For those of us who attend LARPs (live action role playing games) that run each month or more frequently, it's easy to become a part of a LARP family--a circle of friends whose interests coincide around your main game. Thanks to real life or other issues that may come up, you may at some point find yourself saying goodbye to your LARP family.
When you do this, it's important to go out with style. That means saying your goodbyes without negatively affecting the game, players or staff. Here are some suggestions for having a successful and fond farewell when it comes time to leave your game:
Plan an after-party. If you're leaving after the LARP event, invite your LARP friends to hang out in an out-of-game setting. This allows you to make a grand, out-of-game exit.
Role play it. Since you're leaving, so will your character. Even if you're only going away temporarily, come up with a reasonable excuse for your character to bow out. What type of quest might be important to him or her?
Sacrifice your character to the plot gods. If you're absolutely okay with it, retire your character in a creative way: hand creative control over to the plot team. If the other players don't expect it, your character could cause some major plot waves as a PC-turned-NPC force.
Leave on good terms. Even if you find that you've simply outgrown your LARP, do your best to leave on good terms. LARP circles in many areas are small and precious--you don't want to burn bridges; you may encounter staff members and players from this game at other games in the future. Instead, provide constructive feedback to the staff members and explain that there are no hard feelings. You won't disrupt the game and everyone will appreciate the lack of drama.
If your group has an OOC (out-of-character) message board, you may also wish to post a kind and thoughtful goodbye here. If you'd like, encourage others to keep in touch with you via Facebook and e-mail.
If you're relocating, don't be discouraged. There are many great LARP groups out there. You can locate one in your new area by using the LARP Alliance site.
Disclosure: The author serves as marketing director for Seventh Kingdom IGE (indicated Facebook link) and on the advisory council at LARP Alliance, Inc.
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