Member Introduction 1

Welcome

       To begin, let me tell you that the primary reason we do this is for fun. Our main goal is to teach new students the art of rapier combat as well as to teach the styles of the original masters. It has been called a European Martial Art. During the 16th century the art of rapier combat was at high demand, from the lowest of peasants to the highest of nobles. It was held in the highest regard. Any man, who was a true gentleman, learned how to defend himself with what was called a gentleman's weapon. But it was not just a man's weapon, as many of the women of the time also learned its use as well. It was just as important as learning to read, write and dance or other goals that a well-educated person would strive for.
      Students will learn the art passed down from the fencing masters of the Renaissance. We are in part Renaissance reenactors who try to portray the Renaissance Era by dressing, talking and reliving the period. We attend various renaissance faires in the northern California and Nevada areas. We also do demonstrations and presentations near our school.
      The focus of our studies as a group is to actively compete in friendly rapier tournaments. The reason we do this is to have fun, so we encourage friendly competition with other groups with the S.C.A., (The Society for Creative Anachronism). Although we as a group are not directly affiliated with the SCA, many of our members are also members of the SCA fighting as a rapierist. The SCA covers the time frame from the middles ages up through the renaissance period. Anyone from the SCA is most welcome to join us to learn rapier combat. The SCA does have a different set of rules and armor requirements so if you want to fight SCA, read the rapier rules for SCA as to what is required.
     Becoming a member is fairly simple; there are a couple forms to fill out, and the hard part, making the decision on things such as your costume and character persona. As a member there are certain expectations regarding a minimum level of group participation. Since the vast majority of us work or go to school or both, we understand there will be times when you cannot make it to events or meetings. You are strongly encouraged to be honest with yourself, (and us), about whether or not you can afford to make the time commitment to the group. You are not required to participate in any of the group functions if you do not want to. You are however encouraged to participate, as that is where you will put all of your new talents to work. It is also where we have the most fun. Feel free to ask questions for this is intended to be educational, entertaining and most importantly, fun for all.
     When considering what sort of character you wish to portray, remember the following, we are an historical re-enactment group and as such, the character you decide upon has to fit in with the group. Please keep your persona limited to the renaissance era; no fantasy, fiction or any persona outside of Europe. Ninjas need not apply. It would be hard to explain how those people got to be in Europe during the 16th century.
Garb Considerations
       All members are required to have approved attire for participation at faires and other events. Check the website for the basics of costume and acting, but it is up to you to make the arrangements for the actual attire itself. Most of any costume can be purchased though catalogs or at events as well as online. But if you sew, you can buy patterns and make your own outfits to save money.
       Before beginning actual work on your persona, please check the website for guidelines. A fencer should always consider having the basic equipment needed for class before beginning work on their persona. The basic necessities for fencing class are a three weapon fencing mask, gorget, gloves and personal protection.
       The cost of a basic faire attire will generally run in the range of $100.00 more or less depending on how extravagant you wish to get, some members have spent $350.00 for boots. It is best to start simple and add to it as you can. The newcomer information goes into more detail on this subject. Some of the basics are boots/shoes, gloves, hat, doublet, dress, breaches, skirt, shirt and/or chemise.
      Adding weapons, armor and other accessories, cloaks, jewelry etc, to an outfit will substantially increase the cost, we recommend that you purchase those items one piece at a time.                                                                          Character Dos and Don'ts - There are several types of characters available to members. Since we most often portray the Elizabethan Militia, the French King's Guard, or just a fencing school, we have worked out a story line that allows us to play these roles, or similar ones, at most events we go to. At some renaissance faires set in England, we portray the Queen's Guard. Characters are important for us to give a reasonable historically accurate presentation, as well as for our encampment activities. Besides the Guard, we need their families and also camp followers, musicians, entertainers and others of the middle class; merchants, artisans, craft folk, tradespeople etc.
Things you should consider when deciding on a character or persona to portray.
1. What kind of character will I be comfortable with? Each class has it's own rules of behavior that should be adhered to.
