So I found myself smiling at Dogberry's post. I haven't LARPed in years. My experience with it only lasted a short year, and it mostly fold in on itself simply because of cost issues and the usual drama llamas running about. I never got to get really involved, and the one overnight experience I had was really just not a very pleasant one overall.
Reading his post however, was very interesting though. I can't imagine being that paranoid after such an experience. I do applaud him for his ability to carry on though.
Now that I've said that, I suppose it raises the question if I'm able to separate my characters from myself.
I'm fortunate that I often play characters that I generally want nothing to do with in life. I've had plenty of abrasive, hateful, racist and just downright vile characters. I think it has more to do with my observations of others and things done to me and me as a person, trying to understand and apply it differently. I could never bring myself to harm people the way some of my characters have, the desire isn't there. At least, I'm fairly certain! It's the matter of theatrics and entertainment. I generally RP for the benefit of others and seeing other people happier is what drives me.
By nature, I like helping people. I like watching nice characters (the good guys, whatever) overcome obstacles I place before them. As I type this, I realize that a large part of me does enjoy it. A contradiction. I like to help people! But I also love to prey on weakness and challenge others and myself. Maybe the thought process is 'if I make it harder for others, they will improve and thusly make it harder for me in return'. I think that's me trying to identify my own 'bleed'.
Reading his post however, was very interesting though. I can't imagine being that paranoid after such an experience. I do applaud him for his ability to carry on though.
Now that I've said that, I suppose it raises the question if I'm able to separate my characters from myself.
I'm fortunate that I often play characters that I generally want nothing to do with in life. I've had plenty of abrasive, hateful, racist and just downright vile characters. I think it has more to do with my observations of others and things done to me and me as a person, trying to understand and apply it differently. I could never bring myself to harm people the way some of my characters have, the desire isn't there. At least, I'm fairly certain! It's the matter of theatrics and entertainment. I generally RP for the benefit of others and seeing other people happier is what drives me.
By nature, I like helping people. I like watching nice characters (the good guys, whatever) overcome obstacles I place before them. As I type this, I realize that a large part of me does enjoy it. A contradiction. I like to help people! But I also love to prey on weakness and challenge others and myself. Maybe the thought process is 'if I make it harder for others, they will improve and thusly make it harder for me in return'. I think that's me trying to identify my own 'bleed'.
