Gamers and other adventurers will have the chance to prove their role-playing prowess, beyond the realm of their computer screens, at this summer's 21st annual Bristol Renaissance Faire. Opening July 5 for nine weekends through Labor Day Monday, Sept. 1, the Faire's new RenQuest invites willing patrons to immerse themselves in an evolving adventure of riddles, spells, hunts and other challenges. As guest-participants interact with the period performers, artisans and merchants who inhabit the wooded village of the Faire, they will gain experience points, advance through the levels of the live action game, and eventually face the Dragon Bloodtharken.

"An estimated 20 million people have played Dungeons & Dragons since Gary Gygax first released the game in 1974," said Shane Hill, director of Bristol's Gamers Guild. "Today, gamers worldwide are flocking to the latest phenomenon of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), and a growing number of these are seeking out opportunities to expand their group role-playing into live action settings."

"The interactive theatrical experience we're creating with Bristol's RenQuest goes well beyond the traditional expectation of live action fantasy games," said Bristol artistic director Ron Scot Fry. "We have an entire 30-acre village of 1,200 inhabitants in position to engage participants along their quests and a professional production team to ensure a top-quality and memorable adventure for veteran gamers, as well as those who've never experienced role-playing games before."

In addition to gaining individual experience points, RenQuest players will accumulate points toward the advancement of one of two feuding factions with which they are aligned - the brave and noble Order of the Sun, or the wild, chaotic Lunar Tribe. Some quests will last a day; others will extend over multiple weekends or the entire season. Throughout the nine-week festival, ceremonies will be staged and awards bestowed to signify the status of individual players and the feuding factions.

Like all Faire festivities, Bristol's RenQuest will take place within the framework of the summer day in 1574 when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth visited the English hamlet of Bristol. Along their quests, participants will partake in 16th Century games, rides, arts, crafts, food, music, and one-of-a-kind encounters with a colorful cast of era characters. They will interact with noble knights, swashbuckling swordsmen, strolling minstrels, rope-walkers, jesters, jugglers and an eclectic assortment of comedic performers, all eager to aid (or thwart) them in their quests.

The Bristol Renaissance Faire is open rain or shine, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., every Saturday and Sunday, July 5 through Aug. 31, and on Labor Day, Sept. 1. Tickets purchased at the gate are $18.95 for adults and $9.50 for children age 5 to 12. RenQuest participation costs an additional fee to play. Check the Faire website at for upcoming details.