Well, let me explain one thing from the outset. Featherstone Castle is an awesome site but it does not have vast grounds in which to run linears. It will come as no surprise then that this will not be a “high-combat-in-the-woods” kind of event.
Oh no.
Also Felix’s Watch is based in Casinea and at the top of a mountain. That’s the same territory as Anvil; centre of civilisation and Imperial stronghold. It’s not the border territory of the Barrens, the fungally infested Reikos or the ever-recurring hell of Karsk; it would be hard to justify a high-combat-peril event in Casinea and culturally we don’t have the sovereigns of Varushka or the magical constructs of Urizen. I can just imagine PD’s face if we mailed them with a proposal for an event of rolling waves of barbarians. So, no, alas for us that kind of event doesn’t quite work (though someone should absolutely run it and I will come!)
But please do not mistake absence of linear style encounters as a lack of peril.
Oh no.
This is a “relaxing social event” that may not be as relaxing and social as planned.
It’s hard to tell you exactly what to expect without spoilering the stuff that will trickle though in coming weeks and months and which we hope will be entertaining in its gradual unveiling. Please know that not even your hosts know exactly what is to come. Only those running the event are privy to that.
So let’s talk instead in more general terms about what kind of film you are going to be in if you choose attend.
You will not be in an action movie, swashbuckling adventure or a disaster movie. I suppose I would describe it as a thriller – with a hint of Cold War era shenanigans. Morgan thinks it would more accurately described as a psychodrama with elements of procedural drama. Olly has plumped for “thriller/chiller”. Shaun has coined dynastic thriller. I think you get the gist.
Yes. But will there be any peril?
Why yes!
We would not deny you a little peril, our friends!
There will be peril and tension and uncertainty and things to work out, investigate, question; things to fix, maybe even hold to account. Some things may not want to be held to account… some things may get angry if challenged. But this won’t be Wintermark peril or Marcher peril or Dawnish peril… our ambition is to deliver peril in a culturally appropriate manner.
If you are a military character or a medic, fear not. This is not all about priests and Magisters. You may not be in the front line, but this event will have resonance for you too.
Above all this is an event intended to scream HIGHGUARD! Highguard which is not just bells and virtue but also the epic nature of Cataphracts and the stealth and determination of the Unconquered. How all the parts of our world interact is why we love the game. So whether you love the culture, have a character who wants to know more about the culture and the cross-keys weirdos and their probationer system or are just addicted to Reb’s virtuous pesto, this is the event for you.
If on the other hand you will get bored if you are not hitting stuff all day – this is not the event for you. Though I should add that if anyone wanted to approach the Chapter and say “Hey we thought this would be a good opportunity to do some military or triage drills in the courtyard” that is very much up for discussion. [“Oh, Virtues, yes!” – Morgan] The people you are looking to talk to about that kind of thing might be Brother Cayleb and Sister Dorcas.
“But Chiara – I live miles away – does this mean I need to bring my armour, axe, sword and collection of dangerous LARP knives?!” I hear you say.
Come now, my friends, you are in Casinea in a Chapter House – what could possibly go wrong? Seriously though, the event is not in the front line. No one will think any less of you if you don’t turn up in full clank. Equally if you are dedicated to Vigilance or simply concerned that this is a giant trap of Asenath’s devising, you should feel free to come equipped for whatever flavour of PERIL you think may lurk within. In many ways how you show up is another prompt for entertaining roleplaying. It is possible that Vigilant Exarch Cyrus may raise an eyebrow if you show up in your PJs, but you can guarantee you’ll be a hit with Asenath if you do that. It all depends who you want to make an impression with.
On a purely practical note, if carrying stuff is an impediment to attending – you can totally attend without your full kit. There is fun to be had tearing around a chapter looking for suitable equipment in the unlikely event of an emergency.
That is all for now – we hope you will come and enjoy yourselves, we are certainly having fun writing it!