The room was filled with her friends, her parent's and grandparent's friends, current and former employees and several of her late husband's extended family members. All people who had chosen to remain in contact and otherwise support Hilde and her family after her Awakening. A few unfamiliar faces, people who were freinds of the others, were in the mix. In total it was almost fifty people packed into the livingroom and the diningroom. In the midst of the group, a young infant wailed as her mother shushed her.

The table was practically groaning with food. At the head of the table was a place setting with one identical to it at the foot of the table of the heirloom china and the crystal that Hilde and her husband were given on their wedding day. A small silver bowl sat on the place setting at the foot of the table, polished until it glistened and glowed against the white of the linen napkin it rested on. Draped across the back of the chair was her late husband's favorite tunic to wear to SCA events, his baldric, and resting against it was a framed picture of the smiling man holding up a drinking horn from Pennsic.

The chair at the head of the table was not the one Hilde had habitually sat in, that was the chair where her late husband's portrait rested. It was a heavy one made of black walnut that was traditionally where the head of the Friedman family sat and after her wedding, where her husband sat with her grandfather at his right. Somedays, Hilde would sit beside him at his left but usually, she sat at the foot of the table as they shared a meal with the farm hands. One of nine remaining from the set that her great-grandfather had made for his wife as a wedding gift to her, it was matched by the one at the foot of the table. The other heavy chairs were scattered about the house, one in the office, two upstairs in what was her grandparent's bedroom, the others also in bedrooms and two in her sewing room.

When her parents died, Hilde's grandfather sat there again. As the decisions being made on the farm past from his hands primarially into Hilde's he started to sit to the right of the chair but Hilde never took that seat again, so he resumed it until her wedding. Now, the chair sat before her, waiting as it had before. This time it was more then just a question of who had final authority on the farm or who was the head of the family that was tied to that chair. For a moment, the urge to flee rose briefly up in Hilde. A desperate wish to some how make everything go back to what it was before she was Awakened, that by going back into the kitchen and washing dishes it would some how set everything back to normal.

The memory of her late husband's smile and proud cry to her as she returned from that dark place she was when she briefly died came to her as she looked at his picture. It was the same look of pride and absolute delight in his wife on his face. I may not have faith in myself, but they have faith in me. I can't fight this anymore then I could have fought the Duke's promoting me. She thought as Hilde took a slow breath.

Hilde walked to the chair and stepped infront of it. For a moment, there was silence that was as heavy as wet wool before she set her hands on the table at either side of the place setting. "Are you sure this is what you want?" she asked, looking everyone she could see in the face. A collective look of grim determination and pride answered her. Hilde nodded slightly and looked down at the table for a moment. "Alright. But I'm warning you all now, if you decided to give me an oath of fealty, you're not just subject to me but the Duke and others. It may come that you will be called on to fulfill that duty. Oath or not, however," Hilde said as she looked up, "I will continue to do everything I can within my power to protect, advocate, and aid you. If you choose to become citizens of Avalon, this will be the case as well. It will not be easy..."

From the middle of the livingroom, a familiar voice called out, "Nothing worth doing is easy, Hilde, you know that." Hilde nodded. She answered, "That's true, Jack. And sometimes, sometimes we need pushed forward because it's hard to remember that." Hilde looks over at Nat, Mikey, and Ginny. Ginny's expression softened as relief shone in Mikey's face. Nat looked at her impassively, his arms folded across his chest.

"You three, Jack and his wife, are going to sit with me," Hilde said, "I've got a feeling we've got alot to discuss." Nat shook his head.

"Not yet, there's one last thing. Mikey, me, and the others have something for you. It's too damn late, just like this. We, however, had been planning it for a while and your behavior earlier... well," Nat said, "Let's just say that Knight's don't get interventions like regular folks do." A few chuckles answered his wry comment. Nat waited for them to fade before saying, "Sit down. This'll take a second." Nat stepped out of the room and again silence returned. This time, however, Hilde was the only one unsure of what was going to happen.

