camarilla LARPs for example) and some people still create some really outstanding costumes.

- Amber E.

[Sue McLoughlin]

Even though I make costumes for a living, I agree with the other posters above who believe that players shouldn't be required to have really nice ones. It would be NICE, in terms of adding to the overall immersion of the player into  the fantasy realm of the game, but some people have limited budgets for such things, and it's understandable that it's not always possible. However, a small reward for a player that puts a lot of effort into their costume is a good idea, since it makes them feel like their efforts are worth the added expense.(Be it in time or money.) It's nice when the LARP itself has very nice costumes for the NPCs, because it really helps set the atmosphere for the game.

[Kitten]

I don;t believe peopel should be rewarded for best costume. It can make peopel not want to be there. But encouraging them to actually have an outfit. More then just a tunic over street clothes.      I believe in encouraging players to try their best at an outfit.   They don;t have to spend thousands.  Just make a decent attempt.  

Actually I play in a LARP where they do have contests for things like Best RolePlay, Best Cabin Decoration, and yes, Best Costume.  It promotes a bit of healthy competition, and no one seems to really resent it at all.  The people who are competitive find it a fun challenge and step up their costuming specifically because of it, and the people who don't have the money for costuming (or the skills, or the time) don't seem to really care.  (Although they do seem inclined to dress a bit nicer to "fit in".  Inclined, mind you, not "pressured".)  It's not a huge bonus, so the people who don't win aren't left lacking, but it's something to give the competition-hungry a reason to step it up a notch.  Just because there IS a contest, doesn't mean that's the focus of the game.  It's a minor sidenote at afters, if anything.  

extra bonuses for good costuming

I really object to this concept, and it would put me off a larp.
Admiring someone for spending time/money/effort on costume is right and proper, but judging their costume and awarding them a 'bonus' seems entirely innappropiate.  
If people are going to create good costume to get more xp (or did you mean some other kind of bonus?) that's a pretty poor reflection on the player's motives.

XP, or extra armor, or an extra coin or two (Hey, if you dress that nice, you must be rich in character, right?)...  The rewards should be minimal, but there should still be rewards.  Those people dedicated time and money and effort into creating a costume that not only looks nice, but enhances the entire atmosphere of the game!  And honestly, I don't give a bent aluminum nickel whether or not they did it for the bonuses.  Their motives are their concerns.  MY concern is that people are coming to game dressed nicely, and the game is better for it.  Yes, there should be incentives.  

This is like saying that people shouldn't be given raises for doing a good job at work, because it would make them work harder just so they can get money.  No.  You reward good work, whether or not they do it specifically for the reward.  Having that carrot dangling encourages people to try a little harder.  They don't have to, but the incentive is there.  

Besides, try looking at it from the other side!  How would you feel if you put lots of time and money and effort into your costume, did your best to make it look really authentic and awesome, and then went to game and got absolutely nothing for it?  You'd be less likely to try so hard, wouldn't you?  You'd feel underappreciated, and well, if no one cares what you're wearing, why put in so much effort?  There's no point...  You'd either stop trying so hard on your costuming, or you'd leave the game to find one who appreciates the level of effort you're willing to give.  The people who try hard, the people who can and do, deserve appreciation for their efforts.  Doesn't matter if not everyone can afford it, if not everyone can do it.  That's the point!  They don't have to try that hard, they don't have to make such elaborate of a presentation, but they can, and they do!  That $1000 on costuming could have been spent on something else.  Those hours at a sewing machine could have been spent somewhere else.  They could have just thrown together a normal average costume and they didn't.  They CHOSE to put their resources into the game, and they should get something back for it.

Hoo boy, now I'm saying the rich should get richer, bad argument, oh no. Yeah, I know I'm gonna get flak for this, but you know what?  I'm a broke LARPer.  I make all my own stuff out of budget cloth on sale using free patterns I found on the Internet.  And I can personally say that I don't feel bad or put down when I see really nice costumes on people.  I don't feel self-pity, I don't feel like I don't belong, I don't feel like I'm not good enough.  I did what I could with what I had, and it's good enough for the game.  I don't stress about the contests, I don't stress about the rewards, and if you're upset that someone else is getting bonuses for their good work, maybe you need to evaluate your own motives.

(yes, I'm play devil's advocate here) I'm not sure that 'cultural differences' are a valid defense in all cases.  If some thing is bad/inefficient/wrong, a lot of people in one area doing it doesn't always make it right?

Just because WE see it as bad/inefficient/wrong, doesn't mean it doesn't work well and isn't good/efficient/right in other places.  You're simplifying it far too much.  Culture makes right and wrong sometimes.  The way people react determines if the efficiency goes up or down.  The way people see things determines good from bad.  There's no simple way to break it down the way you're trying to.  It doesn't work.  Yes, majority rules.  Yes, majority even rules morality, law, judgement, and common sense.  This is a topic that could go on and on forever, with tons of discussion, including statistics and scientific studies (heck, I saw a scientific study about it yesterday!), but suffice to say, it's not that simple.  

Even though I make costumes for a living, I agree with the other posters above who believe that players shouldn't be required to have really nice ones.

