For the third consecutive year, our magfed paintball team, Coyote Force, emerged victorious at the highly anticipated Balance of Power IX: Landfall event, produced by Strike Harder Productions. Despite entering the game as heavy underdogs and being outnumbered by a confederacy of formidable teams on the opposing forces, we managed to secure our place at the top once again. In 2024, we proudly took on the role of the Command team, with General Justin Lowe at the helm, supported once again by Mad Town Syndicate and David Radtke as the XO.
Balance of Power IX: Landfall marked our third year attending this prestigious event, and each year, our performance has solidified our reputation as a resilient and strategic team. In the previous year, 2023, our leader Courtny Cotten served as the Executive Officer (XO) alongside General Terry Lee of Mad Town Syndicate, leading our team to a remarkable victory.
Hosted at the renowned woods-ball field, Apocalypse Paintball, this year’s event did not disappoint. The weather on Day 1 was perfect for paintball—sunny and warm, with temperatures in the mid-70s. The well-organized production by Strike Harder Productions set the stage for an intense and immersive experience, continuing its tradition as a premier midwest magfed-only game.
The lore for this year's scenario was a fictional Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Our team took on the role of the "Defending" faction, representing Taiwan or the Republic of China (ROC), tasked with repelling the invading forces. This gripping storyline added an extra layer of excitement and urgency to the game.
The initial day of play positioned us as the defenders, tasked with staving off the relentless onslaught of opposition forces. It was extremely challenging to keep the enemy at bay, as they were respawning from landing craft positioned close to the center of our field. Our strategy relied heavily on team speed, but our positions were under constant attack. Our players were completely exhausted, continually sprinting back to respawn and returning to the front lines. This cycle of sprinting and active recovery was particularly taxing on our "spearhead" players, who are our most elite in terms of fitness levels.
The enemy forces pushed us hard, and we adopted a "bend but not break" mentality. The gameplay during Day 1 was some of the best magfed play our team has ever experienced. The enemy was experienced, played objectives diligently, and pushed points while maintaining great sportsmanship. The battlefield atmosphere was incredible, with explosions, the smell of sulfur, and deep smoke screens adding to the immersive experience. It truly felt like a war zone, making this event stand out from previous years.
The referee staff, led by the "Lundy Crew," did an outstanding job checking hits, calling in airstrikes, verifying objectives, and calling eliminations from throwables. They also ensured safety, promptly addressing any falls or mask issues. Overall, the first session of Day 1 was a dogfight and presented an intense challenge.
As we approached Day 2, the forecast predicted heavy storms, and they certainly delivered. The evening brought heavy wind and rain, drenching the field and turning the trench works into mud pits. Some areas became inaccessible due to the sheer amount of rain. The changing weather conditions presented a new set of logistical challenges, particularly for a magfed game where paintballs do not perform well in wet conditions. Loading ammunition became difficult without good cover and dry hands.
At the start of Day 2, the teams switched sides, creating a balanced play experience for both factions. However, the humidity and rain increased the difficulty level immensely. Issues with ammunition and terrain were compounded by near-zero visibility at times. Many players experienced fogging in their masks, even with the use of Exfogs. Some members, running two Exfogs units, still faced issues due to the rain falling into the backside of their masks.
Both sides adopted slower, more cautious movements on Day 2. Pyrotechnics were harder to use due to the heavy rain and moisture, leading to more "plinking" and combat in covered areas, particularly in a section of the field called "POW Camp." Despite the adverse conditions, the gameplay remained intense and challenging, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of all participants.
Throughout the event, our team demonstrated exceptional teamwork, communication, and tactical prowess. Each member played a crucial role in our success, from executing complex strategies to adapting to the dynamic battlefield conditions. Our ability to maintain composure under pressure and execute our missions flawlessly was a testament to our dedication and preparation.
I could not be prouder of my team and everything they accomplished at Balance of Power IX: Landfall. They did everything I asked of them, traveling from Texas, Louisiana, Ohio, and other states, often dealing with hours of travel delays just to attend this event. Despite the challenges, not a single complaint was heard. Everyone played their hearts out and left it all on the field. Their commitment, determination, and spirit were truly inspiring and are a testament to the incredible bond we share as a team.
One observation from participating in various scenario games, including Balance of Power IX, is the heavy emphasis on recruiting by commanders. While having big names or teams can draw numbers, recruiting for the game should be a shared goal between commanding teams and organizers. Transparency regarding commitments, numbers, and marketing expectations should be a collective effort. To grow the sport and these events, everyone must work together.
In the Airsoft world, games are balanced at a meta level and do not rely on popularity contests to anchor the fun. Similarly, at the Euro Super Game, a player-capped 750 vs. 750 event ensures balanced sides and fosters a sense of community.
One critique of Balance of Power games is that they can become factional alliances, creating power imbalances that lead to subpar gameplay. This issue is challenging for organizers to predict and solve, but with empathy and innovative ideas, we can ensure high-quality gameplay experiences for all participants in future events. Recruiting for games is a shared responsibility among organizers and the lead teams of that event. Game balance is important.
Thank you to the Strike Harder team — Derek Phoungphol & Jason Friedrich and the support team of Sparrow Jack, Kelly Christine, and Nicole Tyree. Daniel Wilner, the head referee was great. The refs: The Lundy family (Ted Lundy, Megan Lundy, Nathan Lundy), Kevin Jaeger, Brent Chapman, Jackie Derepkowski. Thanks to Inspire Photography for taking photos and to David Breed, owner of Apocalypse Paintball, the host field. What an amazing place, and thanks for putting in overtime with Terry Lee and Mad Town volunteers to get everything ready for the gamers to enjoy despite all the storm damage.
As we reflect on our victory at Balance of Power IX: Landfall, we are filled with pride and gratitude for the opportunity to participate in such an incredible event for the Magfed community. For the team, the win is not just a testament to our skills on the field but also to the camaraderie and unity of Coyote Force toward our shared goals as a community for good.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Strike Harder Productions for organizing and running this fantastic event and to all the teams who participated and made the game an unforgettable experience. We look forward to future battles and the continued growth of the magfed paintball community.
Stay tuned for more updates and join us as we prepare for our next challenge. Until then, remember — Strike Harder, Play Smarter, and Stay United.
I want to be sure to thank the men who made BOP 2024 special.
To our Coyote Force roster, thank you:
And of course, The Kingsmen who traveled all the way from Texas to be with us.
