2008 Weapons Policy?

[Margaret]

Ya know - here's me seeing "hoard" and thinking you were going in an entirely different direction.   

She *IS* a lass of myth and lore.

[Lord Pumpernickel]

Well the troll has awakened and I do apologize for not responding to the thread when I was quoted life has been busy and I don't check this forum all the time. I also do feel that my bold statements have put a bad taste in some people's mouth about me and I do not want that. I enjoy the people of the Renaissance Forums and do not want to be alienated. So I guess I have to address some of the issues concerning my posts.

First better to understand me. It is my life passion to study both philosophy and theology and debate the two. Over time I have formulated a sort of Scientific Philosophy mostly focusing on fallacies. It sort of made me stern on those ideas and very enthusiastic to point them out, which sadly I did commit one of those fallacies. Unfortunately I also just ended a one month study of Christopher Hitchens, watching his debates, lectures, and reading his books and if any one knows him will know that he is never the polite to people. Anyway his style sort of rubbed off on me and I lost certain forms of diplomacy when debating. Although appropriate in some forums I debate in it is by no means in here given that the forums are meant for like minded people to gather and have pleasant conversations. And for that I apologize.

So now I guess it is time to revise, defend, and clear up some presumption on my post. First Black Armor I am presuming that your profession makes you carry around a Gun, even though it makes no difference a weapon is a weapon. You carry your weapon in a manner that when purpose is required you have access to that weapon in a short time frame. Which means that the weapon is more capable of getting in the wrong hands. I support your caution and awareness of that possibility and do agree with your claim of responsibility in that sense. But where we differ seems to have put me in bad light. I do not in anyway remove the responsibility of a person caring the weapon! We should properly make sure that our weapons are peace tied so that a sharp tug or pull does not release the blade. Once done it would be anomaly for a blade to come out, one of the smallest probability. I cannot disprove there is no teapot revolving around the sun therefore there lives a possibility of it existing. A key concept in scientific philosophy. But will I live me life as if there actually is a pot, no. So just because there actually exist a possibility does not mean we must let it dictate our lives. As long as the weapon is properly peace tied, which I do every time, there should be no way the weapon comes out unless something is cut. Not to notice someone cutting away at something around you would mean your to oblivious to world and shouldn't carry a weapon. I just accept that take the simple proper precaution before entering the faire then relax and have a good time that's what the faire is all about. I can't formulate a justified rationality as to be constantly aware and focused on someone stealing your weapon from a proper peace tie. Of course this matter we may never agree with but i can tell you one thing no one will be stealing my blade from me. If there is a incident this year, god forbid, I will not be an accompanying member of it.

Yay now it's time I get to admit my fallacy. When I attacked the presumed over precaution of watching where your weapon swings I of course didn't use empirical evidence instead anecdotal. I would be the first to point that out in any argument. The anecdotal evidence I speak of is of course my own personal experience. First time ever carrying a weapon in to faire was my rapier. I would, without thought, always tuck the blade behind my legs when turning or in a booth, I would take off my baldric when sitting down, I would even go as far as pull the blade to my chest when walking through a condensed crowd. Perhaps this seemly common sense acts were granted to me because of the form of non self important philosophy I practice but that's a different debate. But I guess someone at my "young age indicates inexperience as it pertains to the proper and responsible carrying of weapons at faire" that anyone older then me or more experienced then me would easily have the same consideration I guess not. And of course I know that's not true I knew someone would post something about a story or two of getting hit by a weapon, it is inevitable. I just never experienced it.

So I hope that clears a few things up and removes some of the tarnish from my name. And please do refrain from calling me naive. It is a very hard struggle when someone produces credentials then automatically assumes a person of a young age couldn't possibility know anything. Sometimes people becoming so ignorant they ignore my argument altogether even though sometimes it is a repeat of someone else. I do understand where naive people can be annoying I face a fare share of them in my other forums. But please never assume I am, if I know little of a subject I always refrain myself from making conjectures.

