FAQ - Enchanted Okotoks

Enchanted Okotoks is an AR MMORPG event that transforms downtown Okotoks into an interactive fantasy adventure. It combines augmented reality technology with live actors, physical props, and interactive storytelling to create an unforgettable experience for participants of all ages. For one magical weekend, the streets of downtown Okotoks become home to quests, puzzles, characters, and adventures.

AR MMORPG stands for Augmented Reality Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game. It's a type of game that combines augmented reality technology (using your phone camera to see the game overlaying the real world) with online multiplayer elements (play on your own, or together with friends and other players) to create a unique and immersive experience.

Visit our Enchanted Okotoks Page for specific dates and locations. Enchanted Okotoks takes place in downtown Okotoks and the event area covers several blocks of the downtown core. A detailed map of the event area will be available on the event page as details are finalized.

Yes! Enchanted Okotoks is designed to be a family-friendly event suitable for participants of all ages. We have quests and activities designed specifically for different age groups. Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult throughout the event. Some advanced puzzles may be more suitable for teens and adults, but there's plenty of content for younger participants as well.

Definitely! We have quests and activities designed specifically for younger adventurers. Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult throughout the event. Many of our NPCs and performers create content specifically for our younger participants, ensuring everyone has a magical experience.

No, Enchanted Okotoks is free to attend! You can explore the event area, participate in many quests, and enjoy the atmosphere without any cost. However, there are optional purchases available including food and drinks from local vendors, fantasy merchandise from our vendor market, and some premium content like special quests or exclusive items. These optional purchases help support the event and local businesses.

Enchanted Okotoks will take place (minor) rain or shine! In case of worse weather that poses problems for quests and activities the event may be postponed or rescheduled. Weather updates and any schedule changes will be posted on our website, social media channels, and newsletter.

The Okotoks Arts Council originally started the event in 2017 under a different name. In 2018, it became Enchanted Okotoks and ran successfully until 2019 when the pandemic forced its cancellation. When the local comic convention was also discontinued, Fantasy By Numbers saw an opportunity to fill this gap in the community. We partnered with Katie, the creative mind behind the original Enchanted Okotoks, to help revive the event. During our event research, we discovered EarthMMO and their AR technology. Just two months after our initial meeting, we successfully brought back Enchanted Okotoks in 2023, combining EarthMMO's cutting-edge AR technology with Fantasy By Numbers' creative storytelling and physical props.

The event was revived in 2023 through a partnership between Fantasy By Numbers and EarthMMO, building on the original Enchanted Okotoks events from earlier years. It has quickly become our flagship event, growing in scope and attendance each year.

The main quest is the central storyline that guides you through the event and it changes each year. It provides a structured path for participants to follow, but you can also explore freely, complete side quests in any order, enjoy the entertainment, or browse the vendor market. Your experience is entirely customizable!

Yes, there will be a vendor market. We will have a variety of vendors selling fantasy-themed merchandise, food, and drinks. It is located in the center of the event area and is a great place to find unique and themed items for your adventure.

Absolutely! Local restaurants will be open throughout the event, and we'll have food trucks and refreshment stands at key locations in the event area. Many vendors will offer themed food and drinks special to Enchanted Okotoks. Water stations will be available throughout the event area where you can refill water bottles free of charge.

Yes, there is free parking available around downtown Okotoks, but it may fill up quickly on event days. We recommend carpooling or arriving early to find parking. A map of parking locations will be available on the Enchanted Okotoks Page.

Costumes are absolutely encouraged but not required! Many participants enjoy dressing up in fantasy-themed attire to enhance the immersive experience. All costumes should be family-friendly, and we ask that any prop weapons be obviously fake or peace-bonded (secured). The premise of the story is that fantasy has started leaking into our world, so both fantasy and real world clothing fit the theme perfectly.

Yes, there will be a costume contest (check the event schedule for details). The best costumes will be awarded prizes!

We strive to make Enchanted Okotoks accessible to everyone. The main event areas and many quests are wheelchair accessible but due to the nature of the event, some areas may be difficult to navigate for those with mobility issues. We do our best when planning the content to ensure as much of it is accessible as possible. If you have specific accessibility questions or requirements, please contact us in advance so we can help accommodate your needs. Service animals are welcome throughout the event.

Yes! You'll experience live performances and music throughout your adventure, culminating in nightly wrap-up parties where you can celebrate your day's achievements with fellow adventurers. We also have a vendor market featuring Okotoks' finest artisans and crafters selling everything from magical trinkets to handcrafted items.

