Added: 27.07.2015 22:09 | 37 views | 0 comments

Warfare on the Water

The 7 Year’s War took place in the mid-18th century, at the height of guns, germs and steel warfare. During battles at sea, soldiers would use oil to burn their enemy’s ships, as featured in Assassin’s Creed Rogue. (Photo: Ubisoft)

History of Architecture

In Brotherhood, Leonardo DaVinci wants to build a single-span bridge across the Golden Horn (now in Istanbul) in the early 1500s. In real life, he wanted to do that too. This was the longest bridge of its kind to be proposed at the time. (Photo: Ubisoft)

Pope Problems

During the Renaissance in Rome, Pope Sixtus V tried to renovate the Colosseum and turn it into a wool factory, mainly to give Rome’s prostitutes an honest living. Sadly, he died before it could happen. This historical fact is integrated into Assassin’s Creed II. (Photo: Ubisoft)

Founding Father

We all know Benjamin Franklin as one of America’s greatest inventors, but did you know he came up with something called an electrified gun? It’s known as the TASER’s predecessor. While this specific model isn’t used in Rogue, Franklin is shown giving a ‘modified’ gun to Rogue’s main character. (Photo: Ubisoft)

Art Imitating Life

Unity, which takes place during the gruesome French Revolution, includes the story of radical journalist Jean Paul Marat. Marat was famously murdered in his bathtub by the young Charlotte Corday, who was on the opposing side of the revolution. Marat’s real dead body was creepily painted postmortem, becoming the famously controversial painting, “The Death of Marat.”

Machiavellianism

Niccolo Machiavelli, famous author of classic “The Prince,” is depicted in Brotherhood pretty accurately: not only as a political activist, philosopher and military man, but also as a scheming adversary to the Borgia family. In reality, Machiavelli was Cesare Borgia’s advisor. Machiavelli admired his master, but also saw and exploited his weaknesses. (Photo: Ubisoft)

In Assassin’s Creed III, American revolutionary Israel Putnam is accurately portrayed as a poor war strategist and tactician. In the game, he works with assassin Conner on a few missions, but they always result in heavy casualties. Putnam is famous for the quote, “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes,” shouted at The Battle of Bunker Hill. (Photo: Ubisoft)

Blackbeard’s Rival

In Assassin’s Creed IV, otherwise known as the ‘pirate’ game, Blackbeard (Edward Thatch) fights Robert Maynard in an epic sword fight during a ship battle. Blackbeard was badly injured from the incident, enduring many bullet and sword wounds. In real life, Blackbeard was in fact killed by a group led by Maynard. (Photo: Ubisoft)

Parisian Legends

In Unity, an accurate historical legend of the Little Red Man of the Tuileries is integrated into the story. According to the legend, a homeowner was killed in the garden of Tuileries and swore he would come back to haunt the grounds forever. This is a myth people mainly only know about in Paris, but now, thanks to Assassin’s Creed, so do we. (Photo: Ubisoft)

Have Gun, Will Travel

Syndicate takes place during London’s Industrial Revolution. There were three primary modes of transportation back then: the steam train, the riverboat and the horse-drawn carriage. Oh, and of course, a rope, if you’re an assassin who climbs rooftops. (Photo: Ubisoft)

Added: 22.07.2015 19:43 | 46 views | 0 comments

Elaborate Costumes

To attend the massive medieval campout called the Pennsic War, attendees must dress in pre-16th-century garb. Every Pennsic War starts on the last Saturday in July. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Lords and Ladies

The event is run by the Society For Creative Anachronism, a group so large that it has regional "kings" and "queens," most of whom show up for Pennsic in full regalia, retinue in tow. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

No Hovels Here

Tents and merchant structures at Pennsic are often elaborate and sturdy. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Make Merry

Belly dancing is a popular event at every Pennsic. Attendees can also learn medieval games, cheese making, leatherworking, poetry, embroidery – even apothecary. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

This Means War

The heart of every Pennsic festival is a mock war between kingdoms and their allies. Players who succeed in battles or other event activities earn war points. The kingdom with the most war points wins the war. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

To Arms!

The battle is fought in an area called the "Barony-Marche of the Debatable Lands," otherwise known as Pittsburgh and greater southwestern Pennsylvania. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Nevermind, You Win

Combat and armor is subject to strict inspections and regulations. For the sake of safety, weapons are often solid wood, but tipped with rubber or foam. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

All Men Must Die

Some battles involve war axes or staves ... (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

En Garde!