Nat walked in with a large round item wrapped in cloth. Behind him walked in his boyfriend with a rifle slung over his shoulder. Hilde realized that the rifle was loaded and that what ever it was, he had been gaurding it and acting as a posted look out. After a moment of thought, Hilde realized that ever since the events happened with the assault on the farm, there had always been at least one of the farmhands with some sort of firearm on the farm and one person keeping an eye out for trouble.  And she realized that she never needed to do anything more then request some one to do something to make something happen. Byron was right, Hilde thought, I have been a leader all this time and I just didn't want to admit it.

Looking at the cloth wrapped items, Hilde realized they were both wrapped in a pristine white fabric. Nat was aware of what the color white had come to mean for Hilde and it appeared to be almost a full bolt of heavy white satin or some similar material used to wrap the items. As the two men stepped forward to present her with the items, Mikey and Ginny came forward to help them. The four of them carefully unwrapped the fabric and folded it. Ginny held it in her arms as Mikey took the sheild from Nat. It was obviously too heavy for him to wear, thus he held it with two arms and some effort. Nat's boyfriend held a spear with a broad leaf shaped head.

The shield was in many ways very close to how the shields of the ancient Vikings appeared. A leather hide was streatched over it with a center metal boss and a metal ring around the edge. Layers of hardwood and pine were sandwiched between two metal places, the one facing the outer portion of the shield embossed with the same design as was painted onto the leather. It was a white knotwork embellished horse running on a green field. The spear head was made of some tempered metal with delicate filled engraving of sheafs of wheat and oak boughs to either side of the center. The hasp was made of braided metal and combined the gold with the blue metal, which Hilde presumed was steel, and held the spear head firmly to the ashwood haft.

Hilde suddenly understood why Nat insisted that his boyfriend was an artist, because the metal structures that he made for industrial complexes art instillations wasn't really his best work. It was this collaboration between him and Nat. As the trio brought the items to her, Nat took the drinking horn they used at Blots and poured a small amount of mead into it. He poured a few drops out on to the floor before pouring a small amount into the silver bowl on the table. Nat then walked up to her.

Before everyone, he held the filigree banded horn out to her. "Welcome home, Dame Brunhilde Gretchen Burroughs, Jord's Harbringer of Joy, Gaurdian of Victory, and Protector of the Hearth. May the Gods bless you, defend you, and bring you joy," he intoned with the melodaic and rich tones of voice he used when officiating a large ceremony. The impassive expression on his face failed to reach is eyes, where a look of concern and pleading asked a silent question. Hilde realized this was the moment Nat spoke of, not earlier.

Hilde took the horn from him with both hands. She understood the comment from Jack was part of a ritual that Nat had assembled. One witnessed not only by him but everyone there and the Gods. The challenge offered to her answered. The oath given and now to be sealed. As she took the horn, Hilde realized it wasn't some simple ceremonial minescule amount of mead in the horn. He had filled it as full as he possibly could. From the scent of the mead wafting to her from it, it was clear that he had boughtor otherwise located a bottle with a high alcohol content. Most people would have struggled with drinking the whole thing to begin with but the alcohol content was just the right amount of insult to injury to make someone think twice.

Hilde smiled despite the solemnity of the moment. She recalled her late husband's favorite myth of Thor, where he drank from a horn and caused an ebb tide. Hilde raised the horn in a gesture of salute to the Gods and all assembled witnesses. Then, she brought it to her lips and proceeded to drain it with out pausing for breath. It was a minor thing for a Knight, but for the others it would have been a feat. She realized that it was a deliberate act on Nat's part which amused her as it also touched her deeply.

Finishing the drink, she upended the horn over the floor, letting the last few drops spill out. As the three drops of golden liquid hit the floor a cheer washed over the room.

Hilde got out of the truck and looked around the farmyard. It seemed that there were more of the farmhands around then usual. She frowned a little. We haven't framed out the new barn yet. We're not ready to start planting because we're still ploughing and discing. I better ask Jack if something's up. Maybe there's a problem with payroll or taxes. That'd have people over but it's damn early for it... She thought to herself as she walked up to the front door into the house.

