From Aug. 28, 2008 issue Role-playing action game reveres Middle Ages By Fred D. Cavinder , Spotlight correspondent During the week southsider Rob Elliott checks in goods from wholesalers at a grocery store. But on Sundays he's a Monarch. Elliott, 26 years old, is winding up his six-month term as Monarch (president) of the Dutchy of Grypon's Perch, which is part of the Kingdom of the Rising Winds. The dutchy is part of the kingdom of the Indianapolis group in Amtgard, which, as Elliott explains "calls itself a role playing action game." "It's turned more and more into a sport," he said. "And it's very competitive." Elliott has been playing the game since February 1999, when a student at Valparaiso University brought the game there from Indianapolis. Valparaiso is Elliott's home town and its campus was the Amtgard site. "I was only 17 at the time and some friends got into it. I went out and tried it and had a blast," said Elliott. After high school, Elliott moved to Indianapolis in July 2000. Elliott, who lives near Banta Road and U.S. 31, is receiving manager at the Kroger store at Madison and Edgewood. In Amtgard, he is usually a swordsman. "I'm very much a hand weapon person," said the 6 foot-4-inch Elliott. "I am of the general belief to master as many weapons as possible," he said. But he is holding off on archery. Amtgard meets Sunday afternoons at Paul Ruster Park on Prospect Street near the east county line. Participants take on roles of various historic classes - knights, squires, warriors, archers, almost anything they desire from the Middle Ages. Padded weapons and padded shields are used in combat, some organized, other impromptu between groups or individuals, somewhat like practice. Blows to the opponent's chest or two blows to the arms are "kills". A leg shot puts the recipient on his knees. "We're actually fighting full speed," said Elliott. "There is no physical contact allowed and you're not allowed to hit people in the head, so it's extremely safe. You can't tackle someone or wrestle someone. "The only time we really see injuries is if they're not playing properly, which happens rarely," he said. Some women do combat too, Elliott said. Others are more involved in designing and creating costumes for themselves and combatants and helping run events. Amtgard was created in El Paso, Texas in 1983 with rules based on some similar games. It is named for two family friends of the originator and is played all over the U.S. and in foreign countries. The Indianapolis group has four camp outings a year, one near Brazil, where battle is done at a bridge, another at LaPorte at a "castle" of railroad ties. Elliott also travels to games in Ohio and Illinois. The camp-outs include feasts and courts and awards are often given there, Elliott said. Some in Indianapolis travel to Texas, Florida, Georgia and California for Amtgard events. The Ruster Park session brings out from about a dozen to 70 or more. "Winter hits and nobody wants to come out any more," Elliott said. Some players are transient and don't return, he said. "Mostly you see a stable core." At some events, he said, there are 300 to 700 participants. "All you have to do to become part of it, is go out (if older than 14), sign a waiver and pretty much play," said Elliott. Elliott likes armor. "I do wear armor in the games where it's allowed. You can take more shots and last longer out there on the field." While in high school he participated on Saturdays at Valparaiso, then drove to Indianapolis for the Sunday Amtgard, driving back for school on Mondays. "It was just about every week," he recalls. "I got a lot of friends out of it." One Indianapolis participant is 58. "He comes out and shoots a bow," said Elliott. Many are, like him, are college age. "There are more people than you can imagine who are in their 50s," he said. He is saving archery until he gets older. "I figure some day my knees will stop working and I'll just stand there and shoot people," he said. Negotiations are underway for using the gymnasium at IUPUI for Amtgard, Elliott said. A lot of IUPUI students participate. Ironically, Elliott was not active in high school sports, which he now regrets. "I really kind of found my athletic edge in Amtgard." he said. "In this, I can make a difference. I actually enjoy the team work."     The Spotlight 4217 S. Meridian, Indianapolis, IN 46217 Office: 317-444-4554 • Fax: 317-788-4570 E-mail: spotlightads@indyweb.net

From August 28, 2008 issue • Role-playing action game reveres Middle Ages By Fred D. Cavinder , Spotlight correspondent • Haunted Hannah mansion celebrating birthday By Kelly Smith, Spotlight staff • Miracle Mile parade Saturday By Denise Summers, Spotlight staff • No opposition to Perry's proposed 1.3% school budget increase By Keith A. Brown, Spotlight Correspondent • Brickers celebrate mission of changing lives Vineyard Community Church observes anniversary with a free "End of Summer Party" By Kelly Smith , Spotlight staff • SPOTLIGHT BRIEFS     • • Arts & Entertainment Page   • Looking Back By Robin Graves, Spotlight staff • Reality As I See It By Denise Summers, Spotlight staff • Sports Page