Northern Syndar have returned to the colonies, this time surprisingly, to visit Prince Aylin in Aylin’s Reach. The rumor spread that New Hope’s Magic Box Blunder is the reason for the shift in typical location for them, but nothing has been confirmed. And, can you really blame New Hope, what with visions of the Mother coming from the box?
Several surviving Chieftains and Jarls of Clan Shattered Spear met recently to address the urgent, unfortunate situation recently seen in Stormjarl of the captured Shattered Spear being forced to fight to their deaths, else their families be put to death. This “Council of Shattered Spear” as some have called it, have come to a formal stance on the matter, believing this to be an emergency enough to take the initiative in leading the Clan, regardless of the lack of real structured leadership. A letter was sent to Clanleader Graytir Stormjarl, addressed as being from Viselda Mossguard.
“The remnants of Clan Shattered Spear have heard what has been occurring along your front lines. We know certainly that those attacking you are now considered your enemies rather than the allies they used to be, and we know nothing can be done about the casualties they cause to your people. We only ask that, considering they surely wouldn’t have chosen this without their families on the line, you give them honorable warriors deaths, and funeral rites like you would your own. Perhaps someday our Clans will come together on a field of buried Stonetooth to celebrate.”
After this letter was sent and received, many speculated on why the makeshift council hadn’t disbanded and gone back to their duties with their packs. The group stayed in the main settlement town of Nightriver, Tungstadr, for over a week after their initial discussion was concluded, only finally looking like they were getting ready to leave recently. Emerging from their private discussions, they came together, standing together with Viselda at the forefront to make an announcement.
“It is time to select a new Clanleader. The council will reconvene next month to hold a Moot, and surviving Shattered Spear and any of their allies will be welcome to attend. The Moot will focus on the Clan’s current strongest contenders: Sigurmon Shattered Spear, Chieftain of Pack Dawnrock. His wishes are to bring the Clan back together; to retake the land and push out Clan Grimward and Stonetooth until they are all dust under his boot; and Grettir Shattered Spear, a Daughter of Gaia who firmly believes that what’s best for the Clan is the path of survival– staying with Nightriver, winning the war, and preserving the lives of the survivors by not pushing back into their old homelands, only to die in the effort.”
The Ironsand deposit that was found off the eastern coast of Nightriver is now the topic of Nightriver’s news. With Spring thawing out the ground and laborers ready to capitalize on this incredible find, the Clan is preparing ships to sail out to the island and bring in these harvested goods. Nightriver’s allies are being invited to join this laborer’s voyage when the time comes, especially those with the ability to harvest or refine the collected Ironsand. Many are expecting this to be a much welcome reprieve from what’s likely to be harsh fighting in the sweltering heat that’s typical for June.
Steinjottun’s much anticipated Hawk Races are nearly underway, with several contestants already showing off their bird’s prowess in the streets of Steinjottun’s main settlement. According to locals in the area, the judges are hoping to see a few more contestants joining the folds before the races are underway, but never-the-less, the town is quite excited to see how the birds do.
Sunday, May 11th: Resources and Downtime Actions Deadline
Wednesday, May 14th: Early Bird Pre-Registration Cut-Off Expanded NPC roles, prize giveaway raffle entry, guaranteed PC spot, faster PC reg. Players who miss this deadline may have to NPC.
Monday, May 19th: PC Skill Purchases Via Email Deadline There is no guarantee there will be time at event registration to update your PC’s skills.
=EVENT DATE AND TIMES=
Saturday, May 24th:
– Early Arrival Time – 10:00am – Registration opens – 10:30am – Registration closes – Noon – All Player Scenario #1 Briefing – 12:15pm – Scenario Begins / “Game On” – 1:00pm – Scenario Ends / “Game Over” – 10:00pm – Check-Out & Clean Up – 10:00pm
Sunday, May 25th:
– Early Arrival Time – 8:30am – Registration opens – 9:00am – Registration closes – 9:30am – All Player Scenario #2 Briefing – 9:30am – Scenario Begins / “Game On” – 10:00am – Scenario Ends / “Game Over” – 3:00pm – Check-Out & Clean Up – 3:00pm
***NOTE: If you are unable to make it before the official start time, it is your responsibility to discreetly notify Staff and get checked-in and NOT disturb the game in progress. ***
=Event Story=
A Stage of not One but Three:
The fighting in The Pass continues as the new month begins, where gaining ground requires payments of warrior corpses, but the other frontlines find themselves calm no longer. Gone is the time for preparations as new fronts open up and the new year of war may pale the prior.
Scenario #1 Saturday:
Rumors of small skirmishes from last month have no time to circulate before the real news reaches the people east of The Great Wolf’s Hackles. Clans Ironmound and Stonetooth begin their advance through the wide gap between The Great Forest and The Hackles, their lines clashing with Clans Nightriver and Goldenfield warpacks stationed and ready for a fight. Both sides attempt to maneuver against each other’s forces, but Clan Nightriver and its allies have found themselves on the initial backfoot as Clan Stonetooth’s elite troops spearhead their invasion and continue to send units of Shattered Spear thralls against their enemies to break morale, with Clan Ironmound’s defensive tactics resisting attempted counter-attacks. The eastern clans do not stand alone though, as Clan Shattered Spear remnant warpacks fight hard against their homeland’s conquerors while the fortress towns of Bladehome and Shieldhaven stand firm in the north and south, creating key staggered defensive points that could become critical in the months to come.
As the large armies fight on the main routes, a key flank route just south of the lake has been identified by Clan Goldenfield leadership in the area. Should their enemies be able to claim and control this route it could cause them and their allies to be forced back, potentially losing significant ground and isolating the allied defensive towns. Clan Goldenfield calls for outside aid in defending this at-risk flank, neither them nor Clan Nightriver confident in having enough troops to cover it while also handling the brunt of the frontline on the main routes, if their enemies discover its significance.
Both sides fight with ferocity, not knowing what each day of bloodshed will bring or who will come out ahead as the battle on this new frontline has only just begun; but Clan Goldenfield, not known for significant martial prowess but bearing a critical agricultural role in the war, may become in danger in the future if this front fares poorly.
Scenario #2 Sunday:
The frontline of Clan Stormjarl has grown quieter last month, the great Grimward land invasion having not arrived as expected. To the east, the Yurnai River remains bolstered and watched by the troops of Newhope and their vassals, while excess units of the colonies and warpacks of Clan Nightriver continue to be sent via ship to reinforce Haygreth’s Scar on the Stormjarl border. None are fooled to think that Clan Grimward has backed down or been defeated on this southern front, but where the bulk of their forces have gone leaves concerning questions.
In the night, alarm bells shattered the calm with messengers and hawks exhaustively running across all of Clan Stormjarl with news. Clan Grimward has amassed what some believe to be their entire fleet, and hit the northern Stormjarl coast. While smaller villages falling to the initial overwhelming waves of warriors, smoke from blacksmiths in bolstered ports burn in the dark as their people continue to fight, unwilling to be taken thanks to the endless war preparations of the clan and their people. The coastal early warning tactics set in place after the prior civil war have done their job, and Clan Stormjarl relies on its allies to fill in the Haygreth’s Scar border as the clan routes forces to their northern coast with practiced efficiency.
Stormjarl will not be caught off guard by Grimward’s cunning tactics this time, but that alone will not save them from Grimward’s greater numbers as a portion of Grimward’s fleet moves south and begins to raid Clan Nightriver and Newhope’s transport and escort fleets. Some reinforcements bleed Grimward’s raids and make it through to Stormjarl, while others are drowned and lost to the depths or forced to retreat. Both sides avoid a single determining battle on the sea that would risk a complete win or loss on this front of the war, but neither side is willing to back down. While Stormjarl finds themselves at risk of being cut off from help the voices of the Newhope Council, Prince Aylin, and Sylvir Bloodmoon, Clanleader of Nightriver, speak loudly that they will not abandon their ally.
