How to Play CRYPTOZOO

[CryptoZoologist]

Hello, cryptid chaser.
You can chase cryptids anywhere in the world -- on your own, with friends, or at a big crytpid chase you organize. But before you start chasing...

Here's your mission checklist:

___ I investigated the Cryptid 13 Field Reports...

___ I examined the Cryptid 13 Evidence Files ...

___ I watched real life cryptid chasers in action...

___ I checked out the CryptoZoo map...

Finished your missions? NOW YOU'RE READY TO CHASE!
Here are 5 different ways you can play CryptoZoo anywhere in the world, anytime.
Pick your favorite... combine a few... or invent your own!
(You can also RSVP for a live event, or throw your own and add it to the CryptoZoo calendar.)

1. CRYPTID RACES
It's species vs. species! Get at least two runners, or two teams. Then, face off for quick races -- to the end of the block and back, or once around a small area, is usually the perfect racing distance.

Each team runs as a different species. You get to pick your opponent's species. Try to pick a species that will be as hard as possible! You can learn all the running rules in the evidence files. If you expect a lot of runners, you can order some evidence cards... or just make your own!

Everyone who finishes a race earns has proven that they know how to run with that species. They are totally worthy of a secret runner badge -- even if they didn't win! You can make your own, or order some official achievement badges.

Bonus race mission: How many different species can you race at the same time? Try to set a CryptoZoo world record.

2. SOLO CRYPTOZOO
Discover where cryptids run in your neighborhood.

First, learn how different cryptids run. All the rules are in the evidence files.

Then, head outside and start looking for cryptids. You'll want to take field notes, so bring something to write with.

Where would a tiptree run? A street with lots of trees, obviously.
Where would a summit monkey run? A block with at least a couple poles and some steps to run up.
Where would ninja rabbits run? Anywhere you get a lot of parked cars lined up.
Try out the moves yourself to decide if it's a natural habitat or not.

Once you start to pay close attention, you'll realize you can see cryptid trails all around you.

As you explore, keep notes. Then, when you can get online, share what you've discovered!
Map out some of the running environments where you live, and then add them to our CryptoZoo map.

Bonus solo mission: Check the map for trails where you live. Has anyone else spotted cryptids near you yet? If so, go out and try running on the trails they found. Leave a comment on the map and let them know you went chasing!

3. SPOT A NEW SPECIES
Think you can find even stranger creatures than the ones we've found so far? Prove it!

Post a video showing us how your strange creature runs, and where we can find it.

Since you discovered the cryptid, you get to give it a name. Field notes and sketches are welcome, too!

Check back soon to see if other CryptoZoo members have discovered your cryptid where they live!

4. THE GREAT CHASE
Leave a trail of mysterious cryptid tracks

Scout out a park, plaza, or neighborhood you think it would be fun to run through. Then, leave a trail of mysterious tracks.

Make your tracks go around poles, up steps, under railings, along ledges, over benches, or anything else you think would make for a fun adventure.

You can use any kind of chalk, and you can draw tracks by hand or with a stencil. If you're feeling ambitious, here are some suggestions for where to get our official cryptozoographer's favorite cryptid chalk and stencils!

A really great cryptid chase is about a mile long. But you can make shorter or longer chases.

After you've laid down the tracks, invite friends you meet you at the starting point. Cryptid chases are most fun when run in teams of 2-4, but you can have a bunch of teams follow the trail one at a time. If you have lots of chasers, send them out in teams a minute or so apart.

Bonus chase mission: Throw a night chase. Have you friends bring flashlights, and try to chase the cryptids in the dark...

5. CRYTPID CHASE-OFF.
Who can design the best trail?

Meet up with at least 1 or 2 other cryptid chasers, and have everyone start a chalk trail from the same spot.

Everyone has 10 minutes to make as long and adventurous a trail as possible. Each trail has to go in a different direction.

After 10 minutes, meet back up at the start, and everyone follows someone else's trail. Vote to see whose trail was the hardest, whose was the most fun, whose was the most creative, and so on...

Bonus chase-off mission: When you get to the end of your friend's trail, add on to it. See how long you can make a single trail...

Have you figured out another way to chase cryptids? Share your ideas in the comments.

And one more thing: BEFORE YOU START CHASING...