Pearsons Renaissance Shoppe Blog

If you are planning on attending a Medieval LARP (Live Action Role Play) event, there are a number of things that you’ll need.  You will need Medieval clothing, Medieval boots, accessories, and a weapon.  But you obviously can’t use a weapon like the one you see in this post’s picture.  The object during a LARP is to successfully strike the opposing player with a weapon.  Using actual steel or wooden weapons is very unsafe.

That is why most LARPs use what are known as boffer weapons.  Boffer weapons are typically constructed out of PVC pipe, closed-cell foam, open-cell foam, Goop adhesives, and duct tape of various colors.  When constructed properly these weapons form a safe alternative and allow for actual combat to ensue at LARP events.  The types of weapons you can actually create through this method are only limited by your imagination.

For detailed instructions on how  you correctly and safely construct a boffer weapon, please visit this boffer weapon construction guide, provided to us by our good friends at Wyvern Rising, a Fantasy Medieval LARP based out of North Eastern Pennsylvania.  If you chose to follow this guide to make your own weapon, please note that the weapon sizes/requirements are specific to their rules system.  If you are making your weapon for a different LARP, make sure to find the correct weapon lengths, then return to this guide.

Last week we brought you a post that demonstrated the various signs that you can use to identify an approaching thunderstorm.  We wanted you to be able to have a way to know when you should seek shelter to protect both your Medieval clothing, and your lives.

But what happens if you are far away from shelter and a storm arrives rapidly?  What are you going to do?  If you keep the following tips in mind, and put them into practice, you will be able to ride out the storm.

1. Don’t Panic:  Although a thunderstorm is bad, it is not the end of the world.  By remaining calm, and taking notice of your surroundings, finding a safe place for you and your fellow campers can be very easy.

2. Get Out of the Open:  Lightning is drawn high points.  If you’re in the middle of an open field, that makes you the highest point.  The best plan would be to get indoors, but if that is not possible, at least get out of the open.

3. Avoid Tall Structures/Trees:  While you’re seeking shelter from tip #2, make sure it isn’t something extremely tall, such as a large tree, radio tower, etc. Lighting will also be drawn to these tall objects, so avoiding them is a must.  If an indoor shelter is not possible, consider finding a ditch or ravine so that you become lower than your surroundings.

4. Split Up:  Lighting has the capability of striking multiple people who are grouped together. Make sure to put some space between all of the members of your group so that the lightning does not travel from person to person.  You can stay within sight of your group, just so long as you are not all huddled together.

5. Remove Metal:  Lighting is also attracted to and flows through metal.  Make sure to avoid metal structures and to remove any metal jewelry or accessories, like weapons or armor, that you may be wearing or have with you..

6. Get Out of Water:  Lighting flows through water.  Even if the lightning strikes a body of water hundreds of yards away, the current can still flow for a very long time.  If you are swimming or boating, get out of the water immediately.

At PearsonsRenaissanceShopp.com, you can be sure to find the finest Medieval clothing in all the land.  But clothing is just one important element to understanding and appreciating the Medieval era.  There are countless ways with which one can study and interact with this important historical period.

We became very aware of this fact when we met Will Kalif, who runs the site Heroic Dreams – All Things Medieval.

Heroic Dreams is a virtual treasure trove of information on and endless list of topics that is sure to peak anyone’s interest.  The site is well maintained and the archives date back to August 2006.  The site is even broken down into categories so that you can conveniently browse through the topics of your choice.  Some examples of the categories include:

• Movies
• Books
• Wargames
• Board games
• Lord of the Rings
• Dark Ages
• Medieval Weapons
• For Writers
• Websites
• Siege Engines
• Dungeons and Dragons
• Blacksmithing
• Comics
• Many, many more

One post we loved was a post that instructed you on how to make cardboard shields for your Halloween costume.  These shields can be used for any other type of occasion, look great, and are simple to make.

So make sure to stop by Heroic Dreams.  And if you do, let Will know that we sent you!

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!

We at PearsonsRenaissanceShoppe.com would like to take a few moments to introduce you to a good friend of ours, Joyce DiPastena.

Joyce is a Medieval and Renaissance enthusiast who is the author of Illuminations of the Heart, a historical romance novel that was a finalist for the 2009 Whitney Award.  She is also currently in the process of a second novel, also set in the Medieval era.

We met Joyce through her blog, Medieval Research with Joyce, where she offers a wealth of information about the Medieval era, based upon the research she conducts for her books.  This information covers a number of aspects concerning Medieval lifestyles, historical events, and historical figures.  You will be sure to find a lot of interesting and entertaining facts, stories, and fables throughout Joyce’s blog posts.

So if you have a few moments in between dressing for the ball, holding court for potential suitors, or attending the joust, make sure to visit Medieval Research with Joyce.

If you are reading this blog, that means that you have a vested interest in the Renaissance era, Medieval era, or the fantasy genre.  At PearsonsRenaissanceShoppe.com, we love to be your provider of high quality Renaissance costuming.  Our outfits are both historically accurate and comfortable.

But instead of just looking at our outfits, we invite you to actually get out and attend Renaissance faires or Medieval reenactments.  These types of events are your chance to experience actual, living history.  Most of us only get a chance to interact with history from textbooks or television specials.  Why sit inside when you can actually get out and see it for real?

Why read about a sword fight, when you can see two men in actual armor dueling it out with real weapons?  Why read about Medieval recipes when you can get to a Medieval reenactment and taste the food for real?  Why just look at Renaissance clothing, when you can put on your own costume and join others who have the same passion for this historical era as you do?

So get up, get out, and experience history first hand.  If you decide to take an opportunity to learn about history, let PearsonsRenaissanceShoppe.com help you get dressed in historically accurate garb.  Then you can really fit the part.

When most people think about the Renaissance era, they think about knights and maidens.  They think about flowery dresses and extravagant outfits.  It is perceived as a time of lords and ladies.

But avast ye mateys!  It would be unwise to forget that treacherous pirates still roamed the seven seas.  When merchant ships sailed from nation to nation, the dreaded skull and crossbones could appear at any time to loot and plunder.

Therefore, PearsonsRenaissanceShoppe.com has many different articles of pirate clothing so that you can represent this important demographic of the Renaissance time period.

Adoring the clothing of the scoundrels of the sea can really add a sense of diversity to a Renaissance faire or activity.  Most people are expecting prim and proper nobles.  If you are a swashbuckling rogue who is anything but prim and proper, you can really show faire-goers the complete picture of how things were way back then.

So if you want to shiver your timbers, make sure to visit PearsonsRenaissanceShoppe.com for all of your costuming needs.