A REcap: Bones and AShes '22
At the beginning of March every year, the Legends series, headed up by the incomparable DJ Honu Fox, puts on an event called Bones and Ashes at a fantastic field in North Carolina called Black Ops Paintball. It's been an event I've attended a couple of time now, and that has grown in leaps and bounds over the past few years. As little as 3 years ago, they were happily putting it on for 500 people that would consider themselves friends and family at the event. Since then, the two day game has grown exponentially, exploding into one of the bigger events of the year on the East Coast. As such, I made sure that I made my way back out there for this year's event. Here's how it played out, from before the game even began, through the final shots on Sunday. Understand that I am writing this directly from my experience, with my perspective, and with my knowledge coming directly from myself and my friends that were also playing there. Your mileage may vary.
The home of Bones and Ashes, Black Ops Paintball in NC
The Game Before the Game
In scenario paintball, understand that the game doesn't start at, "GO! GO! GO!" It starts months ahead of time when recruiting begins. I bring this up for a reason. Red put on a massive recruiting blitz back in November for a games being played in March, headed up by their general Chuck Garza of Headhunterz, and his XOs Tim Meisner of Capital Punishment and Moneybags of Timber Ghosts. They put on a massive, aggressive recruiting campaign very early in the process, and locked up a giant network of teams with commitments to play with them months prior to the game---my team included. We've known several of the teams that were in that group, including Capital Punishment, for years and really like the guys on the teams.
I mention this because it put blue behind the 8 ball right away, and they knew that they had to make up ground. And they did an admirable job of doing just that. The Blue General, Jim Rost of Rogue Patriots and his XOs Slim Thicke and Jason Mann, did everything that they could to grab teams and players to even up those odds. They brought in multiple strong teams of their own, and got the game to place that it lined up for a competitive weekend, but they were at a bit of a numbers disadvantage coming in.
In scenario paintball, understand that the game doesn't start at, "GO! GO! GO!" It starts months ahead of time when recruiting begins. I bring this up for a reason. Red put on a massive recruiting blitz back in November for a games being played in March, headed up by their general Chuck Garza of Headhunterz, and his XOs Tim Meisner of Capital Punishment and Moneybags of Timber Ghosts. They put on a massive, aggressive recruiting campaign very early in the process, and locked up a giant network of teams with commitments to play with them months prior to the game---my team included. We've known several of the teams that were in that group, including Capital Punishment, for years and really like the guys on the teams.
I mention this because it put blue behind the 8 ball right away, and they knew that they had to make up ground. And they did an admirable job of doing just that. The Blue General, Jim Rost of Rogue Patriots and his XOs Slim Thicke and Jason Mann, did everything that they could to grab teams and players to even up those odds. They brought in multiple strong teams of their own, and got the game to place that it lined up for a competitive weekend, but they were at a bit of a numbers disadvantage coming in.
Simon Stevens of Inception Designs, who not only worked but played the event
The second part of the game before the game is Friday night, with the glow sticks challenge. I know what you're thinking---why should I give a damn about glow sticks? Because the team that finds more of them decides which side of the field they start on for Saturday, and the field geography in this case matters a whole hell of a lot. Let me explain.
Prior to players taking the field on Friday night (yes, at dusk and in the dark), the organizers send out a group to hide glow sticks. Those glow sticks can be anywhere on the field---in trees 30 feet above the ground, in bunkers, in ponds, or anywhere else that the sadistic bastards who planted them can think up. The goal is simple---the red and blue sides each try to gather more, and whichever side succeeds gets to pick their spawn point. While a lot of fields play very similarly on both side, I wouldn't say that's really the case with Black Ops.
The field here has three bridges, all of which are narrow and hard to take. They also control access to major parts of the field, and need to be controlled in order for a team to do much, including running missions. And one side has an easier path to get to them very quickly. Winning the glow sticks game on Friday night really sets up one team with a big advantage day one, even if it seems a bit silly.
And in this case, the Red side did a really good job of finding those little glowing bastards. I would also say that some players were willing to do what others weren't in order to win. I witnessed one player, Chris Locklear of Headhunterz, strip down to his boxer briefs and wade into deep swamp water to make get ahold of just a few glow sticks, and others spend an inordinate amount of time chucking whatever they could find at other glow sticks stuck 30 feet up in a tree. That effort paid off, and the Red secured the starting point with the geographical advantage, and another advantage that would unintentionally set them up for a huge Saturday.
Prior to players taking the field on Friday night (yes, at dusk and in the dark), the organizers send out a group to hide glow sticks. Those glow sticks can be anywhere on the field---in trees 30 feet above the ground, in bunkers, in ponds, or anywhere else that the sadistic bastards who planted them can think up. The goal is simple---the red and blue sides each try to gather more, and whichever side succeeds gets to pick their spawn point. While a lot of fields play very similarly on both side, I wouldn't say that's really the case with Black Ops.
