|
Post by ladyneysa on Aug 8, 2006 20:45:14 GMT -5
Well, in my opinion it is probably a good thing that there is a no weapon policy. I think the potential for accidents is too great,especially combined with alcohol. I'd guess that a lot of people would choose the alcohol over the weapons. Both together just seems like a bad combo. I shudder at the thought of the damage some drunk could do with a sword. It's a shame that it has to be this way, but it's probably for the best.
|
|
|
Post by alrowell on Aug 8, 2006 22:06:06 GMT -5
I'd guess that a lot of people would choose the alcohol over the weapons. Can I get an "amen" here???
|
|
|
Post by Sir Black Fox on Aug 8, 2006 22:13:46 GMT -5
Can I get an "amen" here??? A Men A Woman and A whateverfloatsyourboatI'mstillno-askingno-telling.
|
|
pynchosalt
Ren Geek
But why is the rum gone?
Posts: 88
|
Post by pynchosalt on Aug 8, 2006 23:06:32 GMT -5
If everyone were as level-headed as we (or is it "as us"?), it would be nice to carry a cutlass to finish off my pirate outfit, or a rapier with my fencing tunic. When we've done fencing demos at MDRF, you always have one or two folks who are into their cups and want to play with your sword. Some get grabby. I know the Southern Maryland Celtic Festival allows weapons -- but there is not nearly as much free flowing alcohol, so folks are generally pretty well-behaved. But MDRF is so much bigger. My legal-radar is going haywire just thinking about the logistics and the liability. Of course, if I were in charge, there would be no getting out of hand.
|
|
|
Post by majorchaos on Aug 9, 2006 9:07:48 GMT -5
No weapons at MDRF and I thought about this pretty often. I know folks fall on both sides of the argument but where do YOU fall? I think I would not mind being able to carry a weapon, properly peace-tied and sheathed. I have been bothered the last two years at seeing a few of the cast members "running" around with weapons belted on, but not peace-tied OR sheathed. I am more concerned, really, with the unsheathed weapons hanging from a belt. It's still pointy, if not sharp, so, put it in a sheath. I will make one exception, and that is for one or two of the German guards. They are providing a "security" for the royals and I have seen them have to "intimidate" a few rowdy patrons from doing something stupid with the royals. All that being said, I don't miss carrying a weapon around. Not carrying does have some advantages. This being one advantage. Additionally, a lot of folks that would carry a weapon, are not familiar with said weapon and how to walk/talk/sit with the weapon. I've seen folks really struggle with this. Not to mention, using the privy. This goes to my point of being sheathed. It is less likely to damage someone, child or otherwise. This also bings up another point in weapons. The wooden weapons. While it is amusing to watch a couple of little youngin's beat each other with these things, when they get out of control and start pestering passerby's and other patrons, it's time for the parents to take them away. Okay, what am I thinking... the adults are just as bad.
|
|
|
Post by tigerlily on Aug 9, 2006 9:36:38 GMT -5
About the weapons...this is a real sore subject with me...I actually wrote a letter to the folks at the MDRF describing our situation that took place last year. My fiance dressed as a pirate and of course, brought no weapon, in compliance with Faire policy. Once inside the faire, he purchased a small, wooden knife to have tied with the sash around his waist. The vendors told us it was perfectly acceptable. Throughout the day, several security folks noticed his knife, but when they discovered it was wood, would nod or say to each other, "It's okay." Upon returning the next day, however, we were told by front gate security that we could not enter with his wooden knife that he'd worn all the day before. He tossed the knife as it was a VERY long walk back to the car. He purchased another and explained to the vendors what had happened. They were not very happy, although they were making another sale. On our next trip to the faire (the following weekend) the same thing happened...not permitted in with his little wooden knife. We were told that only small children could do so (which to me is a little insane, since they're the ones flailing the things around, but whatever...) Okay, fine. We gave up on the idea. The following weekend, we stood outside waiting to purchase tickets...and observed 2 young men...early '20's...with wooden SWORDS, play acting at a swordfight. Whilst waving their swords around, they entered the faire freely and with not a word from security. We were incensed! Later that same day (this was one of the last weekends of the faire) we saw a young woman with a beautifully stained wooden sword, lashed to her back. She was clearly not a cast member. I approached her and asked where she'd gotten her sword and she said it was her brother's. When asked, she told me she'd encountered no security problems and walked through the front gates easily, sword in clear view. My problem with all of this is the inconsistency. Sure, there's always human error, but this was ridiculous. I understand all of the legal complications that could arise from allowing weapons...but when I look in the faire directory in Renaissance Magazine, I notice only about 2 or 3 faires that do not allow weapons at all...most allow peace tied and/or sheathed weapons.
