Axes and Anchors

***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=

Mardrun has been thoroughly shaken by the groundbreaking revelation to come out of the previous month’s Market Faire celebrations. With Clan Spiritclaw’s horrifying reveal that Clan Stonetooth are worshippers of The Mother, and Spiritclaw’s resulting decision being to join sides with the allied forces of Mardrun against Grimward and Stonetooth, many eyes are watching to see if the rest of the neutral clans act as well.

The rest of Mardrun has no time to waste, however, as news of a war within Grimward has provided hope for an opportunity to press Grimward from the outside while they ruin each other from within. Despite a notable portion of their forces still recovering, the City-State of Newhope has already made their move to press in, and Clan Stormjarl and Clan Nightriver have been quick to join.

These forces have been faced with a unique and potentially dangerous problem—Grimward’s usually stalwart front lines have fallen back. This may sound like an easy fight, but an almost missing enemy line has put leadership on unsure footing, worried they’re being led into a trap. The increasing concern is only heightened by an inconsistent flow of Grimward Daughters of Gaia trying to escape the war-torn territory.

With rumors of Grimward warpacks turning against other Grimward warpacks spreading across camps, aid has been requested by Campaign Commander Dame Marie to support and hold lines while a greater picture can be drawn to unravel the mystery without delaying the fight. Coordination along the front line to support and tend to the warriors, as well as helping the Daughters of Gaia, and discerning which Grimward packs are the biggest enemies are at the top of the priority list for any and all who come to help, before chaos can fester and cost the allied forces their chance at kicking Clan Grimward while it’s down.

= EVENT SPECIAL MECHANICS =

1) Event Theme: Information Gathering, Combat, and the Unknown
Players attending this event can expect various encounters throughout the day, with different solutions or choices that must be made. While combat and protecting the camp may be important, the ability to discern information and learn more about Grimward will be the most critical to the war-front as a whole.

2) Specific NPC Roles:
There are no monster roles for this event.
Players will be representing the forces of Clan Nightriver, Clan Stormjarl, Clan Grimward or Newhope. We encourage players to bring ulven-centric garb and equipment, but non-ulven roles will be available too. Both combat and non-combat roles will be available.

3) Pre-Event Setup:
The event will take place in the Outpost, where players will be allowed to pre-event set-up. Spaces can be reserved via Downtime Actions, then the remaining space is first-come-first-served on the event day.

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.

=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

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=

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, August 12th.
– 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.

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

My spirits had been soaring since meeting the lovely people of The Busty Bousom Chateau, so I decided to enjoy some sport, and lost to my first opponent, I came close to scoring a hit in the young warrior but never landed one before I was forced to yield by a flurry of skillful blows I was too slow to intercept.

Now with two fewer silver in my pouch, my spirits waning a bit, I paused by a market stall to decide what I should do next.

Just then a Blade of Sol approached, his demeanor full of tension and barely restrained hostility. I believe I recognized him as Marshal Seymour, who’s proclamation had deeply effected my changing perspective and ongoing plan for my life.

He questioned why I wore the face paint, and why I used Grimward colors.
I confessed that I was born to that clan, though I have disowned them. I told him I wore their colors as a way of wearing my shame. And the the black bar across the eyes being split by a rune glyph meaning “destroy” was a kind of personal hex calling justice, and down my red tears were the glyphs for “honorless, stonetooth, grimward” and “mordok, penitent, undead”.

I explained that I believe all should become active in the fight to quickly end the conquering war, as we have been in a kind of stalemate with the Mordok for as long as our history, and the colonists had lost a whole continent to the undead, this war only serves to weaken against foes that have thus far been insurmountable.

I continued saying that I lack the power to enact my will for this destruction, so I wore it on my face, so that soldiers fighting Grimward and Stonetooth may have the symbols in their eyes as they fight, carrying my wrath to the enemy for me.
While I was talking, he seemed event still to be extremely suspicious of me, and full of wrath, but I could slowly feel it being lessened, as if his ire were being slowly turned from me back to those we both hated. I then asked if he was indeed Marshal Seymour as I thought, which he confirmed.

I quickly expressed my deepest sincere gratitude for his proclamation and many deeds, of which I simply knew there were many beyond those he had not been recognized for.

