I hate the SCA, the resurrection

Vitus von Atzinger · Post by **Vitus von Atzinger** » Wed Dec 19, 2001 10:24 pm

Bascot wrote-
>I hate the fact Pennsic is huge, but they don't allow horses.

There isn't enough room for all the horses that people would want to bring.

>I hate that I can't play with del Tins at an SCA event without some pimple-faced overweight kid (or his mother) whining at me about the "rules".

Well, I was in a Dukes camp watching a live-steel demo (half speed), when somebody got their finger hurt pretty good. This was at War.

>I hate any dumbass who tells me: "You can't wear a white/red/gold belt unless you are a loser/wannabe/whatever.

I dig what you're saying.

>I hate modern sports equipment and anything with a NIKE slash, including A Knight's Tail's armour.

I feel ya.

>I hate plastic and road signs pretending to be armour.

Ignore it. Hit these guys harder.

>I hate people who wear polyester.

Keep a distance of ten feet- you can't tell.

>I hate tents with brand names on the side, zippered-meshed windows and aluminum frames.

They are disappearing.

>I hate people who whine "It's all I can afford", but sit in front of $2000.00 computers and $5,000.00 home entertainment centers, spending all of their time on their fat asses instead of working to improve.

Now THAT I agree with.

>I hate anyone who says horses are inappropriate - for any reason.

Do people really say this? Yikes.

>I hate Star Trek/Wars and medieval being used in the same sentence.

OH YEAH.

>I hate belly dancers and men who expose their midriffs when they are 50 - 100 lbs. overweight.

I don't see these things. I am usually trying to find Murdock, or bothering Brian and Talbot.

>I hate cigarettes and chocolate being consumed by people in garb at an event.

Yup.

>I hate electrical generators being used at events.

Well, it's better than freezing to death.

>And, of course, I hate narrow-minded people who say that their way is the only way regardless of overwelming evidence to the contrary. It doesn't matter whether it is about fighting with rattan, or whether a particular saddle looks exactly like a medieval saddle, but was manufactured by someone who wasn't a re-enactor copying a museum piece.

It's all a matter of what your goals are, Jeff. For some of us, practicing tournament combat is more important than studying more lethal types of armoured combat- ala' Judicial Duels etc...at least right now. All the evidence supports that tournament combat was very different than these other types of fighting- de Charney himself says this in his book. We know next to nothing about tourney fighting- and this is what most of us are trying to do.

>I hate Captain Kydex and the whole "I'm more important than you, I'm a Duke, and I should be able to cheat on my wife and screw yours attitude".

Yikes- you just described some of my good pals. Hahahahah
Hey man, I am your friend and I appreciate your efforts and what you have to teach people. I really hope to see you and Patty at War.

-Vitus

Rev. George · Post by **Rev. George** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 12:07 am

Hmmm... As i pointed out before, Politics, and the whiny suckups that perpetuates the politicios elitist attitude (mainly the folx who wont hesitate to shoot down good ideas from the beltless/brass hatless crowd while praising the bad ideas of the belted/hatted)

I dont like rules that arent written (red belts being reserved, for example) and rules that are just silly (meridian sumptry laws)

I dont like people who are critical even if its not asked for. Esp if they them selves fail critical inspection

I dont like the Anti Christian message I get from a lot of folx. i dont like the exclusion of faith.

i like having the freedom to wear a variety of different garments.

I like the fact that until i get my tent (or do it myself), i can still camp.

I DO like the following:

I like the fact that alot of people show up. I like the fact my freinds are there. I like being able to meet nice people that share my interests. I like the classes. Hell, I like the plump belly dancers, and free booze.

-+G

wilmot · Post by **wilmot** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 8:09 am

Greetings,
This is a interesting thread. I have been a SCA member for over 25 years (my first event was when I was 10) and there have been times when I HATED the SCA more than any live steel person or Marklander could ever dream of. I hate alot of the snobbery that comes from some of my fellow Dukes\peers and it makes sad whenever I hear about a SCA knight\peer who snubs somebody because they don't like them, don't have enough "natural talent", etc. I have always been willing to teach anyone who would listen and always will. One of the reasons I started my business Rough from the Hammer was to get people into armour no matter what their group as cheaply as possible. By the way Bascot, about your quote;
"I hate belly dancers and men who expose their midriffs when they are 50 - 100 lbs. overweight."
The last time I was King of the East, I addressed that very problem with one of my Royal whims "Belly dancers may not weigh more than the king". I got into A #$#)@* load of trouble but it got rid of the problem and oddly enough, it was very large women who were my biggest supporters on this, their additute was "I would not be caught dead like that, thanks for doing something about it"
I have rambled on alot and I am sure you are all asleep by now.
Duke Ronald
(Banished to the East Kingdom)

Hushgirl · Post by **Hushgirl** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 8:49 am

I hate anyone who says horses are inappropriate - for any reason.

