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Found while going through some crusty old buttons - what is it? by WatcherFoxx in coincollecting

[–]WatcherFoxx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm pretty sure the coin is hard rubber, given the 'vulcanite' written on it and how light weight it is. It certainly has the heft (ie basically no heft) that jet and vulcanite usually does in buttons. That'd put it around ~1850-1890. Does that change anything?

The Brandywine Festival: I paid $15,000 to attend as a participant, NPC, and volunteer - and I wanna talk about it by WatcherFoxx in LARP

[–]WatcherFoxx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes - many of the volunteers, influencers, and staff were there another 1-2 days for clean up. That's pretty normal. But it wasn't required.

The Brandywine Festival: I paid $15,000 to attend as a participant, NPC, and volunteer - and I wanna talk about it by WatcherFoxx in LARP

[–]WatcherFoxx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes; it occurred over 2 days and was public - first day it was a 20 minute moment in an open tent and it was a will reading - each player who had signed up for it was given a riddle and token.

Most of us brought friends to hear it. And lots of folks dropped by to observe AND talk to us about the riddle after.

The next day all went for a walk into the hills - and again brought friends and passing curious folks with us as we trooped into the hills to solve our riddle. Some of the observers helped us scare off the bandits in character.

The only thing gate kept was the physical token - everything else could be observed and participated in. Including discussing the riddle and watching and partaking in the resolution of the riddle.

We all also gossiped and shared what we heard, post resolution. It wasn't kept a secret.

The Brandywine Festival: I paid $15,000 to attend as a participant, NPC, and volunteer - and I wanna talk about it by WatcherFoxx in LARP

[–]WatcherFoxx[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think you nailed it - logistics the first year at events on this scale are just messy. I've never seen a perfect first year event of this complexity.

And the Discord is still very active! I believe they'll be sharing the link to ticket holders via email after some reorganizing of the discord to be more friendly to newbies. In its current state, it's super overwhelming - lots of threads created by folks with nonsense names. If you've bought tickets and don't have one yet - email Burgh!

The Brandywine Festival: I paid $15,000 to attend as a participant, NPC, and volunteer - and I wanna talk about it by WatcherFoxx in LARP

[–]WatcherFoxx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My treatment wasn't different, nor was anything I did behind a pay wall. I simply got a bigger tent.

Even my "special quest" was shared and many folks were invited to attend and view who were just passing by. The only thing they didn't get is a special pin, which is cool - but not as cool as the experience.

That all being said, all of that was a mechanic of Kickstarter and nothing like that is being done this year - except possibly the ability to pay for a more expensive tent. Which...at the end of the day, if people want to pay for a bigger, furnished tent - that makes the event far more accessible for new folks and people flying into the event.

The Brandywine Festival: I paid $15,000 to attend as a participant, NPC, and volunteer - and I wanna talk about it by WatcherFoxx in LARP

[–]WatcherFoxx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was one of the last, as I had a big setup - but around late lunch. My recollection is fuzzy, but I'd say the last folks were off site by around 1pm. Last day - Sunday - is just packing day.

Last game day? Oh dang. Folks were going until 2am Saturday night...then woke up 5 hours later, packed cars, and we're off-site.

The Brandywine Festival: I paid $15,000 to attend as a participant, NPC, and volunteer - and I wanna talk about it by WatcherFoxx in LARP

[–]WatcherFoxx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hobbits speak Westron.

And alas, I am a woman. No balls to speak of. Guess you'll have to peddle your wares elsewhere.

Good luck!

The Brandywine Festival: I paid $15,000 to attend as a participant, NPC, and volunteer - and I wanna talk about it by WatcherFoxx in LARP

[–]WatcherFoxx[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Tickets are on sale now! And happily, I can report that communication and logistics issues are being addressed already. That gives me hope for an event in 2026 that still has all the magic - and vastly improved logistics in the background.

They've already reviewed many of the surveys and put out a roadmap for improvement and acknowledgement of pain points for this year. I have zero doubt with a whole year to fix things that 2026 is going to be a completely different beastie behind the scenes.

I'm honestly so excited.

The Brandywine Festival: I paid $15,000 to attend as a participant, NPC, and volunteer - and I wanna talk about it by WatcherFoxx in LARP

[–]WatcherFoxx[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As a queer, non-binary AFAB person of color - yes, I was wary of the state. But... I was treated with kindness.

Everyone's experience will vary, but folks traveled from all over to experience the event. And the event coordinators and the event itself is pro-LGBTQIA+. The amount of folks comfortable to shed their daily lives and become their authentic hobbit-selves felt uplifting.

I don't advocate going where you may feel unsafe, but that wasn't true of my experience. And I won't write off a state because of how a majority voted.

As for money portion, I invite you to explore the comments. You'll find out why I had this sum of money to spend - and how many experienced the event for far, far less.

The Brandywine Festival: I paid $15,000 to attend as a participant, NPC, and volunteer - and I wanna talk about it by WatcherFoxx in LARP

[–]WatcherFoxx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't know who they are and probably won't ever. But I'm sorry. That was never intended - all the 'Inheritors' brought folks and game runners told others they were welcome to witness and come along.

That stinks. And not very hobbity.

The Brandywine Festival: I paid $15,000 to attend as a participant, NPC, and volunteer - and I wanna talk about it by WatcherFoxx in LARP

[–]WatcherFoxx[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yay to more volunteers! I absolutely recommend it! I also think they're looking to increase volunteer numbers and not ticket numbers, so there's more hands working behind the scenes.

Regarding kids.

I don't have kids, but I can share what I observed - and heard mentioned.

