Sept 13-15, 2013

Interested in Joining Us? Click above to find out how!

Feast Of The Dead 2013

 
Every so often, the different groups of Amtgard get together for a weekend-long extravaganza of fighting, role-play, camping, and hanging out. Feast of the Dead is one such weekend.

Held every year in the fall in the Hagerstown, MD area, the Feast of the Dead (commonly called simply by FoD) is the chance for all of the Amtgard parks that make up the Kingdom of Crystal Groves to get together and play until we can't stand up to swing a sword any longer.

So, those who were well enough to travel did so. Riken, Grainmag, Hagari, Orpheus, Zamorak, Seran, Henry, and Tungdil (who is still part of our group despite being away at college), descended on the kingdom scene.

All told, 137 players showed up to a small campground in Maryland, where windy conditions kept the masses huddled together near their camp fires when they weren't playing. This year's theme was "The Brothers Grimm", focusing on fairy tales

Friday

A day of arrival saw players coming in at various times. The Valley of Smoke crew's arrival was stretched out, depending on when they could leave home. Riken and Grainmag arrived on scene around noon, and were quick to help out with what setting up they could.

Riken decided to operate a roleplay tavern during this event. She put out a roped off area and made 28 punched tin lanterns to provide some decoration.

Throughout Friday afternoon and evening, Valley of Smoke residents trickled in with others who came from the various Crystal Groves parks. There were even several visitors from outside of the kingdom to this event!

Friday around Sunset saw the first part of the three part quest: Little Red Riding Hood requiring help to get medicine to cure her grandmother. After the questers found all the medicine ingredients, they broke up until the following day.

Elven Court met and had no small amount of drama, as is customary for the elves. Night ditching was held on a side field, thanks to the lights on someone's Jeep. And the roleplay tavern had many visitors.

Saturday

Saturday started bright and early with chocolate chip pancakes! As people climbed out of their tents to face the sunlight, ditching and games began. The second part of the quest began at 10 AM sharp, with questors being sent out to locate the huntsman's axe, as well as several goblins and even a wererat standing in the way!

The Arts & Science competition, a Dragonmaster tournament (meaning the best of the best!) called for entries at 11 AM. Our group's Prada Forel placed 8th with his write up about playing Amtgard as a school club. Riken came in 9th with her hand-woven apron. Her write up about installing a neckline in a tunic came in 12th. Out of 19 entries, these are all impressive scores!

After a lunch of ramen noodles and chicken, many art classes were held. These included candle making and even Riken's weaving class! A silent auction raised $160 for the Amtgard Food Fight. Class games and roleplay rounded out the afternoon's activities.

The final part of the three part quest took place around 2 PM, with questors having to defeat many monsters deep in the forest in order to get the medicine to Grandma's house and save the day!

As the sun set, everyone began patiently waiting for feast. Unfortunately, thanks to a fire that went out, the feast was delayed by almost two hours! When everyone was finally able to eat, there was salad, potato salad, brautwurst, steak soup, and bread for all.

The Valley of Smoke won a cheesecake at the silent auction. After the group was finished with feast, and after court and awards were completed, Valley of Smoke retired to the roleplay tavern to split the cheesecake among themselves. And it was delicious.

The evening ended with Riken's roleplay tavern being the stage for the annual Bardic Gathering. Dozens of players crowded around to listen to those who were brave enough sing, recite poetry, and tell stories for the amusement of all. Here's just a taste of the bardic performance, sung by Shyft Sylentfall from Crystal Groves Duchy.

Sunday

Since we were permitted to stay on site longer than usual, the kingdom Arts & Science competition for crown qualifications, as well as the kingdom tournament, were held on Sunday afternoon. Many of the Valley of Smoke players had to leave early in the interest of making the five hour trek home before it got dark.

Next week, we'll be back at our own park, and it will be great to be home!