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Welcome to I Hyarmenya Arda!
Above, you can see The Southern Reaches,
written in three languages...
J.R.R. Tolkien's Dwarven Runes,
Modern English, and Tolkien's
Quenya Elvish.
This site showcases our Tri-State
Our message board can be found
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Dagorhir Battle Games are many things to many people.
Dagorhir combines fast-paced full-contact combat simulation with elements of live action role-playing. Dagorhir combines elements
of both history and fantasy. Dagorhir is both a sport and a game. Dagorhirs participants experience their fantasies on a variety
of levels. This wide ranging appeal is the reason for Dagorhirs nationwide success.
Dagorhir was founded in 1977 by a bunch of college
friends who shared an enthusiasm for Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and medieval history. Regular "battles" were held, and friends
were encouraged to come out and play. Over the next couple of years, Dagorhir was featured on a number of local college radio
shows. Demonstrations were performed at Maryland's local Renaissance Festival. Dagorhir's membership began to expand in the
Maryland/Virginia area. Dagorhir was featured on a variety news show called PM Magazine in 1982, and hundreds of new members
joined. This show was featured across the country, and new chapters (Realms) sprouted in various locations including Ohio
and Illinois. By 1986, a national event called Ragnarok was held in Ohio. Ragnarok has grown every year, drawing hundreds
of avid Dagorhir enthusiasts from all over the United States.
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As with many well known role-playing games that
started as a fad in the 1970s, Dagorhir was originally based on Lord of the Rings. The name "Dagorhir" is derived from Tolkien's
Sindarin Elven language, and translates as "Battle Lords.". While there are some similarities between Dagorhir and role-playing
games, Dagorhir boasts many advantages.
Dagorhir is a sport, not a tabletop
game. Dagorhir is athletically challenging. Its participants learn sportsmanship in an environment that fosters healthy competition
and team spirit. You do not have to be an athlete to enjoy Dagorhir. Dagorhir caters to everyone. Dagorhir is an exciting
form of exercise that improves coordination and balance.
Dagorhir is social, and allows for interaction among
a diverse group of people. Role-playing games restrict social interaction to ones immediate friends. Computer games are even
more limiting in this respect. Dagorhirs participants include a vast range of people, including college professors and high
school students, construction workers and accountants, computer geeks and goths.
Dagorhir challenges creativity and imagination. Dagorhir
members make costumes, armor, and (safe) weapons for use in Dagorhir events. Dagorhir inspires historical research. Our members
learn knowledge of arts and crafts as they build and create accessories to help them more fully enjoy the game. Members interact
improvisationally with characters they develop and portray in a historic/fantasy setting.
Dagorhir is also a healthy outlet for aggression and
frustration. Though Dagorhir is hard-hitting and physical, there is an emphasis is on safety. Dagorhir "weapons" are well
padded to prevent injuries. Dagorhirs combat rules outline safe conduct for all of our members, and these rules are strictly
enforced by the "Heralds" (referees). Within the rules, combatants may slam, wrestle, and even "kill" their opponents. In
our civilized age this "weekend warfare" is a gratifying relief from the stresses and anxieties of everyday life
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First-time participants create a historically or fantasy-based
persona to portray. This imaginary "character" should coincide with the participants fantasies. A new member must bring or
borrow a costume and weapon for their character to use. They will be required to sign a release form and provide proof of
age. Minors ages sixteen and up may participate only with parental consent (minimum age varies from one chapter to another).
All participants are required to submit themselves to the "check-in" process before the event starts. During check-in, experienced
Dagorhir members will evaluate each participant. Each weapon is measured against stringent safety standards, each costume
must meet the minimal requirements, then members pay their dues and register their characters. New members are often discouraged
when they are confronted by skilled participants with many years of experience. Dont be discouraged. By your third event you
will begin to develop a "combat sense," and reflexes that will help you to survive.
Dagorhir allows us to build our fantasies into a shared
reality. To experience Dagorhir is to grasp at the unobtainable. Dagorhir allows us all to realize our dreams beyond the mundane
existence of everyday life.
-Sean (Dominus) Richey
Dagorhir Aratari, Rome
For learning about making garb and weapons,
check
out the How To page. To get started in Dagorhir,
Dont forget to visit
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