So that's my rant...thanks for hearing me out. I was on another RenFaire board some months ago and a joke was going around about there being some sort of secret handshake for getting in with a weapon...evidently, it hasn't just happened to us, so I guess I'm in good company...
Thanks for letting me vent! And any words of insight would be appreciated!
|
|
|
Post by tigerlily on Aug 9, 2006 9:52:40 GMT -5
I agree with you! I certainly can understand why there are people who are concerned with no weapons, but the ruling is not well thought out, implemented, or consistent. We bought an EXTREMELY sharp dagger at the sword concession and of course, left it boxed and took it to the car. We had been told by the vendor who sold us the wooden knife that there would be no problem carrying this within the faire...the security officers that day didn't have a problem with it...but the next day, we were told by one security person that only CHILDREN could have toy weapons and by yet another that it was okay if we had them, but only if we'd purchased them at the faire and carried them throughout, NOT entering with them the next day or another faire day (once you leave the premises with the weapon, you cannot re-enter with it, although you bought it at the faire and walked around with it all day.) I guess there are folks who do get out of hand and who do not know how to handle having a weapon of any sort, which is a shame...but do children? We saw many children (some of them not so little...pre-adolescent) literally RUNNING with toy swords and knives, bumping into people, etc. I would think that concerned parents would worry as much about their child tripping and falling on or into a toy sword (which can be dangerous) as they would a responsible (?) adult having a peace-tied weapon. By the way, the RenFaire folks never replied to my letter...oh well...I still love the faire!
|
|
|
Post by tigerlily on Aug 9, 2006 10:16:44 GMT -5
Good idea and good points, all! I'm not this gung ho, oh I gotta have my weapons kinda gal...but come on...the kids can be as dangerous as any drunken adult, to other kids and/or adults and/or themselves. I guess I was astounded when I saw how the vast majority of other RenFaires do allow peace tied weaponry. It's not a make or break issue with me...I just get incensed when I see the inconsistency. There also seemed to be a MAJOR lack of communication of this policy WITHIN and BETWEEN the management, security personnel, and vendors. The MDRF is a FABULOUS event and gathering and operation, but there ARE things that could be handled better and I see this as one of them. Peace.
|
|
|
Post by banalbannach on Aug 9, 2006 11:26:41 GMT -5
Well, you beat me to it Ladyglorianna. I wouldn't change a word. I'm surprised that there aren't more broken bones seeing how hard some of those kids hit each other. I won't go into the amazing lack of parenting that I frequently see at fair.
|
|
|
Post by Sir Black Fox on Aug 9, 2006 12:12:53 GMT -5
I'm surprised that there aren't more broken bones seeing how hard some of those kids hit each other. K. I have to make an admission. I'm one of those guys who eggs on the kids to hit each other harder and I often point out vital areas and pressure points. I know it's wrong but if the parents don't care, I say let the kids take each other out. . . . two less of those kinda' kids at festival. of course, here's a photo of Alex after Cyn's and my wedding:
|
|
|
Post by banalbannach on Aug 9, 2006 13:51:38 GMT -5
Bad Fox, bad, no Fox biskets for you :-). I'll admit it can be kinda funny to watch the kids spar, if it's not too crowded, but it almost never ends there. I can usually tell right at the start how things are gonna go. Some parents will set rules/boundaries right at the start and enforce them. Other parents wait till the kids get out of hand to the point of running into people and hitting strangers. Then they start yelling at the kids and/or take the swords away at which point the kids throw a tantrum. In the latter situation I want to put the parents in the stocks and let the kids whale away on them. Hmm, what about some kind kids arena where the kids could spar with boffer weapons in a more controlled setting, maybe with some sparring lessons. Do they still have that joust swing thing for the kids? Maybe near there.
