Welcome to Alliance LARP Oregon! This FAQ is intended to answer many of the common questions received with regards to the Logistics surrounding the operation of our game. If you have a question not on this FAQ I invite you to post a query in the Out of Game forums or send an e-mail to logistics@allianceoregon.com.
1. What is Logistics?
A: "Logistics" as a term in Alliance LARP can refer to either a team or a process.
As a team, it refers to the personnel who manage all of the logistical resources Alliance LARP utilizes specific to running the game including character / player management, Goblin Stamp management, checking people into game, giving credit for a game, recording Deaths, etc. Generally speaking, if you have a question with regards to your character, your player information, your spell memorization, your Goblin Stamps / Points, your Magic Item data (questions not relating to Plot), donations, new players, and other information related to you playing in Alliance LARP the Logistics personnel is a great place to start.
As a process, it refers to checking in with the Logistics team on-site to ensure your character is ready to be played in-game. This is generally done first before game is called "On" and at least once per day afterward at around 5pm-ish. When checking in the first night of an event you receive your character card and any other pertinent tags / information related to your character. Subsequent check-ins over the weekend refresh your per-day skills and grant you whatever bonuses you normally get per-day, such as 1 silver per day per Craftsman or Production based off your Alchemy, Blacksmith, Create Potion, Create Scroll, or Create Trap skills.
2. Who is Logistics?
A: Currently, the Logistics personnel consist of Barbara (username prashka on these forums) and Brian, and Amber-Rose during game.
You can contact Alliance LARP Oregon Logistics at logistics@allianceoregon.com.
3. What is the expected response time of Logistics?
A: Logistics is generally handled on Thursday evenings, but real life can get in the way. Expect a response time of up to a week. If you haven't heard anything after that time, feel free to ping Barbara here on the forums (username prashka), but again, please be considerate of the fact that our team works real jobs during the week and don't always have time to get to things immediately, especially right before events.
4. I haven't heard back from Logistics. What should I do?
A: If you expected a response and haven't received one in a week send a PM to username prashka on these forums or send another email to logistics@allianceoregon.com.
5. Should I send my backstory to Logistics for approval?
A: No. Please send your backstory to oregonplot@gmail.com and they will notify Logistics when the backstory has been approved.
6. How do I donate to the chapter?
A: First off, thanks for donating! Here is a step-by-step tutorial on how to donate:
6.1. When will I receive my goblin stamps for my donations?
A: Please read this thread, When GS are awarded, on our forums about it.
7. How does Experience work?
A: Experience in Alliance LARP is tricky. Basically, for each "day" you adventure you get what is called an "XP Blanket". This blanket awards an amount of experience equal to the Total Build your character has. Our database then automatically converts the acquired experience using the same conversion values shown in the book to Build Points. So, when you ask for a copy of your character transfer the listed experience for your character has already been converted to Build Points; no need to ask for it to be converted.
8. What is the Monthly Blanket list?
A: The Monthly Blanket List is a list within our database that helps Logistics to apply Monthly Blankets on a monthly basis. A Monthly Blanket costs 30 Goblin Points and may be purchased once per month per player.
9. Do I need to pre-register for an Event?
A: Technically, no you don't. However, if you are PCing, pre-registration helps Logistics prepare a character package that includes your character card, battle board, Craftsman money, magic item battle board, production you may have used, and any sort of Goblin Stamp purchases you may have so all you have to do when checking in is pay the fee and receive your package. Otherwise, you have to stand there waiting for everything to get entered in the database, pull all the tags, print all the stuff, get things signed, and a bunch more boring stuff that takes a significant amount of time. Additionally, pre-registration gets you a discount!
Pre-registering also lets Plot know ahead of time who might be at an event which helps create the Treasure Policy before the event.
Pre-registering as an NPC helps Plot know what resources are going to be available to run modules and other plot hooks and it also helps us know how much food to buy since we offer a NPC meal plan.
So, please help us help you! Pre-register for an event and you will be reducing Logistics head-aches, logistics wait times, and Plot hair-pulling.
