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Posted by Jenni on 01 24th, 2012 | No Comments Skyrim: A World of its Own...
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Posted by Breanna on 12 30th, 2011 | No Comments The Knights Medieval Armor...
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Posted by Breanna on 11 29th, 2011 | No Comments Weapons used by the Knights Templar...
Skyrim: A World of its Own
In case you haven’t heard, ElderScrolls V: Skyrim is quickly becoming one of the most popular action role-playing games ever developed. Created by Bethesda Game Studies, this game completely immerses you into a medieval world of dungeons, dragons, magic, and good old fashioned adventuring.
Although I can’t personally claim that Skyrim can accurately portray the historical aspects of medieval times, I can guarantee that this unique world can satisfy your lust for tales of glory and gold while filling your imagination with brave warriors and damsels in distress.
Whether you prefer to delve into the deeper mysteries of magic or simply enjoy the pleasure of hacking your opponent with the nearest blunt object you can find, Skyrim has created a vast and complicated realm that will have you playing (almost obsessively) for hours on end no matter which type of combat you delight in at the time.
Each and every character has a personality and a story, and it’s entirely up to you whether or not you want to follow the plotline or simply explore the woods and mountains nearby. With dragons soaring overhead and undead stirring in forgotten crypts, Skyrim can be the perfect way to escape your modern day cares and bask in the engaging and beautiful realm of a medieval adventure.
While many typical rpg’s leave gamers sighing upon completion after 10 or 12 hours of gameplay (or less), Skyrim offers almost endless hours of game time without the boredom of grinding for experience or farming for gold. Some have put in over 120 hours into their Skyrim sessions and are still finding new and amazing quests to keep them occupied.
Coming from both a gamer and a fantasy-loving nerd, I can personally attest that Skyrim is a world all on its own. 40 hours in the game, I still can’t help but admire how enormous the world is. From atop a mountainside cliff, I almost get a sense of vertigo. While exploring an abandoned mine, I can nearly feel the claustrophobia and the fear of a potential cave collapse. The textures are convincing, and the sheer amount of detail put into the game are enough to make even the most skeptic bookworm admit that Skyrim has set a new standard when it comes to RPGs.
If you’re looking to plunge yourself into an entirely new world of medieval fun, then Skyrim might be just the game for you.
The Knights Medieval Armor
Wars have been fought since time began, fighting with clubs, swords, guns, and bombs. As time has progressed weapons, time has also progressed armor. In the 13th century, armor had progressed quite well.
Back then, armor did not come for free. It had to be purchased and fitted. The armor had to fit closely to the body for the soldier to be able to move around easily. Because armor had to be fitted, it was often not cheap. Knights were generally one of the few who were able to have it.
A symbol of power
Because of the high cost, Knights were generally the people who had armor. Armor was often a symbol of power. On their shields their house crest would be engraved and they would have spurs. When a knight was disgraced, their spurs would get cut off and their shield would have to be worn upside down.
A Lengthy Process
Putting on one’s armor was never a quick process. With all of those pieces of metal, the knights had to take time out of their day to be able to put it on. An apprentice to knights, called a squire, would often accompany them to the battlefield and assist with armor.
Layers of Armor
• The bottom layer is just as important as the top. Without the under clothes, the armor will chaff against the knight’s skin.
• The Aketon is an arming doublet
• The arms required chain mail, besagues, reebrace, and vambrace.
• To cover their torso, they would wear a chest plate and a back plate.
• For the head, chain mail would be worn to protect your brain.
Without Armor
Even though a portion of the army was without armor, it was still vital for the survival of the soldier or knight. When faced with an opponent, you will be glad you decided to buy teh armor.
Once Upon a Time
ABC has come out with a new fantasy show called Once Upon a Time. Based on the very popular fairy tales created by the Brothers Grim and other famous fairy tale writers, Once Upon a Time is a show that will fascinate both adults and children alike.
The use of Snow White
The writers of Once Upon a Time have been very creative of the story of Snow White. What is often known as a timid and shy princess turns into a courageous and daring one. The story of how Snow White and Prince Charming met is quite different than the one Walt Disney imagined. Snow White actually steals from Prince Charming (who calls himself James) in order to gain more money to leave the country. As the two collide, they realize that they are starting to fall in love with each other. The only problem is Prince Charming is already Engaged.
Beauty and the Beast
In January, Once Upon a Time will bring the famous Beauty and the Beast to life. The story line for this episode is currently unknown, but it is sure to please viewers.
A Modern Day World
A horrible curse was placed upon the fairy tale kingdom. They were sentenced to a life of unhappy endings forevermore. However, a beacon of hope was sent in the form of one child- Emma. One her 26th birthday, she would come back and reverse the curse. This is shown in the first episode when Emma’s son, Henry knocks on her door right after she blows out the candle on her cupcake.
This mix of childhood memories and modern day application combines into a beautiful show anyone can enjoy. The romance, humor, action, and fantasy will draw people who are looking to get a little more midevilmayhem into their lives.
Weapons used by the Knights Templar
There is a lot of speculation going around as to what kind of weapons the Knights Templar. Some claim they only used swords, shields, and bows and arrows. While others claim the Knights Templar has more sophisticated weapons that can rival some of the weapons we have today.
