The escape game "Black Owl" has just opened its doors at 5 rue d'Alençon, in Puy-en-Velay, on the initiative of Florent Barrué and Laura Mathon, both shopkeepers in Yssingeaux. In a beautiful space of 300m2, a first room allows the public to immerse themselves in the medieval era through "The Brotherhood of the Black Owl". Other themes and puzzles are already planned for the coming months.
"The first room that was opened is a nod to the Bird King festivals and to the medieval era."
What made you want to open this gaming space?
Florent Barrué: It is the desire to set up another project, after the one that allowed us, with my partner, to set up a grocery store in Yssingeaux. We decided to open this escape game to change from the food sector, and move towards a leisure activity. It is something that I like a lot, because I love doing escape games, playing board games around puzzles and reflection.
What's special about it?
Florent Barrué: It is a permanent escape game, open all year round. With 300 m2 available, and a car park, it has a beautiful space to welcome players and imagine future rooms. The first room that was opened is a nod to the celebrations of the King of the Bird, and to the medieval era. There are few puzzles based on padlocks. We put a lot of electronics. We made all the sets ourselves, and we wrote the whole story.
A few words about the scenario proposed to the players?
Florent Barrué: The proposed escape game is called "The Brotherhood of the Black Owl" which is a nod to the name of our establishment "Black Owl". The black owl is present in all the stories that we wish to present. The first room was named "The Brotherhood of the Black Owl", which represents the King's personal guard. The goal for the players who wear the costume of knights is to solve the puzzles in order to join the brotherhood of the black owl. First, they must succeed in the famous archery competition of the King of the Bird, in order to continue the adventure. It all begins in the inn of the prankster chicken.
Will other rooms open in the future?
Florent Barrué: Yes, that's the goal in a place as big as this one. We have about 150m2 left to exploit. Eventually, we would like to offer three or four different adventures, and of course, on other themes. We are eager to open a second room to accommodate more people, and to do rotations. This could interest teams formed in companies, for example.
What type of audience are you targeting?
Florent Barrué: There are of course the connoisseurs, because there are no other fixed escape games in Haute-Loire, you have to go to Saint-Etienne or Lyon for that. I would like to welcome people who have never participated, and who do not dare to do so, to show them that it is accessible to everyone. The goal is to have fun! I am there as a game master, I hear people, I see people, and my role is to give them clues. I adjust the difficulties according to the level of the participants. We can play in groups of 2 to 6 people.
How to book?
Florent Barrué: Just go to the website and book a time slot on the proposed calendar. Payment is made online. For slots other than those proposed, you can reach me by phone.
