ur Newcomer's Guide to the Realm of Chivalry is loaded with information to help you on your journey into the Kingdom of Treloria. It contains information on:

• What to bring to an Event
• Social Etiquette
• Feasting Etiquette
• Personae Development
• How to Make a Basic Tunic (With diagrams!)
• Common terminology

Events

Feast Gear - Many medievalists haunt thrift stores to find wooden or metal table settings to create that medieval ambiance.

Linen: A tablecloth is not required but napkins are a must. (Some things were designed to be finger food.

Plates: Wood, glass, metal, or plain stoneware are best. (Wicker baskets concealing paper plates -- brown plates are preferred -- are sometimes used for expedience.)

Cups: The above applies as well as horn and leather. Keep in mind that if you drink coffee to bring a glass or ceramic cup as metal doesn't hold heat well.)

Bowls: Wooden salad bowls are great (Import stores are a good place.)

Utensils: Wood or metal spoons, sharp knife, 2 or 3 tine forks.

Seasonings: Please bring the seasonings you like, including salt and pepper.

Dressings: Candles (be sure it's enclosed like a votive) and a flower can make it special!

Costume - Dress according to your personae, keep in mind the weather and activities planned. The Costumer's Guild is available to assist you in creating a costume Loaner garb is available to newcomers through the Silver Needle.

Site Fees - Check with the host or newsletter on amount, or if it needs to be paid in advance. Often these advance payments are the only source of funds for buying the food. Checks or money orders should be made out to the Realm of Chivalry unless otherwise stated.

Food - If the event is potluck, check with the host or newsletter to be sure how much and what to bring. If the event is a "served feast", check the schedule for the day to see if you will need to bring snacks or lunch to tide you over until feast time. Most often, you'll need to provide your own beverage in either case. If you have dietary limitations, and are concerned about the contents of the meal, be sure to speak with the cooks. They may be busy, but be persistent and you'll undoubtedly get help. They don't want to poison you any more than you want to be poisoned. However, if you don't notify them until an hour before serving, don't expect them to do more than tell you which dishes to avoid.

Social Etiquette

• Do not handle another persons property, weapons, merchandise or body without their permission.

• Do unto others. . . respect and courtesy are best given as well as received.

• The King and Queen are referred to as "His/Her Majesty" or, if you are speaking with one of them directly, you would say "Your Majesty". You can recognize Knights by their heavy gold chain, spurs and/or a white leather belt; their titles are "Sir," "Sir Knight," or, if a woman, "Dame" may be used if you do not know his or her name.  Those wearing a white baldric or sash from shoulder to hip are Masters of the Arts and/or Sciences; Their title is "Master" or "Mistress". Titles can go on and on. If you are unsure, "My Lord/Lady" is safe and inoffensive. This is how you will be referred to until you earn a title of your own.

• If you have a question - ask. People can get busy or involved in what they are doing so they may not notice you or may not realize that you need assistance - ask.

• Leave the event site cleaner than you found it. Since we are all participating at our events, we should all help clean it up. If you don't know what needs to be done, ask the host.

Feasting Etiquette

• Make reservations well ahead of time. Be as specific about numbers as possible and be sure to pay in advance if the autocrat requests it.

• The autocrat may need help setting up or taking down tables. Please feel free to volunteer to assist in this.

• Also, the autocrat may request volunteers to help with serving. If you serve, it is your responsibility to find out what course, what dish, and what tables you should serve. Make sure that you show up when you are needed.

• The feast may have several courses. If you make a meal of the first course, you will not be able to eat the rest.

• If you are not serving, try to remember that the servers are not lowly peasants. Be considerate and polite. If they forget or fumble, don't be abusive.

• There may be a high table of various local and visiting dignitaries and guests, and possibly some royalty. Behave toward it with respect, though not necessarily with the ceremony required in Court.

• The first toast is ALWAYS to the Crown. It is the prerogative of the senior noble present to offer it. After that, it is usual to toast any other attending royalty.

• The cooks and the autocrat may well deserve toasts themselves; salute them, separately or collectively, toward the end of the feast. If the feast is served buffet-style, do not pig out your first time through the line! Too often, the first people through take more than they can eat, and folk at the end of the line may miss out.

• Potluck feasts are popular in some places and circumstances. If you attend, make sure that you bring something, and try to make it as authentic as you can. A good fall back is cheese, bread, or fruit.

