Medieval group like being in Game of Thrones (+pics)

BACK IN TIME: Aaron Giles (front, right) is an eager member of the Lakes Falcons medieval club. He's pictured with members Sarah Groot (left), Brooke Lunam, 9, Anthea Dempsey, Breana Dempsey, 8. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

The chance to pick up a sword and delve into another world was all Aaron Giles needed to join a Rotorua medieval group.

Mr Giles likens joining Lakes Falcons to jumping onto the set of Game of Thrones.

"It kind of paved the path towards this," he said.

"People see Game of Thrones and the battles and all that and then you get more into it. It's the only way you're able to beat up your mates without getting into trouble."

He said he saw the medieval re-enactment and thought it looked like fun. Now he is a regular and known to others in the group as "the crazy Celt".

"If I were in Game of Thrones I'd be a wildling," he said.

The group is preparing for the national camp in October where they meet up with other groups from around the country.

Their group draws on characters who lived in the 12th-14th centuries and is made up of what Lakes Falcon captain Deborah Campbell called mercenaries.

"Back then you had your armies under kings and lords but we're made up of the rabble.

"We're swords for hire."

Image 1 of 9: Sarah Groot, left, and Brooke Lunam, 9. Photo/Ben Fraser

The group is recruiting for the camp. You don't have to be a budding fighter, Ms Campbell said. They are also interested to hear from anyone with craft skills, such as working with wood, leather and wool.

The weapons training available includes quarter staff, sword, shield and archery.

The group meets every other Sunday at the Scout Hall on Pererika St from 12pm-4pm.