Sunday 'Twas an excellent final day for PARF's 2008 season. The weather was a bit cool, but comfortable for those of us wearing armor. Although some of our regulars were missing, most took advantage and enjoyed the weather, quite a contrast to Saturday's rainy condition. In addition, I met the lovely renspace lady Artemissia and the beguiling pirate Jax.
Most enjoyably, I finally met the Reaver and Bard Blackwolf and his enchanting Lady Anita. We knew each planned to be there that day but it took quite a while to run into each other given the size of the Shire. Near the end of the day Blackwolf strummed his bardic instrument whilst singing the most bloodthirsty song methinks I have ever heard. Most pleasurable and hopefully a harbinger of future get-togethers.
I was able to attend a few hours on Sunday afternoon of the NYRF opening weekend. I did not know until about 10:00 that morning whether I would be able to make the adventurous first time journey. It came with some restrictions that I maintain contact with my guild (via Bluetooth) which substantially increased the level of difficulty. I was unable to armor up with my regular helmet since it's weight turned off the device. Instead I took another helm which would keep the device on, but was ill fitting and would fall in front of my eyes. Thus I spent most of my jaunt pushing up the helm to see where I was going. 'Twas most annoying, (yet few would recognize my dilemma until I stumbled into them.)
My purpose was to meet a few friends have a few beers and see NYRF for the first time. Unfortunately it was so last-minute, I didn't find out where to meet anyone. My biggest mistake was to park in a remote parking area that I could not easily get back to without bringing any picture ID with me. Not having been carded in 20 years, it did not occur to me that I would not be able to purchase an ale in the rather strict NYRF shire. I bounced unsuccessfully from bar to bar hoping that some kind bar wench would take pity on a warrior clearly of legal age. To no avail. In the end I was forced to partake of a green liquid known as "a Dew." In the meantime, the sky occasionally took the time (on a day scheduled for pure sunshine) to rain down on the shire, scattering the patrons and amusing the gods at the same time.
I did run into the wiley pyrate Macko whom methought would be there, yet missed pyrates Staples and Sassy and most unfortuitously the reaver Blackwolf whom I had hoped to meet for the first time. Clearly for me to visit the shire again, I must rearmor (okay, come when I am not under the gun) and bring ID. :)
The planets aligned correctly and I was able to make it to the opening Saturday for the Sterling Renaissance Festival. I've never been there before, ('tis at the edge of my traveling realm) however I'm glad that I went. I believe there may have been issues in the past, however yesterday, with new owners, it was a very well-run faire with lots to do and a cast that was focused on making sure that the patrons had a very good time.
I especially liked the street-cast of 2 shifty individuals carrying a net with the mischevious look that they would cast the net over unsuspecting patrons and carry them off. Most amusing! I'm not sure if they ever did but I kept waiting.
They've also instituted a new weapons policy which allows piece-tied weapons, a definite positive for warrior-types likely to attend.
In summary, if you find the opportunity to attend you should take it!
Two in fact! My favorite sword Doom has received two new scabbards made by Russ at tritonworks.com. I like the saber because its shape gives it personality. However the one-size-fits-all scabbard I was using tended to hide the shape, losing that personality in the process.
Then I stumbled across Tritonworks and contacted Russ to solve the problem. It took a while, since there is a year-long waiting list to begin with, but he came through before faire season starts in the Northeast.
He designed a scabbard to display the blade at faire and a more standard scabbard to protect the blade from the elements.
Anyone buying a scabbard from Tritonworks should consider getting the ruggedized shipping option. The case it comes in will make it easy to ship your sword in the future and is well worth the price.
The Wicked Faire in Edison, NJ strikes me as a great idea. An indoor themed ren faire during the colder months is a good way to keep the leather and swords oiled, the vendors with some cash flow, and meet people in an intriguing entertainment experience. I have some armor being made that is supposed to be completed in the next week but I'm not sure it will arrive by the Feb 8th & 9th dates.
