October 17th, 2007
This past weekend I took a trip to King Richards Faire. It is a renaissance style faire that has been around for almost thirty years now. I haven’t been there in a while and it was pretty much the same as I remember it. I drank a little mead, held a few swords and watched a great joust in the arena. They put on a good show and it made for a nice Sunday. I got back in time to watch the Patriots steamroll the Cowboys. Anyhoo, I have put together a photo gallery on the stormthecastle.net website if you want to take a look. You also can sign up and post any of your own pictures to the gallery.
Heres the link to the King Richards Faire Pictures
Tags:
community,
king richard,
knights,
Medieval,
Renaissance Faire,
role playingPopularity: 27% [?]
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April 23rd, 2007
The weather here where I am in New England has finally turned the corner into full blown spring. It has been a mild yet long winter. And the feeling in the air has my thoughts turned to outside activities. This means Faires! Woot. There are lots of Renaissance Faires that go on all over the country, and even all over the world.
If you have been to a Renaissance Faire you know the feeling that comes along with an event like this. It is a peculiar blend of medieval things like shows, jesters, jousting, food and all other sorts of things. It is even a time where you can dress up in your favorite medieval clothing and armor for the day. If you don’t own any medieval armor or clothing no worry, these faires often will rent it to you for the day or sell it to you.
Okay, Here are some resources for being medieval and stepping into the middle ages for a day:
The big list of Renaissance Faires across america. This list is broken down by state and you should be able to find a faire near you Ren Faires by State
The Renaissance Faire Website : Nice site with lots of resources and information about Renaissance Faires including what to wear. Ren Faire Website
The Society for Creative Anachronism: This is an organization that hosts and runs all kinds of groups that follow the code and custom of the middle ages. They have chapters around the world and do all kinds of middle ages things from combat to weaving and blacksmithing. SCA Homepage
What about a rainy saturday or sunday? Well of course you can always go to a Medieval Times Dinner. This is a medieval period event with food and jousting to match. This is becoming very popular and spreading across America. Their telephone number is 1-800-WE_JOUST. which is a hoot! Check their website for a location near you. Medieval Times
It’s going to be a beautiful summer. Do something other than go to the beach. Step back in time and do something medieval.
Tags:
Castles/Medieval,
Historical,
Medieval,
role playingPopularity: 18% [?]
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April 9th, 2007
The movie 300 has sparked a lot of interest in the Spartans and in the whole genre of the Roman era including Gladiators. Eidos has put out a video game for the PSP called 300: March to Glory and there are some other games for the PS2 and XBox in this same genre. Here is an overview of some of these games.
300: March To Glory In 300: March to Glory you’ll live the adventure of the hit film “300.” Players take on the role of King Leonidas, who led 300 Spartans against Xerxes and the Persian army. As you control him, Leonidas will uses their sword, spear and shield in individual combat. He’ll also use the power of the soldiers in a battle to determine the very fate of western civilization. 300: March to Glory will be a visceral experience focused on action and combat, allowing the player to fight both solo and in a phalanx alongside his fellow Spartans.
Spartan: Total Warrior
- Lead epic and cinematic battles as a fighter known only as The Spartan
- Presents more than 160 detailed warriors simultaneously engaged in pitched combat
- Players can acquire new, more powerful weapons and armor, and earn favor and powers from the gods
Shadow of Rome
Agrippa and Octavius each face different quests — use Agrippa’s fighting skills and Octavius’ stealth abilities to absolve Uesnius
Face numerous Roman-era challenges, from chariot races and gladiator matches to tournaments and death duels
Learn to fight and kill with ancient Roman weapons, from spears and swords to slings
Explore the venerable city of Rome, completely reconstructed in full 3D — from the bustling marketplace to the gigantic Coliseum
Colorful cast of characters — interact with real historical figures from the era
Colosseum Road to Freedom
Develop your warrior skills and pick a weapon to master, as you prepare for the deadliest hand-to-hand combat
Choose your battles wisely - Team battles where one group of gladiators must wipe out another group, battle royals, hunting games, survival bouts, duels and more
Tactical thinking is key here - Figure out which weapons to use, which opponents to face first and which to face last
Avoid fearsome arena death traps - spinning blades, spike-covered poles and more
Thrill the crowd by showing off your killing skills — face down opponents and gain victory to earn admiration and extra silver
Gladiator: Sword of Vengeance
It is 106 AD and Emperor Arruntius has bled the people of Rome, leaving its people in poverty while he & his elites enjoy untold excesses. He creates the bloodiest gladiator battle ever staged — which you will use against him as a revolutionary leader.
In this epic cinematic adventure, you’ll fight your way through the streets of Rome using an advanced ‘in-context’ fighting system
Battle against single or multiple opponents, and watch as your Blood Meter fills — when it’s full you’ll produce powers granted by the Olympian Gods
Specialized authentic weaponry is available — use it to create spectacular combos that produce bloody deaths. The gorier the kill, the more popular you get
Play to the crowd while fighting guardsmen and monsters, to become the people’s hero!
Gladius
Following a great war, combat is relegated to the gladiator arenas. Schools from around the world compete for the title of Imperial Champions. Guide two young warriors, Ursula and Valens, as they gather warriors to earn that title in the arena!
This amazing combination of combat and role-playing will allow you to choose from 16 character types and 100 different classes — then put them to the test as they battle for glory & survival
Battle with hundreds of unique weapons taken straight from the gladiator arenas of old — and draw from the powers of magic to enhance your prowess on the field of honor
Learn vital combat tactics and apply them on the battlefield — and manage your pupils as they improve their skills
Prepare to face the deadliest foe you can imagine as you prove yourself worthy of being Imperial Champion!
There really is a nice selection of gladiator and Spartan type video games but if you are more a hands-on kind of person you may be the type to actually have some of this stuff. Itnerested in seeing some real swords that are replicas of the swords in video games? Check out the page I have written about this. It includes pictures and links. Video Game Swords
Tags:
Games,
Medieval Weapons,
role playing,
swordsPopularity: 32% [?]
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