A Game Of Medieval Make-Believe

By Kendra Bobowick

Has anyone ever played Dagorhir? Take foam swords and padded shields and find a castle to defend, such as FunSpace at Dickinson Park.

In late August, Andrew Mangold Camp Gagorhir, a medieval-like game of teams including Last Man Standing, that a group of roughly 20 campers enjoyed. This was his second year offering the camp.

“It’s based on warfare… it’s everything that kids imagine,” Mr Mangold said.

According to its description in the Parks and Recreation summer camp guide, Dagorhir “will indulge in our favorite battle scenarios like gladiator rings, raiders, capture the flag, and zombies. Campers will get to use a wide variety of gear and shield, as well as test new games, characters and real armor!”

Influenced by sagas such as Lord of the Rings, “players wield foam swords, axes, spears, shields and more.”

Crossing the open field with his foam shield held high was Constantine “Dino” Vogiatzis. Amelia Schill threw foam stones his way hoping to win points in battle.

In another circle Noah Velush-Rogers handed out white cloth bandanas to identify his team including, Brennan Salvadori, who turned his attention toward Mr Mangold.

“Listen up,” Mr Mangold shouted. Instructions were simple, and more forgiving than real life: “If you die, return [to base] to resurrect.” Between the teams was a central tree they sought to capture. Cory Mangold stood with her back against its trunk and her shield out, defending her place. Beside her and doing their best to remain at the tree were Tristan Filiato and Kyle Mangold. Around them was the sound of foam swords whacking shields. Alex Chau struck blows hoping to eliminate the opposing team, and dashed in a crutch across the lawn.

“You’ve got one point!” Mr Mangold shouted, “But there are only 30 more seconds in the game!”

Mr Mangold run the camp, based on games he learned to play in school. “Outside this camp it’s big,” he said. He had played during high school and at the Teen Center, and has traveled as far as Ohio for conventions. When he started to do it locally, “people wanted to play,” he said.

At first he was uncertain about running a group through the Parks and Recreation Department, which he did for the first time last year. He said that in its second year “a lot of kids returned and there are some new faces.”

Camper Noah Velush-Rogers likes the role-playing. “It’s a safe, fun activity. I recommend it, you make friends.”