The field here has three bridges, all of which are narrow and hard to take. They also control access to major parts of the field, and need to be controlled in order for a team to do much, including running missions. And one side has an easier path to get to them very quickly. Winning the glow sticks game on Friday night really sets up one team with a big advantage day one, even if it seems a bit silly.
And in this case, the Red side did a really good job of finding those little glowing bastards. I would also say that some players were willing to do what others weren't in order to win. I witnessed one player, Chris Locklear of Headhunterz, strip down to his boxer briefs and wade into deep swamp water to make get ahold of just a few glow sticks, and others spend an inordinate amount of time chucking whatever they could find at other glow sticks stuck 30 feet up in a tree. That effort paid off, and the Red secured the starting point with the geographical advantage, and another advantage that would unintentionally set them up for a huge Saturday.
DJ Honu Fox (center), along with Red General Chuck Garza (left) and Blue General Jim Rost (right) and some of the players of Bones and Ashes
And Now.....It's Time!!
Saturday started off like any other scenario does. Wake up early, haul your tired butt to the field, and get your air and velocity checked. There were four air stations and a handful of refs doing chrono-ing, with lines that moved decently quickly, and players could get set and ready to go. We were also asked to head to the player briefing by the proshop before gametime. This should sound familiar to most players at big scenarios, and really should match up with the Red teams experience.
When gametime came, the Red team (my team) started pouring out of starting zone and headed straight to the bridges...and met no resistance. I was baffled. My team was equally confused. We know Jim, and know that he's tactically one of the best Generals that we've ever played for or against. All of us thought the same thing as we had Blue spawn trapped within the first 40 minutes of the game---"What the hell happened? What's going on?" It didn't make sense. We actually left the field and talked about switching sides had the spawn trap continued---I'd rather lose in an even game than win in a lopsided seal clubbing.
Thankfully, by the time we got back onto the field, the Blue side had pushed out and was making it much more of a game. So, what happened? Why the rough start for Blue? And how did they recover? My teammate Evan actually guessed it, and we were able to confirm it with the Blue commanders after the game. This goes back to the glow sticks and the inadvertent huge advantage that Red secured by gaining the starting point by the Proshop.
Blue started on the camping side of the field, which was about a 10 minute walk to the Proshop. Why should that matter? Well, while the Red side had four fully functioning air stations and a chrono area prior to game time, the same couldn't be said of the Blue side on Saturday. The Blue side was starting next to the camping area for the field. They had one air station and chrono area at insertion for their entire team, and neither was available until the game had started. This is where Red unintentionally had a massive advantage at game-on. A large number of Blue players hadn't made that 10 minute walk to the chrono station, or the air stations, or to the player briefing, believing that they would be able to just air up, chrono, and walk on right next to where they had camped.
Saturday started off like any other scenario does. Wake up early, haul your tired butt to the field, and get your air and velocity checked. There were four air stations and a handful of refs doing chrono-ing, with lines that moved decently quickly, and players could get set and ready to go. We were also asked to head to the player briefing by the proshop before gametime. This should sound familiar to most players at big scenarios, and really should match up with the Red teams experience.
When gametime came, the Red team (my team) started pouring out of starting zone and headed straight to the bridges...and met no resistance. I was baffled. My team was equally confused. We know Jim, and know that he's tactically one of the best Generals that we've ever played for or against. All of us thought the same thing as we had Blue spawn trapped within the first 40 minutes of the game---"What the hell happened? What's going on?" It didn't make sense. We actually left the field and talked about switching sides had the spawn trap continued---I'd rather lose in an even game than win in a lopsided seal clubbing.
Thankfully, by the time we got back onto the field, the Blue side had pushed out and was making it much more of a game. So, what happened? Why the rough start for Blue? And how did they recover? My teammate Evan actually guessed it, and we were able to confirm it with the Blue commanders after the game. This goes back to the glow sticks and the inadvertent huge advantage that Red secured by gaining the starting point by the Proshop.
Blue started on the camping side of the field, which was about a 10 minute walk to the Proshop. Why should that matter? Well, while the Red side had four fully functioning air stations and a chrono area prior to game time, the same couldn't be said of the Blue side on Saturday. The Blue side was starting next to the camping area for the field. They had one air station and chrono area at insertion for their entire team, and neither was available until the game had started. This is where Red unintentionally had a massive advantage at game-on. A large number of Blue players hadn't made that 10 minute walk to the chrono station, or the air stations, or to the player briefing, believing that they would be able to just air up, chrono, and walk on right next to where they had camped.
