Rhiassa Tubes for Sale!

Hello everyone.

I’m so excited to make the official announcement that our latest Rhiassa Tubes (sword foam) shipment has been delivered from our oversees manufacturer and is ready to be distributed to the Realms!

For those of you who have not been in the loop up until now, the most noteworthy aspect of this new shipment is the Rhiassa Tube WB, made from the same foam material was the regular round Rhiassa Tube W, has the profile shape of a sword blade and will allow for the rapid and easy construction of more swordy-looking swords!

The Rhiassa Tube W, with a 1/2" inner diameter for the core and a 5/8" wall thickness.

The Rhiassa Tube WB, with a 1/2" inner diameter for core and a hexagonal blade shape.
At it's thinnest wall thickness it meets the 5/8" safety minimum. 

Many of you pre-ordered the Rhiassa Tube WB or more of the original Rhiassa Tube W. I will be bringing your orders to the following two events this coming month:

• Tournaments of Artemis XII (June 7)
• The Gilded Lion and Silver Branch Summer Festival IV (June 21)

If you cannot be at either of these events we can arrange for you to come pick them up at my house on another day.

Also at those two events I will be selling the extra stock I have of both kinds of foam for cash only, a necessity because I invested the money necessary to reach the minimum order levels to make this shipment possible.

• Rhiassa Tube W (round foam) will cost $5 each or $20 for 5 of them.
• Rhiassa Tube WB (blade shape foam) will cost $6 each or $20 for 4 of them.

Since the money I invested to make this order happen was from the account that funds Rhiassa events, selling the extra stock of foam would be really beneficial to helping to restock that account. Therefore, I will thank The Realms in advance for your patronage and hope that you will visit the Gilded Lion Ironworks shop counter at both of those events.

Gilded Lion Ironworks

We Who Smelt It, Dealt It.

Check out all our fine weapon making products

Thank you everyone for your help in making this project come to fruition. I am incredibly optimistic about how this new foam shape might make a tremendous impact on what weapons can look like in our game.

In service,

Jason Rosa

 

Rhiassa Tube (W) Reorder and New Options

Hello all,

Last summer our first order of custom manufactured Rhiassa Tubes (W) came in from China. 

(banana for scale)

Of this order of 1000 tubes, virtually all of them ended up as pre-orders from groups and people who wanted to have a larger stock to keep on hand. I'm certain that a great deal of that stock still remains out there and will last for a couple of years at least.

Regardless, there are people who have already expressed that they wanted in on another order of the tubes and we have a couple other options to announce that everyone might be interested in.

First of all, larger internal diameter Rhiassa Tube W.

With the same wall thickness as a regular Rhiassa Tube (W) (5/8"), the new Rhiassa Tube (WL) has an internal diameter of 3/4" as opposed to the 1/2" internal diameter of the original. While the 1/2" diameter has been really useful for single shorts especially with more advanced cores, people have expressed the desire to use larger cores on smaller weapons or to be able to make great weapons (etc). These tubes would be 3 feet long.

Second, a Rhiassa tube with a specific blade-like profile for people who are interested in trying to make some more swordy-like-swords (sorry to use a technical term there) which we'll call the Rhiassa Tube (WB)

The above picture is from a pre-production prototype of the blade shape with the picture being mailed to me from the factory. While the overall profile might change very slightly in regards to some of the angles, essentially we're looking at a flattened hexagon with rounded edges and the dimensions listed at the axes. The internal diameter of this tube would be 1/2". These tubes would also be 3 feet long.

Costs:

I last had a conversation about costs with the factory in the fall and my information is based on that time period. Before moving forward we would of course get updated quotes but I'm sharing what I estimates I got at the time.

Last order I was able to get the Rhiassa Tubes (W) manufactured at a price of $3.00 if they were pre-ordered which of course included manufacturing and direct shipping. I expect that this price will remain more or less the same if our order size is the same (1000) but could increase up to a $1 per tube if the order is significantly smaller.