Do people really say this? Yikes.

=====

Yeah. Problem is, modern folk have not been exposed to horses on a regular basis all their lives, like med. folk. We don't (as a rule) have any idea how to act around them. Horses mixing in with people was no great shucks then, but now some innocent/idiot will want to pat the horsie and get himself kicked in the head.

A HORSE IS NOT A MOTORCYCLE! A horse is not a bike! A horse is a pickup-truck sized bundle of muscle and nerve. If you don't know how to act, keep your distance.

Diglach Mac Cein · Post by **Diglach Mac Cein** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 9:02 am

I hate people who say "The SCA sucks because not everyone does it MY WAY."

I hate fighters who whine "but I'm in REAL armour", and still fight with no concept of honor or chivalry.

I hate people who only want to allow pople to participate who are willing to make the same level of committment as they chose to.

I hate people who come to SCA events and flaunt a disregard for the basic ideals that the vast majority try to hold dear - honor, chivalry, courtesy.

I hate people who scoff becuase someone is doing or trying something different, not often not what thier doing.

I hate people who case away new people because they proclaim "THIS IS THE ONE TRUE WAY", or even better, make life miserable for those around them at events.

I hate Laurels who nit-pick rather than teach. I hate Knights who abuse rather than instruct or befriend. I hate hard-core re-enactors who browbeat and detract from the atmosphere, rather than give to it and to others. I hate control-freak-near fascist Event Stewards. I hate findinf out I can't be in a tourney becuase my armour is frm the wrong period. I hate Tuchux, Marklanders and SCA fighters all who try to HURT opponents at War.

But if the SCA offends you so greatly, stay away. I'll wager than everyone, you included, would end up happier...

Conrad the Mad · Post by **Conrad the Mad** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 9:04 am

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by Bascot:

I hate plastic and road signs pretending to be armour.
< Okay I feel like you are picking on me here. You saw my armour at Sternfelds Orange cloved Ball, It is full plate made from road signs, was it all that bad?
I have been in the Sca less than a year and that was my first attempt at armour, why aluminum? because it was free and steel is not cheap around here.

I hate tents with brand names on the side, zippered-meshed windows and aluminum frames.
I hate people who whine "It's all I can afford", but sit in front of $2000.00 computers and $5,000.00 home entertainment centers, spending all of their time on their fat asses instead of working to improve.

Well my computer was bought by my wife before we got married and it is like 4 years old and slower than me.
So no I cant afford to do many things but I am trying to sell things I make to get the money, or to trade.

I hate cigarettes and chocolate being consumed by people in garb at an event.

So if I smoke out in the open that bothers you? Well with all due respect(and I do respect you) to frickin bad. I know I have a lousy addiction, but for the time being it is still legal and until I manage to quit,you will see me smoking if we are at the same event. I get tired of non smokers whining about smokers all the time. And now you guys are whining I cant smoke in public, outdoors because its not period enough? Bah!
:lights another cigarette and blows smoke at the screen:

(sorry caught me in a mood this morning and needed an outlet somewhere, so I guess you caught the brunt of it)
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

sarnac · Post by **sarnac** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 9:12 am

I enjoy the SCA...
I enjoy most of my time here...

however....

I dislike the peerages who have lost their focus...
they spend most of their time politicking and backstabbing in order to forward their own agenda. This is not all people within the Orders but too many have forgetten why they are there, and what they did, and how they were before they got there.

I dislike people who take advantage of people because of their "station"

I dislike people who dont even give new ideas a chance because "we've never done that/used that/taken that before"

I dislike the US vs. THEM mentality that I saw when I was camped in the swamp, between the "topsiders" and the "swampies"

I DO like...

The esprit de corps that I feel with my brothers and sisters in arms.

The rush that consumes you when the cannon goes off or the marsahl calls "lay on" andd you are totally focused on the combat ahead.

