***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. 
• 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.

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=

– 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.

For more New Player Info, please click the link below:
lasthope.kitsufox.com/new-player-information/