Medieval props for a mini Tournament

Hi all,
Just wondering if anyone has some contacts for some re-enactors/medievalists who might be able to provide some atmospheric props for the Hamilton KnighShade Banquet and LARP on 11-12 July. The first part (day 1) of this, as advertised is to consist of a Tournament of medieval (and fantasy) type challenges.
I had the thought that the level of authenticity could be raised by incorporating some authentic kit (and potentially some re-enactors). We don’t have budget to pay for the privalege but we’d feed volunteers and look at covering travel costs. Those that wished to stay for the Banquet could do so at a discount rate.

I am looking for:

Archery gear say 2-3 archery butts and 2-3 bows with sufficient practice arrows for each in a 3 shot elimination competition. Ideally an authentic medieval volunteer to oversee this event would also be awesome (and to stop us novices from putting shafts in each other/ourselves)

Authentic tents with tinkers/peddlers/merchants/foretune tellers etc. - Not required but could really add to the atmosphere. (They had some set up at the Waikato Winter Show and the tent village was quite effective.)

Pennants and flags on poles to add to the feel of the event. Again not required, just atmospheric.

Other assorted medieval type gear - anything to add to the feel of the Tournament atmosphere. If we have some people who have gear to bring and know what to suggest to add to this event, by all means suggestions are welcome.

Also other effects like ropes and poles, for sectioning of areas of the vent would so be great to have but not critical.

If anyone can help me out or thinks they know someone who would like to help out, please let me know at knightshade.larp@gmail.com

The person you want to talk to is Zara. Who just so happens, is coming to the Banquet. I’ll get her to get in touch with you.

Ahh good point - I am already in contact with her, since she is my cook for the event…

Authentic medieval? Jared, it’s only been six hundred years…you’re gonna need a necromancer first :wink:

Hmm funny yes. I meant a authentic re-enactor. Rather than a LARPer, such as myself.
I know a good few LARPers are also re-enactors but I am not one of them.
Essentially my point was that someone who uses a authentic bow is better trained to deal with people who don’t.

Though, strangely, after Healer types, we have more Necromancers in Knightshade than any other type of mage…

Oh I knew what you meant :smiley: It was just so unfortunately worded that I couldn’t resist. I’ll cease to be obnoxious now :slight_smile:

Erm, yes, seriously now. The guy that runs the Waikato Wintershow is Nic Harrison, who also runs the joust. His second in command is our resident larper and Diatribe admin, Hawkwind, whom you may remember from such previous roles Bishop Ezekiel of the Order of St. Wolfgang. Hawkwind (or his alternate identity, thePotatoLord) might be someone to approach.

Awesome. Just the names I needed. I have asked Manky also. And I don’t mind your harassment, its helpful. Sadly the only person proofing my posts is me. The results of that are quite clear.

why are we worried about authentic medievil stuff in a fantasy larp?

:confused:

[quote=“Xcerus”]why are we worried about authentic medievil stuff in a fantasy larp?

:/[/quote]

why not, if the man wants to create a particular scene :slight_smile:

shrugs

well none of the players are authentic :stuck_out_tongue: (not critisising costumes - critisising race :wink: )

I think the culture and mundane technology are medieval-based, which is to say that while the fantasy elements (magik, fantastic races and creatures) are important to the feel of the larp, the root cultural elements are medieval, and therefore a request for medieval items is consistent with the overall theme of the larp.

Heya,

just so happens I have a bit of a hobby in medieval archery. I can probably bring along 2-3 authentic looking long bows and a recurve or two and about 30 ish arrows. And maybe one Archery Butt.

Auckland University Medieval Guild has a few banners and pennants which I’m sure can be borrowed (will just double check with other officers first)

I have a pile of ‘spare’ or loaner medieval garb which I am happy to lend to the event so long as it is taken care of, might be good for dressing up NPC’s.

What do you mean by other miscellaneous type tournament gear? Do you want stuff like shields and swords lying around? (I really wouldn’t advise it for the swords or for Armour due to rust and stupidity)

If we ask very nicely (maybe with a small bond) we might be able to borrow the Barony of Ildhafn’s tourney barriers which are always fun to have around. I’ll also ask around them and see if I can borrow and authentic tent.

I’m going to email your post to the group of the SCA who lurk in Hamilton. I know some of them were/are LARPers and are probably keen to come along.

Yeah what Mike said! Knightshade is set in a world that in many ways resembles pseudo-medieval Europe. And as David H said, its about setting the scene.

I want people to walk in and feel like they’ve walked into a small medieval setting, in which the events of the day will unfold.

Zara - thanks for that. By misc. props I meant dressings relevant to a medieval type setting. Painted shields would be cool, the odd helm sitting on a table, flapping pennants etc. Let me know what you can get your hands on, I do have a budget of sorts for these effects, so a bond for said items is entirely resonable. And yeah, thanks for sending that email out.

Hmm I’ll also have to look around for some hay bales… always good to have sitting around as seating and to block off bits and pieces. July isn’t a good time to buy/borrow them however… middle of winter is an expensive time to buy stock feed!

As well as physical props for the Tourney and Banquet, we need people to add to the atmosphere. As well as simply attending the event, people can also make their mark by adding other touches. Not only in costumes and character but with other talents also.

During the evening Banquet, the Bard’s Challenge will reward those with a entertainers bent, with prizes going to the crowds favourites.

But this is not limited to the night time Banquet, entertainers can add to the day time atmosphere while not participating in other events directly. They can play an instrument, dance on the open green, sing or tell jokes, juggle or a multitude of other things.

So for those who can, I encourage you to bring these skills to this event, just save your best performance for the Banquet.

Ok, another ask… on a related item

Is there an artist out there, who would also like to come to this event, who thinks they would be able to paint a suitable “INN” sign for the Drunk Donkey Inn?

It would need to feature an intoxicated donkey and the wording “Drunk Donkey Inn” and would need to be complete for the 11 July and then be transported to the event on or before that date?

It would need to be sturdy enough to be hung or positioned at the entrance of the event venue and be large enough to be clearly visible at a distance (say at least 0.5m x 0.5m).
and would need to be water proofed. Ideally it would be able to be used on more than one occasion.

Any budding artists who would like this challenge? You would go down in history in creating a bit of memorabilia for Knightshade and also earn my thanks and a small discount if you were to attend the event.