“This place is beautiful!” said young Ocean, a volunteer for Dragon Call Festival, as he looked out over Lake Gkula. He’s new to Woodfordia and says he’s more into D&D, but he’s excited for his new, custom-made leather armour to arrive from Germany, bought especially for this fantasy festival. Running into him at the General Store, which had been transformed into the Crossroads Tavern, is a reminder of all those Champions of Woodfordia, past players of The Game, and the many Woodfordians who love an immersive experience while in costume. 

Dubbed ‘Greenwood Ford’, the land we call Woodfordia welcomed over 550 quest seekers, adventurers and LARPers. Arriving from Friday afternoon, travellers set up their camps, donned their costumes, and headed on down to the tavern for a glass of mead or mulled wine.  

The quests began Saturday, handed out personally by members of the Village Council, and further guidance (and an introduction to Dungeons & Dragons) was provided in small group sessions. Players discovered the four realms – Elven Sanctuary, Forest Folk, Mountain Hold, and The Commons (human and other travellers) – and undertook tasks to be eligible to join a Realm they felt best aligned with their character. Workshops on making elven headwear, basket weaving, hair braiding, and candle making were on offer, along with Adventurers Yoga, tabletop games and minstrel performances at the Tavern.  

Woodfordia wrestled up a wee crew of volunteers to be Kitchen Slopmongers and Bar Wenches, with several getting into the spirit of the festival with their own medieval-like costumes. As we were a bit short on Slopmongers, we thought we’d get participants involved in our own ‘challenge’ of sorts, offering quests to collect plates for the kitchen in exchange for a few copper coins. It was somewhat of a Woodfordian Jedi mind-trick; we seem to be well practiced at kindly offering people the chance to contribute while they have fun.  

Many happy game-playing and role-playing enthusiasts headed home on Sunday with smiles on their faces. This was the first festival of its kind, and the organisers were very pleased with the outcome. Should these intrepid travellers land at the gates to Greenwood Ford again, we’ll look forward to welcoming them back.