On July 8, 9, 10th Skirmish USA in Jim Thorpe, PA hosted over 3,100 in the Invasion of Normandy, produced by Chuck Stoner. Many players arrived on Friday to set up in the rain, and take part in the preliminary event, Castle Night. Other players were browsing the various vendors and getting ready for the following day’s battle.

Both German and American forces showed great spirit on Friday night. The Germans were lighting fireworks, while the Allies were sharing past victories with friends.

The Friday night castle game was the size of a small scenario, about 300 per side. The objective was to seize 3 barrels from the enemy’s castle and return them to their own castle. The Germans fought hard in the Tippmann Castle, while the Allies heavily defended the Dye Castle. Early on, the Americans pushed forward to the edge of the Tippmann Castle. However, the Germans worked together and pushed the Allies back into the woods, gaining valuable real estate in the process.

In the end, the Germans prevailed and retrieved 3 barrels from the Allies’ castle, winning them the game. This raised German morale and would ultimately help them win in the coming days.

We awoke to the sounds of blowbacks, ‘Cockers and other high speed spool-valved markers, as well as the German War Anthem “Cry of the Valkyries”. Saturday morning brought a well earned change from Friday’s rain: sunny, 70 degrees, and dry. The Germans were gearing up to the sounds of Rob Zombie, while the Allies listened to Bag Pipes.

Fear, anxiousness, and excitement filled both camps. There were many first time scenario players who were unsure of what to expect. They listened to the veteran players for advice on how to play, what to bring with them, etc. Players were already geared up by 9:30, however the action did not commence until 12PM. There were small amounts of friendly trash talking. Some Germans could be heard saying “Wir werden die Allies vernichten.” Translated: We will destroy the Allies.

Skirmish staff congratulated the 3, 100 players for their largest game ever, and then briefed the players on various roles and their positions. Many players started to group together with fellow troops so they could accomplish their missions easier and meet new people. The Generals then rallied their troops.

The attack started with the Battleship USS New Jersey (an old paint stained gutted school bus) driving across the beach with infantry inside firing at German fortifications. Shortly thereafter, landing craft gates dropped and 1500 allied troops ran up the beach defending freedom. Over 1000 Germans were relentless in their defense of the beach. But after an intense 28 minutes, a new Skirmish record, the Allies had broken the beach head.

After the main assault, missions were given to each General by Chuck Stoner, the event producer and writer, to gain points for each side. These missions included POW rescue, retrieval of 55 gallon fuel drums, as well as taking back villages and the beach.

Throughout the day there were several large battles that took place at The Hood, the original landing beach, and the Pentagon. The most impressive battle was the German Army taking back the beach in an hour and a half.

Many players were disgruntled by the off and on thunderstorms. Even the best anti-fog systems could not easily combat the 100% humidity and rain. However, many scenario enthusiasts enjoyed the change of weather, as it was similar to the conditions of the real D-Day.

At 7PM, the German War Machine brought back 70 fuel drums, which gave them an astounding 7000 points. This quickly raised German morale and almost insured a final victory. At 8PM, the score was 14,000 Germans to 5,900 Allies. But many of the veteran players knew from last year anything could happen and told others to remember their duty and to play hard and play strong. No one wanted a repeat of last year, where the German War Machine lost by only 50 points.

There were some new objectives at this year’s event, such as the POW rescue. 40 POW’s were held inside the Pentagon and were given the mission to escape to Headquarters. This provided each side with ample opportunity to gain points and have fun doing. There were stories of the German’s executing Allied POW’s because they were becoming hard to handle.

Another new aspect to this year’s event was the Tyrell Corporation. Tyrell was a mercenary force that sold various props to both sides. Many players referred to them as the “Evil Corporation” because they were known for selling fake and worthless props unbeknownst to the Germans and Allies. Troops of either side were able to volunteer for Tyrell’s mercenary army to gain valuable points. Tyrell did a lot of backstabbing and double crossing and they had a lot of fun filling up their pockets with money in the process.

Many players left the field for their campsites around 8PM, although the action did not end until midnight. They were muddy, wet, tired, sore, and bruised, but they had no regrets. However, for the players who left the field even earlier, there was mud wrestling at 5:30! Players had the chance to see two women wrestle out their anger between the Tippmann Pneumatics trailer and the Warsensor booth. Others had a go at it, but none were as popular as the women.

Players also had a chance to visit many of the vendors’ booths in hopes of finding a great deal. The vendors included: National Paintball Supply, VForce, Tippmann Pneumatics, Warsensor, Fade to Black Paintball, QuickShot Paintball, Planet Eclipse, Crazed Paintball Products, Paintball Sports Magazine and more.

Players also had a chance to sit down with friends and cook a nice dinner while watching various fireworks set off in the German camp. This time was also used to clean their paint ridden gear as best as possible to get ready for the next day of play. But most people just wanted to hop into their tents and get a much needed sleep.