10. How do I pre-register for an Event as a PC/NPC?
A: Please fill out our Pre-registration form.
10.1. I want to attend an Event at another chapter. What do I need to do?
A: First, you need to have your character card transferred temporarily to the chapter you are planning to attend. To do so please Email logistics@allianceoregon.com to have your card sent.
After you have requested to have your card sent down you then need to follow the pre-registration rules / guidelines for that chapter. Check that chapter's forum for instructions on how to pre-register in their chapter.
If you do not have your character card transferred you may not have the most up-to-date version of your character to play or you may not be able to play your character at all!
11. At an event, when does Logistics take place?
A: Check-in Logistics start generally around 6pm Friday night and goes until Opening (around 9pm or 10pm).
Mid-Event Logistics happens between 5pm - 5:30pm on subsequent days unless otherwise stated in the Opening Ceremony.
12. How do I check in at an Event?
A: As a PC follow these easy steps:
If you are checking in as an NPC follow these easy steps:
13. Where do I check in if I arrive late?
A: If you arrive after Logistics has closed find Monster Camp and ask for Barbara or Brian.
14. Do I need to check out if I leave early? Or leave and come back?
A: No. But, if you are only staying one day it would help both us and you if you let us know. It may result in a reduced price for you and could result in reducing the amount we need to pay to the campsite.
15. What is the process for mid-Event Logistics?
A: At the appropriate time, if you need to change spells, use high magic or add magic items to your battle board (see item 16 for information on battle boards), you simply make the changes to your board and find any marshal on the field to sign off on your changes. You do not need to go to logistics for these changes (although you can if you want).
If you wish to make production items, bring your appropriate recipe book to logistics along with your coin and your order. If you know how much it will cost, great! If not, logistics will determine that and charge you the appropriate coin, and then you will get your tags.
If you have craftsman skills, your coin was given to you at opening logistics, so you don't need to report to mid-event logistics.
If you have any additional questions, you are welcome to come to mid-event logistics and get them answered.
NPCs do not need to go through mid-Event Logistics.
16. How do Battle Boards work? How should I mark my Battle Board?
A: A "Battle Board" is a piece of paper that has all of your "per day" effects and abilities that you can use including combat abilities (such as Parry), memorized spells (such as Purify or Prison), High Magic (such as Rebirth or Magic Purify), Wand charges, and "per day" magic items (such as MI Purify or Spellstrike Prison or Cloak Alteration). The Battle Board does not include constant combat skills (like Weapon Master or Weapon Proficiency), "times ever" magic items (such as Dodge 1/ever or Ward 1/ever), or your Teacher Card.
When you use an ability noted on your Battle Board you need to mark it in some way to show that it has been used. The best way would be to mark the circle with a line. Each event, you will receive a battle board for each day of game play, so at mid-event logistics time, all you need to do is tear up the old battle board and replace it with one of a different color.
17. How do my "Per Day" skills and items get refreshed at an Event?
A: Once mid-event logistics is taking place, all you need to do is tear up your current day's battle board and replace it with a battle board of another color. You do not need to report to logistics to do this.
If you need to change your memorized spells or spend High Magic points then you can write those in and present the written Battle Board to Logistics or any marshal in the game for their approval (i.e. a signature or initials). This is the fastest way to change your character.
If your character's memorization is significantly different or you did not use the marking method identified above you may need a new Battle Board printed for you. This is the most time-consuming way of refreshing your skills, but it will provide you with a fresh Battle Board.
18. How do I get new Skills for my character?
A: In order to get a new skill added to your character you need to find someone in-game to teach you. The Teacher will then have the responsibility to fill in the appropriate information on the Teacher List. This Teacher List is collected and processed at the end of the event. If it isn't on the list then you haven't been taught the skill.
Alternatively, you can spend 100 Goblin Stamps to "purchase" a Teacher Card. Just send your request to logistics@allianceoregon.com.
The only exception is you do not need a Teacher Card for the "Craftsman: _____" skill. But, the Craftsman skill must be something that can actually make you money. Example: Craftsman: Baker is acceptable, but Craftsman: Awesome or Craftsman: Chosen of Fey are not acceptable.