If you have products you think would be a good fit we'd love to hear from you! You can indicate your interest in attending through the form on our Enchanted Okotoks Page or visit the Contact Us Page.

Absolutely! We're always looking for help to make Enchanted Okotoks bigger and better than ever! Opportunities include event setup, acting as NPCs, helping with the various areas of the event, creating props, and more. You can indicate your interest in volunteering through the form on our Enchanted Okotoks Page or visit the Contact Us Page.

Our local businesses are a huge part of what makes Enchanted Okotoks successful and we'd love to have you on board! Businesses within the event zone are able to sign up as in game locations where they will have a quest for players to complete. Businesses outside of the event zone can sign up as a vendor at the vendor market if their product fits the theme, or they can sponsor the event to help us cover the costs of the event. Visit the Enchanted Okotoks Page to sign up or Contact Us directly with any quesitons.

No prior knowledge is necessary! Enchanted Okotoks is designed to be accessible to everyone, whether you're a seasoned fantasy gamer or completely new to the genre. The Enchanted Okotoks Page includes tutorials and guidance, and our volunteers at the event can help explain how things work. The experience is designed to be intuitive and fun for all participants. We have had players of all ages and experience levels participate at past events.

Quests are interactive challenges that guide you through the event area. They appear in the real world and in the game app, directing you to specific locations where you'll solve puzzles, interact with NPCs, find hidden objects, defeat monsters, or complete tasks. Quests range from simple to complex, and you can choose which ones to pursue based on your interests and skill level. Visit the Enchanted Okotoks Page for more detailed information.

While there is an overarching storyline to Enchanted Okotoks, you're free to experience the event at your own pace and in your own way. The main quest line provides structure for those who want to follow the central story, but you can also explore freely, complete side quests in any order, enjoy the entertainment, or browse the vendor market. Your experience is entirely customizable! This year we're trying something new - the main story will advance on the second day, with unique story content each day. Players who attend both days will experience the complete story, but each day offers its own distinct narrative experience.

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage group participation. The app allows you to form parties, which lets you see each other on the map and coordinate your quest activities. Some quests are specifically designed for team play, requiring cooperation and different skills to complete. However, solo play is also entirely viable, and you'll find plenty of content suited for individual adventurers.

As you complete quests, you'll earn virtual rewards such as experience points, character abilities, and digital items within the app. These enhance your character and unlock new gameplay options.

Raid boss battles are epic community events where multiple players join forces to defeat powerful fantasy creatures that appear at scheduled times throughout the weekend. These cooperative challenges require teamwork and strategy, with each player contributing based on their character's abilities. Successful raid teams earn special rewards and recognition on the event leaderboards.

As you complete quests and activities, your character gains experience points and levels up. Each level unlocks new abilities and gameplay mechanics. You can customize your character's development method based on your preferred play style, whether that's solving puzzles, engaging in battles, or exploring the story. Your character's progress is saved in the app between sessions.

Yes! Enchanted Okotoks accommodates various play styles. You can focus on puzzle-solving, exploration, collecting, battle, social interactions, or storytelling. The app helps you find activities that match your preferences, and our volunteers can recommend content based on your interests and the type of experience you're looking for.

Joining the Guild is simple! You can sign up to our newsletter or our Discord server, both can be found on the Contact Page. There are no membership fees, but some events and activities may have associated costs. Once you're a member, you'll receive regular updates about upcoming events and Guild activities.

Not at all! Our events and activities are designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their familiarity with fantasy games or literature. We welcome newcomers and are happy to help you learn and get involved.

We're always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with our events! You can indicate your interest in volunteering by filling out This Form. Volunteering opportunities include event setup, acting as NPCs during events, creating props and costumes, and more. We match volunteer roles to your interests and skills.

Yes! Most of our events are family-friendly and designed for participants of all ages. We clearly mark age recommendations for each event, and many have special activities specifically for younger adventurers. Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult. Our flagship event, Enchanted Okotoks, is particularly popular with families.

Guild members receive early notification about upcoming events, access to exclusive Guild-only activities, discounts on event tickets and merchandise, and opportunities to participate in the development of future events and activities. Members also become part of our vibrant community of fantasy enthusiasts who share ideas and experiences.

We aim to organize events throughout the year, with our flagship Enchanted Okotoks event typically held annually. In 2025 we intend to expand out the game content around Okotoks that will be available year round. Our Event Schedule is regularly updated with new activities and opportunities to connect with fellow Guild members.

Absolutely! We encourage member participation in planning and developing Guild activities. If you have ideas for events, quests, or other activities, please share them with us. Many of our most successful activities have come from member suggestions.