On Sunday, we awoke to the sounds of chaos in the woods. With only 5 hours remaining in the game, there was a mad dash for points. Both sides did all they could to gain points. Players were walking ½ mile to return a single 55 gallon fuel drum, which was worth only 100 points.

The Tyrell Corporation caused a moderate amount of chaos for the Germans. At 10, as part of an assigned mission, the Germans recovered the Arc of the Covenant and War Staff from Tyrell. However, when it was turned in, it was of no value. Tyrell had deceived the Germans again by selling a worthless prop.

Shortly after the Arc recovery, a large battle broke out on the landing beach. The victorious Germans advanced from the far left tree line and swept across the entire beach head in an hour and a half. The assault began with 200 Germans slowly advancing on an equal Allied force. Time was quickly running out, and reinforcements poured in on both sides, hoping for a final victory. Tanks attacked, paint filled the air like a swarm of angry hornets, and players were lit up by the dozens. American and German flags waved freely on the battlefield.

After the beach head was taken, the game ended. Everyone walked off the field and back to their campsites with smiles on their faces.

At 12:30, the award ceremony began. Awards such as Most Valuable Player, Most Valuable Ref, and Most Valuable Team were given out. There were other contests as well, such as the Best Tattoo, Coolest Gun, and Best Welt. There were numerous raffles for products by VForce, Planet Eclipse, National Paintball Supply and Tippmann Pneumatics.

In the end, it was the Germans who were victorious. They were unrelenting in their attacks and they beat the Allies 25,990 to 17,400. Revenge is set in the minds of all Allies. Will history repeat itself next year? Will the Allies overcome the German War Machine?



I would like to thank the Staff at Skirmish USA and Chuck Stoner for hosting such a great event. It was one of the largest games ever held and will be remembered by all who took part in it.

We conducted a short interview with Spencer Adams, of the Germans:

Was this your first Scenario at Skirmish USA?
Yes.
What did you think about the quality of the event?
I was amazed at all the people there, and how many people got into it. That just boosted the game and I would say I was extremely impressed.
If you could change one thing about it, what would it be?
I saw a lot of people wearing jerseys, and bright colors, I would change that, and the rain and the mud. That was horrible.
What was the more enjoyable part of the event?

That’s hard - there were lots of parts I enjoyed - the German charges, the vender’s crazy deals on things, mud wrestling, but I liked the beach fighting the best. People shot so many balls in the air it was like rain coming down.... but that rain hurt a lot more and made you try to find a medic. There were so many people on that beach it was crazy and it ended up being the best game I played in a long time. Even with just PGP's.

Thanks Andrew Douglas for a great event write up.
-Jake

Forceofnature.com

On July 8, 9, 10th Skirmish USA in Jim Thorpe, PA hosted over 3,100 in the Invasion of Normandy, produced by Chuck Stoner. Many players arrived on Friday to set up in the rain, and take part in the preliminary event, Castle Night. Other players were browsing the various vendors and getting ready for the following day’s battle.

Both German and American forces showed great spirit on Friday night. The Germans were lighting fireworks, while the Allies were sharing past victories with friends. The Friday night castle game was the size of a small scenario, about 300 per side. The objective was to seize 3 barrels from the enemy’s castle and return them to their own castle. The Germans fought hard in the Tippmann Castle, while the Allies heavily defended the Dye Castle. Early on, the Americans pushed forward to the edge of the Tippmann Castle. However, the Germans worked together and pushed the Allies back into the woods, gaining valuable real estate in the process. In the end, the Germans prevailed and retrieved 3 barrels from the Allies’ castle, winning them the game.

This raised German morale and would ultimately help them win in the coming days. We awoke to the sounds of blowbacks, ‘Cockers and other high speed spool-valved markers, as well as the German War Anthem “Cry of the Valkyries”. Saturday morning brought a well earned change from Friday’s rain: sunny, 70 degrees, and dry. The Germans were gearing up to the sounds of Rob Zombie, while the Allies listened to Bag Pipes. Fear, anxiousness, and excitement filled both camps. There were many first time scenario players who were unsure of what to expect.

They listened to the veteran players for advice on how to play, what to bring with them, etc. Players were already geared up by 9:30, however the action did not commence until 12PM. There were small amounts of friendly trash talking. Some Germans could be heard saying “Wir werden die Allies vernichten.” Translated: We will destroy the Allies. Skirmish staff congratulated the 3, 100 players for their largest game ever, and then briefed the players on various roles and their positions. Many players started to group together with fellow troops so they could accomplish their missions easier and meet new people.

The Generals then rallied their troops. The attack started with the Battleship USS New Jersey (an old paint stained gutted school bus) driving across the beach with infantry inside firing at German fortifications. Shortly thereafter, landing craft gates dropped and 1500 allied troops ran up the beach defending freedom. Over 1000 Germans were relentless in their defense of the beach. But after an intense 28 minutes, a new Skirmish record, the Allies had broken the beach head. After the main assault, missions were given to each General by Chuck Stoner, the event producer and writer, to gain points for each side. These missions included POW rescue, retrieval of 55 gallon fuel drums, as well as taking back villages and the beach. Throughout the day there were several large battles that took place at The Hood, the original landing beach, and the Pentagon. The most impressive battle was the German Army taking back the beach in an hour and a half.