When Logistics processes the Teacher List your new skill will be placed on your character card with a "0" which means you have not spent any Build Points to "purchase" the Skill. You cannot use the skill or teach it until you have a "1" or higher in the skill.
19. Can I spend Goblin Points during an Event?
A: Yes, at the designated Logistics time! All expenditures must conform to the policies found in the Definitive Post on Goblin Points for Alliance LARP Oregon thread. However, due to time constraints, not all goblin purchases can be made during events. If you have questions about what can be made during events, please email logistics@allianceoregon.com.
20. Can I spend Build Points during an Event?
A: No. Build must be spent before your character comes into play. So, if you are checking in you can spend build, but you may not spend build during mid-event Logistics.
21. I died and need to resurrect. What do I do?
A: Follow these easy steps:
22. I just cast a Ritual. Where do I put the spent scrolls and reagents? And when do I get the tag?
A: The Ritual Marshal will tear off a piece of paper from the Ritual Scroll to act as the Temporary Magic Item tag. If the Ritual was cast on your Spirit the Ritual Marshal may use your Character Card to write the Temporary Magic Item tag. The Ritual Marshal will then collect the Ritual Scrolls and Reagents. It is then your responsibility to take a photo of the tag and email it to logistics between events. If you do so, you can expect to receive a full and complete tag at the next event.
If you need a full and complete tag sooner to support an event you are traveling to the Alliance Oregon staff can work with the Logistics / Rules / Plot staff of the chapter you are attending to either have them print and sign the tag or accept the temporary Magic Item tag.
23. Do I need to turn anything in at the end of an Event?
A: Nope. Not anymore.
24. Why haven't you guys made an automated web interface?
A: It's in the process of being made as we speak! Check back for updates!
27. Why don't you guys use MySQL/PostgreSQL?
A: The Logistics Database (and subsequently the Magic Item Database and Monster Database) are National tools that are common throughout the Alliance LARP and developed by volunteers who are not Software Engineers by trade. It was determined that developing the database in Microsoft Access was the easiest and most cost effective strategy due to not having the appropriate experience available for anything more extravagant.
There is currently a project underway to make the Logistics Database more dynamic, intuitive, user-friendly, and accessible to the general playerbase. Please check back as details will be announced over time.
- 1. What is Logistics?
2. Who is Logistics?
3. What is the expected response time of Logistics?
4. I haven't heard back from Logistics. What should I do?
5. Should I send my backstory to Logistics for approval?
6. How do I donate to the chapter?
6.1. When will I receive my goblin stamps?
7. How does Experience work?
8. What is the Monthly Blanket list?
9. Do I need to pre-register for an Event?
10. How do I pre-register for an Event as a PC/NPC?
10.1. I want to attend an Event at another chapter. What do I need to do?
11. At an event, when does Logistics take place?
12. How do I check in at an Event?
13. Where do I check in if I arrive late?
14. Do I need to check out if I leave early? Or leave and come back?
15. What is the process for mid-Event Logistics?
16. How do Battle Boards work? How should I mark my Battle Board?
17. How do my "Per Day" skills and items get refreshed at an Event?
18. How do I get new Skills for my character?
19. Can I spend Goblin Points during an Event?
20. Can I spend Build Points during an Event?
21. I died and need to resurrect. What do I do?
22. I just cast a Ritual. Where do I put the spent scrolls and reagents? And when do I get the tag?
23. Do I need to turn anything in at the end of an Event?
24. Why haven't you guys made an automated web interface?
25. Why don't you guys use MySQL/PostgreSQL?
1. What is Logistics?
A: "Logistics" as a term in Alliance LARP can refer to either a team or a process.
As a team, it refers to the personnel who manage all of the logistical resources Alliance LARP utilizes specific to running the game including character / player management, Goblin Stamp management, checking people into game, giving credit for a game, recording Deaths, etc. Generally speaking, if you have a question with regards to your character, your player information, your spell memorization, your Goblin Stamps / Points, your Magic Item data (questions not relating to Plot), donations, new players, and other information related to you playing in Alliance LARP the Logistics personnel is a great place to start.