• Heralds should command your instant attention. If it is being announced, their message is important.

• Entertainers are a difficult problem. Some are content to play background music, but others want your attention. If you're not interested in what's going on, at least try to keep your conversation low. An entertainer who rates a special announcement by a herald, and who commands the attention of a good number of feasters, is quite likely very good, or of high rank -- it will likely be a pleasure to listen.

• Many people "table-hop" during feasts. Just make sure that you don't block traffic flow, and keep your ears open for announcements of more food. If you're not at your seat when it comes around, you might not get any.

• At feasts you often find yourself seated at close quarters with relative strangers. They may want to talk to you, or they may simply be unable to avoid overhearing your conversation. So, try to avoid 20th century topics; it's a courtesy not to spoil someone else's fantasy.

• If working in the kitchen, of if asked to help clean up afterwards, please keep in mind that there might be quite a bit of food still on hand. If it's a 2-day event, the surplus may be used for the next day's breakfast or even another evening feast. Make sure that perishables are put away so they won't spoil. Otherwise, the surplus will most likely be packaged for a fund raiser to be held at the end of the event. Be aware that sometimes others may see the extra food as an invitation to help themselves. Keep people who have no business in the kitchen out, and there will be less opportunity for anyone to spoil a meal for the next day or an opportunity for the hosts to recoup their expenses.

• Cleanup can be a problem, especially if the hall is to be used for reveling as well as feasting. If that's the case, get your feasting gear cleared away as quickly as you can! If dishwashing facilities are limited (or, as they sometimes are, non-existent), bring a big plastic trash bag and just pack your dirty dishes in it for washing when you return home.

• Volunteers to help clean up the hall and/or kitchen at the end of the evening are usually more than welcome.

Personae Development

Country or Region - In developing your personae's background, you'll want to research the geographical origins, customs and activities.

• Some of us chose the country of our ancestors, i.e. Scotland, France, England, Ireland.

• Some of us chose countries with interesting lifestyles, i.e. Vikings, Highlanders, Moors.

• Some of us chose a country simply because the information was readily available and plentiful, i.e. Celtic, Saxon, Norman, Byzantium.

• You can use historical or mythical names, i.e. Arthur, Beowulf, Merlin, Guenevere. However, it is not permissible to impersonate that specific character.

• Keep in mind the difficulty in pronouncing or spelling your name. (Have mercy on the scribes!)

• Be sure to consider what's going on in your country during this time, i.e. wars, crusades, floods.

• It's not necessary to be specific to the year - but advisable to narrow it down to a particular century, i.e. 800's, 1200's.

• Look to what type of careers possibilities or lifestyles were available in your chosen region/time, i.e. mercenary, noble person, wench, merchant, etc.

• Consider the customs, etiquette, religion, and traditions of your chosen background.

How to Make a Basic Tunic

Next you'll need to figure out how much fabric you'll need. Measure from your shoulder to where you want the hem to fall, then add two inches. Take that total and double it for the total amount of fabric you're going to need. For example: shoulder to hem plus 2 inches is 36", so you'll buy 72" or 2 yards of fabric.

If fabric is washable, buy all means wash and dry it before cutting out the pattern in order to prevent shrinkage afterwards. If needed, iron fabric smooth.

Fold your fabric in half width wise then fold in half again length wise. You will have four layers of fabric. Be sure to have the wrong side showing, as you will be marking it up later when you draw the pattern on it.

To determine the width across the chest, take your chest measurements then divide this sum by 4 and add 1 inch. For example: If the chest measures 40 inches, you would divide this by 4 to arrive at 10 and then add 1 for 11 inches.

To determine the width of your sleeve, hold your arm out straight and wrap the measuring tape around your arm to the desired width; longer for wider sleeves.

Using chalk and the measurements you've just taken, draw the pattern on the fabric. The following are some examples and suggestions:

For the neck opening, it works best if you unfold and lay the fabric out flat (after using the T) and then draw and cut the neck opening using a saucer or bowl. You will then need to cut about a 5 inch slit from this opening either down the front or on one shoulder. To finish the neck's raw edges, the easiest way is to use something you can find at the fabric store called double fold bias tape. It is folded over the raw edge and then either hand or machine down on. Select a similar or even a contrasting color is nice.

