Pretty much what they all said! I just want to emphasize that a lot might depend on whatever group you end up joining. Some are much more strict on historical accuracy, and (for example) might not allow a gambeson made of cotton canvas (though I agree that one looks best of the choices you listed). Sticking to historical fabrics (linen and wool) may cost more initially, but you will never regret the expense, and if you make the garments at all correctly, you won't have to replace everything at some point when you or your group leader decides they are not accurate enough.

I might mention my own humble Midgard page:

http://www.larp.com/midgard/

It is aimed mainly at beginners, and focuses mostly on the Hastings era, but things like the hosen and braies are applicable for a much wider span of time and space. I firmly believe that with a decent tunic and a pair of hosen and braies and decent shoes, you will be at least adequately dressed for time span of about 500 years. Obviously if you use a distinctly 13th century tunic, it won't be as good for Viking stuff, and if you use Viking-era trim it won't do for the 13th century. That's why most of my tunics are plain! As you do more research and get more stuff, you'll be able to slant your impression in one direction or the other, or simply accumulate enough stuff that you can do 3 or 4 different impressions simply by changing accessories, or by having entirely different kits for everything! (The technical term is "time slut"!)

Oh, for slightly cheaper axes that are acutally hand-forged rather than cast and painted, look at 18th century "suttlers" (merchants) such as Townsend:

http://jas-townsend.com/index.php?cPath=20_59

Others include G. Gedney Godwin, Crazy Crow, Track of the Wolf, Avalon Forge, etc. Naturally most of what they carry is later than medieval, but things like hatchets can cross centuries quite nicely, and they may offer fabrics, trim and tape, horn cups and combs, eating ware, etc.

Have fun!

Matthew

I stand corrected I apologize for relying to heavily on the work of others bad habits that I have picked up on other sword forums no excuses really. However I found a nifty site to use if I am going to do a viking kit.

http://www.hurstwic.org/history/text/history.htm
and another site which I lost that deals with sagas.

I apologize once I actually pick what kit I am going to do I will post some of my progress.

Thank you guys very much Ill ask anything else I cant find the answer to through my own research.

Thank you
John

The Mainz Gospel is also a good source from 1250 if German gear is the go!

Also the Eneasroman.

Mikael Ranelius wrote:

If you ask me I think you could go for a buckler if you're planning to fight with some kind of spear, polearm or missile weapon as your main weapon, which leaves little or no room for a "proper" shield. [

This is not true. There are numerous images from the Middle Ages which show otherwise; two such are here. The first is from the Rochester Bestiary, circa 1230. The other is from an early 12th century manuscript.

[ Linked Image ]

http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t...ut+pommels

I recommend a starter kit based on the era that interests you most. Then as was stated earlier, accessorize. My kits all started off of a gorget and pauldrons. And now, some ten years later, I have a kit for crusades all the way up through the late mid-to-late14C. Many of the pieces are interchangable within reason. The group you join will have a lot to with what types of things you go with. Our troupe has a great deal of wiggle room on armor for sport combatants, those of use that do shows are required to hold to a more period standard. All fighters have to have their kit cleared with the official trainers for combat in the troupe (of which I am one), but that's more for safety than accuracy. We require at least historical inspiration, but that is a VERY loose term. We have one of our female fighters right now trying to convert a vietnam era army helmet into an archer's sallet, and a removable coat liner into a gambeson. I'm trying my best to help her, but let's just say that it's a daunting task. Everyone has to start somewhere.

Hey guys! I was wondering if someone knew something of the kit used by dutch mercenarys. I know that like the Flemish they usually opperated as pikeman. Im especially interested of the region around Venlo in southern Holland. Im from their and believe the region belonged to the HRE for a while. Im having difficulty finding info about the arms and armour used of this (like mentioned in ot of articles) top of the line mercenarys. The time period would be 13th or 14th century. I know its a wide time span but any info would do!

ps sorry for messing up the thread a little bit!