Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Many questions, Ann Arbo
Date: Thu, 23 Jul 1992 01:04:16

Rich Addison wrote:

>   I've followed with great interest the discussion of patterns in mail
>since I started reading this group a few days ago.  I'm having some
>trouble translating the O-O diagrams to 3D visions in my mind, however.
>I think I've got 3 in 1 and 4 in 1 feasibly drawn on paper, but with 5 in
>1 I can't seem to figure out how individual rings must be configured so
>that they can be so interweaved without bending.  Are the rings bent, or
>is 5 in 1 multi-layered, as it was explained that 6 in 1 is?  Or am I
>simply too thick to get such complex 3D geometry?  (I know--flame on...)

The mail discussion about 3-1 and 5-1 patterns was very theoretical
and has no practical value that I am aware of.  I have a bit of
knowledge of mail, and parts of it made no sense to me.

The four-in-one patterns are the most common, with the oriental
variations following behind.  Six in one isn't hard to understand
once you are comfortable with 4-1, though it is more time
consuming.  I believe that in period, 6-1 was used mostly to add
strength and protection to specific areas (like over the shoulders,
where the weight of the chain hangs.)  I think it would be hard to
explain mail making purely thorugh the net, without benefit of
diagrams or pictures or actualy watching someone else (and having
them watch you.)  However, there are several books available which
will help.  I assume you found those names/addresses in the mail
thread?

>   I also need to know about costs involved in SCA membership.  $25/2
>years, for national membership, is that correct?  But then you also have
>to pay for many specific publications and to attend most events, true?
>Are there any other hidden expenses in participating?  I'm in rather dire
>financial straits, at the moment, so I could only participate for the
>most part as an observer at events that are cheap/free.  Hopefully this
>condition will soon change.
>
>Rich Addison

There are people in the SCA who feel that you should not be allowed
to come to SCA functions until you have payed your membership fee,
but the rules and (at least in this area) the feelings of most of
the populace is that it is a *good* thing, but not a *necessary*
thing.  (Paid memberhip).

Many things in the SCA can be done with little investment, but
there are many things which can't.  It can (if you let it) find
ways to encourage you to spend any cash you have, and this seems to
have no limit due to either the amount of money of the individual,
or to how long they have been playing.  (While you may *need* less,
you will want more!)

The basics you need are: Garb (loaner is sometimes available, and
basics can be made for $10 or less.)  Feast gear (Plate, Bowl,
Tankard or Goblet.)

Your local newsletter will likely be more useful to you at first
than your kingdom newsletter (which comes with paid membership.)
The local one is probably cheaper than the membership, also.  (And
you may not need one.)  Each event will have a site fee, which may
or may not include the feast (if any.)  But local guild meetings,
fighter practices, etc. are usually no charge.

Specific things (such as fighting) will require more investment,
but you can feel this out a little at a time.  (And if you
scrounge, you can do a lot for just a little cash.)  If you have
barterable skills, keep in mind that barter is alive and well in
the SCA.

I don't have any local contact info for you, but I'm sure someone
else will.  Once you've contacted your local group, try going to
some of their functions.  The locals can probably give you more
specific information, as things vary from area to area.

Good luck to you!

Stephen of the Grove
Steppes/Ansteorra        FIDO 1:124/4229
___
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