Clan Stormjarl aggressively responds Clan Grimward’s new frontline on their northern coastline, and calls for the aid of available allies to help in the reserve to keep their troops supplied and able to fight, while also countering Grimward raiders from causing harm behind Stormjarl’s frontline troops. As the city of Newhope continues to be the send-off point of both organized and independent aiding forces, travel to or from Clan Stormjarl has become dangerous; but if left to stand alone, the clan will see a grim fate.
(See below red circles for the event locations in the world. Scenario #1 is on the right, Scenario #2 is on the left)
= EVENT SPECIAL MECHANICS =
1) Event Theme: “Combat Scenario” Event: This event’s theme will focus on two different combat scenarios.
Each scenario will in-game take place at different frontlines in the war.
In addition to the expected combat NPC roles, there are non/low-combat NPC roles available for both of the scenarios (menders, minor healers, casters, etc).
Players will be able to choose one scenario to play as a PC and then will NPC the other scenario (Standard or Premium memberships like usual). Pre-Registration will be crucial for balancing and PC/NPC placement; players who miss the cut-off may be required to NPC! Players should be prepared to switch to an NPC role should their PCs become too wounded to continue.
The limitations to playing a PC for only one of the two scenarios is for event balancing purposes, thus we will allow a player to play a PC on both days if one of those PCs is actively helping the Grimward or Ironmound side of the conflict. Please email lasthopelarp@gmail.com if you wish to play a second PC that meets these standards.
Scenario #1 (Saturday): Combat Focused
Local leadership will not be available and players will need to self-organize their forces to engage and counter Clans Stonetooth and Ironmound from taking control of key strategic points spread across the entire field until clan reinforcements can be sent.
Scenario #2 (Sunday): Support Focused
Players will aid the Stormjarl frontline from the rear through the healing of warriors, repairing equipment, aid in logistics, combat smaller Grimward raider groups, and other objectives.
To reach Stormjarl, players and orgs may choose to travel in the organized fleet setting off from Newhope, or their own ship if available. Land-based travel to Stormjarl is not possible.
For both this event and moving forward, travel to or from Clan Stormjarl carries the risk of seeing sea combat which can cause PCs to be injured, supplies to be lost, and units to be forced into combat.
If a player believes their PC or org unit to have remained in Stormjarl from prior events, DTA, or org actions then please send an email to lasthopelarp@gmail.com. The character or unit may optionally still partake in the voyage to help provide safety or benefits to the fleet, but the travel risks will then apply.
Travel to/from Stormjarl – In sign ups for PCs going to Stormjarl and for org action submission, players MUST choose to be a part of the spearhead fleet, middle fleet, or rear fleet. Each fleet may end up being given different starting locations at the start of the event.
Spearhead Fleet – The most dangerous and likely to see combat, but positive results could help make the following fleets’ travel safer. Characters that choose this fleet will start in the outpost and be allowed to pre-event setup.
Middle Fleet – Middle of the pack with the goal of helping protect the rear fleet full of supplies from small groups of raiding Grimward ships. There is still a risk of combat in traveling with this fleet, but your arrival into Stormjarl will be delayed. Characters that choose this fleet may have to start the event somewhere besides the outpost but will still be allowed to pre-event setup some equipment in the outpost (the equipment is sent ahead of you).
Rear Fleet – The safest choice and least likely to encounter a raid, but combat could still be possible and this fleet has the largest delay with reaching Stormjarl lands. Characters that choose this fleet will not have access to pre-event setup and will have a high chance of starting the event somewhere besides the outpost.
2) Specific NPC Roles:
There are no monster roles for this event.
Players will be representing all races of NPCs at this event and are asked to bring appropriate centric garb, weapons, and armor to be able to fill in where needed.
(Saturday / Scenario #1) Stonetooth NPC roles are available for this event scenario. Players interested in Clan Stonetooth roles must contact staff via email at lasthopelarp@gmail.com for the details of these roles. Note that Clan Stonetooth roles come with special garb requirements that require staff approval.
3) Pre-Event Setup: Players will be allowed pre-event set-up in the Outpost for Scenario #1 (Saturday) and, depending on signups, choices in Scenario #2 (Sunday). Spaces can be reserved via Downtime Actions or Org Actions, then the remaining space is first-come-first-served on the event days.
4) Decorum & Out-Of-Game Clarifications: Please note that the entire in-game area is monitored for decorum, immersion, and in-game discussions. Players will call each other on Decorum if they are not following this. However, please make an effort to check-in with others and make clear “Out of Game” clarifications discreetly if needed. 5) Updated 1.7 Rules! The 1.7 version of the rules is now ready in electronic format. Please go to the rules section of the Last Hope LARP website to get a copy of the 1.7 rules.
=EVENT LOCATION= W7111 New Frontage Road New Lisbon, WI 53950 – Take interstate to New Lisbon, take 61 exit – Turn onto Frontage Rd near Mobil/McDonald’s – Go 1.3 miles on Frontage Rd/42nd St (Drive past Victory Fireworks and Car Dealership) – Destination will be on the right
Membership and Event Sign-Up Info
There is no cost/charge/entry fee required to participate in this event and all are welcome to participate regardless of their membership status or not. However, certain perks require additional membership.
You MUST do BOTH (pre-register AND select/pay for your chosen membership services) before you are considered fully pre-registered for an event!
=FOOD, WATER, PROPERTY, AND SAFETY INFO=
=Food & Water= – We will be providing a simple, optional, pre-packaged food and/or fruit snack for players at this event. – This will NOT be enough to sustain you all day/event! – Players may be bringing food to share/sell but it is NOT guaranteed. – Make sure you bring feastware if you intend to eat in-game! – There is no running water at this location; all water must be brought in. – There will be some drinking water brought in BUT players should also plan to bring their own and carry it with them. *** You should plan on bringing some extra food/snacks and water to tide you over for the rest of the event. *** *** Plan ahead, be self-sufficient, bring your own food/water and bring bags to take your trash! ***
=Camping, Bathrooms, Fire, and Electricity= – This event is a two-day event; players will have the option of tent-camping on the land. – If you need a motel, there is a Comfort Inn and the Edge of the Woods Motel nearby. -All players are responsible for taking their garbage home. There is one communal trash can for small things like band-aid wrappers or other small dry items. Do not leave bags of trash behind for the land-owners to dispose of. – There is a porta-potty onsite in the parking area for players. HOWEVER, in winter time, this porta-potty is for emergencies ONLY as it cannot be pumped out until the Spring when it thaws. If you need a full bathroom facility, please plan on driving 1.3 miles back to the Gas Station. – Campfires are allowed as long as they are PRE-APPROVED BY STAFF and either in an above-ground fire-pit or dug into a below-ground fire-pit. Any additional fires will be strictly, enforced, monitored, and must be pre-approved. – There is electricity at the site; please coordinate with Staff for anything that needs electricity and bring your own cables/extension. Simple things like fans or charging cell phones is fine, but portable heaters or anything that draws a lot of power must be pre-approved.
New Lisbon, WI – The entrance to the property is flanked by several driveways we (might) have permission to park on if needed. Please check-in or get directions before you park. You are allowed to park on the road as an overflow but you MUST park on our side of a road, try to keep the entire vehicle off the road, and minimize foot traffic on the road. – The property boundaries to the north, west, and east are marked by GREEN flagging tape. The neighbor’s driveway is also a boundary to the east. The southern boundary is the clearing leading up to the interstate. There are several deer stands on the property; at this time, we ask that you do not go into any of them.
– You may use Hawkins Tower as a look-out/archers post; max of 2 people up top at once. – The bridges are to be used for traversal only; no fighting on the bridges. – Do not cut down any trees without approval. – Do not use adjacent driveways/neighbor property without explicit permission! – Be cautious about driving into the property due to sunken/mucky areas and existing stumps. – Our property usually gets a lot of ticks early on and then a lot of mosquitos during mosquito season. Please plan accordingly with bug spray, layers, etc! – Our property is a wetlands and has run-off creeks and soaks up water considerably in the spring melt and if there is steady rain in the area. Players should be prepared for mud and muck or even standing water on parts of the property. Some players buy rubber boots and alter them to pass decorum, others have water-proof boots, others simply prepare a change of socks/shoes for when they get wet. Take the time to plan this out for your garb and footwear!
