Monstering a battle - Revision history

Twiggy at 18:44, 10 August 2025

2025-08-10T18:44:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:44, 10 August 2025
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	===Armour===		===Armour===
	Please wear any armour you have when you come along to monster. Using [[Weapons_%26_armour#Armour\|appropriate armour]] will provide your orc monster with additional hits and protection from some [[Heroic Calls\|heroic calls]] as it does with your player character. Wearing padding is also advised to ensure the armour is as comfortable as possible and doesn't hurt you more than protecting you.		Please wear any armour you have when you come along to monster. Using [[Weapons_%26_armour#Armour\|appropriate armour]] will provide your orc monster with additional hits and protection from some [[Calls#Heroic Calls\|heroic calls]] as it does with your player character. Wearing padding is also advised to ensure the armour is as comfortable as possible and doesn't hurt you more than protecting you.

	===Weapons===		===Weapons===

Matt at 20:16, 2 August 2025

2025-08-02T20:16:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:16, 2 August 2025
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	==Overview==		==Overview==
	[[Battles]] are a massive logistical undertaking involving well over ~~600~~ player monsters and crew, not including those players preparing to play the battle. This page should help guide players preparing to monster battles at an event. It provides basic hints and tips, gives you an idea of what to expect, and how to speed you through the process as quickly as possible.		[[Battles]] are a massive logistical undertaking involving well over 750 player monsters and crew, not including those players preparing to play the battle. This page should help guide players preparing to monster battles at an event. It provides basic hints and tips, gives you an idea of what to expect, and how to speed you through the process as quickly as possible.
	===Quick guide===		===Quick guide===
	* Find out when you will be monstering		* Find out when you will be monstering

Matt at 20:15, 2 August 2025

2025-08-02T20:15:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:15, 2 August 2025
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	==Overview==		==Overview==
	[[Battles]] are a massive logistical undertaking involving well over ~~300~~ player monsters and crew, not including those players preparing to play the battle. This page should help guide players preparing to monster battles at an event. It provides basic hints and tips, gives you an idea of what to expect, and how to speed you through the process as quickly as possible.		[[Battles]] are a massive logistical undertaking involving well over 600 player monsters and crew, not including those players preparing to play the battle. This page should help guide players preparing to monster battles at an event. It provides basic hints and tips, gives you an idea of what to expect, and how to speed you through the process as quickly as possible.
	===Quick guide===		===Quick guide===
	* Find out when you will be monstering		* Find out when you will be monstering

TomH: /* After the battle */

2024-08-19T13:40:03Z

After the battle

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:40, 19 August 2024
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	==After the battle==		==After the battle==
	After the battle it will take a short time to get off the battlefield, remove your orc mask and makeup, take off your armour and get back into character. Hopefully you will be able to go back in character from 13:00. We ask that you help our crew when leaving the battlefield and do the following:		After the battle it will take a short time to get off the battlefield, remove your orc mask and makeup, take off your armour and get back into character. Hopefully you will be able to go back in character from 13:00. We ask that you help our crew when leaving the battlefield and do the following:
	* Turn your mask inside out and ~~spray it with disinfectant~~		* Turn your mask inside out and place in the storage boxes
	* Return any unused herbs, mana and potions ~~you haven’t used~~		* Return any unused herbs, mana and potions to the relevant box
	* Return your armour to the correct ~~size~~ pile		* Return your armour to the correct sized pile
	* Return any costume or ~~weapons to the correct rail or pile~~		* Return any costume or props you have been provided
	{{Monstering Further Reading}}		{{Monstering Further Reading}}

TomH: /* Weapons */

2024-08-19T13:37:33Z

Weapons

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:37, 19 August 2024
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	===Weapons===		===Weapons===
	Please bring along a weapon to use in the battle. For the basic orc troops most weapon combinations are fine to use - sword and buckler, axe & shield, spears, great weapons or paired weapons.		Please bring along a weapon to use in the battle. For the basic orc troops most weapon combinations are fine to use - sword and buckler, axe & shield, spears, great weapons or paired weapons.
	* '''NOTE''' - the Jotun ~~do not~~ use bows or crossbows, please do not bring them to Monster when you are monstering as Jotun
			'''NOTE''' - the Jotun orcs disdain the use of bows or crossbows, please do not bring them to Monster when you are monstering as a Jotun orc. In some battles the Jotun yegarra might deploy with bow units and we will make this clear in the battle briefings in the Winds of War.

