Hosting a Game¶
Every quest needs one host — the Lab Assistant — to print a few pages and place six signs. That is the whole job: about one hour, total. The Lab handles the game itself and supports you remotely throughout your event window.
This handbook covers hosting the current game, Wisp's Lost Lanterns (Halloween edition, October 30 – November 1, 2026). Packages and prices on this page describe that experience; future titles may have different formats and prices.
What hosting involves¶
- Pick a tier that fits your group — Choosing a Tier.
- Confirm the booking with the Lab before you announce anything (see below).
- Set up — about an hour of printing and placing signs, spread over the two weeks before your event: Before the Event.
- Run it — gather your players, read a 30-second briefing, and roam while the game runs itself: Running the Event.
- Wrap up — finale, group photo, and feedback: After the Event.
What's in the kit¶
| Item | Format | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| 6 stop signs | Printable PDF, Letter or A4 | Print, trim, mount |
| Start poster | Printable PDF | Post at the gathering point |
| Access codes | Email + printable card | Hand to teams (or post one code) |
| Organizer guide | 1 page | Read once, keep handy — placement map, answer key, tiebreakers, scoring |
| Finisher badges | Printable PDF | Cut out, hand out at the finale |
| Map preview | Web link | Check your route before the day |
| Remote support | The Lab answers during your event window |
Each stop also carries its own location story and puzzle, a 3-hint ladder, and a printed sign code as a camera-free fallback. The player pages are offline-safe once loaded — no app for anyone to install.
Make it yours¶
The quest text is written around your space. Send the Lab your waypoint list — what's actually at each stop — or take the setup call, and the stories and puzzles match what players will really see. A backyard works; stops can be 20 feet apart. The puzzles carry the game, not the hiking.
Before you announce your event¶
Availability depends on the current game, event window, venue, setup, and support capacity. Before advertising an event as booked, confirm with the Lab:
- The exact kit and materials included
- The price and any fundraising terms
- The event window and organizer responsibilities
- Accessibility, safety, route, and weather arrangements
- What support is available and how to reach it
- Whether the Lab can support your location
Email zqmcomputing@gmail.com with your group, preferred dates, location, and the tier you're considering — and wait for confirmation before promoting the event. See Contact.