http://imageevent.com/ralf/pennsylvania/renfest2008/people?p=50&n=1&m=-1&c=4&l=0&w=4&s=0&z=3
This year's garb looked much better to me until I saw myself photographed. Not bad, but not what I was going for...and I look so short.
The second time I went, I wore the tabard, boots, bodice, bracers, and belt; but I dyed the tunic grey, split the sides, left the chainmail at home, and wore black pants with brown laces up the sides.
I need some ideas on how to look less like a LARPer and more like a fantasy character (a troll) who stepped into real-life. Note that I now have a back baldric for the sword to carry it properly, and those elf-ears were somewhat of an impulse-buy.
maybe some fake gnarly teeth might add to the trolly'ness And like a crazy hairdo using like hair sticks that look like real sticks...
Quote from: Dev on October 15, 2008, 07:35:00 PM
I need some ideas on how to look less like a LARPer and more like a fantasy character (a troll) who stepped into real-life. Note that I now have a back baldric for the sword to carry it properly, and those elf-ears were somewhat of an impulse-buy.
I haven't seen too many LARPers but you don't look like a LARPer at all in that pic, to me, based on what little I know about it.
Yes, the elf ears look a tad silly, but cute at the same time. However I have this feeling cute is not what you are going for.
Quote from: gypsylakat on October 15, 2008, 07:52:38 PM
maybe some fake gnarly teeth might add to the trolly'ness And like a crazy hairdo using like hair sticks that look like real sticks...
I should definitely look into some vampire fangs while they're cheap and everywhere for halloween. Fangs on the bottom would be awesome, but I have some orthodontic buggery. I can probably fix something or other.
Hair sticks are an excellent idea. Porcupine quills are worth fooling around with.
I sketched some things and I'm having trouble deciding how to add texture without adding a lot of bulk that will induce heatstroke (without pickles and Killians, I would have had heatstroke in the chainmail)
Ok, well, you yourself are just way too adorable to look like a troll without significant makeup--I think that's part of the issue. You really look nothing at all like this (http://www.scandinaviantrends.com/images/MVC-007S.JPG), after all.
The other part, I think, is the chain mail. You look like you've stepped out of LOTR.
Overall, I think you need your look to be much less refined, and much more primitive.Have you thought about replacing the sword with a club? I'd do some image research into trolls (Scandinavian, in particular) for ideas to make yourself look less... nice.
Quote from: gem on October 16, 2008, 03:49:55 PM
Ok, well, you yourself are just way too adorable to look like a troll without significant makeup--I think that's part of the issue. You really look nothing at all like this (http://www.scandinaviantrends.com/images/MVC-007S.JPG), after all.
The other part, I think, is the chain mail. You look like you've stepped out of LOTR.
Overall, I think you need your look to be much less refined, and much more primitive.Have you thought about replacing the sword with a club? I'd do some image research into trolls (Scandinavian, in particular) for ideas to make yourself look less... nice.
A huldra is basically a female troll, a forest spirit, but I don't want to be in the same category as faeries. 3/4 barbarian and 1/4 magic.
I wanted to go with a club instead, but I'm not sure how I would go about peace tieing this...
(http://www.a2armory.com/images/axes-pics/clubmace2.jpg)
Quote from: Dev on October 16, 2008, 04:23:53 PM
Quote from: gem on October 16, 2008, 03:49:55 PM
Ok, well, you yourself are just way too adorable to look like a troll without significant makeup--I think that's part of the issue. You really look nothing at all like this (http://www.scandinaviantrends.com/images/MVC-007S.JPG), after all.
The other part, I think, is the chain mail. You look like you've stepped out of LOTR.
Overall, I think you need your look to be much less refined, and much more primitive.Have you thought about replacing the sword with a club? I'd do some image research into trolls (Scandinavian, in particular) for ideas to make yourself look less... nice.
A huldra is basically a female troll, a forest spirit, but I don't want to be in the same category as faeries. 3/4 barbarian and 1/4 magic.
I wanted to go with a club instead, but I'm not sure how I would go about peace tieing this...