He softened to me ever so slightly, and seemed to take on concern for my safety, telling me I should not wear my devotion in such colors, as he could see any of his troops having a similar reaction to his own.

I thanked him and bowed my head in deference to this kind wisdom, and explained that I’d not considered such an effect, as I’m not battle tested, so my grasp of the way my face paint would be seen on the battle field was lacking.

He seemed still tense but satisfied to let my actions back up my words rather than simply assuming them false. As he walked away I could almost feel as if a blade were being held to my throat and was being slowly removed from it’s threatening proximity. 

TRADE KIT SUBMITTED BY: Natalie W. as Tymraetheleon.

TRADE: Weaver

DESCRIPTION OF ITEMS: This kit includes the basic Weaver requirements as well as some items for “flavor” and practicality. Here are the items shown which are required for the trade: 

• Weaver mat of choice
• 4 props to represent the 4 elements, player’s choice (displayed: a rattle made with deer antlers for Earth; a scrying orb with blue flashes in it for Fire; a crystalline bowl with a flask of “moon-charged” water for Water; a jingle bell feather bundle for Air).
• Beads for different auras cast by the Weaver; Mana bands.
• Pocket watch, aka Syndar Time Piece, for tracking the duration of skills (sand timers are another option).  
• Trade manual, which I’ve also integrated with art and many flavor pages.

My kit also shows some optional items:

• Backpack for carrying the kit;
• Finger labyrinth for assisting with focusing during meditations;
• Prop unofficial magical ingredients that are distinct from official ingredients & potions in the game, but can be utilized for flavor when doing a weaving skill; fun box to carry them in;
• A few bonus items for helping with divination or other rituals (tuning fork, singing bowl, stone pendulum). 

HOW ITEMS WERE PROCURED: Many small items were thrifted, made/modified with everyday materials, and found at “normal” stores. The backpack and various small pouches were from Medieval Collectibles — I recommend them or Unmedievable for basic staple items. The leather book was from Etsy (Momoleather), as was the labyrinth (MamacitaHandcrafts). The Weaver mat is a drop cloth from the hardware store, painted with paint markers. 

CHARACTER RACE & CULTURAL INFLUENCE ON ITEMS (if applicable):

Tymraetheleon is a Io’Larian Syndar, and I specifically wanted to tap into themes of wilderness, outsiderness, and shamanism while being mindful of cultural appropriation and people’s real spiritual practices. I decided to lean into the idea of “witchiness” as my inspiration point. I also liked the idea of Tym engaging with magic in an intuitive and sensory way, vs in a scientific and scholarly way. This is why Tym uses tools like a singing bowl, finger labyrinth, and pendulum, as these each involve different areas of sensory engagement.

The game doesn’t allow established religious symbols on screen, so the design of the Weaver mat is a modified Hecate’s wheel (another witch reference) — the standard symbol has 3 segments and usually involves a moon or star; my modification has 4 segments and is plain, to represent the 4 elements and to distinguish it clearly from the real symbol. 

TRADE KIT SUBMITTED BY: Natalie W. as Aina Possum Riverhead. 

TRADE: Bard

DESCRIPTION OF ITEMS: This kit features my bard trade book (includes rules of the trade, and song lyrics), a frame drum (logo covered with a Possum), a tambourine, and a small hand painted box for misc. tools of the trade (pencil and timer). 

HOW ITEMS WERE PROCURED: The empty leather book was purchased from somewhere typical (Barnes and Noble maybe?) and I added the songs and illustrations over time. I researched and collected old traditional folk songs, and also included more modern songs that have a passably medieval/renaissance sound. I’ve also written songs for specific characters, and lightly modified existing songs to ensure that they’re “decorum.”  Some of these songs are posted elsewhere on the website under Player Submissions (Snippets from Aina’s Bard Book). The wooden box was a plain box from Michaels craft store, painted with “milk paint.” The instruments are from typical music stores, with logos covered as needed. 

CHARACTER RACE & CULTURAL INFLUENCE ON ITEMS (if applicable): Aina is Ulven, so many of the modified songs contain Ulven references or themes. Her clan, Riverhead (now fallen), is jokingly associated with a “hillbilly” aesthetic, so some of her songs lean into bluegrass music in addition to the standard “medieval fantasy bard” sound. The heart painted on the box comes from a Celtic art reference book, and this art style overlaps heavily with Nordic art.