Live Action Role-Playing (LARP) is a form of interactive storytelling and performance art where participants assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting, often within a specific genre such as fantasy, horror, or science fiction.

In LARP, players physically act out their characters’ actions, often using costumes, props, and sometimes weapons (often foam-based for safety). The gameplay involves improvisation, collaboration, and sometimes competition, as participants navigate the narrative driven by rules, objectives, and interactions with other characters.

Typically, a LARP event is organized around a central storyline or theme, with a game master or facilitator guiding the overall plot while allowing players to influence the direction of the story through their choices and actions. For example, in a fantasy LARP, players might create characters such as wizards, knights, or merchants, and engage in quests, battles, or social interactions that reflect the fictional world they inhabit.

The experience can encompass various elements, such as combat mechanics, diplomatic negotiations, and character development. Additionally, some LARPs incorporate elements of BDSM or kink, where participants explore power dynamics and role-playing in a safe and consensual environment.

Overall, LARP serves as an engaging means of exploring creativity, social interaction, and personal expression within a structured yet flexible framework.