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A
YOUTH-ORIENTATED drama and role-playing society is currently
recruiting people aged 14 and above to join its group, already
40 strong.
Members
of the group, who are all from Exmouth (sic not all of us!)
call themselves 'Shadow Realms'. Every other Sunday they
dress up in costumes ranging from Vikings to dragons and
invade woodbury Common where they act out a pre-written
scenario.
Group member Matt Wholley said:"We are all big fans
of novels such as Lord Of TheRings. However, rather
than simply reading these sorts of books, we decided to
go and act them out."
Generally adventures take the form of a treasure trails
where players have to follow pre-given information and find
clues in order to solve whatever problem they are presented
with.
RANGE
In the
past, stories have ranged from stopping evil forces from
taking over the free world, searching to rescue people taken
captive by other groups, through to looking for lost items.
To add to the authenticity of the costumes, players must
use weapons in order to be able to fight opponents if needed.
The weapons used include axes and swords, following a general
medieval theme. Reassuringly all weapons are completely
safe, being made from hard foam and latex and are checked
before each adventure.
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The
group has enjoyed a sucessful 10 years bymixing the treasure
trail element with combat. It is recognised nationally and
takes part in all national events.
The group organises its own annual event attended by similar
groups from all around the country. The event lasts around
three days and even attracts people fromas far away as New
Zealand.
Unlike the Common, which they are allowed to use for free,
the national event has to be paid for.
However, the facilities are greatly improved for that event.
Apart from caterers, generators and first aiders, they convert
a thatched cottage into a medieval inn and use a nearby
barn for axe-throwing competitions and organised 'gladiator
style' fights.
Towards the end of the summer they will be putting on a
second national event near Plymouth.
The location will be a series of underground passages and
caves. The programme will include a day-long event where
particiipants will be underground for the whole duration,
as well as a series of day and afternoon events.
"Role playing should be seen as an enjoyable physical
hobby where players get the chance to achieve things that
they couldn't normally do such as saving the world,"said
Matt, "It's far better for you than playing a computer
game or doing nothing".
Anyone interested in role-playing should contact Mark or
Liz on (01395) 271872.
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