LARPing it up in the Peak District.

[SoulKiss]

About September-time last year, when my SV was languishing in my garage, and my CG125 was getting me around, the subject of the August Bank Holiday came up, an what people had been doing.

Turned out I wasn't the only one who had been off dressing in leather, hitting people with rubber swords and getting drunk in a field.

There were even some more LARPers around.

Now a couple of people expressed an interest in this, so, with 3 months before the August bank holiday I thought I would bring it up again.

So, who would be interested in finding out more, or coming along?

I figure that while it is maybe not the best event, The Gathering, which is held near Derby would be best suited.

My reasoning (for those that know The Gathering and other events) is that its pretty much in the centre of England, making it accessable, its fairly newbie friendly, and its on the doorstep of the Peak District, meaning that if anyone comes along and isnt really into the LARP stuff, well they can use the event as a base and somewhere to pitch a tent, and go off riding during the daytime.

For more info on The Gathering, go to HERE (http://www.merlinroute.co.uk/realworld/events/gathering.htm)

So who's with me?

http://www.chaoscrypt.com/karathan/DSC_0050.JPG

[Alpinestarhero]

This sounds interesting to me, what goes on? Is it re-enactment of fights and stuff? I don't know what to expect, other than alot of men looking quite mean

Matt

[SoulKiss]

This sounds interesting to me, what goes on? Is it re-enactment of fights and stuff? I don't know what to expect, other than alot of men looking quite mean

Matt

Not really re-enactment.

You decide on a character you want to play in the magically enabled fantasy setting that they have created.

This means you will meet anything from Pirates, to Ninjas, to Mages.

You then get to role-play that character for a weekend.

Combat is "real" as in it isnt staged. Basically if someone comes at you waving a sword/axe at you, well you decide, draw your own weapon and trade blows or run away - up to you :)

Have a read of the website I linked to in the 1st post, they have a "what is this all about" section :)

David

[ASM-Forever]

So basically its WoW brought to life....LOL...we all want photos when you get back :)

[SoulKiss]

So basically its WoW brought to life....LOL...we all want photos when you get back :)

Why not come see for yourself??? :)

[Lissa]

Sounds like good fun:D

I think personally I'd be a Kender. I always loved Tasselhoff in the Dragonlance chronicles.

[Jester666]

Sounds like good fun:D

I think personally I'd be a Kender. I always loved Tasselhoff in the Dragonlance chronicles.

Such great books. Tasselhoff was soo cool always "finding" things in his pouches! :D

[Lissa]

Such great books. Tasselhoff was soo cool always "finding" things in his pouches! :D

:D :D

Mind you, I always had a bit of a yen for Raistlin too...............you know what they say, women always have a soft spot for the darker guys:D

[Jester666]

:D :D

Mind you, I always had a bit of a yen for Raistlin too...............you know what they say, women always have a soft spot for the darker guys:D

What was the name of the Barbarian Priestess?

My young(ish) imagination always ran wild about her!! :smt055 :D

[Lissa]

What was the name of the Barbarian Priestess?

My young(ish) imagination always ran wild about her!! :smt055 :D

Goldmoon:D

I bet she got many a young lads imagination going;)

[Alpinestarhero]

I see...i'd definatly be interested in watching what its all about, but the peak district is quite far for me to ride too; mind you, in another years time when I've got more riding under me, I'll definatly come along. Count me in for 2008!

Unless you can move it all to sussex for 2007:)

Matt

[SoulKiss]

I see...i'd definatly be interested in watching what its all about, but the peak district is quite far for me to ride too; mind you, in another years time when I've got more riding under me, I'll definatly come along. Count me in for 2008!

Unless you can move it all to sussex for 2007:)

Matt

Its not THAT far :)

Couple of hundred miles, fairly straight road too, just get yourself over to the M1 :)

Go on - you know you want to, tho to be honest its very much a patricipation thing rather than a watching thing - but it fun :)

[SoulKiss]

Goldmoon:D

I bet she got many a young lads imagination going;)

So Lissa and Jester - can I count you guys as yes's ???

Get to relive those teenage dreams :)

:P

Oh BTW you know they are making a Dragonlance animated film?

