Rockford foam weapon fighters bring medieval combat to life

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The term “live-action role-playing,” or LARPing, covers a wide range of hobbies—from fantasy quests to immersive games and combat events using padded swords, axes, and hammers.

But for one Stateline group, it’s more than a pastime—it’s a way of life.

Every Tuesday evening, a backyard in Rockford transforms into a medieval battlefield. That’s when Heartwood Foam Weapon Fighters, a local foam weapon fighting group, gathers to test their skill, athleticism, and strategy in battles that are as intense as they are inclusive.

“We line up on two different sides. We use foam weapons and we strike at each other,” said "Darque", one of Heartwood’s fighters.

While the action may look chaotic to the casual observer, members say every swing, block, and charge is carefully pl