Hear ye, hear ye! Sounds of horns blared through the kingdom to symbolize the beginning of the annual LARPing—live action roleplaying—tournament, this time between King Wilson, son of Sir Peter, a fallen soldier, and a rebel group who believe in anarchy and doing away with the monarchy for good. Will you stand by the king or join the rebellion? And what secret is King Wilson hiding? All shall be soon revealed…
Standing on the sunny field, weapons in hand, we were ready for battle. Excited whispers passed through the crowd and participants alike, as well as some members of the rebellion, who matter-of-factly told me they wanted King Wilson dead, because he’s a tyrannical ruler.
“I put my son’s college fund on this,” joked Raif H.K., 17-year-old Senior Camper.
“I’ve had to give up all hope. Every single year I lose to Owen [the previous reigning champion],” said Hayes M., 16-year-old Senior Camper, when I asked why he wasn’t participating in this year’s tournament. “If someone keeps winning, it should be like the president. There should be a limit on terms,” they bantered.
“I’ve been in every tournament since its founding. My goal is to get past round 1 one day,” said Upper Camper Linh P., 14, who died during the 1st round (there’s always next year!).
Before his — unfortunate to some and celebratory for others — death, I managed to interview King Wilson.
Q: King Wilson, how do you plan to make the kingdom a better place?
A: Well, I have a little surprise brewing that I wouldn’t want to spoil too much. But I have two words for you; DEMO-CRACY.
Q: What is this DEMO-CRACY you speak of?
A: Well, I dare not say more, but it may involve a council. I believe it is time the people wield more power.
Q: I heard you are doing this in vengeance of your father; do you miss him?
A: Very much, but his ghost is always with me. Protecting me. Farewell, Sir Peter, you shall be missed.
Q: What do you think about the rebellion brewing up within the kingdom?
A: I think that words and wit are the mightyest of weapons and that they shall prevail.
Indeed, he had been truthful, as before the tournament began, Wilson announced the end of the monarchy in place of a new form of government, called a ‘democracy,’ where the people choose their leaders and help influence decisions.
King Wilson was un/fortunately revived by a necromancer who happened to pass by, and the tournament began in earnest.
After a couple nerve-wracking fights (and one horrific death of a beautiful, amazing, funny, and humble reporter, thanks Yanic), we were down to three finalists: Sir Jackson PW, of the Westlands of California, 14, Upper Camp; Sir Owen B. of Vermont, 16, Senior Camp; and Sir Yawnic of Hamiltonia (Yanic V.), 17, Senior Camp.
The crowd was cheering, the contestants took their places and… game on! Sir Yanic showed off some impressive moves, with many jumps and dodges. Sir Jackson showed speed and grace, and Owen carried the weight of winning three previous tournaments.
Sir Jackson got hit! It’s down to our last two! Excitement filled the air, people screaming and cheering for the remaining champions. One last hit — YANIC WON!
The crowd roared as the winning streak of Sir Owen was finally broken!
“Years at this camp held under the shadow of one much shorter than me I have emerged victorious. I want to thank Jackson and all that came before him in my path to fulfillment. To my bunk, we may not have won the lip sync but we are coming out of this camp with something. I love LARPing, and I love WriCampia,” Yanic shared with me after his win.