Keifer Sutherland is doing the voice of Raistlin, while Xena (Lucy Lawless) is doing Goldmoon.

http://imdb.com/title/tt0825245/

[rigor]

I'm soooo tempted by this, did a fair amount of Larping up until a few years ago, but never made the Gathering.... hmmm I'm going to have to have a think about this (mmmmm rubber :D :D)

[SoulKiss]

I'm soooo tempted by this, did a fair amount of Larping up until a few years ago, but never made the Gathering.... hmmm I'm going to have to have a think about this (mmmmm rubber :D :D)

Go on - you know you want/have to :)

If you can get a doggy-sitter for the weekend (have checked the rules - no pets) drag Sam along too :)

David

[rigor]

Go on - you know you want/have to :)

If you can get a doggy-sitter for the weekend (have checked the rules - no pets) drag Sam along too :)

David

Heh, he's not pet, he's a hell hound, and as such I think would fit in perfectly :D

[Bear]

Being as how I'm the Soho Massive's resident Giant, it'd be rude not to...

[the white rabbit]

Heh, he's not pet, he's a hell hound, and as such I think would fit in perfectly :D

Just say he's a child dressed as a dog. Who will know? I remember a rather convincing cat in a thread a while ago on a similar subject (not that I like looking at pics of people dressed up funny or nothing :p)

[Kinvig]

Tempted:

the only leathers I have are biker leathers.

But I could make a pretty convincing pirate (party last year)

but I also have a gorilla-o-gram suit - would that be the cooleset thing ever or WHAT!

[Kinvig]

:D :D

Mind you, I always had a bit of a yen for Raistlin too...............you know what they say, women always have a soft spot for the darker guys:D

Tas was cool.

Raistlin was a bit of a flid, mind.

[Kinvig]

(have checked the rules - no pets)

Hmm, technically Artoo is a pet to no man.


However, I *swear* he is the mighty battle cat when I just happen to wave aloft my mighty Highlander replica Katana & say, "By the power of Stella. I have the power"

[SoulKiss]

Tempted:

the only leathers I have are biker leathers.

But I could make a pretty convincing pirate (party last year)

but I also have a gorilla-o-gram suit - would that be the cooleset thing ever or WHAT!

Or there is your Gandalf suggestion from the LotR thread :)

But if you want to monkey around for the weekend :) Just dont go totally ape :)

[K]

That's it Soulkiss me ol' mukka - you rope em in then once they're hooked...

... they'll know where to come for kit!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/spazmutt/Kodo%20Leathercraft/BPPScside.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/spazmutt/Kodo%20Leathercraft/BPScPaDetail2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/spazmutt/Kodo%20Leathercraft/BPRoFr.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/spazmutt/Kodo%20Leathercraft/BPElScSk.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/spazmutt/Kodo%20Leathercraft/ScSk.jpg

Though that last one is still a work in progress. ;)

[rigor]

Wow K, your stuff is really good, a couple of years ago I would have paid FAR too much money for something along the lines of the first pic (In black, silver detailing mmmMmMmm) :D

I'll have to dig out a pic from the last time I did anything :)

[Tomcat]

So is it wrong of me to be thinking that the top in that first pic would look great with a pair of jeans and some chunky boots

nice :o

[rigor]

I'm going to regret this :p

http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/9484/untitled1he9.th.jpg (http://img119.imageshack.us/my.php?image=untitled1he9.jpg)

I don't have any pics of me as a drow though :( I liked that look :D

[SoulKiss]

That's it Soulkiss me ol' mukka - you rope em in then once they're hooked...

... they'll know where to come for kit!


Yeppers, thats the plan.

So K, I know its The Gathering, but lets get a load of SVers hooked then we can go to decent places with a decent group.

Plus as said above, we can escape for an afternoon and go ride Snake Pass.

David :)

[SoulKiss]

So is it wrong of me to be thinking that the top in that first pic would look great with a pair of jeans and some chunky boots

nice :o

Hey Tomcat - you up for some LARping?

