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Dragonspine Coronation May 14th-16th By Little Raven

This past weekend, Dragonspine celebrated its stepping down of King Sain Ironhand, Prince Francis of Ravensholm, and Champion Randall Andalsa, and the crowning of their newest Monarchy King Francis, Prince Randall and Champion Xion Stroke. It was a two-night camping event out at Caballo Lake State Park, with a feast and several battle-games.

Friday was quiet, with only a handful of people arriving, and the day was spent setting up camp and just relaxing. Some stayed only for a few hours, spending time telling stories and enjoying being around friends, then leaving to return in the morning.

Saturday began bright and early, with the arrival of the park's newer players, some of them having never attended a camping event before. There had been plans to have a riverside battle game, but due to the high rainfall and melt water, the river had risen too high. Nevertheless, as preparations for feast began, a small irrigation ditch surrounded by vegetation and hills proved to be a fun terrain. The first game was a simple class capture the flag battle, followed by a militia battle when one team had to capture a torch to burn down the other teams base. There was a bit of ditching under the main pavilion, and preparations were made for a monster battle game to occur after feast.

Feast was simply, in this reporters opinion, one of the best she has ever been to, with delicious and filling food. The menu was beef and chicken kabobs marinated in chipotle sauce, with a vegetable kabob on the side, and fruit kabobs with a sugar glaze and pastry for dessert. There was plenty of food to go around, and the company was just as enjoyable.

Court was short and sweet, with Francis and Sain receiving the title of Count, and Randall being granted the title of Defender for his service as champion during the current reign and past reigns among the highlights. King Francis stepped up with Randall and Xion at his side, announcing the theme for the reign would be the 100 Years War.

Then, the monster battle game. It was enjoyed by all, including the questers and people playing the monsters. The object was to gather materials to create a weapon strong enough to defeat the White Rabbit roaming about the grounds. The most memorable role-playing for the reporter was the portrayal of a dryad, who, when trying to put a player under sleep, had said player simply agreeing to join her because of her loveliness.

The remainder of Saturday night was spent around a fire, sharing stories, songs and many laughs. Around midnight, most called it a night and went to bed, happily exhausted.

Sunday morning was spent acquiring coffee, and packing up the site. Most were gone by about noon.

All in all, this was an enjoyable event. Granted, it was small, as there was little to no attendance by any of Dragonspine’s outlanders, but the enthusiasm of the group made up for their absence. It was wonderful start to what this reporter hopes to be a fantastic reign.