Question a/b costume choice

[Fenrisulfr]

My apologies if this would be better-placed in another topic, but I did not see one addressing a topic of this nature.

Would it be seemly to come to the Faire dressed as a berserker?  It may be a bit *ahem* original, though it would fit within the general 'medieval' time-frame.  I do not think that it would detract from the ambience nor from the purpose (i.e. to have a good time) after all, but I do not wish to commit a faux-pas, thus warranting an inquiry.

I undertook some due diligence in this matter:

...In 1015 King Erik outlawed berserks, along with hólmganga or duels...

In 1123, the Icelandic Christian Law stated, "If someone goes berserk, he is punished with lesser outlawry and the men who are present are also banished if they do not bind him."...

source: http://www.vikinganswerlady.com/berserke.shtml

Thus, it is likely 'close enough' as according to Wikipedia, the High Middle Ages began around the 11th century.

Thank you for your respective inputs on this matter.

[sealion]

I've never heard (or read) that term before but I have seen the occassional fur-clad Viking type at faire so, if that's what you want to wear, I'm sure that no one would bat an eye at it.

[renren]

I think it would be awesome!

[groomporter]

Many of us here have said over and over: if you're a paying customer wear whatever you want (Or as I put it "anything that is street-legal for your community")

-That being said, is there a specific fair in your area that you are talking about attending? Many of them are more English-Renaissance (or Elizabethan) themed, as opposed to "Medieval" although there are certainly Medieval based fairs out there.

[Fenrisulfr]

I am planning on going to the Faire in Charlotte.

http://www.royalfaires.com/carolina/

I'm getting the impression it is a little of both.

As for the issue of payment, it does not give me the right to ruin it for others, though having read the responses thus far methinks it should not be an issue.

If it turns out to bet set in England or of a Celtic theme, I'll just say I'm the ambassador from Finland should anyone ask .

[gem]

Dressing in Viking-era clothing should be fine for just about any fair.

I'm not sure, though, how you're going to indicate by your *clothing* that you're a berserker... and I *would* say that behaving as a character in a berserker battle rage would probably invite comments from Security. 

[renren]

You *could* , if you have someone with you,start acting beserk,and then have someone "snap you out of it"... maybe with the use of a "magic wand" or other item...or just a nudge with an elbow..a key word that will "shut off" the beserker state?

[Fenrisulfr]

I am not sure what acting, if any, could be done without security joining in.  However, I could spew a few bellicose phrases somewhat loudly, enough to draw attention but not ire, and then whomever I have gone with would advise me of the presence of the guards nearby.   

As for the clothing, I am going to be wearing a coyote pelt like a hooded cape (it is close enough to a wolf for most sensibilities) so that plus the war-paint should give a sufficient indication.

However, there is an issue of the weaponry:

Can we come in costume? - You are welcome to come dressed in costume and costumes are available for rental.  Costume swords and daggers are permitted as long as they are properly sheathed and peace tied.  Present yourself to Safety Services Personnel at the Festival Main Gate.

I could make reference to the use of a weapon if on my person, but other than that, it would have to be hot air more or less.

[Capt Gabriela Fullpepper]

It was said that beserker warriors would chew on the edge of their shields to calm their rage. othertimes they would toss a man that went beserk over board, let him swim to shore and take it out on a tree or other things.

Not sure how many would pick up on it if you chewed on the edge of your shield, but you could do that. Sorry to say taking your beserk rage out on a tree would garner UN-wanted attention.

[gem]

How about an axe?  You'll also absolutely need a drinking horn.  Museum Replicas carries a nice Viking-era wool tunic.

[Fenrisulfr]

I shall look into an axe (if feasible) and shall be ordering a drinking horn this month (I make it a point not to run up the credit card for more than half of what I am able to pay averaged for the last 3 months).

As for a tunic, as it is Charlotte, the land of the two seasons summer and yule, I am not sure how advisable a wool tunic would be.  I got a tunic-ish shirt on sale from the International Male last month (their billing system glitched and I got 4 for $5 ea.) that I will be using. 

What size horn do you think is best?

[Just Randall]

well, if you're trying to make a statement, get the biggest you can comfortably drink from.

[Capt Gabriela Fullpepper]

You DO KNOW what they say about a guy with a Large Horn don't you... Drinking horn that is.











He can handle his drink

[Fenrisulfr]

I get sick after 1 beer.

That said, I shall need to do some compensating 

[remission]

My apologies if this would be better-placed in another topic, but I did not see one addressing a topic of this nature.

Would it be seemly to come to the Faire dressed as a berserker?  It may be a bit *ahem* original, though it would fit within the general 'medieval' time-frame.  I do not think that it would detract from the ambience nor from the purpose (i.e. to have a good time) after all, but I do not wish to commit a faux-pas, thus warranting an inquiry.

I undertook some due diligence in this matter:

...In 1015 King Erik outlawed berserks, along with hólmganga or duels...

In 1123, the Icelandic Christian Law stated, "If someone goes berserk, he is punished with lesser outlawry and the men who are present are also banished if they do not bind him."...

source: http://www.vikinganswerlady.com/berserke.shtml

Thus, it is likely 'close enough' as according to Wikipedia, the High Middle Ages began around the 11th century.

Thank you for your respective inputs on this matter.

Dude, I've seen everything from Fariys to Kingons pretending they are in a Virtual Reality room lol

I normally go as a Pirate, because, well, Pirates are cool lol. Im not really into doing the whole period thing. Never could do the voice, and I'm too broke to ge fancy'ed up heehe.


I'm sure the Beserker would be great.

[Taffy Saltwater]

I look at faire as an excuse to let another aspect of my being come out to play.  Pirate, aye, you bet! Ditto wench, etc.  Have fun w/what you're doing and no one (nice) will blink an eye.  That said - have fun!

[Brother Robert of Essex]

Klingons at a Ren Faire? LOL

I saw a Ninja at the one this weekend, which was..interesting..and I heard a lot of snickers from playtrons who were chatting with vendors nearby. 

So I can only imagine what happened with a Klingon lol

No Jason from Friday the 13th yet though eh?

Sounds like a Viking/Berserker fits right in though.

[Capt Gabriela Fullpepper]

I saw Master Chief from Halo closing weekend of CoRF and MC is a female!

I've seen Obi-wan, and Princess Leia, and even a Stormtrooper,

I've seen Death from Bill and Ted's Bogus journey, Tons of Goth vampires, and Lolitta girls, But never a klingon or other Trekkie

[white trillium]

I'm pretty sure I saw an "away team" group of Trekkies at the MN fest last year. 

[Poof Bird]

I saw a klingon with a maille shirt a few years back, and a storm trooper with a kilt!  I've even seen anime cosplay and furry costumes.

I think you'll fit in just fine!  I'm playing a lady knight this season, so hey, vikings?  GO FOR IT! 

Also, yay Carolina!  Gonna be there myself this year!  LOVE that faire!

[groomporter]

I've seen Death from Bill and Ted's Bogus journey, Tons of Goth vampires, and Lolitta girls, But never a klingon or other Trekkie

The thing to remember about the Goths is a lot of them aren't in costume, they're just wearing their daily-wear clothes that are part of their normal look, or life style 
(-or at least clothes they wear when they're not restricted by school or work dress codes)