Posted By: Whitney1

11-01-04

Team: Pain

PB Missions Infinity Gauntlet

First time scenarios at fields are always touch-and-go, especially when the field hasn't been open for very long, so I was somewhat reluctant going into this game. However, I had the pleasure of meeting the field staff on several occasions and I was very confident that they could put on a good game. I knew the field had only been open for less than 5 months, but I thought, “What the hell! Everyone needs a shot, right?” Well, I was very surprised by the game. The game, overall, was very well thought out and very well done. They correctly anticipated a small turnout and made plans to fill the entire field. With over 100 acres of land to play on, 60 players would not allow for many good firefights, so it was broken down to a station-to-station style of play. The field was divided into 5 Realms. In each Realm there were props with which to destroy the Realm God and a key to open the portal to the next realm. Strategy would dictate how the Realm God would perish: either by tapping with the prop or shot by the prop. Each side also had an Invincible, who could withstand innumerable hits and not be eliminated. This would come in handy at many times. Realm One consisted of low brush and marshland, which allowed for clean shots with plenty of natural cover. This proved to be an intense battle. The Kree started off the game strong by charging hard for the prizes and props. They were rebuffed and the Shield was able to open the portal to charge into the next realm. However, before the Shield could get through, the Kree cut off the exit to the field. This hindered any advantage they had on the field. After about 45 minutes, the game moved on to the next Realm. The Second Realm was on a field with tall, thin bushes bordered by thick woods. This allowed for a very spread out playing area and ambushes were greatly anticipated. There was an added twist: an amulet, in conjunction with a barrel tag, which allowed a player to convert a player on the opposing team to their side for that Realm. The opposing team's Invincible player was able to obtain this amulet and convert nearly our entire side. Needless to say, the opposing team took control from there. We were able to make some good sweeps and clear runs through the woods, until the Invincible player showed up. He was amazing. In the next Realm, the opposing team was able to take their head start and use it to their advantage. They had already taken all the prizes and props to be had when we were able to get through the portal. This 3rd field is probably my favorite field at Paintball Missions. It consisted of 17 acres of mixed woods and high brush. There is a catch: the brush. Well, it's a maze... Very thin and winding paths cut throughout the brush make for some very interesting CQB fighting. You are not able to cut through the brush to get through to other paths. You must stick to the path you've chosen. It's a test of wits. You really need to have good cover front and back to proceed. It was very easy to move around in, but it was very easy to get caught up in an ambush, which we did. Once again, the enemy took the upper hand and took out the Realm God and opened the portal to the next realm. It was then they called a break for lunch. The lunch break ended with another briefing, this one with some game updates and more safety tips. We were led to the Third Realm again, with the intent for an all-out dash to the portal to get into the next area. Our side was very far behind on points and the head-referee and field owner, Jeff, gave us a pep talk. Within a minute, the game was on and we made a full out run to the portal and made it there first. After squeezing through the portal, a guard was set up to keep the enemy from getting through. While our guard kept them busy, the rest of us split up into 3 squads to rummage for prizes and props. I personally led a squad that managed to eliminate several enemies that slipped through, but we were able to get the props and points needed and opened the portal to the last Realm. While trying to get to the portal, Andrew (Andrew ATS from the SP Forum) and I were separated from the main group and were trailing. As we approached the portal, we came upon about 5 or 6 enemies. Rather than try to pick a fight, we went around the side and were able to get past them without a shot being fired. The ambush they had setup was right at the portal and we were, luckily, able to get through to safety via a ref who called a safe zone. It was on to the final battle! Before I go into a rundown of events in the last Realm, I should point out a special catch to the final Realm God. The final Realm God had the power to eliminate you from the game. If he shot you, you were done for the day. Throughout the day, the Realm Gods had specific ways to defeat players. This one was a riddle. He had to give up his gem willingly. The question of the day became, “How do we get him to give it up?” Well, after meeting up with about 5 guys, we put together a squad to see how we could win the game. We trudged through mud, swamps, just about everything to perform a brilliant flanking move to get to the other side of the field. We came out on the opposite side of a huge firefight. It turns out that the Warlock was engaging Kree forces that were trying to light him up in the hope that he would just drop his gem and they could win. We gathered our small band together and went in to help the Warlock out - we just hoped he wouldn't turn on us. After much debating and several firefights, we were stuck without a solution. It came down to us against an onslaught of around 10 to 12 enemies coming in. We tried to setup an ambush the best we could, but it was looking bleak. I took it upon myself to hunt down the Warlock and get that gem. I had two options, light him up and see what happens, or try to find a diplomatic solution. Obviously, I chose the latter. I hid behind a tree as I tentatively asked for a cease-fire. Thankfully, he agreed and we struck a deal to join up 4 of the 5 gems. We still had to get the last gem. We joined forces with the Warlock and began to lay waste to the enemy: we would flush them out and he would light them up. We finally cornered the last remaining enemies and proceeded to bunker them behind a downed tree. We had the final gem and won the playing portion of the game. But, could we hold on to the win with the points? It was on to the final briefing, giveaways and final point totals. Academy Paintball was on hand to give away a brand new marker. The generals then took their turns to hand out game awards and such. Then, it was what we all stuck around for… who won? It was announced that the Shield took an early lead in the first portion of the game, but the Kree battled back and took an overwhelming lead in the next 2 Realms. The Shield fought hard and was able to gain most of it back, but in the end, the Kree was victorious. A hearty congratulation goes out to all the Kree, who held us in check for so long. As for the field and the referee staff: top notch, all the way. They were right on top of any eliminated players. If this is what they come up with in merely 4 months of active play, I can't wait to see what they have in store for the future! The field is a bit underdeveloped, but I suspect that will be remedied quite soon. Bottom line: great field and great staff. I would recommend this field for any games. - this is in no way biased by the fact that it's a BYOP field.

SP