The following is only a guideline, and to be honest, even that's pushing it. They're a bunch of numbers I just made up. Don't expect to get more out of the game than you put in yourself. You know what your character wants to do, so go and do it! If you're wallflowering the event, you might as well read all the numbers as 1.

1. = Never Present
2. = Sometimes Present
3. = Often Present
4. = Usually Present
5. = Always Present

Theme

Secrets, ancient and dangerous secrets, the rumours are spreading quickly: The Autumn Court of Essex are up to something no good with this festival. Maybe it's not easy to imagine the Leaden Mirror setting up the rest of the courts in the twilight of a beautiful summer's day, but wait until the autumn evenings are upon us... By the light of the moon, it just seems more believable, doesn't it?

Mood

Anticipation and foreign territory.

The rumours have been building up for a few months now. Something is going to happen at this party. I mean, who ever expected Kruger to host a party... Yeah, something's bound to be going down.

Travelling anywhere as a changeling can be dangerous. Even when they're meeting up with the majority of the Lost population of the UK, if they're not meeting them at home, then they're playing away. Attitudes, rituals, style and behaviour change greatly as you travel from freehold to freehold, coming to Essex should be tinged with anticipation and apprehension. Especially for those who have never visited here before.

Something unknown is going down, and you're not at home - it could be anything...

Setting

The ST team reserve the right to change the following details prior to the Southern Regional. It's almost two months until the game happens, all the characters described below could be dead by then! Also, we might just decide we have a better idea closer to the time...

The Invite

Lords and Ladies, Gentlefolk of all domains, knights, nobles, commoners,

The Freehold of Fortis Sodalitas is one steeped in tradition, upheld rigorously by its Monarchs and celebrated by its citizens.

Three hundred and sixty years past, the first of those Pledged to the Ashen Court in the land of Essex chose Canewdon as their bastion. Such an auspicious anniversary for a date that holds so much import for the Lost of Fortis Solidaritas should not be allowed to go by unmarked, and so, Count Kruger, Autumn Monarch, invites all who will intend to enjoy his hospitality and that of his fellow Monarchs.

Should attendance please you, RSVP to Baroness Wieven so that appropriate provisions might be arranged.

Dictated but not read.

The Harvest Festival of the Ashen Court of Essex is a regular annual event. Even Count Kruger, cynical, aggressive and demanding ruler of the Autumn Court of Fortis Sodalitas, has embraced the occasion and is now bringing it to the Lost of the country. Or at least, that's what he seems to be doing.

This exciting event usually begins with the harvest of the Abstinent Apples and Placid Peaches grown around the Hopkins Hollow of Canewdon. These plentiful goblin fruit fill the festival goers with Glamour with little or no intoxicating effects. All Lost attending the festival are invited to partake in this custom, gorging themselves whilst harvesting straight from the Hedge. Traditionally, the Autumn season's Fall Fair is also held during this event. Apparently Lord Satrap Sam, the Spring monarch of Essex, is heavily involved with that this year. I'm sure he'll bring his own style to the affair. Has anyone else heard rumours of ballet dancing?

Whilst most of the Lost gather in the Hedge, the changeling's Harvest Festival always coincides with that of their mortal neighbours in Canewdon. This weekend-long occasion involves sports competitions, musical performances, carnival games and charitable events. Should they wish the Lost are invited to mingle with the norms, do some harvesting of their own, and enjoy the festivities before joining the party at Moorskint Manor. Nearby to this small rural town, yet secluded in the beautiful Essex countryside, Moorskint Manor will be the main location of Count Kruger's party.

This is not the first time the Harvest Festival has been advertised nationally. Those changelings who have been around a while might remember the one thrown by Kruger's predecessor, Count Thomas Garland, back in 1978. This memorable occasion concluded with an Ash Run in which the attendees hunted down and killed a motley of known privateers. Anyone reckon Kruger can top that?

Storytelling Mechanics

Any players who have characters that wish to investigate any of the goings-on of Essex prior to the event are encouraged to contact the lead ST on the e-mail address above. Please be specific in what your character is doing.

Any other queries can also be directed to this e-mail address.

Proxies

An up to date Character sheet and any Approval numbers need to be received a minimum of 72 hours prior to the game. In addition, contact details for the player and their ST so I can discuss the motivation of the Proxy, and any desired results.

Glamour

All characters are entitled to begin play with full Glamour assuming they have attended the early sessions of the festival and indulged in the harvesting and the goblin fruits provided. Should any character decide not to go this route, Glamour will be determined by a straight card draw.

Downtime Scenes

Actions may be resolved in downtime scenes (with the presence of needed players and their characters) via net play (such as MSN Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger) or in person; provided that all players involved in these actions have fair and equal access to attend (if in doubt; verify with the ST). The ST or a designated ST must be present for any scene involving challenges.

Experience award guidelines

Attendance - As per the Camarilla Addendum.

Good roleplay / costume - nominations for excellent roleplayers and best costume can be passed to any of the ST team and additional experience may be awarded to those deemed worthy.