(http://www.a2armory.com/images/axes-pics/clubmace2.jpg)
:D
*giggles*...When you figure it out, let me know - my husband has that same club, and I'm sure if he knew he could carry that club, a barbarian-type persona wouldn't be too far behind... ;D
Wicked "Fred Flintstone" club! Get a club like that without the spikes, then shape some hard foam rubber tubes into the spikes and paint them black......grab some super glue.....
Lethal looking and legal.
Issue resolved.
Quote from: Friar Rohn the Chronicler on October 16, 2008, 09:46:04 PM
Wicked "Fred Flintstone" club! Get a club like that without the spikes, then shape some hard foam rubber tubes into the spikes and paint them black......grab some super glue.....
Lethal looking and legal.
Issue resolved.
Wouldn't it still not be legal because you could still cudgel someone to death with it?
Point well taken......but, I can "whup" somebody senseless with my camera monopod and do far more damages with the sharp edges. ;D
It depends on the owners rules and the judgement of the gate inspectors. As for weapons, this is a list of my nephew's current weapons rack for the upcoming season:
1. A Spanish Rapier
2. A Italian Stiletto
3. Sheathed dagger
4. A German mace (currently being gold plated)
5. A working Italian crossbow with a 150 lbs draw.
All of these items will be peace tied with plastic tie downs and the crossbow will have the trigger assembly and string will be separately tied down.
BTW.....He's only 11...... ;)
Quote from: Friar Rohn the Chronicler on October 16, 2008, 11:01:16 PM
Point well taken......but, I can "whup" somebody senseless with my camera monopod and do far more damages with the sharp edges. ;D
It depends on the owners rules and the judgement of the gate inspectors. As for weapons, this is a list of my nephew's current weapons rack for the upcoming season:
1. A Spanish Rapier
2. A Italian Stiletto
3. Sheathed dagger
4. A German mace (currently being gold plated)
5. A working Italian crossbow with a 150 lbs draw.
All of these items will be peace tied with plastic tie downs and the crossbow will have the trigger assembly and string will be separately tied down.
BTW.....He's only 11...... ;)
I was about to say he'll look like a walking mini-armory, but I'm probably not much bigger ;D
Nice garb. Though, I don't think it's so much the weaponry that's the problem, it's the clothes. They look too clean and crisp, much like a LOTR elf. Maybe if you made the clothes look weathered or tattered, it'd help make it appear more realistic. Some horns could help knock off some more of the elf vibe. Fangs of some sort would definitely help to give you a wilder edge. Some sort of makeup, even if it's just around the eyes, like warpaint, would do.
Yeah....I finally looked at your photo and remembered the first photo you posted. It's a shame your not from my state, I'd make sure to find you at one the the RenFaires a shoot some great stills. OK, from the photo seen above I could see that you're young, very pretty with a slightly small stature. Here's my opinions:
1. Horns - nope. That may look OK if you are some 6'2" potbellied beasty (Oh Gawd....I just described myself), but on you.....it would ruin the warrior look.
2. Fangs - Uh-Uhhh. Your at a RenFaire.....not a Halloween Spookhouse.
3. I got a movie last month that may give you a idea. It's a English version of the Mad Max style of movies from years ago. It has a female character in it that had a viscous looking facial tattoo that really made her stand out. The movie is called "Doomsday".
(http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/463/2008doomsday006wj1.th.jpg) (http://img412.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2008doomsday006wj1.jpg)(http://img412.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php) (http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/4545/doomsday1517bc4.th.jpg) (http://img412.imageshack.us/my.php?image=doomsday1517bc4.jpg)(http://img412.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif) (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)
Sometimes, simple ways are the best ways. Research into this historical battle queen that terrified the Romans that tried to occupy ancient Britain, her name was "Boudica". She used simply war paint like the photos above to to drive the fear into the Romans and it worked pretty effectively.
I do agree that you may want to "dirty up" the clothes with a little war damage (soot, a few dried blood smears....). I saw a lady a few years ago at (I think) the KC RenFaire that had rigged a arrow wound that had gone through her front shoulder and had the other end protruding out the backside. I'll have to find some time to did through the photo archives to give you a better idea. It was a very good special effect.
I was about to say he'll look like a walking mini-armory, but I'm probably not much bigger ;D
He's dressing Noble Class, he didn't want to be perceived as a "pansy" to other kids. Historically, noble class children were raised to fight to keep their wealth and stature in society. Their training started as early as four years old.