	===Water===		===Water===
	You should bring water with you when you come to monster. A 500ml of water should be sufficient, but you might need more, especially if it is hot. A simple way to carry - and hide - a plastic water bottle is to wrap it in a sock and tie it onto a belt.		You should bring water with you when you come to monster. A 500ml of water should be sufficient, but you might need more, especially if it is hot. A simple way to carry - and hide - a plastic water bottle is to wrap it in a sock and tie it onto a belt.

Hailmur: /* How will I know I am monstering? */

2024-05-30T23:39:21Z

How will I know I am monstering?

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:39, 30 May 2024
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	Once the [[Military Council]] have met at the [[Muster]] on Friday and decided upon the two major conjunctions the heroes will take, word will start to spread (in character) about the battles being fought and who will be fighting them. Knowing when you will fight as your character will make it obvious when you will need to monster. Ask your national generals, your group leaders, and military-minded folk which battle your nation will be fighting and then you will know which battle to monster in.		Once the [[Military Council]] have met at the [[Muster]] on Friday and decided upon the two major conjunctions the heroes will take, word will start to spread (in character) about the battles being fought and who will be fighting them. Knowing when you will fight as your character will make it obvious when you will need to monster. Ask your national generals, your group leaders, and military-minded folk which battle your nation will be fighting and then you will know which battle to monster in.

	Your nation's egregores will be informed of the battle choices by 22:00 on ~~the~~ Friday night, once the Muster has concluded.		Your nation's egregores will be informed of the battle choices by 22:00 on Friday night, once the Muster has concluded.

	As well as the in-character dissemination of battle sides, the Battle Team will also put up notices in GOD and the toilet doors around the site detailing the nations fighting the next day. These will provide basic information for the monstering nations, including:		As well as the in-character dissemination of battle sides, the Battle Team will also put up notices in GOD, the Food Court tent, and the toilet doors around the site detailing the nations fighting the next day. These will provide basic information for the monstering nations, including:
	* The barbarian force you are monstering as - Jotun/Grendel/Druj~~/Thule~~		* The barbarian force you are monstering as - Jotun/Grendel/Druj
	* The main orc forces you will be monstering as - Heavy/Skirmish/Magic		* The main orc forces you will be monstering as - Heavy/Skirmish/Magic
	* The equipment and costume useful for these roles - Armour/Weapons/Costume		* The equipment and costume useful for these roles - Armour/Weapons/Costume

Dre at 17:51, 25 September 2023

2023-09-25T17:51:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:51, 25 September 2023
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	** Ask your generals - they should be aware of the battle sides		** Ask your generals - they should be aware of the battle sides
	** Look for signage we put on the toilet doors		** Look for signage we put on the toilet doors
	** Ask your ~~Egregore~~		** Ask your egregore
	* Bring any kit, armour and weapons you can		* Bring any kit, armour and weapons you can
	* Hydrate and bring water with you		* Hydrate and bring water with you
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	The first time that you might get an idea of when you might be monstering a battle is when the [[Recent_history\|Winds of War]] are released and we notify the players of the major conjunctions at the event. It is likely that the Marcher generals will want to fight in the Mournwold, and the Varushkans in Karsk, or Highguard in Reikos; this means that these nations will monster the other battle. But don’t count on it, it is all down to player decisions...		The first time that you might get an idea of when you might be monstering a battle is when the [[Recent_history\|Winds of War]] are released and we notify the players of the major conjunctions at the event. It is likely that the Marcher generals will want to fight in the Mournwold, and the Varushkans in Karsk, or Highguard in Reikos; this means that these nations will monster the other battle. But don’t count on it, it is all down to player decisions...

	Once the [[Military Council]] have met at the [[Muster]] on Friday and decided upon the two major conjunctions the heroes will take, word will start to spread (IC) about the battles being fought and who will be fighting them. Knowing when you will fight as your character will make it obvious when you will need to monster. Ask your national generals, your group leaders, and military-minded folk which battle your nation will be fighting and then you will know which battle to monster in.		Once the [[Military Council]] have met at the [[Muster]] on Friday and decided upon the two major conjunctions the heroes will take, word will start to spread (in character) about the battles being fought and who will be fighting them. Knowing when you will fight as your character will make it obvious when you will need to monster. Ask your national generals, your group leaders, and military-minded folk which battle your nation will be fighting and then you will know which battle to monster in.

	Your nation's ~~Egregores~~ will be informed of the battle choices by 22:00 on the Friday night, once the Muster has concluded.		Your nation's egregores will be informed of the battle choices by 22:00 on the Friday night, once the Muster has concluded.

