Witches and wizards support Ukrainian refugees

‘So much of what we do is more than just a game, it is about the people.’ JAMES WHITE Legend Story chief executive, left

HUNDREDS of players of the popular Kiwi fantasy-based trading card game Flesh and Blood raised more than $75,000 for Ukrainian refugees at a competition in Krakow, Poland.

Legend Story is the Auckland business behind Flesh and Blood, a card game in which players battle as witches, wizards and warriors.

Legend Story chief executive James White said the competition, which attracted 400 players, was an example of what could be achieved when a gaming community came together.

Legend Story has become a big player in the trading card industry.

Every weekend between 10,000 and 20,000 players compete in official matches around the world, and many more in casual competitions, White said.

International events are a key way Legend Story promotes its game, but up until this year, most big events were held in the

United States.

Last year, the company ran a series of professional tournaments offering a combined total of US$1 million (NZ$1.5m) in prizemoney.

White had planned to hold an event in Krakow this year, to launch the first competition in Europe. But when war broke out in Ukraine, 80% of ticket holders cancelled and asked for a refund.

White was about to cancel the event, until he heard about the plight of Ukrainian Flesh and Blood player Sergii Sinitsyn.

Sinitsyn was a well-known fan of the game and made popular videos that explained tactics and stories.

When Russia invaded Ukraine,

White tried unsuccessfully to contact Sinitsyn.

‘‘We later found out his home had been destroyed, and he had been homeless for weeks. But when he eventually replied, he told us that he had been inundated with offers from other Flesh and Blood players across Europe offering him places to stay or help with his situation,’’ he said.

White was inspired by the way Flesh and Blood players had come together to help, and he decided to hold an event to raise money to help other Ukrainian refugees who had fled to Poland.

He decided to continue with the Krakow competition, with all proceeds going to Polish Humanitarian Action Group, an organisation that helped refugees from Ukraine.

To entice players to the Krakow event, Legend Story put up a US$45,000 prize pool out of its own coffers.

Tickets sold out within days and the event raised more than $75,000.

White said the support demonstrated the strength of the community that had built up around the game.

‘‘So much of what we do is more than just a game, it is about the people. The quality of the relationships, friendship and support that exist around this game is why I do what I do.’’