Capture the Flag: Maze Runner Edition

Alright you shanks, get your maps ready and sharpen your sticks for a Battle Royal against the Grievers in the 8th annual Get Out Philly Capture the Flag After Dark.

The game: If you are familiar with Capture the Flag, you should know that the Get Out Philly version is probably nothing like it. Slim it, Greenie, and pay attention, here's how it goes.

In sum: Two teams, two territories, two flags. Each team hides their flag. The Yellow Team (Gladers) has to find the Grievers' flag & drag it back to neutral territory. The Blue Team (Grievers) will be chasing Gladers out of their territory. And vice versa.

If you get caught, you go to the Slammer and have to be released by another team member. First team to successfully "capture the other team's flag" wins! We usually plan to play several skirmishes. We also usually quit after one game and go drink beer.

We've had requests to take this to a park in the daytime, and we might, but this is URBAN Capture the Flag, after dark...did I mention glowsticks? Primary mode of communication with your team is text message and/or two-way radios (although radios open the door to massive cheating....ok by us.) You could play offense and run your butt off, or defense and just hang out capturing people.

Anyone can play, but being that this is primarily an adult's game and adult pace, only kids age 10 and up please. Boost mobile and dark clothing will be highly advantageous; fire flares, cannons and rifles are strongly discouraged.

The Playing Field: Penn's Landing Great Plaza; Chestnut Street and Columbus Boulevard. We'll meet at the Great Plaza at 8. Look for the Get Out Philly banner and glowy necklaces at the top of the steps by the the Great Plaza stage. Great Plaza and the Irish Memorial are the Yellow Team's territory. The Columbus, Korean War Veterans, and Vietnam War Veterans memorial are the Blue Team's territory. Sidewalks, streets, bridges, and the area surrounding the Independence Seaport and the Hilton are neutral. Maps will be provided.

Some of the fun of Urban Capture the Flag is the element of danger due to crowds and the terrain. There's a lot of running, chasing, and jumping (over things, steps, pedestrians, pets, etc). Don't forget to keep an eye out for other people and lots of steps.

Parking: At your own risk. There is a lot right next to where we meet, where parking for the RiverRink is in the wintertime. I think it's $10 all night but not entirely sure. Easiest parking I've found is on Dock Street across from the Hilton; right within our territory, usually free spaces at that time, and easy access from the after party. There's a kiosk.

Other Activities: As of right now, there is no event scheduled at the Great Plaza, but that could change. Event or no event, it could still be crowded. There may be other activities happening; we'll have to watch out for pedestrians. There doesn't seem to be a concert at Susquehanna Bank that night, so fortunately we shouldn't have to worry about mobs of people waiting for the ferry.

After Party: Buffalo Billiards is low-key, close by, roomy, and there's also pool & darts! Post below if you have any other preferences.

Other: If it looks like rain, we will cancel by 6 pm Friday night (September 19). Pack as minimally as possible; leave things in your car or bring a backpack. Running with handbags is a pain. Buddying up to carry & store gear is a good idea.

kickass vid from a Toronto organization that gave us the idea (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmA9yb7_JVI)

Note on the start time: We gather at 8, but it takes quite awhile to get everyone organized, go over the map & rules, etc. We generally start between 8:30 and 8:45. If you can get there at 7 and want to help scout the terrain and organize things, please let me know! Also looking for someone to run the logistics with a laptop and a portable wi-fi hotspot....involving sending mass text message when the game begins and the flag is captured. One for each team would be great too. Any takers? (Joe BASE??)

Facebook event coming soon if someone else wants to copy and post

If you have no idea what these made up words mean get your klunk in gear Slinthead, and go read this book and/or watch the movie (http://jamesdashner.com/books/maze-runner-series/) that's coming out any day now

but if you don't want to it really doesn't make a difference in the game :)