Who can I talk to about any questions I might have? 

For any questions, please send an email to our Norwich branch Liaison Officer on norwich.lo.fnh@gmail.com

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What is Fools and Heroes? 

Fools and Heroes is a live action role-play (LARP) system based in the UK. 

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What is Live Action Role-play? 

Live action role-play (or LARP) is similar to other role-play games, but it's done in real life! Instead of rolling a dice to find out if you've hit the goblin, you simply have to hit the goblin with your LARP weapon. You also get to role-play as your own character, created to tie in with the world of Fools and Heroes. While Fools and Heroes has themes inspired by The Lord of the Rings, other LARP systems may use other themes such as post-apocalyptic, or even western.

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What can I play as?

There are many races and classes to play as - so don't be put off by of heavy metal and shining swords if that's not your thing. There's a class to suit everyone's interests and goals for what to get out of the game: mage, physician, alchemist, knight, mercenary, sneaky scout and more!

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I can't sword fight - is my character going to die on day one? 

Of course not. The purpose of the game is never to kill much-loved characters. Although character death can happen, it is very rare. No one is expecting you to be a master swordsman. At "level 1", your character is also a beginner adventurer who may not necessarily know how to fight, but as your confidence grows you will be slaying your way to victory in no time!

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How much does it cost? 

Your first two games are free. This is because we understand LARP is something you need to try out before you know if you enjoy it or not. If you're happy to become a member after your first two games, it's just £20.00 per year. This fee goes towards public liability insurance, annual LARP events and local branch kit. Once you are a member of the society, you can play any day adventure at other branches for free! 

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Why is it so cheap? 

This is because we 'monster' as well as play. Some LARP systems will have a dedicated team of people to fight as the monsters and perform as the NPCs. However, at Fools and Heroes events begin in the morning, and the players are split into two teams, depending on which of the two missions you want to be hired on. If you're not playing your mission, you are 'monstering' the other one. Your ref will brief you on what monsters and NPCs you'll be playing to help progress the story for the other team. After a lunch break, the second mission begins and the roles are swapped!

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So, when can I join? 

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Normally, we run an event every second Sunday and fourth Saturday of each month, and meet-up around 10:00 am. On Sundays we meet at Mousehold Heath car park. This is located opposite to the pitch & putt (see Find Us for map details) and the post code is NR3 4RX. On Saturdays we meet at the Racecourse pub on Salhouse road, NR13 6LA. However, sometimes dates can change. We highly recommend you request to join the Facebook group in order view the event pages as they are uploaded.

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IMPORTANT

Mousehold Heath is area designated as public grounds and therefore we often meet members of the general public when playing. We take these encounters very seriously and will always pause gameplay to allow "walkers" to pass. Once the area is deemed clear again, a ref will call "time-in" to continue the game. As it is likely we will be in the presence of children while adventuring, we take an extremely dim view towards offensive language and swearing, and will ask players not to do so during a LARP event.

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What should I bring? 

You won't be expected to bring a lot of kit to your first session. This is because all new players begin at "rank one", so you won't have much equipment to begin with. The idea behind this, is to help you get to grips with the game first. In terms of what to wear, avoid t-shirts with graphics or jeans. Remember this is a medieval-fantasy based LARP. Instead, wear plain clothing that you don't mind getting dirty. Feel free to bring your character's kit to your first game, and this will likely evolve the more your play! Comfy, supportive walking boots are essential!

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Bring your own water and a packed lunch. Ensure you look after yourself particularly in the summer, as we adventurers get very hot during a battle. If you need to stop and rest for any reason - tell someone! Health and safety is our main concern.

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For weapons, most players are happy to lend you equipment for your first adventures. This depends on what you want to use with your chosen class. If you want to bring your own weapons, a ref will check them before deeming it safe to use. If you are new to LARP and do not currently own any LARP-safe weapons, we highly recommended you consult with our ref team before purchasing as they will advise on what is suitable for the system.

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The features we look for a LARP-safe weapon include:
- Dense foam with a light, solid core such as carbon fibre or fibreglass. Wood or metal cores are strictly prohibited.
- The foam is often covered with a coat of latex to seal it. However, injection-moulded foam weapons are becoming more common, which do not have a latex coating. 

- We do not allow "duct-tape pool noodle" LARP weapons.

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Make sure you come along with a concept of your character already in mind. This makes it easy for you and our refs to get you kitted-up before the first mission. You will also receive a safety brief by one of our refs before adventuring. 

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Join our Facebook group and read through our player guide before coming to your first event. Ask as many questions as you can and talk about what character you have in mind. We're all very happy to help and look forward to seeing you!