My Journey to Empire LARP: Sketchbook from another World

The Road to Adventure

Last month, I embarked on an unforgettable adventure to Empire LARP, the largest live-action role-playing event in the UK, held in the picturesque (rainy) setting of Dadford. The journey began with a long drive down from Scotland, accompanied by a group of close friends who ensured I wasn’t venturing into this new world alone. Our overnight stay was in a quaint yet mysteriously eerie Airbnb, adding a touch of the supernatural to the start of our trip.

A New World Unveiled

Upon arriving at the Empire LARP grounds, I quickly realized that this wasn’t just any event. The atmosphere was electric, with hundreds of participants fully immersed in their characters, complete with elaborate costumes and props. However, the complexity of the game mechanics initially left me feeling a bit overwhelmed. The emphasis on combat, economy, and resource management was intriguing but not entirely my cup of tea.

Finding My Own Path

Feeling somewhat out of my depth, I decided to shift my perspective and treat the event as a grand, immersive theatre. This new approach transformed my experience. I started observing the interactions and the meticulous details of the characters around me, which became the perfect subjects for my sketchbook. The transition from participant to observer and artist allowed me to capture the essence of the event in a way that was both personal and fulfilling.

Capturing the Magic

As I roamed the grounds, sketchbook in hand, I found myself drawn to the diversity of characters and the rich tapestry of stories being enacted. Each sketch I made was a window into a different narrative, filled with its own unique charm and intrigue. Here are some examples of my work:

These sketches not only served as a creative outlet but also as a means to connect with the LARP community. The environment was incredibly welcoming, and many participants were eager to share their stories and pose for my sketches. Even allowing me to tag along to "Coven Rituals" to document there little piece of history!

A Warm and Welcoming Community

One of the most heartwarming aspects of my journey was the camaraderie and friendliness of the Empire LARP community. Despite my initial trepidation, I was welcomed with open arms and found myself surrounded by individuals who were passionate and supportive. This sense of belonging made the experience even more enriching.

Sharing the Experience

After the event, I shared my sketches on TikTok, where they garnered a lot of attention. Remarkably, many participants were able to identify themselves in my drawings, which sparked a wave of positive feedback and connections. It was gratifying to see my art resonating with others and to know that I had captured moments that were meaningful to them.

Conclusion

My trip to Empire LARP was a journey of discovery and creativity. From the initial drive down to the immersive world of the event, and finally, the shared joy of my sketches, it was an experience that I will cherish for a long time. For anyone considering attending, whether as a player or an observer, I highly recommend diving in and finding your own unique way to engage with this incredible event. Although it might be a while before I return to Anvil, I'll definitely be looking to attend more events as a sketchbook observer.

Here’s to more adventures and more sketches in the future!