2. How much time do I want or have to spend on researching an historical character?
3. How much do I want to spend? Peasants are way cheap and soldiers are not too much more.
4. Do I want a costume that I can throw in the washing machine? Many faires and SCA events are hot and dusty.
5. Do I have a lot of time and money to spend on an outfit for this character?
6. Do I have the time and money or weapons and armor?
7. Do I have the special talents for this character? Singing, dancing, playing an instrument, etc.
8. Am I capable of pretending to be this person? Very Important!                                                                      Preferred characters - peasants/servants, soldiers/ merchants, camp followers, musicians and other entertainers, craftsmen, tradespeople and artisans.
Not advised - pirates, characters outside of our time period; roughly 1551 - 1600 Europe,
royalty, close associates of the above, well known famous characters, characters of non-European origin.
       There are some excellent resources and reference materials available to help you work on a character. After you decide on a character, work on the storyline of your character as much as you can. Are you married? Do you have children? Where are you from? How did you get involved in this group? Talk over possible characters with other people in the group. You can get some good ideas this way.
        There are two groups within the guild, Academy and Household. The fencers are part of the academy and non-fencers are part the household. Depending on what type of character you eventually decide on, you'll be part of one of two branches of the guild or both. Together the academy and the household are responsible for the entertainment at faires by talking to the spectators, putting on demonstrations, giving lessons and being responsible for watching the gate, keeping fighters hydrated. There are no real practical differences between the two for membership.
Guide to Faire Etiquette and Standards of Conduct
        One of the more exhausting and fun activities is attending some of the Renaissance Faires. Everyone will be expected to follow these rules of conduct. Violations of these rules will call for your reprimand.
1. The single most important thing to remember is that we are guests at these events. People come to these to be entertained by the spectacle of costumed actors, "us", whether we portray the King's Guards, of just a fencing school for the weekend. It's therefore important that we remain "in character" at all times when in public view. Talking about baseball, computers, drinking from modern containers will ruin the illusion we are trying to create.
2. Guild members are expected to be present and on time for any processions or appearances that may be scheduled for the day. If there is some kind of problem, please let an officer know right away so that we can make other arrangements if needed. This does not mean that you're expected to be working every moment of every day. If you are not needed you are free to enjoy that faire or take a nap if needed. Please be sure to check out with someone of authority first so we'll have an idea where you'll be and when we can expect you back should you be needed.
3. When doing street appearances or just interacting with the guests, keep a few simple rules in mind;
a. Never touch a guest unless you are certain that they will not take offense. A lot of people do not like to have their personal space invaded, especially women. If you have any doubts, Don't.
b. If you "get stuck" and feel like you are going to break character, it's fairly easy to make up an excuse to leave, "Bon Dieu, I'm late for a duel!" Learn to improvise, you are not expected to be a professional the first time out.
c. If a guest doesn't want to play, respect their position. A lot of people get a big kick out of interacting with us, but there are some who just want to watch, be respectful and be willing to take no for an answer. Always be honorable, courteous and chivalrous. We are the Guard at most of these faires after all.
4. Dealing with rude customers; if there is any kind of problem with a guest, try to be as polite and diplomatic as possible in handling it. If you run across anyone who is drunk, or just unhappy about something, refer the problem to an officer of the academy or call faire security, Walk away if possible. Do not say or do something that will make the situation worse.
5. When we are running a tourney or giving lessons in the guild area, it is expected that All members will be helping out. At some events, 10% of the people do 90% of the work. Heralding in the street, running around, running the tournament lists, answering patron's questions, and so forth.
6. Please limit your alcohol intake, you may drink if you are off for the rest of the day, and you may not fight or teach if you have been drinking. No, you may not drink to get out of teaching. Intoxication during event hours will not be tolerated!! After hours partying is fine, but you will be expected to be up and ready to do whatever is required. Hangovers are not an excuse to miss your duties. Drinking by minors is against the law in both CA and NV and will not be tolerated. Remember to drink lots of water. Dehydration can cause very serious illness.
7. Most events have what is referred to as quiet time. In the camp areas as a general rule it's 10pm to 6am. Please remember to be good neighbors to any of the other groups that may be in our area. Remember that you will be required to be up and ready in the morning.
8. There is a chain of command in the guild; you are expected to follow that chain to solve any problems. If the problem cannot be resolved your immediate superior will refer you to the next step up
9. Above all, remember that we are going to events to do a job, but we are also trying to have fun as well. This will require everyone to do his or her fair share. Help is always needed in setting up and tearing down of the fencing areas and camps. People who come late and leave early may not be gate listed in the future.