It's the first time I've roleplayed making potions and stuff like that and it was sooooo much fun. The recipes that you get when you learn the potion skill can actually be made for real in an event like this. Each potion requires certain types of plants (the phys reps are realistic looking plastic plants , planted around the wood. You have to go find them). Not only do you have to find the right plants to make the potions you then have to prepare them using the right recipe. This involved lots of boiling and straining and mulching things in pestles and mortars. Having the space and the time to roleplay that sort of stuff can only really happen on events like this.

It wasn't only myself who got to roleplay out crafting. Our Hunters at one point had to capture, skin and tailor some lizard skin armour. Not only was this all played through , but the crafting of the armour was done for real too. Watching the Hunters cutting and scraping this skin, smoking it and stitching it was a real treat. Our Fletcher also spent time merrily, whittling shafts of wood, tying on flights and Harding arrow points. All of these activities gave our player camp a really rich roleplay feel.

But I don't want to give the impression that the event was all about sitting around a camp fire making things, on the contrary. It was full of top-notch action, furious fights and real moments of stomach knotting terror.

The scariest encounter for me was a night time 'defend your position from zombies attack'. Night encounters in a wood are always  a bit dangerous, but the organisers paid a lot of attention to set up. They made sure that the area was cleared as much as possible from trip hazards and lit well enough to see and fight. I have to say, it was one of the safest night encounters I've ever had and none the less scary for it!

The monster crew at spearhead are really good, not only do they fight well but they really roleplay those blows. Which is always nice to see. I have been to spearhead a number of times now and I'm always so impressed with the quality, professionalism and competency of the crew and refs.

The food was bloody good too. Not bad for the middle of a forest I must say! Never used the porta loo that they hired, but nice to know it was there if I needed it.

The only things that come to mind as negatives are so minor or out of anybodys control that they aren't worth mentioning. All in all a very positive review.

Looking forward to there next three day 'The Outpost 22-24th June and playing my apothecary again.