Who are the F.O.L.L.I.E.S.? Federation Of Legendary Lore Investigation & Evidence Specialists

The shadowy figures behind the Isle of Wight’s most mythical marketing service.

Every world has its watchers.

Long before mobile phones, before seagulls learned to nick chips with military precision, and even before the Isle of Wight was fully formed (or named), they were here.

Known only as F.O.L.L.I.E.S, the Federation Of Legendary Lore Investigation & Evidence Specialists, these mysterious entities are not so much an organisation as they are... a cosmic accident that became oddly useful.

They travel through time like it's a poorly signposted A-road, occasionally stopping to investigate a dragon sighting, a fairy blip, or to argue over whose turn it is to carry the trinket bag.

🔍 Their Mission in Legendary Lore

• Investigate mythical mischief.

• Record every odd sighting, shimmer in the trees, or biscuit-shaped portal.

• Make bags of evidence to distribute to humans.

• Keep things just the right side of mayhem.

• Take long lunches. (Non-negotiable.)

They don’t fight monsters. They observe. They log. And occasionally, they issue polite warnings to trolls who overstay their welcome in Ventnor.

👤 What Do They Look Like?

Almost human.Always in silhouette.Long coats stitched from whispers and second-hand memory.Faces hidden under wide-brimmed hats. Occasionally, you’ll catch the glint of a smile or a glimmer of panic when someone mentions the paperwork.

Wherever they appear, so too do the sounds of filing cabinets opening in the wind.

⚡ Their Flaws (They Have a Few)

Despite being immortal semi-ethereal investigators, they are easily distracted. It is known.

Biggest weaknesses:

• Shiny objects

• Campfires

• Fluffy clouds shaped like cats

• Tuesdays

That last one remains unexplained. Just don’t contact headquarters on a Tuesday.

🙋 Their Allies? You.

Yes, you.

If you’ve ever:

• Spotted a shadow darting across a sunlit path...

• Had a gut feeling something wasn’t quite right in the high street...

• Wondered where your sock went, only to find it in the fridge…

…then you may already be an unofficial F.O.L.O.(Field Operative in Lore Observation – the pluralisation is under review. We will stick with Wuesters for now)

Passholders. Map explorers. QR scanners. Sticker collectors. You are the lifeblood of the Follies. Without you, the lore is just legend. With you, it becomes an adventure.

🧳 Where is Their HQ?

It moves. Sometimes it’s a folding table in a village hall. Sometimes it’s the back room of a gift shop in Ryde. Occasionally, it’s behind a fridge in a café where no one’s dared open the mystery drawer.

We’ll let you know when we find it again.

🗞️ Why This Matters

The Isle of Wight Follies isn't just a game. It’s a living story, a mythical tourism quest powered by lore, laughter, and local magic.

Now you know who's behind the curtain. Or at least the outline of them. Next time you see a feather where no bird has flown, or a pebble that seems to glow in moonlight... you’ll know: the F.O.L.L.I.E.S. have been here.

And they may be watching you.

(Especially if you’re holding a week pass.)

Join the hunt. Gather the evidence. Become the myth.

START A QUEST