As a process, it refers to checking in with the Logistics team on-site to ensure your character is ready to be played in-game. This is generally done first before game is called "On" and at least once per day afterward at around 5pm-ish. When checking in the first night of an event you receive your character card and any other pertinent tags / information related to your character. Subsequent check-ins over the weekend refresh your per-day skills and grant you whatever bonuses you normally get per-day, such as 1 silver per day per Craftsman or Production based off your Alchemy, Blacksmith, Create Potion, Create Scroll, or Create Trap skills.
2. Who is Logistics?
A: Currently, the Logistics personnel consist of Barbara (username prashka on these forums) and Brian, and Amber-Rose during game.
You can contact Alliance LARP Oregon Logistics at logistics@allianceoregon.com.
3. What is the expected response time of Logistics?
A: Logistics is generally handled on Thursday evenings, but real life can get in the way. Expect a response time of up to a week. If you haven't heard anything after that time, feel free to ping Barbara here on the forums (username prashka), but again, please be considerate of the fact that our team works real jobs during the week and don't always have time to get to things immediately, especially right before events.
4. I haven't heard back from Logistics. What should I do?
A: If you expected a response and haven't received one in a week send a PM to username prashka on these forums or send another email to logistics@allianceoregon.com.
5. Should I send my backstory to Logistics for approval?
A: No. Please send your backstory to oregonplot@gmail.com and they will notify Logistics when the backstory has been approved.
6. How do I donate to the chapter?
A: First off, thanks for donating! Here is a step-by-step tutorial on how to donate:
- 1. Review the Donations and Props Wishlist for things we want / need.
2. Find a thing you want to donate. Please keep in mind quality! We would rather have one super cool high quality reusable thing than ten cheap low quality things that will break after being used once or twice. We reserve the right to say "No thanks".
3. If it is a big thing or an expensive thing, such as armor or a large prop, e-mail oregonplot@gmail.com and Logistics@allianceoregon.com to make sure the thing you want to donate is something we want and can use. It would be terrible for us to get something we don't want (because it would just sit there) and terrible for you because you could get a worse Goblin Stamp per dollar ratio or the item may get rejected altogether.
3.1. Don't be afraid to negotiate. All Goblin Stamp awards for donations are subject to negotiation, but don't expect to be able to negotiate everything.
4. Bring the thing to an Event! If you can't bring it to the event e-mail Logistics@allianceoregon.com to determine an alternate way of donation.
5. Receive Goblin Stamps!
6.1. When will I receive my goblin stamps for my donations?
A: Please read this thread, When GS are awarded, on our forums about it.
7. How does Experience work?
A: Experience in Alliance LARP is tricky. Basically, for each "day" you adventure you get what is called an "XP Blanket". This blanket awards an amount of experience equal to the Total Build your character has. Our database then automatically converts the acquired experience using the same conversion values shown in the book to Build Points. So, when you ask for a copy of your character transfer the listed experience for your character has already been converted to Build Points; no need to ask for it to be converted.
8. What is the Monthly Blanket list?
A: The Monthly Blanket List is a list within our database that helps Logistics to apply Monthly Blankets on a monthly basis. A Monthly Blanket costs 30 Goblin Points and may be purchased once per month per player.
9. Do I need to pre-register for an Event?
A: Technically, no you don't. However, if you are PCing, pre-registration helps Logistics prepare a character package that includes your character card, battle board, Craftsman money, magic item battle board, production you may have used, and any sort of Goblin Stamp purchases you may have so all you have to do when checking in is pay the fee and receive your package. Otherwise, you have to stand there waiting for everything to get entered in the database, pull all the tags, print all the stuff, get things signed, and a bunch more boring stuff that takes a significant amount of time. Additionally, pre-registration gets you a discount!
Pre-registering also lets Plot know ahead of time who might be at an event which helps create the Treasure Policy before the event.
Pre-registering as an NPC helps Plot know what resources are going to be available to run modules and other plot hooks and it also helps us know how much food to buy since we offer a NPC meal plan.
