My wife and I are planning to the last weekend of the faire. We are/were planning dressing for the event, but after reading some of the threads about "snarking" and people making comments about not being historically accurate, it's making me think twice. I know she'll never want to go again if someone says something to her about her costume/garb. I don't even think the outfits we were going to wear will be exactly accurate to that period. If we go, we may just attend in our regular (current) clothing instead. Besides, it's very difficult for an asian guy to find something that would be historically accurate.
Don't let ANYONE insult you or belittle you about your choice of garb! If they do, send them MY way too, and I'll pelt them with more than marshmallows! Renfaire is all about fun and fantasy, and if you dressed up in ANY costume, that is more than most of the mundanes did!
If you get a chance to come by our booth, Siege The Day, do so...I'd like to meet you and your lady! We are the catapult people that shoot everyone with marshmallows...lol!
And there were mercenaries aplenty in the medieval and renaissance period...who is the historical expert who says that an Asian didn't find himself in ANY time period or country at any given time and offer his service to the highest bidder? You can dress in ANYTHING you want to, even a kilt! Be a barbarian, be a knight, be a Lord or a wealthy merchant or trader...be anything you WANT to be...because it might be true! Who can say? Who was there? Only the deeds of the mighty were recorded, eh?
Make up a character and then make up a story behind it...you were found on the Silk Road by travelling merchants and sold into slavery...you rose above it by acts of prowess and intelligence and won your freedom. You saved a noble during your service from bandits and were awarded with title, land, and freedom. Anything you want! Its what Renfaire is all about!
My wife and I would love to meet you and your good lady. Come by and say hello, and if we miss each other this year, we'll see you next year...or in Tampa, which is our NEXT show!
Kev and Patti
