"All Roads Lead to Zenithstrand"
A GUIDE TO "BLEED"
LARP and roleplay can create intense experiences that may affect us in unexpected ways. Immersively entering the mindset of our characters makes us forget that we are playing a game, and it becomes easier to get caught up in emotions we wouldn't normally feel. If we aren't careful this can become unhealthy or affect our relationships with people outside the game. This bleed over of game to real life is extremely common, as well as it's opposite, bleed over from real life into game.
"Bleed" is the term for this emotional spillover. The direction of the bleed is labeled bleed-in and bleed-out.
"BLEED-IN"
“Bleed-In” is when the Player's emotional state affects their Character. This can result in a Character being afraid of spiders because the Player has the same phobia. Bleed-In tends to give our characters more realistic weaknesses and fears, and Shapers may sometimes use bleed-in to enhance their mods. It becomes unhealthy when things like anger or disdain for a Player bleed into similar feelings towards a Character.
"BLEED-OUT"
“Bleed-Out” is when a Character's emotional state affects the Player. This is the most common type of bleed, and can easily become unhealthy if it is not handled well. Strong emotions are common during game, as Characters will often fight each other, both physically and verbally. It is important to recognize the difference between and In Game conflict and an Out of Game one. It is also possible for two Players to become closer due to bleed-out from their Characters. Some friendships and even relationships are built initially on meeting each other in roleplay, then later outside of the game.
THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT BLEED
Bleed doesn't have to be bad. Sometimes it is necessary to roleplay properly. Writers can use it as a tool to achieve more terrifying or heart wrenching stories. It helps players react realistically to emotionally charged situations.
It is extremely important to decompress and separate events after the game is over. Immersing yourself in the story and living your character's life can be fulfilling and cathartic, but you must be able to step back into yourself and the real world after.
Always refer to in game occurrences using character names instead of player names. By referring to actions that a character took, but not referencing the player can help create that "bandage" for bleed and negate possible out of game negativity.
Be conscious and aware: If you notice yourself feeling a strong emotion about your roleplay, pause. Consciously ask yourself if these are your character’s feelings or your personal ones. Remember: The character is not the player.
Check in with other players: Talk to them after the game (or even during) to make sure everyone is on the same page. Whether you’re playing lovers or enemies, you don’t know if everyone has the ability to separate emotions the same way you do.
Explore your out of game feelings: Maybe there is something to what you’re feeling toward this other player. Acknowledge it and allow yourself to proceed consciously and safely. Lots of people make real friends and sometimes even find love through RPGs.
Talk to someone unrelated to the game: Sometimes what we need is an objective opinion to provide us with a rational outlook on the situation.
Talk to the liaison team, shaper team or veteran players: They may have advice on how to overcome intense bleed.
Finally, but most importantly, remember that LARP is just a game. We are all here to have fun and escape from the daily grind for a weekend and the actions that occur in game may not be an accurate reflection of the real world or real players.