A Look at the Sword
The sword is the most useful weapon of the middle age. It has the power to go hand to hand in combat that has been lost today. Swords can vary in shape and size depending on the day and age, and upon the user. Every Knight had a preference as to what kind of sword they would like to use.
The Flame thrower
In a study done by the History Channel, the flame thrower was replicated by a blacksmith who was familiar with the customs of the time. The blacksmith was able to make the flame thrower in the form of a trumpet that would spew fire upon its enemies. This caused fear in all those who would cause the Knights Templar grief.
The Fire Ball
Another weapon that was used by the Knights Templar that involved fire was the fire ball. A ball made of a heavy substance would be coated with a liquid quite like gasoline and tar. Acting like greek fire, people would be unable to put out the flames. This ball would then be thrown down at their enemies and cause mayhem wherever it was thrown.
The Truth
It is hard to know what the Knights Templar really used. Countless records have been kept about these famous people, but it is difficult to tell if the accounts are authentic. The sword and shield were most likely used, but whether the flame thrower or the fire ball were used remains to be seen.
ABC’s Legend of the Seeker
Two years ago, ABC produced a tv show that surprised audiences all around. The Legend of the Seeker, based off the Sword of Truth book by Terry Goodkind is about a woman who travels across a boundry to find a seeker that can restore peace to the midlands. Once she crossed the boundry, she stumbles into the seeker, but does not know it at the time, and continues to look for the wizard who can show her to the seeker.
The story continues on about Richard Cypher’s journey through the midlands, trying to kill the evil tyrant Darken Rahl. This show is full of adventure, romance, and even a few laughs along the way. This show is perfect for anyone who loves medieval mayhem. There is plenty of swordfights, mythical creatures, and magic.
A Little bit of Love
For those who are more interested in the romance side of the story, readers can rest easy because there is plenty of it. The two main characters, Richard Cypher (played by Craig Horner) and Kahlan Amnell (played by Bridget Regan), fall in love. However they cannot be together because of Kahlan’s magic as a confessor. The tale of how they learn to cope with this challenge is an interesting and exciting one.
A hint of Laughter
The humor comes from the wizard, Zeddicus Zu’l Zorander (played by Bruce Spence). The old man is humorous from the moment he walks onto the screen. This form of comic relief helps keep the show light when it seems to be at its darkest moment.
The Tragic Ending
This great show was cancelled after two seasons because one of the producers decided not to renew the show. Fans of the Legend of the Seeker rose up in hopes of renewing the show. They called “Save our Seeker” and are constantly working to bring their beloved show back to life.
Facts About Charlemagne
Considered one of the greatest medieval kings, Charlemagne was born in 742 in an unknown place. He was originally of German origin, and he was said to have strength of body, courage of spirit, pride of race, and crude simplicity often associated with the German race. He had only read a few books, instead focusing on other areas of study. However, Charlemagne was known for his takeovers.
Starting in his capital of Aachen, Charlemagne began a series of 53 separate campaigns to expand his reach. He fought the Saxons, because the Saxons were said to be pagans, and he continued on campaigns against many other tribes as well.
However, by the time he grew older, he resigned himself to peace. The truth was always that Charlemagne had preferred administration to war, and while he was able to persuade men to go to war and lead them effectively, it wasn’t his first choice.
Charlemagne in his time, made military service a requirement to own property, and he founded the martial morale. Every free man was called to arms at one time or another, and the sense of community and public responsibility grew under his reign.
Outside of his war campaigns, some consider Charlemagne to be one of the most enlightened and just government systems seen in Europe since Theodoric the Goth. Of course, not everyone agrees and there are some who would argue more for the influence of his wars on his reputation and overall nature.
However, because he fought to free the peasantry, restore schools, and many other things in direct opposition to circumstance at the time, it’s hard to deny that Charlemagne was more than his wars.
Shakespearean Festival
Never mind jousting, are you in the mood for some medieval fare, raucous insults, and provocative innuendo? Get your feel of medieval times by visiting the Shakespearean festival, in none other than Cedar City, Utah.
Going through September is the amazingly done Shakespearean festival with many of the plays written by the bard himself. If you’ve never been to this historical festival, you are in for a treat.
Cedar city is decked out in the fairies and joker décor so well-used in many of the plays. Restaurants are themed around original dishes just like the good ol’ medieval times.
As for the festival itself, there is an outdoor theater, very like the one the original plays were produced. In an amphitheater type, the actors project their voices to be heard to the very back, and audience participation is encouraged.
For light rain, and other such instances, mostly the actors and actresses keep going on, hardly noticing the dribble. However, for the more serious down pour there are other more traditional theaters to keep the audience safe and warm.
There are daily shows before the start of the plays for the actors to put on skits and take part with a more up close and personal reaction with the audiences, and many come for the free show.
You can also go on a backstage tour of the many different play houses and see all that the backstage crew does to get the actors and stages ready.
Accurate even down to the heavy jewel-encrusted gowns worn by the traditional Shakespearean times, months and months of preparation go into these plays.
