Herofest squries
First-Time Parents Guide
Everything you need to help your child have a safe, fun, and magical first LARP
What to expect
Herofest is a family‑friendly LARP with a long tradition of supporting ‘Squires’ (children under 17) through safe, age‑appropriate adventures that spark imagination. LARP is a contact sport and so we run separate activities for Squires to provide a safer place to play, learn the rules, and have fun in a more controlled environment.
Squire tickets are free (with an accompanying adult ticket). As the event is volunteer‑crewed, parent involvement helps bring the adventure to life.
Ages & Participation
Younger Squires (13 and under)
Younger squires play together on dedicated adventures such as overlands, treasure hunts, crafting, foraging, storytelling, and non‑combat roleplay. They do not fight adult players—only other squires and designated squire monsters. Children aged 7 and below are generally discouraged from combat.
Older Squires (14 - 15)
Older squires have the opportunity to interact with the full adult game (including combat, if closely supervised), as well as the squire activities. They are encouraged to join overlands and can also take leadership or monstering roles.
Your Role as a Parent/Guardian
Parents must supervise squires at all times. During overlands, each squire must be accompanied by their adult. Adults usually help by “monstering,” with costumes provided, though a basic in‑character outfit is recommended. Non‑combatant adults are asked to accompany the Squires on their overlands with the Squire group.
Adventures are overseen by a Monster Referee and a Squire Referee. When not on overlands, squires stay near the main encampment and must be closely supervised to avoid accidental involvement in adult fighting.
Key Rules & Safety
Character creation
Squires follow rules similar to adults, with simplified adjustments. We do have some time set aside before time-in on Friday to discuss character creation but we also encourage you to reach out to us at [Email/link to contacts page] and arrange an intro session before your first game where a Squire referee can talk you through character creation, game expectations and answer any questions you have.
Roleplay
Squires should act in‑character when adventuring and on the field. This looks like reacting to hits, responding to spells, and using people’s character names.
Whilst younger Squires are not expected to stay in character all the time, we do encourage the older squires to stay in character as much as they can.
Combat Boundaries
- Ages 14–15: May fight in the adult game as well as squire activities, if supervised by their responsible adult.
- Ages 8–13: May only fight squires and squire monsters; must not participate in adult combat.
- Ages 7 and under: Generally non‑combat; may take on magic or healing roles.
Weapons & Kit Safety
- Weapons must be LARP‑safe and no taller than the squire.
- Children must pull their blows.
- Non‑combatant roles wear a plain white sash.
- Squires interacting with the adult game must wear a pink sash
In‑Game Calls you should know
The Most important call in the game
Man Down!
This call can be used by anyone and is used to indicate that a real injury has occurred.
Stop role-playing immediately and sit down where you are, or move to where it is safe before sitting down when you hear this call regardless of how far away it is. Once you are sat down shout Man Down once to make sure that it has been heard. Please keep noise to a minimum.
You may be asked to move by a Game Team member, please do so carefully and follow all instructions.
You may resume role-playing when Time In has been called by a Herofest Game Team member. Please echo the shout of Time In to ensure it is heard by all those who heard the Man Down call.
Using this call as a joke, or deliberately ignoring the call will be grounds to ask you to leave the event.
OUT OF CHARACTER Calls
Time Out...
Stop role-playing when you hear this call. This call is used when the Referee needs to suspend role-playing for a period of time (normally for safety reasons) or to announce the end of the game for the event. You should remain in your current position but may talk out of character with people nearby. You may resume role-playing when Time In is called by a Herofest LARP Referee or Faction Representative.
Time Freeze...
Stop role-playing immediately when you hear this call. Stop moving and stand still with your eyes closed. You may be asked to hum whilst doing this. You may resume role-playing when Time In has been called by a Herofest Referee or Faction Representative.
Time In...
Resume role-playing when you hear this call. This call is used by a Herofest Referee or Faction Representative to start or restart the game after it has been stopped for any reason.
What to Bring
- In‑character costume and LARP‑safe weapon(s) (no taller than the squire).
- Spare costume
- Clothing and footwear for cold/wet weather.
- Snacks and a drink.
- In‑character bag/pouch.
Final Word
Remember, the main aim is for the children to have a fun adventure!
Glossary
Overlands
Adventures that can last a couple of hours that take place in the woodland surrounding the main LARP field. Squires experience a story which is told through “encounters” with “monsters”.
Monsters
Monsters are usually played by parents and are the non-player characters that the squires interact with to tell the story. Sometimes these are monsters in the traditional sense that they will need to fight, but other times they are non-player characters (NPCs) that Squires can interact and talk with to learn more about the story.
Player and Monster Referees
The game team adults who help run Squires, write the adventures and support the Squires as they do the adventure.