Boundary Waters by Katherine Shane

Why do we do we travel? Why do we go to the world’s wild places? Why do we paddle or hike for days, when we could reach the same destination in a few hours by car? In a world of elevators, why do we climb mountains? Sometimes we go into the wilderness to figure out what matters. We take on burdens to learn how much we can carry, and who will help us bear the load. We go to liminal spaces to find a path forward, or the way home. Sometimes we all need to go to the Boundary Waters.

In Boundary Waters, a group of six strong women facing difficult choices travel through the lakes and portages of the Boundary Water Canoe Area, heading for the Canadian border. As they paddle, they contend with the inner voices of hope and fear, guilt and love. At portages, they carry heavy burdens over difficult terrain, just as the must carry the burdens of their past and future choices over many paths. Sometimes they share each other’s burdens. At night they gather in the dark and liminal space of a campfire under the stars. As they travel, the beauty of wild places will hone who they are and what they value most. When they reach the border, each must make a choice.

Content Advisory: Boundary Waters is both an introspective and a relationship-driven scenario, with times of reflection, conflict, and support. Characters will be facing life-altering choices that may hurt or help either themselves or others. Issues of parenting, reproductive choice, verbal and physical violence, abuse, addiction, depression, and the ending of relationships will be on the table. As the player, you will decide what to reveal and discuss about your character’s situation and you will make the final choice.

Participation Advisory: This game will involve moderate physical activity, including: Mock paddling for a duration of about 5 minutes, sometimes with weighted paddles; Carrying 25-40lbs either solo or in teams for a distance of up to a hundred yards, with the possibility of stairs. You may request assistance or a lighter load, but at least some physical activity is required for participation; Close proximity to burning unscented wax candles. Players are strongly advised to bring a water bottle.