|
|
|
Post by Ana on Aug 10, 2006 12:39:24 GMT -5
All this talk about people being allowed to have weapons or not brought in (based on the "secret handshake") reminds me of this lady I met at the Faire last fall. At one point she mentioned her knife which she had hanging off her belt and how it came in handy. (I believe for either threatening naughty grabby people in the dark of night on the way back to her car or something like that) and I asked her "but aren't those not allowed here?" and she was all "nahhh, they dont' say anything if it's this small". Which, it wasn't a big knife, but still. It was a knife, steel, with a blade that was presumably sharp and pointy.
So I didn't really get that.
I think it would be neat to see people walking around with swords and such, but possibly also dangerous. But yeah, so are those wooden swords you see kids bludgeoning each other with and at least the sharp weapons would probably usually stay in their sheaths.
|
|
|
Post by Mtn.Wolf and Silverwolf on Aug 10, 2006 23:00:06 GMT -5
well ok (dodges the sure to be flung spare objects) I have worked many faires for close to 20 yrs when working I have always worn weapons almost never peace tied now up to this season when you see me at faire you can be sure I and my lady have at least 2 daggers on us real ones just need to know where to look now of course I know most of security and they eith think we are still working or just dont see them depends on powers of observation and how well they know us but that aside there are plenty of weapons at faire ever notice the staffs all the mages and priests in costume walk around with now dont know agout the rest of you but give me a quaterstaff and i can make most swordsmen rule the day they were born muhuhuhaahha Wolf
|
|
|
Post by rezidentevil on Aug 11, 2006 7:55:11 GMT -5
When I started going to the MDRF 11 years ago I never thought much about it. Then as my costume grew, a sword really made it shine. But then I think about all the crap that could go wrong and I see why they don't allow them. As said before, staffs are allowed, and that is a deadly weapon. I also have seen a ton of daggers. My feeling is they should sur-charge weapon holders, piece tie them, and make them sign a disclaimer for having them.
I know my sword gets heavy after a while, and it is hot, and drinking doesn't help. Plus I am very conscious even when not drinking and I can see swacking someone or even a small child by accident.
Tough call.
|
|
|
Post by Amras on Aug 11, 2006 8:09:41 GMT -5
Having carried weapons professionally in dangerous, real-world scenarios for so long, it must have killed any desire I have to carry them for fantasy-play-fun purposes...personally, don't need or want them at faire, and have seen too many rubes carrying swords at faire who were a menace to paytrons, playtrons, security and cast alike. In this litigation-happy society we live in, I can fully understand the faires reluctance to allow them...besides, that claymoore (the sword, not the mine) gets too frickin' heavy by the end of the day. Now, a marshmallow-firing trebuchet, on the other hand...
|
|
|
Post by Mistress Pepper on Aug 11, 2006 8:23:36 GMT -5
From an event management standpoint...it's still a tough call. First, you've got to give mgmt a break in terms of policies being applied fairly and people sneaking in/breaking rules. At a lot of Faires, your front gate and even security people are volunteers -- but heck, even if they're being paid...they miss stuff. (Or have any of you gone a whole week at work without a mistake?) And when you have large volumes of people passing by you....hell, I've missed stuff, I've watched my staff miss stuff...you just try to do the best you can. And sometimes people get overzealous...
Peace-tying makes me nervous. How hard is it to break a peace tie? Not very. I've even heard folks confessing that they peace tie to get in, break the tie once they're inside. But it's a compromise that some faires make because they're small, they think they can manage it, it seems to work for them. Others say "fuhgeddibout it" because they just can't be bothered -- and if you had to pay the insurance premiums, you might be right up there!
Oh, sure you can hurt someone really badly with a staff -- but you usually have to do it on purpose. You can hurt someone really badly with a blade by accident. After all, we're not banning or controlling weapons because we think someone will deliberately try to hurt someone -- if that's your plan, you can smuggle something in, or use said staff or wooden sword! But blades...it's so easy to make a mistake, especially in a crowd with an unsheathed weapon. And while 98% of carriers are responsible...it's always that 2% of **cknuts that have to pull it out...<grin> blades, folks, blades!
