30-foot dragon added to Renaissance faire at Bristol

Visitors to the Bristol Renaissance Faire in Kenosha Wis. this summer will immmediately be able to see that something is different this year.

They'll be able to hear it, too.

Perched up in a large oak tree, Bloodtharken - a 30-foot smoke-breathing dragon - will be visible to all patrons walking through the gated entrance of the fairgrounds from Saturday until Sept. 1.

Bloodtharken is part of the newest attraction at the faire called RenQuest, a role-playing game similar to Dungeons and Dragons or EverQuest.

To play, patrons must travel to the center of the fairgrounds to an encampment of covered wagons, home to the Twisted Claw clan.

"Our encampment will be a base area where people can pick up and turn in their quests," said Shane Hill, director of the Gamer's Guild at Bristol's Renaissance Faire. "It's also a place for people to receive further clues."

Upon arriving, players will have to choose between two factions, the Brave Order of the Sun or the Chaotic Lunar tribe.

"The Lunar tribe has more of a spiritual, earthy feel," said Hill. "While the Sun tribe is more scientific and focuses on the advancement of society."

After choosing a tribe, players will then receive a scroll with a riddle, challenge, or secret message which will lead to different sites and people around the fairgrounds.

Members of improv troupes from Second City and Columbia College will be stationed around the fairgrounds to help with the challenges. The gamers guild has already created more than 120 scenarios.

"Some scrolls tell players to collect different pieces of an item and others involve a quest where they have to get stamped off on something," said Hill. "We will also provide players with fake potions and spells for quests."

Challenges also include recreational activities like Sudoku, references to pop culture trivia, Hangman and crossword puzzles.

Players can gain experience and faction points after completing quests from each of the game's five levels. Quests involving physical aspects will also be available upon request if players want to gain extra points.

"The Twisted Claw encampment will provide information on places to learn fencing techniques or about weapon knowledge on the fairgrounds," said Hill.

How will gamers - and other visitors to the faire, for that matter - know when a quest is completed?

They'll hear Bloodtharken roar and growl in celebration.

Opening weekend prices, July 5-6:

Adults (13+): $15

Ages 12 and under: Free

Regular Prices:

Adults (13+): $18.95

Ages 5-12: $9.50

Under 5: Free

Season Pass: $85

Season Pass with RenQuest: $100

Directions:

Take I-94 north (or Hwy. 41) to Russell Road exit. Right (east) on Russell Road to Hwy H (Kilbourne). Left (north) on Hwy H to Cty ML. Left (west) on ML to the Faire. Follow the signs.

Top draws:

Hanlon-Lee's Jousting Knights and Steeds, Wyckham Field Joust Arena, 11 a.m., 3 and 5:30 p.m. daily;

Barely Balanced Acrobats, Chesier Chase Action Stage noon, 2:30 and 6 p.m. daily, and at the Globe Stage, 3:45 p.m., first 5 weekends

The Sturdy Beggars Mudshow, The Mudpit Stage, 11:30 a.m., 1, 2, 3:30 and 5 p.m. daily

MooNiE the Magnif'Cent, Globe Stage, 11 a.m., noon, 1:30, 2:30 and 5 p.m. daily

Robyn Hoode in the Greene: Saving the Forest of Bristol, Cheshire Chase Action Stage, 4:30 p.m. daily

Dirk & Guido: The Swordsmen!, Cheshire Chase Action Stage, 11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. daily, Midsummer Stage, 5:30 p.m. daily

Adam Crack, Whip Artist, Lord Mayor's Forum Area, 11:30, 1, 2, 3:45 and 5 p.m. daily)

For more information visit www.renfair.com or call (847) 395-7773