1115 A.d.

[AckZel]

Ok, now I need help from all you history maniacs! I am participating early next summer into a live action roleplaying (LARP) event. The story happens in southern england and the year is 1115 A.D.

My character is a Scottish veteran of crusade nr. 1 on the way home from holy land. So, I was thinking is it ok for me to wear a normal tartan great kilt? Is it appropriate given the time the story happens? And another question is where I can get one relatively cheap? I was thinking to wear a shirt of some kind with a cross symbol and the great kilt. And of course laced leather sandals and a claymore. Then mask myself some battle scars and I'm good to go...

MacNewsome and others, help needed to look like a real deal

[Robin]

A return ticket "Crusade" took years...his clothing and gear was most likely replaced several times during his rape and plunder vacation.

Realistic...not much "highlander stuff" left...most likely...nothing.

:rolleyes:

[sav]

The feilidh-mhor, or great kilt, was only worn from the the end of the 16th C. until the beginning of the 19th. C. So if you're looking for 1115 AD, you're out of luck as far as the great kilt is concerned. Stay tuned for more history to come...Let me check out a few sources and I'll post again as to what might be more period correct. My experience with LARP events have been that historical authenticity is not of the upmost importance, but if you want to look period, then guid on ye for the effort!

[Deasan]

For something closer to your period of interest, check out the gear at historicenterprises.com. I sometimes buy things from them. They have some wonderful stufff, great quality and excellent service.

[Nick]

Coming home from the First Crusade, you would have looked like any other peasant crusader. I'm afraid this is way before either kilts or claymores.

Robin, Jerusalem was taken in 1099, so he could have made it home by 1115.

[AckZel]

Yeah, thats what i suspected, no luck with kilts then But it is easier because I can make the tunics myself... And the first crusade ended 1099 so it seemed to take 16 years from my character to return home...

[cavscout]

Some things never change...even today after a night out pilaging with the lads we stop off at the Waffle House for an order of hash browns (scattered, smothered and chunked), we hardly ever go straight home

[AckZel]

Men never change, just distances do ;)

[thescot]

If you are going to be REALLY correct and "authenic," then it's possible that your character is actually French since William the Conqueror sent a bunch of those guys all over, including Scotland. Maybe in chain mail or one of those quilted coat things.

But then, like Sav says, historical accuracy is not always of utmost importance in LARP events. If you want anyone there to know you are Scottish, wear a breachan feile with a pectoral broach. Almost no one else will know you've time travelled. Otherwise, you'll have to TELL everyone you're Scottish. They've all seen Braveheart and Rob Roy once too often.

[Nick]

one of those quilted coat things.

Usually known as a "gambeson", though there are several names which differ based on time and place.