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title, and one would hope, will soon receive that honor.
It is indeed difficult to find one statement that would apply to all members
of our Society.  This was quite possibly the intent of those who created us
what we were, and until quite recently, oversaw our development into what we
are as a Society.  Many of us have come to 'play' for reasons of simple fun
and relaxation.  Others from a deep interest in the history of the Middle
Ages.  Some come for the 'theatre' and become our bards, bless'em. Still
others have no clue why they're here, but they like it so they stay.
Coloring each with the brush i use for myself would be unfair, to say the
least.  It has ever been thus.  So it will yet again, at an event themed
"Pearls" to honor its 30th consecutive year in existence.  Some will come
dressed in pearl-encrusted clothing, others will discover (or re-discover)
the recipes of the time containing crushed pearls (i kid you not!), still
others will smile, and play, and care not the theme or intent of the event.
Your point about medieval modesty is well taken, particularly that about
covering certain parts of one's body (blush).  It is, however, one possible
shortage in our event planning that there is never an 'at-home' event
planned.  Were it thus, gentles would be free to appear in only what they
wore about their own houses, and some might find themselves not knowing
where exactly to look!  And so we find some at outdoor event who choose to
dress in such fashion as a way of keeping cool in the blistering sun of
Ansteorra.
Which brings yet another point to the fore:  that of our climate.  In much
of western Europe during the Middle Ages, there was what is fondly referred
to as a 'small ice age' in progress.  This necessitated the wearing of
fur-lined garments, multiple layers, and ever and always a covering for the
head lest the ears freeze right off.  <sigh> While that worked then and
there, it is clearly quite impossible here in Ansteorra, with a climate more
like Southern Italy or Greece.  I venture to guess that no one would expect
fur-lined garments at  Warlord XXX.   What then are people to wear?  My
vote, from a purely public-health standpoint is whatever they are cool in
that they can still document to our Period.
Which is not to discourage you from your evident scholarship and interest in
portraying your persona exactly as she might have been in the Twelfth
Century.  Indeed, the opposite would be my hope!  It is merely to say that,
since there are no hard and fast rules of dress and deportment in the SCA,
we sometimes arrive at an event and find ourselves joined by others who do
not share a love for scholarship and clear portrayal.  In the years i have
played, first many years ago as Caroleigh and now as Gerita, i have seen the
dichotomy between these two groups grow.  I have also seen them learn to
enjoy each other in spite of their different approaches and even learn from
one another as well. May this, too, ever be thus.

ever in service,
Gerita del Mare


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