Once you've portrayed a character for a long amount of time at a LARP (live action role playing game), you may find that your character's life feels a bit stagnant. Here are some tips for identifying the cause of stagnation and some remedies for such a situation.

Identify the Source of Stagnation

Ask yourself: when did you start to feel stagnation in the game? When did you lose enthusiasm for playing your particular character? Perhaps it was an event that occurred in the game--but maybe it was another reason. Here are typical reasons for a LARP character feeling stagnant or ineffective.

• Friends not present. Did you have in or out of game friends that used to come to your LARP but have left? You might feel bummed about it--and so does your character. This can feel like a double downer.
• Repetition. Perhaps your character keeps repeating himself or herself, making the same mistakes or observances without moving forward.
• Social problems. Real-life social problems happen, and unfortunately sometimes they do affect play. If an alliance dissolves in real life, it can affect LARP gameplay tremendously even if you try to avoid it.

Tips for Moving Forward

After you identify your reasons for boredom or stagnation, consider fixing the problem.

• Create an alt. If your game allows, consider making an alternative character just as you would on 'World of Warcraft' if you got bored with your main character. This is particularly helpful if you're going to an event and your friends are not. Your alt will not be dependent upon them and can make new friends.
• Speak to LARP staff. This is especially recommended if you are having personal issues and cannot work through them on your own. The staff would like you to remain with the game and may offer fresh perspectives on your character and his or her place in the game. When you speak to a staff member, try to bring solutions if possible, such as a new idea you'd like to implement or perhaps a new guild you'd like to start in the game to help your character and others.
• Make new friends--and make an in-game reason for it. Perhaps your character discovered that her brother died, and the friends she had just aren't cutting it when she needs support. This would be a perfect reason for her to confide in a new set of friends. If the problem is social, you can usually fix it by becoming closer with another group.
• Create an awakening for your character. Make a way for your character to realize something. Perhaps he or she has discovered a new god, or decides to advance in a new skill or path. This can add new depth to your character and will also present the character with new friends or business contacts.

If these solutions have not worked for you, perhaps it is time to consider leaving your LARP. As individuals, we all grow and change--and so do our relationships. As this happens, it is understandable that we need different games or settings in diffrent points of our lives.