In a previous blog, I mentioned the Japanese trend of cosplay. One of the earliest games we all learn to enjoy is playing dress-up. Some of us grow out of it and many of us simply find an adult way to express those same pleasures. I don’t necessarily mean and X-rated session of kinky dressing. I mean something that resembles a cross between the fantasy section of Uniform Taboo and the wilder imagination of Freaks Of Porn minus the hardcore sex.

At least, minus the blatant naughtiness, although I’m sure it still goes on behind the scenes. According to an article by Tracy V. Wilson (no relation to our Mistress Tracy) on How Stuff Works, I finally understand better a phenomenon I noticed many times over in my home city. You see there’s park on the summit of a big hill and every year when I go there to enjoy some fresh air I see loads of fellows and ladies dressed in medieval gear.

Some folks besides wearing tunics, tights, chain mail and carrying wooden swords with duct-taped foam tips bear a few unusual enhancements, such as fake pointy ears. I assume that they’re meant to be elfin or possibly faeries although I’ve never thought it wise to ask a possibly misinterpreted question to a strapping young lad or his girlfriend while they’re carrying a big stick. It turns out what I was witnessing is called Live-action Role Playing or LARP.

It involves highly complex gaming on a massive scale run by committee or several game masters as well as crews of backup staff and supporting actors to help the story unfold. Just as happens with the traditional style of gaming with dice and a Dungeon and Dragons guide, the participants can earn points, skills or talents to help them succeed as the game proceeds.

Now that I finally understand that there are loads of people everywhere who do this sort of thing, I suppose even if it isn’t for me I have to agree that it does seem as if it would be fun. Having been mildly addicted to video games and remembering back in the day when some individuals would stay locked inside for hours playing D&D, LARP seems like a good thing. Besides, socializing with more than a couple diehard fantasy fans, you’re outside getting some exercise.

I must admit some of those knights, elves and damsels look hot and not just because they wearing wool leggings or multi-layered dresses in the middle of July. I guess I’m just a renaissance man, ready to turn my mind if not my hand to any sort of role-play even if the big sticks intimidate me a bit.