The answer is... "Yes!" I first must apologize for the cancellation of the last scheduled date for this event. There had been some miscommunication between my insurance company and the East Bay Regional Parks Districts, but now it has been accepted by the higher powers, so we're on!

I am also sorry that this notice is so last minute, but I didn't want to send out any information until everything was 100% confirmed, and I just received that confirmation on Monday, June 17th. So here we go....

The event will be held at Garin County Park, just south of Hayward. It will be on Sunday, June 30th from 10am to around 5pm. Cost will be $30 unless you register after June 27th, in which case, it'll be $40. And please register, even if it's a phone call. I had a group appear to the cancelled event because I didn't know they were coming, so I couldn't tell them it was off.

Directions to the park is as follows: From the North, take Route 580 towards Hayward and get off at the Route 238 exit (Foothill Blvd). Follow 238 through Hayward (where Foothill turns into Mission Blvd.). About 12 miles from the 580 exit, you will want to make a left onto Garin Ave. (it is just past Industrial Blvd.). Follow Garin until it ends in the park. Find some parking and follow the AU signs to the staging area for the event. From the South, either follow 238 north until you reach Garin Ave. and turn right, or take 880 north until you reach Industrial Blvd. Make a right (east) onto Industrial and follow it until it ends at Mission Blvd. Make a right onto Mission, then a left onto Garin Ave. We will be performing in a tree overhanged area with mostly shade.

Hopefully all will work out this time, and we will be on our way to ending a great evil that's infested the land.

"The Pit" will be more than a competition of peoples skill with the sword (or staff or club). Over the past few events, there have been some 'loose threads' lying about that will be tied up at this event. Not to mention that there will also be other things to interest people than the drawing of blood. This will be a character interactive intensive event, with most dealings going on between player to player, with a few random actors thrown into the mix to spice things up.

Each participant will be handed a brief story guideline at the beginning of the event. This will give you a goal or two as to what you (or your group) are doing at The Pit. If you have other plot ideas as to why you're there or what you want to do, feel free to do them. The guideline is just that, a guideline.

Also, a second sheet will include a bit of background of the area and some of the people and/or things you 'might' come across. Just because the sheet tells you that Lord Death wears a purple cloak does not mean that Lord Death will be showing up, nor that anyone wearing a purple cloak is Lord Death. Depending on some people's Lore ability, there may be additional information on their background sheets (what good is it being a bounty hunter, if you don't know who you're hunting?)

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Mark Mensch via phone (510-232-4934) or e-mail (markm@watt.com).

SPENDING THOSE EXPERIENCE POINTS? Please contact me ASAP as to what additional skills you will want for your character. The more information I have before an event, the quicker the check-in process will go. I want to make sure that you are all ready to go as soon as you hit the park.

POSSIBLE PRICING CHANGE?

My policy is to always listen to the suggestions of my players, and actors, on improving AU. A few people have suggested that the price of $30 is too much for the events. A couple have proposed this idea: $15 an event, but you have to supply your own costume, weapon and food. For $10 you can 'rent' a costume and weapon, or $5 if you only need one.

When I first created Adventures Unlimited, I wanted to create events where all you had to do was show up, and everything will be there for you. I personally like the idea of not having to worry about forgetting anything, having it all there when I arrive. Also, some other LARPs charge about $30 a day, but don't supply you anything. You pay for the story and the entrance into it, but you also have to bring the food, clothing and weapons.

But, if more people agree with the above pricing, I might just change it. For those without the talent, I can create the costumes and weapons and sell them for a small fee. Think about it and we'll discuss it at the end of the event (or contact me with your thoughts if you won't be attending).

"Come one, come all to witness the greatest competition of all times. The strongest warriors will come to meet to participate in a contest of skill and strength. The victor of this tournament will not only earn the distinction of being the best fighter in the land, but he, or she, will be granted the greatest gift of all, the granting of one wish! But is that all that is going on at the exhibition?..."