The larger-size Rhiassa Tubes (WL) will be slightly higher in price again depending on order size. I estimated that we might be able to get up to an order of 500 of them with a cost of $4.00 per tube shipped.

The blade-profile Rhiassa Tube (WB) will require a custom die to manufacture which will add to the cost of the first time we order them. I asked for a quote based on an order size of 500 and we're looking at about $6.00 per tube.

Interest survey:

All of this is still a theoretical order and theoretical products. A new order might just be more of the original Rhiassa Tube (W) or even only one of the new product options.

So I need to gather an idea of overall interest.

If you believe you would participate in a pre-order of any of these tubes, please fill out this survey. You're not making any commitment by answering the questions.

If it looks like we have enough interest to put an order together than I'll start communicating with the factory and get updated quotes and then move from there. If there's not enough interest now we'll kick the can down the road and see if there's enough need in a few months or perhaps next winter.

Looking forward to hearing from everyone and engaging in some interesting discussions about these new materials.

In service,

Jason

Maker's Space with Maria "Liselle" Carr

 Organized by: Justin "J'ortsa" Thibeault

Makers Space is a View series about interviewing the makers, crafters, and artificers of the Realms and sharing their creations with everyone! I know I take pride in my work so I know you all must as well. That being said, how often do you get to humbly (or not so humbly) brag about your creations, so this is your outlet! Tell me everything!!

1. What is your OOC name?

Maria Carr


2. What is your character's name?

Liselle Silvermaple


3. What crafting mediums do you typically work in?

Fabric (Sewing), Embroidery, Vinyl, Fabric Paint, Yarn

All photos provided by Maria

4. What is your favorite medium to work with? Why is it your favorite?

Fabric by far. I love how there are so many different patterns there are to sew and how fabric can change the look of a pattern. Also, many of my other mediums are just different ways to dress up my fabric.

5. What is the most challenging part of working with this medium for you? How did you overcome it?

The most challenging part is the same reason that I love it, the different kinds of fabric. Some stretch or are smooth and silky, thick or delicate and with that are different methods of how to handle each one from changing tension on my Sewing machine and/or serger and to figuring out which fabrics will work best with iron on vinyl and embroidery. I have overcome this with lots of trial and error and I am still learning new tricks and methods all the time.

6. What is the piece you are most proud of? Why?


The piece I am most proud of is the formal garb I made for Shandar. On the day I received my gold wolf, I presented Shandar with a formal doublet in Invictus colors that had detachable sleeves and a side cape. The unique part about this is that the inside is lined with studded leather. It was an interesting challenge as it was the first time that I had done anything with garment grade leather and studs.

7. What is the piece you have done most recently that you are allowed to share? Tell us about it!


Recently, I was commissioned to make Rhiassa new tabards. Jason wanted a new style of tabard that had a split in both the front and the back as well as ties on the side. The entire tabard is lined in one inch bias tape.

8. What is the earliest piece you made? How long ago did you make it?

It’s hard to recall what I made early on in my garb making career since it spans 27 years. Also, back in the day I took pictures with a camera and 35mm film, so I don’t have many digital pictures of my early works. The earliest piece I can remember making is a dark blue doublet with silver trim that I made for Nate/Aelias in early 2000’s, so roughly 20ish years ago. It’s still around and my brother, Antonio/Mistral, wore it to Black and White last year.

9. What medium do you wish to learn more about or have been interested in?

I am looking into doing more with leather. 

10. What advice do you have for the rest of the community when it comes to crafting and making?

That it takes many years, hours, failed projects and lots of practice to get good at a craft. I once made a dress that I was so excited about, and it didn’t work out as it ended up being too big. I was very frustrated because of this and didn’t sew for about 6 months. What did I learn, and my best advice for anyone who is learning how to sew…make a mockup first so you make sure it fits and then adjust from there.

11. What inspires you to do what you do?

When people see the garb they have requested and put it on, they become so excited and that makes me feel so good. It’s also inspiring to see items I have made, still being worn.




