[ae-mod] [SCA-AE] Music in AEthelmearc

[David Salley]

> Gwendolyn said:
> > For the most part, our bards are courteous and do not want to be
> > thought of as a nuisance or a disruption. For this
> > reason, some bards are reluctant to co-opt a space for
> > bardic unless invited to do so. Therefore, even if
> > music would be welcome, it sometimes doesn't happen.

Caryl replied:
> I pretty much don't sing unless invited anymore.  One thing that is no
> fun Is being at a table in the middle of a conversation, and having a bardic
> Performance thrust upon you when you were in the middle of something
> delicate - like negotiating for a new apprentice, or broaching a
> difficult subject...

> It might be good to develop a commonly recognized way to invite a bard.
> Perhaps a special table decoration - as simple as a paper tent with a
> harp, or something like that - that says "bards welcome here".  Then the
> performers would know that table would be a receptive place.  

> Any thoughts?

> -Caryl

Sign posted at Troll at Harvest Raid 2006:

"<LARGE font> The Bards of AEthelmearc </font>

are not only the most talented in the Knowne World, 
but also the most courteous.  As they would not dream of 
interrupting your discussion on the difficulties of
documenting Rumainian Purple Feathers, you must 
indicate to them they are welcome at your table by
extending a tankard or goblet of water towards them
to slake their thirst before performing for you.

Stronger libations are matter between you and the 
bard, but if you're responsible for getting them
drunk, then you are also responsible for seeing to
it that they make it safely to their beds. :) :)"


It worked quite well at the feast.  If I didn't make eye
contact, I moved on.  If I did make eye contact, they'd
quickly grab whatever drinking vessel was to hand and hold
it up.  It didn't matter to me if I was offered from
a different goblet instead of the one held up.  Most of 
the time I actually declined the drink or I would have
sloshed when I walked by the end of the evening.
Comments?

-- Dagonell, current Sylvan Bard