Looking for pictures of weapons and armor for FRPG

[Jarulf]

I am looking for some site or place with pictures of armor and weapons suitable for fantasy rolplaying. That would be things such as swords, axes, chain mail and so on. Probably need to be painted art since I doubt there is that much real although I once got some hints of some real sword page.

I basically just need it to have to show for my friends when we play pen&paper RPG, makes it a bit more fun to have a picture or something showing how it looks.

One idea is to extract the models out of WoW or other games, but I feel that is a bit more work.

So anyone got ANY ideas?

[Fragbait]

Hi,

I'd suggest this page. Unfortunately it's German, but the pictures are awesome. Navigate with the frame on the left side.

Otherwise, I'd say you consult google on 'medieval weapons' or a similar term.

Greetings, Fragbait

I am looking for some site or place with pictures of armor and weapons suitable for fantasy rolplaying. That would be things such as swords, axes, chain mail and so on. Probably need to be painted art since I doubt there is that much real although I once got some hints of some real sword page.

I basically just need it to have to show for my friends when we play pen&paper RPG, makes it a bit more fun to have a picture or something showing how it looks.

One idea is to extract the models out of WoW or other games, but I feel that is a bit more work.

So anyone got ANY ideas?
[right][snapback]108155[/snapback][/right]

[Rhydderch Hael]

You can try the websites of actual arms manufacturers. Albion Swords, and Arms & Armor are sites off the top of my head. Both sites feature both weapons and armor pieces (with pictures), just look around at the categories offered.

Also, take a look at the galleries and articles featured at MyArmoury.com for ideas.

Cutlers like Christian Fletcher and John Ludemo's OdinBlades are loads of fun, too.


Don't look at me with that wary, askance expression. I'm not a crazy man. But my internet handle does happen to be that of a semi-legendary king reknowned for the sword he wore.

[NiteFox]

...

I can't believe I'm the one asking this, but someone has to. For comedy's sake, you understand.

*Deep breath*

So, you like swords?

[Rhydderch Hael]

:unsure: I only have two.

Well, when it comes to manias, I have a particular fondness for Zippo lighters.

I don't even smoke. I just like fire.

[Grayloch]

Try a Google image search for "medieval weapons" and "medieval armor". You'll get more pics and links than you'll know what to do with. You can also try searching for specific items such as "medieval helms", "medieval swords", or "medieval shields".

Good luck!

-G.

[kandrathe]

D&D Miniatures Gallery

or

Wikipedia - list of medieval weapons and armor

[Wyrm]

There's also this place which I browse through on occasion. Has some pretty interesting swords listed, even a replica of Sephiroth's Masamune.

[Rhydderch Hael]

Don't get the wrong impression, that of the Highlander-quoting taser target you'll hear about in the news. It isn't about bravado or lust for destructive power. More modern weapons far outstrip a sword's capacity to invoke such things.

Swords are archaic. They're out-of-place in a niche that no one commonly deigns to visit. That's the lure. I've consulted and consorted with a number of fellow sword enthusiasts, and the common strain among those I choose to associate with can be best described as— quixotic.

"...An elegant weapon, for a more civilized time..." Obiwan Kenobi in an allegory to the sword. I have nothing to say about the "civilized" times, but no doubt it is an elegant weapon. There's grace and a demand for skill associated with it, which takes it beyond the common.

[Dako-ta]

Hi, Jarulf,

I am looking for some site or place with pictures of armor and weapons suitable for fantasy rolplaying. That would be things such as swords, axes, chain mail and so on. Probably need to be painted art since I doubt there is that much real although I once got some hints of some real sword page.

I basically just need it to have to show for my friends when we play pen&paper RPG, makes it a bit more fun to have a picture or something showing how it looks.

One idea is to extract the models out of WoW or other games, but I feel that is a bit more work.

So anyone got ANY ideas?
[right][snapback]108155[/snapback][/right]

Gee, am I the only one to remember that Claudio is into this stuff too, and has some sections on ancient arms & armor on his site:

http://www.claudiospage.com/

I don't know for sure if his photos & drawings are quite what you are looking for, but it might be worth checking them out. I didn't see a source listed - he might have taken some of them himself, not sure.