Heading on out, photo by Joker Media
Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. When the game kicked off, Blue was massively, hopelessly outnumbered with zero chance of making any sort of big push to take the bridges at game's start. No tactics in the world would allow for them to make a push or take the ground that they needed to take at game-on. While there is a third party force in this scenario called the Char, they weren't put into play in any sort of area that could slow down the Red team's land grab, nor was it their job. The Blue team eventually was able to get real numbers on the field. Once they did, they were able to fight out of the spawn trap that they had found themselves in that first hour, and Blue began to take some ground out in the field. But a lot of damage had already been done.
The second half of Saturday was a lot was a lot more enjoyable, because the game was more evened out. Red still was able to score at dominant levels, and controlled big areas of the field. The team held the bridges for large parts of the game, and were able to run missions and grab points behind their own lines early and often. We held ground and were able to make several pushes in order to grab and hold areas that were scored repeatedly, and at the end of day one, made a big final push at the end of the day sending blue back to their spawn once again.
The second half of Saturday was a lot was a lot more enjoyable, because the game was more evened out. Red still was able to score at dominant levels, and controlled big areas of the field. The team held the bridges for large parts of the game, and were able to run missions and grab points behind their own lines early and often. We held ground and were able to make several pushes in order to grab and hold areas that were scored repeatedly, and at the end of day one, made a big final push at the end of the day sending blue back to their spawn once again.
Unloading a wee bit, photo by Joker Media
Turning the Tide
Day One and Day Two did not start off similarly at all. Blue pushed and pushed hard at first whistle. Blue had the better end of the field, and used it to their advantage. They got up to the bridges and into areas next to them quickly, and made Red earn any ground that they took. It went from being a one-sided beating, to a fairly even fight with each side scoring points and completing missions. In my opinion, it made for a better game for both sides, and really made me wish that Blue hadn't started Saturday with one hand tied behind it's back.
Both sides did work on Sunday. Each were able to bury themselves into defendable positions, and then do just that. Both sides also were able to mount strong offenses at times, and scored points from controlling territory and completing missions. There were plenty of places to get into gun fights, and ultimately I think that's what a lot of us came to do. I didn't fly across the country to not get shot---I did it to shoot someone and occasionally eat some paint. That's the whole point. And Sunday was able to provide that.
The game ended with a final battle, with slap sticks at the 50, and an absolute paint blender happening throughout the duration for 25 yards in either direction of the sticks. As someone who has played the field multiple times now, I would say that again Red got the better side. The cover there seems to be slightly better, and we used it to it's fullest. We were able to get up to midfield quickly, and own the three slapsticks throughout the final battle.
I actually had a lot of fun during the final battle (which can be really hit or miss), and was able to post up about 10 yards from the 50 at a small wall on the right side of the field, giving me clear shots at two of the front bunkers and any runners that had the nuts to try and make runs. A couple of Blue players did, and I was happy to give them some of my paint for their efforts. It was good times.
In the end, the Red side won. The Blue side was dealt a few setbacks at different points in the process, and those disadvantages really made them fight an uphill battle. With the hand that they were dealt, they really did an admirable job, even if they did fall short.
Day One and Day Two did not start off similarly at all. Blue pushed and pushed hard at first whistle. Blue had the better end of the field, and used it to their advantage. They got up to the bridges and into areas next to them quickly, and made Red earn any ground that they took. It went from being a one-sided beating, to a fairly even fight with each side scoring points and completing missions. In my opinion, it made for a better game for both sides, and really made me wish that Blue hadn't started Saturday with one hand tied behind it's back.
Both sides did work on Sunday. Each were able to bury themselves into defendable positions, and then do just that. Both sides also were able to mount strong offenses at times, and scored points from controlling territory and completing missions. There were plenty of places to get into gun fights, and ultimately I think that's what a lot of us came to do. I didn't fly across the country to not get shot---I did it to shoot someone and occasionally eat some paint. That's the whole point. And Sunday was able to provide that.
The game ended with a final battle, with slap sticks at the 50, and an absolute paint blender happening throughout the duration for 25 yards in either direction of the sticks. As someone who has played the field multiple times now, I would say that again Red got the better side. The cover there seems to be slightly better, and we used it to it's fullest. We were able to get up to midfield quickly, and own the three slapsticks throughout the final battle.
I actually had a lot of fun during the final battle (which can be really hit or miss), and was able to post up about 10 yards from the 50 at a small wall on the right side of the field, giving me clear shots at two of the front bunkers and any runners that had the nuts to try and make runs. A couple of Blue players did, and I was happy to give them some of my paint for their efforts. It was good times.
