Checkpoint Four - the Labyrinth in Madison Square Park

In which Magpie quizzed runners on various topics, Mata Hari played each runner's favorite word and photographed the mayhem, anna one battled as the minotaur and Dyna Matt gave instruction, signed manifests and generally got swamped with an endless stream of humanity.

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I was rather excited for Journey for a number of reasons; hanging out with other taskers; wearing my Athena warrior outfit, and seeing what kinds of folk would show up for the event. Arriving at the small park, I thought we might have to rumble with some of the locals for the centre labyrinth area. Instead, the older lady in the trio of walkers, found our chalk hopscotch markings and proceeded to do a little hop scotching.

Putting on our attire did raise some eyebrows. I was very enamoured with Mata Hari's musical device, and had a bit of sword envy when Dyna Matt suited up. Anna One's Minotaur Head was rather well done.

The first player to arrive had an amazing pink 80's sweater on. I secretly loved it, but I was playing a warrior and felt I had to chastise his wardrobe choice instead of telling him how much I loved it.

My plan was to ask players questions before they could move through the labyrinth and fight the Minotaur. I was foiled by the number of players that came through the check post, and by the lack of general knowledge of the players. I started the night asking players for heads of state from other countries and ended by asking what the 3 complimentary colours are. Ah well, perhaps I educated some people on a few things.


Magpie

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Mata Hari's photos can be seen in full here.

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Dyna Matt

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anna one says:

A checkpoint with a labyrinth? Magpie and I have been talking about doing Ariadne Unemployed for months... I've been lagging on building a minotaur to go with her excellent warrior (which I understand, was originally for an Athena costume- and an excellent substitute for Theseus any day). Nothing like a deadline to get me to do something.

In a continuing multi-tasking theme, I built the minotaur head entirely out of trash- scrap leather and a little bit of cardboard- the apron and hooves (not very bull-like, but what the hey) are light stained latex and were on their way to the dumpster, all of which was refuse from my day job and a passable completion of the retired Recyclable Fashion if you ask me.

Having never made it to a previous Journey, I can't even begin to describe my excitement. Walking into the staff meeting the night before, I was totally overwhelmed by the gathering of the 24 best and brightest. Truly, an honor to walk alongside this crowd. I'm so bummed to have missed the other checkpoints- all the ideas sounded so great.

For my part, I feel urged to point out that I had no idea how exhausting battling close to 100 people would be. A surprising majority of our runners put up gallant fights- a few memorable exceptions brought me flowers, food or a hug in exchange for the ring in my nose- everyone else took the idea of battle to heart. It also seems important to note that the only contender who did permanent damage to the costume was Monotony, who was one of my last battles, and neatly snapped one of my horns at the skull. For future reference, only battle Monotony in coffee drinking contests- he is a formidable opponent.