the 2008th year fate brought together me from one of numerous teams on historical reconstruction. What, actually, such teams are engaged in? They try to recreate the events of a certain historical period, as a rule, connected with some war. The most popular historical periods in the CIS countries are World War II, the Napoleonic wars and the Middle Ages. On the first two periods there are not so many teams. Generally it is connected with very tough rules and almost military discipline in teams. Also a barrier is a huge number of accessories, elements of a form and weapon which need to be got and which, as a rule, cost expensive. Also at reconstruction of fighting of these periods everything often comes down to firefight by blank cartridges whereas at reconstruction of medieval fights swords, different from the presents, onions, axes, etc. are applied a little by what. The community of re-enactors of the medieval period can conditionally be divided into several categories:
tolkiyenist. As a rule, few teams without accurate hierarchical structure, consist generally of teenagers of the advanced school age, as equipment use wooden weapon and usual suits from different materials. Do not participate in large-scale actions, occasionally organize joint meetings.
roleplayers. Roleplayers are fans of different large-scale games and maneuvers on which it is possible to receive a maximum of drive. Statistically is the most numerous category as almost each re-enactor begins the way from here. Roleplayers usually organize the large teams on twenty people having accurate hierarchical structure. Experienced re-enactors though the main kernel of team often represents youth aged from 18 up to 25 years are commanders of such teams often. Equipment is presented by weapon from alloys of the titan, duralumin (it is rare from a tree) and roughly made armor which is often not resembling under a certain historical period. Sometimes teams unite in the large unions for joint participation in large-scale actions.
re-enactors. As a rule, skilled persons who are able to afford (or can make) a complete set of an armor, qualitative weapon and the suit corresponding to an era. Also they are rather strong and well prove to be in fight. For them historical reconstruction – a favourite hobby to which they give a considerable part of the free time. Exactly thanks to joint efforts of re-enactors large-scale actions of type of games, festivals, maneuvers, etc. are created. On such actions the re-enactors try to minimize use of objects from the modern world.
living history. Extremely not numerous category which is represented by fans and enthusiasts of historical reconstruction. Their suit, weapon, an armor and accessories – almost exact copy medieval, made according to identical drawings and by means of the same technological process. Seldom attend actions where usually there are ordinary roleplayers and re-enactors. Organize unique festivals and even the small settlements which are completely copying life and the atmosphere of any given temporary period. During the festivals do not use modern objects at all. If re-enactors are able to afford to use usual tents, plastic canisters, matches and lighters, there is canned food, etc., then representatives of living history live in tents, use wooden or pottery, kindle fire kresaly and eat with own hand grown up products or svezhezabity animals.
What does historical reconstruction attract people with with (including me)? First, allows to feel spirit of an era, to see with own eyes as all this occurred in ancient times. Also this communication with a huge number of interesting people with unique biographies. Still historical reconstruction is a great way of maintenance of in good physical shape as regular trainings with an armor and weapon which on average weigh about twenty five kilograms quickly bring muscles into a tone. Of course, this rather dangerous occupation therefore without soblyudeniye of all safety rules it is possible to suffer serious injuries. But because weapon is produced from light alloys and is never sharpened, and an armor is practically analogs medieval percent of injuries at trainings, games and festivals extremely low.
In our team we gathered once a week (usually during week-end) for trainings in a hangar in the industrial zone. The most part of time was occupied by usual physical exercises of type of push-ups, jogs, etc. Also receptions with weapon were fulfilled. Time for a sparring in an armor was taken away very little as longer than ten minutes it is difficult to be sparred. Feelings which you experience when on you the chain armor and a helmet are dressed cannot be expressed in words. Also we were tried to be taught forge craft, but not everyone managed it.
The most interesting events for a short time of my stay in team took place for May holidays. In several kilometers from the city, in almost dense forest, large-scale games of historical subject were held. About two thousand re-enactors were going to win back such interesting historical period as the Albigensian crusade. Three days, but most of people were planned to hold a game (including we) arrived to the place in two days to set up the camp, to construct fortresses and to dig out ditches.
On all wood the knock of axes and hum of chainsaws sounded – it was brought down by trees for construction of fortresses. Having put tents and tents, we started construction of strengthenings too. Despite the begun heavy rain, we dug out a long ditch and constructed small fortress. In the evening the fire had a sit-round gathering: told different interesting stories, discussed last day and ate the pilaf made on naked flame.
Next day there was an official opening. On a huge glade made a stadium. Masters who were responsible for safety of an action checked all weapon and marked safe with special paint. Then held a tournament for archers, and then bugurta – group duels between teams began. After official opening of an event began to develop so promptly that if to begin to describe everyone, then also one book will not be enough.
Starting conditions were similar to those events which were in France at the beginning of the thirteenth century. But then teams began to establish diplomatic the relation with each other, to employ mercenaries, to betray old allies, etc. there Were many interesting events. For example, Muslims adopted Christianity to enter into alliance with Germans. And the French paid robbers that those distracted attention of Spaniards while those took their fortress. At night a game did not stop too: it was necessary to expose guards at the fortress as enemy saboteurs could get into the camp and to spoil something.
For these three days I managed to participate in three storms of fortresses, two times to reflect attack on our camp and to visit repeatedly usual battles in the open field. In the evenings the tavern where it was possible to have a rest, supper and listen to musicians who played lutes, delays and other tools of that era worked. Girls staged contests on the best dress, robbers took princesses prisoner and plundered small groups, inquisitors executed witches and heretics … and will not list all interesting events.
Certainly, further there were both other festivals and other actions, but they could not be compared to the atmosphere and scale of this game which called Hot wind from the North.
If to you not to liking knightly ammunition and battles with dragons, there is a wish for something more house, we advise to pay attention to scrapbooking.