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Gamers and other adventurers will have the chance to prove their role-playing prowess, beyond the realm of their computer screens, at this summer’s Bristol Renaissance Faire. Opening July 10 for nine weekends through Labor Day Monday, Sept. 6, the Faire’s new RenQuest invites willing patrons to immerse themselves in an evolving adventure of riddles, spells, hunts and other challenges. As guest-participants interact with the period performers, artisans and merchants who inhabit the wooded village of the Faire, they will gain experience points, advance through the levels of the live action game, and face off against Lady Tso and the rest of the Draco Disciples.
“An estimated 20 million people have played Dungeons & Dragons since Gary Gygax first released the game in 1974,” said Shane Hill, director of Bristol’s Gamers Guild. “Today, gamers worldwide are flocking to the latest phenomenon of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), and a growing number of these are seeking out opportunities to expand their group role-playing into live action settings.”
The interactive theatrical experience we’ve created with Bristol’s RenQuest goes well beyond the traditional expectation of live action fantasy games. The entire 30-acre village of 1,200 inhabitants are in position to engage participants along their quests with a professional production team to ensure a top-quality and memorable adventure for veteran gamers, as well as those who've never experienced role-playing games before.
In addition to gaining individual experience points, RenQuest players will accumulate points toward the advancement of one of two feuding factions with which they are aligned - the brave and noble Order of the Sun, or the wild, chaotic Lunar Tribe. Some quests will last a day; others will extend over multiple weekends or the entire season. Throughout the nine-week festival, ceremonies will be staged and awards bestowed to signify the status of individual players and the feuding factions.
Like all Faire festivities, Bristol’s RenQuest will take place within the framework of the summer day in 1574 when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth visited the English hamlet of Bristol. Along their quests, participants will partake in 16th Century games, rides, arts, crafts, food, music, and one-of-a-kind encounters with a colorful cast of era characters. They will interact with noble knights, swashbuckling swordsmen, strolling minstrels, rope-walkers, jesters, jugglers and an eclectic assortment of comedic performers, all eager to aid (or thwart) them in their quests.
The Bristol Renaissance Faire is open rain or shine, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., every Saturday and Sunday, July 10 through Sept 5th, and on Labor Day, Sept. 6. Tickets purchased at the gate are $18.95 for adults and $9.50 for children age 5 to 12. RenQuest participation costs an additional fee to play. . |
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Dost thou imagine thyself up to the challenge of becoming a RenQuest Traveler? Excellent, brave soul! - Here’s how -
Once you have decided to strike out on great adventure, you may purchase your days of play at either the Faire box office or at the RenQuest encampment.
RenQuest offers interactive characters and prizes that are not available to the causal faire-attendee. In years past we have awarded hand blown glass goblets, hand bound leather journals, limited edition print artwork and a custom fantasy portrait featuring our grand champion in the picture! You cannot purchase these items anywhere on site - they are only available to those who play RenQuest!
The price structure for 2010 is a simple, flat rate for all players. RenQuest costs $10 per day to play. If you have finished the core story but wish to pursue advanced achievements then RenQuest costs $5 per day.
This price is in addition to the gate ticket price and does not offer any gate ticket discounts.
Regardless of where you purchase your player pass, you will be given a proof of purchase. Take your proof of purchase to the gypsy wagon at the RenQuest Camp for registration. There you will . . .
- Read about the two factions and choose an alliance, if you haven't already done so. The progressive and industrialized "Order of the Sun" (Click to read about the Order of the Sun). The spiritual and earthy "Lunar Tribe" (Click to read about the Lunar TribeLunar Tribe)
Receive your Travelers Handbook, which tells you all about playing and earning points
Receive and sign your Code of Conduct
Receive your numbered players' badge and faction affiliation ribbon
- Badges identify RenQuest players to folks at the Faire and need to be worn whenever you are on a quest. Replacements for lost badges are $5.00
Receive your first quest and let the Adventure Begin!
More Information
If you want more information about the quests and about playing before choosing to play, go to the RenQuest Camp. This is the home of the Band of the Twisted Claw. It’s marked on the Faire map with the RenQuest logo.
Any of the gypsies of the Band can explain more about playing and the fees. You may even have audience with Master Thoren Grymm, himself.
Playing
As you complete your quests, return to the RenQuest Camp to register your points earned and to receive further orders.
Be sure to check in at the end of your day of Adventuring so that the Band of the Twisted Claw may obtain a final point tally and keep your quest sheet safe.
At the end of the weekend, Travelers’ points are all tallied and the individual and faction leaders are posted on the Bristol Renaissance Faire website. Click to see the Champions page.
Returning to Play Another Day
Check in at the RenQuest Camp to receive your current player sheet and next quest. It’s just that simple!
Additional days of play may be purchased at any time.
Master Thoren Grymm and all of the Band of the Twisted Claw are happy to provide information. They may be found at the RenQuest Camp or at BRFGamers.dir@gmail.com
Join Thoren Grymm and friends as they take you around the streets of Bristol to experience the local Public Houses and Taverns the Twisted Claw way! On your journey, you will visit 5 pubs for a time of drink, song, laugh, drink and some other stuff found only in certain magazines! This will sell out so stop by the Twisted Claw Encampment (across from Friends of Faire) to sign up. Participation gets you one drink at each of the 5 pubs. Players of RenQuest, receive a discount when paying. Must be 21 to participate (IDs will be checked for everyone). Please drink responsibly, Thoren likes return customers!
Specifically for our players aged 6-10, join Argyle the Troll as he hunts for his armor to defeat the newest dragon in Bristol and share the dragon’s treasure with all who help him! This 30 minute quest begins at the RenQuest Camp twice daily and costs $5 per child to play. Size is limited Ð so sign up early! Parents must accompany children while on the quest.
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