= WEATHER CONDITIONS, PARKING, & DRIVEWAY=
– Make sure to plan to bring weather/temperature appropriate base layers. *** Base/thermal layers do not need to fit Decorum but outer layers do… please make sure you get your garb checked! PLAN ACCORDINGLY! *** – There is ample room on the gravel pad to park 8-10 vehicles, even in rainy/muddy/snowy conditions. – Make sure you check with Staff before driving into the parking area in case it is muddy/rutted. When in doubt, park on the pad/road and then ask for help. – Because of the wet nature of the property, the parking lot may not be easily accessible if it rains/snows before or during the event. If needed, we will plan on shuttling players back to the nearby gas station to park vehicles and then get shuttled back to the event property. – If you park on the road, all participants must do their best to park ALL VEHICLE WHEELS off of the road and on the grass. An easy way to remember this; if you can park and all 4 tires are in the grass, you are good.
= SAFETY RULES =
– A number of Staff and approved players are trained or able to assist during emergencies (Raised hands will be shown during briefing). Staff have access to a Snake Bite/CPR/First Aid Kit if needed. In case of any emergencies, immediately contact Staff and let them handle it. – Make sure you adhere to our Alcohol and Tobacco guidelines; no one under the age of 21 can consume Alcohol or Tobacco products. These products CANNOT be sold for real-world money and serving them to a minor will get you ejected from the LARP. *** Check the PC cards/NPC sheets/discreetly check for IDs. *** – If at any time a player feels uncomfortable or unsafe due to role play, be aware of our “Out of Game Stop” call. Please use this discreetly and/or contact Staff if needed. – If at any time a player needs to remove themselves, physically or mentally, from the game please do so as discreetly as possible. Notify staff if possible or coordinate staff if you cannot do this discreetly. – Be aware of proper encroaching, medium hit strength, and be courteous to others. – If flooded, the Bridge is for traversal only; do not fight on it, don’t attack anyone on it, let them move beyond the flooded spots and then reengage. If the property is NOT flooded, do not use the bridge at all in combat! Use the terrain around it.
COVID 19 RESTRICTIONS & PRECAUTIONS
– All players ages 5+ must be either fully Covid-19 Vaccinated, be medically exempt (pre-approval needed and this includes children under the age of 5), or be in the process of getting vaccinated. This will be handled at Check-In. – All players are REQUIRED to wear masks UNTIL they have Covid-19 Vaccination Proof on record with us. Masks are no longer required to be worn before check-in as long as players have their Covid-19 Vaccination on file and they do not have concerning symptoms. – Players are required to do symptom checking at registration/Check-In. – Players can still be asked to wear a mask if they have concerning symptoms/exposure and any questions about this should be asked ahead of time for Staff to coordinate. – For full information regarding our Covid-19 Restrictions & Guidelines, click the link below: lasthope.kitsufox.com/wiki/covid-19-policy-practices/
== CUT-OFF DATE, SKILLS, & PLAYER INFO ==
= MONTHLY EVENT CUT-OFF DATE = – The Monthly Event Cut-Off date is a deadline that is critical to the preparation of the monthly story/event. This allows us to prepare PC bags, write NPC more detailed roles, finalize mechanics based on who we know is planning on attending, and properly tie in player influences like Resources and Organizations. – The Event Cut-Off date for this event is Wednesday, May 14th. – Players that want a more detailed NPC role must purchase the applicable membership AND signup for the event by that date. – Players that want a guaranteed spot for their PC must sign-up by this date. – Players that want to be added to the Prize Giveaway for the month must signup by that date.
= PC SKILL UPDATES = – If you sign-up and choose a membership by the Event Cut-Off date, staff will prepare your PC bag with items, coin, and condition ahead of time. – If you have updates to your PC, do them ahead of time and email us the changes. – The deadline for these PC skill changes is the Monday before the event! – If we have time then we can update your PC skills at an event. *** There is no guarantee we can do this at an event due to the registration time needs. ***
= ATTENDING EVENT BONUSES = – Players attending events in-person are granted several bonuses: – A PC may roll applicable Profession and/or Tradeskill rolls for coin/affects. You MUST bring your trade manual to check-in to make your rolls. – A PC may open and review applicable Lore cards at Check-In (and copy them over into their own Lore books if they so choose) – PCs that are part of an Organization may earn +1 Organization Exp per event day that they attend and prominently display Org heraldry. Bring and show your heraldry to check-in! – PCs that are part of an Organization may earn +1 Organization Exp for attending and prominently displaying Organization Standard/Banner (Min 3 PCs) Please tell check-in that you will be displaying a banner!
= DOWNTIME ACTIONS, ORGANIZATIONS, & LORE SKILL USAGE = – Players may have a PC(s) use Downtime Actions to make an impact on an event. – Organizations may pledge their monthly Actions and/or applicable Units to make an impact on an event. – Downtime Actions & Org Actions influencing this event must submitted by the Monthly Event Cut-Off date OR the 11th (Whichever is first) – Relevant information gained or a summary of the influence of these efforts will be available at Check-In at the event; a player must attend to be able to see that info. – IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ASK FOR THAT INFO! – PCs with applicable Lore skills may have access to certain Lore cards at check-in. Frequently, there are Lore cards available for you to read that represent your characters ability to know about things going on in the area. Some of this information can be really useful to know! – You may not take these Lore cards but you are welcome to copy the information they have into your own Lore book but it must be done at Check-In.
= PC SPOTS & LATE PLAYERS = – To guarantee a spot for your PC at this event you must sign-up and pay for membership services before the Monthly Event Cut-Off date. – If you sign-up after this date, we will coordinate a waiting list for players wanting to play their PCs. – If NPC roles are needed, you will be notified before an event what those roles are so you can prepare. – If NPC roles are not needed, you will be notified that you’re approved to play your PC. – This helps us balance event mechanics and needed NPC roles to adequately facilitate an event but still allows ample opportunity for players to guarantee being able to show up as their PC.
We are following a strict time-block for check-in/registration so players will be expected to arrive on time to get registered and then attend the game briefing. – If a player is going to be late and they are going to arrive after registration closes, they are expected to notify the staff by emailing the lasthopelarp@gmail.com address to let us know. – This allows us to prep their NPC materials or pull their PC cards prepare their items/coin for when they arrive. Failure to do this may result in a forced NPC role if the player arrives after the briefing as all registration supplies are packed up and put away. – This does not mean we do not have wiggle room; all you have to do is notify us ahead of time via email so we can prepare accordingly.
= MANDATORY CHECK-OUT = – All players are required to properly check-out at every event; this means that all in-game items and PC cards with PC conditions will be turned over to Staff for proper record keeping. – We will be doing a dedicated Check-Out after each day. – If you plan on leaving before the end of the event day/scheduled Check-Out time, it is your responsibility to seek out Staff in order to properly check-out. – If you checkout as a PC, you may not “check back in” after a period of time. Once you check out as a PC, your PC is done for the event day. – There may be limitations on how and where PCs can check out at an event; ask instead of assuming if you feel like your PC would leave early, and then staff can assign you a role after that.
== SPONSORSHIP ==
=Unmedievable= Unmedievable is ran by a player and staff member of Last Hope and carries many items that are legal and custom-made for our system! They will be setting up a stall to sell things you may need or want at this event. Unmedievable.com
=Wizard Quest= Our continued sponsorship for 2024 is Wizard Quest! Mention the LARP for a local’s discount and remember to share with us a picture of you attending for cross-promotion EXP! www.wizardquest.com/ Wizard Quest in Wisconsin Dells 400 Broadway Ave Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
== HELP! THIS IS MY FIRST EVENT! ==
– It is understandable (and normal) to be completely lost and overwhelmed coming to your first event. – Staff and/or Veteran players will be on hand to help guide you and answer questions. We want your first event experience to be a positive one! – It is very normal for staff and players to be running around doing things to get the event going on time; you may need to seek out someone with a gold belt flag and ask for assistance.