And even innocently -- if anyone's seen the scar on my greyhound Percy's nose -- someone being responsible with a small blade, just cutting leather ties, and my airhead hound has to leap up and shove his nose right in front of the blade. You'd think the odds against that convergence of events would be infinitesimal...but someone is always there to prove the odds wrong!
As someone who trips, falls, and lurches, regularly, I'm glad for the reduction in pointy things -- and even peace-tied, I've gotten some serious whacks from my own cast who forget their carrying and turn around suddenly. In a crowd, such as Maryland faces, yikes.
I can't think of a faire I've been to that hasn't had some inconsistency -- people getting in without peacetying, people pulling weapons out of their bags later, wearing them, some getting questioned by security, others walking right past security with no question....no matter what you do, it's hard to get it 100% right.
But I have to think, once you've banned them, and discovered how much easier that is than ruling on peace-tying, costume vs. actual, actor vs. patron/playtron, re-educating vendors....I'd ban them from everyone but combat trained actors in a scripted cast role in a heartbeat if it was just up to me!
|
|
pynchosalt
Ren Geek
But why is the rum gone?
Posts: 88
|
Post by pynchosalt on Aug 11, 2006 20:17:33 GMT -5
From a management standpoint, I would definitely say it's easier to ban all weapons. And, you're right, there are always going to be the ones that get by the gate/security (Makes you wonder about airport security too -- will it ever be 100% airtight?) As long as the ones that get by at RenFest still fall under that 98%/2% responsible vs. foolhardy stat, I can live with it. (I'll save my swordplay for home.)
(I just got a practice rapier that I would love to show off, but it's so long, I don't think even I could carry it without bumping into someone.)
|
|
|
Post by Amras on Aug 14, 2006 8:15:46 GMT -5
I challenge you all...fully-laden fest mugs at close quarters...HUZZAH!
|
|
|
Post by Empresa Anna on Aug 14, 2006 13:02:59 GMT -5
I challenge you all...fully-laden fest mugs at close quarters...HUZZAH! :'(accepts and holds up a mug.
|
|
|
Post by Amras on Aug 14, 2006 15:00:23 GMT -5
I challenge you all...fully-laden fest mugs at close quarters...HUZZAH! :'(accepts and holds up a mug. I shall see you at the White Hart, Empress!!
|
|
sue
Playtron-Wannabe
Posts: 7
|
Post by sue on Sept 1, 2006 10:53:38 GMT -5
I'm not sure where I stand on this. Initially, I was of the mind that steel should be allowed, so long as it was properly sheathed and peace-tied. But after reading some of your opinions, I think I could go either way.
In some ways, I'm for it. I've got a rapier that would look fantastic with my garb. The actors can carry weapons, even off-stage, why can't we? Staves are allowed in because people see them as "walking sticks". But couldn't they just as easily be turned into a weapon? Quarterstaff, walkingstick... I see no difference. Same goes for those wooden swords the kids brandish. I've had my shins bruised a few times by a couple idiot kids play-fighting and not being supervised by their idiot parents. It's not fair, dangit!!
But on the other hand, is that one or two accessories REALLY going to make your garb THAT much better? Would you have less of a good time if you didn't have your dagger or sword? Is it worth it when some drunk idiot goes a little over the top and starts threatening with steel? And if your sword makes your garb look THAT much better, how upset are you gonna be when someone backs into you and it gets all bent up?
Having said all that, it apparently doesn't matter either way. Security isn't very consistent. Besides the confessions on this board of how people have managed to smuggle in a blade or two, I've seen it myself. I've DONE it myself. Granted, it's a little wee 2" crudely forged belt-knife, and it's sheathed and tied. I even wore it in plain sight on my belt one day and got past the security with no problems. On the other hand, they were more than willing to inspect the bottle that my husband had. God forbid you bring a beverage other than water into the faire, but it's fine to have a sharp blade.
