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Post by brokennock on May 13, 2020 23:36:26 GMT -7
First, full disclosure, I'm not one of the ones to go to for answers and evidence and I know it. I'm still just trying to get this whole living history/experiential archeology thing going for myself. There have been a lot of starts and stops. Second, I don't have a full character persona, yet. Working on it.
I do what we do for myself, and mostly by myself. So, if I'm not doing reenacting at events, and similar public engagements, do I really need a persona? If yes, why?
I say, yes. At least a basic biographical outline.
The biggest reason in my mind is that it saves time and money in the long run by establishing guidelines or parameters. The basic outline of a person from the time and place you intend to represent and learn about can guide you through the hazards of choosing gear and clothing. Whether you are a scout in 1755, a shopkeeper in 1774, a militiaman in 1777, or a settler in 1790, you came from somewhere and you are of a certain age. And you came from somewhere. You would be of a certain economic status. This influences what you might wear or have for gear, a young volunteer from an average workman's household might have hand-me-downs and older gear,as might an older person of limited means. A younger more well-to-do person might have a new gun, and dress with more current fashion, a more established midlife person might have newer gear, but might have clothing made to an older style. ?maybe? Who am I, what am I? Where am I from and when was I born? What year is it now (your persona's "now") and where am I? And, does this article of clothing, piece of cooking gear, gun, shooting gear, or other piece of kit, I'm considering buying/making, fit the answers to those questions? This can save one money and aggravation. And keep you from accumulating a bunch of junk or a pile of stuff that doesn't fit your time and place.
Hopefully some of our more experienced and better studied members will chime in and expand on this. I felt focused and like I knew what I was trying to say when I started. I've lost that focus a bit. Sorry to ramble.
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Post by hawkeyes on May 14, 2020 4:30:36 GMT -7
Well thought out Dave, very good!
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Post by Sicilianhunter on May 14, 2020 5:16:54 GMT -7
First, full disclosure, I'm not one of the ones to go to for answers and evidence and I know it. I'm still just trying to get this whole living history/experiential archeology thing going for myself. There have been a lot of starts and stops. Second, I don't have a full character persona, yet. Working on it. I do what we do for myself, and mostly by myself. So, if I'm not doing reenacting at events, and similar public engagements, do I really need a persona? If yes, why? I say, yes. At least a basic biographical outline. The biggest reason in my mind is that it saves time and money in the long run by establishing guidelines or parameters. The basic outline of a person from the time and place you intend to represent and learn about can guide you through the hazards of choosing gear and clothing. Whether you are a scout in 1755, a shopkeeper in 1774, a militiaman in 1777, or a settler in 1790, you came from somewhere and you are of a certain age. And you came from somewhere. You would be of a certain economic status. This influences what you might wear or have for gear, a young volunteer from an average workman's household might have hand-me-downs and older gear,as might an older person of limited means. A younger more well-to-do person might have a new gun, and dress with more current fashion, a more established midlife person might have newer gear, but might have clothing made to an older style. ?maybe? Who am I, what am I? Where am I from and when was I born? What year is it now (your persona's "now") and where am I? And, does this article of clothing, piece of cooking gear, gun, shooting gear, or other piece of kit, I'm considering buying/making, fit the answers to those questions? This can save one money and aggravation. And keep you from accumulating a bunch of junk or a pile of stuff that doesn't fit your time and place. Hopefully some of our more experienced and better studied members will chime in and expand on this. I felt focused and like I knew what I was trying to say when I started. I've lost that focus a bit. Sorry to ramble. Nock, I agree with Hawk, very well said and excellent advice for newcomers !! I wish it had been put that way to me when I returned to the lifestyle and maybe I wouldn’t have wasted money and time on a pile of crap that doesn’t match who and when I am trying to portray !!!
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Why?
May 14, 2020 9:01:56 GMT -7
via mobile
Post by brokennock on May 14, 2020 9:01:56 GMT -7
Well thought out Dave, very good! Thanks. Please note, I don't really mention a name. I agree with what you said about too many famous people being used. But, some of our names would not fit in those times. The ethnic mixture of names was not that diverse yet. Other than a name change, I agree with being as close to oneself as possible.
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Post by brokennock on May 14, 2020 9:04:51 GMT -7
Thanks Sicilian Hunter. I wish I had followed this idea too. However, I came into this slowly. I didn't know I would get to, or even want to get to, the point of interest I'm at now.
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Why?
May 14, 2020 9:19:05 GMT -7
via mobile
Post by hawkeyes on May 14, 2020 9:19:05 GMT -7
Well thought out Dave, very good! Thanks. Please note, I don't really mention a name. I agree with what you said about too many famous people being used. But, some of our names would not fit in those times. The ethnic mixture of names was not that diverse yet. Other than a name change, I agree with being as close to oneself as possible. Yes, that's something that must be considered.
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Post by paranger on May 14, 2020 9:53:54 GMT -7
In my case, WHO and WHY are inextricably intertwined.
