Ren faire in NJ on the 14th and 15th

[Sir Ulrich]

I need that shield...it looks much better than the one I currently have.  Thanks for sharing those pics, Sir Ulrich...looks like you guys had a blast!  What's your friend on the right have in his paper bag there?

Thats kettle corn in the bag lol
Only problem with that shield is that I remember you said you were left handed, and it only comes in right handed I believe. It shouldn't be too hard to make though, just need a shield blank and some canvas and padding and there you go. The padding actually makes the shield absorb blows much easier.

[Sir Matthew]

YEp, that was me. I was playing an English mercenary with the 17th century Commonwealth of Poland and Lithuania reenactors. I got to shoot an Arquebus earlier in the day, but it was too damp and rainy to fire the Handgonne and my musket was out of commision with a broken trigger. I offered to be truely period and push the serpentine and match into the pan by hand (I'd wear a glove of course) but Bryan (the guy on the other side of me in the pictures) lent me his Arquebus. It's a small faire but still nice with a different vendor set than I typically see.

[Sir Ulrich]

Cool! So how did you like the faire? From the photos, I'm guessing they're using a park area, with a section of vendor tents somewhere? Most small faires start out this way, if they don't have huge corporate backing to get started.

I enjoyed it pretty well, I been to this one 2 times previously and it seems to be the one I have the best luck at. It was in a park and it was quite small, I actually prefer the small ones because it's got less of a crowd and whatnot and I can hang around people and ask them questions.

[Sir William]

I need that shield...it looks much better than the one I currently have.  Thanks for sharing those pics, Sir Ulrich...looks like you guys had a blast!  What's your friend on the right have in his paper bag there?

Thats kettle corn in the bag lol
Only problem with that shield is that I remember you said you were left handed, and it only comes in right handed I believe. It shouldn't be too hard to make though, just need a shield blank and some canvas and padding and there you go. The padding actually makes the shield absorb blows much easier.

You're right...but hey, might give me an excuse to learn to fight righty...since my last sword commission rig ended up being righty oriented as well. 

[Sir Brian]

Great pictures and great garb! Your kit is looking great Mat! 

[Sir William]

Great pictures and great garb! Your kit is looking great Mat! 

He certainly looks the part...he looks so cynical in that pic! 

[Sir Matthew]

Great pictures and great garb! Your kit is looking great Mat! 

He certainly looks the part...he looks so cynical in that pic! 

Wow, you're right I do look cynical. It wasn't really intentional but it makes me look like the veteran who's seen and done it all. I especially like how the pic captures my helmet and the hat underneath all cocked and crooked, like I just slapped the helmet over the hat, which is exactly what I did. That Monmoth cap is thicker than my arming cap and serves that purpose just as good.

[Sir William]

My point exactly...its like you're saying "...look at these raw recruits marching about w/no idea what real war is!"

lol