by Icy of the Guard
What does an average Dagorhirrim expect to get from a camp-out, you might ask. Is it to get those awesome kills, to meet that one person you've been talking to online, to have that drink with an old friend, or to relax and have fun? If so, you would have got plenty of treats at the Gates of Fire III.
The event was held at the Pioneer Park Campground in Pennsylvania and gathered roughly 470 Dagorhirrim, almost double of the first Gates and about the size of the first Ragnarock events back in the day. Gates of Fire is amply named for it was hot during the three day camp-out - a true first heat of spring. It did not, however, stop everyone from enjoying themselves and having a blast, especially helped by a cool breeze and some cold drinks.
Fighters and non-combatants started arriving early on Friday, were met by the lovely Gestiguiste ladies at troll, and given amazing, easy-to-spot tags on neon-orange strings. Once the afternoon heat subsided into the twilight coolness, pick-up battles began and were fought valiantly until the sounds of drums and the lights of campfires permeated the night. Old friends met and struck friendships anew, stories were told, hot chicks danced, and somewhere amid the festivities, a table was broken.
The main battle was held on Day 2, which started early with weapons check, breakfast, and, of course, the inevitable Hill. The heat rose off the green grass as the fighters in leather and chainmail marched (or some crawled) up the Hill only to be met by the mocking gibes and jeers of the orcs of Urk Kuldar.
The fighting started around noon and continued until sundown. It was hot, windy, but fun. The field was teaming with Aratari and friends from distant lands, and most units produced at least a small share of noobs (yay!). A few of very agile monkey men made their appearance, one of them fighting with a war hammer so big, it is amazing he could even swing it effectively. Water breaks were popular among the fighters, as were naps in the shade among the non-coms. There was no accord in what scenarios were the best, but everyone had fun, in part because the old Blackhawk was absent due to his tooth being chipped by a very vigorous and very angry swing of his drinking mug.
Once the battles were done, the tired and hot Dagorhirrim made their way back down to their respective camps and, later, to the feast provided by the green orcs. It is not known what said orcs used to prepare the meal, but the food was excellent and hit the spot after a day of heat and fighting. Music, games, and general revelry continued long into the night, for no one wanted Gates to be over.
It was sad and lonely in each camp as the Dagorhirrim slowly packed up their gear for the weekend. Goodbyes were said and promises of meetings (and killing) to come were exchanged. Most left with an unmistakable feeling of Dagorhir camaraderie and friendship, along with well-earned bruises, scrapes, and sunburns. Leaving the campsite, it felt like a rehearsal for the long-expected Ragnarock XXIV, which in itself is a testimony that Gates of Fire III rocked.