Landsknecht Guild

Betsy informs me that the post is Friends only (or friends of friends).  Since I asked Chole if it was OK to share (and she said yes) here is the text of the note.

Remember, she's reenacting a different time period.  But the things to avoid apply, and we can talk about numbers 1 (different war though), 2, 3, and 5.

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Hints for First Person Reenacting

Participants at the C. Black Coffeehouse are asked not to do or say anything that would distract others from participating in first person activities. I am not asking for a certain level of participation, although I am encouraging everyone to join in the fun. All I am asking is that anyone choosing not to participate in first person refrain from being a distraction for those that are. Together we can make this a great first person experience!

Please avoid discussing the following when in the Coffeehouse:

1.Modern Politics
2.Current Events
3.Modern Sports
4.The Internet, Cellphones, Computers etc.
5.Your Modern Occupation
6.The Farbs you saw earlier
7.Any Other Modern, 20th & 21st Century Topics.

Please DO discuss topics such as:

1.The War. C. Black's Coffeehouse is set in 1813 during the Pike River Rendezvous, all topics related the the War of 1812 are welcome as are topics of the previous wars (F&I & Revolutionary)

2.Politics & Politicians of the Era. This is the Era of the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans. As long as your political discussion is historically oriented, I won't be enforcing the “no religion & politics in the coffeehouse” rule, so enjoy!

3.Period Games and Gambling. Card & dice games as well as period directions will be provided for everyone's enjoyment and as a way to encourage period interaction.

4.Period newspaper stories and accounts. As always several period papers & books will be available at the coffeehouse for your enjoyment. Those personas that can read are asked to read to those who aren't as fortunate.

5.Music. We're fortunate to have several wonderful period musicians in our camp, feel free to discuss music with them or just listen to them play.

Other Hints & Tips:

Do not try to force first person! It will just come off sounding fake and contrived. Try to be comfortable with your conversations. Don't feel that you have to use an unnatural accent to make your first person impression work. Until you “get in the mood” or find a level of comfort with first person remember the old adage, “Silence is golden”! There is nothing wrong with simply being quiet, observing or responding to questions when asked.

If you need to talk to the Widow Black or another person in the coffeehouse about something non-period, please approach them and ask “may I speak to you outside the coffeehouse?” This is our “key phrase” for the weekend. Please then conduct your conversation outside of the coffeehouse and outside of earshot of those still in first person. I am not going to be policing the coffeehouse for modern conversations, so everyone is on their honor to remain in first person!

I know that this is a new experience for most of us. Hopefully, we will each be able to support each other in this first person experience and the conversations will become natural over the course of the day. Everyone will have varying degrees of comfort with first person so don't feel that you are alone if it takes you a while to get comfortable. The important thing to remember is not to ruin those around you and to have FUN!

Chole