12. Is there anything else you really wanna share with us? Any upcoming projects, etc.?

My goal is to help create a more immersive experience one piece at a time whether it’s a by making a banner, favor or garb for myself or for others.

Many of the things I have made for the game over the years have been tabards and banners, embroidered sashes and favors. I made tabards for Mythguard, back in the day, worked with Diana/Kiira to make the new Invictus tabards and most recently for Rhiassa.

Right now, I am working on a big project that I can’t talk about just yet, but it will be seen at an upcoming event before the end of the season.

Maker's Space with John “Gordon” Rescigno

Organized by: Justin "J'ortsa" Thibeault

Makers Space is a View series about interviewing the makers, crafters, and artificers of the Realms and sharing their creations with everyone! I know I take pride in my work so I know you all must as well. That being said, how often do you get to humbly (or not so humbly) brag about your creations, so this is your outlet! Tell me everything!!

1. What is your OOC name?

John Rescigno

2. What is your character's name?

Gordon

Photo provided by John

3. What crafting mediums do you typically work in?

Leather, sometimes foam.

4. What is your favorite medium to work with? Why is it your favorite?

Leather. Partially because it's therapeutic hitting something over and over, but mostly because of the feel and versatility. Leather can be tough, soft, or in between. You can dye it, tool it, paint it, and cut it into any shape. 

5. What is the most challenging part of working with this medium for you? How did you overcome it?

It's incredibly expensive to get into, and the RSI you can get sucks majorly. Scrap leather is your best friend for starting out. Getting the basics down of form and construction are more important than tooling at the start. As for the RSI, sorry. Take frequent breaks when tooling and pay attention to your body's needs.

Photo provided by John

6. What is the piece you are most proud of? Why?

My current cuirass was a labor of love. It was the first time I really took a pattern and made it my own instead of following the guidelines. There are secrets hidden in it, and all of the symbols and carving has a lot of personal significance to me. That being said I'm making a new one that I'm going to like more.

Photo provided by John

7. What is the piece you have done most recently that you are allowed to share? Tell us about it!

I was really honored to be asked to make two sets of bracers to be presented at Leviathan for Janna's kids. I was able to make it so that they can grow with them thanks to the pattern I used and using eyelets as opposed to buckles.

8. What is the earliest piece you made? How long ago did you make it?

In 2016, I made a pouch with soft, undyed leather. The rivets clicked together, and I didn't even know you had to hammer them. We all start somewhere.

9. What medium do you wish to learn more about or have been interested in? 

I've dipped my toes into foamwork but I am still really bad at it. I had to try it for a character in another game and made some cool automail, but I want to revisit that garb in leather or maybe better foam at some point. 

10. What advice do you have for the rest of the community when it comes to crafting and making?

Try it. You are going to fail at first. You're going to hate things you make that will blow other people away with how amazing they are. You're your own worst enemy and you need to trust the process. Put love into it. My actual blood is in some pieces. I don't recommend that; it was an accident. 

Photo provided by John

11. What inspires you to do what you do? 

I'm really proud that my efforts into improving my garb and armor have inspired others, which keeps me going. Seeing others up their own game and grow and learn is amazing. 

(Editor’s [Justin T.] note: I am one of these people that have been inspired to up my game and learn because of John. :D)

12. Is there anything else you really wanna share with us? Any upcoming projects, etc.?

I'm making myself some new armor which is going to reflect recent changes to my character.

Photo provided by John

If you have any questions or would like to be interviewed, please send a DM to Justin Thibeault (spartan_a239 on Discord)

"Upgrading" Pocket Pikes - An Appeal

by Jason "Aeston" Rosa 

The concept of the "pocket pike" (sometimes called the sleeve pike) is not new. In fact, it's probably over a decade old, first conceived and implemented by Ashenmark. As soon as I experienced the original design, convinced of it's superior safety, I immediately made up three bamboo pikes that followed that schematic and for years used them at war events and questing events alike. Since that time, in 2018, the "pocket pike" design became Omnibus-mandatory for bamboo-core pikes, and rightly so.

