[Nordskogen] Regarding demos - LONG

[Charlotte Johnson]

Greetings all,

I’m quite certain that I haven’t met all of you, as I moved out of the
barony several years ago. I’m still lurking about though, and I’ve been
reading this latest thread with great interest. As a member of both the SCA and
participant in two living history groups, public representations and levels of
authenticity are both subjects near and dear to my heart.

I’ve been in MANY conversations about both of these topics. They always tend
to strike a chord with people, on both sides, and usually people tend to get
over defensive, on both sides. Often times, there is a misunderstanding about
what is being asked for, and what intentions are. 99% of the time, there is no
judging going on. Everybody, and I mean everybody, is generally trying their
best to do what they think is right. Before anybody jumps to the defensive, try
looking at the other side for a bit.

So far, I’ve seen people imply that Giovanna was asking for perfection, for
perfect, fully accoutered camps, full court garb made from expensive fabrics,
etc. etc. I went back and read her post, just to be sure, and she did not ask
for these things. I can see where there might be some confusion, as the
requirements for the Barony of Sternfeld’s participation in a demo were
posted. It certainly looks to me as if she were posting an example of what is
*possible* when SCAdians put their minds to a task, not what was required for
this particular event. Please, correct me if I’m wrong, G, but I don’t
think that you expect people to have all visible stitching be hand done for the
Caponi demo, though it would be rockin’ if people *do* have clothing like
that. :-)

Regarding authenticity... Honestly, presenting a rather authentic appearance
does not have to be difficult. The key to looking right when you don’t have
much? Less is more. The less you bring along, the less you have to worry about.
For a weekend camping event, this can be more difficult (but is still a good
guideline). For a demo, this is easy. Don’t have a period tent? Easy! Don’t
bring a tent. Don’t have anything but visible plastic armor? Easy! Don’t
demo fighting this time. (FWIW, visible plastic armor and, I believe, tennis
shoes are actually *illegal* on the field in Atlantia). Don’t have a period
chair? Sit on the ground. Don’t have period shoes? Ok, this one is a bit more
tricky, but if you wear the most unobtrusive shoes that you can find (say, china
flats, vs. Reeboks), you’re on your way. If it’s modern and you don’t need
it, just leave it at home. It’s as simple as that. Nobody needs to stay home.
You just need to leave some *stuff* at home.

Giovanna mentioned in her note that if you need help with something, such as a
period looking mug, speak up and somebody will likely have one to borrow.
Honestly, I think there are people who will bend over backwards to help newer
folks have what they need to look good.

Authenticity is not a “rich man’s game”. Like I said, I participate in two
LH groups where authenticity is mandated. While there are certainly people who
throw a lot of money into the hobby, there are people who have one outfit, a
mug, and a linen bag to throw everything in. Even if you include shoes, I could
probably put together a 98% accurate outfit for around $100. That might sound
like a lot, but if you take the shoes out of the equation, we’re talking
$40-$50, and I don’t have SR Harris in my backyard. In the SCA, and
especially in Nordskogen, you have people who are willing to help you make
everything that you want to make. See this as an opportunity. There have been
offers to help. Take people up on these offers. If you have the time between
now and the demo, take this opportunity to improve one small area of your
outfit. Imagine what can happen! The possibilities are endless! “I can’t”
can become “I’ll bet I can.” Is somebody telling you that you can't? Prove
them wrong!

Giovanna’s suggestions for the demo are excellent. And honestly, they’re not
that far out in left field. Here in Atlantia, the kingdom chatelaine has
published guidelines for demos, and they’re remarkably similar to her
requests. A demo is the time to show off what can be done. It is the time for
the SCA to shine. It is a chance to show the difference between our “medieval
club”, and a group of friends who just get together on weekends.

Cheers,
Mathilde

PS. Here is the appropriate text from the Atlantian chatelaine’s handbook:
http://chatelaine.atlantia.sca.org/handbook/3.htm
a.	Appearance: 
(1)		All mundane items should be kept out of view or disguised to the extent
feasible.

(2)		Keep your gear (toiletries, paperwork, armor bags, grab bates, etc)
contained and unobtrusive. If there is a staging area or changing room, you
will probably be able to leave it there.

(3)		Bring a period-looking drinking vessel. You may also want to bring your
feast gear to show off or maybe even with which to eat.

(4)		If your armor is obviously plastic or mundane sports gear, please wear a
tabard or surcoat over it. This is crucial as heavy weapons combat is usually
the biggest draw at a demo, so make an effort to make it look as period as
possible.

(5)		Wear you most period garb. Use the most correct accessories you have and be
prepared to answer questions about what time, culture or country you represent.
If you have obviously "fudged" some part of your garb (such as modern boots),
be frank about it. Don't make up stories to rationalize it. Explain that the
SCA allows members some flexibility in their equipment. This allows us to
attract more people with limited resources. We are all doing our best. We are
all working on better equipment and learning as we go - that's an important
aspect of SCA participation.

(6)		"Fantasy" garb items which do not even come close to any time or culture
represented by the Society are NOT appropriate attire for "demos." If you want
help choosing accurate garb in which you will feel comfortable, just ask. There
are lots of people who can help and you'll probably find that period garb is
more interesting and fun to talk about anyway.

(7)		Leave personal possessions locked and hidden in a car, with a friend or at
home is possible. Neither the "demo" coordinator nor the mundane hosts can be
held accountable if you loose something.