Richard Garriott de Cayeux

Lord British

David Watson

Iolo Fitzowen

Kathy Flatt

Katrina

Starr Long

Lord Blackthorn

Talzhemir Mrr

Penumbra

David Shapiro

Dr. Cat

Dallas Snell

DeSnel

Mike Nystul

Nystul

Denis Loubet

Monsieur Loubet

Jeff Dee

Arturos

Scott Jones

Lord Nimrond

Dale Flatt

Captain Elad

Mystery Guest(s)

TBA

Joseph Toschlog

Rustic Dragon

RSVP

F.A.Q.

1. When does registration close and when is admission due?
   
   Registration will close November 1st (special cases notwithstanding) but it is very helpful to planning if you can RSVP before October 1st.
   
   Special cases notwithstanding, admission must be paid by November 1st, preferably by October 15th, and ideally by October 1st.
   
   Please do *not* pay admission until I have confirmed your reservation. Once I have confirmed your reservation, I will give you instructions on how to pay admission.


2. I can't make the event times, what are my options?
   
   The start/end times are still a little flexible at this point. If you need to arrive a few hours after the start and/or leave a few hours before the end, be sure to tell me in the RSVP process. If enough people have similar needs, we'll move the times. If not, I can try to work with you on an individual basis to make it work.
   


3. What is the earliest I can arrive/latest I can stay?
   
   This has changed! You can arrive any time after 5:00 p.m. on Friday and sleep at the venue. (bear in mind that many parts of the venue will be off limits until the event starts to prevent spoilers) If you need to arrive before that, you can theoretically come as early as you need and stay at Rustic Dragon's place provided you don't suck and you don't mind crashing on the floor. On Sunday, you can stay as late as nightfall at the venue and crash at Rustic's after that if needed. Again, provided that you don't suck and don't mind crashing on the floor.
   


4. What is provided for lodging?
   
   There are twelve (12) habitable cabins at the venue. Many of the cabins have beds or cots, however, attendees will need to provide their own linens. All cabins have electricity and many have A/C (which may or may not be needed depending on the weather). No cabins have heat.
   
   The cabins will comfortably sleep twenty-nine (29) attendees and thirty-six (36) if attendees get a little cozy and are willing to sleep on floors. Attendees may email the host to request a cabin, once and only once by replying to their RSVP thread (please do not send a new email). Attendees should state why they need a cabin (e.g. "I have asthma" or "I'm flying in"). Requesting a cabin does not guarantee an attendee will have a cabin until the request is confirmed by the host. It is possible that reservations may not be confirmed until the week of the event. Having a cabin entirely to oneself and a significant other (i.e. not having to share with other guests) should not be expected. (Please see Decree #5)
   
   Note: At the time that this F.A.Q. was updated at 2014-10-20 at 4:38 p.m. CST, there were thirty-eight (38) guests who had RSVP'd. Prior to this update, this F.A.Q. stated that the cabins would be 100% primitive and would not have beds meaning that attendees who had RSVP'd already had done so without expecting beds. Prior to this update, if having a bed was an absolute requirement, attendees were encouraged to get a hotel or take care of those arrangements themselves. This is still the case. While a good faith effort will be made to provide special accommodation, the only way to 100% guarantee is for the attendee to provide it themselves. Entitlement, arguing, and/or whining over lodging assignments will not be tolerated. (again, see Decree #5)
   
   Because there are a limited number of sleeping spots, anyone able to bring a tent should do so. Anyone driving is also encouraged and requested to bring as much camping equipment (e.g. tents, blankets, pillows, air mattresses, etc.) as possible both for themselves and to let others use if willing to lend. Those willing to lend bedding may charge and are encouraged to charge other players in-game currency for the loan. Attendees who go above and beyond in providing for others may be rewarded.
   
   Lastly, use of a cabin requires paying a fee in in-game currency. Yes, this means that if an attendee spends all their money on something frivolous, they will lose their cabin spot. (*ahem* Decree #5) To preempt outcries, attendees will start the game with more than enough currency to pay for food and lodging. Those who are able to camp will be rewarded by being charged a substantially lesser "rent" and will have more money to spend other fun things.
   


5. Can I bring a guest?
   
   All attendees must go through the RSVP process. This includes the interview and admission fee. You may RSVP more than one person at a time, but both will need to be confirmed to attend.
   


