Fugitive (game)

Fugitive is a game created by combining many various outdoor games such as Capture the Flag and Cops and Robbers. Fugitive is played with "runners", "drivers", and "riders." The group is split into two sides, the "fugitives" and the "police."

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Basic fugitive fundamentals – It should be noted that a straight line is not always the best route for a fugitive to take from Pont A to Point B.

Game Basics

The fugitive's goal is to run from a starting point to a finish point without being tagged by any of the riders. The fugitive must remain on foot, no vehicles or alternate modes of transportation other than swimming. There are no boundaries for where the fugitive may go; he/she can cut through yards, over fences, on roofs, through businesses, houses, roads, beaches, woods, etc. A time limit is established for the fugitives based on the distance and difficulty, meaning they have to pace themselves in their travel. The drivers role is to transport the riders around town trying to find the fugitives. The riders and drivers may use cell phones or walkie talkies to plan their pursuit. The drivers may not hit the fugitives; they should remain within reasonable limitations of traffic law. If a fugitive is caught before the safe zone surrounding the finish point, he/she becomes a rider, making the game more difficult for fugitives. Riders must stay within reasonable distance to their vehicles, and must tag the fugitive with their hand. After the time limit is up, all remaining fugitives are considered busted. A new route is chosen, and another game may begin from the finish point. Often, five or more games are played in one night. There is no prize for being a winning fugitive, just freedom (glory, honor, and bragging rights included).

History

Fugitive can be played during the day, however, the fugitive founders and current loyals would say that it is meant only for night. It is still unclear where the name originated, but the term is commonly used in Oak Harbor, Washington, Lake Oswego, Oregon and Los Alamitos, California, where it is played by local residents around town even today.

Hints/Tips

Actual police in some of these areas are aware of this activity. In some cases up to five police cruisers have showed up to a destination. It is advised to stay away from main thoroughfares and exposed areas, as not to draw attention to oneself.

If players are skilled enough they should not have to worry about being caught by the real police for violations of curfew or criminal mischief. A true fugitive should be able to furtively avoid the real police as well.

In northern California and certain parts of Arizona, the same game is often called Manhunt.