As she walked in, a heavy silence filled the house. The living room was filled almost to standing room only. A few people milled in the hallway but when they saw her, they stepped into the dining room. Hilde narrowed her eyes suspiciously. First I've pissed in Mikey's cornflakes, now my house is full of people. What is going on here? she thought as she walked back to the kitchen, where the door was closed. Hilde opened it and almost walked right into Nat. He looked at her with an expression that was exactly like the one he had when she woke in the infirmary, fury and concern.

"Na..." she started when Ginny walked over from the stove where she and Jack's wife were busy finishing up a batch of pancakes. Hilde had only a few heartbeats to decide how to respond as Ginny raised her hand. The petite red haired woman had a look on her face that would have curdled fresh milk as she brought her tiny hand down hard on Hilde's left cheek.  "I earned that," Hilde said quietly, feeling the sting of Ginny's strike and realizing that her late husband's cousin had put all of her strength into the hit.

"Valkryja," Nat said in a low, solemn voice, "it's time. Take your place or accept the curse again. And I will add to it if you choose to accept that curse." Hilde looked over at him. She hadn't told anyone other then him of the experience she had when she died. At his statement, Hilde felt her blood run cold. He looked directly at her with his body subtly positioned as though ready for a fight.  In that moment, she realized that he was ready to attempt to fight her if necessary despite the fact that she could easily kill him. And that Ginny was of the same mind, though she was now across the room and finishing up the last of the dishes from cooking.

Hilde sighed inwardly. "Nat..." she started when the words died on her lips as a realization washed over her. This is what I was denying. I was trying so hard not to lead, not to do this. It wasn't just my abilities. Jord forgive me, I was a fool. Hilde thought, as she squared her shoulders and nodded. The subtle change to her stance was noted by others and the anxiety that hung in the air eased considerably, as did some of the anger.  Hilde looked over at Ginny. The other woman turned and looked at her, wiping her hands off on the apron.

In the rosy light of dawn, for a moment, Hilde became confused as a memory of a different life overlapped with the present. It wasn't Ginny the Knight saw, but the wife from another life, looking with the same expression of hurt, anger, and pride. In the fog of that confusion, Hilde addressed the other woman as she had at times during the Dream Fever. Quietly and with deep love in her voice, Hilde said, "I'm sorry, Moira. Please, forgive me, I would never hurt you." Ginny crossed the room and wrapped her arms around Hilde.

"Brunhilde, come back to us," she said soothingly, "We need you here." Hilde blinked and shook her head, as though startled out of a daydream. Ginny looked Hilde closely in the face and gave a small nod. "Alright, Nat, I think we're ready," she said when she was assured that Hilde was firmly grounded in the present.  Hilde took a deep breath, waiting for her stomach to settle after the brief wave of disorientation rocked her. Maybe I should mention this to someone, before it becomes a problem. Hilde thought as she nodded at Nat's questioning look.

Nat opened the door into the dining room and Hilde's breath caught in her throat.

So, you've decided to wear a costume to session. Congratulations and welcome to the ranks of LARPers and others who have taken their gaming experience to the next level! It may feel a little silly or strange wearing a costume to session, but don't let that stop you! The goal here is to have fun. LARP is not a fashion contest and it is ultimately you who is interpreting your character here, not anyone else. If your character loves to wear denim to the point of having a 3 peice suit and shoes made of denim, you can make it happen. Ignore any funny looks that come from the 'normals' at your dress because you're just fine for what you're doing! The only concerns you should have is if you're breaking any decency laws or similar regulations at the location your LARP or other event is taking place.

Now, that bit of cheerleading aside, let's take a second to get down to brass tacks. When assembling your costume, be it from ready made items or starting with raw fabric, it is very important to remember a few different points to make your costuming experience as successful as possible. As foolish as this may sound, keep comfort at the top of your list of priorities. Different looks can be accomplished with skilled tailoring but no measure of cutting and sewing is going to make a fabric that feels horrible against your skin more comfortable or make that heavy fabric any more forgiving in the summer. There are three major divisions to the comfort factor:

• Proper fit: Proper fit is simply that. If you wear a size 12 shirt, don't try to force yourself into a size 2 no matter how stylish that shirt it. If you do accomplish making yourself wear a smaller size, you're going to spend most of your time being uncomfortable rather then enjoying the event you've dressed up for. The same will be true if you are wearing something that is too large (unless it is planned for and properly done for maximum comfort).
• Proper fabric: If you are allergic to a given material, you want to make sure that you don't wear that or any of the blends which include it. Even if the material is 'period' for what you are choosing to wear (for example: a wool jacket in a Victorian style), wearing it when you have an allergy or sensitivity is just going to make you uncomfortable (at best) or cause an allergic reaction. Because of the wonders of modern science, it is possible to find materials that mimic the look of many other fabrics with out the disadvantages of it. As such, it may be possible to imitate the look of wool with a synthetic fabric and find something that is even on the market in that material. If you desire to make something that is 'period' for costuming, it is important to match the fabric relatively closesly to what was used and this requires researching your item before purchase. A 15th century gown will look very different if made in heavy silk, satin, wool, linen, or a printed upholstry cotton blend. Going for 'period' fabrics can be very expensive and it may be best for your budget to find something which imitates the fabric you are looking for.
  
• Proper setting: Setting plays into your choice of dress very heavily. This is less a question of what is appropriate for where you are (though a minimum of these concerns such as decency laws and such is needed) and more a question of what kind of weather and temperatures you need to concern yourself with. Fabrics worn for outdoors in winter and summer are dramatically different, as are those required for in an air conditioned building versus a tent in the middle of a late August afternoon. Failure to take these factors into consideration places you at risk for heat stroke or hypothermia, depending on the weather and what you are wearing. Wearing easily flammable clothing with trailing sleeves (such as a dagged edged sleeve that is long made from Rayon) where there is open flame is another example of failing to consider your setting when making your costuming choices.  Your safety is your primary concern, not fashion.

Aside from the questions of comfort, let's take a bit deeper look at the questions of safety which were briefly looked at in the final point above. Awareness of your environment is vital in costume planning for various reasons, the least of which is the prevention of heat stroke or similar dress related issues. Be aware what the policy is regarding mock weaponry. In some locations, even the presence of a toy gun is going to be prohibited. While you may feel foolish doing the 'finger-gun' for your character's weapon, it is better then possibly being arrested for breaking the rules of where you are going to be attending the event. 

[more to be added later, I blame my children for the delay!]

Hi folks!

This is cross posted from the Buffalo Forums! Please forgive any format errors here. I just did a cut and paste from the original into here. :) Please keep an eye open for more details soon!

~ Deb

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I figure some folks are interested in possibly making themselves costumes or cobbling together something that could pass for a costume from their wardrobe. Here's some resources that can be helpful!

Clothing patterns & suggestions for fabrics to use: The Costumer's Manifesto

Info about Medieval Clothing: http://www.kyrene.k12.az.us/schools/Brisas/sunda/ma/1adele.htm

Costuming suggestions for Renaissance dress: Fast and Easy Renaissance Style Clothing

Now, a quick search on the internet will turn up countless things and if you look at the pictures available, you will find that you have lots of options.

Basic dress possibilities for women:

• Ankle length circle skirt, peasant blouse (tucked in the waist band of skirt], fitted vest (over the blouse), ankle boots or leather moccasins, hair up in a braid
• Ankle or floor length dress with long sleeves, knee length long vest, wide belt over the vest
• Peasant blouse, loose fitting pants (this solid dark colored sweat pants a size or two too large), scarves tied at waist, multiple belts, hair up in braid or loose, scarf tied over hair
• Etc.

Basic dress possibilities for men:

• White dress shirt with out collar, sleeves rolled up to hide cuffs, top two buttons un-done, fitted vest, dark slacks, leather moccasins
• White dress shirt (see above), over sized t-shirt (solid color two to three sizes too large if possible, v-neckline, worn over the dress shirt), wide belt (worn over the t-shirt), dark slacks
• Over sized t-shirt (see above), faux fur throw (worn over 1 shoulder, over t-shirt), wide belt (worn at waist, opt 1: secure ends of throw beneath belt), large costume jewelery pin w/ large stone and lots of metal around it of a 'gothic' design (opt 2: use pin to secure corners of the throw at shoulder or throat, wear throw like a cloak)
• Etc.

