Look and Feel

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Menhirs Fate is a closed world fantasy setting, meaning it has a look and feel all of its own, and participants must wear some degree of costume when in the “in-character” areas.

The information in the Look and Feel pages for each nation contains specific tips for the general atmosphere and fashion of that nation; what is frequently worn so that we can collectively create a style for each nation that is distinct from its neighbours. In order to help us create this world, we ask all participants commit to looking “on-brief” for the world of Elandra, and the nation within that they are a citizen of.

This is intended to be as inclusive as possible – we thoroughly encourage participants start with simple base layers and build up their costume over time. The Look and Feel briefs show depictions of “aspirational costume”, something to aim for rather than the baseline. No costume is perfect but we hope participants will feel enthusiastic to build up their costume and camp kit over time to create an incredible setting for all involved!

Accessibility aids are exempt from any requirements to look “in-character”.

Minimum Costume Standards

The minimum costume standards for each nation is a basic LARP shirt or tunic and trousers or skirt as base layers, plus some element of the Key Costume for the nation chosen as where that character is from. Everything else is a bonus – but it improves the look of the whole setting when everyone buys in to the world being played out and endeavour to look on brief for their own nation.

There is a common saying in LARP that “kit stops at the ankle”, meaning sensible boots are better than costume ones that are less practical. This is generally true! We encourage players to be comfortable and practical with footwear, whether with modern walking boots, reenactment footwear or wellies. High heels should not be worn at Menhirs Fate events as the site we use has uneven ground and is entirely outdoors.

Modern clothing such as t-shirts, jeans and white trainers are not appropriate to wear at our events.

“Aspirational Costume”

We ask all participants to try their best, and refrain from participating in elitism in costume. When we help each other, we can improve on the overall atmosphere of the setting. Do not offer advice unless asked for, and make sure all advice given is done without criticism.

Building up costume bit by bit is the best way to figure out what you enjoy wearing, what’s comfortable and feels like the character’s wardrobe rather than costume!

Every Nation in Menhirs Fate has been designed with thought to what is easily accessible in the UK either through LARP traders or the wider costume sellers available such as reenactment markets, what can be made with some craft skills, and what can be purchased from charity shops and modified with some small changes.

Elements To Avoid In All Nations

Some elements of costume and clothing are not appropriate for the setting. These either fall outside the historical eras we’re pulling our inspiration from, are fantasy motifs from worlds outside Elandra, the setting for Menhirs Fate, or have real world associations and origins that we do not wish to borrow from.

Steampunk tropes: Top hats, pith helms, modern corsetry, goggles. This style is based on 1870s-1910s, far later than the 1700 cut off for historical inspiration, and is often built on Colonialist themes.
Pirate tropes: Frock coats, powdered wigs, flitlock pistols. Portavas in particular should avoid these elements. Tricorns are only worn in Hammerstadt, and should endeavour to not look too pantomime!
Feather headdresses: These are too easy to fall into cultural dress territory. Not just Native American in mainland USA, there are variations worn across the Caribbean and Polynesia. All should be avoided.
Toadstool Cap Hats: Although mushrooms may be part of the Wonder’s biomes, headwear that mimics the cap of a mushroom is off-brief.
Ghillie Suits/cloaks: These are usually made of modern synthetic materials and look instantly like paintball or airsoft kit. Handmade versions could work in some circumstances.
Tartan kilts: Iconically 1700s Scottish, it is impossible to divorce it from those historical themes. Skirts of various kinds could work for all genders, but plaid and modern kilts do not fir any national briefs.