Beginning new garb project

[Dev]

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.

[gypsylakat]

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...

[Lord Duelist]

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.

[Dev]

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)

[gem]

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, 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. 

[Dev]

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, 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...

[Tygrkat]

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, 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...

*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...

[Friar Rohn the Chronicler]

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.

[Dev]

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?

[Friar Rohn the Chronicler]

Point well taken......but, I can "whup" somebody senseless with my camera monopod and do far more damages with the sharp edges. 

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......

[Dev]

Point well taken......but, I can "whup" somebody senseless with my camera monopod and do far more damages with the sharp edges. 

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 

[Selkie]

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.

[Friar Rohn the Chronicler]

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". 

 

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 

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

[Capt Gabriela Fullpepper]

Yes she was quite striking and stood out. loved the tattoo design and her outfit. Not to mention she kicked pretty good arse.

[Friar Rohn the Chronicler]

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.