The feeling of being home every time I get to Cooper's Lake

The friends I have made that I would trust my life with

Hitting people with sticks and enjoying it.

Teaching..........anything.

There is good and bad in everything....

this society is the sum of what you put into it...

Hushgirl · Post by **Hushgirl** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 9:30 am

I hate...
Fighter garb, i.e. Harley shirt, sweat pants and cowboy boots. Hey guy, inspection's not for two hours and your tent's up, c'mon, get dressed.
Peers who think they're somehow better than everyone else (Hey, dude, I got my AOA five minutes before you, y'know.)
People who drive instead of lead. Maybe I don't have time for that demo.
People who think they have the right to tell me how to spend my time and money. My mortgage and house repairs are *much* more important than my kit or your event.
Sunglasses (or glasses) in garb, BUT---I wish someone could come up with an alternative that doesn't leave me blind and headachey. Until then, I'm stuck.
Sorry, Conrad, don't mean to pick on you, but--cigarettes in garb. We need to find a non-obtrusive place place for our poor smokers.
Yeah, I'd be willing to give up chocolate and pop. I just can't drink the ale and wines my persona would have had at every meal, so it's probably fruit juice for me.
SPANDEX, elf ears, fangs, horns, and flaccid, pale, exposed flesh. (Stomach churning, shudders).

[This message has been edited by Hushgirl (edited 12-20-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Hushgirl (edited 12-20-2001).]

Bedlam · Post by **Bedlam** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 9:40 am

For those of you that are fed up with the SCA - Have you considered the possibility of moving up to a place where the combat is rougher, the women more beautiful, the brotherhood is deep rooted and the martial experience is fostered with your every step. Consider the Tuchux! Yes, we are looking for a few good, tough, men. Should live in PA/MD/OH regions, but as far as NY/NJ/IN is OK.
Fighting experience is a plus but not required. Just the right attitude. Mommas boys need not apply. If you could be construed as any of the numerous "geek" catagories, forget it.
We want people that can or want to "Throw Down."

BEDLAM,
Bear Clan, Tuchux

Hushgirl · Post by **Hushgirl** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 9:42 am

...flaccid, pale, exposed flesh. (Stomach churning, shudders).

Diglach Mac Cein · Post by **Diglach Mac Cein** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 10:11 am

Bedlam -

Got to say, I've gotten to know a couple of Tuchux that are warriors with honor that do your group proud, but....

The Tuchux are not devoid of cheaters, whiners, or any of the other negative people that reside in any other group.

Murdock · Post by **Murdock** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 10:15 am

"I know people who've been doing this for 10 years who still use a modern cabin tent and throw a tunic over Jeans." While in tennis shoes.

Yeah I saw several guys like that at Pensic. It really looked bad with the coronets, and their belts.

Not picking just pointing out, hey i got pics.

Also saw some awesome looking folks both Peer and non peer.

Joe Skeesick · Post by **Joe Skeesick** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 10:21 am

Sorry Conrad,

But as an ex-smoker I'd have to side with the "no smoking cigs at events" crowd. Its visually the same thing as poping open a coke can and drinking straight from it. Its jaringly out of place. I don't think the comment was the typical condemnation of smoking but you have taken it that way.

My suggestion if you really can't pass an event without one (though it might be a good idea for health reasons ) then just use a pipe. Smoking of one sort or another was done in some cultures in period and even if its out of place it is a much less visually jarring thing than a marlboro hanging out of your mouth.

J

Brandr · Post by **Brandr** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 10:30 am

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by Irish:
Bedlam -

Got to say, I've gotten to know a couple of Tuchux that are warriors with honor that do your group proud, but....

The Tuchux are not devoid of cheaters, whiners, or any of the other negative people that reside in any other group.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I am pretty sure that the SCA, the Tuchux and many other groups out there contain examples of both these types of people.

I know people who are fine examples of honor, chivalry, and the virtues. I also know some people who are fine examples of despicable & cheating wastes of flesh.

I think A#$%ole is a human condition and not a group one. I prefer to say "he is" rather than "they are."

Brandr

Conrad the Mad · Post by **Conrad the Mad** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 10:33 am

I am not really taking this personally just felt like being beligerent this morning and none of the other threads looked promising enough to get me flamed.!