I don't mind either way. Allow it or don't. Just be consistent.
|
|
|
Post by Sir Black Fox on Sept 6, 2006 11:37:14 GMT -5
OK we all know the rules about weapons and why they exist. For all those who want steel back at MDRF as peace-tied costume accessories. . . . it will NEVER HAPPEN. . .EVER. . .NO MATTER WHAT.
Why?
Case-in-point happened Monday.
Two drunk moronic mundanes with wood swords started fighting at the Dragon, when the third drunk buddy, who'd recently bought some steel and ditched the box, pulled his 22" blade from its sheath.
It got halfway out when out of no where, two blueshirt security folks stopped him, re-sheathed the weapon, got the plastic wrap back on it and began to escort all three drunken morons from the area (if not the site. . . I did not follow).
1) Even with the strict rules in place, steel is still a problem.
2) Security at MDRF KICKS ASS.
So anyone with an idea that you can persuade MDRF mgmt to go soft on their weapons policy can forgettaboutit. I can only imagine how many times that scenereo plays itself out during the season.
Yep, the discussion is over, m'thinks.
|
|
|
Post by tigerlily on Sept 15, 2006 9:58:03 GMT -5
I'm not sure where I stand on this. Initially, I was of the mind that steel should be allowed, so long as it was properly sheathed and peace-tied. But after reading some of your opinions, I think I could go either way. In some ways, I'm for it. I've got a rapier that would look fantastic with my garb. The actors can carry weapons, even off-stage, why can't we? Staves are allowed in because people see them as "walking sticks". But couldn't they just as easily be turned into a weapon? Quarterstaff, walkingstick... I see no difference. Same goes for those wooden swords the kids brandish. I've had my shins bruised a few times by a couple idiot kids play-fighting and not being supervised by their idiot parents. It's not fair, dangit!! But on the other hand, is that one or two accessories REALLY going to make your garb THAT much better? Would you have less of a good time if you didn't have your dagger or sword? Is it worth it when some drunk idiot goes a little over the top and starts threatening with steel? And if your sword makes your garb look THAT much better, how upset are you gonna be when someone backs into you and it gets all bent up? Having said all that, it apparently doesn't matter either way. Security isn't very consistent. Besides the confessions on this board of how people have managed to smuggle in a blade or two, I've seen it myself. I've DONE it myself. Granted, it's a little wee 2" crudely forged belt-knife, and it's sheathed and tied. I even wore it in plain sight on my belt one day and got past the security with no problems. On the other hand, they were more than willing to inspect the bottle that my husband had. God forbid you bring a beverage other than water into the faire, but it's fine to have a sharp blade. I don't mind either way. Allow it or don't. Just be consistent. I'm just now getting around to reading all of these posts that have been put up here over the past coupla weeks, so excuse the lateness and Black Fox, please excuse me interjecting on a "closed" subject...but you know, I just HAVE to put my 2 cents' worth in. Sue, I agree with you wholeheartedly! I understand PERFECTLY why it's no weapons allowed and with Black Fox's account of what already happened at faire with the 3 drunken morons, well, that's a perfect example of why not. However, go with CONSISTENCY...it isn't just a matter of people SMUGGLING weapons in...I've seem 'em walk right in, boldly, flailing the darned things around, right in front of security, and nothing being said. Meanwhile, last year, Kendall was stopped on 2 occasions when he tried to enter with a small, wooden sword that he'd been told previously (by vendors) that would be allowable. I, personally, believe it's because he's kind of a large, imposing looking fellow (at least in his pirate garb) and security's eyes are peeled for someone more "obvious." At any rate, you guys have heard this story 100 times before and I won't belabour it...it's a moot point and I understand and will gladly comply with the no weapons ruling. About the beverages...had something happen this past weekend, however, that we've never had happen before, though. As we were EXITING the faire on Saturday, we were stopped at the exit gate and a security fellow (a bit overzealous, if you ask me) inquired of Kendall if he had anything in his drinking horn which was slung across his back. An OPEN ENDED drinking horn! We'd never had this happen before. At the most, it would have contained a sip and a half and I realize there's a no "off premises" permit for alcohol at faire...but it was very odd, IMHO. Odder still was that we were leaving also with a pouch and a cardboard box with handles...but the focus was the drinking horn. I don't know...seems like the focus is sometimes off...but I'm thankful for what security did with those drunken, weapon-weilding fellows, so in the final analysis, I guess all is good... Just had to interject...thanks for "listening."
