Battle for Freedom - Birthday Surprise

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Here's a fun birthday surprise for Lorenzo I manifested with the help of the Arconauts (i.e. people from Arcosanti).

I wanted to evoke the feeling of magic and knew going into this a few key things: 1) lots of people here love the card game Magic - The Gathering 2) We have people who enjoy dressing up 3) There are a few fire experts on site (who spin fire or are Eagel Scouts and can make them!)

I created a concept whereby Lorenzo would be led mysteriously into a field at dusk, where he would be given a fictional story of an army coming to attack. His friends would apperar and pledge their allegiance. Then Lorenzo would be asked if he would lead them into battle.

I was hiding in the bushes with massive speakers and Thor war music cued. Brendan was ready with a pit Ryan made to light hexagonal ring of fire. Lorenzo, not sure what was happening, said he'd lead them... and all of the sudden the "Dark Lord" challenged him in a fight to the death. Brendan lit the ring of fire, and our friends revealed their weapons.

Lorenzo, still not knowing WTF was happening, led a charge into the fire ring, where his army was defeated so he faced Jonas the Dark Lord alone in a great finale. He won the final battle, and we lit of fireworks and congratulated him.

Birthday surprise success!!!! <3

Here was the flyer that I made that his wife Hilde used to lure him down to the site.

Here's a behind the scenes video of it all:

Brendan, Zeke, and Genya making the fire circle under Ryan's guidance.

Clark and Flavio get dressed in costumes.

Charlie and Ali were ready to fight with the Dark Army.

Jonas the Dark Lord, leader of the dark army, led the making of ~20 foam covered weapons for the battle.

Rob (me) explaining the plan with 20 minutes until show time! Danny and Nick are ready to fight for the Dark Army.

Steffan coordinates when we light the fire. He later gave a performance with fire staff.

Alix gave the opening monologue to set the scene and create the surreal world. Excellent script provided by Hildemar.

We did weapons training, of course. Jonas and Steffan show basic strikes and kills.

The Dark Army before hiding for the surprise.

Immediately before the final showdown, Brendan completes the Ring of Fire.

Ryan slaying Felipe.

The final battle between the leader of the Dark Army (Jonas) and Light Army (Lorenzo).

Alix the Sage with Lorenzo after he defeats the Dark Army.

A king and his queen <3

Charlie gladfully handled pyrotechnics after the battle to celebrate. Special thanks to Dillon Frank for providing the fireworks, even though he couldn't be there.