Choosing A Unit

Perhaps just as important as selecting the right weapon for you, you also want to make sure to choose the right unit. This article will provide some advice and things to consider for new fighters looking to find their first unit.


So, you're new to Dagorhir and want to find a place to call home, a unit with which to identify. For some people, this is an easy process. Yet, for others, it can be a painstaking process. Still others end up attempting to start their own unit because they don't find one they like. Allow me to help a little bit...


Finding A Unit

Choosing a unit can seem like a daunting task to a newer fighter, especially if the local realm has a lot of units contained within it. My suggestion is to not join the first unit that you like or that approaches you with an offer to join. Take some time and get to know all of the units in your local realm and see what each has to offer. Watch how they fight on the field, how they interact with one another and the other units, and how they present themselves in general. Just because a unit has awesome fighters or a badass logo doesn't mean it's the right one for you. Talk to each unit and ask as many questions as you can. The more information you get, the better.

Some things to ask/consider when searching for a unit:

Average Age: Does the unit seem to have more older adults, younger adults/teens, or a combination of both? I personally would recommend going with one with a combination of both, but this will be entirely up to the age group in which you fall. Older adults and younger adults/teens can certainly mesh well together, but remember that older adults and young adults often have different ideas on what's fun and acceptable and what isn't. Go where you'll feel most comfortable.

Conduct: How do they conduct themselves at practice, events(if you've been to one), and in the general public? Are these behaviors something you can deal with or do they bother you? If in a Dagorhir setting, make sure their behavior isn't just in character as quite a few Dagorhirim roleplay while at events. Everybody is unique and different in their own way. Remember this and don't form an opinion without all the facts and information.

Fighting: Find out how they handle training for new fighters. Look for a unit that trains together and teaches their new fighters instead of utilizing the "baptism by fire" type approach. While some people learn better on their own, others need teaching, so a unit that trains together and emphasizes the use of drills would be a good choice. Not all units teach or use drills, but that doesn't make them bad.

Also find out what their philosophies for fighting are. These will vary from unit to unit, so find out about "house rules" and determine if these are acceptable for you.

Specialized Unit: Some units fight with only specific weapon types, or are made up of only a specific type of character, like elves, orcs, or dwarves. Is this something you're willing to accept to be part of the unit, and if not, are they willing to fit you into the fold anyway? Don't change something about your persona or way of fighting just to join a unit. Only do it because you're genuinely willing to do so.

Core Values/Beliefs: Are the core values and beliefs of the unit and its members similar to yours or are they different? Are they willing to accept and respect your personal values and beliefs if they differ from those of their own? You don't want to join a unit that forces their beliefs on you or disrespects your values and beliefs. Join a unit where you're appreciated and respected for who you are.

Expectations: Most, if not all, units will have certain expectations for what they want out of their members. For example, some units are big on volunteering at events(weapons check, heralding, troll etc.) Are these expectations something that you are willing and able to live up to?


These are some of the more important things you want to consider when searching for a unit to join.



Starting A Unit

When you're new to Dagorhir and don't have prior fighting experience in other fighting systems(Belegarth, Amtgard, SCA etc.), I recommend not starting your own unit right out of the gate. Join an established unit, learn the game and the proper fundamentals, have fun, and sit back and watch how a unit works and what it's like to run one. As a unit leader, you'll be responsible for teaching the game to new fighters and training them, establishing and overseeing a ranking system, run a camp at events, and discipline problem members among other things. With and without the proper experience and knowledge, these responsibilities can be overwhelming and stressful. New fighters should focus their time on learning and soaking up knowledge so that they can be ready and able to run their own unit one day. Study as many units as you can and that will allow you to do so. Having several models from which to learn can provide you with some fresh perspectives. Learn first, teach second. Don't get ahead of yourself. And remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Hope this article was helpful, and thanks for reading

Durrok Thunderaxe