If you already have 20 people then it sounds like you have an excellent start. Congrats !
No rush on choosing a name or colors. Get your people together sometime, come up with some ideas from the group, and then vote on it a week or so later. It's good to give people time to think about it. ( Check the Realm list beforehand to make sure you don't use a name that is already used, or that's too similiar. Try to stay away from names that start with A, there are sooo many of them already. Also, black and red are the most popular colors, so you might want to chose another theme. Realm list;
viewtopic.php?f=85&t=13470 )
http://www.edhellen.com has swords for sale, and pictures to give you an idea. Or hopefully a neighboring realm will help teach you how to make weapons. There are instructions available online. ( Could someone please post a link ? )
Once you have weapons, start weekly practices in a Park that is somewhat in the public view. Bathrooms are a plus. Sun is great in the winter, and shade will be great in the summer. Keeping the same practice location and the same day and time makes it easier for people to come back. Bring a notebook and make a sign in sheet. Get email addresses and phone numbers so you can reach people. It's easy to make a yahoo mailing list and keep everyone up to date.
Create flyers, or download flyers, add your phone number & email. Put them in area gaming stores or colleges. Also bring them to practice to hand out to interested people who walk by. Eventually you or someone in your realm could make a website or a MySpace page with your realm name to help you network.
Basically just have a good time at your weekly practice Treat people with respect. Show appreciation to people who help out. A good attitude is crucial.
Community is an important aspect of a successful realm. Once your group is going, Put together weapon making days. Go to the movies in garb and hand out flyers. Go out to dinner after practice in garb. Maintain positive relations with neighboring foam fighters and the SCA. It's a lot of fun to go to other games events, and you get to meet even more people. First impressions are very important, so put your best foot forward. And go to national events ! Make new friends and have a great time.
Belegarth Events;
viewforum.php?f=153What other questions do you have ?
