Amazing longbow archery documentary

This awesome documentary, "Weapons that Made Britain: The Longbow " (by Lion Television in association with the Discovery Channel and uploaded to YouTube by Pwata) meticulously shows the devastating power of the English longbow. These clips are approximately four minutes each...so get comfy.

Parte the first


Parte the second


Parte the third


Parte the fourth


Parte the fifth


Parte the sixth


Parte the seventh


Parte the eighth


Parte the ninth


Parte the tenth


Parte the eleventh


Parte the twelfth

Medieval Helmet Cam

I never thought I'd see a helmet-cam video outside of the large SCA events like Pennsic or Estrella War. But here is a recent helmet-cam video uploaded to YouTube by a chap named grahamfield who appears to be a member of the Medieval Combat Society.

Unlike the SCA, the Medieval Combat Society has a very small membership base (over 60 members!), plays with live steel and has a very narrow focus of reenactment: only the 14th Century during the period of King Edward III of England. Too bad they are all the way over there in England - I'd like to see their events firsthand. They have some fascinating links on their website as well.

Before you click play, do turn DOWN your volume first - the announcer in the background is yelling through an obnoxiously bad speaker.



More searching on their website finds even more videos.

Support our Troops - with RPG'S!

America's extended stay in the Middle East has posed some challenges in keeping up soldier morale. What they need is a good healthy dose of escapism. What better way than with RPG's? No, not rocket-propelled grenades, role playing games!

ZigguratCon will be the first ever gamer convention held in a war zone. It is being held June 9 from 1200 to 2100 hours at Camp Adder/Tallil Airbase, is open to all allied military personnel and civilian contractors in Iraq.

The army’s Morale Welfare & Recreation Department has allowed service members to use part of the Community Activity Center to hold the Game Day, but there are no local stores or game publishers, and few game books on the post.

Thankfully, many game publishers have also lent their support, and have agreed to supply game products to help the Con along. aethereal FORGE, Sovereign Press, Final Redoubt Press, Goodman Games, Paizo Publishing and Steve Jackson Games are among those that have thrown in their support for the convention.

This convention is currently in drastic need of prizes and giveaways for the troops. Everything donated will go directly to the troops, or to MWR to use as loaner books for the soldiers.

For more information, contact SPC David Amberson at the following address: david.amberson (at) iraq.centcom.mil

Donations can also be sent to SPC Amberson directly at the following address:

SPC David Amberson
A Co 86th Sig Bn
APO, AE 09331

Hey readers! This is where you come in - I'm betting you've got an old set of dice you never use anymore. Maybe even a players handbook. How about Magic Cards? Don't we ALL have those?

If you happen to be doing some spring cleaning and come across some old gamer gear, remember you can help Support the Troops with RPG'S!

Here's a detailed list, from another site's posting about ZigguratCon:

Telas Says:
April 13th, 2007

Hoo-Ah!!

I just emailed the SIQ (soldier in question), asking what they need, and will post here and elsewhere with the reply.

SPC Amberson responded with the following:

“We would love PDF versions of our favorite books. PDF copies are sometimes easier to take with you due to their portability (it’s easier to carry a laptop with a virtual library versus an actual library). We do have access to printers, as a matter of fact, I have 2 in my office right now, so printing pages is definitely not an issue.

Maybe it would be best if I sent you a copy of the events as I have them right now. You will see a large variety of games.

Sunday - 1200-1600
1. GURPS - Miss Joy Brown
2. Shadowrun - PFC John Gilbert
3. XCrawl - SPC David Amberson
4. Magic Tournament (Sealed Deck - If we can get the cards) - PFC Samuel
Dickerson
5. Rifts - SGT Gary Decker
6. Babylon 5 RPG - SPC Matthew Joslyn

Sunday - 1600-1700
1. Wind up games, prepare for next session.
2. Drawings for FREE STUFF - SPC David Amberson & Miss Joy Brown

Sunday - 1700-1830
1. Dinner Break - To conform with DFAC hours
Sunday - 1830-Finish
1. White Wolf System - SPC Christopher Watkins
2. Starship Troopers - SGT William Morris
3. MechWarrior Miniatures Demo - Mr. Basram Musliu
4. Cyberpunk 2020 - A1C Elise Morris
5. Historic Miniatures Battles - Mr. Raymond Knapp
7. D&D RPGA Event - SPC David Amberson

I hope this helps.

Thank you so much for all your help and support,

Dave

Trebuchet!

The Hila Trebuchet, designed by Wayne Campbell of the Hila Science Camp, is intelligent tabletop warfare.

Watch the video below or just skip straight to the plans and instructions. Just learning about the science and physics behind the trebuchet sure makes you feel smarter!