BLACK KARMA

SAY HELLO TO MY LITTLE FRIEND…

Even though we were in the south of Tennessee in brisk February weather, we imagined we were in the Northside of Chicago transported generations in the past to the times when Mobs ruled the streets.

“Mob Wars” is the name of the new game from the Godfathers of MPP - Ben & Bonnie Torricelli.  Each team works for points based on missions that are handed out at intervals throughout the day, money collected during missions for extra points, or keeping the other team from areas of the field.  The University of Tennessee’s squad helped by reffing to make sure everyone had a good time and was safe.

We were asked early on by Jay “Shadowfox” Jordan of the Grim Reapers to assist the Northside Mob.  After our normal “planning session” at Castaways in downtown Fayetteville, TN to prepare for the ensuing battle, we were eager to hit the field running (or at least sauntering).  There are always a great group of teams that come to Bearclaw so it was great to play with and against some good friends – it made for a great game.

As we woke on game-day, the temperature was a definitely campfire weather at a cool 35 degrees Fahrenheit.  We started at the Northside base and drove towards the Cemetery and the Butcher’s Shop to find pieces for a bomb to take out the competition.  Attached to a few of the bomb pieces we found an “extra reward” of $200 that went towards our quest of owning the streets.  Other times in the day we had to go find an “Informant” at the Hideout, only to find out that he had found an “item of interest” at the Winery – and voila - there were a few gold bars along with $100.  Even though the field was cut down to smaller dimensions during this game, it definitely didn’t making the uphill treks any more fun (at least for those of us will a little too much mileage on them).

With the great group of teams at the game, there were intense fights all over the field – more than usual.  The smaller field and the bigger intense fights led many of us to shoot more paint than ever before.  Several of us set personal records for shooting paint the first day – which was awesome.  One of the intense missions we received was to go and “tag” the enemy base.  We sent the bulk of our force and had an “Alamo” style fight right on their doorstep right as the sun went down.  It was a great way to end the day for most folks.

At dinner break, both generals agreed to have no night game, so all teams mingled and get caught up on good times (and eating cobbler).  In honor of the game’s theme, we got pizza – meat lovers, pepperoni, ham, cheese - and of course washed it down with some nice beverages.       

Day two started out much the same as day one – a little nippy, but after a quick re-stoking of the fires (both literally and figuratively) things were ready to roll.  We switched bases to start off on the opposite side of the field for the day.  After a quick run through the Donut Shop to the Speakeasy, we found a box of donuts that had to be taken to our mob boss, but only after controlling the Speakeasy for 20 minutes.  The Southside threw a continuous wave of troops at us, but these boys (and girls) knew how to keep cool, especially with our Full Fingered Distortion Gloves on.  There were missions all over the field with pockets of 5-10 running into other pockets of 5-10 consistently.  MPP did a great job putting the opposing sides against each other in a way that kept us guessing what was going to happen next.  Throughout the day though, there was a constant battle at the “bowl” and at the “schoolhouse”.  The final battle was an epic end to the game over 5 area to control on the field.  We had coordinated as a team to make one final LOUD and charging push in the last 5 minutes and that created the craziest fight of the weekend!  We had hoped it was enough for the Northside boys to prevail!

When we assembled after the game to find out who won, Ben announced that the Southside was ahead by a few hundred points.  After a cheer went through the Southside crew, Ben asked the Southside general to count her money to tally the final score.  Next came our general to count his case– he pulled cash out of his right pocket, left pocket, lower right pocket, then with a sly look on his face, even out of his lower left pocket.  The Northside WON!  Even though the Northside took the win today, we all won a little something at Bearclaw – more stories and even more friends to play the game we all love.  If you haven’t been to this field, get it on your radar – you will be sorry if you don’t.  

One of our players got his brand new Haze Geo 3 shipped just in time for this game – let’s just say he didn’t stop smiling until he had to pack up after the event.  The only problem he had all weekend was the marker wanted more paint…  We will be back to Bearclaw Paintball in April for MPP’s Iwo Jima game.  Our own Mark “Green Hat” Kimmel will be the general for the Japanese side.  His words to anyone that wants to come to the game – “TENNO HEIKA BANZAI!!!!” (Long live the Emperor).  Stop by and say hi and feel free to try out some of our equipment or have us look at your kit if you are having any problems. 

Also, keep in the back of your mind the upcoming UWL event that comes to Bearclaw Paintball on August 24^th-25^th.  Teams from across the region will be battling old school tournament style in the woods.  I know we will be fielding a team in the Open Division and we can’t wait.  Remember any marker / hopper combo can be used as long as it can be capped at 10 balls per second.  You are also allowed one sniper (that must run pump/pistol) and one heavy gunner (that has no bps cap).  Do you have a few guys that want to play, but not enough to field a 10 man crew?  Look us up on our Facebook page 

www.facebook.com/blackkarmapaintball

 and we can see if we can put you in touch with some more of our friends that may need a player or nine.  Also check our page for updates on upcoming games and new products from Planet Eclipse.