This past weekend, the school saw an influx of capes, foam swords and mock amputations as battles raged on Mac Field. A yearly convention of Grinnell students, alumni, and members from other realms swarmed Grinnell as the college played host to Dagorhir's (Dag) Field Day. "Field day is just an excuse to invite a bunch of people down, so we can get together and fight big battles." said Hugh Potter '10.
The group was larger than any general Dag practice or competition. Another Dag group, also known as a "realm," drove to Grinnell from Ames to participate in the event. In addition, Field Day is comparable to other sports alumni weekends, as dozens of alumni trekked back to Grinnell to don costume and wield swords. "We can pull anywhere up to 40 people," said Potter.
A team with a lot of spunk, Grinnell's Dagorhir club stands somewhere between sport and art. Competition and athleticism are integral to proper participation in Dag, creating a fast-paced contest, or in other words, a sport. But at the same time, the role-playing elements and otherworld qualities of Dag differ much from the unimaginative real-life varsity-level sports.
The physical aspect of Dag comes in its fighting nature. Players utilize a variety of weapons, all covered in protective foam to avoid injury or extreme pain. The weapons themselves vary from ranged items, such as bows and arrows, to unique melee items, like maces, and all weapons are homemade.
Fighting styles are varied, highly individual and depend greatly on each player's strengths and weaknesses. After hurting her right wrist her first year of participating in Dag, Erika Graham '10 switched styles. "I fight sword-board now," said Graham, "which means I fight left-handed with a sword and a shield."
But beyond just fighting, Dag functions as somewhat of a hobby group as well, facilitating role-playing and fantastical interactions. Players are assigned names and also participate in building their own weapons and armor, mostly designed off of a series of plans Dag owns.
A group of masters help keep the Dag group and games running and are appointed every year during Field Day. "We have masters that make sure the weapons are safe," said Potter. From refereeing games to helping with building weapons, Masters reinforce the structure of Dag.
Though Field Day has come and gone, as the weather gets warmer, students wandering around campus will definitely see more of Dag as they play afternoons on Mac Field and Forum Beach.
