HERE THERE BE BATTLES

LOCAL EVENTS

The first priority of The High Spires is to support local Dagorhir members. To accomplish this, we organize bi-monthly battle games. These afternoon skirmishes generally last several hours and feature one-on-one duels, unit battles, games of skill, and themed conflicts.

Our battle games are open to all and we encourage other chapters to participate. We frequently host members from neighboring states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, and Alabama. If you, your unit, or your chapter is interested in joining us, let us know you'll be in town and we'll help you make arrangements.

Location
Bi-monthly battle games are held at Blackburn Park and begin promptly at 12pm. It is recommended that you arrive ahead of time, so that you can change into your garb, apply any makeup related to your character, and repair any damaged weapons or armor, before the games commence.

The link to the right of the screen provides a map and directions to our practice site.

New Members
New members are not required to have garb for their first few events. However, as your time with The High Spires progresses, we ask that you create a costume that reflects your character and omit as many modern elements to your attire as possible. This helps us to maintain the fantasy atmosphere in which our game is played.

Rules
Dagorhir is a game and has a clearly defined set of rules. In order to participate in our bi-monthly battles, you must have an understanding of how these rules are applied. While we'll certainly be happy to guide you through the process as you play, it's helpful to familiarize yourself with Dagorhir's regulations as soon as possible.

Visit our RESOURCES section to download participant waivers and a copy of the most recent Dagorhir rulebook.

Armor
Armor is not required, but is recommended - especially if you like to challenge more skillful opponents or participate in large-scale battles. Information on armor limitations and requirements can be found in the Dagorhir rulebook.

Weapons
Dagorhir uses safe, foam weapons to simulate their live steel counterparts. These weapons include spears, javelins, halberds, swords, great swords, axes, flails, and others. Archery is an inherent part of our game and foam-tipped arrows are frequently seen flying across the battlefield (and right at you).

You are encouraged to follow the guidelines set forth in the rulebook to fashion your own weapons. All weapons are checked for safety at the start of our events and we'll be heppy to explain why certain weapons pass inspection, while others fail. The earlier you start foamsmithing, the sooner you'll begin to craft quality weapons.

For first-time players, we do have loaner equipment available. This gives you a chance to understand the limitations of certain weapons based on the Dagorhir combat system and decide which weapons fit your style of play.

While live steel is permitted at our events, it's never allowed on the playing field. For the safety of our members, please remember to remove any live steel before participating in a battle.

Supplies
We do recommend that you bring refreshments with you on event days. Bottled water, sports drinks, and healthy snacks will help keep your energy up. Sugars and sodas are discouraged, as our battle games can be quite physical and such items may impede your activity.

As we have no control over the weather, we recommend dressing appropriately and coming prepared for adverse conditions. Check the weather before you leave the house and make certain you have what you need in your gear kit. It's a good idea to go ahead and keep some kind of raingear and a bottle of sunscreen in your kit from the start, so you're never without basic protection.

NATIONAL EVENTS

The High Spires is committed to promoting both the Dagorhir organization and our local chapter. By attending national events, we're given the opportunity to interact with other groups, learn how to better provide for our local members, and share our experiences with other players.

Unlike our bi-monthly battle games, these events are generally held over the course of a week or weekend. Epic battles, night-long feasts, and activities that cannot be entertained in a single afternoon are often the featured attractions. These are the events that make Dagorhir such a thrilling game to be a part of.

Tent camping is the preferred method for enjoying national events and services are often provided onsite to help acclimate those ill-equipped or unfamiliar with outdoor living. The websites for each event provide valuable information related to event fees, required packing supplies, and rules/regulations that have to be followed at the event site.

Click HERE a complete list of national Dagorhir events.

        Jorne reeled back as the axe in her hands snapped in two. The orc's strength, coupled with the great sword he savagely wielded before him, cost Jorne her sword, her shield, and now her axe. Left with only a small, gilded dagger - more a decoration than a tool of war - the young fighter was certain the end of the duel was at hand. She drew the weapon and brandished it before her.
        The orc paused, amused by the sight of the small woman jabbing into the air with the point of what appeared to be little more than a knife plucked from a feast table. He lowered the heavily-notched blade and let out a terrible, guttural sound. He was laughing at Jorne.
       Distracted by his own awful amusement, the orc did not see the young woman slip inside his reach, slash the blade through the exposed meat of his arm, and bring the point to bear under the soft, green flesh just above his throat. The great sword fell from the orc's bloodied hand and his attention focused on the grim face of the woman bearing down on him.
        "Who's laughing now?"