Brush up on your Shakespearean English and practice your slurs, you don’t want to miss some of the best medieval talk, shows, and plays, with the entire festival of shows, crowds, and food!
Why is Jousting the State Sport of Maryland?
Jousting? Really?
You may or may not have known this before you clicked here, but Maryland is the jousting center of the United States. Even today in the 21st century, this medieval sport, the oldest known equestrian sport is played frequently by members of the official Maryland Jousting Tournament Association. The question is, how in the world did jousting become the state sport of Maryland?
Coming to America
In 1634, Lord Baltimore founded the colony of Maryland. It was a different time, and I guess people back in England back then still jousted. Lord Baltimore was a fan, and organized that people have jousting tournaments in America, the same I they would if they were in the homeland. And thus American jousting began. Jousting survived through wars and hard times to present day, where it is alive and kicking.
20th Century
As opposed to the previously more common private matched, in the 20th Century, jousters wanted to form for formal tournaments. In 1950, the Maryland Jousting Tournament Association officially came into being. Jousters and their supporters dress up in period clothing and meet together to relish in the heritage of the sport of their ancestors.
In 1962, the Honorable Henry J. Fowler, member of The Maryland House of Delegates, introduced a bill to make jousting the official state sport of Maryland. The bill passed in both houses with flying colors. Until that time, jousting has been the official state sport. Maryland is the only state in the United States that has an official state sport.
Modern Day Tradition
Though jousting was an early form of warfare in which jousters were actually out to injury their opponents and knock them off their horses for example. Over time jousting became a more recreational sport which involves charging on your horse, and looping a giant ring onto your lance better than and before your opponent you is riding in the opposite direction, going for the same ring.
Anyone who attends the Maryland Renaissance Festival can witness the jousting first hand. The Maryland Jousting Tournament Association performs every year.
Preparing for the Renaissance Festival
Ready for the Renaissance Festival?
It’s that time of year again! Throughout America, touring and permanent renaissance festivals are showing up everywhere! Whether or not you’ve ever been to a Renaissance fair, it’s always nice to be prepared. Here are three tips to being prepared for the upcoming festivals.
Preparing for the Renaissance Festival
1) Do Your Research
Search your city, state, and largest city in your area for any Renaissance Festivals. If you’re planning on attending this year, be sure to mark your calendar. Most festivals are only open in a certain area for a few weeks at a time. Be sure not to miss out! Before you go to the fair, find out what preforming acts will be preforming when you go to the fair. See if a map is available online so that you can learn to maneuver your way through the crowd in order to make the most of your time at the festival. In addition, learn if there is a dress code, or if there are any restrictions against bringing pets or fake or real weapons.
2) Bring Plenty of Cash
These festivals are filled with shops and food stands. Remember, you are going to a fair, and fair food princes are usually really inflated. As for the gist shops, there is jewelry, trinkets, hand woven handicrafts, flower wreaths for your head, etc. Some of the stands will accept credit, but cash is definitely easier at this sort of event.
3) Costumes
People love to dress up for the Renaissance Festival. Check your local Renaissance Fair, and see if there is a particular theme happening on any particular day. Sometimes these fairs have themes like pirate, Romeo and Juliet, knights, princesses, etc. If nothing specific is mentioned, feel free to dress up anyway! You’re going to be on your feet all day, so make sure your clothes/costumes and your shoes are comfortable enough to be wearing all day.
Review: Brandon Sanderson’s “Elantris”
I recently finished Brandon Sanderson’s “Elantris.” The story was his debut into the fantasy market and if you ask me, it’s a pretty damn good first impression. While reading it, there are definitely moments you can tell he was a new author but the mistakes are forgivable. In all, the plot is very original, has good characters, and has some very thought provoking themes.
The story revolves around a character named Raoden, the Prince of Kae who wakes up one day to find out that he has become an Elantrian. Decades ago, this would have been a good thing. The Elantrians were gods living in the city of Elantris, wielding and channeling magical energy through runes called Aons. But something happened, some disaster caused them to lose their powers and degrade into a collective of zombie-like immortals. Once Raoden becomes an Elantrian he is cursed with baldness, leathery and splotchy skin, and wounds that never heal and pain that never ends. Upon finding him, his father declares him dead and locks him away in the ruined city of Elantris where the monsters go once the awful transformation claims them. Instead of giving up hope as the cursed being that he is, Raoden attempts to unravel the mystery as to why Elantris fell and why the magic the Elantrians used no longer works.
Outside Raoden’s prison city, a memorable female character named Sarene comes to Kae as she is betrothed to the fallen prince. During her time there she meets Hrathen, a high-ranking church official from the east who has been sent to convert the city of Kae. If he fails, his prophet has warned him that the city of Kae will be exterminated.
The results is a tale of political intrigue, lost love, and religious conflicts that really makes for quite an interesting read. In reality, it has a plot unlike any other fantasy I’ve ever read. It turns the conventions so common to this genre on their heads. There is no nefarious dark lord on the horizon who can only be killed once a certain talisman is destroyed. Instead, Sanderson has woven a completely original story that you shouldn’t miss.
