Considering a Japanese alt Persona for the SCA…

I have been in the SCA for over 10 years with no real persona to speak of. I have a registered name and device, but that is really because I became the Herald of our little group and thought I should understand the process.

I have been lurking around the internet for a while now, checking out all things Japanese in the SCA time frame (pre 1600).
Don’t worry; I am hitting the books as well. You know those rectangular things, with printed pages.
I would really like to try a Japanese persona, but if I do it I want it to be right. I’m a little scared about it for several reasons.

1. Some in the SCA say there is not room for non Western Europeans.
2. It would get me a lot of attention, those who know me know attention is undesired.
3. If I do it poorly and reflect badly on others doing Japanese right.
4. I’m sure there are more that I just can’t think of right now.

OK so 1, I guess they can just go to hell…
2 would need some work; I’m getting anxious just thinking about it…
3, well research I guess. And there are many lovely ladies and gentlemen doing it and they all seem to be very helpful.
4, if I spend all my time thinking of reasons not to do it I will never get started.

Mostly it comes down to the whole unwanted attention. I have never been one to scream “LOOK AT MEEEEE!!!!”
Anyone who has seen my garb knows I’m not flashy. I would rather blend into the background.

But Japanese garb is so beautiful! Also, I am a big girl and it can’t look any worse on me than my boring T-tunics. In fact I suspect I will look better.
It looks like the garb is well within my sewing abilities.
I find the history interesting. All those great diaries are really fun to read. And my sisters and I are working on learning Japanese anyway…

I did speak out loud my interest in doing Japanese persona at last weekend’s event and was given warm supportive comments.

"MORE SCA EVENTS!!" was the cry.

Hubby is done playing SCA, but the kids have spoken!
"MORE SCA EVENTS!!" was the cry.

15 year old daughter has discovered the joys of bardic activities.
Oh and boys, did you know there were boys at these events!! And all the kids are into the same kind of cool geeky stuff you are? She makes me smile! ^^

Her younger brothers just like to run around, and perhaps shoot some archery.
Now they say they want to fight, good thing a Shire member is now a youth marshall. I think he will be thrilled to have more fighters in the group.

So, here is a list of events I am considering to attend.

Northshield Officers' Day Saturday March 1, 2008
Shire of Rockhaven (St. Cloud MN)

Spring Coronation *DATE CHANGE* Saturday April 19, 2008
Nordskogen and Nordleigh (Northfield MN)

Lusty Day in May Friday May 16-18, 2008
Shire of Western Keep (Lake City SD)

Midsummers Eve in the Highlands XV Friday May 23-25, 2008
Shire of Trewint (Wessington Springs SD)

Castel Fever Friday June 6-8, 2008
Shire of Silfren Mere (Oronoco MN)

Lilies War XII Friday June 13-22, 2008
Barony of Forgotten Sea (Smithville Lake MO)

Warriors and Warlords Thursday July 10-13, 2008
Baronies of Jararvellir and Nordskogen (Boscobel WI)

Creating the Creative, SCA 101 Saturday October 18, 2008
Barony of Nordskogen (Andover MN)

And Cecils Siege. The kids and I attended this one the last 2 years.

If I go to Lilies War I will not be taking the boys, 15 yr old daughter, perhaps...