|
|
|
Post by ladyglorianna on Sept 15, 2006 11:08:12 GMT -5
With all due respect and IMHO, all that the instance related by BF shows is how the current policy is not about safety and is very inconsistently applied. If you want to hurt someone, all you have to do is go to the sword place, buy a weapon and promise that you will not take it out of the box. I'll stop at that before I get myself in trouble.
|
|
|
Post by Sir Black Fox on Sept 15, 2006 11:31:12 GMT -5
With all due respect and IMHO, all that the instance related by BF shows is how the current policy is not about safety and is very inconsistently applied. If you want to hurt someone, all you have to do is go to the sword place, buy a weapon and promise that you will not take it out of the box. I'll stop at that before I get myself in trouble. I absolutely agree. . . I think whatever the policy is or will be, enforcing it consistently is important and that's what's not being done. . . of course there's a balance of enforcing it like a dictatorship and turning a blind eye to those not causing problems. I've never seen a security guy follow someone to the gate with newly bought steel and hope to never see that happen. Some of this issue falls upon those that buy the steel and not just security. I've bought several pieces of steel at MDRF and walked it straight out to the car and was never hassled. On the other hand, I've seen folks with huge wooden war hammers on their belts and nothing's said to them all day. . . those are obviously weapons. I also realize that MDRF can have just so-many security folks on staff before it becomes a visual distraction for the guests. One thing I would guess that mgmt would realize is that if there were so many visible security folks, the guests might think that there was an inferred reason for all the security which in turn might make folks re-assess the family-friendly quality of festival. I'm not sure there's a really good solution and although sometimes the present weapons policy might seem inconsistent in how it's enforced, it works. Like I said in a previous post, those security folks came out of nowhere and got those drunken idiots out of there. . . so who knows, security might be doing a much better job than a lot of folks realize. . . because in seven years of festival, that's the first time I've seen a weapons "issue."
|
|
|
Post by tigerlily on Sept 15, 2006 12:51:53 GMT -5
I think that everyone here makes really good points. It's a slippery slope to begin to tighten weapons policies, restrictions, heighten security, do away with sales of weapons or alcohol, etc. As was demonstrated by the terrorist attacks of 9/11, something as small and innocuous (?) as a box cutter (or more recently, components found in substances like shampoos, etc.) can be used to harm others. I, personally, don't want to live in a police state and again, it infuriates me that a few bad apples can so effect things that my rights are trampled upon. I don't want to have to see Revel Grove filled with security personnel. At the same time, I understand how necessary they are. (One of my favorite 'dane' hangouts is 'Seacrets' in Ocean City, MD...and although it's still a fabulous place to go, I have noticed in recent years an acceleration in the number of orange-shirted security personnel, complete with ear-piece communication, constantly paroling the place, which is designed to be an escape, modeled after Jamaica. It does tend to taint the 'feel' of the place, which is designed to be laid back and relaxed...but of course, unfortunately, it is necessary to take these precautions. I'd hate to see Revel Grove lose some of it's wonderful ambience.)
Which leads me to the crux of the problem, for me...and it's not even inconsistent enforcement of the no weapons policy or whether alcohol or weaponry is sold at faire...but personal responsibility. I think that this is something that is sorely lacking these days and is getting to be even less and less as time goes on. For fear of sounding like an old fuddy duddy (after all, I AM in my 40's now), I think maybe not enough emphasis is place upon people take responsibility for their actions. This comes down to other areas we've discussed here....smoking, be courteous, weapons, pets, etc. I (capital I) have to take responsibility for how much I drink, my actions, my garb (with or without weapons), etc. If I know that the faire prohibits weaponry of any sort, then I, as a responsible citizen and attendee of the faire, need to abide by those rules, even if I don't agree with them. The only reason we even tried to take a weapon in (toy, though it was) was because we'd been told by the vendor that they had been assured by management that these were permitted. As we saw other people entering with weaponry, we reasoned (incorrectly) that obvious 'toy' weaponry was acceptible. Now we know better and don't even attempt to get around the ruling. We've bought some very nice real weapons at the stand near the jousting arena and either had them hold our purchase until we were ready to leave, or we took them to the car immediately after purchase. Again, we were acting responsibly. Unfortunately, there are many who don't.