6. My guest doesn't know anything about Ultima but...
   
   All attendees must go through the RSVP process as outlined on this site. Please have them read the entirety of this site, just as you did. If you or your guest feel that your guest would not have a great time, then you should strongly consider that this event may not be for them.
   


7. My guest is under 21, is that a problem?
   
   For liability reasons, we cannot have attendees under 21 due to the presence of libations.
   


8. I want to be/do <specific thing>, can I do that?
   
   Depends entirely what it is. At the last HoBLotH, we had a Wandering Beer Minstrel and it was awesome. If you want to play a specific role, please include that information in your RSVP request.
   


9. What is the smoking policy?
   
   Smoking is not allowed inside of the cabins or theatre. Briar, meerschaum, and/or clay pipes are encouraged, please bring them! The host will have a supply of tobacco for sharing (or possibly for purchase with in-game currency). Please be respectful, there should be plenty of space for pipe smokers and non-pipe smokers to co-exist happily.
   
   As for cigarettes, please do not leave your butts in the grass. Exitinguish them thoroughly, wet them if possible, and dispose of them properly. As cigarettes do not smell as pleasant as pipes, please step away from other guests while smoking them. (Cigars are welcome in the circle)


10. Can I bring food/beer/etc. as a donation?
    
    In general, yes. Please include your thoughts in your RSVP request so we can plan accordingly.
    


11. Where is the event specifically?
    
    The event will take place in Castleton, Richard Garriott de Cayeux's amazing lake-side property in Austin, TX. Directions and parking information will be sent to you with a confirmed RSVP.
    


12. Will there be vegetarian/vegan options for food?
    
    Limited vegetarian friendly options will be available. Vegan options are not guaranteed. Your are welcome and encouraged to bring your own food/snacks/drinks.
    


13. Why do you need the admission fee up front?
    
    I need funds to place orders ahead of time for event trinkets, supplies, and to lock in contracts for catering and such. Also, this helps me have firmer estimates for event planning.
    


14. What happens if the event is cancelled?
    
    If the event is cancelled, everyone will get their money back and we will all be sad.
    


15. Something happened at the last minute and I cannot attend, can I have my money back?
    
    Cancellations made within five days of a confirmed RSVP will be fully refunded
    
    Otherwise:
    Cancellations in September will receive a full refund.
    Cancellations in October will receive a 50% refund.
    Cancellations in November cannot be refunded.
    


16. Can I bring live steel or metal fencing weapons?
    
    The short answer is yes, live steel is allowed and encouraged for atmosphere. Peace tying, the act of securing a weapon in its sheath, is not necessary, but it is appreciated. Simply be considerate when drawing the steel and ensuring there is a safe radius and, of course, calling "clear!" (Most attendees are not SCA/AMTGARD veterans but we'll have a safety talk during Martial Training about live steel etiquette)
    
    If you bring a fencing weapon, you may be challenged to use it!
    
    There will be NO live steel or metal fencing weapons of any kind, peace tied or otherwise, allowed on the field of play for any of the boffer combat. This rule will be strictly enforced.
    
    Lastly, as we progress into the evening (and into our cups) let us err on the side of keeping non-boffer weapons safely stowed.


17. Can I bring my own armor?
    
    Of course! Not only is that allowed and encouraged, it will benefit you in the combat games. Metal armor is allowed with a few exceptions: There should be no dangerously sharp edges, protrusions, or spikes present and at no time should the armor be used to strike a combatant. This will be strictly enforced.


18. Can I bring a musical instrument?
    
    Of course!
    


19. Will there be any streamed or online elements to this event like last year?
    
    No, however there will be pictures.
    


20. I require special accommodations/assistance...
    
    Please include that information in your RSVP request and I'll work with you to the best of my ability.
    


21. I have a different question...
    
    Please go through the RSVP process and include your question there. I'll answer it personally and likely add it to this list.
    


22. I cannot attend, but I'd like to help. What can I do?
    
    Firstly, thank you! That's amazing, awesome, and super generous of you. Believe me, it's truly appreciated. The Hearth of Britannia accepts donations via PayPal.
    
    

    Donations of $50 or more ($75 international)

    
    

    will receive a set of event trinkets in the mail!
    
    

    Donations of $100 or more ($125 international)

    
    

    will receive an autographed set of event trinkets!
    

    
    

    

    
    

    Do NOT use this button for admission or building sponsorship related payments.
    Instead, please contact The Hearth and wait for instructions.