Middle Earth Ranger Forum

I'm Wild Vins, 32 yo and I live in France (so, sorry if my English speaking is bad... )

I like medieval and Tolkien universes, I love archery, building my bows ANS arrows, my clothes and my accessories and cie...

I found your forum when I researched for quiver pictures on the web and I love your concept : go in the wood with all the stuff you built and have great adventures and funny moments.

So I decided to make my own ranger's kit and start my adventure.

I already built viking clothes few years ago for medieval events so I already had a good base for Tolkien's world (and less work for me!)

See you soon for some pictures and explain of my kit.

Wild Vins

Very nice picture of your kit, and Welcome to the Forum!

Bon jour and mea govannen!
That's a great kit! Welcome to the forum.

It sounds like you have finally made it to a place you were always meant to be.

Welcome Vins.

Hello and welcome!

Welcome! You've done some really impressive work!

I seem to recall once upon a time there was a very impressive group doing Elvish impressions in France - any chance they're still going, and if so are you involved with them?

Mae govannen, Ranger! Great kit!

Welcome, Ranger!

Hannon le for your welcome and thanks for your comments on my kit, I will take pictures as soon as possible for showing you all the stuff.

Elleth : I don't know for this group, I'm sorry, I can't help you

Eofor : I think you're right!
Now, the most difficult for me will be to wear medieval clothes and cross some "normal" people on my road, I'm scared by that because I'm "shy"
Does everybody assume their style or some people are in my case?

Wild Vins wrote: ↑Sun Jan 07, 2024 4:09 pm
Now, the most difficult for me will be to wear medieval clothes and cross some "normal" people on my road, I'm scared by that because I'm "shy"
Does everybody assume their style or some people are in my case?

Vins, Greetings and Well Met.

I too have a shyness issue (I'm probably on the Autistic spectrum, not diagnosed though). I re-enact as a Napoleonic Redcoat and do a form of Morris dancing, but I can only do what I do by reminded myself (often) that other people only see 'The Soldier' or 'The Dancer' and that I can hide away behind that Persona and nobody will notice the real me.
Last year my Mum watched amazed as I talked to a crowd of 50+ people about muskets and what it would of been like in the 'Rank & File' of Wellington's army for over half an hour..... I normally have problems speaking to more then two people unless I already know them.

Welcome!
It’s funny - your background, and how you ended up here, seems very close to my own story, just a few years behind! I hope you enjoy it here, and find the forums both helpful and welcoming!
And in terms of incorporating this into your everyday life, my best suggestion would be to try and find others nearby who share your interest, and participate with them as much as possible! It always seems easiest for me when it’s a group effort instead of just me, as an individual, dressing up and going on hikes.

Welcome! You're definitely in the right place. Hope you have a long and fruitful stay.

Awesome looking kit, and welcome

Wild Vins wrote: ↑Sun Jan 07, 2024 4:09 pm Now, the most difficult for me will be to wear medieval clothes and cross some "normal" people on my road, I'm scared by that because I'm "shy"
Does everybody assume their style or some people are in my case?

I've been out on the trail in both historical and fantasy clothing for years now and have never experienced a negative interaction. The important thing is to be confident and remember that you have as much right to be out there as anyone else.

Naturally I prefer to be off the beaten path but if people are around then I engage everyone I walk past by making eye contact, giving a hearty hello and continuing on. If they want to ask questions (and you soon start to figure out which ones do) then I will stop and explain what I'm about but again, I've never had a single person say anything other than what I'm doing is fantastic.
I also carry a supply of cards with the name of my living history group and a QR code to the site or if I am in Middle Earth gear then a card which links to the forums here.

One thing I always impress upon people is not to stalk or skulk through the woods or try and stay hidden just off the path, that's the sort of thing which will create problems especially if you are carrying any sort of archery equipment or sword/spear. Far better to just walk openly and greet everyone.

Welcome to the forum! You clearly have a love for the hobby! May it be fostered and grow in strength among this lovely community.