So, please help us help you! Pre-register for an event and you will be reducing Logistics head-aches, logistics wait times, and Plot hair-pulling.
10. How do I pre-register for an Event as a PC/NPC?
A: Please fill out our Pre-registration form.
10.1. I want to attend an Event at another chapter. What do I need to do?
A: First, you need to have your character card transferred temporarily to the chapter you are planning to attend. To do so please Email logistics@allianceoregon.com to have your card sent.
After you have requested to have your card sent down you then need to follow the pre-registration rules / guidelines for that chapter. Check that chapter's forum for instructions on how to pre-register in their chapter.
If you do not have your character card transferred you may not have the most up-to-date version of your character to play or you may not be able to play your character at all!
11. At an event, when does Logistics take place?
A: Check-in Logistics start generally around 6pm Friday night and goes until Opening (around 9pm or 10pm).
Mid-Event Logistics happens between 5pm - 5:30pm on subsequent days unless otherwise stated in the Opening Ceremony.
12. How do I check in at an Event?
A: As a PC follow these easy steps:
- 1. Gather your weapons, spell book, recipe book, magic item tags, coin, tags you are selling back and money and head to Logistics.
2. Get your weapons safety checked by a Rules Marshal.
3. Show your spell book / recipe book / magic item tags to Logistics for verification.
4. Pay coin to Logistics for any Production skill you use (such as Alchemy or Create Potion). At the same time you can sell back production items if you have the Merchant skill.
5. Pay money to Logistics for your attendance. If you pre-payed skip this step.
6. Define your spell memorization. If you do not have spells or if you pre-registered skip this step.
7. Define your High Magic. If you do not have High Magic or if you pre-registered skip this step.
8. Receive your character packet.
9. If you are a new player, return when you are fully in costume for Armor Point evaluation and receive your armor tag.
If you are checking in as an NPC follow these easy steps:
- 1. Find Logistics.
2. Tell Logistics who you are and what character you want your experience to go to.
3. Pay money to Logistics for your attendance.
4. Report to Monster Camp.
13. Where do I check in if I arrive late?
A: If you arrive after Logistics has closed find Monster Camp and ask for Barbara or Brian.
14. Do I need to check out if I leave early? Or leave and come back?
A: No. But, if you are only staying one day it would help both us and you if you let us know. It may result in a reduced price for you and could result in reducing the amount we need to pay to the campsite.
15. What is the process for mid-Event Logistics?
A: At the appropriate time, if you need to change spells, use high magic or add magic items to your battle board (see item 16 for information on battle boards), you simply make the changes to your board and find any marshal on the field to sign off on your changes. You do not need to go to logistics for these changes (although you can if you want).
If you wish to make production items, bring your appropriate recipe book to logistics along with your coin and your order. If you know how much it will cost, great! If not, logistics will determine that and charge you the appropriate coin, and then you will get your tags.
If you have craftsman skills, your coin was given to you at opening logistics, so you don't need to report to mid-event logistics.
If you have any additional questions, you are welcome to come to mid-event logistics and get them answered.
NPCs do not need to go through mid-Event Logistics.
16. How do Battle Boards work? How should I mark my Battle Board?
A: A "Battle Board" is a piece of paper that has all of your "per day" effects and abilities that you can use including combat abilities (such as Parry), memorized spells (such as Purify or Prison), High Magic (such as Rebirth or Magic Purify), Wand charges, and "per day" magic items (such as MI Purify or Spellstrike Prison or Cloak Alteration). The Battle Board does not include constant combat skills (like Weapon Master or Weapon Proficiency), "times ever" magic items (such as Dodge 1/ever or Ward 1/ever), or your Teacher Card.
When you use an ability noted on your Battle Board you need to mark it in some way to show that it has been used. The best way would be to mark the circle with a line. Each event, you will receive a battle board for each day of game play, so at mid-event logistics time, all you need to do is tear up the old battle board and replace it with one of a different color.
17. How do my "Per Day" skills and items get refreshed at an Event?
A: Once mid-event logistics is taking place, all you need to do is tear up your current day's battle board and replace it with a battle board of another color. You do not need to report to logistics to do this.
