Black Dog

As the flow of rum brings in the loose tongues of fighters we've learned that finding the right sword seems to be the easy part. As to finding the right mentor to train with - that is proving more difficult. Seems as though from Richmond it's around 2-3 hours to get to anyone who would offer the schooling I be searching fer. Shadow Players is Raleigh seem like a great bunch - but its a long haul. There seems to be a few crews around Hampton that may be able to help out an ol' salt - but again - tis 2 hours travel. Would any on the east coast know a well respected - what a minute - well respected pirate - what am I saying? I am looking for a stage combat teacher close to Richmond va - and a winning lottery ticket - hey - why not ask????? Willie the rumrunner

Thanke mates - tis great wisdom I see in all who offer. I do see for safety's sake the need for blunt blades - good to know of several sources. The need for a sharpened blade - to understand the real workings of blade use - something I had not really considered. Now I just need to find a local fencing school who does something other than modern sport fencing. Seems like most are 2 hours away - wish me luck mates. Willie the rumrunner

Blenderwench - great name btw Is there a webpage to find updated information on this fest? I would like to keep up with this one if I can. Thank'e Willie the rumrunner

Sword question mates - I see many great examples of fine period swords all around. One of the goals I have is to get into reinacting - in particular >> swordplay. I would think a blunted blade for safety would wanted for that. I have not seen anything specifically intended for that. Are the swords I see blunt to begin with? If anyone has words of wisdom and/or experience to share - please do so. Willie the rumrunner if it burns blue, drink it

Cap'n Pern, Sir Could ye tell me what season the crew is assembled? I be hopeing to go on the account for the next go round. I do like to gets me plans in order ahead of time - gives me more time to sell the idea to the management. Willie the rumrunner if it burns blue, drink it

Silly question - from the studious side - acting method 001 - are there tapes - other sources - to use to practice the accent, work usage, etc, of the pirate speak? Me own pirate speak tends to fall into the aussie word use rather than the Queens english. maybe to much mel gibson. Maybe what I need is to find a fair English lass to spend time with - Willie the rum runner if it burns blue, drink it

Thanke Mate, Question about the leather portion - how thick? - number of layers? I can figure out how to attach rope or leather straps. As to the weather here - welcome to Virginia mate - one of the original 13. Blackbeard fest was the recent event here. Great time - but that brought me to search for shoes - sandles of some type. It was around 70-90 degrees over the weekend with sunshine. I spent the weekend barefoot. ouch Willie the rumrunner

Mr. Foxe As I am new to this study - what would Hamburg sandles look like? A pic would help a lot - I could make something if I had an idea where to start from. Would the sandle be curved or straight lasted as early shoes?? Hot cobblestone, glass and splinters are my motivation here - as well being as histerically accurate as possible.

dregging up old ideas - were period sandles all rope? I would think there would be some in leather. Maybe something from the barbery coast?? thanks fer help Willie the rum runner

Thanke all fer the fine help in shoes. As the treasure trove grows a pair will be found. After walking barefoot around Hampton (Blackbeard Fest) last weekend I know I need a pair desprately. Only 2 splinters and no glass cuts - lucky! Another hunt - sandles - is there any info on period sandles? Or maybe handmade mocs? While the well made period shoes are on the horizon - something more immediate (cheaper) would help for now. I have seen some ideas on putting kits together - shoes are most important in my book. The cloths for the most part are readily available or somewhat easy to produce on your own. The rest of the details - very much up to the individual. Willie - the rum runner if it burns blue, drink it

Twas the most fun I've had in 30 years. Me first er' pirate event I arrived with little idea what to expect. The welcome of the pirates in camp was great - even fer us tourists. Wish I could claim to be a pirate - maybe next year. By the end of the weekend I at least looked like a pirate. Thanks to all there - Has anyone seen my bottle of rum??? Willie the rum runner

In the bit of cyber searching I have done one thing I notice it that there is a shortage of period shoes. Or I am just a lousy shoe hunter. Seems I can find most clothing items after a fashion. But shoes / boots - that is another story. The time period I am looking at is around 1680 to 1730. At least that is the time period of the crew I have been talking to. What would the average sailor where (not going barefoot) and is there something to be had for less than the $200 - $150 range I have been seeing. thanke mates if it burns blue, drink it

question for those who have been there before me - what can newbies do to volunteer for this event. There is some information on the website - just not enough. Will there be someone in charge to speak to this for the 06 event? if it burns blue, drink it

I be making final plans to be at this fest. Only a few hours west - but would be finding a campground for the weekend. I have spyed out 1 or 2 to consider but would reward some good information with a rum or 2.

all your plans for retirement are based on the size of the ship and guns you need for the next "Golden Age" of piracy

You defend the pirates as one of the first free democracies in the new world. And you truely believe they had it right.

ye may be piratical if - you try to explain to complete strangers that rum and pirates helped settle the new world - you see, rum was needed to make the water drinkable over long voyages - pirates shipped(smuggled) the rum under the king nose for the good of the kingdom. arrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Blackjohn - Signing the articles - the first step?? Currently I am but a landlubber, standing on the shore waiting for a chance to join a crew. All I ask is a fair portion of rum and plunder. I offer some skill with arms and can pick up the finer points of seaman ship with a bit of practice. I believe myself to be a quick study of whatever is needed as part of the crew. A bit of skill in carpentry may help with careening the company's vessel as needed. I look forward to lift'n a tall rum with you. Scotch if you like. If there are any of the crew near Richmond I would like to hear from them as well.