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Miniatures Adventure => Fantasy Adventures => Topic started by: Arlequín on May 06, 2011, 04:11:09 PM

Title: Suggestion: Travelling Players?
Post by: Arlequín on May 06, 2011, 04:11:09 PM
I'm probably gaining a reputation for unusual requests... but fitting in with the theme of the Breugelberg range, is there any chance of a group of travelling players along the lines of the later pan-European Commedia dell'Arte types... Arleccino, Pantalone, Il Dottore, Scarramuccio, Colombina et al?

I've always fancied an adventure setting in the Late Medieval/Renaissance era and the range is looking to be just what I'm looking for, along with more of the present types produced.

Some period inspiration;

http://www.andreas-praefcke.de/carthalia/germany/berlin_renaissance.htm

Some background on the characters:

http://www.shane-arts.com/commedia-stock-characters.htm

Title: Re: Suggestion: Travelling Players?
Post by: Prof.Witchheimer on May 07, 2011, 10:52:34 PM
Not a bad idea, Jim, we'll talk about that. Thank you.
Title: Re: Suggestion: Travelling Players?
Post by: fastolfrus on May 07, 2011, 11:34:19 PM
There are some travelling players in an episode of "The Flashing Blade"/"Le Chevalier Tempete". Harlequin is the prominent player.

Plague doctors (and patients) would be good too.
Title: Re: Suggestion: Travelling Players?
Post by: Arlequín on May 08, 2011, 12:09:34 AM
There are quite a few civilian types I'd like to see. Most ranges concentrate on the military sorts, but for an RPG/Adventure setting, there isn't much about with the exception of LAM and now Pro-Gloria. Even historical gamers might wish to present a baggage train made up of civilian types. I love what's been produced so far and they're definitely on my 'to buy list'. Brueghel will provide numerous ideas for even more figures I'm sure.

The Flashing Blade is a little later than I'd thought to go myself, but in a fantasy setting I don't suppose it would be too anachronistic. The Commedia was becoming very standardised by then and had adopted the forms we are used to today... Harlequin and Pierrot being perhaps two of the best known pan-Europe, even today in Britain we have 'Mr Punch', who originates from a Commedia character.
Title: Re: Suggestion: Travelling Players?
Post by: Heldrak on May 08, 2011, 12:43:46 AM
I would definitely be interested in a set of Traveling Players/Commedia Dell Arte types. In fact, theatrical figures of any type are of interest (Wagnerian Opera Singers, Shakespearian Actors, etc.).
Title: Re: Suggestion: Travelling Players?
Post by: fastolfrus on May 08, 2011, 11:04:13 AM
Good call on the Shakespeaream actors - a band of Chamberlain's Men perhaps, but which characters should they be dressed as?
Would definitely need a Will Kempe figure.
Title: Re: Suggestion: Travelling Players?
Post by: Blackwolf on May 08, 2011, 11:24:08 AM
Victor Hugo's The Man Who Laughs may be a an rather dark inspiration?
Title: Re: Suggestion: Travelling Players?
Post by: Arlequín on May 08, 2011, 01:12:33 PM
Mmh... a 'Comprachios' character set.. it has possibilities...  :)
Title: Re: Suggestion: Travelling Players?
Post by: Captain Blood on May 08, 2011, 04:56:28 PM
Oooh yes, Shakespearean actors please!  :-*
(I can send you various classic poses  ;))
Title: Re: Suggestion: Travelling Players?
Post by: Arlequín on May 08, 2011, 05:59:18 PM
Oi! You lot! Get your own suggestions thread! This one's for medieval/renaissance types, not blokes in lace and ruffs!  :D

I'd actually be interested in a later 16th Century-ish range that was more 'Hollywood' than 'Historical' but which didn't require me to sell a child to finance it like Helldorado appears to.


Title: Re: Suggestion: Travelling Players?
Post by: fastolfrus on May 08, 2011, 06:34:54 PM
but which didn't require me to sell a child to finance it

That's another idea - somrthing like the kiddie catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Actually, some figures based on the exhibits in the Rothenburg Museum of Crime & Punishment might be useful.
Title: Re: Suggestion: Travelling Players?
Post by: fastolfrus on May 08, 2011, 06:36:09 PM
Oi! You lot! Get your own suggestions thread! This one's for medieval/renaissance types, not blokes in lace and ruffs!  :D

ps I'm sure we could soon hijack the thread even further.
Title: Re: Suggestion: Travelling Players?
Post by: Hammers on May 08, 2011, 06:42:42 PM
I'd bee interested to! They would expand my existing little band of roving idiots as they perform at the Totleigh-in-the-Wold Cildrens Fayre. :)
Title: Re: Suggestion: Travelling Players?
Post by: Arlequín on May 08, 2011, 11:23:42 PM
We may have gone a step too far here, we're actually raving about figures that don't even exist...  :?

ps I'm sure we could soon hijack the thread even further.

I'm not aware that you've ever done that...  ::)

Seconded on the child catcher though... but an earlier version sans top hat and tails.
Title: Re: Suggestion: Travelling Players?
Post by: OSHIROmodels on May 09, 2011, 12:14:33 PM
Well, if you're doing a child catcher, how about a Pied Piper  :)

cheers

James
Title: Re: Suggestion: Travelling Players?
Post by: Hammers on May 09, 2011, 04:46:42 PM
How about gypsies? And nuns? Gypsies and nuns. And dogs.  :)
Title: Re: Suggestion: Travelling Players?
Post by: Arlequín on May 09, 2011, 10:39:26 PM
How about gypsies? And nuns? Gypsies and nuns. And dogs.  :)

Yes! Also more assorted street scum and ladies of negotiable virtue... anyway enough of my Saturday night out...  ;)
Title: Re: Suggestion: Travelling Players?
Post by: Hammers on May 09, 2011, 10:45:17 PM
How about gypsies? And nuns? Gypsies and nuns. And dogs.  :)

Enough about my Saturday night out, also.
Title: Re: Suggestion: Travelling Players?
Post by: fastolfrus on May 09, 2011, 11:22:18 PM
Well, if you're doing a child catcher, how about a Pied Piper  :)

cheers

James

Good call.
You'd have to include the last slow moving child on crutches.
Title: Re: Suggestion: Travelling Players?
Post by: fastolfrus on May 09, 2011, 11:33:02 PM
Seconded on the child catcher though... but an earlier version sans top hat and tails.

You really need to visit Rothenburg o-d-t.

The museum is eyewatering (although the website doesn't have many pictures):
http://www.kriminalmuseum.rothenburg.de/Englisch/page1.html

The rosary in those pictures has beads about the size of a cricket ball. Probably similar weight too.

And the museum has the most impressive display of scolds bridles you are ever likely to find.
Title: Re: Suggestion: Travelling Players?
Post by: Will Bailie on May 10, 2011, 01:47:42 AM
This thread has inspired me to go back and rewatch 'Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead'.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Suggestion: Travelling Players?
Post by: Jodee Benavides on May 10, 2011, 06:30:46 AM
These dancing couples with the dudes sporting woodies are a must!

(http://www.flashcoo.com/paint/Pieter_Bruegel/images/Pieter_Bruegel_art_ml0005.jpg)