If you need to change your memorized spells or spend High Magic points then you can write those in and present the written Battle Board to Logistics or any marshal in the game for their approval (i.e. a signature or initials). This is the fastest way to change your character.
If your character's memorization is significantly different or you did not use the marking method identified above you may need a new Battle Board printed for you. This is the most time-consuming way of refreshing your skills, but it will provide you with a fresh Battle Board.
18. How do I get new Skills for my character?
A: In order to get a new skill added to your character you need to find someone in-game to teach you. The Teacher will then have the responsibility to fill in the appropriate information on the Teacher List. This Teacher List is collected and processed at the end of the event. If it isn't on the list then you haven't been taught the skill.
Alternatively, you can spend 100 Goblin Stamps to "purchase" a Teacher Card. Just send your request to logistics@allianceoregon.com.
The only exception is you do not need a Teacher Card for the "Craftsman: _____" skill. But, the Craftsman skill must be something that can actually make you money. Example: Craftsman: Baker is acceptable, but Craftsman: Awesome or Craftsman: Chosen of Fey are not acceptable.
When Logistics processes the Teacher List your new skill will be placed on your character card with a "0" which means you have not spent any Build Points to "purchase" the Skill. You cannot use the skill or teach it until you have a "1" or higher in the skill.
19. Can I spend Goblin Points during an Event?
A: Yes, at the designated Logistics time! All expenditures must conform to the policies found in the Definitive Post on Goblin Points for Alliance LARP Oregon thread. However, due to time constraints, not all goblin purchases can be made during events. If you have questions about what can be made during events, please email logistics@allianceoregon.com.
20. Can I spend Build Points during an Event?
A: No. Build must be spent before your character comes into play. So, if you are checking in you can spend build, but you may not spend build during mid-event Logistics.
21. I died and need to resurrect. What do I do?
A: Follow these easy steps:
- 1) Put on a white headband and go tell Plot you died and need to resurrect. Inform them which Earth Circle your spirit intends to go to.
2) If this death is your 3rd are more recorded resurrection Plot will have you draw a bead from a bag.
3) If you drew a white bead Plot will write on your card "Resurrection".
4) After drawing a bead proceed to the Earth Circle and wait for someone to start your resurrection.
5) After the 10 minute resurrection you will either (a) appear naked in the Earth Circle if you drew a white bead, or (b) you will return to where you "died" and play the part of your permanently dead body "reforming" if you drew a black bead.
6) Plot will record that you have suffered a death and the success/failure of your resurrection which will be communicated to Logistics at the end of the event.
22. I just cast a Ritual. Where do I put the spent scrolls and reagents? And when do I get the tag?
A: The Ritual Marshal will tear off a piece of paper from the Ritual Scroll to act as the Temporary Magic Item tag. If the Ritual was cast on your Spirit the Ritual Marshal may use your Character Card to write the Temporary Magic Item tag. The Ritual Marshal will then collect the Ritual Scrolls and Reagents. It is then your responsibility to take a photo of the tag and email it to logistics between events. If you do so, you can expect to receive a full and complete tag at the next event.
If you need a full and complete tag sooner to support an event you are traveling to the Alliance Oregon staff can work with the Logistics / Rules / Plot staff of the chapter you are attending to either have them print and sign the tag or accept the temporary Magic Item tag.
23. Do I need to turn anything in at the end of an Event?
A: Nope. Not anymore.
24. Why haven't you guys made an automated web interface?
A: It's in the process of being made as we speak! Check back for updates!
27. Why don't you guys use MySQL/PostgreSQL?
A: The Logistics Database (and subsequently the Magic Item Database and Monster Database) are National tools that are common throughout the Alliance LARP and developed by volunteers who are not Software Engineers by trade. It was determined that developing the database in Microsoft Access was the easiest and most cost effective strategy due to not having the appropriate experience available for anything more extravagant.
There is currently a project underway to make the Logistics Database more dynamic, intuitive, user-friendly, and accessible to the general playerbase. Please check back as details will be announced over time.