Event Review: 1998 - Wasteland Games VI by Claryce Orfevre

Wasteland Games VI: April 1998

Greetings from Baroness Claryce,

Well, if you missed the Wastelands Games this weekend you missed a wonderful, fun, and relaxing event.

First of all, half of the rapier community ended up in "bed" with the other half of the rapier community. (Along with various assorted ladies, weapons, and pillows). The most creative escape was the gentleman who rolled under the bed and out the "door" to escape punishment from the irate "husband". (I showed up while this was already going on, but I enjoyed the amount of this game that I saw.)

The heavy weapons fighters had what is called "sheep-ball" game, with amazingly similarities to a certain mundane ball game involving a pigskin. We were particularly amused by the long-pass from one side of the listfield to a fighter by the goal lines. Particularly since the "sheep" was a fairly stout stuffed sheep, that was probably more than a little hard to throw. (I also chuckled at the resurrection rules: count 1-sheep, 2-sheep, 3-sheep, 4-sheep, 5, and you're back on you're feet). It looked like the fighters were also having a great time with the game.

Upon a long hike uphill to the equestrian, I discovered that a game was set up that combined the equestrian games with an obstacle course. You first tilted at 3 rings, then picked a spear and attempted to spear a troll with the spear. Then, after knocking off a Saracen head, the horse had to cross a "water hazard" (simulated by a piece of blue plastic on the ground). A few more heads later, and the horse and rider had to go in between a tight keyhole pattern on the ground to rescue this "maiden" who was hanging from a pole. Once the maiden was draped over the saddle, the rescuer must knock off a few more heads, and head for the exit. This was a lot of fun to watch.

The wench race was hilarious. The object of the game was to run to a metal container, fill up a pitcher of water, then run back to a table, where the wenchs had to fill several cups of water, then run back to the barrel empty handed. Since this was a fairly hot day, a lot of the water ended up being thrown at each other as the race continued. One creative youngster started dipping the glasses into the pitcher, which shaved off *a lot* of time. The finale' was when Lord Dyab and Lord Donavan were requested by His Highness to run the wench race. Then ran to the far end, and instead of filling the pitchers, just grabbed the metal bucket, and fought for possession of the entire bucket of water. I don't know how they did it, but they managed to spill every drop of water from the bucket *without* getting any water on themselves. An amazing feat considering the way that bucket was swinging around. After long consideration (a few seconds) I decided to ban them from working the tavern at Namron Beltaine. After all, with that shining example of serving drinks, who knows what could happen....  ;)

The bardic competition was wonderful, the feast was wonderful, but I missed the "grovelling" competition, but it sounded like some very tall tales of woe were being shared with the populace. I had to leave early, but I'm sure that the fun continued through the night.

Vivat Wastelands. This was a truly wonderful, very fun event.

Mistress Claryce Rapheal Orfevre,
Baroness of Namron