Two become one: Medieval clubs combine for all fun and games

Here’s how you can learn about body armour and battle it out with other contenders like you’re back in the Middle Ages.

Thomas Murphy, Ben Norman and Katie Hennig. Tyr's Warriors and USQ Dungeons and Dragons have teamed up to create a social community group. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Toowoomba is taking a step back in time to the medieval ages with two social groups combining forces to create their own little community.

Community groups Dungeons and Dragons and Tyr’s Warriors have teamed up to showcase what the clubs are all about.

“We basically play tabletop games that require you to use your imagination to role-play and tell stories through interaction with other members,” Mr Murphy said.

“A lot of our members overlap with members of Tyr’s Warriors because some of us enjoy fantasy hitting people with swords and other prefer the real thing.”

Ben Norman from Tyr's Warriors with Thomas Murphy and Katie Hennig from USQ’s Dungeons and Dragons. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Tyr’s Warriors participant Caleb Back said the club was a full-contact medieval fight club where members get kitted up in armour and battle.

“It’s a really big sport full of history and it’s great for fitness and social reasons … we’re all one big family,” Mr Back said.

“Dungeons and Dragons helps show you how armour works while Tyr’s Warriors gives you the physical side.”

Together both groups recently held a stall and performed fight and armour demonstrations at The University of Southern Queensland (USQ) this week.

And while many members are students from the university, the pair said everyone from the wider community is welcome to join, play, fight or watch.

“Everyone is welcome and it’s not just open to men … we have really talented female fighters who have succeeded in this sport,” Mr Back said.

“We’ve got a few people who were also part of the defence services so it’s a great outlet for them but they also teach us a lot.”

Teaming up are (back, from left) Ben Norman, Derek McAuley and Christian Burton from Tyr's Warriors and (front, from left) Thomas Murphy and Katie Hennig from the Dungeons and Dragons club. Picture: Nev Madsen.

And while injuries may result, the group member said it’s a rare occurrence.

“The most I’ve ever had is a few cuts and bruises but it’s highly unlikely you’ll get hurt if you wear your armour correctly and follow the right safety procedures,” Mr Back said.

“We have experienced people to ensure members are following precautions and to show them how to fit their armour.

“We’re all a big bunch of nerds who like to connect with other people and there’s a lot of common interests between both groups.”

The USQ Dungeons and Dragons group has been running for four years while Tyr’s Warriors started in 2019.

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