... while others involve rapier combat. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Ready the Archers

Some Pennsic structures have been built, upgraded and maintained for decades. Some attendees spend all year designing or improving their living quarters in anticipation of the annual event. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Mood Lighting

Like the days of yore, many of Pennsic's nighttime activities are lit by good old fashioned fire. Attendees are told to mind their veils, wizard sleeves and other loose garb. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Little Lords, Little Ladies

Bringing kids to the Pennsic Wars is encouraged ... (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Playing Dress-Up

... as long as they, too, dress in period garb. (Photo by David Gornstein)

Medieval World

Medieval costumes and character inspirations are not limited to Europe. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Bring the Hammer

Old-school blacksmithing is very much alive and well during the Pennsic War. But the weapons on the mock battlefield must be made of wood. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Period Pieces

Pennsic attendees take their medieval garb seriously. Many make their own clothes just for the event. Some sew only by hand. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Braid, Milady?

Another Pennsic War side activity: Getting your hair braided, old-school style. (Photo by David Gornstein)

Stake Your Claim

The Pennsic War grounds are dotted with privately-run, medieval-themed camps. Some tents are rented; others are hand-sewn, along with the official flags or banners of the camp. Camp names (such as Aerie of Tir Thalor or Fool's Rest) are chosen by the occupants. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Raise Your Banners

The official banner of Camp Seven Deadly Sins, as shown by a young member of that camp. (Photo by David Gornstein)

Ye Olde Shopping Basket

Pennsic War campers don't just live medieval. They shop medieval. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Here There Be Dragons

The Pennsic Wars include medieval-themed parties every night ... but the volunteer-run event enforces "quiet hours" between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Added: 22.07.2015 19:43 | 10 views | 0 comments

Elaborate Costumes

To attend the massive medieval campout called the Pennsic War, attendees must dress in pre-16th-century garb. Every Pennsic War starts on the last Saturday in July. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Lords and Ladies

The event is run by the Society For Creative Anachronism, a group so large that it has regional "kings" and "queens," most of whom show up for Pennsic in full regalia, retinue in tow. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

No Hovels Here

Tents and merchant structures at Pennsic are often elaborate and sturdy. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Make Merry

Belly dancing is a popular event at every Pennsic. Attendees can also learn medieval games, cheese making, leatherworking, poetry, embroidery – even apothecary. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

This Means War

The heart of every Pennsic festival is a mock war between kingdoms and their allies. Players who succeed in battles or other event activities earn war points. The kingdom with the most war points wins the war. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

To Arms!

The battle is fought in an area called the "Barony-Marche of the Debatable Lands," otherwise known as Pittsburgh and greater southwestern Pennsylvania. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Nevermind, You Win

Combat and armor is subject to strict inspections and regulations. For the sake of safety, weapons are often solid wood, but tipped with rubber or foam. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

All Men Must Die

Some battles involve war axes or staves ... (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

En Garde!

... while others involve rapier combat. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Ready the Archers

Some Pennsic structures have been built, upgraded and maintained for decades. Some attendees spend all year designing or improving their living quarters in anticipation of the annual event. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Mood Lighting

Like the days of yore, many of Pennsic's nighttime activities are lit by good old fashioned fire. Attendees are told to mind their veils, wizard sleeves and other loose garb. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Little Lords, Little Ladies

Bringing kids to the Pennsic Wars is encouraged ... (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Playing Dress-Up

... as long as they, too, dress in period garb. (Photo by David Gornstein)

Medieval World

Medieval costumes and character inspirations are not limited to Europe. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Bring the Hammer

Old-school blacksmithing is very much alive and well during the Pennsic War. But the weapons on the mock battlefield must be made of wood. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Period Pieces

Pennsic attendees take their medieval garb seriously. Many make their own clothes just for the event. Some sew only by hand. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Braid, Milady?

Another Pennsic War side activity: Getting your hair braided, old-school style. (Photo by David Gornstein)

Stake Your Claim

The Pennsic War grounds are dotted with privately-run, medieval-themed camps. Some tents are rented; others are hand-sewn, along with the official flags or banners of the camp. Camp names (such as Aerie of Tir Thalor or Fool's Rest) are chosen by the occupants. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Raise Your Banners

The official banner of Camp Seven Deadly Sins, as shown by a young member of that camp. (Photo by David Gornstein)

Ye Olde Shopping Basket

Pennsic War campers don't just live medieval. They shop medieval. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)

Here There Be Dragons

The Pennsic Wars include medieval-themed parties every night ... but the volunteer-run event enforces "quiet hours" between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. (Photo by: Ron Lutz II, http://www.ronlutzii-photographer.com)