[nliedel]

Eh, I don't hold grudges and love theological debate. My major was theater/music and the theory and practice of religion, specializing in non western. I'll be the Italian flower singer/seller. Seek me out. Although I cannot share a pint, cast, I will speak kindly to you. if you don't bash me in the shins with a sheathed sword...

[Lord Pumpernickel]

Eh, I don't hold grudges and love theological debate. My major was theater/music and the theory and practice of religion, specializing in non western. I'll be the Italian flower singer/seller. Seek me out. Although I cannot share a pint, cast, I will speak kindly to you. if you don't bash me in the shins with a sheathed sword...

Thanks for the response it does bring a sort of relief that I'm not to rational for a group and grant it I will seek you out. I will be of the up most careful of avoiding to hit you in the shins. Any conversation of any form of theology will be most invigorating.

[maelstrom0370]

I never realized something like this could cause so much controversy!
I have only one real fear in relation to this new policy. 
I don't worry about the 'regulars' or 'play-trons' as, it seems, they're a (mostly) intelligent and considerate bunch.  I know a lot on this board have travelled to other faires with an established weapon policy and already have practice when it comes to wearing a weapon in a crowd. 
My fear is of the 'day-trippers'.  Specifically, those 'Ya-Hoos" who buy a 'cloak' at Spencer's and (now, at least) a truly MASSIVE F-in Battle axe/claymore/whathaveyou and go wandering, willy-nilly, about the faire grounds without a thought or care.  Now, I don't want to get into a 'four legs are better than two legs' argument, I just hope that security is up to the task of checking and ensuring a peace tie on each and every weapon that crosses the threshold and that cast and 'play-tron' alike (myself included) are willing to keep an eye out to help faire security.
'k...thems are my two cents, we now return you to regularly scheduled program

[Katie Bookwench]

Well the troll has awakened and I do apologize for not responding to the thread when I was quoted life has been busy and I don't check this forum all the time. I also do feel that my bold statements have put a bad taste in some people's mouth about me and I do not want that. *snip*

lots of stuff here

*snip*
So I hope that clears a few things up and removes some of the tarnish from my name.

Sir, I took no great umbridge to your posts, I assure you. It seems perhaps the 'troll' sign that Sir William hung upon you was hasty and ill-advised--though he and the other 'heroic gentlemen' of this board should be well advised that I require no rescue from trolls, whoever they may (or may not) be.

Grammercy for the explaination. I too like to debate, and as long as you maintain respect for deserving opponents, you have a friendly 'ear' in me.

If you find yourself in Hollygrove this season, please inquire after me-- I would be pleased to speak over a pint (though I hardly indulge-- a squiffy Librarian is not a pretty sight) and to discover if you are indeed adept at maneuvering your sword in tight quarters.

[Lord Pumpernickel]

I will seek you out a pint with a Liberian would be unique indeed.

As for the troll thing I took Sir Williams side to be more comically then serious and played that same attitude in my "The troll has awaken line." Sir William has never shown hasty labeling therefore would never think his intentions of the labeling was strictly on the motion of anger or hatred but mere jester.

[Black Armor]

So you are a fan of philosophy then?  That explains everything.

[nliedel]

I never realized something like this could cause so much controversy!
I have only one real fear in relation to this new policy. 
I don't worry about the 'regulars' or 'play-trons' as, it seems, they're a (mostly) intelligent and considerate bunch.  I know a lot on this board have travelled to other faires with an established weapon policy and already have practice when it comes to wearing a weapon in a crowd. 
My fear is of the 'day-trippers'.  Specifically, those 'Ya-Hoos" who buy a 'cloak' at Spencer's and (now, at least) a truly MASSIVE F-in Battle axe/claymore/whathaveyou and go wandering, willy-nilly, about the faire grounds without a thought or care.  Now, I don't want to get into a 'four legs are better than two legs' argument, I just hope that security is up to the task of checking and ensuring a peace tie on each and every weapon that crosses the threshold and that cast and 'play-tron' alike (myself included) are willing to keep an eye out to help faire security.
'k...thems are my two cents, we now return you to regularly scheduled program

Having met, spoken with and seen some of our security, I believe they will be more than up to the task. Some of those dudes are small in stature, but large in knowledge.