UPON ARRIVAL – When you arrive, the most important thing is checking to see if you need to park in specific areas. – Make your way to Check-In, wherever that is for the event. This will be where a number of players are at and also where Staff are at checking people into the game. This is also where Staff can guide you to the proper areas (such as New Player Helpers or NPC Wranglers)
AFTER CHECK-IN – Once you have checked in, the most important person/station for you to search for is the “NPC Wrangler”. This is usually 1-2 Staff members that are taking care of garbing up and handing out NPC roles. – There will be time available to make sure you are prepped for your NPC role. This is a great opportunity to ask questions! – If you need anything else from your vehicle or for any setup, this would be the time to do so.
BEFORE BRIEFING – Once you have your NPC role and you know who you can contact for questions, there is usually extra time before the event briefing. – During this time, we will do a Combat Tutorial so you know the basics of combat. This usually takes about 30 minutes, so try to factor that into your event arrival time. – There will be announcements of when briefing will take place; make sure you are available to listen to the briefing of an event as it covers a lot of story, safety, and property information.
AFTER BRIEFING – Normally right after briefing, all NPCs and the NPC Wranglers are assembled into a group to discuss NPC roles, any connections they may have, answer more questions, and review the overall event theme/goal.
DURING EVENTS – Once “Game On” is called, it is very important to maintain decorum in the game area. This can be very intimidating at first! – If you need anything, please discreetly find a gold belt flag staff member and ask for assistance. Most of the time we will move off to the side for a quick out-of-game clarification or move out of the game area entirely to be able to have a full discussion. – If you are confused on what to do, please seek out staff discreetly to double check your NPC motives and goals or discuss ideas on what you can do.
AFTER THE EVENT – All of your borrowed garb, gear, coin, etc will get returned back to the NPC Wrangler as soon as the event is over. – This will also be a chance to discuss any meaningful interactions you had as an NPC that we might want to follow up on – The NPC Wrangler and potentially other staff will be available to answer any questions you have.
Fighting in The Pass, the small strip of traversable land that connects Clans Grimward and Nightriver within the Great Wolf’s Hackles, has been grueling all winter. Through the thick, heavy snow and blustering, bitter cold temperatures, warriors here have been kept extremely busy as they continue the fight a year after their clan leader, Branthur Nightriver, was slain in ambush by Clan Grimward. With the recent news of more ground being taken within the Pass by Nightriver, confidence has grown in the Clan’s ability to build up and hold outposts further into the Pass than previously thought while Grimward controlled too much ground.
The constant rotating roster of front-line fighters has kept the fight going, with warriors filtering in and out as needed to get back into fighting shape. Now that the snow has melted and frozen dirt has shifted to mud, the task of building up outposts has begun. Front line fighters now have no option of losing ground, or they risk the loss of these still developing outposts and the resources poured into them.
Victories here are hard-fought and even harder kept, but Clan Nightriver continues to stand tall in the face of Grimward’s attempts to take The Pass, along with help from the Colonies. Fighters here will need to continue to persevere to keep this vital piece of land under Nightriver control. The fighting is expected to be brutal and keeping up the momentum by continuously bringing in fresh troops will be crucial for victory.
= EVENT SUMMARY =
Blood, steel, and countless dead filled The Pass as Grimward’s counter-attack reached the lines of Nightriver, Newhope, and their allies. The two forces fought back and forth upon the thin strip of land throughout the day, the endless battle rarely granting a break or time to rest. Due to the limited width of fightable frontline, troops had to constantly be cycled to fill in gaps left by wounded or fallen. Those who were green to combat this day either joined the mountain eternally or became veterans bathed in blood.
Grimward’s initial advances were beaten back with ferocity, but eventually their offensive gained momentum and they managed to break through the frontlines. It never took long for Nightriver, Newhope, and their allies to reform and retake their positions, but cracks were forming in the rearlines. Eventually the frontline collapsed with three Grimward warpacks breaking through, charging straight for the developing outpost. If not for a reserve-line of allied troops from the Blades of Sol arriving, all three would have surely been enough to destroy it and kill its workers.
The rearline was struck hard, and one Grimward warpack still managed to push through the reserve and attack the outpost. The reserve-line granted the workers enough time to retreat unharmed, but the outpost was notably damaged in the attack and supplies were stolen as the warpack was eventually driven back by Nightriver and Newhope troops coming up The Pass. By the end of the day Grimward’s forces pulled back from the sanguinary attack, neither side truly coming ahead in the battle.
Reports come back that Grimward appeared to have taken heavier losses while Nightriver’s losses were reduced thanks to the efforts of frontline and support aid from allies, which made up for Nightriver’s higher losses in their own offensive during March. While Branthur Nightriver, fallen Clanleader of Nightriver, has continued to weigh heavy on the hearts of Nightriver’s warriors; this day the warriors found cause for celebration as Steinar, the Hersir of Grimward who dishonorably executed their clanleader, was slain in a Maw of The Wolf honor duel. For many though, the thirst of bloodshed is unquenched as the war continues. Additionally in an unexpected turn of events, a cart of supplies stolen from the outpost was escorted by Grimward warriors to the Nightriver frontline. While Grimward’s actions of the past year make many wonder if the clan bears honor anymore, a moment of peace was found on the brutal frontline as the clan honored the conditions of the duel and provided a cart of supplies to the victor.
The fighting in The Pass is far from over though as both sides expect to continue battling for ground in the months to come. As the eyes of Mardrun turn to the other frontlines, Halfrid Bloodriver, Warleader of Nightriver, asks for outside aid to assist with troop rotation within The Pass to hold off Grimward until the chokepoint defensive outpost can be completed and reinforced in the next couple months.
Spring weather in Mardrun has always been fickle, feeling like summer one minute and finding yourself in six inches of snow the next. The trek through the hackles into Stormjarl territory has always been treacherous. The unforgiving mountains beautiful and deadly with the spring thaw.
The trek, though perilous, was made in earnest. In hopes of finding long lost friends and allies still alive and kicking. Fortunately, amongst one particularly well stocked outpost, they were found to be talking in hurried tones about Grimward scouts spotted on Stormjarl territory. Perimeters were set up swiftly with scouts on short range patrols to protect the camp and to raise the alarm should any Grimward troops be spotted, while long range patrols were sent out periodically to engage and drive the enemy back.
Having just arrived with some meager supplies that were much appreciated, I helped out where I could. Focusing primarily on guard duty at the gates at first. Listening to tales brought back from the long range patrols, it sounded as though Grimward troops were sending their own Daughters of Gaia out to wreck havoc with their arcane arts.
Eventually my services were called upon to assist with long range patrols. Having rested from my long journey, I was happy to oblige. It was the whole reason I came after all. I had witnessed what happened to Clan Shattered Spear… Poor souls… Fighting so valiantly to hold onto their sacred lands and way of life to be driven out like animals… It wasn’t right. I could not sit idly by and weep for them, knowing full well that Grimward and Stonetooth would be coming again to claim more territory, people, lives… Everything they could get their hands on…
It was, perhaps ironic to see Basil among the Stormjarl’s Einhejar elite. It seemed so long ago when Basil and I were being robbed by bandits for the last two farthings I owned in order to save the lives of our comrades. If only Grimward were so easily persuaded to cease and desist their hostility.
With a deep sigh from thinking of days gone by, a shout in Ulven quickly brought me back to my senses. Coming through the trees down a path was the enemy. Both sides struck at each other, the clang of steel on steel grew louder along with the howls of fury brought forth from Stormjarl troops at the sight of their enemies encroaching upon their lands. I kept behind the warriors’ well trained shield wall and hurled freezing bolts of ice at any and every moving enemy target I could, pulling out my sword as a last resort when my mana reserves were depleted.
The point seemed mute however, as victory cries often rang out not long after. The brave warriors were quite thankful to have the enemy numbers more manageable when so many were being frozen solid mid-swing. I could not recall how many allies would be blocking from an aggressor only to turn and be wide eyed surprised to see an enemy bearing down hard upon them to be frozen where they stood.