Haven't heard anything about your employment for a long time, but if you are at or near a large university, their library may well have some books about these subjects. In the past, I've come across such books at the Michigan State U. library while looking for stuff related to lapidary/metalsmithing. I was interested enough to check out a couple & read them - was impressed that the computer game Darklands (around 1994) had been fairly historically-accurate in regards to arms & armor.

The Society for Creative Anachronism might also have or lead to some information as well:

http://www.sca.org/

such as:

http://www.sca.org/goodbye.cgi?url=http://...com/index1.html

which I found on their site after a very brief search - there may be other relevant links there as well.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Dako-ta


"I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves."

-- Anna Quindlen

[Jarulf]

...
So, you like swords?
[right][snapback]108192[/snapback][/right]

No, not really, but I like playing RPG, and mostly as GM. What I want is nice pictures to use with my players so that they get better visualisation. It is not just swords byt any type of weapon or armor and it doesn't really have to be realistic or real. That is one problem with sites of "real" weapons and armor, thay aren't that såectacular as some drawn ones are. Sure, pictures or weapons (or models in games like WoW) might be completely useless and impossible if they actually existed, but just as they work in a computer game, they work in a P&P RPG :)


Thanks for everyone for all the links and information. Will check it out.

[Fragbait]

Hm.

Maybe this is a help: weapons pic.
This is a rather big picture with many a weapon and some shields. You could just print it as a whole and then cut out the items.

Greetings, Fragbait

No, not really, but I like playing RPG, and mostly as GM. What I want is nice pictures to use with my players so that they get better visualisation. It is not just swords byt any type of weapon or armor and it doesn't really have to be realistic or real. That is one problem with sites of "real" weapons and armor, thay aren't that såectacular as some drawn ones are. Sure, pictures or weapons (or models in games like WoW) might be completely useless and impossible if they actually existed, but just as they work in a computer game, they work in a P&P RPG :)
Thanks for everyone for all the links and information. Will check it out.
[right][snapback]108353[/snapback][/right]

[Rhydderch Hael]

... That is one problem with sites of "real" weapons and armor, thay aren't that såectacular as some drawn ones are. ...
[right][snapback]108353[/snapback][/right]

Check out the OdinBlades collection in the link I provided above. That would be your best bet for 'real' swords of a fantasy design.

[NuurAbSaal]

if your P&P group is ever in the general vicinity of Graz, Austria, be sure to visit the Zeughaus ("the armory"). It's the largest collection of medieval gear there is :).

Well, this might actually be something for RH moreso than for you...

Anyway, if you like medieval, pay a visit to my hometown!

take care
Nuurabsaal/Tarabulus

[[wcip]Angel]

If "medieval" doesn't get you anything, try the alternate spelling "mediaeval". :)

[NuurAbSaal]

"mediaeval". :)
[right][snapback]108389[/snapback][/right]

hmm, we could also try "medievul" or even "mediaebil"

:D

take care
Nuurabsaal/Tarabulus

[[wcip]Angel]

I suppose you spell "encyclopaedia" without the <a> as well..? <_< Bloody ya.. ehh Austrians! :whistling:



:lol:

[kandrathe]

Don't get the wrong impression, that of the Highlander-quoting taser target you'll hear about in the news.
...
[right][snapback]108237[/snapback][/right]

Then again, one day we shall meet and feel the quickening. There can be only one Rhydderch!

:D

[Dako-ta]

Hi, Jarulf,

any type of weapon or armor and it doesn't really have to be realistic or real. That is one problem with sites of "real" weapons and armor, thay aren't that såectacular as some drawn ones are.
[right][snapback]108353[/snapback][/right]

In that case, for weapons, search on 'fantasy knives,' 'art knives,' 'fantasy swords,' etc.

There is a whole sub-genre of the knife world (both custom knife makers and mass-market manufacturers) that creates knives & swords that would be largely impractical in the real world, but look impressive. Some of these knives & swords have shown up in movies.

Here's a few links I quickly found:

"fantasy knives" -

http://www.mwart.com/xq/ASP.store/cat.88/s...CFQRnOAodO2msYw

http://www.thewebcollection.com/fantasy-knives.html

http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/f...index.html


"art knives" -

http://www.artknives.com/

http://www.darrelralph.com/1mainframe.htm?...t_main.htm~main

http://www.vanbarnett.com/knifeidx.asp

http://www.kaincustomknives.com/


Some of the photos are washed out, too small, etc., but you should be able to find some that will wow your playing group.

Regards,


Dako-ta