Its only just down at Locko Park

Go on - you know you want to :) You can be High Inqisitor of the group if you like :)

[Sudoxe]

And I thought you were normal! :lol:

Dan
I'm going to regret this :p

http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/9484/untitled1he9.th.jpg (http://img119.imageshack.us/my.php?image=untitled1he9.jpg)

I don't have any pics of me as a drow though :( I liked that look :D

[rigor]

And I thought you were normal! :lol:

Dan

Don't know what gave you that impression :D

[Kinvig]

That's it Soulkiss me ol' mukka - you rope em in then once they're hooked...

... they'll know where to come for kit!
;)


Shameless plug! ;o)

[Kinvig]

Or there is your Gandalf suggestion from the LotR thread :)

But if you want to monkey around for the weekend :) Just dont go totally ape :)


Coudl set up an SV gorilla group

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/9772/dscf0168uo3.th.jpg (http://img172.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscf0168uo3.jpg)

[Baph]

I've now read the whole thread, and I'll sum it up:

Getting drunk in a field?

Anyone up for this?

Disappear off to snake pass.

Well damn. That's only 1h30 from me. Subject to time availability, I'll happily make an appearence. I mean, beer is beer! And Snake Pass!

What? There's going to be blokes in leather bashing each other round the head timmy mallet stylee? Pass me another beer!

[SoulKiss]

Coudl set up an SV gorilla group

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/9772/dscf0168uo3.th.jpg (http://img172.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscf0168uo3.jpg)

Ok post of Gorilla Warfare Expert open for ya if you fell like monkying about :P

[Kinvig]

Ok post of Gorilla Warfare Expert open for ya if you fell like monkying about :P

sweet!

[Kinvig]

Ok post of Gorilla Warfare Expert open for ya if you fell like monkying about :P
btw: good pun on the use of the phrase "Guerilla warefare"!

[SoulKiss]

I've now read the whole thread, and I'll sum it up:

Getting drunk in a field?

Anyone up for this?

Disappear off to snake pass.

Well damn. That's only 1h30 from me. Subject to time availability, I'll happily make an appearence. I mean, beer is beer! And Snake Pass!

What? There's going to be blokes in leather bashing each other round the head timmy mallet stylee? Pass me another beer!

Only problem with that Baph is its an all or nothing thing - the entrance/camping fee is only available for the whole weekend - Friday mid-day to Monday evening.

But we could always arrange a rideout for the Sunday and meet up with ya :)

Or you could come for the weekend :)

[Kinvig]

Only problem with that Baph is its an all or nothing thing - the entrance/camping fee is only available for the whole weekend - Friday mid-day to Monday evening.

But we could always arrange a rideout for the Sunday and meet up with ya :)

Or you could come for the weekend :)

That's a point: There was a lot of text on that site so I got a bit lazy & skimmed a bit of it, question:

When?
How much?
Where?

;o)

[SoulKiss]

That's a point: There was a lot of text on that site so I got a bit lazy & skimmed a bit of it, question:

When?
How much?
Where?

;o)

When and where


The Gathering 2007 (http://www.merlinroute.co.uk/realworld/events/gathering.htm)
August Bank Holiday
24th - 27th August 2007

Locko Park, Spondon, Derbyshire. (Directions (http://www.merlinroute.co.uk/realworld/events/directions.htm)and AA signposted).

Cost - depends on when you book.

The Gathering 2007 (G) (booked before 19th May) £50
The Gathering 2007 (G) (booked before 14th July) £55

Or it will be £60 if you just decide to turn up and pay on the door - well gate actually

[PsychoCannon]

An excuse to wear my Ninja outfit outside of a fancy dress party?....Oh go on then :)

(What can I say it was a hoot walking down St Albans to the cash point in full gear! I think I made a few peoples friday night more colourful ^_^)

[Ping]

An excuse to wear my Ninja outfit outside of a fancy dress party?....Oh go on then :)

(What can I say it was a hoot walking down St Albans to the cash point in full gear! I think I made a few peoples friday night more colourful ^_^)
I hope you did the proper over-exagerrated stealth ninja walk... :lol: :lol: :lol:

[SoulKiss]

I hope you did the proper over-exagerrated stealth ninja walk... :lol: :lol: :lol:

Hey Ping, didnt say you were kind of interested????