I could not imagine how many times I was asked to reaccompany those brave souls back out to repeat my performance time and time again. But for the sake of every innocent soul in Stormjarl, I pushed myself to the limit each and every time to keep them as safe as I could. At one point Basil looked in my direction as though he had seen a ghost, approaching and asking me, “Are you the same mage that got robbed by bandits? What happened to that guy?”
He said to me long ago that day, that I was no battle mage. To this day, he’s still correct that I am not one.
Yet when a member of clan Stonetooth approached the outpost mocking, jeering, taunting, laughing about how we were going to be forced to slaughter our allies, for if we didn’t, their families lives would be forfeit…. I felt a rage build inside of me. I hadn’t felt that anger in a long time… Since the moot where Branthur Nightriver had his skull bashed in…
This pack Stonetooth has crossed a line… And it will be a cold day in hell before I stand back idly by and do nothing again.
OCCUPATION: Ordained Eagle in the Order of Arnath’s Chapter of the Light.
KNOWN SKILLS: Can fight, in various ways and with various weapons. Can cast divine magic. Pretty intelligent. Is trying his hand at poetry.
BIRTHPLACE: A house in Starkhaven.
APPEARANCE: Around 6 feet tall. Stocky build. Usually wears armor and an Order tabard, and if not, basic clothes and a burgundy hood.
NOTABLE TRAITS: Looks young for his age. Somewhat easy-going, but in a serious situation, drops the light attitude for a no-nonsense one. He is not his father, and will tell you. Believes that his father lost his family’s honor and worth, and now he has to earn it back. You can call him Jerry.
RELATIONSHIPS: Other members of the Order, Lay and otherwise; Brother Carl, a mentor and friend; family: Mother, Father (both deceased); only child; no cousins, aunts, uncles, or other close relations as far as he knows.
RUMORS: Some say that his father was a Griffin of the Order, but when the Lich came to Mardrun, he fled rather than face the threat. They say he was hunted like a dog and hung for cowardice. Jerry doesn’t like to talk about it.
BIO / BACKGROUND HISTORY:
To the Keeper of the Library at Starkhaven,
You asked for details concerning my life, so here they are.
As far as I know, most of my family has been in the service of Arnath. My mother was a healer, a combat medic, in the Lay Order on Faedrun and then on Mardrun. My father was a Griffin. We lost contact with him around when the Lich came. One of my grandfathers was a captain in the Lay Order, and died in the early years of the war with the Undead. My other grandfather wasn’t in the Order, but my family thinks he was one of the major suppliers of food to it. We don’t know what one of my grandmothers did, but the other was a valiant Lion.
You get the idea.
Now, after all those generations of bravery and commitment to Arnath, comes me. My father was executed (I’ll talk more about that later). As the years went by, especially after my father’s death (which he must have deserved), my mother’s hair grew grayer and she grew weaker. She stayed as active as possible in the Order, vehemently refusing to stop her work. When the fighting between the chapters began, and the Starkhaven keep was taken over, she picked up her spear and joined the fray. She fought for the Fist, believing that strength was the only way we survived. From what I’ve learned, my mothers heart gave out when she was patrolling. Not even the magic of Arnath’s healers could save her. Soon after, a member of the Lay Order militia came by and took me to an orphanage.
So there I was, alone in an orphanage in Starkhaven. It was in the middle of the town, so the Fist and Light’s fighting was never far away. When the fighting finally ended, I was just shy of ten years old. The Chapter of the Light, the winning chapter, was desperate for more members after the losses suffered. I, a child who had just survived a war zone, somehow found myself in front of a Griffin that was testing my magical abilities. To both of our surprises, I was able to cast magic through the power of Arnath. The Griffin mentioned he had known my father, and he hoped I turned out better than him. I thought nothing of it at the time.
Anyways, I joined the Order. I was trained in all sorts of things. Fighting, healing, even cooking. After a few years, I was given to Brother Carl to apprentice under. My father may have known him. Carl was an Eagle, and I inherited a little bias towards the role because of this. Just a few months ago, I was ordained as Brother Gerald Anderson of the Order of Arnath. I chose to become an Eagle.
While Carl was obliged to train me as well as he could in all three roles, he only had experience as a Lion and Eagle, and he had far more in the latter. Due to this, most of my training was in Eagleship.
Now, about my father:
I don’t really like to talk about him. The few memories I have are him, vaguely red with the tabard of a Griffin, cooing at me in my cradle. I remember vividly one time. I saw him staring at the small shrine to Arnath that was in my childhood home. That was the last time I saw him.
When I was older, looking through the Order’s archives, I came upon a few papers detailing Harold Anderson (my cowardly father)’s desertion and execution. Unknown to others, perhaps due to some foul undead magic or a curse of the mind, my father turned on his fellow clerics and then fled, seemingly out of his wits. When he was hunted down, some expected him to be branded or punished in some way… but the judgement handed down by the clerics deciding his fate that day was swift and absolute; they hung him for his actions against the Order. Swift justice was a cornerstone of the Chapter of The Fist, afterall.
Nowadays. I try to stay “in the know,” where things are happening. I keep a journal, writing whatever it is that comes to me. Years ago, soon after I learned how my father died, I wrote down the three aspects of the Path, & how I live them. Here it is:
Duty to the People.
I try to stay just & fair in my life, & keep my word & my honor, & those of Arnath & the Order. I protect those that are weaker than me, & help those that need it.
Duty to Arnath.
I always pray when the time comes. I try to keep to the Path, & honor Arnath in all that I do. After all, I am his Light on this world, & must act accordingly.
Duty to the Order.
In the battle situations that I’ve been in, I always listen to my superiors & respect them. I learn from veterans in the Order, & treat them with the respect they deserve.
(The journal’s over now) I recently learned about Grimward deploying captured civilians into battle. Basil (a commander in the Lay Order) sent news about it. Apparently they threatened to kill the poor soul’s families if they didn’t fight. It seems to me like that’s just about the worst thing someone could do. I’ve heard through the grapevine that Basil was all for killing them. That’s something I dispute. I know he doesn’t have to follow Arnath, but I’ve been taught most of my life that my duty is to protect those weaker than us. That’s a dilemma there. If I had been there, would I do my Duty to the People, and spare the poor bastards, or my Duty to the Order, and obey my superiors? Ah well, that’s just my thoughts on the matter.
Now before I send off this letter, let me write this: I am not my father. I have honor. I follow the Path. I am of Arnath. I am an Eagle, fighting for Him. I am, I am, and I am.
.
Signed by my own hand,
Brother Gerald Anderson of the Chapter of the Light
The family of a Daughter of Gaia from Clan Goldenfield is preparing for the City-State of Newhope to hold a trial against the group of so-called “cultists” who killed her. There is quite a bit of attention on this trial, as the Ulven have a very different justice system from the City-State and some have questioned Newhope’s choice to not turn the accused killers into the Clan’s leadership. Being that another victim of these killers was a Daughter of Gaia from Clan Shattered Spear, the trial will go on as planned in the City-State, and the collective Ulven attention can be kept on the war effort.
Newhope has also been seen with a significant increase in caravans leaving their borders and heading North-West, presumably towards the ports that can take those supplies to their allies in Stormjarl.
The rise of the Blood Moon in early March left many Ulven uneasy. The sight of what usually is a bad omen, often indicative of increased Mordok activity and aggression, furthered Clan Whiteoak’s belief that a big Mordok offensive was on its way. However, as the Blood Moon rose and fell with very little activity, the Ulven stationed at the Shield were left both wary and grateful for the relative ease. In the absence of the Mordok’s typical heavy aggression, Pack Redwind has stepped forward to lead groups composed of both Whiteoak and Axehound Ulven in an effort to map more of the Great Forest that borders their land.
Clan Shattered Spear is once again at the forefront of news on Mardrun, now that fighters from within the Clan’s captured territory are fighting for Grimward and Stonetooth under threat of their families back home being killed. In the chaos of the first few incursions from them onto Stormjarl’s land, a single Shattered Spear Ulven was saved from death before the decision to fight them back was made. Those close to the action where this happened have reported that this Ulven refuses to speak, overwhelmed with grief for the family they believe is now dead. Clan Stormjarl leadership is hopeful to hear from whatever Shattered Spear leadership remains for a decision on how to handle these warriors going forward.
