OPERATORS of a popular Swordcraft fixture are appealing to the live action role playing, or LARPing, community to help raise funds for its revival.<\/p>\n
Since January, the pop-up Red Hound tavern has been without a marquee, which operator Benjamin Peters said left the makeshift establishment inactive.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere were winds during one of our summer quest events that were so strong that they sheared our star picket and bent the frame completely,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s unusual to call it a tavern as we\u2019re unlicensed and only serve soft drink but it\u2019s really been a place where people will get together and unwind.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a real social atmosphere that\u2019s been missing with its absence so we\u2019re wanting everyone to really rally behind this.\u201d<\/p>\n
Created by Ballarat\u2019s first Swordcraft team, the Kislev Rats, the Red Hound has been running for about five years.<\/p>\n
During that time, Mr Peters said it\u2019s often served as the location for key narrative events during their regular gatherings.<\/p>\n
He said his restoration will include expanding their marquee to six-by-12 metres alongside extra tables and an overhaul of their drop walls and bar.<\/p>\n
Mr Peters\u2019 fundraiser has reached over half of its $2000 goal, which he said highlights the local Swordcraft community\u2019s appreciation of their favourite watering hole.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m very grateful for the support we\u2019ve had so far. A lot of people have not just donated but also shared it to their friends and got the word out about saving this,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo me, it shows that this means a lot to them. Even though it doesn\u2019t seem like a big thing, this has been the social hub for our LARPers to sit and meet new people in the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s also a good entry point for people new to the community to stop and have a drink and a chat.\u201d<\/p>\n