I remember, a few years back, there was a thread about dressing up as EB units. However, I'm not so inclined to necro the thread; I decided to start a new one instead.

Wouldn't it be great to live out your (non-erotic) fantasies of being one of the 240 braves in that unit of Pantodapoi? To dress up (or down ) in the heroic role of the courageous Gaesatae? Or as one of the numerous, relentless, determined member of the Roman zerg-rush?

Of course, full proper suits of chainmail will not be cheap to purchase; nor would a full set of bronze muscled cuirass of the Hypaspistai be practical for the layman's wallet. But perhaps some simple, aesthetical constructs- things we could easily obtain and construct in our room or garage. Any suggestions?

I'll start the brainstorm, with a few ideas of my own:

Akonkistai: Cardboard buckler, a knife and a bunch of sticks with aluminium foil tips as javelins. Some undyed, oversized linen shirt (that stretches to the knees), fastened at the waist with a belt. Should be reasonably simple and cheap to prepare.

Uirodusios: The poor man's gaesatae. I have no idea where to get a longsword, and bronze helmets are too expensive. However, an imitation of a round shield should be easy enough to make. The spear and javelin are simple enough to create at home. One may use a bedsheet for the cloak.

Pantodapoi: Again, the simple large linen(looking) shirt, a spear and a simple shield....

Actually, anyone have good ideas on making a convincing-looking thueros? With that, it's easy enough to dress up as an euzonos...

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pnatodapoi... they **** i wouldnt want to be found dead as one, although it would be inevitable because they die if you sneeze in their direction.

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*Timidly unlurks in order to show off..again* Last time for one of these threads I dressed as a savage, unarmoured Kelt..When I find my camera I'll show off the Neitos outfit. Almost 100% self made, or at least heavily altered, so looks a bit rough round the edges.. But I don't know if I should post; historically accurate materials and construction techniques might overshadow what may be some marvellously cardboard kataphraktoi costume (with canine mount, obviously ;) ).
And regarding maille, if you've the patience (and a few simple tools) I'd advise buying some cheap, damaged/totally worng style hauberk and reusing the links to make your own more suitable version. Shields are easy, plywood and paper mache can look convincing, but if you want to make a realistic thueros it only takes a couple weekends and about £80 to do.
Looking forward to others contributions, will post picture in few days.

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Yikes, sorry I took a long time to get this up..
Hoping I spark some more interest, or at least questions..



Suppose this makes me an Arjos now

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That is a brilliant outfit. You need a bigger moustache to go with it

I went to a halloween party two years ago in a toga, but that doesn't cut it.

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How long did it take to make that? as in armor sheild etc

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You, sir, are awesome.

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i wish, the girlfriend can only bare so much excentricity...

The shield rim took ages to form and hammer, otherwise its just sawing wood and painting leather. The maille was a second hand thing i bought, but arrived more as a pile of links than anything..just seperated it into sheets and reattached it into a comfortable shape and added the shoulder doubling. Took a long time to sort out, one of those things where your mind wanders as it seems so simple, but you cant let it because keeping the 4 in 1 pattern is complicated. Helmet is a roman one, according to the sellers at least, and arrived coated in crome, that took a couple hours to sort out. Scabbard, shoes and clothes were simple enough (after finding authentic material to work with that is..) metal fittings on the scabbard were a hammer and welding job however. Spear was easy enough to make but sword took weeks.. And finally, the research to make sure it was all done properly took a long time as well, they dont have the stuff i needed at regular shops or libraries... Was great fun to make and learnt many skills in the process so i can definitly recommend trying :)

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You made your own sword???

What, properly, with much banging of red-hot metal on an anvil?

Let's see a pic of it unsheathed, please!

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i wish. no, twas taken from a defeated foe in battle though!

(had the blade made for me and built the hilt and scabbard myself, i have no forge so only work with cold metal im afraid)

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Fair enough, that costume is awesome!

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That is amazing!

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That is awesome. Have a for your efforts

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Baloons? Heh. I'll give you the head of 13 dead belgae so your family may drink with elegance.

~Jirisys ()

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Very true, also commands more respect to show skulls over your hearth than balloons...

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Would be a revolution in Celtic Interior design, however.

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Bring it on.

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seems great but whats up with the hallo kitty shield ?

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animal totems, the cat was found on an ornament, the foxes based on other similar animal designs on jewelry etc. All from central europe was carefully researched sir :p

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ok i´m not doubting you

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Mmm I'm not really sure if I'm crossing any borders by posting this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Tk89Z_PsQs

But it's a reasonably accurate documentary with reenactors and actual experts on the subject, it could be a good example for the Aedui, Arverni, Casse, Boii or Sweboz and a little bit about the Romans too. =)

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History Channel, "Barbarians", sensational words such as "massacre" and "not civilized". You broke an unspoken taboo there, mate.

Bad boy! Go forth, write "I shall read more history" a thousand times on the blackboard!

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I thought History channel was an outspoken taboo unlike
****** **********
****** ******'* ****
and ********* ********.

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True. It's more like a free ticket to an "eternal badge of ridicule and shame" than a real taboo (like LS).

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Don't say the letters!!!!!!

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you mean lorica in small parts ?

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