Friar Rohn
Yes she was quite striking and stood out. loved the tattoo design and her outfit. Not to mention she kicked pretty good arse.
Yes, my favorite part of the movie (with the typical Brit humor) was the "stunning abuse" she received during the car chase scenes towards the final. ;D
Quote from: Friar Rohn the Chronicler on October 17, 2008, 03:33:57 PM
Yeah....I finally looked at your photo and remembered the first photo you posted. It's a shame your not from my state, I'd make sure to find you at one the the RenFaires a shoot some great stills. OK, from the photo seen above I could see that you're young, very pretty with a slightly small stature. Here's my opinions:
1. Horns - nope. That may look OK if you are some 6'2" potbellied beasty (Oh Gawd....I just described myself), but on you.....it would ruin the warrior look.
2. Fangs - Uh-Uhhh. Your at a RenFaire.....not a Halloween Spookhouse.
When I said fangs, I should've said something like small tusks instead. Vampire fangs wouldn't gist with something like a troll, obviously. ;)
And I meant smaller horns that looked like they were attached to Dev's head, like attached with spirit gum or on an elastic band. Not some horns on like a helmet.
If you're not too attached to your chainmaile looking nice, I have a few suggestions on things you could do to it.
for starters, punch some holes in it, it you do it the fun way and hang it up on something sturdy and attack it. something like a warhammer with a big spike on it would be best, punch through the rings and pull a few small sections apart. or if you'd like something a little more controlled, take out a pair of pliers and open out a few sections. if you open some larger areas try taking some leather lacing and "stitch" the cut section closed.
Also, it is very clean. Go to a sporting goods store that has a gun section and by a bottle of "Perma-Blue" gun blueing. Then take your chainmaile and rinse it under hot water letting it get nice and hot. (not so hot you burn yourself though.) Lay it out on a towel and pat it dry. Now while it is still warm start to splash the blueing on it. once you reach a color you like, rinse it again under cold water, this will stop the reaction. Gun blueing darkens metal by forming a layer of oxidation on it. While you would typically think that would be bad for metal, (guns in particular) in this case, it forms a protective layer.
The main problem doing this with chainmail is that it rubs off to a degree, but in your case, it rubbing off on your garb will only increase the affect I'm sure your going for.
Ears aren't a bad idea, but with your build, pointed ears make you look like an elf, try something that looks diffrent then the norm. Doing a quick google search for costume prosthetic ears, I found http://www.aradanicostumes.com/elfears.php (http://www.aradanicostumes.com/elfears.php) option b, c, or g could work, look around, see what you can find that you like.
Quote from: jcbanner on October 18, 2008, 02:29:25 AM
If you're not too attached to your chainmaile looking nice, I have a few suggestions on things you could do to it.
for starters, punch some holes in it, it you do it the fun way and hang it up on something sturdy and attack it. something like a warhammer with a big spike on it would be best, punch through the rings and pull a few small sections apart. or if you'd like something a little more controlled, take out a pair of pliers and open out a few sections. if you open some larger areas try taking some leather lacing and "stitch" the cut section closed.
Also, it is very clean. Go to a sporting goods store that has a gun section and by a bottle of "Perma-Blue" gun blueing. Then take your chainmaile and rinse it under hot water letting it get nice and hot. (not so hot you burn yourself though.) Lay it out on a towel and pat it dry. Now while it is still warm start to splash the blueing on it. once you reach a color you like, rinse it again under cold water, this will stop the reaction. Gun blueing darkens metal by forming a layer of oxidation on it. While you would typically think that would be bad for metal, (guns in particular) in this case, it forms a protective layer.
The main problem doing this with chainmail is that it rubs off to a degree, but in your case, it rubbing off on your garb will only increase the affect I'm sure your going for.
Ears aren't a bad idea, but with your build, pointed ears make you look like an elf, try something that looks diffrent then the norm. Doing a quick google search for costume prosthetic ears, I found http://www.aradanicostumes.com/elfears.php (http://www.aradanicostumes.com/elfears.php) option b, c, or g could work, look around, see what you can find that you like.
Those are good ideas. The only other thing I'd use it for is part of wardrobe for a black metal photo night.
It's aluminum, will bluing still work?
I want those "G" ears. I tried to buy them at the faire but my paychecks were crappy.
