The High Fantasy Society (HFS) a medieval fantasy re-creation non-profit association featuring a safe and fun simulated combat and magic system. HFS has existed in Austin since 1987, and over the years has had over 400 members in Austin alone. The High Fantasy Society is non-sectarian and is not officially affiliated with any organization or role-playing system besides The High Fantasy Society Live-Action Role-Playing Game.
A role-playing game is a game that allows characters to interact with other characters without the use of a script. As an HFS player, you take on the persona and role of a character that you create, and then pretend to be that character throughout your stay at HFS. You decide what your character does and says and how your character acts and reacts toward other characters.
A Live-Action Role-Playing game takes role-playing even further. You actually dress and act like the character that you create. HFS incorporates a safe and fun, yet realistic, simulated combat and magic system that allows characters to act out what would otherwise be physically impossible in our mundane reality. The HFS Live-Action Role-Playing Game actually allows you to physically participate in quests and combats that you have, in the past, only imagined.
YES! There is much more to The High Fantasy Society! The City State of Drandmir and other HFS groups have regular medieval style courts, feasts, demonstrations, and revels.
HFS organizations have frequent tournaments where members can compete with other members and prove their physical prowess. Cultural events are sponsored where members can display their craft skills and compete for awards with other members. Regular camp-outs are held where members can interact with other players and stay in character for the entire weekend.
The easiest way to get started in HFS is to attend one of the weekly battle games, if there is a group near you. A partial listing of groups can be found above, along with some addresses and phone numbers to help you contact those organizations.
You must be 14 years or older to join in the weekly battle games, and if you are under 18 then you must have your parents permission. All individuals who intend to join the weekly battle games must sign a waiver.
You must create a character to begin role-playing. In creating your persona, please do not use a historical or a popular fictional character. You may loosely base your persona on a favorite character. The HFS game is designed for use in a pre-industrial medieval society, so try to make your character fit into that genre. The Ministry of Heraldry will register your persona device or insignia.
Now you will need some medieval-looking garb. Tunics can be easily made from existing clothes or from scratch. If you can attend an existing HFS organization you will find a Clothiers Guild that will be eager to help you make a costume. Now you look the part.
Familiarize yourself with the rules. Learn the rules of combat. Decide what class your persona will play and read the other classes so you know what you will be up against.
If you plan to participate in battle games you will need to equip yourself. Weapon construction and use are detailed elsewhere in this rulebook.
There are certain individuals that will always take the time to instruct you in the rules of combat and check your weapons for safety. You must have your weapons checked before you enter a battle game. Ask around for one of these officers and they will take care of you.
If there is no HFS chapter in your area, then you may wish to start your own HFS group. All you need is a copy of the rules and a few friends. Contact any existing HFS organization and they will send you whatever materials you need to start your own group. There are no fees, and there is no restriction on the reproduction and use of the HFS rules. We always love to have another group spring up!