I am blessed to be able to say that I now live (after a 25 year Naval career in other places) back in Pennsylvania's Cumberland Valley within a few mere miles of where my ancestors were among the first European settlers in the 1730s. Much of what I do is an attempt to better understand their lives, as well as serve as (what I hope is, at least) a personal tribute to their triumphs and sacrifices.
As a few examples, my 6th great grandfather, David Boyd, was taken captive in a Delaware raid in February, 1756, repatriated in 1760, and served in Thompson's Rifle Bn (1st Continental Rgt) 1775-77. COL John Armstrong, commander of the Western Bn of Pennsylvania Provincials, and leader of the September, 1756 Kittanning raid was my 8th great uncle.
Being in an F&I unit based at the newly reconstructed Fort Loudoun means I get to have these experiences on the very same ground as well. As to persona, I usually loosely potray an uncle (John Boyd) who was actually a private in the same actual company based at Loudoun.
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Why?
May 14, 2020 10:05:09 GMT -7
via mobile
paranger likes this
Post by brokennock on May 14, 2020 10:05:09 GMT -7
In my case, WHO and WHY are inextricably intertwined. I am blessed to be able to say that I now live (after a 25 year Naval career in other places) back in Pennsylvania's Cumberland Valley within a few mere miles of where my ancestors were among the first European settlers in the 1730s. Much of what I do is an attempt to better understand their lives, as well as serve as (what I hope is, at least) a personal tribute to their triumphs and sacrifices. As a few examples, my 6th great grandfather, David Boyd, was taken captive in a Delaware raid in February, 1756, repatriated in 1760, and served in Thompson's Rifle Bn (1st Continental Rgt) 1775-77. COL John Armstrong, commander of the Western Bn of Pennsylvania Provincials, and leader of the September, 1756 Kittanning raid was my 8th great uncle. Being in an F&I unit based at the newly reconstructed Fort Loudoun means I get to have these experiences on the very same ground as well. As to persona, I usually loosely potray an uncle (John Boyd) who was actually a private in the same actual company based at Loudoun. Excellent. I meant to mention that an exception to not picking an individual from history to specifically portray would be a case like this. I felt the post was getting too long.
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Post by artificer on May 14, 2020 17:06:07 GMT -7
Though I understand some folks use a different person as their persona, I've always found it much more fun to incorporate as much of my personal interests and experiences, but of course in a period correct way.
As an example, back in the late 1970's, a few of us were doing Brush's Independent Company of Ohio Militia for the War of 1812 event at Historic Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN. My best friend in life and a Reserve Marine SSgt, portrayed our Sergeant. I portrayed a Private Militia Soldier. We were surprised they included an unscheduled Inspection of all the Troops on Saturday, by the Fort Commander, Major Whistler and portrayed by a retired Marine Reserve Colonel. OK, so even though I was not an NCO, I got the four other Privates together and we blacked our shoes, polished our black leather gear and the brass buckles and made sure our Muskets and Bayonets were spotless and generally straightened up as good as possible. Since I had stood many inspections in the Corps, our Sergeant put me in the first position to be inspected.
The Major was the first Inspector, the Fort's Captain (Brian Dunnigan who later ran Fort Ticonderoga for many years) was second and our Sergeant followed. Though I was familiar with Von Steuban's Manual Of Arms, I wasn't sure if there was a period "Inspection Arms" or not. So I got with my Sergeant ahead of time and he didn't know either, so we decided to somewhat modify the modern Inspection Arms for use with Muskets. I snapped and popped to Inspection Arms when the Major faced me and I included the verbal greeting of "Good Morning, SIR!" As the Major inspected my musket, he turned to the Captain and said, "Captain, it would appear this soldier could teach a few things about taking care of a Musket to our Soldiers." An embarrassed Captain Brian said something about it was obvious the musket had just been newly issued and that's why it looked so good. OK, I could not let that stand so I replied, "SIR! Begging the Major's and Captain's pardon, but we were issued these old arms in Ohio a month ago and they did not look this good then. However, before coming to the Ohio Territory, I was a Marine and we were taught to properly care for our Arms and Equipment. SIR!" Have to give the Major credit, there was only a tiny wry smile that came to his face. Captain Brian turned beet red in embarrassment and my Sergeant had to stuff a fist in his mouth to keep from laughing. When the Major turned and went on to inspect our next Private, Captain Brian faced in front of me, smiled and in a very low almost whisper said, "Gus, I should have expected something like that from you." I kept a straight face but whispered back, "Sir, does the Captain need some assistance in teaching his men how to be soldiers?"
I think one of the most important things to a good persona is picking a period trade and researching it to the point one can talk about it and perhaps demonstrate it, at least a little. Also, knowing the background of the persona is important as to where they came from, their family, etc. etc. Yet, I still believe it a good idea to put something of one's own real experience makes it all the more realistic and interesting.
Gus
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