Agreed.  And looking over everything, I really don't see where anyone has even suggested requiring good costumes.  It's encouraged, rewarded, promoted, but never required.  There SHOULD be minimal requirements, and the game should consider carefully those requirements, but they should be set low enough for the low-budget players to be accepted, while encouraging higher standards in those who can afford it.  

[Nath`]

It's interesting to see the strength of feel on this topic.

Actually I play in a LARP where they do have contests for things like Best RolePlay, Best Cabin Decoration, and yes, Best Costume.  It promotes a bit of healthy competition, and no one seems to really resent it at all.

How is 'best roleplay' judged?

Besides, try looking at it from the other side!  How would you feel if you put lots of time and money and effort into your costume, did your best to make it look really authentic and awesome, and then went to game and got absolutely nothing for it?  You'd be less likely to try so hard, wouldn't you? 

I've been larping in the UK for13 years, (and also larped in the US, sweden, norway, finland and denmark).  Off the top of my head, I can't think of a single larp here that would reward someone in this way for costume. UK costume standards are pretty high (pics online to prove that), so people don't seem to feel as you describe.

Yes, majority even rules morality, law, judgement, and common sense.

Actualy, I don't think that is the case.  Law is a social construct defined by those with power, who may not be in the majority.

Morality is certainly not defined by the majority. As gandhi put it, even if you are in a minority of one, the truth is still the truth.

[Ryan Paddy]

I ran a larp for years here in NZ where the GMs awarded XP bonuses to PCs for costume, roleplay, and "making plot". It was a three-tier system, 0xp for no effort, 1xp for satisfactory, and 2xp for exemplary.

That system worked well to bootstrap a community of mostly non-larpers who weren't sure what was expected from them, into a community that tried to excel at costume, roleplay, and trying to get activity happening at the larp. I wouldn't recommend it for an established larp community where there are already high standards. As a GM, trying to score players was a pain, and experienced players don't need it.

However, I can say that it seemed to work well to give non-larpers an idea of what this specific larp wanted from them, and get it from them quickly - perhaps more quickly if there had only been encouragement, not rewards. Rewards shape behaviour quickly, but once it's shaped into a habit then you don't need the reward any more.

[Kitten]

How is 'best roleplay' judged?
...
I've been larping in the UK for13 years, (and also larped in the US, sweden, norway, finland and denmark).  Off the top of my head, I can't think of a single larp here that would reward someone in this way for costume. UK costume standards are pretty high (pics online to prove that), so people don't seem to feel as you describe.

Best RolePlay (along with all the other categories) is determined by vote.  No one is allowed to vote for themselves.  I was a little concerned myself about this system, thinking there would be clear favorites (one person had won several times in a row, hmmm), until I actually got into it.  The person who had won so many times was a fantastic roleplayer, I found out.  And I think the main reason I beat her this past game is because I played a very difficult role successfully: a mute.     (Yeah, you'd never think it from my exhaustingly long posts here, would you?  Haha!)

And like you say, UK costume standards are high, so people already understand the importance of making a great costume.  Whereas here in the US, it's not uncommon for people to throw on a tabard and sweatpants, wrap a cheap leather belt around it and call it a costume.  In your country, you don't need rewards.  Back to the discussion of culture, your culture seems to have pride in its costuming for games.  I've heard a lot about the fest-style LARPs over there, and that's something that's difficult to come by over here.  Our LARPs are less fancy, held more often, and usually planned for in a rush.  A lot of times, attendees are friends of players, don't know anything about the games and come completely unprepared.  So in our culture, to counteract the "I don't have time to make a costume" or the "I don't know how to make a costume", we offer rewards to encourage people to make time and learn.  Offering rewards definitely makes a difference.  This may not be the case in all LARPs, and I would never say ANYthing is an all-inclusive fix, but I highly encourage it.

If your LARP already has everyone in great costumes, you're right, there's no point in rewards.  But is there something else you'd like to encourage, something else that may be less than satisfactory or not up to par? 

[Nath`]

UK fests are not the focus of UK larps, as least not for all of us. I've tried the 3 big fests over the years and don't currently play any of them.  Larp is mostly made up of small clubs, and student societies running weekly events.

My objection to the sort of 'rewards' you are proposing to more to do with the underpinning of it. Firstly, it's given an IC reward for something OC - it's breaking the 'magic circle' that seperates them. More importantly, it's predicted on the notion that having more IC 'power' (be that armour points, money or whatever) is a good thing to be desired by the player. This is very gamist thinking - playing a poor or unarmoured character is an equally valid experience, can often be more interesting.  By instuitionalising that as a rule (and one you tell new players up front) you are immediately encouraging a very gamist play style.

At the other end of the scale, consider Sweden (I played a fantasy larp there last year). Their larps don't have xp or 'armour points' or any attempt at character balance.  Really, you don't need those things. It's mechanics like that, which are a holdover from TT games that continue to support and encourage a gamist play style. Given IC rewards for OC costuming just makes it far worse.

What I would be in favour of is OC rewards for OC work. e.g. giving people social praise and respect for having good costume.  In cases I think the rewards could be even more tangibal - getting an event fee discount for bringing a large period tent and setting it up, for example.