In a surprising move, Clan Spiritclaw has sent a delegate to Grimward territory, flying their own banners in neutrality, in an attempt to gather more information about the strange religious beliefs and magical ability rumored to be used by the Stonetooth. So far, its unclear if this attempt has or hasn’t been successful.
Rumors have spread throughout Nightriver, that despite the tragic murder of their Clanleader being a year ago now, frontline fighters have been repeating Branthur Nightriver’s name as they strike down their enemies. These Ulven seek to make absolutely sure their Clanleader name is heard over and over again by the Great Wolf, so that if he is still in the thick of his Journey, that he faces the Great Wolf is allowed to move on.
Clan Steinjottun has announced a new festival taking place next month – Steinjottun Hawk Racing! Any and all across the continent are invited to bring their hawks, owls, crows, or even chickens to test out their prowess and skill. Several different tournaments will take place, all designed to put your bird to task. The victor bird is expected to be awarded, and their owner will be seen very favorably among the many expected to be spectating the tournaments. Don’t miss this exciting festival!
Thursday, April 10th: Resources and Downtime Actions Deadline
Wednesday, April 16th: Early Bird Pre-Registration Cut-Off Expanded NPC roles, prize giveaway raffle entry, guaranteed PC spot, faster PC reg.
Monday, April 21st: PC Skill Purchases Via Email Deadline There is no guarantee there will be time at event registration to update your PC’s skills.
=EVENT DATE AND TIMES=
Saturday, April 26th:
– Early Arrival Time – 9:00am – Registration opens – 9:30am – Registration closes – 11:00am – All Player Event Briefing – 11:15am – Scenario Begins / “Game On” – Noon – Scenario Ends / “Game Over” – 6:00pm – Check-Out & Clean Up – 6:00pm+ until whenever
***NOTE: If you are unable to make it before the official start time, it is your responsibility to discreetly notify Staff and get checked-in and NOT disturb the game in progress. ***
=Event Story=
Fighting in The Pass, the small strip of traversable land that connects Clans Grimward and Nightriver within the Great Wolf’s Hackles, has been grueling all winter. Through the thick, heavy snow and blustering, bitter cold temperatures, warriors here have been kept extremely busy as they continue the fight a year after their clan leader, Branthur Nightriver, was slain in ambush by Clan Grimward. With the recent news of more ground being taken within the Pass by Nightriver, confidence has grown in the Clan’s ability to build up and hold outposts further into the Pass than previously thought while Grimward controlled too much ground. The constant rotating roster of front-line fighters has kept the fight going, with warriors filtering in and out as needed to get back into fighting shape. Now that the snow has melted and frozen dirt has shifted to mud, the task of building up outposts has begun. Front line fighters now have no option of losing ground, or they risk the loss of these still developing outposts and the resources poured into them. Victories here are hard-fought and even harder kept, but Clan Nightriver continues to stand tall in the face of Grimward’s attempts to take The Pass, along with help from the Colonies. Fighters here will need to continue to persevere to keep this vital piece of land under Nightriver control. The fighting is expected to be brutal and keeping up the momentum by continuously bringing in fresh troops will be crucial for victory.
= EVENT SPECIAL MECHANICS =
1) Event Theme: “Combat Scenario” Event: This event will take place within the Pass of the Hackles between the adversarial forces of Clan Grimward and the forces of Clan Nightriver and Newhope. This event’s theme will focus on the grueling standoff in the narrow corridor of the mountain range, a notoriously difficult but strategically essential battlefield to control.
2) Specific NPC Roles: – NPC players will be representing Ulven NPCs at this event and are asked to bring Ulven-centric garb, weapons, and armor to be able to fill in where needed. Human roles are also available. – Most players will either play Grimward warriors, Nightriver or Newhope warriors, or Nightriver supporters. –Pre-Registration will be crucial for balancing and PC/NPC placement; players who miss the cut-off may be required to NPC! Players should be prepared to switch to an NPC role should their PCs become too wounded to continue.
3) Pre-Event Setup: PCs will be allowed pre-event set-up on the hill past the bridge. The Outpost will not be utilized for player camp at this event.
4) Decorum & Out-Of-Game Clarifications: Please note that the entire in-game area is monitored for decorum, immersion, and in-game discussions. Players will call each other on Decorum if they are not following this. However, please make an effort to check-in with others and make clear “Out of Game” clarifications discreetly if needed. 5) Updated 1.7 Rules! The 1.7 version of the rules is now ready in electronic format. Please go to the rules section of the Last Hope LARP website to get a copy of the 1.7 rules.
=EVENT LOCATION= W7111 New Frontage Road New Lisbon, WI 53950 – Take interstate to New Lisbon, take 61 exit – Turn onto Frontage Rd near Mobil/McDonald’s – Go 1.3 miles on Frontage Rd/42nd St (Drive past Victory Fireworks and Car Dealership) – Destination will be on the right
Membership and Event Sign-Up Info
There is no cost/charge/entry fee required to participate in this event and all are welcome to participate regardless of their membership status or not. However, certain perks require additional membership.
You MUST do BOTH (pre-register AND select/pay for your chosen membership services) before you are considered fully pre-registered for an event!
=FOOD, WATER, PROPERTY, AND SAFETY INFO=
=Food & Water= – We will be providing a simple, optional, pre-packaged food and/or fruit snack for players at this event. – This will NOT be enough to sustain you all day/event! – Players may be bringing food to share/sell but it is NOT guaranteed. – Make sure you bring feastware if you intend to eat in-game! – There is no running water at this location; all water must be brought in. – There will be some drinking water brought in BUT players should also plan to bring their own and carry it with them. *** You should plan on bringing some extra food/snacks and water to tide you over for the rest of the event. *** *** Plan ahead, be self-sufficient, and bring your own food/water! ***
=Camping, Bathrooms, Fire, and Electricity= – This event is a single day event; players should plan on driving home once it is over. – If you need a motel, there is a Comfort Inn and the Edge of the Woods Motel nearby. – There is a porta-potty onsite in the parking area for players. HOWEVER, in winter time, this porta-potty is for emergencies ONLY as it cannot be pumped out until the Spring when it thaws. If you need a full bathroom facility, please plan on driving 1.3 miles back to the Gas Station. – Campfires are allowed as long as they are PRE-APPROVED BY STAFF and either in an above-ground fire-pit or dug into a below-ground fire-pit. Any additional fires will be strictly, enforced, monitored, and must be pre-approved. – There is electricity at the site; please coordinate with Staff for anything that needs electricity and bring your own cables/extension. Simple things like fans or charging cell phones is fine, but portable heaters or anything that draws a lot of power must be pre-approved.
New Lisbon, WI – The entrance to the property is flanked by several driveways we (might) have permission to park on if needed. Please check-in or get directions before you park. You are allowed to park on the road as an overflow but you MUST park on our side of a road, try to keep the entire vehicle off the road, and minimize foot traffic on the road. – The property boundaries to the north, west, and east are marked by GREEN flagging tape. The neighbor’s driveway is also a boundary to the east. The southern boundary is the clearing leading up to the interstate. There are several deer stands on the property; at this time, we ask that you do not go into any of them.
– You may use Hawkins Tower as a look-out/archers post; max of 2 people up top at once. – The bridges are to be used for traversal only; no fighting on the bridges. – Do not cut down any trees without approval. – Do not use adjacent driveways/neighbor property without explicit permission! – Be cautious about driving into the property due to sunken/mucky areas and existing stumps. – Our property usually gets a lot of ticks early on and then a lot of mosquitos during mosquito season. Please plan accordingly with bug spray, layers, etc! – Our property is a wetlands and has run-off creeks and soaks up water considerably in the spring melt and if there is steady rain in the area. Players should be prepared for mud and muck or even standing water on parts of the property. Some players buy rubber boots and alter them to pass decorum, others have water-proof boots, others simply prepare a change of socks/shoes for when they get wet. Take the time to plan this out for your garb and footwear!