	As well as the in-character dissemination of battle sides, the Battle Team will also put up notices in GOD and the toilet doors around the site detailing the nations fighting the next day. These will provide basic information for the monstering nations, including:		As well as the in-character dissemination of battle sides, the Battle Team will also put up notices in GOD and the toilet doors around the site detailing the nations fighting the next day. These will provide basic information for the monstering nations, including:
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	* '''NOTE''' - the Jotun do not use bows or crossbows, please do not bring them to Monster when you are monstering as Jotun		* '''NOTE''' - the Jotun do not use bows or crossbows, please do not bring them to Monster when you are monstering as Jotun
	===Water===		===Water===
	You should bring water with you when you come to monster~~, a~~ 500ml of water should be sufficient, but you might need more, especially if it is hot. A simple way to carry - and hide - a plastic water bottle is to wrap it in a sock and tie it onto a belt.		You should bring water with you when you come to monster. A 500ml of water should be sufficient, but you might need more, especially if it is hot. A simple way to carry - and hide - a plastic water bottle is to wrap it in a sock and tie it onto a belt.

	It is advisable to ensure you are hydrated before heading to Battle Prep and monstering, sports drinks or other soft drinks are ideal, especially if you were drinking the night before.		It is advisable to ensure you are hydrated before heading to Battle Prep and monstering; sports drinks or other soft drinks are ideal, especially if you were drinking the night before.

	==What will Profound Decisions provide?==		==What will Profound Decisions provide?==
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	* Thule = Blue-->		* Thule = Blue-->
	===Armour===		===Armour===
	Profound Decisions can provide additional items of armour to wear on the battlefield. The ~~polyurea~~ breastplates, vambraces, greaves and spaulders count as heavy armour if struck - protecting against the CLEAVE and IMPALE calls - and with sufficient coverage, they will provide additional armour hits. Wearing your own armour makes it easier for us to ensure we can equip as many monsters as possible with ~~as much~~ armour.		Profound Decisions can provide additional items of armour to wear on the battlefield. The polyurethane breastplates, vambraces, greaves, and spaulders count as heavy armour if struck - protecting against the CLEAVE and IMPALE calls - and with sufficient coverage, they will provide additional armour hits. Wearing your own armour makes it easier for us to ensure we can equip as many monsters as possible with armour.
	<!--===Weapons===		<!--===Weapons===
	Profound Decisions may provide additional weapons to you ONLY if we ask to take on a specialised role in the battle. We don’t have enough weapons to provide spares to those without them, and encourage you to ask friends and people in your nation to lend you one during the battle.		Profound Decisions may provide additional weapons to you ONLY if we ask to take on a specialised role in the battle. We don’t have enough weapons to provide spares to those without them, and encourage you to ask friends and people in your nation to lend you one during the battle.
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	Our battles start at 11:00 and can last 60-90 minutes, depending on the scenario, how well the players fight, or how much resistance they face from the orc barbarians! Have fun!		Our battles start at 11:00 and can last 60-90 minutes, depending on the scenario, how well the players fight, or how much resistance they face from the orc barbarians! Have fun!
	===Respawns===		===Respawns===
	When your orc character is killed on the battlefield, you will need to head to a ~~Respawn Point~~. We suggest keeping your hand in the air until you reach a respawn point to indicate to other players that you are '''out of character'''. Respawn points are located in several places around the field, but change between battles due to many reasons. Most monsters will know where to go, so do ask other orcs if you don’t know where you are. Referees will also be able to help send you in the right direction (Find one with a radio). If you get lost, head back towards Monster and the location that you entered the field from.		When your orc character is killed on the battlefield, you will need to head to a respawn point. We suggest keeping your hand in the air until you reach a respawn point to indicate to other players that you are '''out of character'''. Respawn points are located in several places around the field, but change between battles due to many reasons. Most monsters will know where to go, so do ask other orcs if you don’t know where you are. Referees will also be able to help send you in the right direction (Find one with a radio). If you get lost, head back towards Monster and the location that you entered the field from.

	==After the battle==		==After the battle==

TomH: /* How will I know I am monstering? */

2023-09-25T12:11:26Z

How will I know I am monstering?

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:11, 25 September 2023
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	The first time that you might get an idea of when you might be monstering a battle is when the [[Recent_history\|Winds of War]] are released and we notify the players of the major conjunctions at the event. It is likely that the Marcher generals will want to fight in the Mournwold, and the Varushkans in Karsk, or Highguard in Reikos; this means that these nations will monster the other battle. But don’t count on it, it is all down to player decisions...		The first time that you might get an idea of when you might be monstering a battle is when the [[Recent_history\|Winds of War]] are released and we notify the players of the major conjunctions at the event. It is likely that the Marcher generals will want to fight in the Mournwold, and the Varushkans in Karsk, or Highguard in Reikos; this means that these nations will monster the other battle. But don’t count on it, it is all down to player decisions...