Hushgirl · Post by **Hushgirl** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 10:35 am

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by Conrad the Mad:
I am not really taking this personally just felt like being beligerent this morning and none of the other threads looked promising enough to get me flamed.! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

So go over the one of the LOTR threads and say something rude about Tolkein. That should get you into a good fight.

Hushgirl · Post by **Hushgirl** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 12:56 pm

Breathe! Breathe!

Hey, what can I say? Resurrection is an integral part of my religion.

Rev. George · Post by **Rev. George** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 1:11 pm

On the belly dancers not weighing more than the kings. Fine by me, but then, have yo ever seen some of our meridean kings? might backfire on you (but be fine for me

As to the smoking thing, i think it does detract... SO I had an idea...what about a pipe. Now bear with me. This wouldnt be your average pipe, oh no. Its would be jointed just past the mouthpeice, you remove the far end, insert a cigarrette into the mouthpeice (much like the cigarette holders of old) light it, then replace the farside. it LOOKS like a pipe. It works well in the rain, now all i need to do is design it, and patent it.

As for the brass hat bluejean clash. Someone needs to make an edict. Regalia may not be worn with mundane clothing at events. Of course, like all other SCA rules, how are they enforced/ punished?

-+G

Brandr · Post by **Brandr** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 2:29 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by Rev. George:
On the belly dancers not weighing more than the kings. Fine by me, but then, have yo ever seen some of our meridean kings? might backfire on you (but be fine for me <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Some Kings would have had many belly dancers and others would have had very few. LOL. Though the thought is quite humorous.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by Rev. George:
As to the smoking thing, i think it does detract... SO I had an idea...what about a pipe. Now bear with me. This wouldnt be your average pipe, oh no. Its would be jointed just past the mouthpeice, you remove the far end, insert a cigarrette into the mouthpeice (much like the cigarette holders of old) light it, then replace the farside. it LOOKS like a pipe. It works well in the rain, now all i need to do is design it, and patent it. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

That sounds like an interesting project. I think you should go for it. The bowl would also collect the ash too.

Brandr

Hushgirl · Post by **Hushgirl** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 2:40 pm

I've always wondered what the difference between pipe tobacco and cigarettes is.

JJ Shred · Post by **JJ Shred** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 2:48 pm

Okay I feel like you are picking on me here. You saw my armour at Sternfelds Orange cloved Ball, It is full plate made from road signs, was it all that bad?

Sorry to burst your bubble, but you did not even come to mind when I wrote that.
You might try getting a pig-nosed bascinet with a large pointy faceplate so you can smoke without being seen. One of our guys has a jousting "pterydacle" (sp?) bascinet that he can smoke his pipe in while wearing!

Rev. George · Post by **Rev. George** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 3:09 pm

Most modern pipe tobacco is cured with aromatics (burboun, cherry, etc) to provide a pleasant taste/ smell. It also tends to be a bit moist. Generally speaking, a pipe smoker will savour the smoke in the mouth, rather than inhaling.

Cigarrette tobbaco is a bit more raw. Its jsut dried leaves, sometimes with adjucts added (ammonia, fibreglass, etc). Most cigarette smokers inhale each time, filling thier lungs with the smoke.

Peopel with pipes tend to be at a higher risk for oral cancer, while usually avoiding the perils of lung disease. Of course if they inhale, the unfiltered tobacco would probably be a lot worse for them...

Several brands of pouch tobacco are marketed for home rolling, notably bugler and Top. In theory, a person could load a pipe withthem, and get all the same effects of cigarettes. I have heard (not being a smoker) that bugler tastes like ass, and top is high quality. When i worked at a convenience store, i sold a lot of bugler, mainly because the cahin owner decided that, during a big for public office, he would not carry rolling papers. Bugler comes with papers. i cnat count the # of pouches of the tobacco i found in the trash, minus the papers... i guess they had thier own tabacco at home...(yeah right)

-+G

InsaneIrish · Post by **InsaneIrish** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 4:23 pm

Actually rev, that would not be a bad Idea. I just have a couple probs with it. 1) what about us smokers that smoke filtered cigarettes?

They do make pipes with filter inserts, BUT they are blatantly modern as well, so you are just changing one problem for another.

2) If you designed one of these things would you model it off of historical pipes?

Insane Irish
"Just because you are paranoid...Doesn't mean they AREN'T after you."