Next, try it on to determine about how far up you want to fold the bottom hem, then sew that too. Lastly, if desired, you can add trim or beading. This pattern also works well for making a simple gown for a lady, by simply lengthening the hem line.

To complete the outfit, add the following:

1. A pair of pants or sweat pants (preferably not blue jeans),
2. Cord or leather belt, and
3. Boots, i.e. biker, cowboy, or even moccasins work well

Of course, other accessories can be added like jewelry, sheathed knives, pouches, etc.

Common Terminology

he Common Speech of any subculture uses technical terms and slang that indicates solidarity among the membership. The Realm of Chivalry is no exception. This is by no means a complete list of terms used in the Realm or the Kingdom of Treloria. Revisions and updates will be published as the need arises.

Autocrat: n. or v., The person(s) or group(s) in charge of hosting an Event; usually harassed

Bard: n., A teller of stories and legends

Bard in a Box: n., A cassette player, boom box

Barony: n., A group of 30 or more paid adult members with like interests and registered crest or device, who have first met the following requirements: (1) Been an active Keep for a period of one year, (2) sponsored no less than 3 events during the 12 month period immediately preceding application for Barony, (3) held a minimum of 3 scheduled and announced classes or workshops during the 12 month period immediately preceding application for Barony, and (4) have the following officers: Baron/Baroness, Seneschal, Treasurer, Warranted Marshal, member of College of Heralds

Bash: v., To participate in armored combat

Belts: n., The Chivalry; the "belted-fighters"; the Knights

Biffy: n., The restroom

Boffer: n., A light non-rattan combat weapons (derogatory)

B.S.O.: n., A bright, shiny object

Brawl: n., A dance done in a circle which features the tossing of maidens

Chirurgeon: n., A medic

Chivalry: n., An attitude of honor, courtesy, honesty and largess; those who have earned the title of knighthood or mastery

Chronicler: n., The individual responsible for publishing the monthly Realm newsletter, The Piper

Clear!: imperative v., Danger!

College of Heralds (CoH): n., The body responsible for the recording and preservation of all heraldic record within the Realm. The CoH is a body of people devoted to the study of heraldry and its application within the Realm.

Coronet, The: n., The Crown Prince and/or Princess ascending to the throne

Count/Countess: n., The title granted to the King and Queen upon completion of their reign

Crown, The: n., The King and/or Queen

Device: n., The registered symbol denoting a person, office, order, or group

Dry: adj., No alcohol allowed

Duchy: n., A group of 90 or more paid adult members with like interests and registered crest or device, who have first met the following requirements: (1) Been an active Barony for a period of two years, (2) sponsored no less than 6 events during the 12-month period immediately preceding application for Duchy, (3) held a minimum of 6 scheduled and announced classes or workshops during the 12-month period immediately preceding application for Duchy, (4) successfully sponsored at least one Kingdom level event (included in the 6 listed above), or co-sponsored if otherwise impossible to sponsor, and (5) must maintain their corps of Baronial officers (including a Duke and Duchess designate)

Elixir of Life: n., Coffee, tea or any other type of caffeine beverage

Emissary: n., The person whose mission it is to greet and welcome the newcomers into the Realm

Eric: n., The marked-off fighting area. derived from it's original red color, therefore, "Eric the Red."

Event: n., An official function of the Realm of Chivalry

Favour: n., A token given another to show alliance or friendship, i.e. from a lady to her fighter who fights for her honor

Feastocrat: n., The Autocrat in charge of the feast at an Event

Field: n., The fighting area within the Eric; a term in Heraldry

Fighter Practice: n., Casual Kingdom gathering, garb encouraged but not required, held weekly at Milton Park or another designated sites

Filk: v., To sing well-known tunes with rewritten words

Filk Song: n., A song with rewritten words, usually to a modern song

Flint and Steel: n., A Bic lighter

Forsoothly, To Speak: v., To modify modern speech patterns in such a way as to replicate or approximate period speech

Freak: v., To interact with the Mundane world while in Garb and Personae, usually done in groups; to "Freak the Mundanes"

G.A.C.: n., The Guide to Armoured Combat

Garb: n., Medieval clothing worn in the Kingdom of Treloria

G.L.U.C.: n., The Guide to Light UnAmoured Combat (also known as the Big Book of Boffers)

Halfling: n., See Small

Herald, Field/Court: n., Person who verbally relays messages to the populace; an announcer

Heavy Weapons or Heavy List: n., Rattan combat, or someone who participates in such.