	Once the [[Military Council]] have met at the [[Muster]] on Friday and decided upon the two major conjunctions the heroes will take, word will start to spread about ~~when~~ the battles ~~will be~~ fought and who will be fighting ~~when~~. Knowing when you will fight as your character will make it obvious when you will need to monster. Ask your national generals, your group leaders and military minded folk which battle ~~you~~ will be fighting ~~as your character~~ and then you will know which battle to monster in. Your ~~national~~ Egregores ~~can always help~~ you ~~find this information out.~~		Once the [[Military Council]] have met at the [[Muster]] on Friday and decided upon the two major conjunctions the heroes will take, word will start to spread (IC) about the battles being fought and who will be fighting them. Knowing when you will fight as your character will make it obvious when you will need to monster. Ask your national generals, your group leaders, and military-minded folk which battle your nation will be fighting and then you will know which battle to monster in.

			Your nation's Egregores will be informed of the battle choices by 22:00 on the Friday night, once the Muster has concluded.

			As well as the in-character dissemination of battle sides, the Battle Team will also put up notices in GOD and the toilet doors around the site detailing the nations fighting the next day. These will provide basic information for the monstering nations, including:
			* The barbarian force you are monstering as - Jotun/Grendel/Druj/Thule
			* The main orc forces you will be monstering as - Heavy/Skirmish/Magic
			* The equipment and costume useful for these roles - Armour/Weapons/Costume
			* The available low-combat roles in the battle

	In addition to these in character avenues, PD’s Battle Team will also put up notices in GOD and on all the toilet doors around the site. These signs will provide basic information for the monstering nations including:
	* Which barbarian force your nation is monstering as (Jotun/Grendel/Druj/Thule)
	* Which orc formation your nation will be monstering as (Heavy/Skirmish/Magic)
	* Guidance on equipment and costume that will help in these roles (Armour/Weapons/Costume)
	* Any available low-combat roles as part of the battle
	==Elite Monster Units==		==Elite Monster Units==
	We also have a number of Elite Monster Units (EMU) formed from players in several nations. Commanders from these groups will attend a briefing the night before a battle on the role their units will play the next day. Otherwise, these groups will already know their briefs, have costume and know what they need to do when they monster. Please ask in your nation group if you are not already part of an EMU.		We also have a number of Elite Monster Units (EMU) formed from players in several nations. Commanders from these groups will attend a briefing the night before a battle on the role their units will play the next day. Otherwise, these groups will already know their briefs, have costume and know what they need to do when they monster. Please ask in your nation group if you are not already part of an EMU.

TomH: /* Quick guide */

2023-09-25T12:06:10Z

Quick guide

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:06, 25 September 2023
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	===Quick guide===		===Quick guide===
	* Find out when you will be monstering		* Find out when you will be monstering
	** Ask your generals - they should be aware of the battle ~~info~~		** Ask your generals - they should be aware of the battle sides
	** ~~Check signs~~ on the toilet doors ~~to find out when to monster~~		** Look for signage we put on the toilet doors
	** Ask your Egregore		** Ask your Egregore
	* Bring kit, armour and weapons ~~where~~ you can		* Bring any kit, armour and weapons you can
	* ~~Bring~~ water with you		* Hydrate and bring water with you
	* ~~Turn up~~ between 09:30 and 10:30 at ~~Monster~~ in the OOC area		* Arrive between 09:30 and 10:30 at Battle Prep in the OOC area
	* ~~Get counted by the crew member outside Monster~~		* Pass Weapon Check and Nation Count
	** We need accurate numbers to record the Nation ~~Weightings~~		* Be assigned a battlefield role
	* ~~You will be~~ assigned battlefield ~~orc~~ role		** Ask for a low-combat role
	** Follow crew directions on battle briefings		* Equip yourself with armour and orc mask
	* Ask ~~if you would rather play~~ a low combat role
	* ~~Add PD provided kit and~~ armour ~~to your own~~
	* Apply orc make-up to mouth, eyes and ~~hands~~
	* Put on an orc mask
	* Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

	==How will I know I am monstering?==		==How will I know I am monstering?==

TomH: /* What do I do when I arrive at Monster? */

2023-09-25T12:02:05Z

What do I do when I arrive at Monster?

