Welcome to the town of Mercy Pointe.

Hey, traveler. Nice to meetcha. If you’re anything like me, you sometimes think about how the apocalypse shoulda been the end of everything. But then you stumble on something like this: a little slice of paradise in the Northern Wasteland. Sure, it might be a little rough around the edges, but what isn’t, Post-Fall?

Turns out community can thrive in the wastes, and here in Mercy Pointe we don’t care what Strain you are or where you came from, so long as you don’t mind dealing with the usual: wandering Zed hordes, roving bands of Raiders, faction politics, mysteries maybe best left alone, and the occasional hulking Gorilla Bat.

If that sounds like something you can do, then welcome to town. Now for the real questions:

Who are you, and what do you bring to the table?

Storytelling, in Real Time

What happens in town of Mercy Pointe is largely up to you, the players! Create a character, then work with others to progress the town’s ongoing story through terrifying encounters, inter-town politics, and emotional roleplay. Whether your interest lies in combat, caregiving, or criminal enterprises, there’s a role for you to play in the greater story of this small, post-apocalyptic settlement.

The Dystopia Rising: Michigan chapter is a proud part of the greater Dystopia Rising Network, which means your character can also travel throughout the wastes and affect other settlements!

Rediscover the Power of Play

Most of us can remember what it was like to be a kid picking up a stick and pretending it’s a sword. Rediscover that feeling with other adults by coming out to play! Our group gathers once a month in Battle Creek, where we make the conscious decision to put down our devices, take a break from our real-world responsibilities, and choose to get back in touch with that creative, freewheeling spirit of “playing pretend.”

When we all commit to this together, no one looks foolish or out of place, and everyone gets to share in an unforgettable weekend full of laughter, stories, and post-apocalyptic horrors.

No One Survives Alone

Our strength lies in our community and the ways in which we support one another—both in game and out! When you become a Dystopia Rising: Michigan player, you’re joining a dynamic, creative community of practice that’s dedicated to making live-action storytelling a hobby that’s accessible and inviting. Our community also hosts multiple out-of-game activities, including movie nights, crafting days, and volunteer opportunities to make a positive, real-world impact.

Hear what our players are saying!

  • "LARP has helped me discover who I am and gain self confidence."

    —Bret H.

  • "Playing at Dystopia Rising: Michigan has given me the opportunity to learn how to hold myself responsible for things outside of my day job. It's also given me the opportunity to teach people, give them the resources they need to succeed, and learn how to support people in areas that require improvements."

    —RJ S.

  • "I've never had so much fun being scared!"

    —Holly E.

  • "LARP has encouraged me to make my opinions heard. Before playing, I sometimes wouldn't engage. Now, I put myself out there and feel more comfortable adding my voice to the mix."

    —Luke H.

  • "I have so many connections to people through LARP. I'm a part of a wonderful community who cares for each other. It has made me more confident in myself and my storytelling skills. I have been able to explore so many parts of myself that I didn't even realize I had, and I also get some super cool stories to tell people about what I do on weekends. It's helped me develop social, public speaking, leadership, and creative problem-solving skills that I use in my career."

    —Chloe S.

  • "My family always says that my depression and anxiety are significantly better after a LARP weekend. It also helps me keep me in shape physically."

    —Adam F.

It might reasonably be maintained that the true object of all human life is play. Earth is a task garden; heaven is a playground.
— G.K. Chesterton