I’m Roland Warzecha — professional illustrator and swordsman. The name Dimicator comes from the Latin for “sword fighter.” I share cutting-edge research into historical martial arts, focusing in particular on Viking and high medieval sword-and-shield combat. My work is carried out in collaboration with museums, fellow martial artists, and scholars around the world.
Viking Ship, Crafts & Photos, Sword News, Buckler News
Viking Age come to Life ...Hi Viking enthusiasts, sword people and time travellers, I’ve created this piece of concept art for a new video that my fellow illustrator Oliver Wünsch at HistoRealities and I are currently working on. See the full image on my Patreon, watch previous videos here. Frosty Nights and Daily Fights at RibePreviously, I shared with you images from Arttu's spear workshop at the recent Ribe Bouts. Now comes a gallery of photos taken by Christina, kindly provided for your enjoyment. Browse the public gallery on my Patreon, and while you are there, sign up as a member — there's more to come soon! Viking Craftsmanship RecreatedMy Viking Age kit includes a set of beautiful splint boxes crafted by expert artisan Hannes Hirsch. Two of them are reconstructions based on finds from Hedeby, decorated with authentic patterns. In my latest Patreon post, I show how I incised, painted and finished the most recent addition (in the foreground) using authentic tools, natural pigments, and a lot of patience!
A Most Beautiful 12th-Century SwordGraceful lines and perfect craftsmanship make this weapon one of the most striking examples featuring a so-called Brazil-nut pommel. The superbly proportioned hilt is left plain, while the blade bears fine engravings inlaid with gold wire — a true masterpiece. I share all my research with supporters on Patreon first. If you’ve ever considered joining them, now’s a good time — prices for new members and for ugrades will rise soon for the first time in eleven years (current paid members remain unaffected). Your Foundation in I.33 Sword & BucklerSword-and-buckler fighters around the world use our I.33 online courses to build a solid foundation in medieval swordsmanship—learning essential techniques, tactical principles, and historical context. If you're new to online training or have been thinking about joining, keep an eye out for our upcoming Black Friday special offers Cornelius and I are currently preparing. Plus, there's a surprise waiting for you. More info soon. Now it's time to pack up for training to hone my very own sword-and-buckler skills. The Berlin Buckler Bouts are coming up next week! Roland P.S. If you enjoyed this newsletter, please recommend it to your friends. They can sign up here or on my website. Or simply forward them this email. If you feel like dropping a coin into my tip jar, you can do so here. Thank you for your time and your interest. You are receiving this newsletter because you have signed up for it, or because you have previously expressed your interest in my work and events. If you prefer to not receive further emails, you can unsubscribe below. |
Dimicator
I’m Roland Warzecha — professional illustrator and swordsman. The name Dimicator comes from the Latin for “sword fighter.” I share cutting-edge research into historical martial arts, focusing in particular on Viking and high medieval sword-and-shield combat. My work is carried out in collaboration with museums, fellow martial artists, and scholars around the world.
The Endless Cycle Pierpont Morgan Library, New York, MS M. 638, fol. 38r (c. 1250) Dear history enthusiasts, When this newsletter goes out, I will be on the road, heading home from my mother’s funeral. She passed away last week, in the company of loved ones, only moments after receiving her final blessing. At first, I was reluctant to share something so personal. But then I realised that this is precisely what history is about: the endless cycle of arrival and departure, the story of those...
A Kingdom for a Horse! It could be worse: it could be raining! Hello history enthusiasts, My fellow illustrator Oliver Wünsch and I are still busy exploring new AI-assisted opportunities for visual storytelling. We feel it is the best way to spend our time now that traditional illustration work has largely vanished, thanks to generative AI. The good news—at least for us—is that our particular application of AI still requires artistic skill as well as archaeological and historical expertise....
Viking Houses Need Maintenance Danes in the house: very hyggelig Hello fellow medieval military enthusiasts and time travellers, I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits, swinging swords as one ought to. If you are doing so in preparation for the first Dimicator venture of the year in Hedeby on the weekend of 18/19 April, make sure to sign up swiftly. No Danish Viking venture without sufficient sausage supplies The museum has notified me that, due to maintenance and...