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:02, 25 September 2023
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	If you can bring your own orc mask to wear then that will help us equip other players with a mask. Owning a personal mask means you can customise it for comfort and fit - accommodating hair or a beard - and using it as the basis of your own orc monster costume.		If you can bring your own orc mask to wear then that will help us equip other players with a mask. Owning a personal mask means you can customise it for comfort and fit - accommodating hair or a beard - and using it as the basis of your own orc monster costume.

	==What do I do when I arrive at ~~Monster~~?==		==What do I do when I arrive at Battle Prep?==
	~~Monster~~ will be open between 09:30 and 10:30 ~~for you to~~ arrive, ~~go through weapon check~~, ~~kit up, get stats and~~ be briefed, and then ~~prepare~~ to ~~deploy on~~ the battlefield. If you arrive after 10:30 '''we will turn you away'''. We want to ensure this process is quick and as hassle free as possible for everyone, both players and crew. The main thing we want to do is to ensure the monsters are ready to begin the battle at ~~11am~~. ~~Secondary to this, we want~~ to avoid ~~players standing~~ around ~~waiting~~ before a battle. Importantly, we can not handle ~~400~~ player monsters coming ~~into the Monster tent~~ all at once. Please choose a time that is suitable for you and your ~~group~~, make sure you have everything you need and get to ~~Monster~~ as early as you can. The process for monster preparation is as follows:		Battle Prep will be open between 09:30 and 10:30. You '''must''' arrive between these times, and as early as possible. During this time you will have your weapons checked, be briefed, collect kit, and then deploy to the battlefield. If you arrive after 10:30 '''we will turn you away'''.

			We want to ensure this process is quick and as hassle-free as possible for everyone, both players and crew. The main thing we want to do is to ensure the monsters are ready to begin the battle at 11:00. This is done to avoid everyone waiting around before a battle - both players and monsters. Importantly, we can not handle the hundreds of player monsters coming to Battle Prep all at once. Ideally we want a steady stream of people arriving over the course of the hour. Please choose a time that is suitable for you and your friends, make sure you have everything you need and get to Battle Prep as early as you can.

			The process for monster preparation is as follows:
	* Weapon check		* Weapon check
			* Roleplay nation brief and unit brief
	* Nation number count		* Nation number count
	* Nation role assigning
	* Roleplay brief and stat assigning
	* Collect armour		* Collect armour
	* Apply orc make-up
	* Collect orc mask		* Collect orc mask
	* Meet unit commanders		* Meet unit commanders
			* Briefed by IC orc commander
	* Deploy onto the battlefield		* Deploy onto the battlefield
	===Low-combat roles===		===Low-combat roles===
	Not every orc ~~we put on the battlefield~~ needs to be a ~~fighter~~. We ~~aim~~ to offer ~~around 25~~ low-~~combat~~ roles for players. ~~These are intended for those who are capable of fighting, but do not want to be caught~~ up in ~~a swirling melee~~. These roles ~~might~~ include:		Not every orc needs to be a warrior. We also recognise that OOC not everyone wants a frontline combat role - just the same as when you battle as a player - and we need to offer an alternative. We offer 'low-com' roles for players to portray during the battle. Whilst there is every expectation that you might end up in combat and being struck, the chances of it happening are vastly reduced. These roles include:
	* Orc healers, mages and ~~other~~ support characters		* Orc priests, healers, mages and artisan support characters
	* ~~Orc slaves,~~ subjects and thralls		* Human subjects and thralls fulfilling similar roles
	* Imperial refugees or captives in need of rescue
	Sometimes we might require additional players to take on NPC characters as part of a battle objective.		Sometimes we might require additional players to take on NPC characters as part of a battle objective. These will be advertised as part of the Winds of War, and dealt with on the day by our Battle Team.
	===Non-~~combat roles~~===
	~~'''Importantly''' you~~ should not enter the battlefield if you consider yourself a [[Event_safety#Non-contact\|non-combatant]]. ~~Unfortunately we~~ cannot guarantee you will not be hit on the battlefield, ~~so if~~ you are a non-combatant ~~then~~ it isn't possible to volunteer to ~~help~~ with the battles.		===Non-combatants on the battlefield===
			You should not enter the battlefield - either as a player or a monster - if you consider yourself a [[Event_safety#Non-contact\|non-combatant]]. We cannot guarantee you will not be hit on the battlefield, and the combat rules expect everyone to be able to fall over safely. If you are a non-combatant it isn't possible to volunteer to assist with the battles.

	==The battle==		==The battle==