Guest NPC Expectations

Like any LARP, we always need more NPCs! (Non Player Characters). As such, if you bring a person with you to NPC for a full event, you do not have to take a monster shift. If you are a legacy player or would otherwise be required to take two shifts, please note that each guest only ‘removes’ one shift – to avoid both, you would need to bring two people.

NPCs always eat for free during a full-length game, but they will need to bring their own black clothes to wear, as well as bedding/toiletries/etc. Please work with your guest NPC to make sure they are prepared for the whole weekend!

There are a few requirements for your guest NPC to qualify for this program:

Some Fantasy/Roleplay experience – Due to the amount of interactions required for an NPC, we ask that guest NPCs are at least passingly familiar with fantasy games, roleplaying, and the general culture. We don’t need a Tolkein scholar, but they should at least understand the difference between an Orc and an Elf.
Combat Ready – While we do have non-combat roles for NPCs to play, we ask that any volunteers be willing to participate in some combat. Most players who are apprehensive about combat later find it an exhilarating and fun part of the game, so don’t be shy!
They must last the whole game – In order for a Guest NPC to qualify as such, we ask that they stay roughly 90% of the game. We understand that circumstances and emergencies may arise and would be glad to address those as they come up, but please tell your guest to plan on staying through the entire event. If your guest leaves very early, you may be asked to fulfill your monster shift requirements at a later time that event.
Familiar with our rules – We don’t ask that your guest NPC knows every spell and tagline, but the unfortunate reality is that we don’t have the time or resources available to educate someone from the ground up while running a game. Guest NPCs should at least understand the basics of the game, and they’ll have a lot more fun if they do!

Monster Shift Expectations

Arrive on time to your 3 hour shift.

We have a schedule set based around these shifts, and we all appreciate your punctuality.

Wear black clothing appropriate to the weather and athletic footwear.

This is the basic uniform. You can also bring your own personal weapons you wish to fight with or your own costuming, but this isn’t required.

Wear a White Headband.

We do not have extra headbands in Monster Town to give you.

Have some Fantasy/Roleplay experience.

Your character can be “on patrol” during this time, protecting the community. Due to the amount of interactions required for an NPC, we ask that guest monsters are at least passingly familiar with fantasy games, roleplaying, and the general culture. We don’t need a Tolkein scholar, but players roleplaying with you should at least see the difference between an Orc and an Elf.

Be Combat ready.

While we do have non-combat roles for NPCs to play, we ask that any volunteers be willing to participate in some combat. Most players who are apprehensive about combat later find it an exhilarating and fun part of the game, so don’t be shy! If you are Orange headband, we suggest doing a Tavern Shift instead, as this is safer and much less physically demanding.

Be familiar with the rules.

We don’t ask that you know every spell and tagline, but the unfortunate reality is that we don’t have the time or resources available to educate someone from the ground up while running a game. Monsters should at least understand the basics of the game, and they’ll have a lot more fun if they do!

Clean up MT at the end of your shift.

You might be asked to break down a module building or just put away what was used during your shift. This includes putting away costuming and props in the proper bin, sanitizing masks, cleaning up trash, running dishes to Tavern, refilling the cooler, etc. Monster Town Manager will dismiss you.

You must last the whole shift.

We understand that circumstances and emergencies may arise and would be glad to address those as they come up. If you leave very early or come late, you may be asked to fulfill your monster shift requirements at a later time that event. Arriving early does not mean you will get to leave early. Arriving late does not mean you get to leave late. Failure to complete your full shift can result in pulling your 10 CP for the event.

Tavern Shift Expectations

Arrive on time to your 4 hour shift.

We have meal times based around these shifts, and we all appreciate your punctuality.

You may stay dressed in character.

You are not required to wear something specific for your shift. This helps tremendously with players who have makeup races and complex costumes.

Have a White Headband, just in case.

We do not have extra headbands in the Tavern to give you, but you might not need it. Taking out the trash to the dumpster is still in play without a white headband.

Tavern shifts are less physically demanding than Monster shifts.

You are still your character, just in a different room helping out your community. Combat is not required for this position, so if you are Orange Headband, we suggest doing a Tavern Shift instead of a Monster Shift. Casting simple spells, using simple abilities, having simple conversations, etc can usually be done while on shift.

Check in with the Tavern Lead and follow their directions.

Check in with them at the beginning of your shift. They will go over the menu with you and should provide directions to where things are and what you will be expected to make during your shift. Recipes and cookware are provided. Report any issues, out of stocks, bad equipment, etc to them directly. The Tavern Lead is to oversee and help as needed, but those on shift will be primarily doing the cooking, serving, and cleaning.

Shift: Prep, Cook, Serve, Clean up.

Shifts are based around a meal. Most of our dishes are simple to prepare and cook. Everyone has a basic understanding of cooking and cleaning and should be more than capable of helping out. You don’t need to be Gordon Ramsey. Leftovers can be stored and put out later as snacks or extras to later meals.

You are required to help keep the area clean and sanitary, including washing dishes and cleaning countertops. This is especially important during a post-pandemic era. We use disposables where possible, but pans always need washing. If dishes aren’t your jam, buddy up with a friend on the same shift for cooking and cleaning!

Serve the meal at the scheduled time with the Tavern Lead.

We have meal times based around both Tavern and Monster shifts, and we all appreciate your punctuality. If things are getting ahead or behind, work with the Tavern Lead to come up with a solution.

Stay in the Tavern.

Lulls can happen while waiting for the stragglers to get their plate and the final round of cleaning. It can be tempting to wander around, but please stay in the Tavern. Casting simple spells, using simple abilities, having simple conversations, etc can usually be done while on shift. You don’t have to stand for the whole time, and can bring in a chair, fan, etc. However, you are not able to participate in Combat or Field Battles unless all Tavern duties are completed and there is nothing on the stove. Investigations and Modules are not available to anyone on shift; Monster or Tavern.

Clean up the Tavern at the end of your shift.

Wash all the dishes. This also includes putting away food in the proper storage & location, washing dishes, refilling the water cooler, cleaning up trash, taking out the trash, putting away ingredients, etc. Most tavern cookware items are labeled.

You must last the whole shift…

…but if everything for the meal and cleanup is finished early, the Tavern Lead can dismiss you, unlike a Monster shift. Tavern shifts are based on the meals and are not continuous content like Monster shifts are.

We understand that circumstances and emergencies may arise and would be glad to address those as they come up. If you leave very early or come late, you may be asked to fulfill your monster shift requirements at a later time that event, like packing out. Arriving early does not mean you will get to leave early. Arriving late does not mean you get to leave late. Failure to complete your full shift can result in pulling your 10 CP for the event.