The Society
The Vikings (NFPS) was founded in 1971 and has grown to become one of the largest Dark Age Re-enactment Societies in the country [Britain]. The Society specializes in re-creating the costume, weaponry, and crafts of the 10th century Vikings and Saxons but also includes groups whose primary interests are in the earlier Celtic peoples or 11th century Normans.
Structure of the Society
The society is divided into smaller groups called Herreds which specialize in representing the different racial groups present in the period. The Herreds function independently under their Group Leader (Jarl) but are subject to the rules of the Society. The society has a single chieftain (Konunger) who runs the NFPS with aid of a High Council of advisors, society officers (Thegns), and the Jarls. Twice a year, meetings are held (Althings) at which voting members of the society may question any decisions made within the last few months.
Shows
The main aim of the society is to re-enact the battles and skirmishes which would have taken place in Dark Age Britain and a taste of the living conditions, crafts, and skills of the 10th century Vikings and Saxons. Shows vary in size, from small village fetes or educational events at schools organised by the local Herred and requiring only neighboring groups to assist (designated a minor muster) to large County shows or re-creations of known battles at historically important sites, for example Hastings (major musters). Major musters involve the whole Society and may require over a hundred warriors on the field entertaining crowds which can number in the thousands. At all events, we aim to deliver a show which is both as exciting and as historically accurate as possible whilst maintaining high safety standards.
Roles Within the Society
New members joining the Society may choose to specialize and train in metal weapon combat, archery, or the craft and acting techniques used in a village or may prefer to try a little of each. Most groups hold regular training sessions where these skills can be taught -- this is particularly important for the combatants who must learn not to be a danger to either themselves, other Society members, or members of the public and who will be required to pass a basic safety assessment before being allowed to perform in public.
Rank within the NFPS
As a new member of the society you will be ranked as a thrall. This is a short probationary period during which time you will be expected to fulfil certain entry requirements.
The Society charges an annual membership fee, payable on the 1st of January each year. In return, you will receive a membership card, on which is recorded your rank and status, third party public liability insurance which covers all officially sanctioned NFPS shows, and copies of both the Society journal "The Runestaff" and monthly broadsheets which give details of shows throughout the season. You will also be expected to make a small contribution to your Herred funds.
Most Herreds have a certain amount of spare equipment that can be lent to new members. However during this period you will be expected to start to assemble your own. Each Herred has gear guides for Saxon and Viking costume, as well as information on Celtic and Norman equipment, which can be borrowed or copied. Most of the kit can be bought from traders within the Society or help will be given to assist you in making your own. Each Herred has an Authenticity Officer who, with the advise of the Society Authenticity Officer, will ensure that your kit is as historically accurate as possible and the new members costume must be approved by an Authenticity Officer before they will be allowed to take part in a show in any capacity. For combatants, helmets, armguards, and gloves are a safety requirement and should be regarded as an essential first.
Each Herred has a Training Officer who is responsible for teaching new recruits basic combat skills. In addition, there are Society training weekends run by the Society Training Officer which provide opportunities to learn new techniques and train alongside other groups. Before taking part in any show, metal weapon combatants must pass a basic safety test set either by their Herred Training Officer or the Society Training Officer (or nominated deputy). Thralls and Fri-hals may not use either spears or 2-handed weapons unless it is a scripted part of the show in which they have permission to take part. Archers may only take part in shows when the Society Training Officer (or nominated deputy) has assessed their ability and judged them safe. They may find that initially their role in the combat is limited until they have gained experience.
Non-combatants should take this time to acquire some skill or craft which will be useful in a village scenario.
At the discretion of their group leader, at the end of the probationary period the Thrall is promoted to the rank of Fri-hals. The Fri-hals is not a voting member of the Society.
After acquiring a number of skills, which may cross a broad spectrum of combatant, craft, and acting abilities, and having attended a minimum number of shows and owning costume and equipment of a certain standard, a Group Leader may put forward an individual for promotion to the rank of Drengr. The award will normally then be made at the next Society banquet. The Drengr is a voting member of the Society.
Children
Junior membership of the Society is available at a nominal cost. Children can take part in the village activities and may be given a scripted part in the show but are the parents responsibility at all times. Any child in the village must be dressed in appropriate costume, to the satisfaction of an Authenticity Officer, and have toys made of natural materials and from the right era -- no plastic swords or wooden fire engines.
The Social Life
The Society hosts 2 banquets a year which combine a social function with the presentation of awards. Many Herreds also throw their own mini-banquets throughout the year. Shows occur most weekends from Easter through to the end of September in England, Scotland, and Wales and most evenings include an invasion of the local pub followed by a session around a blazing camp fire. We have also travelled to perform shows in both Denmark and Ireland, providing members both with a cheap holiday and some unforgettable memories.