Even though pocket-pikes are widely used, I believe they can be made to a higher safety standard to reduce the number of pike injuries that occur, especially at high intensity events. In order to help the Realms in that endeavor, Gilded Lion Ironworks will be producing pocket pike upgrade kits to help reach this elevated construction standard. 

First, a to-scale schematic of how a pocket pike is assembled using the Gilded Lion Ironworks Pocket Pike Kit. 

There are a couple things to highlight here that I believe are new "best practices" in safety without specifically being required by omnibus rules.

This section is mostly justification through arithmetic. Fair warning. 

TLDR at the end of the bullet points.

In all of these cases I am comparing the above schematic to a pike made to the minimum Omnibus standards which currently require: a 3" squish tip, a 1/4" thick foam disk, a 3" foam plug, and a 5" sleeve that starts beneath the foam disk (with no specific thickness requirement and not necessarily with the foam disk overlapping the sleeve by rule).

• The squish tip is overall larger in all three dimensions. It is an inch longer than the Omnibus minimum and also extends out to an expanded profile just like the 1/2" camp foam disk (more on that below). This increases the surface area of the tip from just under 4 square inches to over 8 square inches. This increases the overall volume of the squish tip from about 29 cubic inches to over 57 cubic inches. That is a lot more padding to hit with and a lot more foam with which to absorb force.

• The camp foam disk extends to the outer edge of the camp foam sleeve. This larger size foam disk increases the surface area (like above) from just under 4 square inches to over 8 square inches so the force that is transferred to the disk from the squish tip is distributed across a wider area.

• The force, once transferred from the larger foam disk to the rest of the weapon, is then transferred to not just the foam plug and pipe foam but also to the entire sleeve. Just in calculating the 3 inches of pike below the camp foam disk, thats an increase in foam volume from about 29 cubic inches to about 47 cubic inches, which is significantly more foam to absorb that force.

• More exactly, the percent of the force that is transferred specifically to the foam plug changes from 61% to a notably smaller 37%. This means less punishment to the weakest part of the weapon. 

• Stress points are created whenever surfaces meet and can push against one another laterally. There is, of course, a stress point where the foam plug meets the bamboo and is a notorious known break-down point in any kind of weapon. There is a lesser stress point where the bottom edge of the camp foam sleeve meets the pipe foam. By making the camp foam sleeve 3" longer these two stress points are moved further away from one another increasing the overall durability of the entire weapon head. 

TLDR: Increasing the length and size of these pike tip components creates more surface area and volume to distribute the force and is therefore safer and more durable.

I should take a moment to point out that this voluntary new standard of pike safety isn't something that's come entirely out of the blue. When bamboo pikes were voted into the game in 2018 we made the best decisions we could, informed by experienced builders and fighters, to maximize their safety. In the years afterwards we've gathered much experiential data. The changes above, made via the consultation with several pike-users across the community, constitute the next logical step in safety design. It's been long enough since the implementation of these weapons that we examine critically how we can do better and make a change.

I think it would be unreasonable of me to insist that we all rebuild our pikes without providing some significant help to those who want to try. So the newly introduced Gilded Lion Ironworks is now producing a Gilded Lion Ironworks Pocket Pike Kit to help anyone who wants to upgrade their pike or build a new one to these standards!

All of the components of that kit can be seen below.

This kit will be provided at cost for anyone who wants to use it to create or upgrade one of their pikes, we are not seeking to make a profit on it.

Notably, with this kit, you will receive the following sticker.

Building or upgrading your pike with an unmodified Gilded Lion Ironworks Pocket Pike Kit will give you the right to place this sticker somewhere near the base of the foam on your weapon. This sticker is a marshaling tool that will be used by combat marshals for Queen of Hearts going forward.

Starting next year, in 2025, all pikes used at Queen of Hearts must conform to the higher safety standards achieved by the Gilded Lion Ironworks Pocket Pike Kit. It would be nice if pikers could try to achieve this goal by this summer's Queen of Hearts but we know that it is too close to reasonably require it of everyone.

