Category:ScenarioPaintball

From Paintball

Well, in a nutshell. Scenario paintball is a cross between a mystery novel, a role-playing game, and controlled chaos.

These will generally be three day events with a get together BBQ and early check-in Friday night, and play going from morning Saturday to Sunday afternoon, with scheduled breaks for dinner and a maybe a few hours sleep at night. Games are based on a story line, usually either historical military action or fictional fantasy. Occasionally they are completely generated by the scenario director allowing for more creativity and imagination on the part of the players and the director. Sometimes the scenario is like the prelude to a book, the rest of the story is 'written' by the players during the game, the director merely keeps the action going. Other games have a rigid timeline that needs to be followed and mandatory missions to be run. How it works...

Each team (often 100+ players) has a base of operations consisting of a command post or "CP", and is surrounded by various bunkers. Missions are called in to a the command post via radio from the scenario director. The General, having received the mission, then decides if it is feasible to undertake the mission and if so who he will assign the mission to. If the mission is completed points are awarded to the team. The side accomplishing the most missions/points wins. Eliminations have no effect on teams' scores. When a player is eliminated, he checks in at his team's "dead box" and awaits the next "insertion window" (about every 15 minutes or so) Thus, eliminated players aren't out of the action for long. Some games allow players to check in at a

Scenario games also incorporate simulated "air strikes", "helicopter insertions", "booby traps", and an extensive intelligence network both before and during the game. It is not uncommon to see costumes, paintball "bazookas", walkie-talkies, electronic bugs, real and faux props/items and a whole variety of interesting devices built for the game. Equipment..

As form follows function, scenario players tend to lean to the more "Mil-Sim" style of gear. Scenario players tend to be on the field for many hours at a time so they tend to pack more gear then their Speedball counterparts. Players will have a whole host of items such as, maps, ID Cards, hydration systems, grenades, night vision systems, and possibly a radio or two. Companies such as Cops911.com or Flurry Industries make vests based on S.W.A.T. or SpecOps vests. Also because Scenarios tend to be played in the woods, or in a mix of woods and buildings, camouflage uniforms are worn.

Although most players will use the brightly colored Speedball we are accustomed to, some players lean to the more realistic looking Paintball guns like the A-5, or the SP-8. One reason is the Mil-Sim aspect, most who use that style like the fact they can use a sling or holster to keep their hands free. In addition, this style of gun will have the mounting rails for lights and scopes that are used in night play. Paintball pistols are carried as back up guns. It is not uncommon to see a Paintball rocket launcher that shoots Nerf balls, or a land mine that sprays paint on the field. Role players...

When a player starts the game he is issued a character card. The character card is the proof of a player's game ID and what side s/he is on. Players likely will not be allowed near the CP without it. Some character cards will also be accompanied by other specialty cards or roles to play. Such roles may be, demmo tech (explosives), medic/doctor, computer tech, pilot, accountant, or even a mad scientist.

In most games, there are players who show up just for the Role-playing aspect. The Role-Players will have their own game going inside the larger scenario game and will have a major impact on the overall outcome. Players do not have to play a role in the game, but those that accept a role to play will be provided with specific goals to accomplish in the game. So if you get a role and ao not wish to play that role, tell the General and s/he will swap you role out.

An important point to remember about scenario games is that missions win games, but Role-Players can develop information to win those missions. This role-playing extends off the field too. Negotiation between teams for props, deals (real and faux) for gear or info, even trying to get teams/players to defect. For Role-Players the event starts before the game with discussions on Internet BBS/forums, research of characters, phone calls between teams, and costuming. This "Pre-game" starts weeks or months before the first paintball is fired.

Final Battle...

If the scenario director has done his job right the two teams are close in points at the end. That means the "final battle" is worth the whole game. Usually the two teams fight over a prop or a person. This usually the most intense paintball battle one will ever be in. Its a all weapons shoot, cannons, grenades, rocket launchers...anything goes. There are so many paintballs being fired its not uncommon to see paintballs colliding in midair. Usually the winner of the final battle is the winner of the game.

The end...

The scenario weekend normally concludes with the two teams getting together for an overall cool-down where they are able to finally drop character and get to spend some time talking to their former enemies and do a good deal of "was that you over by the...?" In the world of Scenario teams, this games enemy may be next games ally, so there is little hard feeling between teams. There is also an awards ceremony where the scenario director is able to thank the attendees for their participation, give out a few awards like most valuable player, best costume and the like. It's also an opportunity for the generals for each team to acknowledge the hard work of his team and to give special nods to players that went above and beyond expectations. Frequently the sponsoring companies will have donated several items for a raffle and give these away as prizes.

Overall, it's primarily a chance for the players who have been enemies for the past two days to get together one last time shake hands and walk away as friends and good sports.

Then get ready to do it all over again.

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