Rev. George · Post by **Rev. George** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 5:07 pm

If i were to do it, Yes, i would try to model it off historical pipes (thus clay would probably be the material of choice.

As to the filter issue, given the length of the pipe, it shouldnt matter. you might not realize where it ended, but i'm sure you'd figure it out...

The problem I forsee is the folx who smoke virginia slims, or some other odd shaped cigarette, i'll have to think on the design a bit.

-+G

Rev. George · Post by **Rev. George** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 5:12 pm

Thought of another hate:

Folx who cant differenciate between reality and fantasy.

People who's name i dont know because they prefer thier SCA name.

-+G

JJ Shred · Post by **JJ Shred** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 5:31 pm

Yeah, but you look cool with smoke pouring out of your visor's breath holes!

Ivar · Post by **Ivar** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 7:03 pm

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Vitus:
[B]Bascot wrote-

>I hate people who whine "It's all I can afford", but sit in front of $2000.00 computers and $5,000.00 home entertainment centers, spending all of their time on their fat asses instead of working to improve.

Now THAT I agree with.[B]

.........Bullshit. If the SCA is just something you participate in once or twice a month, obviously your priority is going to be "What will I get more use out of? A new TV or an (example only) Ice Falcon suit?" When someone doesn't live/eat/sleep/breathe SCA, why should they spend their hard earned money on a Rolls Royce when a Chevy meets their needs? Too many people seem to forget that to MOST of the SCA at large, it is just a hobby. I enjoy it, as well as Markland, but I will gladly spend my money on a new 24" Sony flat-screen monitor before I spend it on more period correct crap I will only use about a dozen times a year.

What *I* hate are the people who say things like "That tunic/helm/trim/hat/water bottle isn't period" yet they take the field wearing 16 ga stainless steel armor, steel-toed lug sole boots, carrying an aluminum shield and swinging a rattan broadsword (I understand the rattan, please don't comment) with a basket hilt.

Oh, and let's not forget the people who, for some reason or other, are under the assumption that everyone who fights in a Tourney should be trying to re-create some form of chivalry-- um, doesn't the SCA re-create 600 to 1100 AD AS WELL AS the period of High Chiv?? How much chivalry was there in the Viking Age?? Sorry to dissapoint you, but just because you are fighting 13th/14th century, doesn't mean that I have to as well if I wind up fighting you. I fight to win- you know, like in PERIOD. Honor is whatever you make of it. Honor to ME is winning honestly, not chivalrously. Honor to YOU might mean blowing off as many shots as you can before you're opponant just gives up or gets tired enough to make a mistake.

I rarely rant this way on a forum (unless it's about people ragging on a movie

) but sometimes it feels good. This is one of those times. I try to remember every day that "it's just a game" but some people have a mission in life to ruin my fun.

Oh, and Sir Andreas? No charge for the earlier plug

------------------
Ivar Bloodhand, Norsetrader Arms
http://www.valhallaleather.com (re-launching Dec. 23!)
Official distributor for Ron Simmons and "Rough From the Hammer

"Using a spear or polearm doesn't mean you're afraid of getting hit- it just means we like to kill you before you have the chance to kill us"

Steve S. · Post by **Steve S.** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 7:15 pm

"Oh, and let's not forget the people who, for some reason or other, are under the assumption that everyone who fights in a Tourney should be trying to re-create some form of chivalry-- um, doesn't the SCA re-create 600 to 1100 AD AS WELL AS the period of High Chiv?? How much chivalry was there in the Viking Age??"

That's a very good point. However, one could ask, then, why you would enter a Viking in a tournament of the SCA style (as opposed to the free-for-all-people-actually-died tournaments prior to "civilized" tournaments of the age of chivalry)?

It's a great question, though. Are tournaments supposed to be "Chivalric" combat? If so, what happens to persona to which the idea is foreign?

Steve

------------------
Forth Armoury
The Riveted Maille Website!

CBA · Post by **CBA** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 8:16 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by Rev. George:


As to the smoking thing, i think it does detract... SO I had an idea...what about a pipe. Now bear with me. This wouldnt be your average pipe, oh no. Its would be jointed just past the mouthpeice, you remove the far end, insert a cigarrette into the mouthpeice (much like the cigarette holders of old) light it, then replace the farside. it LOOKS like a pipe. It works well in the rain, now all i need to do is design it, and patent it.

-+G
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Holy Whatever!!!

I'm in for three.