High Table: n., The head table at a feast where King, Queen and special guests sit

Hold!: imperative v., Stop! Danger! Freeze! Don't Move!

Household: n., A person/group of people (not necessarily related) with like interests who wish to form an entity/family with registered crest or device

Imperial Armies: n., The U.S. armed forces, i.e. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, etc.

Keep: n., A group of 10 or more paid adult members with like interests and registered crest or device, who are required to have the following officers: Sheriff (oversees the Keep), Treasurer (if financially solvent), and a minimum of one warranted Marshal if the Keep is to sponsor armoured combat

Keeper of the List: n., One who maintains a List of those who are fight, and the order in which they will fight

Kingdom: n., A group of 250 paid adult members within the boundaries of a municipal state or province, or a lessor number by grant of the Board of Directors; the Kingdom of Treloria is the first such recognized group; for further information on creation of a Kingdom, see the By Laws of the Realm of Chivalry

Knight: n., A title held by one how has successfully tested and passed the annual trials held by the chivalry and reigning Monarchs; recognizable by a heavy gold chain, white leather belt, and/or spurs; to be addressed as "Sir" or "Sir Knight"

Knight of Inspiration: n., A title bestowed upon one by the reigning Monarchs for outstanding achievement

List: n., Order in which fighting (usually tourneys) takes place

Live Steel: n., A real edged weapon, i.e. sword, dagger

Light Weapons: n., Non-rattan combat weapons; see Boffers

Lote: n., A mythical beast that always follows its own tracks, may breath smoke and howls to warn of its approach; a locomotive

Mace: n., A spiky, metal-balled weapon not to be used without permission of the reigning Monarch; neither to be seen nor the name spoken without serious consequence during the reign of King Hjaltulfr Hjalmarsson

Mace Magnet: n., A squarish-style helmet; flat top

Magic Box: n., A cassette tape-player

Marshal: n., A referee; the person responsible for the safety of the fighters and observers while there is combat

Master/Mistress of Arts/Sciences: n., A title held by one who has successfully completed the annual trials held by the Chivalry and reigning Monarchs; recognizable by a white baldric or sash

Master/Mistress of Inspiration: n., A title bestowed upon one by the reigning Monarchs for outstanding achievement

Mercenary: n., A fighter who is hired into service for motives of personal gain

Minstrel: n., A singer or musical performer

Monarch: n., Reigning King or Queen

Mundane: n., The "real" world, the twentieth century

Pavilion: n., Tent or portable coverage.

Period: adj., Within the range of the Realm's interest; 350-1350 A.D.

Personae: n., An identity you develop as your choose; alternate personality

Piper, The: n., The Realm's monthly newsletter

Realm, The: n., The Realm of Chivalry; the non-profit corporation which governs the activities of its members

Regalia: n., Any clothing, item, accessory, or device that is reserved for a specific office, group, or person; the general membership of the Realm is excluded use of aforementioned item, accessory or device; examples: crowns, white leather belts greater than 1 1/2" in width, spurs, etc.

Regent: n., One who governs a Kingdom in the minority, absence, or disability of the sovereign

Remove: n., A feast-course

Rhino Hide: n., A fighter who doesn't accept "standard killing blows" (derogatory)

Seneschal: n., An officer whose responsibility it is to care for and oversee functions, events, feasts and domestic ceremonies; a steward

Sheriff: n., The leader of a Keep

Small: n., Any pre-adolescent child

Stick: n., A rattan sword

Stick-Fighter: n., One who fights with rattan, a heavy weapons fighter

Stick-Jock: n., One who thinks rattan fighting is the ONLY reason for the existence of the Kingdom of Treloria. Sometimes wears a costume other than their fighting gear, but not often. (semi-derogatory)

Throne: n., the King and Queen

Vorpal Bunnie (Squirrel, Etc.): n., Mythological beast, reputedly able to kill and eat anything. Has Great Pointy Teeth and is very Vicious. See "Monty Python And The Holy Grail."

Wall-Hanger: n., A sword, ax, or other weapon or piece of armour that looks nice, but is not usable. It is only good for hanging on a wall as decoration

War: n., A contest between two opposing entities or parties

Wench: n., Any male or female that serves feasts; usually seen at a tavern serving ale

Wet: adj., Liquor allowed.