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In 1975, as a college freshman, an actor-artist named Bryyn (Aratar / Crinan MacBrude) Wiese read J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings". Tolkien's trilogy inspired Wiese to combine his new-found interest in fantasy with his love of the outdoors, improvisational acting, and high energy events. This combination planted a seed which blossomed into an idea. The idea was to catapult people from the 20th century into the midst of an intense battle during the Dark Ages; a time when the values and problems of the modern world did not exist.
Wiese discussed the idea at length with his girlfriend Mary (Edaina) Dugan; his New York City roommate Gus (Rolling Thunder) Hathaway, and close friend Jim (Galarast) Murch. With their necessary input and reflection on the matter, the game began to take shape.
On October 29, 1977 a prototype battle was held at Riggs Farm in Montgomery County, Maryland. Everyone enjoyed it immensely, but most importantly it gave Wiese a chance to see what would and wouldn't work. In June of 1978 he placed an advertisement on WGTB-FM, a progressive college radio station in Washington D.C., calling for people who would like to be involved in this type of event. Calls began coming in, and the newly formed Dagorhir was on its way. As the number of participants in the battles increased the organization of the events became too difficult for one person to handle. Wiese chose seven die-hard Dagorhir members to form a council, who would vote on new policies and help to run the events.
Since then, the ideas and the basic rulebook which he wrote have been widely adopted. At first just in and around the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, and then slowly across the country as the original rules spread by word of mouth.
Every year since 1985, Dagorhir has held a national event for all groups known as RAGNAROK.
In 2002, due to political differences, Dagorhir and Belegarth split on a national level. Many participants play both games, but Belegarth is a far more widespread activity. While Dagorhir is concentrated on the east coast, Belegarth ranges from Florida to Washington state (and even abroad). Both organizations hold each other as friends and compatriots on the field, but have differences in the rules of leadership and representation. Belegarth now holds a national event for all groups from any foam fighting organizations, known as ARMAGEDDON.
So just what is the sport of Foam Fighting? That is a good question. I would define it as a contact sport that involves both the mental and physical prowess of the participants. From skill in battle to witty roll playing, this is one of the most fun and physically exhilerating experiences you can have. This is great exercise, great friends and an experience you will enjoy for a lifetime.
The St. Louis based Belegarth group, Arnor, owes much of its character to the place when its founding members were inducted into Dagorhir: Numenor (now members of Belegarth and located in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois). Sir Angmarth, once Squire to Sir Kegg of Numenor, exclusively governs Arnor as its King. Two trusted advisors, known respectively as the Warden of Arnor and the Marshall of Arnor, aid King Angmarth. The first of these, bearing the title "Lord" and responsible for domestic affairs as well as off-field leadership, is Carneohtan. He left Numenor, guided by Eru, to serve Arnor and King Angmarth. The second of the King's advisors, bearing the title "Commander" and serving as leader of the King's army, is the King's younger brother and sole sibling, Daemarth.
A council of Knights governs Numenor. With this legacy in mind, as Arnor grows a council of Knights will be established to further advise the King and aid in governing the Kingdom.
Arnor is composed of four fighting ranks: Knights, Squires, Soldiers, and Mercenaries, as well as one further rank of non-combat Arnorians, known as Citizens. The King grants to each Knight lands of their choosing, which may support nine Citizens and an army consisting of one Squire, one five-man Honor Guard, one Lieutenant, and one ten-man unit. Thus shall the Kingdom of Arnor grow and order be maintained.
As with any team sport, there are uniforms to identify Arnor on the field of battle. Additionally, each participant selects an alternate unique name derived from the languages created by Tolkien for his writings.
All practices will be held from 11 am to 2 pm on Saturday mornings in Forest Park. The park is located just off I-64/40. (Both the St. Louis Zoo and the St. Louis Art Museum are located in the park.) On Sundays, we will have practices from 1pm to 4pm on the quad at Washington Universtiy. Practices may be cut short so please show up early!
IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ON WHETHER OR NOT WE WILL BE FIGHTING ON ANY PARTICULAR SATURDAY (inclement weather, you think the schedule is wrong, etc.) PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL ME. MY CELL NUMBER IS 314-791-0767. IF YOU CALL ON SATURDAY MORNING I WILL BE GONE AFTER 10:30am IF WE ARE FIGHTING.