What To Expect
Packing List
At minimum, you will want:
Toiletries - Sinks, showers, and bathrooms are available but you will need to bring your own supplies.
Bedding - The sites have cots or bunk beds in each cabin. Don't assume you will have AC/heat in the cabin. Some sites have it, and some don't, so bring weather appropriate bedding. (The beds are twin sized).
Clothes - Depending on the weather you will want options for layers. Extra socks are a must, and waterproof, comfortable shoes are recommended. Don't forget your black pants and shirt for your NPC shift!
Costuming, Props, In-game Items - Costuming for your character, props (like a boffer weapon or bag of packets), and any in-game items (such as in-game money or tags for items). Always a good idea to have an extra set or alternative costuming options. For ideas on costuming, check out each the Setting pages, and when you create a character you will be given a Culture Packet with even more detail.
Cabin Decorations - Players are encouraged to add some decorations or props to their cabins. You may also want to bring a fan or space heater depending on the weather. Keep in mind that although there are usually electrical outlets in the cabins, the camp circuits are easily overloaded, and your cabin-mates may need to use an outlet too.
Sunscreen and insect repellent - Highly recommended, especially in the warmer months.
Basic First Aid supplies and medications - Citadel has a volunteer team of medics and a more extensive first aid kit, but we cannot supply medications (even OTC), and would ask that players bring simple first aid supplies (such as band-aids) so we can save ours for emergencies.
Food - Dinner on Saturday night is covered in the event price, but you will need to provide any other food you want. Don't forget to bring water!
Pre-Registering
It is strongly recommended that you pre-register for events. This allows staff to know how many people to expect, how much food to bring, and to make sure we have enough beds for everyone. When you pre-register, you will be assigned a cabin and emailed information about your volunteer shift. Your meal on Saturday night is included in the event cost.
If you are a new player (or plan to play a new character), be sure to submit your character creation information and email us your backstory.
If you plan to attend as a full-time NPC, first of all - THANK YOU! We love our volunteers! You do not have to pay for the event but please do pre-register so we can plan to accommodate you.
Be sure to check the Events page for directions (sometimes GPS doesn't work very well around the park sites) and the Discord server for any last minute announcements.
Check-In and Opening Ceremonies
Check-in begins a 8pm on Friday night and is located in the central dining hall ("tavern"). During check-in you will take care of any logistical needs before the game starts. If you have pre-registered, you will be assigned a cabin. Feel free to put your stuff there before heading to check-in.
After you have checked-in, make sure your car is parked in the designated area. Depending on the time, you are welcome to get settled, get in costume, decorate your cabin, and chat with other players. Just be sure to come back to the tavern for Opening Ceremonies.
Opening Ceremonies is a time to gather together just before the game starts and hear any last minute announcements or reminders. The time before Opening Ceremonies is great to meet other players and Citadel's staff.
Game On
Game On for Citadel begins at 10pm EST. Once Game On occurs, everything that happens is considered to be in character. Players are expected to be in-play unless absolutely necessary. If you have to be out-of-play for any reason, you must designate it either with a white headband or your fist on the top of your head, and we ask that you remain as unobtrusive as possible to avoid disrupting the experience of other players.
During the game, players will get to know each other and the world. You will roleplay with other player characters and NPCs, watch out for trouble (or maybe go find some!), and plan other adventures. We find that players who focus on making their own fun interacting with other players have the best time at events.
Sometimes your adventures will take you on an away mission or "module". A module occurs outside of the main in-play town area, and can be as straightforward as hunting a pack of troublesome beasts or as involved as Delving into the Citadel. A staff member, or "Guide", will always be present during a module to show you where to go, explain the situation, and answer any questions.
It is always better to take anything that happens in-play. Don't look for out-of-play explanations, such as "that plot person must be tired because they forgot my name". They might be tired, or that NPC might be suffering an effect. We've found that when players assume everything is in-play, the whole game world is that much richer.
Sportsmanship
We want everyone, players and volunteers alike, to have a wonderful time at our events. Good sportsmanship and fairness are the expectation, and violations regarding sportsmanship will be evaluated very closely. A serious or repeat occurrence may lead to a player being permanently banned.
If a ruling in combat is not agreed upon, there is a conflict between you and another player, or anything else that could be a sportsmanship issue, please see a staff member. They will help resolve the issue based on the rules, guidelines, and in keeping with the spirit of the game.
Volunteering
Citadel relies on volunteers to function. All of our staff are volunteers, and in order to provide you with the content you want as a player, we require players to contribute some of their time (usually 3 hours) during a 3-day event for NPC time ("monster shift"). This can be a really fun time where you get to play new, interesting characters. All your costuming and props will be provided, so just put on solid black clothing and show up at Monster Town when it's time for your shift.
We strongly recommend you pre-register for your volunteer slot and desired duties in advance. This lets us know who you enjoy volunteering with, the kinds of things you like doing, and if there are any things you really don't want to miss. It also lets us review our schedule and try to send out the content we know you'll love when you are actually in-play. We can't promise that you will always get your ideal pick, but we can promise that we will work with you to make your volunteer time as enjoyable as possible.
We have an amazing player base with a diverse set of skills, so if there is something specific you'd like to contribute - such as crafting a prop, making a costume, or even writing and running an encounter - please let us know!
Food
Saturday dinner is included in the event price. If you have specific allergies, please let us know when you register. Dinner time is still considered to be in-play. You may have the opportunity to see important guests, family, friends, or even enemies join you for the meal. If you are a full-time NPC, you'll be given a small role so that you can attend as well.
For some events, breakfast on Saturday will be available for an added price. Players will always be responsible for their own lunch on Saturday, breakfast on Sunday, and any snacks you may want to munch. For our full-time NPCs, we will have food in Monster Town for you, but you may also want to bring some stuff of your own to supplement that.
Alcohol is strictly prohibited except on specifically designated events (usually 1-days). If you need to refrigerate your items, please let us know during check-in and we can direct you.
It's easy to get caught up in the fun and forget - but please remember to keep yourself fed and hydrated throughout the event!
Closing Ceremonies
Closing Ceremonies occurs at the end of every event on Sunday morning (usually around 11am). At this time, we gather to share our appreciation and say our goodbyes as well as communicate any further announcements. Once Closing Ceremonies are completed, everyone is expected to clean their cabins and check out with the appropriate site-marshal before you leave. Be sure all garbage is put away and the cabins are cleaner when you leave than when you arrived. We want to be respectful to our site and the environment.
Cleaning the site is a big task, so any extra help beyond your required volunteer time is very welcome. Oftentimes, if we can get off site by a certain time, the whole player base will get bonus Cogs, so please lend a hand if you can.
After the Game
After the event, please be sure to complete your Feedback form, Check-out form, and Between Game Actions (BGAs). Your Feedback lets staff know what you did, what you enjoyed, what you didn't care for, and any suggestions for future games.
Your Check-out form is your chance to spend the Experience Points (XP) you earned from attending the event to learn new abilities.
Your BGAs are where you describe what your character is doing in between the events. Perhaps you want to visit another nation, follow up on a lead you discovered during the game, or attempt to research a new magic spell. You will receive the results of your actions before the next event, and any money or tags you gained at the next event's check-in.
If you aren't sure how to spend your XP or what you should do for your BGAs, just ask! Our staff is happy to give you suggestions, or you can get on our Discord server to discuss it with other players.