In the end, the Red side won. The Blue side was dealt a few setbacks at different points in the process, and those disadvantages really made them fight an uphill battle. With the hand that they were dealt, they really did an admirable job, even if they did fall short.
In the compound, photo by Joker Media
Summing It Up
So, was the trip out worth it? Yes, emphatically for me. While I spent a lot of time in here explaining and describing what happened in the game itself, I would only say it's half of why I go to Bones and Ashes. The game itself started rough, but got a lot better. Winning is nice and all, but having fun and getting in gun fights was really what I wanted in terms of game play. And that happened after the slow start on Saturday on my end.
The other half of why I go out to Bones are the people that also make the trip to Black Ops for one of the first big scenarios of the year. This event brings out some of the best people in paintball, let alone scenario players on the East Coast. You have someone who really, truly gives a damn running the event in DJ Honu Fox. You get vendors like Simon Stevens and Inception Designs providing to notch products and knowledge (go ahead and show me another vendor with grinding wheels onsite to make adjustments when needed) that not only will sell you a marker but will shoot you in the game because he's actually playing it. You have other vendors there that also played like Handmade Headbands and Precision Color Techniques that not only showed off their awesome products, but could be found slinging paint out on the field.
You'll also run into people and teams like Joe Perez and the 13th Legionnaires, Capital Punishment, Headhunterz, Rogue Patriots, LAPD, the Assassin's Alliance, Fully Loaded Ronin, Angellic Rage, and countless other teams that are at major events up and down the East Coast. I'm lucky enough to call several people on those teams friends, and I am not alone in that regard. If you play this event, along with events like SuperGame MD, Fulda Gap, Castle Jam, Endless Legends, or ION, you'll see several of these dedicated players over and over again. And you get to know them, as players and people. They're the real reason that I make the trip.
So to Evan, Marc, and Matt on my team, and Simon, Joe, Wade, Chris, Shawn, Stephen, Marco, Tim, Jim, Chuck, Kuya, James, Abner (and I know I am forgetting several of others---but that doesn't mean that that I don't mean this) thanks for making this paintball world seem a little bit smaller and a lot brighter by being in it with me. You guys are what really make the weekend.
So, in wrapping this up. Bones and Ashes started in a bit slowly, but really made a strong comeback in terms of the game itself. It also consistently brings out good teams and great people. If it's a game that you can travel to, I would recommend making the trip. I would also recommend hitting air and chrono prior to game time, and doing your damnest to win the glow stick game on Friday. Do that, and you're in for a good time.
So, was the trip out worth it? Yes, emphatically for me. While I spent a lot of time in here explaining and describing what happened in the game itself, I would only say it's half of why I go to Bones and Ashes. The game itself started rough, but got a lot better. Winning is nice and all, but having fun and getting in gun fights was really what I wanted in terms of game play. And that happened after the slow start on Saturday on my end.
The other half of why I go out to Bones are the people that also make the trip to Black Ops for one of the first big scenarios of the year. This event brings out some of the best people in paintball, let alone scenario players on the East Coast. You have someone who really, truly gives a damn running the event in DJ Honu Fox. You get vendors like Simon Stevens and Inception Designs providing to notch products and knowledge (go ahead and show me another vendor with grinding wheels onsite to make adjustments when needed) that not only will sell you a marker but will shoot you in the game because he's actually playing it. You have other vendors there that also played like Handmade Headbands and Precision Color Techniques that not only showed off their awesome products, but could be found slinging paint out on the field.
You'll also run into people and teams like Joe Perez and the 13th Legionnaires, Capital Punishment, Headhunterz, Rogue Patriots, LAPD, the Assassin's Alliance, Fully Loaded Ronin, Angellic Rage, and countless other teams that are at major events up and down the East Coast. I'm lucky enough to call several people on those teams friends, and I am not alone in that regard. If you play this event, along with events like SuperGame MD, Fulda Gap, Castle Jam, Endless Legends, or ION, you'll see several of these dedicated players over and over again. And you get to know them, as players and people. They're the real reason that I make the trip.
So to Evan, Marc, and Matt on my team, and Simon, Joe, Wade, Chris, Shawn, Stephen, Marco, Tim, Jim, Chuck, Kuya, James, Abner (and I know I am forgetting several of others---but that doesn't mean that that I don't mean this) thanks for making this paintball world seem a little bit smaller and a lot brighter by being in it with me. You guys are what really make the weekend.
So, in wrapping this up. Bones and Ashes started in a bit slowly, but really made a strong comeback in terms of the game itself. It also consistently brings out good teams and great people. If it's a game that you can travel to, I would recommend making the trip. I would also recommend hitting air and chrono prior to game time, and doing your damnest to win the glow stick game on Friday. Do that, and you're in for a good time.
