HISTORY

http://tudorhistory.org/monarchs - read Henry VIII, Mary I, Elizabeth I

http://tudorhistory.org/wives - read all

http://www.tudorplace.com.ar - browse through

http://elizabethan.org/compendium/map-ind.html - browse through this until you are familiar with the countries which compose Britain and have a good grasp of where the capitols are situated.

RELIGION

http://elizabethan.org/compendium - read sections titled ”Religion," "Catholics"

ETTIQUITE

-Basic patron interaction

Smile and nod to the patrons at the very least, a "good morrow" or a "how fare you this day? " can go a long way towards making them feel welcome and included.

This seems simple but know who you are and what you do. Practice your name and station to yourself until it comes out easily. Often a patron will ask who you are and it really helps if you can remember.

Offer advice about things to see, they may know about the joust but may entirely miss many of the other sights, including those offered in other guild yards.

Find gigs that are fun and not insulting. Keep in mind the comfort levels of the patrons!

Try to stay in character unless you perceive an emergency (in which case use your best judgment and help)

-Serving

Watering- Always quietly ask before you fill, keep an eye out for anyone holding out a cup to you, this generally means they would like it to be filled.

Always serve the highest ranked noble first. If in doubt ask someone. Work from behind, serve from the right, remove from the left.

When serving repast someone will announce each course, at this time the servers may display the course to those who are watching. Servers should then place each dish, if numbers allow once any royals have been served the remainder of the dishes should be placed in unison. Generally there will be a quick run through before a repast is served but be prepared to be grabbed as a fill in.

-When to bow, how and to whom

Stopping and paying reverence to those of higher rank is a standard part of life for those of all classes.

Rise and bow whenever your lord/lady/patron/priest/monarch enters a guild yard or pavilion you are occupying.

If the monarch approaches bow them until either they signal you to rise or they have passed you by.

Bow whenever you pass a person of high rank and also whenever you walk past the court if the monarch is present.

If you are in the court bow as you approach the monarch or at any time the monarch stands up.

How to bow

For the men:

Extend the right leg keeping the toe pointed and close to the ground while bending the left knee, remove your hat and place it over your heart. An extended hand or a flourish with the opposite hand is very nice if you wish it.

For the women:

Place your left toe behind the right foot at a 45% angle and bend both knees. It helps to stay on the balls of your feet. Spreading your skirts with your hands is also very pretty.

Practice in front of a mirror until you are comfortable

In General, the higher the rank the deeper the bow, this also applies to how much trouble you are in. There are a few schools of thought regarding whether or not one should lower ones head, use your own judgment.

It is not necessary to bow to someone if they have their back to you or will not be able to see you.

If you bow and someone does not acknowledge you, rise and continue about your business.

It is safe to say if you are a peasant bow to anyone who is better dressed than you are. This includes those patrons who are attempting a costume, no matter how inaccurate they seem they have made a big effort to fit in with us and we should honor that.

Royalty- of any nationality! Whether or not they are your queen/king is irrelevant, they still out rank you.

-How to address a noble

In general, for any person of rank, "my Lord" or "my Lady" will suffice. The monarch is "your Majesty." Priests may be called "Father." For every one else use "Master" or "Mistress" unless they tell you otherwise.

GARB

-Create and assemble a basic costume concept

-Assemble a portfolio of images of what your character's garb should look like and submit them to the appropriate GM for approval

-Bring 4 swatches ( at least 1"x 1" ) of fabric in appropriate material and color for your station to your GM

-Find a pattern or set of instructions for a basic faire shirt/ chemise and have it approved by your GM (you will use this in the next phase)

CHARACTER

Fill out the character worksheet and submit it for approval

- Choose a 16^th century name

First name

Last name

http://elizabethan.org/compendium

- read "services and occupations", "masters and servants", "staffing a great household".

- Create a catch phrase for your character

http://petelevin.com/shakespeare.htm

-Come up with a favorite insult/ swear word

-Know your patron saint to pray to or swear by

- Read "language" and "still more language"

- Create at least 2 standard gigs for front gate or street gigging

Be creative, these should be character appropriate. Are you looking for someone, a spouse/ kitchen help for my lord's kitchen, etc. Do you need or are you offering assistance? Are you trying to buy/ sell something? Find things that are fun but not insulting. Keep in mind the comfort levels of the patrons.