Tell you what, Make a prototype,
I'll buy it from you and "field test it"

You're a genius

Owen · Post by **Owen** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 9:13 pm

I don't do horses. I am infantry. For my persona, a horse would be completely inappropriate. I'll deal with a mule, but I ain't riding the bastard. Let the Legate ride, I'll walk, or drive a cart. Evil creatures, horses, fit only for rich men and those cavalry fops, what think they're better than us simple miles.

------------------
Owen
"Death is but a doorway-
Here, let me hold that for you"

Mike Odea · Post by **Mike Odea** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 10:36 pm

there are alot of good folks in the SCA ,except that one littel sasanach that stood there one day in his Museum rep,tunic ,sweatpants and NIKES and told me I wasnt in period dress,because my Wedding ring was on the wrong hand ???? I just kneed him in the boys ,,but seriously the rest of you guys are allright by me!!!!

Mike Odea · Post by **Mike Odea** » Thu Dec 20, 2001 10:48 pm

there are alot of good folks in the SCA ,except that one littel sasanach that stood there one day in his Museum rep,tunic ,sweatpants and NIKES and told me I wasnt in period dress,because my Wedding ring was on the wrong hand ???? I just kneed him in the boys ,,but seriously the rest of you guys are allright by me!!!!

JJ Shred · Post by **JJ Shred** » Fri Dec 21, 2001 12:26 am

Mike, you are either repeating yourself, or I am drunk and seeing double. Whatever.

Owen:

I'll deal with a mule, but I ain't riding the bastard.

My Grampa, who grew up on a farm in Kentucky, always swore that riding mules was a lot easier than horses.

[This message has been edited by Bascot (edited 12-20-2001).]

Egfroth · Post by **Egfroth** » Fri Dec 21, 2001 1:52 am

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by Owen:
I don't do horses. I am infantry. For my persona, a horse would be completely inappropriate. I'll deal with a mule, but I ain't riding the bastard. Let the Legate ride, I'll walk, or drive a cart. Evil creatures, horses, fit only for rich men and those cavalry fops, what think they're better than us simple miles.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I lke the way you think, Owen. The way I look at it, kniggets on horses are my natural prey. Just give me a Big Axe and let me at 'em!

Egfroth

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Dec 21, 2001 6:02 pm

Okay, sorry to dredge it up, but what better thread than this, eh?

PERSONNA! Not persona, per se, which has it's uses, but the utterly inappropriate types with the 14th century Norse crypto pagan on the father's side with the mother being an Hungarian princess who was kidnapped by gypsies. Then, if you trip over their persona and commit a faux pas, they react as if you just froped in her majesties lap! Add that to staggering across royalty, Pelicans, Laurels and all sorts who all dress without any consistency (Ya known, sumptuary laws could be a good thing!) and us poor outlanders can end up awfully bewildered. It's been mentioned before, but it's still maddening.

There is no policy in Markland, but for those who wish to develop persona I strongly suggest that they base their character upon their actually personality and interest. I tend to avoid the practice in the field, but it's useful when I do a school lecture or other educational gig. When I portray an Anglo-Norse blacksmith and longship captain, it's because I work a forge and captain a ship, and I explain that in that time and society, this would not be unusual. Since my family came from the Danelaw, it's not a big leap. (The name "Blackistone" is actually an Anglo-Norse hybrid.) When Drey portrays a Norman cavalryman or Wilhelm serves as a Norman archer, they know the skills and the history. (Also, I can count on them to put the horse and the arrows in the right place at the right time.) When Aethelstan begged or recited poetry, he was a most impressive beggar and poet, and looked the part.

I guess the point is that persona should be worked into, not declared and aggrandized up front when one joins an organization like the SCA. We aspire to higher things, and we achieve greater responsibilities, but the persona should fit the reality of the person and the personality. Persona of any sort, taken too (sometimes much too) seriously, is a major clog in the wheels of any organization.

In Markland we also face the question: "Oh, all that was all very nice; so what have you done for us lately?" It does tend to keep us on our toes!

Well, I just thought I'd throw this po' rabbit out in the field; unleash the dogs!

------------------
Full time civil servant, part time blacksmith, and seasonal Viking ship captain.

Visit your National Parks: www.nps.gov

Go viking: www.wam.umd.edu/~eowyn/Longship/

Hit hot iron: www.anvilfire.com