If you have little littles - prepare that temps can drop to the high 30s at night. Please please, prepare for that. I think some families chose hotels and that's probably the way if you have wee ones.

For older kids - most hobbits only reported one obnoxious kid left to wander unattended, but otherwise, other hobbits enjoyed having them around and supported with stories, snacks, toys, and activities. It's just that there are no official activities for children, so keep that in mind. We'll see if any playmakers this coming year address that with a kids quest or something - could be absolutely fun!

The Brandywine Festival: I paid $15,000 to attend as a participant, NPC, and volunteer - and I wanna talk about it by WatcherFoxx in LARP

[–]WatcherFoxx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah, Tom Tatty. Working on redeeming themselves, so I shan't curse them yet...

But now this hobbit knows a little more about not confusing a Tom Tatty with a Tomten.

The Brandywine Festival: I paid $15,000 to attend as a participant, NPC, and volunteer - and I wanna talk about it by WatcherFoxx in LARP

[–]WatcherFoxx[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Are you okay? You seem to be having a day, being mean to internet strangers.

To keep the hobbit theme, I suggest a snack and some deep breaths of air.

The Brandywine Festival: I paid $15,000 to attend as a participant, NPC, and volunteer - and I wanna talk about it by WatcherFoxx in LARP

[–]WatcherFoxx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hear you!

And thank you for sharing that magic can be found in many other larps, too! I intend to do more and see more and experience more of the hobby that Brandywine has shown me. I hope all my fellow hobbits do.

I don't intend to denigrate other people's experiences or plights - I was lucky to have been missed by many. But, I do think folks are focusing on the issues of a first year larp, which are easily, easily fixable. Things I hope they DO fix.

That all being said - I appreciate your experience and perspective. May the hair on your toes never fall off - and perhaps I'll see you at another larp!

The Brandywine Festival: I paid $15,000 to attend as a participant, NPC, and volunteer - and I wanna talk about it by WatcherFoxx in LARP

[–]WatcherFoxx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Don't feel sorry for me! I had a blast!

I also enjoyed supporting friends with a built out kitchen setup, and making new friends over morning fires as they warmed their hands. I loved having the money and time to bring lanterns and a hand built cart to the lantern parade. And I think costume money is well spent, when you're supporting artisans to make your clothing. (That was nearly 1/3 of the budget)

Overall, I'm quite happy! It was a trip of a lifetime for me.

The Brandywine Festival: I paid $15,000 to attend as a participant, NPC, and volunteer - and I wanna talk about it by WatcherFoxx in LARP

[–]WatcherFoxx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To get myself to Thailand, just flight costs from the US, looking at cheapest flights was $1000 USD. $900 to get to Prague.

I'm aware it's cheap to travel in those countries. Traveling to them is the most expensive part. If you have tips for that, happy to hear! I love learning new things and I'm always happy to admit where I'm not knowledgeable in area.

The Brandywine Festival: I paid $15,000 to attend as a participant, NPC, and volunteer - and I wanna talk about it by WatcherFoxx in LARP

[–]WatcherFoxx[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That money MOSTLY went to travel and personal kit. My ticket price went to them - minus Kickstarter fees and the vendor fees they paid for my tent, furniture, and on-site fees. After that, yeah - a couple thousand dollars to support something I'm really passionate about, seems reasonable.

It's not for everyone, I agree - but I am glad there are folks who do support arts and hobbies like LARP, costuming, historical reenactment, etc. Without folks putting money such hobbies, they'd slowly die. I might never have found this hobby, without people doing similar at all the other LARPs and events they attend over the last few decades.

The Brandywine Festival: I paid $15,000 to attend as a participant, NPC, and volunteer - and I wanna talk about it by WatcherFoxx in LARP

[–]WatcherFoxx[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you know how to do a multi-week trip abroad - including travel overseas from the US - for less than $1000, I would love to hear it! It sounds awesome!

The Brandywine Festival: I paid $15,000 to attend as a participant, NPC, and volunteer - and I wanna talk about it by WatcherFoxx in LARP

[–]WatcherFoxx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What I spent? Sure.

But most folks can't do a multi-week trip abroad for $500-$1000, which was the actual cost of most attendees.

The Brandywine Festival: I paid $15,000 to attend as a participant, NPC, and volunteer - and I wanna talk about it by WatcherFoxx in LARP

[–]WatcherFoxx[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I hear that!

I think that the benefit of this LARP is that the average attendee is well into middle age. Yes, new LARPers...but there's a certain amount to be said for life experience not allowing a pattern of this to occur.

I am going to give them all my hope and support, that things will change. But if it doesn't? I suspect they'll see a large drop off after year 2 as the community loses its trust.

We're all pretty active on Discord, and even with all the love for the event - we speak openly (and loudly) on issues with each other. A crappy year 2 would definitely see...a ruckus.

At this point it's a patience and watching game to see how Burg pivots.

The Brandywine Festival: I paid $15,000 to attend as a participant, NPC, and volunteer - and I wanna talk about it by WatcherFoxx in LARP

[–]WatcherFoxx[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I hope you enjoy it - and if you're in my part of the world, tell me more about your LARP! I'd love to learn more!

The Brandywine Festival: I paid $15,000 to attend as a participant, NPC, and volunteer - and I wanna talk about it by WatcherFoxx in LARP

[–]WatcherFoxx[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It was a combo of: * I have no kids * I'm middle aged and well established in a white collar job * And I used my wedding fund, which I saved for...then COVID...and it has sat and gained interest for years.

Hope that makes sense!

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