Camp Follower Role and Costume Requirements

Overview

An army is made up of more than just soldiers!

During the 13th century, medieval armies were accompanied by servants, cooks, merchants, craftsmen, family members, and others who helped support the army on campaign.

The Camp Follower role allows players to become part of a baron's army without participating in combat.

Whether you want to portray a merchant hoping to make a profit from the war, a servant attending to their lord, a craftsman traveling with the army, or simply a commoner caught up in the conflict, there are plenty of opportunities to create your own story.

Camp followers are encouraged to participate in the daily life of the army, interact with other characters, and help bring our medieval world to life.

What Do Camp Followers Do?

Camp followers are noncombatant characters who belong to a baron's retinue. They participate in the roleplay and social aspects of the event rather than fighting.

Some examples of camp follower roles include:

• Servants and Attendants: Assist your baron, knight, or other members of the army with their daily needs.
• Cooks and Provisioners: Help prepare meals, distribute supplies, or portray those responsible for keeping the army fed.
• Merchants and Traders: Buy, sell, barter, and negotiate with other characters through roleplay.
• Craftsmen: Portray blacksmiths, leatherworkers, tailors, carpenters, or other tradespeople.
• Squires and Personal Attendants: Help knights prepare for battle, maintain equipment, and carry out errands outside of combat.
• Family Members: Portray the spouses, relatives, or companions of those serving in the army.
• Laborers: Assist with camp activities, moving supplies, and other noncombat tasks.

These are just a few examples! You are welcome to develop your own character and find creative ways to participate in the event.

You do not need to have a specific job or trade. Simply being part of the army's traveling community is perfectly acceptable.

Combat and Battlefield Rules

Camp followers are strictly noncombatants.

Camp followers may not participate in combat, carry weapons, or take part in battlefield objectives.

This includes carrying messages, capturing objectives, transporting battlefield supplies, or otherwise influencing the outcome of a battle through game mechanics.

Camp followers are also not valid targets for combatants and may not be attacked under our combat rules.

During battles, camp followers must remain outside active combat areas and follow the instructions of event staff and heralds.

You are welcome to watch the battles from safe areas, cheer on your army, and enjoy the excitement without having to fight.

Roleplay and Participation

Camp followers are encouraged to participate in the social and political life of their army.

You can attend gatherings, interact with other characters, become involved in camp activities, and develop your own relationships and stories.

You might be a loyal servant, a shrewd merchant, a traveling craftsman, or someone with their own reasons for following the army.

Camp followers may be able to read if it make sense for their character. So a Baron's administrator ora scholar may be able to read, while a camp cook could not. 

While camp followers cannot participate in battlefield objectives, they are welcome to participate in noncombat roleplay, including negotiations, intrigue, and other interactions between characters.

Remember that your character should fit within the setting of 13th-century England.

Mandatory Costume Requirements

Camp followers have some of the simplest costume requirements at War of the Barons.

Your clothing should reflect the life and social standing of your character. Most camp followers will portray commoners, servants, or tradespeople, so simple and practical medieval clothing is encouraged.

1. Medieval Clothing: A basic medieval outfit appropriate to your character. This might include a tunic and trousers, or a medieval-style dress or gown.
2. Belt: A simple leather or cloth belt, where appropriate to your outfit.
3. Footwear: Period-appropriate leather shoes or boots. F&F Medieval Ranger Boots are allowed.

Optional Costume Items

1. Hoods and Hats: Linen or wool hoods, caps, veils, and other appropriate medieval headwear.
2. Cloaks: Wool or linen cloaks for warmth and protection from the weather.
3. Pouches and Bags: Period-appropriate bags, baskets, and pouches for carrying personal belongings.
4. Tools of Your Trade: Props appropriate to your character, such as merchant's scales, sewing supplies, wooden utensils, or other period-inspired equipment.
5. Aprons: A great addition for cooks, servants, craftsmen, and other working characters.
6. Accessories: Brooches, jewelry, and other items that help tell your character's story.

Notes & Recommendations

• Camp followers are allowed required to wear armor or purchase combat equipment.
• Camp followers may not carry weapons, including decorative foam weapons. Nonweapon tools and props appropriate to your character are welcome, provided they are safe.
• Your costume should reflect your character's place in medieval society. A servant or laborer should generally dress more simply than a wealthy merchant or noble attendant.
• We encourage natural fabrics such as linen, wool, and textured cotton. Avoid obviously modern clothing, visible zippers, and bright neon colors.
• Camp followers are not expected to spend the entire event working! This is a roleplay experience, and you are here to enjoy yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to join a specific baron's retinue?

Yes. Camp followers are part of a baron's retinue, just like the soldiers. You will be associated with a particular army and are encouraged to participate in its camp life and activities. You will also submit all kit to them for approval 

Do I need to have a specific job?

No. While we encourage players to develop interesting characters and participate in camp activities, you are not required to portray a particular profession.

Can I participate in battles or help complete objectives?

No. Camp followers cannot participate in combat or battlefield objectives. This includes carrying messages, moving supplies, capturing objectives, or performing other tasks that affect the outcome of a battle.

You can, however, help your army prepare before battles and take part in camp activities afterward.

Can I carry a sword, dagger, or foam weapon?

No. Camp followers may not carry weapons, including decorative foam weapons. This helps keep the distinction between combatants and noncombatants clear.

Can I watch the battles?

Absolutely! Camp followers are welcome to watch battles from safe areas and cheer on their army. Just be sure to remain clear of active fighting and follow the instructions of event staff.

Can I participate in politics and intrigue?

Of course! Medieval armies were full of people with their own interests, loyalties, and ambitions. Camp followers are encouraged to participate in roleplay, negotiations, and the social and political aspects of the event.

Can I bring props for my character?

Yes! We encourage players to bring appropriate nonweapon props that add to their characters and the atmosphere of the event. Just make sure they are safe and appropriate for the setting.

Do camp followers need a special ticket?

Yes. Camp followers purchase a camp follower ticket associated with their baron. 

Can I switch to a combatant role during the event?

If you wish to participate in combat, you must first meet the requirements for a combatant role, including the appropriate costume, equipment, and safety requirements. You may not simply pick up a weapon and join a battle as a camp follower. You may also not join in combat if your barony has reached its combatant player limit. 

Any change in role must be approved by event staff before participating in combat.

Do I need previous LARP experience?

Not at all! Camp followers are a great way for new players to experience War of the Barons without the need for combat training or expensive equipment.

Whether you are a seasoned roleplayer or attending your first event, there is a place for you in the army!

Can I play a Camp Prostitute or Sex Worker?

No. This draws too near to crossing the real/pretend line and opens the door for real life sexual harassment issues, so we do not allow people to put themselves in this situation.