HOW TO GENRE YOUR GEAR
Or perhaps, "Even in the Wasteland, You Gotta Dress to Impress"
So you’ve signed up for a dystopian LARP set in the rolling, sunbaked plains of a post-apocalyptic Kansas, and now you’re staring at your closet, wondering how to turn “Goodwill clearance rack” into “wasteland survivor chic.” Worry not; we got you covered.
Whether you’re roleplaying as a hard-hitting Truman, a scavenging Scavenger, or one of the enigmatic Tel’Veracians, your gear isn’t just a costume, it’s a storytelling tool. Let’s break it down by faction, union, and strain. Each step is JUST ADVICE toward building a character in our setting, but feel free to run with whatever idea tickles your fancy.
Step 1: Mastering the Layered Dust Bowl Aesthetic
Before we get into factions, unions, and strains, let’s start with the basics: Kansas is dust. Kansas is wind. Kansas is relentless sun and dirt that sticks to your clothes, your gear, and probably your personality. Your costume needs to scream, “I’ve been surviving out here for years, and it hasn’t been easy.” We’re talking layers of practical, sun-faded fabrics, stitched together with determination (and probably desperation).
Core Dust Bowl Features (and Practical Tips):
Neutral and Earth Tones: Stick to browns, grays, and faded blues or blacks. Imagine colors that used to be vibrant but have been beaten down by the sun. If you’re starting with store-bought clothes, toss them in a washing machine a few times or just drag them through a patch of dirt. Pro tip: fabric dyes and bleach can help you tone down colors that are too modern or bright.
Sun-Scorched Wear and Tear: Apocalypse survivors don’t get new outfits; they patch, stitch, and repurpose. Add visible repairs to your costume, hand-sewn patches, frayed edges, or torn sections stitched together with mismatched thread. If you don’t want to ruin your favorite clothes, hit up a thrift store for something cheap and durable to distress. Scissors and sandpaper work wonders for that “worn to hell” vibe.
Dust Detailing: You haven’t lived the apocalypse until you look like you’ve crawled out of a dust storm. Rub your costume with brown chalk, charcoal, or sprinkle baby powder to simulate the ever-present Kansas grime. Just be sure to test it beforehand so you don’t accidentally turn yourself into a powdery cartoon ghost.
Utility First: In the wasteland, everything has a function. Load up on pockets, belts, straps, and pouches. Think about what your character would carry: scavenged tools, rope, or small survival items. Military surplus stores are goldmines for belts and accessories that scream “functional apocalypse survivor.”
If you’re new to costuming, don’t stress about getting everything perfect right away. Start simple: grab a few pieces of clothing in neutral tones, rough them up a bit, and add some dirt and accessories. As you play, your costume can evolve: just like your character. The apocalypse doesn’t have to look perfect, but it should always look lived-in.