** GM Setup Checklist (Before Players Arrive) - The Map: Tape the large black/grey butcher paper to the central table. Lay out metallic markers. - The Boundary: Draw the initial map features (Deep Warrens, The Chasm, Surface Shafts, and the Blight Border track). - The Resource Pools: Set out bowls for the physical tokens (Supplies, Tools, Security) and a central bowl for black Contempt beads. - The Deck: Stack the 12 Season Cards in order (Spring on top, Winter on the bottom). - The Offsite Zone: Set up the adjacent dark hallway or closet for Delver Expeditions. Hide resource index cards there before the game. - Atmosphere: Turn down the lights if possible. Play a subtle, ambient subterranean or industrial drone soundtrack in the main room. --- The Session Log & Timer Tracker Keep this section handy to check off phases and track active map projects. **SPRING** Council Phase (15 Mins): Start background music. Prompt players to start negotiating. - Project Tracker: Note any projects started on the map and their end times. Draw Phase (5 Mins): Pause the LARP. Draw the Spring Environmental or Enemy card. Read it aloud. Give players markers to update the map. Upkeep Phase (3 Mins): Deduct 5 minutes from active projects. Collect 1 Supply token from each faction. - Check: Did anyone fail to pay? Add a Scar [ ] **SUMMER** Council Phase (15 Mins): Ensure Delvers are using the Expedition hallway if they choose to scavenge - Project Tracker: Update timers. Draw Phase (5 Mins): Draw and resolve the Summer Card. Upkeep Phase (3 Mins): Tick down projects. Collect 1 Supply per faction. - Check: Did anyone fail to pay? Add a Scar [ ] **AUTUMN** Council Phase (15 Mins): Remind players that Winter is coming and resources are running low. - Project Tracker: Update timers. Draw Phase (5 Mins): Draw and resolve the Autumn Card. Upkeep Phase (3 Mins): Tick down projects. Collect 1 Supply per faction. - Check: Did anyone fail to pay? Add a Scar [ ] **WINTER** Council Phase (15 Mins): Final chance to trade, fortify, or finish game-winning projects. - Project Tracker: Update timers. Final project completions. Draw Phase (5 Mins): Draw and resolve the brutal Winter Card. Upkeep Phase (3 Mins): Collect the final 1 Supply per faction. - Check: Did anyone fail to pay? Add a Scar [ ] --- **End of Game Assessment (Winter's End)** Count the final state of the map to announce the colony's fate: - Total Scars: _____ (If 5 or more, the game is an immediate Loss) - Permanent Food/Water Structures: _____ (Need at least 2 for Victory) - Surface Sealed / Weaponized Chokepoint Built? [ ] Yes [ ] No