This does NOT REQUIRE that you specifically use our kit to upgrade your pike. As long as you are reaching or exceeding the standards specified in this article you can create all your own components and then ask for your pike to be inspected to acquire one of the above stickers.

For THIS year's Queen of Hearts (2024) Kyle (Killian) and Paul (Grindin) have extremely graciously volunteered to build and bring a number of upgraded pocket pikes to the event for both teams to use, though their use will be strongly requested it will not be mandatory.

We know that the increased amount of and intensity of combat at Queen of Hearts leads to greater injuries overall, even if everyone is doing their best to be careful. The close quarters, fatigue, and emotions can combine in unfortunate ways. This elevated pike standard is an attempt at increasing overall safety with very little appreciable downside other than some labor and material costs.

Please reach out with any questions.

If you would like to secure a Gilded Lion Ironworks Pocket Pike Kit in the coming weeks, please let me know. We plan to start distributing them in June. They will be available at Rowan's Rarities (fine purveyor of Gilded Lion goods) in limited quantities so to secure more than one kit at a time it's probably best to reach out to me directly.

In service,

Jason

Introducing: The Gilded Lion Ironworks and Lioncast Hilts

by Jason "Aeston" Rosa 

In an effort to formalize Rhiassa's contributions to the various disciplines of weapon construction, Rhiassa has created the Gilded Lion Ironworks brand. 

Going forward, this will be the parent brand of the Rhiassa Tube and Rhiassa Tube (W) as well as any future blade materials, but in particular I am taking this occasion to introduce a new product to the Realms: Lioncast Hilts.

Lioncast Hilts are a product line of ready-made handle parts for crafting swords. Our offerings include quillons (cross guards) and pommels of different styles. 

Each piece is laser-cut out of two pieces of 1/2” EVA foam which are meant to be glued together over the weapon core material that you are using to make hilt parts that are 1” thick overall. The groove left in the middle assumes the core you are using will be 1/2” in diameter. The groove has been specially designed with textured indentations that will create a snug fit and accommodate adhesive to make an extremely robust connection with the core of the weapon.

The construction of a dagger showing how a Lioncast Hilt is added.

The Realms has shown a consistent desire to have nicer, more realistic looking weapons and for a lot of people a nicely designed hilt can be a part of that. It can be difficult, however, to freehand cutting out the EVA foam to make a hilt and having it come out perfectly symmetrical and cleanly cut. For those of you who want an easy and great looking solution, adding a Lioncast Hilt can immediately elevate the look of your weapon for only a small amount of effort.

Below are the standard designs that we offer for quillons and pommels. The quillons are about 6" in length and the pommels range from 1" to 1.5" in size depending on the style. The outlines and names appear above photos of the actual laser cut pieces.

In addition to Western-style hilts, Lioncast Hilts also incorporate tsuba-style guards for Tang Huanese swords. These are cut out of a single piece of 1/2" EVA foam and are about 3" in diameter. Want to make your popsicle stick instantly feel more IC for almost no extra weight? Just slide one of these tsubas onto the handle and paint it!

Lioncast hilts will make their official debut at the Gilded Lion and Silver Branch Summer Festival in June where they can be found for sale at Rowan's Rarities, our exclusive reseller for this product. We can also work with you to design custom shapes, styles, and sizes for your own weapon-crafting needs. Contact me to get started on that process.

Once final product pitch I want to add to this one is our Lioncast Filigree.

Lioncast filigree is a custom service that creates embellishments to add to your weapons, most often useful for weapons that are being coated with a high-detail material such as spray-rubber and latex. Adding these designs to a sword blade or a shield surface will elevate the quality of your armament in a very significant way.

Because of our precision laser-cutting method, your design is delivered to you with perfect fidelity. We can create stunning levels of detail. All Lioncast Filigree is made to order, there is no standard stock that is created, but think about having your heraldry or other decoration made to add to your weapons or shields. Contact me with questions or to arrange an order.

Adding a Lioncast Filigree to a weapon and painting them.