= WEATHER CONDITIONS, PARKING, & DRIVEWAY=
– Make sure to plan to bring weather/temperature appropriate base layers. *** Base/thermal layers do not need to fit Decorum but outer layers do… please make sure you get your garb checked! PLAN ACCORDINGLY! *** – There is ample room on the gravel pad to park 8-10 vehicles, even in rainy/muddy/snowy conditions. – Make sure you check with Staff before driving into the parking area in case it is muddy/rutted. When in doubt, park on the pad/road and then ask for help. – Because of the wet nature of the property, the parking lot may not be easily accessible if it rains/snows before or during the event. If needed, we will plan on shuttling players back to the nearby gas station to park vehicles and then get shuttled back to the event property. – If you park on the road, all participants must do their best to park ALL VEHICLE WHEELS off of the road and on the grass. An easy way to remember this; if you can park and all 4 tires are in the grass, you are good.
= SAFETY RULES =
– A number of Staff and approved players are trained or able to assist during emergencies (Raised hands will be shown during briefing). Staff have access to a Snake Bite/CPR/First Aid Kit if needed. In case of any emergencies, immediately contact Staff and let them handle it. – Make sure you adhere to our Alcohol and Tobacco guidelines; no one under the age of 21 can consume Alcohol or Tobacco products. These products CANNOT be sold for real-world money and serving them to a minor will get you ejected from the LARP. *** Check the PC cards/NPC sheets/discreetly check for IDs. *** – If at any time a player feels uncomfortable or unsafe due to role play, be aware of our “Out of Game Stop” call. Please use this discreetly and/or contact Staff if needed. – If at any time a player needs to remove themselves, physically or mentally, from the game please do so as discreetly as possible. Notify staff if possible or coordinate staff if you cannot do this discreetly. – Be aware of proper encroaching, medium hit strength, and be courteous to others. – If flooded, the Bridge is for traversal only; do not fight on it, don’t attack anyone on it, let them move beyond the flooded spots and then reengage. If the property is NOT flooded, do not use the bridge at all in combat! Use the terrain around it.
COVID 19 RESTRICTIONS & PRECAUTIONS
– All players ages 5+ must be either fully Covid-19 Vaccinated, be medically exempt (pre-approval needed and this includes children under the age of 5), or be in the process of getting vaccinated. This will be handled at Check-In. – All players are REQUIRED to wear masks UNTIL they have Covid-19 Vaccination Proof on record with us. Masks are no longer required to be worn before check-in as long as players have their Covid-19 Vaccination on file and they do not have concerning symptoms. – Players are required to do symptom checking at registration/Check-In. – Players can still be asked to wear a mask if they have concerning symptoms/exposure and any questions about this should be asked ahead of time for Staff to coordinate. – For full information regarding our Covid-19 Restrictions & Guidelines, click the link below: lasthope.kitsufox.com/wiki/covid-19-policy-practices/
== CUT-OFF DATE, SKILLS, & PLAYER INFO ==
= MONTHLY EVENT CUT-OFF DATE = – The Monthly Event Cut-Off date is a deadline that is critical to the preparation of the monthly story/event. This allows us to prepare PC bags, write NPC more detailed roles, finalize mechanics based on who we know is planning on attending, and properly tie in player influences like Resources and Organizations. – The Event Cut-Off date for this event is Wednesday, April 16th. – Players that want a more detailed NPC role must purchase the applicable membership AND signup for the event by that date. – Players that want a guaranteed spot for their PC must sign-up by this date. – Players that want to be added to the Prize Giveaway for the month must signup by that date.
= PC SKILL UPDATES = – If you sign-up and choose a membership by the Event Cut-Off date, staff will prepare your PC bag with items, coin, and condition ahead of time. – If you have updates to your PC, do them ahead of time and email us the changes. – The deadline for these PC skill changes is the Monday before the event! – If we have time then we can update your PC skills at an event. *** There is no guarantee we can do this at an event due to the registration time needs. ***
= ATTENDING EVENT BONUSES = – Players attending events in-person are granted several bonuses: – A PC may roll applicable Profession and/or Tradeskill rolls for coin/affects. You MUST bring your trade manual to check-in to make your rolls. – A PC may open and review applicable Lore cards at Check-In (and copy them over into their own Lore books if they so choose) – PCs that are part of an Organization may earn +1 Organization Exp per event day that they attend and prominently display Org heraldry. Bring and show your heraldry to check-in! – PCs that are part of an Organization may earn +1 Organization Exp for attending and prominently displaying Organization Standard/Banner (Min 3 PCs) Please tell check-in that you will be displaying a banner!
= DOWNTIME ACTIONS, ORGANIZATIONS, & LORE SKILL USAGE = – Players may have a PC(s) use Downtime Actions to make an impact on an event. – Organizations may pledge their monthly Actions and/or applicable Units to make an impact on an event. – Downtime Actions & Org Actions influencing this event must submitted by the Monthly Event Cut-Off date OR the 10th (Whichever is first) – Relevant information gained or a summary of the influence of these efforts will be available at Check-In at the event; a player must attend to be able to see that info. – IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ASK FOR THAT INFO! – PCs with applicable Lore skills may have access to certain Lore cards at check-in. Frequently, there are Lore cards available for you to read that represent your characters ability to know about things going on in the area. Some of this information can be really useful to know! – You may not take these Lore cards but you are welcome to copy the information they have into your own Lore book but it must be done at Check-In.
= PC SPOTS & LATE PLAYERS = – To guarantee a spot for your PC at this event you must sign-up and pay for membership services before the Monthly Event Cut-Off date. – If you sign-up after this date, we will coordinate a waiting list for players wanting to play their PCs. – If NPC roles are needed, you will be notified before an event what those roles are so you can prepare. – If NPC roles are not needed, you will be notified that you’re approved to play your PC. – This helps us balance event mechanics and needed NPC roles to adequately facilitate an event but still allows ample opportunity for players to guarantee being able to show up as their PC.
We are following a strict time-block for check-in/registration so players will be expected to arrive on time to get registered and then attend the game briefing. – If a player is going to be late and they are going to arrive after registration closes, they are expected to notify the staff by emailing the lasthopelarp@gmail.com address to let us know. – This allows us to prep their NPC materials or pull their PC cards prepare their items/coin for when they arrive. Failure to do this may result in a forced NPC role if the player arrives after the briefing as all registration supplies are packed up and put away. – This does not mean we do not have wiggle room; all you have to do is notify us ahead of time via email so we can prepare accordingly.
= MANDATORY CHECK-OUT = – All players are required to properly check-out at every event; this means that all in-game items and PC cards with PC conditions will be turned over to Staff for proper record keeping. – We will be doing a dedicated Check-Out after each day. – If you plan on leaving before the end of the event day/scheduled Check-Out time, it is your responsibility to seek out Staff in order to properly check-out. – If you checkout as a PC, you may not “check back in” after a period of time. Once you check out as a PC, your PC is done for the event day. – There may be limitations on how and where PCs can check out at an event; ask instead of assuming if you feel like your PC would leave early, and then staff can assign you a role after that.
== SPONSORSHIP ==
=Wizard Quest= Our continued sponsorship for 2024 is Wizard Quest! Mention the LARP for a local’s discount and remember to share with us a picture of you attending for cross-promotion EXP! www.wizardquest.com/ Wizard Quest in Wisconsin Dells 400 Broadway Ave Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
== HELP! THIS IS MY FIRST EVENT! ==
– It is understandable (and normal) to be completely lost and overwhelmed coming to your first event. – Staff and/or Veteran players will be on hand to help guide you and answer questions. We want your first event experience to be a positive one! – It is very normal for staff and players to be running around doing things to get the event going on time; you may need to seek out someone with a gold belt flag and ask for assistance.
UPON ARRIVAL – When you arrive, the most important thing is checking to see if you need to park in specific areas. – Make your way to Check-In, wherever that is for the event. This will be where a number of players are at and also where Staff are at checking people into the game. This is also where Staff can guide you to the proper areas (such as New Player Helpers or NPC Wranglers)
AFTER CHECK-IN – Once you have checked in, the most important person/station for you to search for is the “NPC Wrangler”. This is usually 1-2 Staff members that are taking care of garbing up and handing out NPC roles. – There will be time available to make sure you are prepped for your NPC role. This is a great opportunity to ask questions! – If you need anything else from your vehicle or for any setup, this would be the time to do so.
