When Tyler Borror isn't studying social sciences at Plymouth State University he can usually be found making chain mail shirts and studying the art of long sword fighting.

Roxanne Morrison is a business major, but don't think she doesn't appreciate the chance to dress up in period garb and head to the field for a little archery.

On Saturday Borror and Morrison, both students in PSU's Medieval Society, were among the dozens who sat down for a Medieval feast that capped a 29th annual Medieval and Renaissance Forum that saw the college campus leaving the modern age, if only for a weekend.

Each year PSU holds a Medieval festival that has scholars and enthusiasts from all over the country and beyond converging on Plymouth to revel in a time period that is the focal point for many hobbyists and students.

RAY MONGEAU/For The Citizen DAVID MEYERS plays the flute with Seven Times Salt, an early music chamber ensemble, at the Medieval Feast Saturday evening at Plymouth State University.

Professors, scholars, students and staff members dress up in Medieval and Renaissance costumes and attend conferences, lectures and demonstrations that are as much about fun as about education.

Borror, a sophomore, is 20-years-old but he has been obsessed with the Medieval era since he was a child.

"I've been into it pretty much since I was in eighth grade. I had a love for all things Medieval ... especially metal," explained Borror.

On Saturday the student wore a chain mail shirt that he made himself out of tiny aluminum rings that he linked together over an approximately four-month time span.

JOSH SCHREIBER SHALEN of the ensemble Seven Times Salt plays he bass viol during PSU's Medieval Feast Saturday evening. (Ray Mongeau/For The Citizen)

Borror said the shirt is a mock version of the steel chain mail shirts worn by warriors in the medieval period, but the original versions would have weighed about 35 pounds so he opted for aluminum.

The student said he used 60,000 or more rings to make the shirt and learned much of what he knows about chain mail and long-sword fighting from personal research that he did on the Internet.

"It's very tedious," said Borror of making the shirts.

Borror conducted an impromptu demonstration on 13th century long-sword fighting and gave a talk on chain mail, which he said was used by everyone from the ancient Greeks to the Vikings. He said even World War I tank drivers wore chain mail masks to prevent hot pieces of metal from hitting their face while they fired off rounds.

JENNIFER JONES, a senior and English major, pours water so Flo Keyes can wash her hands in preparation for the feast during the Medieval Festival at Plymouth State University this past weekend. (Ray Mongeau/For The Citizen)

While Borror may seem eccentric, the dreadlocked student was among peers this past weekend who took in hours upon hours of medieval culture.

Naomi Kline, a professor at PSU, served as the director of this year's conference and said this year's was among the biggest in recent years.

"There are a lot of people who are really into it," said Kline.

Kline said many come to have a good time but she stressed that the weekend is also about providing students and more advanced scholars with a venue to discuss their research and papers on the subject.

"These people are very serious scholars," said Kline.

The weekend's celebration culminated with a Medieval feast that saw the PSU society knighting four of its 25 members.

CASEY BROWN is dressed for the part during Saturday's Feast and Entertainment during PSU's 29th annual Medieval and Renaissance Forum. (Ray Mongeau/For The Citizen)

A large majority of the student dressed up in Medieval and Renaissance clothing and laughed and chatted as food was passed down long tables.

Medieval Society Vice-President Jennifer Jones, a senior, said the weekend is largely about having a good time for her.

"We just love being involved," said Jones, a literature major who plans to continue to be involved after graduation.

Morrison said she studies Business but uses the Medieval Society to meet with friends.

"It's a way for us to come together," she explained.