Rhiassa is proud to offer these products to the Realms through our Gilded Lion Ironworks brand. We hope to be your partner in elevating the aesthetics of your weapons and making your crafting process easier as well. Please reach out with any questions or comments, we value your feedback. Our web page has further details on these services as well: http://rhiassa.com/ironworks/index.html

And remember the Gilded Lion Ironworks motto: We who smelt it, dealt it.

In service,

Jason

Maker's Space with Amber “Tarnisha” Fox

Organized by: Justin "J'ortsa" Thibeault

Makers Space is a View series about interviewing the makers, crafters, and artificers of the Realms and sharing their creations with everyone! I know I take pride in my work so I know you all must as well. That being said, how often do you get to humbly (or not so humbly) brag about your creations, so this is your outlet! Tell me everything!!

1. What is your OOC name?

Amber Fox

2. What is your character's name?

Lady Tarnisha of Darkvale

3. What crafting mediums do you typically work in?

Fabric, trim, floss, beads & pearls // Sewing, quilting, and some jewelry making and embroidery.

Photo provided by Amber

4. What is your favorite medium to work with? Why is it your favorite?

I love Garb-making! What is a character without clothing? Destined to land on an IRL Sex-offender registry, that's what! I love giving myself access to the Clothing befitting my noble station- no way I could afford that IRL and off the shelf. I love helping others elevate their look, Christmas trim snagged 2 Januarys ago makes a huge difference. I love making my cute kid even more adorable with fancy garb or a custom Halloween costume. I love transforming a clearance tablecloth into a beautiful gown with sweeping sleeves. I love the challenge of researching a new historic garment and making it come to life.

Photo provided by Amber

5. What is the most challenging part of working with this medium for you? How did you overcome it?

My first major challenge was understanding how to sew the middle seam of pants-- that is some advanced 3-D geometric manipulation! (Or, it is for me) I needed to look it up and carefully follow instructions on how to arrange the 2 leg-pieces each time --just Trust the instructions. That gave me How. After a while of watching How in action, understanding the Why started to grow. The same was true of how curved pieces come together and how to tweak them in the way that altered the shape the way I wanted. So much seam ripping on many different practice pieces. 

6. What is the piece you are most proud of? Why?

My wedding dress-- a white silk Hoop-skirted dress with green trim. I'd practiced on several similar dresses, or parts of dresses, before and the one for the wedding came out great. The silk was unforgiving of re-stitching. The corded trim couldn't do what my design asked it too, but I overcame the challenges. Everything was Just right for my Special Day.

Photo provided by Amber

7. What is the piece you have done most recently that you are allowed to share? Tell us about it!

I just delivered 15 servant sashes to Lord Aeston at FoLev. Before that I was thrilled to have been allowed to do the repair work upon one of the historic Darkvale tabards. I also used strung pearls to add Darkvale heraldry to the dress I wore to B&W this year.

8. What is the earliest piece you made? How long ago did you make it?

My first no-sew garb was in late HS. A satin pillowcase wrapped and folded around a Legal sized Manilla folder rolled into a cone, *stapled* together with a polyester scarf coming out of the top to make a "princess hat" (a Hollywood style Hennin). There was a matching bedsheet I tied with a rope and secured with safety pins into a empire waisted skirt, over leggings and a Cami, then with a lacy topped, sheer-skirted overdress I found at a flea market. I was ready for the Renn faire! My first Guided project was my red-lined green cloak in Nov of '97. I went to W.Mass for Thxgiving break with an older Realmsies and we worked on it over the weekend. My first solo-ish project was a set of 4 side-lacing dresses due for the summer of '00. My favorite of the batch (Half blue, half a warm color-shifting medium brown) was turned into a sideless surcoat and donated to the Peacock table for re-homing 2 years ago.

Photo provided by Amber

9. What medium do you wish to learn more about or have been interested in? 

I want to do small metal working. Chasing and Repousse' (metal engraving from both sides) making belt findings, maybe Pewter casting. Really kick my custom jewelry-making up a notch.