I don't know that there is a solution to this problem as long as there are people who refuse to act responsibly and take responsibility for their actions. So, I guess that's why we need the security folks and I'm glad that they were available and 'on target' when that incident occured that BF spoke of. I want to be able to enjoy alcohol at faire, as well as have the option to buy some nice "real" weaponry if I want, and do it all in a safe atmosphere. I understand and support the current 'no weapons' policy...it could be effectively tweaked a bit by greater and more correct communication between management and vendors and amongst security personnel (with our incident last year we discovered that there was a bit of confusion as to what the ruling actually stated...some thought all weaponry was prohibited, another thought that children were permitted but not adults, some thought that if purchased within faire, the weapon was permitted, etc.)...and by having security personnel being more consistent...but other than that, I guess it's a good system and is the best we can hope for without descending that slope down into a total lock down of freedoms. (stepping down off of soapbox for now...)
|
|
|
Post by Fyreblaste on Dec 15, 2007 19:31:42 GMT -5
I don't have a problem with Peace Tied Weapons or weapon facsimilies-also peace tied. It would be interesting to know what the incident rate is at faires that allow weapons peace tied or otherwise.
I personally would probably not carry a weapon and if i did nothing more than a dagger as I always seem to leave the faire with bags full of stuff, the weight of a sword would only wear me out or cause me to have an embarassing moment; with all the other stuff hanging from me belt i would be certain to loose me britches !
I can understand that the Faire owners are probably worried about being sued if someone were injured from a drunk or careless person with a weapon. And so I doubt the weapon policy will change. but i would rather not have weapons than have the faire go out of business because of a law suit.
|
|
|
Post by Sir Black Fox on Dec 15, 2007 20:18:51 GMT -5
I don't have a problem with Peace Tied Weapons or weapon facsimilies-also peace tied. It would be interesting to know what the incident rate is at faires that allow weapons peace tied or otherwise. I personally would probably not carry a weapon and if i did nothing more than a dagger as I always seem to leave the faire with bags full of stuff, the weight of a sword would only wear me out or cause me to have an embarassing moment; with all the other stuff hanging from me belt i would be certain to loose me britches ! I can understand that the Faire owners are probably worried about being sued if someone were injured from a drunk or careless person with a weapon. And so I doubt the weapon policy will change. but i would rather not have weapons than have the faire go out of business because of a law suit. Well-spoke, mate.
|
|
|
Post by Sir Oswyn Dagworth on Dec 15, 2007 22:35:22 GMT -5
People who know me know how much I like to carry my weapons. Depending on the venue I wear as many as 3. MDRF is quite crowded and weapons make your overall space requirement increase. It's tough enough to get around MDRF with no weapons let alone trying to marshal a sword to keep it from smacking people in the legs. The no weapons policy doesn't bother me.
|
|
|
Post by masterjames on Dec 17, 2007 10:36:20 GMT -5
People who know me know how much I like to carry my weapons. Depending on the venue I wear as many as 3. MDRF is quite crowded and weapons make your overall space requirement increase. It's tough enough to get around MDRF with no weapons let alone trying to marshal a sword to keep it from smacking people in the legs. The no weapons policy doesn't bother me. Can't agree with you more my friend. I only carry a rapier most times but at MDRF its SO crowded at times there is NO way you can get around with a weapon. I even had some problems up at PARF one day. Biggest issue is people not looking where they are going and running into your sword not you running into them. Do the weapons complete the garb? Yes probably in some cases but not in my case. Is MDRF better without them? Tough call here but for me personally, I don't miss the sword at all at Maryland and I still have a GREAT time! And I have to agree with Fyreblaste that I'd rather have no weapons than have the faire sued out of business because of one moron getting drunk and doing something stupid.
|
|