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Dressed in makeshift tunics and wielding foam weapons, the Amtgard players jumped into battle in a “ring the bell” game on Saturday.
On the official website, “Amtgard is a worldwide organization dedicated to medieval and fantasy combat sports and recreation.”
However, Chapter Rep, Nathaniel McWaters, describes him simply as “nerds running around and hitting each other with sticks.”
“It’s a great way to go out and meet people,” McWaters said on Saturday.
McWaters is an officer with the local, also known as the county. Counties are usually held in a park, and Killeen Community Park is home to Murky Water County. For McWaters, Amtgard is an opportunity to unwind after a long week.
“A lot of people feel exhausted all week, and it’s just a good way to let off steam,” McWaters said. “I was in the military and especially here it’s good for people to have a way to relax.
Amtgard, which began in the 1980s, is played using makeshift weapons and armor, most of which is homemade. Safety is paramount, however, as McWaters explained that Amtgard’s “weapons” are often made by covering a graphite center with foam. There are those, however, who go the extra mile.
“There are people who make their own armor. Some members make full armor by forging or working leather, and some take commissions from other players, ”said McWaters.
Although the rather lengthy official playbook states that the fight is only for people 14 years of age and older, there are some exceptions made for family members.
“I’ve seen multigenerational groups,” said Kim Jones, a Waco resident. “There are people who started in the 80s who took their children out, who are now bringing their grandchildren out. It’s just wonderful to see.
Jones often goes out “to go to a park for a few hours.” Jones, who also goes by “Baroness Bridgette” as a player name, photographed at gaming sessions and at events.
“One of the best things about Amtgard is that there’s almost always a band near you,” she said.
And, according to McWaters and the official Amtgard site, the game is enjoyed around the world, in the United States, Canada, South Korea, and several other countries.
The game, which often boils down to whether or not a player is hit with a stick before another, has a complex rulebook with class-based progression, granting additional abilities based on level.
“I’ve been coming for 15 years,” said Chris “Lord Magus Lonewolf” Foster. “I am level six in almost all classes. “
Foster explained that players earn points, or “credits” for participating, which can be spent on upgrading a class.
As part of Amtgard Inc., many counties participate in state-wide – or kingdom-wide – events, including the national “Gathering of the Clans,” which attracts thousands each year. Amtgardians in New Mexico. And Murky Waters County is group camping every few months.
According to Foster, Amtgard will even do community shows at festivals or movie releases, fighting right in front of the theater.
“But always with their permission! Jones said with a laugh.
Ultimately, however, Amtgard’s biggest draw is its accessibility and inclusiveness.
“It’s an activity that a wide range of people can do,” said Chad “Draco” Hawthorne. “If you have a park and you have a rule book, then you can play.”
The Murky Waters Shire meets every Sunday from approximately 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Killeen Community Park.
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