10. What advice do you have for the rest of the community when it comes to crafting and making?

Dive right in! Give it a try. Don't be afraid of using free or cheap materials. If you can't get access to a Sewing Machine, a plain needle and thread has worked for millennium. 

Photo provided by Amber

11. What inspires you to do what you do? 

The results, The intellectual challenge. Or Love for the community, via yards and yards of seams.

12. Is there anything else you really wanna share with us? Any upcoming projects, etc.?

I have so many would-be sewing projects in my stash, it's hard to find the time to bring them to life. But I think the one that will win the next slot is a 14th century open hood. However, those beaded place mats have been begging to go upon a fancy hoop skirt for a while. --- I have tried dozens of different crafts - furniture making, narrow weaving, chain maille knitting, Japanese cord making. I dabbled in leatherworking and basket weaving. Each gives me options for overcoming future challenges, even if I can't see how right now. Even if I didn't love that craft forever, it was still worth learning.

If you have any questions or would like to be inter

viewed, please send a DM to Justin Thibeault (spartan_a239 on Discord)

The Making of Long Barney

by Jason "Aeston" Rosa

The first Ashen Adventures also marked the conclusion of the long-running Nangea storyline and to help make the event feel worthy of a grand finale, Tucker asked for help creating a "sea serpent". 

I'm not sure he or the rest of the staff expected something on the scale we created, but Rhiassa wanted to use this as an opportunity to express our thanks for the tremendous amount of work Ashenmark always does to help us with our events. So planning began to create something that really had a "wow" factor to it.

I did my best to capture the whole construction process in photographs so I'd like to take this opportunity to share with you all the journey of constructing the "Gloweed Leviathan" that we affectionately dubbed Long Barney. Team Sea Serpent (myself, Jen, Lani, Nataliya, and Nick) truly enjoyed this entire process and are very proud of the result.

A picture from Echoes of Ragnarok. These cardboard barrels were purchased with the idea that they would be a tree trunk for our event and the body segments for the sea serpent afterwads.

The barrels are cut in half, the internal structure is the "T" made out of 1" PVC. The pipe sticking out the sides is a specific engineering choice. Expanding foam is being used as the "glue".

All the barrels are now set up with the internal supports. The first fin is attached. The EVA foam that makes up the fin has a tab cut into it that is inserted into the PVC pipe on the side and filled with expanding foam in and around to cement them in place.

The initial shape of the head made of three panels of EVA foam. It was Nataliya's design and execution that gave this head a very organic shape.

Fins on both sides of the tubes are now in place.

Another view of the fins on, in the back is the tail piece that has different shaped fins just for the aesthetic.

The head is now attached to the cardboard tube with some extra panels to complete the shape and hold it in place. There is a skeleton of pool noodles in there as well to hold it together and keep it from collapsing.

The dorsal fin section, the tail, and the tail-tube with its elongated fins. Here you can see the extra texture that was created out of expanding foam to create a more realistic looking skin.

More views of the fin attachment and skin texture.

Nostrils added to help detail the head.

Spraying plasti-dip on the EVA foam fins to make them more resilient and hold paint better.

The plasti-dipped head showing the added eye sockets and skin texture.

The eyes were tap lights that were painted green.

A base-coat of latex (purple) and acrylic (green) paint goes on the body. Purple and green are the official glow weed colors but it was at this point that we starting calling the monster "Barney" because... well... purple and green.

The base coat of purple on the head.

The detail work on the fins and scales starts to get painted on.

More views of the details as they get painted in.

The lined up pieces really start to show how the serpent will come together.

Detail on the tail

Cloth added to the backs of the tubes to hide the internal structure but still allow access.

Final detail on the head.

Checking out the LED lights that were glued into many parts of the body.

All done! All the parts stacked up.

The kids were certainly impressed.

Various views of the completed Long Barney

It all just barely fit in the car after a few different attempts at Tetris-ing it in.

And here is the moment when Long Barney appears for the first time, causing exactly the amount of chaos we hoped that we would see. Enjoy!