[L Dale Walter]

::Hmmm, fire, and look, I have some gasoline!::

I wonder what MRF's policy will be in regard to concealed pistol licenses?  I seem to remember in the past they did not honor them.  I -may- be wrong, but I seem to remember seeing that posted somewhere.

As for the sword thing.  Whatever.  It is what it is, which is a huge hot button issue for some for whatever reason.  At Silver Leaf we employ police officers as our security, so I don't worry about it much.  Draw a weapon, get arrested.  Works pretty well.

L. Dale Walter
Assistant General Manager
SLRF Productions

[max and kate]

::Hmmm, fire, and look, I have some gasoline!::

I wonder what MRF's policy will be in regard to concealed pistol licenses?  I seem to remember in the past they did not honor them.  I -may- be wrong, but I seem to remember seeing that posted somewhere.

As for the sword thing.  Whatever.  It is what it is, which is a huge hot button issue for some for whatever reason.  At Silver Leaf we employ police officers as our security, so I don't worry about it much.  Draw a weapon, get arrested.  Works pretty well.

L. Dale Walter
Assistant General Manager
SLRF Productions

I believe that wherever alcoholic beverages are being sold even if your not drinking, a concealed weapon is prohibited. If you are drinking alcohol you are not able to carry. The laws are very strict where concealed weapons are concerned.

[Katie Bookwench]

::Hmmm, fire, and look, I have some gasoline!::

Well, hello, fellow pyro.... you must be very busy over there. I'm kind of surprised you hadn't commented sooner on this topic. There have been many quoteable comments thusfar.

At Silver Leaf we employ police officers as our security, so I don't worry about it much.  Draw a weapon, get arrested.  Works pretty well.

MiRF has the occasional Uniformed Officer--State Troopers, or Holly cops, I can't recall which. Perhaps both, actually. 

I wonder if the same policy is in unspoken effect here too.

I mean, if someone was able to draw steel despite the all the safeguards....

Do you recall anything about that when you were doing the show here, or was it simply not covered?

[Captain Cornelius Howard Duckman]

It's not so much a  matter of needing Security to be on the ball. They always are. The point where I've noticed it usually seems to break down is at the front gate, where the greeters seem to miss a great deal. Hopefully with this new policy, they'll be training the front gate a bit better at noticing such things.

[Eric of Lyon]

A lot of great information and discussion here.  I was wondering what the "peace ties" would actually be.  I think the new policy will help out all the vendors who sell swords, daggers, etc. And, that will be a good thing for them.  I'm looking forward to seeing goers with their gear this year.  Granted, just hilts will be viewable, but it will cool to see how all are wearing their weapons.

[nliedel]

Indeed the peace ties are to assist the vendors. It is my understanding that a concealed weapon would not be allowed. I just had the dang law quoted to me on Sunday, by my friend who is a weapons dealer, and I had mead in me and it's gone. At any rate we have three uniformed police on duty at all times, they are county cops.

Most people with concealed carry permits have gone through extensive training, massive amounts of money to get the permit in the first place, and are VERY careful not to EVER abuse this right. This per the wife, of said concealed weapons friend. I can have more answers after he comes home from work, this afternoon.

As for peace tying. If any member of the cast sees a weapon not peace tied, we are to inform security, but the gate will be careful. I've been assured. Does this mean that things won't happen? Things do happen, but you can bet your biffy that MIRF did not decide to do this lightly, and will be vigilant. I sound like a cheerleader, but if I thought it would be a problem, I would never invite my dearest friends and children. I like them. Most of the time.