Archive for June, 2010

Summer is the best time of year to go camping or LARPing.  Although there are some extreme enthusiasts who still do both hobbies in the winter, the majority of people LARP in the summer.  The only downside to the summer, is that it does present danger in the form of thunderstorms.  Thunderstorms don’t only threaten your Renaissance clothing, but also your life.

At most camp sites, you are unable to access the internet or watch TV to learn of approaching severe weather.  Additionally, LARPs requires you to keep modern devices, such a cell phones, in cabins or tents.

Therefore, we have compiled a list of things to keep your eyes and ears open for, to help give you a heads up that a storm might be approaching.

1) The Temperature:  Storms are typically generated by warm air rising to fuel low pressure systems or cold fronts.  That is why most storms happen on days when the temperature was hot and the air was humid.  So if you noticed that it is really hot and humid and not even lunch time, the chances for a storm are increased for later.
2) Tree Leaves:  When rain is approaching, trees and other plants turn their leaves upside down so that they can absorb the water.  A tell-tale sign of a storm is when you see the underside of leaves on all the trees.
3) The Skies:  Keep an eye to the skies.  If you notice a line of clouds or a subtle darkening of the sky, its a good bet that a storm isn’t all too far behind.
4) The Calm:  That phrase, “the calm before the storm,” was born from this situation.  A storm front is usually so massive that the normal movement of air is dramatically decreased by the approaching system.  So if you notice that there is no wind and that things are eerily calm, seek shelter.
5) Thunder:  Obviously if you can hear thunder, you know a storm is nearby.  But thunder can actually travel for several miles and serve as a warning.  If it is hot or humid, keep an ear out for thunder, so that you can stay safe.

Any of these signs can help alert you to the presence of a thunderstorm.  Staying alert and aware is the key to safety.  If you observe any of these signs, make sure you seek shelter immediately.  Next time we’ll let you know what to do should you become trapped outside during a storm.

If you are considering purchasing Medieval or Renaissance footwear, there is one very important thing you need to remember:  Water damage.

If you are going to be taking these Medieval boots to a Renaissance faire, SCA event, or LARP weekend, odds are that you will be wearing them for a long period of time.  During that time, you may experience a lot instances where water may present itself:  Crossing a stream, rain water, puddles, swamps, morning and evening dew, plus many others.

Water can easily damage and slowly start to cause leather boots to rot away.  That is why it is extremely important that you take the time to waterproof your footwear.  Waterproofing your boots will increase the lifespan of your boots, which will help you save money in the long run.

So before you take your Renaissance boots out into the world for the first time, make sure that they are waterproofed!

If you are a LARPer or a Medieval/Renaissance reenactor, it is getting to the time of year where you must be conscious of your camp fires.

During the summer months, forests can get very dry.  Moisture continuously evaporates as the sun’s hot rays beat down upon the forests, fields, and brush in the camps that are typically used for these types of events.  The danger is increased if there has been a long period of no rain.

If your campground is extremely dry, then all it can take is one spark to set off a massive fire.  But you can do a few things to help keep the danger of a fire low.  The first is to pay attention to see if there are any fire advisories.  Most park offices will issue these when the forest is dry so that you know that  you need to take extra care.

Secondly, only use indoor fireplaces or well established fire pits that are surrounded by large stones.  Starting a small camp fire in a place that is not protected can easily spark a forest fire.

Lastly, once you are done, make sure to put out your fire.  By leaving your fire smolder all night, or all day while you go into the woods, a rogue ember can fly out and into an area of brush.  Likewise, all it takes is one gust of wind to blow hot ashes into a dry area of the forest.

So take extra care this summer as you build your camp fires so that you don’t accidentally start a brush fire that can present a danger to your favorite campgrounds.

Now that you have yourself a great Renaissance or Medieval costume, what are you going to do?  Yes you can use it for educational purposes, theatre, or even for Halloween.  But don’t you want to be able to have some fun while you’re wearing your authentic outfit?

There are two great options for you to consider, where you would be among countless others who share your passion for the Renaissance era.

1. Renaissance Faires:  Renaissance faires are a wonderful opportunity for you to see what life was actually like in the Medieval era.  You can eat Medieval food, watch knights joust, and experience any number of activities that are sure to keep you entertained.  The best part?  They encourage people to dress up in Renaissance costumes to help increase the atmosphere.  You can find a directory of all the major Renaissance faires in the country here.

2. Live Action Role Playing:  Live Action Role Playing, or LARPing, is a unique activity that actually puts you into a Medieval adventure.  When you attend a LARP event, you actually develop a character, put on the costuming, and in some cases pick up weapons (usually made of foam or latex) to do combat with other characters or monsters.  Typically, there is a staff that helps to create and run the game world.  Therefore, your character is always, “in game” the entire time you are at the event.  A directory of LARPs can be found here.

So make sure you don’t let your Medieval costumes sit around and gather dust.  Make sure you get out and show off your awesome new outfit!