Commonly Asked Questions
Where do I check in for the first time?
There's no separate Check-In for New and Returning players. There will be signs directing you to Check-In (never be afraid to ask) where you'll be met by the Coordination Director who will get you ready. Once you arrive on site, please bring your sleeping bag or bag with you as our first goal will be to get you a bed. Once that's resolved, we'll create for your player number, your character, and getting set up with starter item cards.
Do I need to bring my own phys reps for weapons?
Yes, you need to bring your own boffer-safe weapons. We will have very limited loaner weapons for those that can't bring one (air travel, etc). For bow phys reps, please do not bring an actual bow. Instead, bring something to represent a bow without a string and use blue packets for the "arrows." For the skill Unarmed Combat, make sure to bring white boffers (exact lengths can be found within the rule book). All boffer weapons must be checked on site for safety, before use.
Where's a good site to get boffer/latex weapons?
There are several sites where you can order boffer/latex weapons. Medieval Collectibles has a range of latex weapons to choose from (the foam-injected weapons sometimes do not pass safety, so please steer toward latex weapons). We also have a variety of crafters who can help you out on the Facebook group, Dystopia Rising Crafting Group.
Will I have a bed as a new player?
We'll be reserving sleeping for New Players and will make it a priority to make sure you get a bed at your first game. You should absolutely make sure that you bring bedding/a sleeping bag as well as any toiletries and other items you'll need for overnight camping.
Can I pre-reg as a new player?
You can indeed pay before game as a new player. However, you should contact Dystopiarisingmass@gmail.com to get your database account set up so we can properly register you.
Should I bring a flashlight?
Yes! Our campsites can get very dark at night. Any flashlight you bring should have a red gel on it so that the light itself is red. This helps prevent ruining your own (or someone else's) night vision.
Where do I get my player number?
You'll receive your player number when you purchase your first attendance ticket. If you create a character ahead of time, and haven’t input it into our character database before the event, feel free to bring in the character's information, and we'll use that to help you set up your character.
What if I need uninterrupted sleep for medical reasons?
If you need uninterrupted sleep for medical reasons, we'll sleep you in our medical building, which is not attacked at night. **Please notify us at least 7 days before the event so we can make needed arrangements. Email DystopiaRisingMass@gmail.com for any concerns about our medical sleep accommodations.
Should I expect attacks at night?
Dystopia Rising is a fully-immersive, horror survival game, which means that there may be times at night when zombies, mass murderers, and other creatures may attack. We have down time from 2am-8am and usually 2pm-4pm where cabins will be left alone.
How much roleplay is involved in this game?
Dystopia Rising is a fully immersive game, which means that from game on to game off, you'll BE the alternate persona that you create. We encourage everyone to remain in character at all times, which means that talking about your favourite show or what happened at work, should wait until after game off.
If you need a break, you can absolutely head to out of game areas, or go off site, without any issue.
What do I do for my Casting block?
Every player does a casting block, where they're given roles to act out in our world. You may be put into makeup to be a zombie, or you may be a person interacting in the world.
Before your block, get changed into black clothing that are not your character's clothing. Leave your boffer weapons and character costuming where you sleep and put a dark cloth over it to mark it as out-of-game while you're on your block. Then head over to ops (we'll show you where that is!) with the out-of-game symbol (one hand on top of your head) or in a green headband (which is another out-of-game symbol). When you arrive, you'll be told what sort of things you’ll be doing.
What do I do for food?
We do not provide food, so make sure to bring enough for the weekend. When packing food, consider what looks "genre" for the apocalypse. Get rid of packages and wrappers ahead of time and use cans, mason jars, paper bags, and other materials to disguise modern food.
Please see any recent blog posts about our current campsite, for information about kitchen/appliance access, food storage, etc.
Speaking of food, most Dystopia Rising chapters partake in what's fondly called "Afters." After game has ended, everything is cleaned up and people are ready to leave site, players like to find a place to go sit and have lunch. It gives you the ability to decompress with people you've had scenes with, refuel, and get to know our community more.
Please note that these are just some of the more-commonly asked questions.
If you have any additional questions, you may contact dystopiarisingmass@gmail.com