The League of Robin Goodfellow

Read every word of the League of Robin Goodfellow (hereafter the League) charter. It is your responsibility to know how the League is run and to be familiar with the few rules contained in the charter.

To educate all who attend faire to the fact that the spiritual and cultural beliefs of the Renaissance populace included beings, such as faeries, satyrs, and nature spirits, which today are deemed mythical or mystical. Historical documents and literature, including those of the great poet and playwright of the day, William Shakespeare, show a myriad of references to these creatures. Although their existence can often be argued today, the belief and the reverence paid to these beings throughout history cannot be denied. In addition to this educational goal, we strive to bring joy and a smile to the faces of fair goers of all ages, especially those who have not forgotten how to believe.

The League of Robin Goodfellow will be governed by a Court of three core members: the Court Mistress, the Court Sage and a Court Advisor to be appointed. This appointment of Court Advisor will be approved by League members.

First and foremost, we are historical re-enactors portraying beings that were an intricate part of the belief systems of Medieval culture and society. Therefore League members must have a sound and reasonable character to portray at faire.

In most guilds, members research and portray a character of the Renaissance period with an established occupation, class and purpose. In the League, character portrayal is a bit more complicated. First, all members must research a creature type: dryad, diva, merrow, etc. When choosing a creature type, you must choose one that has a historical reference and is not merely of your own imagination. To help you pick out a creature, see the The Faery Handbook at http://earth.prohosting.com/lilea8/faery_handbook.htm

Next, you must develop your creature persona. Researching a character includes knowing your creature’s perspective on the world and how he or she reacts to its environment. You also need to know how your character interrelates with other Fae as well as humans. It is important to be aware that human reaction will be varied. Some re-enactors will not know how to respond to you while remaining in character, while others will know the appropriate way to greet a member of the Fae. You must know how your creature character looks, communicates, what it eats, its unique facial expressions, and historical significance. Knowing your place in the faire environment, why you are at faire (for a Faery Court gathering) and how you got to faire is also required.

Costumes must be original and specific to the role that is being portrayed. As faeries and other creatures, we have a lot of freedom in costuming, but we can get carried away. Maintaining a sense of tastefulness appropriate to the character is mandatory at all times. For instance, while sheer, shimmering fabrics and some glittery materials work well for Faery costumes, an abundance of these do not. Also, beware of sheer materials, the short skirts and skimpy loincloths. Part of our appeal is the fascination we inspire in the children of faire. We always hand out trinkets to the children and, therefore, we aim for a family-friendly appearance.

In light of the potential problems with League costuming, all new members must have their base costumes approved by the governing body before participating at faire. Also, new members who want to participate at faire need to attend at least one costuming seminar.

During the first year, we expect members to build upon their base costumes as needed, but we find that most members have no problem creating wonderful costumes in a short time. Costuming is fun! League member costumes are most often on par with many noble costumes, as far as effort and cost are concerned, and yet more original and creative. We love costuming and it is part of the appeal of our group.

Be aware that many faire folk have no clue how to interact with the characters that we portray, although the average man and woman during the Renaissance would have had one of several reactions. If they were farmers or part of the peasantry, they would have entreated the Fae to provide abundant harvest, health in childbirth, and general good luck. To those of the religious order, the fey may be treated as invisible – since to admit to having seen one would mean that you were influenced by unholy demons or had imbibed in excess (both sins). Those of noble status would have been especially careful not to offend the Fae in the hope that the faeries would bestow gifts upon their newborn children, rather than curses. Often, faeries were invisible to humans, or humans would pretend not to see them, for a variety of reasons. Faeries were also blamed for many unfortunate events, from the milk curdling to the failure of the crops. During the Renaissance, all treaded in fear and awe of the Fae simply because the Fae had certain powers to bless or to curse: But the Fae and their reactions to, and interactions with, humans were impossible to predict. That very unpredictability is the nature of the Fae.

Unfortunately, in the current Renaissance faire environment, most re-enactors will need to learn an appropriate response to your character. Sadly many do not know the history of the Fae aside from popular culture. NOT ALL faeries are Tinkerbell- in fact most are not. Although the public faire visitors and children love us, you may be heckled by the faire folk. Regardless, The League expects its members to respond professionally and appropriately at all times.

In regard to substance consumption during faire – inebriation is not a characteristic of Fae, although we don’t object to staying “hydrated”. The League expects that adult consumption of alcohol will not proceed to the point of inconvenience to any other faire participant. Illegal substance use on League time is not tolerated – do it on your own time.

Any member found participating in any illegal activity (i.e. stealing, fighting, using or dealing illegal drugs, etc.) during faire will be immediately removed from faire. They will not be allowed to rejoin the League.

And, as must be said: Any member, or guest, under the age of 21 found consuming a controlled substance (during faire or after hours, within or outside the encampment) will be immediately removed from fair at the inconvenience of themselves, their chaperone or their parents. They will not be permitted to rejoin League functions until they have petitioned the Court to do so.

· 2006, the year of the League’s inception is free from dues as our members are willing to contribute to the development of the League.

· 2007 and hereafter, yearly dues will be as follows: Solitary Fae membership: $20.00- Fae Family membership: $35.00.

· League members are required to attend a minimum of half of the official faires per year.

· League members are entitled to two hours per day to enjoy faire. The remainder of the faire day, League members are required to be in costume, in character, prepared to interact with the public, answer questions and educate faire participants at the encampment or out roving.

· Personal time must be staggered with other members. During free time, it is understood that faeries like to shop to buy shiny things. Large wings simply cannot fit in many vendor shops. Two pairs of shopper wings will be available for members to use during personal time.

· League members will have a viable creature/being/character to portray at faire

· New League members must get costume approval at least one week before attending faire (costuming aid and assistance is available, if needed)

· League members must remain in character while in the public eye (private R&R area will be provided at encampment)

· League members will be called upon to visit and present Faery gifts to the human royal court

· While outside of League encampment, members shall be ready to interact with the paying public, hand out trinkets to faire children, and offer blessings to the hearths of other guilds, if so entreated

· At any time should any member of the League feel threatened by another League member, the conduct of the member in question will be reviewed by the governing body. Should he or she be found at fault, their membership will be terminated.

· The Creators (Court Mistress, the Court Sage) of the League reserve the right to terminate the membership of any member at any time.

· All Faire and League rules and regulations will be observed at all times – know them, live them!

c_________________________________________________________

I have read & agree to comply with all League regulations as stated above