Post-Finale Drop & Self-Care

Hail Hellions,

The Dystopia Rising: SoCal team sincerely hopes you had an incredible time joining us for “Croatoan,” the grand finale of our decade-long history in HeEl Dorado. I want to take a moment to address something that may be new to some players while others are intimately familiar with it: an experience known LARP drop.

"LARP drop" or "post-game drop" refers to the emotional and sometimes physical exhaustion experienced by participants after a LARP event concludes. It can manifest as feelings of sadness, a sense of loss, disorientation or even depression, often stemming from the abrupt return to reality after immersing yourself in a fictional world with intense role-playing experiences. To quote nordiclarp.org, “The emotional highs of game most likely have a hormonal component; endorphins, adrenaline, dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin levels shift as the result of game stimuli. As with any high, the comedown can often feel shocking and depressing.”

This experience shares similarities with the phenomenon observed in sports known as "post-competition blues" or "post-event letdown." Athletes often encounter similar feelings after the excitement of competition subsides, and they return to their regular routines. A stronger form of this drop often occurs after athletes perform in championships and tournaments so with the intense circumstances and feelings of the last weekend it seems like a fair comparison to what many of us might experience. To offer assistance, here are some tips for self-care to get through the LARP drop:

Reach Out & Stay Connected:
Maintaining connections with fellow players can offer ongoing sources of support and a sense of community. Both casual in-person gatherings we’ve come to know as “Taco Tuesdays,” or meet-ups over voice chat are some of the ways you can stay connected. Our Discord server and other similar social media spaces are a perfect spot for this kind of engagement in a digital space. If you find yourself struggling, don't hesitate to reach out. You'll find that many others are going through similar emotions and your well-being is important to us, both in and out of the game.

Reflect & Decompress:
Consider journaling about your experiences during the event, writing up a post-game decompression post about what your character experienced or is doing now, or make a game-related meme to share or engage with or draw your favorite scene from the weekend. Reflecting on your character's journey and the interactions you had with each other can help you process your emotions.

Remember Self-Care:
Remember to hydrate, eat your favorite comfort foods, take some time for yourself to relax and recharge. Whether it's indulging in a favorite hobby, spending time with loved ones, adventuring outdoors or simply enjoying some quiet time. Staying active or engaging in a familiar routine can help when your brain dips into a slump. Prioritize activities that bring you comfort and joy.

And finally, thank you all so much for being part of our community and breathing life into our slice of wasteland paradise. This story may have concluded but it doesn’t have to be goodbye. Hell Dorado lives on through our shared experiences and can be visited through the memories we share. The Dystopia Rising: SoCal team looks forward to seeing you again somewhere else in the wasteland, and in other game worlds.

-Gabi “Boo” Ashley, Director of Conflict Resolution.

References & Further reading:
https://nordiclarp.org/2015/01/19/post-larp-depression/
https://larped.com/getting-through-larp-drop/
https://www.livestrong.com/article/13773510-post-event-sadness/

Post-logue: "Burning Bridges" (August 2023)

BROKEN COAST RADIO interrupts your regular broadcast for this important headline!

[TRANSCRIPT]

We interrupt your normal broadcast for this important headline: The AX Seaport is now in a state of open war with the Magic Kingdom.

In addition: Parasol has accused Blackridge of industrial sabotage.  Blackridge denies these accusations, but levies the same at Parasol.

Meanwhile in Eureka:

Eureka felt fear course through their body.  From the looks on their faces, the other Legion born felt the same way.  Hearing the story of the former Unificationist…of the horror that was being created from their people…made them feel sick.  

“We must send a message throughout the wastes warning those like us of this danger, this terrible threat.  We need them to know that there is a better way to be together again. It won’t be like before, but we can look after each other and keep each other safe.   We all must be vigilant.”

Prologue: "Burning Bridges" (August 2023)

They ran as fast as they could, past pulsing crystal lights, gnashing teeth, and ever-changing geometry looking for a way out.  Any means to escape this hellish place!   Memories passed before their eyes - how could they have been so foolish?  So easily manipulated?  The hole in their heart left when they were split apart ached and yearned for connection that they could no longer feel.  How they had longed to be together again, but not like this.   Not Like This.  They had watched the others, seen what they had become, and could not bear it.  Anything was preferable to…….THAT.  They blinked away tears as they remembered the horrible sounds, sounds that could no longer be considered voices, the horrible satisfaction on those strain’s faces.  No time for reverie, they could hear shouts behind them.   In the distance they saw what could only be described as a Glass Palace, perhaps they could hide in there until they find a way out of nowhere.

---

The Iron slammed his hand down upon the invitation, disgusted,  “The audacity of it all.  We will not be attending.”

The Saltwise, cool as the salt laden air that filled the room, gazed at her companion with a gleam in her eyes.  “Of course we won’t, not officially.  However such gatherings are the perfect place to send a message…”

The Iron leaned back in his chair.  “Do what you have to do.  Make sure they know it was us.”