Differences

From the outside the activities of LARP, HEMA, SCA, BoTN and Reenactment look similar, and in many ways they are similar. But at times I found it good to be able to make some kind of typology to explain some of the differences between them. Mainly because from the outside of the hobbies they all look the same. People wear garb and armour, camp in canvas tents, eat strange food etc.

I made this rather simple "typology" in order to try to understand and explain the differences a few years ago, and even if it is simple, basic and very general I find it to be usefull especially as a starting point for discussions or to clarify what seems to be missunderstandings.

My starting point was trying to find or decide on a "driving" force or motivation for those who play in the different hobbies, as so much else seems to be similar.

LARP: To play a character, to be part of a story, partake in an adventure

HEMA: To study historical manuals.

SCA: To be in a social setting with mediveal attributes

BoTN: To whack people, competition

Reenactment: To recreate a particular pice of history.