Capture the Flag: Mockingjay vs. the Gamemakers

Seventh annual mayhem on the waterfront! Join us for Capture the Flag in the dark, vaguely in the style of Hunger Games. Minus the killing part, although maybe we can scare up some mutated alligators from the Harbor.

The game: If you are familiar with Capture the Flag, you should know that the Get Out Philly version is usually nothing like it whatsoever.

In sum: Two teams, two territories, two flags. Each team hides their flag. Team A has to find Team B's flag & drag it back to neutral territory. Team B will be chasing Team A out of their territory. And vice versa. Maybe I'll come up with some good Hunger Games variations too....

If you get caught, you go to jail and will have to be released by another team member. First team to successfully "capture the other team's flag" wins! We may or may not play it like that depending on how the mood strikes us, but now you know. 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 12 and up please. There are usually a few random kids hanging around that get roped into sneak attacks anyway. Boost mobile and dark clothing will be highly advantageous; fire flares, cannons and rifles are strongly discouraged. (And no crossbows either, Katniss, unless they are of the NERF variety.)

The Playing Field: Penn's Landing Great Plaza; Chestnut Street and Columbus Boulevard. Look for the Get Out Philly banner and glowy necklaces at the top of the steps by the the Great Plaza stage, and bring a headlamp or a small flashlight if you have one (a big Mag light will get in your way!)

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. As of right now, there is no event scheduled at that time at the Great Plaza, but that could change. Event or no event, it could still be crowded.

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: I should mention here that every other weekend Penns Landing is PACKED with activities. But September 15 is suspiciously empty. Google can't seem to find anything happening, so we'll see what the Gamemakers have in store. Or maybe we'll just get lucky. At any rate, last year all of Great Plaza was closed due to repairs from Hurricane Irene, but it still managed to be one of the fastest-paced games we've played!

After Party: Somewhere nearby, in Old City, so we don't have to move cars. Buffalo Billiards is the easiest, has the most space and there's also pool & darts! :) Triumph is close by too. Post below if you have a preference!

Other: If it looks like rain, we will cancel by 6 pm Friday night (September 14). 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??)