A thought to how you might peace tie your club. Construct a back scabbard. It wouldn't need to be elaborate. Something with a thick piece of leather against the back to protect you from the spikes and then lanyards to securly tie the club in three or four places. The spikes would keep it from being pulled free.
With the mail, the leather for tieing down the club could even be rigged up inside it, to make in not be so visable.
http://www.nightmarefactory.com/fangs.html
they have all kinds of different teeth... I like the site.
If you want to make your tunic look a little more worn try letting it hang out in the sun for about all winter.. try to wear it alot! even just putzing around at home it will take the new look off of it. Wash it every time you do laundry..
Also remember that you are gonna have to lug a club around all day do your research on the weight and all that fun stuff...
Try painting some differnt designs on your face, go swirly, dots what ever catches your fancy!
You could look for porkupine quills for hair sticks I think that the big beefy ones are African Porkupines..
have fun with it and post pictures!
Thought: since I have a bodice of obvious (though eccentric) ren style, would a skirt be overkill and put me too ahead of my time? Keep in mind with the skirt, I'd have it hiked on both sides and rabbit-fur bum-flaps (those rectangles of fabric on both front and back, which is a theme with all my garbs) The alternative is tight black pants with laces up the sides, with said bum-flaps.
The problem with the pants is that I would need something to take up the space between the top of them and the top of my bodice, because the bodice stops at my waist and the pants stop at my hips. Ideas?
Another question is since the boots, bodice, and pants are black, I need an accent colour. Last 2 years I had green, but it's hard to find a nice ugly green that's not a seafoam, lime, olive or emerald.
How about a nice red for a accent.. even a dark blue would look nice..
or if you are comfoable with it show off your tummy.. you dont have to worry about that pesky H/A stuff since you are a toll
or even a nice bit of fabric tied around your waist in nice sash kinda thing to cover the space that the bodice leave...
( you are turning into my cyber dress up dolly! lol :D )
Quote from: Adriana Rose on November 20, 2008, 12:48:36 PM
How about a nice red for a accent.. even a dark blue would look nice..
or if you are comfoable with it show off your tummy.. you dont have to worry about that pesky H/A stuff since you are a toll
or even a nice bit of fabric tied around your waist in nice sash kinda thing to cover the space that the bodice leave...
( you are turning into my cyber dress up dolly! lol :D )
I'd rather do dark blue than red. The black and red combination is too passe IMO. My bodice isn't stomach-friendly either because it's pointed in the front; I was trying different outfits before going to a concert and it looked baaaaaaaad.
I thought of just having the "bumflaps" at waist-level, and covering the gap between them and my pants with 7-8 scraps of fabric that tie on the sides (kind of like when you cut a t-shirt then tie it together)
what about a tunic style camisole under the bodice.. I do that with my fairy stuff, you can just see the top of the cami and then it comes down underneath... doesn't quite solve the color issue...
And i agree with you about the red and black... but their my favorite colors! :( why does everyone else have to like them too?
Quote from: gypsylakat on December 02, 2008, 01:12:08 AM
what about a tunic style camisole under the bodice.. I do that with my fairy stuff, you can just see the top of the cami and then it comes down underneath... doesn't quite solve the color issue...
And i agree with you about the red and black... but their my favorite colors! :( why does everyone else have to like them too?
You sort of gave me a good idea, but most of my ideas seem good until I actually try them out IRL.
I could recycle my freehand tunic from last year. It started out as more of a knee-length, long-sleeve chemise-type thing, but by the time I realised white was too clean looking, my design wasn't sophisticated enough to accommodate boobs, and it was too long to show off my side-lace pants, I dyed it a nice scummy grey (I might make it brown or black), cutting it down the front until it fit, and cutting the sides, all I would really need to do is cut the sleeves off.
What about make-up? I'm an explorer/unofficial diplomat, not a warrior or a princess, (and lazy) so I'm going for something a bit simple and condensed. I always went bare-faced, but that was very plain. 2 ideas i had are smudgy black "raccoon eyes" or a more understated colour (silver, gold, light blue) up to my eyebrows, somewhat down the sides of my nose, and striped a bit down below my eyes but not fully down on my cheeks. Full face paint may be a pain to deal with in 90 degree weather.