[Ping]

Yeah, but I can't commit to anything until my stupid house move happens whenever it happens... I'm sure it'll happen before then but I'm debating what I'll be doing with my life after the move. :lol:

SO, right now I haven't a clue.

[Jabba]

There's going to be blokes in leather bashing each other round the head timmy mallet stylee? Pass me another beer!


I can't seem to get The Goodies and "The Noble Art of Eckie Thump" out of my mind when anyone mentions Larping :D

[PsychoCannon]

I hope you did the proper over-exagerrated stealth ninja walk... :lol: :lol: :lol:

My memory is a bit hazy but I do remember trying to cling to a wall at one point spider man style....

[SoulKiss]

Come on people, lets get some names down here.

Bear, you got that special look in your eye when having a look at my LARP kit the other week, and that Pole-Axe was SOOOOOOO you.

Ping, you are not getting out of it - ok maybe if the house thing isnt sorted but otherwise.......

Rigor, make a childhood (well young adulthood) dream come true and come along.

Come on people :)

[PsychoCannon]

Me and the other half are in London for our first Aniversary on Friday through to Sunday but will try to get up for the last day (Monday) as it sounds like a novel way to finish off the weekend :)

[SoulKiss]

Me and the other half are in London for our first Aniversary on Friday through to Sunday but will try to get up for the last day (Monday) as it sounds like a novel way to finish off the weekend :)

Unfortunatly day-visits are not possible - its whole weekend or nothing - although I think you could spectate which would allow you to watch the battle (from a distance). That does however, seem like a long distance to go for not a lot - maybe next year.

Spending 1st anniversary in London with the other half - hah! I spent my 1st anniversary doing my CBT :P

[PsychoCannon]

Ahhhh you old romantic you :) ;)

OK sign me up to the next one :(
I want pictures though! sounds like fun.

Any other events going on this year?

[SoulKiss]

Ahhhh you old romantic you :) ;)

OK sign me up to the next one :(
I want pictures though! sounds like fun.

Any other events going on this year?

Loads of events, at least 3 different organisations running at the moment.

The Gathering is one of the bigger ones, probably most Newbie friendly, is on the doorstep of the Peak District and is the one event I am going to this year, which is why I am pimping it :)

David

[Kinvig]

Fancy it, I just can't commit to anything so far in advance!!!!

[Pedrosa]

Peter Henry be told me that just few km away from him in couple weeks, he will see many peoples dressed this way. Apparently biggest Harley rally in europe this year take place with maybe 15'000 expected!:confused:

[SoulKiss]

Thread Resurrection time........

Ok so its now about a month away from The Gathering, time to look for a show of hands :)

So, who is interested?

[Stingo]

Now see - here's another excellent idea for AR08 - we can all turn up with our stuff, armour, hats, funny boots etc:queen: !!







The we can do Jackson Thriller monster dance thingy....oh, hang on, that was the other thread...sorry, carry on, nothing else to see here:elephant:

[SoulKiss]

Ok, its a week closer.

Anyone up for this, or am I on my own?

If you are just unsure what this is, ask, but I think its pretty well covered :)

David

[SoulKiss]

*bump*

[Jdubya]

No...

[northwind]

Sorry David, I shall be getting drunk in a completely different field. Probably a less pleasant one, with more thieves and maniacs.

[SoulKiss]

Well in the end, due to work and family commitments, the 4 that were going became 2.

So Ibishu and I met up at Toddington Services, hopped off the M1 at J18 looking for some interesting roads as the M1 was too boring.

Ended up in Northampton and after a brief visit to see Paws, headed off again, and found a nice scenic route that involved Market Harborough.

Eventually we got to Derby, found the site, got set up and got ready to go do some LARP. Well eventually we did following me "losing" my wallet - found it at the bottom of a bag in the end so all ok.

Much LARPing and drink ensued.

Sunday saw us go for a run - did Derby to Matlock Bath to Buxton to Glossop.