BEFORE BRIEFING – Once you have your NPC role and you know who you can contact for questions, there is usually extra time before the event briefing. – During this time, we will do a Combat Tutorial so you know the basics of combat. This usually takes about 30 minutes, so try to factor that into your event arrival time. – There will be announcements of when briefing will take place; make sure you are available to listen to the briefing of an event as it covers a lot of story, safety, and property information.
AFTER BRIEFING – Normally right after briefing, all NPCs and the NPC Wranglers are assembled into a group to discuss NPC roles, any connections they may have, answer more questions, and review the overall event theme/goal.
DURING EVENTS – Once “Game On” is called, it is very important to maintain decorum in the game area. This can be very intimidating at first! – If you need anything, please discreetly find a gold belt flag staff member and ask for assistance. Most of the time we will move off to the side for a quick out-of-game clarification or move out of the game area entirely to be able to have a full discussion. – If you are confused on what to do, please seek out staff discreetly to double check your NPC motives and goals or discuss ideas on what you can do.
AFTER THE EVENT – All of your borrowed garb, gear, coin, etc will get returned back to the NPC Wrangler as soon as the event is over. – This will also be a chance to discuss any meaningful interactions you had as an NPC that we might want to follow up on – The NPC Wrangler and potentially other staff will be available to answer any questions you have.
The sunrise across the continent has started to bring warmer, longer days. The snow is melting despite the bitter wind, and everyday it brings the people of Mardrun closer and closer to the perfect conditions for war. The stockpiles are ready, the fighters are warming up, and the forges are being lit as Clan Stormjarl and Nightriver prepare for the renewed onslaught Grimward and Stonetooth are sure to bring to their borders.
Clan Stormjarl’s defenses have been bolstered even before the war broke out with many in the Clan focusing special attention on training warriors along Haygreth’s Scar and the more recent influx of trained healers, leading the defensive line of settlements south of The Scar looking very well-prepared for the coming defense. Nightriver has also taken the winter months to begin movement into Stormjarl territory to begin preparations for supporting the Clan in the fight everyone is sure is coming.
As Grimward begins probing Stormjarl’s defenses, it’s easy to see the Clan is still in recovery from the winter month’s harsh conditions and the ally’s offensive movement across the Yurnai River last year. While they stir up action across the border between the Clans, allies from across Mardun begin to move in to support the Clan, whether that be defending against Grimward’s grapplers keeping their warriors busy, or another offensive move while Grimward is still on the back foot. As the spring thaw fast approaches, one thing is for certain; this war is far from over.
=EVENT SUMMARY=
The day started cold and dreary as Stormjarl and supporters began preparations for the day. The thin layer of clean snow across the dirt quickly became wrought with footprints and cart marks, with supporters coming to ply their trades in support of Stormjarl. As the day began to warm up, the warriors warmed with it. Patrols were sent out both near and far, successful in their thwarting of Grimward invaders each time. The abundance of well trained healers, and the presence of many tradespeople, kept the warriors well taken care of as they returned from their attacks and patrols.
As the day pushes on, the snow melting into the dirt and turning to mud, warriors found themselves wearing down, but not without seeing a similar effect on Grimward. With success after success stacking up for Stormjarl, morale of the outpost grew until local leadership could finally claim the day had been a success, with Grimward’s local forces unable to quickly enough route reinforcements to cover the wounded section of their frontline.
The outpost rallied in their recovery after such a long day, Stormjarl and their allies continuing to patrol the nearby roads. Warriors made their way to the trail again, but were met with an unexpected fighting force. Warriors of Clan Shattered Spear marched against the patrols and outpost, throwing themselves into battle with Stormjarl with desperation and anguish across them all. A Stonetooth Ulven stood among them, forcing them into battle under threat of their own families being killed where they still lived in the occupied Shattered Spear territory if the warriors were to surrender, show defiance, or not follow orders. This Ulven, the ‘thrall watcher’, being un-killable by Stormjarl otherwise all the Shattered Spear families would die regardless of their efforts to fight for Grimward and Stonetooth.
This upsetting encounter left the warriors of Stormjarl with a horrible moral dilemma and no time to dwell on it. The warriors of Clan Shattered Spear were cut down in their intense battle, as they begged for, and the Stonetooth was let go to walk home free.
In the midst of this chaotic battle, a healer and a bard stayed waiting in camp. While everyone from warriors to merchants ran to the trail to help support the fight or bring back wounded, they returned to even more chaos and panic to see that the bard’s throat had been slashed, and that healer was nowhere to be found. The bard was able to be saved, but the outsider who was believed to be the one who attacked in this moment of vulnerability, was not found.
In the end, with warriors making their way back into camp after the Stonetooth “thrall-watcher” made his departure, and with reports of similar attacks from Clan Shattered Spear’s people across Stormjarl’s outposts, the Clan is now left with very important decisions to make, and very little time to make them.
News of Nightriver crosses the continent again as the Clan announces they’ve made some ground against Grimward in the Pass in the past few months. Grimward is still holding the majority of the Pass, but this small victory means all flanking routes are effectively cut-off, and homes nearby have less danger to worry about if Nightriver forces are pushed back again.
Additionally, a ravine of Ironsand was discovered off the eastern coast on an unpopulated island, and once again the Clan is calling for assistance to collect and refine this sand this Spring.
The Southern coastline has been seeing unexpected action from Clanless Ulven lately, with two different raiding groups clashing. It seems that one group opposes the colonists and has been showing aggression to smaller colonist settlements, most recently the Fire Isle, and the other is distinctly anti-Grimward. The two groups clashed recently, but the winner of the fight was unclear in reports.
An informant of Lictor Mary has been spreading new findings from a specialized incursion into the lost Shattered Spear territory. From what information could be gathered, it seems able-bodied captured Ulven are being moved south, while those being kept local are having families threatened if they escape. It’s unclear now what this could mean for those Ulven, but this knowledge combined with the assumption of a heavy push on Stormjarl coming in Spring, the informant believes captured Shattered Spear could be involved in the coming fight.
Surprising and hopeful news has come from Stormjarl as well. The past few winter months have brought some stronger-than-usual storms to their coastline. The Clan had those weather events well in-hand, but reports say that the skies to the North, right in Grimward’s direction, looked to get far more treacherous. While nothing can be confirmed, if they received weather worse than Stormjarl has recently seen, this could mean a significant impact to their coastline and, hopefully, their readiness come Spring.
Shieldhaven has sent word to other allied groups: Ironmound is preparing to march to war. Stonetooth scouts in particular have already begun probing against Shieldhaven’s defenses. This news comes after Ironmound’s letter declaring their intentions of war, and now the continent can be assured; Ironmound is ready, and they are coming.
Bi-Weekly Combat Practices typically start in April and End in November. See our Events Page for exact start and end dates, and visit our Facebook Page for updates about potential cancellations.
Location:
Langer Park, Baraboo, WI 501 Remington Street, Baraboo 53913
During practice, LARPers have access to bathrooms. There are no water fountains, so please bring plenty of water for yourself as combat practice is often during very warm weather.
Our COVID-19 Guidelines are also enforced at our practices. Please read through our guidelines to be prepared at practice.
Age of Participants:
Ages 16-17:
Players within this age range will require a signed Parental Consent Form and a signature on their Yearly Waiver from a Legal Guardian to participate. They do not need to be accompanied by an adult to participate.
Ages 10-15:
Players within this age range may participate with Staff Approval and a signed Parental Consent form, as well as a Legal Guardians signature on their Yearly Waiver. They must also be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Ages 9 and under:
Players 9 years of age and below cannot participate in combat. If an adult player brings their young child to practice, they must be responsible for that child.
Every single player who wants to participate in combat must be trained by a staff-approved combat trainer, agree to follow our combat rules, and show respect to any borrowed equipment.
