***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=

The chill of winter has well and truly settled across Mardrun. Short days and long nights have brought many areas on the war fronts to slow crawls, while the crushing weight of Clan Stonetooth feels like they have been minimally slowed after capturing so much of Clan Goldenfield’s food stores and burning their homes. After finding Grimward’s ‘great army’ in The Pass to be a ruse, Clan Nightriver now begins moving reinforcements to immediately aid Clan Goldenfield, but are at great risk of straining their already limited winter supply. Far to the south, news passes of Grimward’s great raider fleet having made a push for the Yurnai river, colliding head on with the combined naval forces of Newhope, Nightriver, and Stormjarl. Rumors come that neither side truly came out ahead, but Grimward did not reach the mouth of the river to attack the bridge. Clan Grimward has lost territory on the river and Stormjarl borders, but few would believe they have lost the war as the fighting seems to have stalled for both sides with winter arriving in full last month.

News of heightened but expected Mordok activity at Clan Whiteoak’s Shield of Mardrun outposts has spread, along with a call for help from the clan which is not expected. The Mordok threat may typically be no problem for a formidable Clan like Whiteoak who has fought them for generations, but a dangerous threat within their own walls has their leadership on edge– The Nightmare Plague has returned, this time in Pack Briarthorn and their outpost on The Shield. While Whiteoak scrambles warriors to ward off the Mordok, healers to quarantine and heal the sick, and sending supply runners to both places, fears are rising that the Plague could spread through the clan, rapidly depleting their winter supplies and taking more warriors off The Shield, where many have already fallen ill.

After hearing of the successful treatment of the Nightmare Plague in Clan Nightriver, Clan Whiteoak has decided to call for aid. Thanks to the clan’s neutrality, any brave healers– but especially those with knowledge of The Nightmare Plague– any warriors who can cut down the Mordok, any tradespeople to move or make supplies– all are called to aid the effort to save the Ulven of Pack Briarthorn before Mordok find and exploit their weakness, or worse, the plague takes them. Time is not on Whiteoak’s side, as the plague can be quick to spread and each night brings new dead.

SPECIAL GAME MECHANICS APPLIED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE:
Traveling to or from Clan Stormjarl: 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.
Current Danger Level: Danger is LOW due to Grimward’s fleet predicted to be recovering currently.

To Clarify (Click for more):

All PCs traveling to Stormjarl territory will be subject to survival-style rolls to see if they encounter combat/hardship on their way in. All PCs interacting with Stormjarl territory via attendance at events in person, or using Downtime Actions to interact with Stormjarl territory, will be tracked. All players that have a PC that is tracked in Stormjarl territory that signup for a future event outside of Stormjarl territory will also be subject to survival-style rolls to see if they encounter combat/hardship on their way out, This special “territory travel mechanic” will remain in effect until in-game narrative changes warrant it’s removal; all events that are influenced by this dangerous travel mechanic will be noted in future event mechanics

= EVENT SPECIAL MECHANICS =

1) Event Theme: “Quarantine & Outpost Support” Event:
This event features a rescue for people afflicted with the Nightmare Plague and efforts to maintain patrols against mordok roaming the area. Players can expect objective goals both in the form of both combat and non-combat through healing the afflicted Ulven, repelling mordok in the area, and supporting the outpost’s needs. In addition, players can expect to need to control the sick with a quarantine zone.

2) Indoor Mechanics:
During the event, characters who join needed patrols or go reagent hunting will need to speak with a staff member first and then step out of the main play area to represent them ‘leaving the outpost’. Dice rolls will be made with a staff member to determine what is encountered during the chosen action, and the outcome of the characters involved. Coordination and care should be considered before leaving, as dangers likely lie beyond the safety of the outpost.

3) Plague Warning & Risk:
There will be characters who are afflicted and contagious with the Nightmare Plague that will need to be healed. Players can expect a high risk of contracting the Nightmare Plague if they interact with those characters without careful preparations, and characters who end the event while sick with the plague may have a risk of dying.

4) Controlled Environment (Neutral Territory):
In-game, Clan Whiteoak is neutral territory in the current “Conquering” story line. It would be highly frowned upon and potentially detrimental to any characters who choose to engage in any Conquering-aligned tasks, talks, or anything that could jeopardize Whiteoak’s neutrality. This is NOT an out-of-game rule; this is an in-game policy and players are free to adhere to it or break it if they so choose (but be aware there are in-game consequences).

5) Tradeskills:
Tradeskills are still be allowed with the event moving indoors and will be important for succeeding in event goals, but we ask that loud tradeskills like blacksmithing be muffled. If you have a tradeskill requiring the outdoors (laborer, herbalist, etc) then opportunities may still be available and will be coordinated by staff, but will have a risk of danger due to the mordok presence.

6) Food Stipend:
With Clan Whiteoak deploying additional forces to The Shield due to the quarantined outpost and winter striking hard, this has caused supplies to temporarily be drawn thin for their forces. Clan Whiteoak is offering silver for those who bring food to share at the outpost to help alleviate the supply issue. Characters who bring food to share potluck-style will receive 1-3 silver per dish, to a maximum of 10 silver per character. Please keep in mind, we cannot guarantee outlets will be available for things like Crock-Pots or Nescos.

7) Monster Roles:
Mordok roles will no longer be available for this event due to the event moving indoors. Players who pre-registered for a monster role have been sent an email for role changes.

8) 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.

9) 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=

= 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 Friday, January 5th.
– 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
– PCs that are part of an Organization may earn +1 Organization Exp for attending and prominently displaying Organization Standard/Banner (Min 3 PCs)

= 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 2025 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/