LARP or Live Action Role-Playing is back at AnimeNEXT this year. Just pick your favorite anime, manga or video game character and join in on the crazy fun throughout the weekend. You can play as much or as little as you like. Think Naruto could help Card Captor Sakura capture a few clow cards? Why not? Want to know what would happen if Abel Nightroad faced off against Alucard? So do we! In a LARP you can hunt for the Philosopher's Stone, put the bad guys in jail or teach those meddling do-gooders a lesson. Either way, it promises to be one weird, wild weekend.

LARP FAQ

WHO CAN I PLAY?
Nearly all anime characters. There are always exceptions, but we'll deal with those as they come. Manga characters are allowed; however in case an anime of the series exists, the anime character will trump the manga one and we will go with that. Videogame and webcomic characters are allowed, but on a case-by-case basis. (For example: a few people have expressed interest in Phoenix Wright characters. They will be available!) So be sure to ask before you pre-register if you're looking into an videogame character. If an anime exists of the game (i.e., Street Fighter, Disgaea), we'll go with that.

DO I NEED TO COSPLAY AS MY CHARACTER?
No, you do not have to cosplay your character in order to play in the LARP. This is a very common misconception and is probably the question we're asked asked the most. Cosplay is not necessary--however, it is encouraged, if you decide to do it, because sometimes it can help you get into character.

HOW LONG WILL THE LARP TAKE?
The game will go on all weekend, starting early Friday with character pick-up and going over the rules and continue until an hour or two before the convention closes on Sunday. You're welcome to play as much or as little as you like. Different events will be running for characters to participate in. It's not necessary to stay at the game all weekend, and it will not be running overnight. Your GMs need sleep, you know!

HOW DO I PRE-REGISTER FOR A CHARACTER?
It's oh-so-easy. Just send an email with the subject header "ANext LARP pre-reg" that includes the following information:

• Full Name, as it appears on your birth certificate, school I.D., or state I.D.

• Email address
• Top three (3) character choices, in order of which one you want to play the most

We will reply to your email confirming your character within a reasonable amount of time.

Pre-registration opened on February 3 and and unfortunately has closed. There are going to be a small amount of pre-made
characters available for at-con registration.

HOW DO I MAKE SURE THAT SOMEONE DIDN'T APPLY FOR THE CHARACTER I WANT TO PLAY?
You can check out the list here. (Link goes to a non-AnimeNEXT site.)

I MISSED THE PRE-REGISTRATION DEADLINE! WHAT DO I DO NOW IF I STILL WANT TO PLAY?
Don't worry. Pre-registration is NOT necessary. However, we encourage it, as your character will be completed and ready to go before you even get there. This way you can pick it up at the con quickly, and gets everything moving faster. (One note, though: you CANNOT pick up videogame, webcomic, or manga-only characters at the LARP without pre-registering, and we'll only approve them on a case-by-case basis.)

For everyone who wants to register at the con, we'll be working with a pre-made group of characters from anime only. So if you want one of those, then you have to sign up before June 1.

I PRE-REGISTERED, BUT NOW I WANT TO PLAY SOMEONE ELSE!
Switching characters before May 19 is acceptable. Just send in a new application with your new choice. However, you can only change your character once, so please make sure of your choice!

I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION THAT YOU DIDN'T COVER HERE! WHAT DO I DO NOW?
Just send us an email, or post your question on the forum. We check that pretty frequently.