Many players were disgruntled by the off and on thunderstorms. Even the best anti-fog systems could not easily combat the 100% humidity and rain. However, many scenario enthusiasts enjoyed the change of weather, as it was similar to the conditions of the real D-Day. At 7PM, the German War Machine brought back 70 fuel drums, which gave them an astounding 7000 points. This quickly raised German morale and almost insured a final victory. At 8PM, the score was 14,000 Germans to 5,900 Allies. But many of the veteran players knew from last year anything could happen and told others to remember their duty and to play hard and play strong. No one wanted a repeat of last year, where the German War Machine lost by only 50 points. There were some new objectives at this year’s event, such as the POW rescue. 40 POW’s were held inside the Pentagon and were given the mission to escape to Headquarters.

This provided each side with ample opportunity to gain points and have fun doing. There were stories of the German’s executing Allied POW’s because they were becoming hard to handle. Another new aspect to this year’s event was the Tyrell Corporation. Tyrell was a mercenary force that sold various props to both sides. Many players referred to them as the “Evil Corporation” because they were known for selling fake and worthless props unbeknownst to the Germans and Allies. Troops of either side were able to volunteer for Tyrell’s mercenary army to gain valuable points. Tyrell did a lot of backstabbing and double crossing and they had a lot of fun filling up their pockets with money in the process. Many players left the field for their campsites around 8PM, although the action did not end until midnight.

They were muddy, wet, tired, sore, and bruised, but they had no regrets. However, for the players who left the field even earlier, there was mud wrestling at 5:30! Players had the chance to see two women wrestle out their anger between the Tippmann Pneumatics trailer and the Warsensor booth. Others had a go at it, but none were as popular as the women. Players also had a chance to visit many of the vendors’ booths in hopes of finding a great deal. The vendors included: National Paintball Supply, VForce, Tippmann Pneumatics, Warsensor, Fade to Black Paintball, QuickShot Paintball, Planet Eclipse, Crazed Paintball Products, Paintball Sports Magazine and more. Players also had a chance to sit down with friends and cook a nice dinner while watching various fireworks set off in the German camp.

This time was also used to clean their paint ridden gear as best as possible to get ready for the next day of play. But most people just wanted to hop into their tents and get a much needed sleep. On Sunday, we awoke to the sounds of chaos in the woods. With only 5 hours remaining in the game, there was a mad dash for points. Both sides did all they could to gain points. Players were walking ½ mile to return a single 55 gallon fuel drum, which was worth only 100 points. The Tyrell Corporation caused a moderate amount of chaos for the Germans. At 10, as part of an assigned mission, the Germans recovered the Arc of the Covenant and War Staff from Tyrell. However, when it was turned in, it was of no value. Tyrell had deceived the Germans again by selling a worthless prop. Shortly after the Arc recovery, a large battle broke out on the landing beach. The victorious Germans advanced from the far left tree line and swept across the entire beach head in an hour and a half. The assault began with 200 Germans slowly advancing on an equal Allied force. Time was quickly running out, and reinforcements poured in on both sides, hoping for a final victory. Tanks attacked, paint filled the air like a swarm of angry hornets, and players were lit up by the dozens. American and German flags waved freely on the battlefield.

After the beach head was taken, the game ended. Everyone walked off the field and back to their campsites with smiles on their faces. At 12:30, the award ceremony began. Awards such as Most Valuable Player, Most Valuable Ref, and Most Valuable Team were given out. There were other contests as well, such as the Best Tattoo, Coolest Gun, and Best Welt. There were numerous raffles for products by VForce, Planet Eclipse, National Paintball Supply and Tippmann Pneumatics. In the end, it was the Germans who were victorious. They were unrelenting in their attacks and they beat the Allies 25,990 to 17,400. Revenge is set in the minds of all Allies. Will history repeat itself next year? Will the Allies overcome the German War Machine? I would like to thank the Staff at Skirmish USA and Chuck Stoner for hosting such a great event. It was one of the largest games ever held and will be remembered by all who took part in it.

We conducted a short interview with Spencer Adams, of the Germans: Was this your first Scenario at Skirmish USA? Yes. What did you think about the quality of the event? I was amazed at all the people there, and how many people got into it. That just boosted the game and I would say I was extremely impressed. If you could change one thing about it, what would it be? I saw a lot of people wearing jerseys, and bright colors, I would change that, and the rain and the mud. That was horrible. What was the more enjoyable part of the event? That’s hard - there were lots of parts I enjoyed - the German charges, the vender’s crazy deals on things, mud wrestling, but I liked the beach fighting the best. People shot so many balls in the air it was like rain coming down.... but that rain hurt a lot more and made you try to find a medic. There were so many people on that beach it was crazy and it ended up being the best game I played in a long time. Even with just PGP's. Thanks Andrew Douglas for a great event write up. -Jake

Source: forceofnature.com