First Time NPCing

So you’re interested in being an NPC! Great! This is a very simple way to get your feet wet in the game and build friendships with a ton of people at the same time!

Here are the key pieces you should think and know about:

• Things to Prepare in Advance
• Pre-Register
• Getting to Game
• My First Game
• Conclusion

Things to Prepare in Advance

If you’re NPCing, there isn’t much you need to worry about in advance. You might want to read the combat rules once or twice, but you’ll go over them in Monster Camp, so it’s not vital. You may also want to learn some of the basic calls, but only if you have time and interest. Like with the combat rules, all of this will be addressed in Monster Camp before you begin.

You will also want to run through our packing list. Grab the things needed/recommended for NPCs, but don’t worry too much about the rest of the things. It’s a pretty small list, all things considered.

The biggest and most important thing to prepare for NPCing the first time is your attitude! You are going to be thrust into a situation that many can find overwhelming (honestly, this is true for both PCs and NPCs, but the NPCs feel it more acutely, in my experience), and it may feel a little intense for the first 24 hours. THIS IS TOTALLY NORMAL. If you come into game ready to be confused and have a good time, you’ll do fine! You will need to learn a LOT on Friday night, and it will probably feel anxiety-inducing at times, but I promise, no one will be angry at you if you follow the few simple rules we’ll lay out in Monster Camp - ask questions freely, do your very best, and when in doubt - fall over and “die”. You will start to get the hang of it Saturday afternoon, and, while you won’t probably feel like a pro until your 2nd or 3rd game, we will get you there!

Keep in mind that this is true of EVERYONE who has ever played this game - we have all been overwhelmed by the rules at times, and struggled with these things. People in Monster Camp will help you through, just come with a good attitude and a desire to learn, and you’ll have accomplished most of what you need to accomplish to be successful.

Getting to Game

Okay! Here’s the fun! Getting to site is a fun experience - driving through the country can be beautiful and lovely!

Once you get to site, things get exciting fast! You’ll want to start by parking your car, then finding logistics. Parking should be obvious when you get to site, but if you have questions, stop and ask! Logistics is usually in the Tavern, and the Tavern is usually the biggest building on site.

If you’re at Brooks Memorial, the Tavern’s down the hill from the parking area, and if you’re at Lutherwood, it’s across the bridge and past the pavilion. Logistics at Lutherwood may also be held in the Cascadia building, across from the pavilion. Feel free to stop in there and see if it is before heading to the Tavern.

Depending on what Covid policies are like at the time, you may be asked for your Covid Proof of Vaccination and a negative Covid test when you arrive at the Tavern. Once that is sorted, the person checking Covid tests should be able to show you where your cabin is for sleeping. You can then unload your gear into your cabin (and your food into the Tavern, if applicable) and go to Monster Camp.

Monster Camp, which is where NPCs hang out for the weekend, will have a TON of tasks for you to participate in, including:

• Reading the event schedule to get a feel for what’s happening this game
• Picking a townie to play (or two!)
• Unpacking gear
• Reading culture packets to learn more about the society we’re playing in
• Learning how to fight
• Getting to know everyone
• Learning where everything goes
• Etc

These tasks will take a WHILE, so don’t anticipate that you need to do everything immediately. Plot will also be around to answer questions and give general directions as things happen. You will also get introduced to our very experienced NPCs, known as Guildies, who will be your helpers this game. They will guide you and teach you everything you need to know about how the game works. They will also help translate plot directions, if they’re needed (and plot’s busy). You’ll do a lot of mods with them, so go make some friends!

At some point, you’ll go to Logistics to check in. This is a very painless process as an NPC.

You will be asked for payment (if applicable) and be asked to fill out some forms - a legal release, a photography release (optional) and a Covid release form. These forms can be found online if you’d like to look them over in advance. You CANNOT PLAY OUR GAME without signing the legal release and the Covid release. The photography release is completely optional. Then you’re done! Head back to Monster Camp to do more prep work!

Around 9ish pm, someone will shout that Opening is beginning. Come to the Tavern and hang out as the Plot Team and Staff Members will get everyone together and go over important information for the event. There will be rules clarifications, introductions, introductions of new players (no ice breakers, just stand-and-wave), and a few other things. Once Opening is over, we’ll begin game.

There’s usually a short combat training before the actual beginning of game (often out by Monster Camp) and occasionally a new player mod. This ensures that everyone knows how to fight in our system, and the mod permits new players to get to know each other.

Then, it’s game on! This is when the roleplay and fighting begin.

Enjoy!