If you need ideas based on your wardrobe, post in this thread what you're considering and I'll give suggestions. :)

EDIT: Links and formatting fixed. ~~Casey

Some of us (like myself) love the opportunity to get dressed up for LARP. I have complied a lot of resources here and access to many more. As such, I am going to try to share some of the wealth this way you fine folks can bash together 'mock' costumes or go whole hog with confidence. I did a few posts on this in the Out of Character section on the Forums. Because I am sure that these posts are buried in the forums, I'm going to start making blog entries here. I may be mirroring them on another blog elsewhere.

Just as a matter of routine, I want folks to recognize that this is Kopyleft and all I ask for is attributation and a link back to the orginal. What isn't my own work in these posts is going to be cited and either links or footnotes to direct readers to my sources. This is going to be as per the old school method of citations, none of this cracked out MLA shit! (I hate it with a passion and made a note of complaining each assignment I had to use it on in High School and as I was working on my B.A. Will continue to do the same if I have to do so when I go back for my Masters ... eventually.  /rant)

I'm going to divide my posts into a few different sections. There is going to be a section of advice for those who are converting other garments into use as costume wear. This will focus upon different time periods and styles in history and how to imitate them as best as you can given what is available on the market and in thrift stores. It will include discussion on how to best utilize accessories for that faux period look down to just what to do for your footwear.

I will also be giving a quick history of different styles of dress before focusing upon the eras and styles of dress commonly referenced in illustrations for Arthurian literature and themes. You will find that I am going to be linking to images where I can. I am not going to attempt to put images into here because it's just going to slow down load times. If you're interwebz are wonky like mine at times, the links will make your life easier. In the discussion focused upon the imagery commonly used for Arthurian themes, I will discuss ideal fabrics, hair styles, and various other details that may be of interest if you want to try to recreate any of these images.

A discussion of techniques for making costumes will be presented. I will be mirroring parts of that discussion elsewhere with pictures of what I am making. I won't just be pointing you at where you can get suppies or read about how to make stuff. I am going to be making stuff and making notation on how it is coming out. Techniques that are particularly problematic will get rantings as appropriate and I can promise that they will be amusing. After all, swearing at inanimate objects gets even more hilarious when I get even more annoyed. Just ask any of my friends!

I will be reviewing websites where details for how to do things are posted. They will get a rating of 1 - 5. 5 will be highest and 1 will be lowest. The rating will be based on how well the text explains the technique in question, the usefullness of any graphics associated, and how user friendly it is. It'll be alot like how I review books. If you have one you want me to check out, drop me a note and I will do so.

Finally, I will be more then happy to give advice or answer any questions. If you decide that you want to comission me to make part or all of your costume, let me know. We can discuss cost of materials, design, production, and scheduling.

Please kindly forgive any and all spelling/grammar errors there are going to be.  ~ Deb

The changes in the website reflect a changing focus. We are moving from a purely hobby-local focus to a broader business production focus. So, what does this mean?

• Arthur's Legacy: Buffalo will continue to run and be hosted here at arthurslegacy.com. Nothing will change for you folks involved in that production.
• Arthur's Legacy and all other Legends Interactive products released by Thought Police Interactive Fiction will remain under Creative Commons licensing, at least permitting the freedom to share, modify, and distribute your modifications for non-commercial purposes.
• The thrust of the website will generally shift towards Thought Police Interactive Fiction as a business, with emphasis on the brands of Arthur's Legacy, Zed Revolution, Broken Mirror, and other interactive fiction/roleplaying game products.
• The main focus of the website will still be social interaction and story participation.
• Development roadmaps will be released for Arthur's Legacy and other TPIF products.

Please leave a comment if you find any broken bits to the website, bad colors, or so on. Also, please feel free to leave comments if you have any questions, thoughts, concerns, etc.

I look forward to seeing Thought Police Interactive Fiction enter a new period of productivity and product expansion. I hope that you do as well.

-PC