My thoughts: (as usual, I have alot of them, and they represent my outlook, not necassarily the only way to do things)

Plot is the backbone of a good event. (if you want to be different then normal Amtgard events). It being well thought out and executed will make everything else flow. Of course, since it affects everything else, it only is natural to start with it and work your way along. Remember with Plot hooks, one Big Hook will often lead to a 'follow the leader' situation, and is not the best in my opinion. Lots of small hooks can be set in many peoples mouths, and if all of them end up where they need to by a different path, it can be pretty darn cool.

Not having Down Time is different the controlling it. Current 'action' films not withstanding, it is GOOD to have some rest time built into a good event. It is impossible to plan for every players mental and physical fatigue, but building in times that are relaxing (mentally and physically) is a good idea. Not everyone has to be relaxing at the same time.

Weather: Plan for the worse and hope for the best, have back up plans. Set up a few Dry areas and if all else fails turn it into something of a 'pseudo table top' game with npcs in various locations. I know I enjoyed hanging out with people in the bar, it was a bonding experience with people I may not have hung with otherwise.

Props vs Garb: Enough Garb to 'know' what something is is fine in a 'combat' style game. If every goblin wears a green hood, or has a green head band, that is probably fine if it is setup before the game starts. Nothing is worse for a LARP (and harder to get rid of) the then guy walking to a group "I'm actually over there (points to tree line) what are you guys? The person loses the chance to Ambush, since lets face it, people can 'pretend' not to notice someone, but it isn't nearly as cool as actually 'not' knowing they are there. One reason for Monsters to role play even when players aren't present...nothing cooler for a player then spending 30 minutes bellie crawling into a position to be able to listen in on some NPC's who don't know they are there.

Of course, if the monsters only have 'Your a goblin, sit here and attack players when they come' there isn't a whole lot of room for 'cool' unless swinging your sword is the only way for you to have fun... Much better would be: "Your a goblin, here is the card that has all of your stats on it. On the back of the card is an outline of why you are 'here'. The back reads: Your Tog, a member of the greasy hair goblin tribe, you are set on guard duty over this trail because you accidentally ate the Chiefs food. You can 'feel' about the duty how you like. (If it is raining the goblin may be unhappy, if it is the perfect day, maybe he enjoys not having to hang out in the cave). You value your life, but you know if you are 'caught' not doing your duty, you could be in alot of trouble.

Ok, so I rambled long enough, take what wisdom you can, and ignore the rest.

Bottom Line: Neat Poll, lots of important things, and having to 'pick' what was most important really was a challenge.

Boboko

PS: If this is in the wrong place, can a moderator please move it :) Neat functions on the forum do confuse me slightly :)