Manhunt is a hide-and-go-seek game designed for people who
don't want to call it that. It combines that element along with others from
Capture the Flag (jails), the classic 'tag', and the
adolescent tendency to be sadistic.
However, it's fun like crazy, in spite of the cynical summarization. To start off, the 'fugitives' make up the majority of
the players; the game is best with 7+ people. The amount of starting 'hunters' is best based on the number of participants: usually one or two. Every hunted player has a pre-determined amount of time to run and hide, and then a signal sounds for the hunt to begin.
It's widely considered best to play in outdoor environments of several acres in size, and at night. Flashlights can be used by both hunted and hunters if so desired by the participants, and good cover use is encouraged.
When one is 'tagged' in any manner deemed
appropriate beforehand (flashlight, one/two-hand touch, sight), they are converted (brainwashed) into joining the other team. If one ventures outside of the pre-determined boundaries for the game, they are changed to the hunter's team. However, much cheating occurs here; no one catches cheaters...
It's quite unusual for a game of Manhunt to go without several arguments. It's like
playing a game with no rules; there are so many variants and possible choices that dissent is always present.
Other rules on boundaries: usually, participants aren't allowed to go into rooms with doors, or doors period. Stairs are O.K.; but it's advised not to go into buildings, period.
Tips:
-Wear dark or camouflaged clothing
-Wear good running shoes / light clothing
-Carry a flashlight
-Stay away from dangerous areas
-Use an airhorn or carhorn for the starting signal