Then it was on to Snake Pass (cue obligatory bike shots)
http://www.chaoscrypt.com/karathan/2007/pics/thumb_SA700015.JPGhttp://www.chaoscrypt.com/karathan/2007/pics/thumb_SA700016.JPGhttp://www.chaoscrypt.com/karathan/2007/pics/thumb_SA700017.JPG

and lunch at the Snake Pass Inn

http://www.chaoscrypt.com/karathan/2007/pics/thumb_SA700021.JPGhttp://www.chaoscrypt.com/karathan/2007/pics/thumb_SA700022.JPG

Then we headed south at the Ladybower Reservoir, down to Bakewell, back through Matlock Bath and back to the LARPing.

Sarah has better pics than I do of the actual LARP event - I will get them and add them later.

[northwind]

Sounds like a grand weekend... Did you get the same insane heat we did?

[SoulKiss]

Sounds like a grand weekend... Did you get the same insane heat we did?

Heat was only the low to mid 20's I think - tho seemed really hot during the daytime.

It was indeed a grand weekend - pencil you in for next year Northy?

Yes, I AM indeed beginning the recruitment drive already :)

[northwind]

If it's the bank holiday I'll be at Reading again :cool: Just got our tickets.

[SoulKiss]

Well may try and do some of the smaller 3 day events - tho they clashed with AR07 this year and may clash with AR08.

Last May Bank-Holiday weekend springs to mind as does last weekend in June. First weekend in July.

For the August Bank Holiday Event - well ok you can skip 08 - 09 however (as in 2 years warning ...............:P)

[ibishu]

I wish to point out that i have never been to anything like this in my life and i loved it.

it really was like walking around Orgrimmar in real life. (a city in world of warcraft for those who don't know)

i had a mad time and enjoyed it immensely.

if you want to see some of my shots, look in to here.
http://picasaweb.google.com.au/sarahlloyd/LARP?authkey=7lwwtCGxetw

there was the obligatory guy in a chicken suit, some battle shots and a couple of shots to get a sense of how many people were running around this field in chain-mail shouting 'have at you!' and calling out spells and what not. in all i found the experience amazing and i will definitely be going again.

Now i am not a violent person, i did not participate in any battles or anything, but it was so much fun just to watch and see everyone having such a great time in character. it seems like letting your alter ego out loose while playing dress ups and being able to hit people with big sticks. whats not to like?

Soulkiss tells me that if we can show how many of these people are nubile young ladies in corsetry, we may have a bigger Sv contingent next year...

and i must say, i was very impressed with the town of Matlock Bath and the beautiful roads we found up through the heather too.

[Kinvig]

You photographed the Knights that go Ni!

[ibishu]

You photographed the Knights that go Ni!

Tim from the same movie was there too, but i couldn't get a good shot of him/her.
and a balrog, (lord of the rings)
and anything else you can think of was there. it was a very imaginative place.

[ethariel]

For those of you looking to give LRP a bash, http://www.labyrinthe.co.uk (http://www.labyrinthe.co.uk/) runs 49 weekends a year have a look at the site it is, afterall, the ultimate esacpe from reality.

Colin

[ASM-Forever]

I wish to point out that i have never been to anything like this in my life and i loved it.

it really was like walking around Orgrimmar in real life. (a city in world of warcraft for those who don't know)

i had a mad time and enjoyed it immensely.

if you want to see some of my shots, look in to here.
http://picasaweb.google.com.au/sarahlloyd/LARP?authkey=7lwwtCGxetw

there was the obligatory guy in a chicken suit, some battle shots and a couple of shots to get a sense of how many people were running around this field in chain-mail shouting 'have at you!' and calling out spells and what not. in all i found the experience amazing and i will definitely be going again.

Now i am not a violent person, i did not participate in any battles or anything, but it was so much fun just to watch and see everyone having such a great time in character. it seems like letting your alter ego out loose while playing dress ups and being able to hit people with big sticks. whats not to like?

Soulkiss tells me that if we can show how many of these people are nubile young ladies in corsetry, we may have a bigger Sv contingent next year...

and i must say, i was very impressed with the town of Matlock Bath and the beautiful roads we found up through the heather too.

Firstly chicken-man is obviously the best attired. :cool:

Secondly....how many people died? :p

It looks a right laugh, but i cant imagine myself ever doing it.

[Quiff Wichard]

that looks ace !

[SoulKiss]

that looks ace !

I'll book you in for next year then Quiff?

[Grinch]

Mmmmh...