Cast of Characters

James Bynder

Player: Scott Perkins (Guildmaster)
Role: Artist, Anatomist, Natural Philosopher, Polymath
Occupation: Bookbinder

James is an artist and a polymath. His wide-ranging interests span the full spectrum of natural philosphy from Astronomy to as far as his imagination can take him. He has a deep and abiding curiosity about the nature and makeup of all living things. As an anatomist, he tends to be a little creepy or at least preoccupied at the most inopportune times, sometimes wandering about with his latest item of study so that he can continue his examination of the human foot in, say, the pub...

Note: James exists to increase the "historical educational" aspect of our performance. He can hold forth in an entertaining and instructive manner on a wide and ever-expanding range of 16th century items of educational interest, including explaining the period view of the Universe from the Ptolemaic Model to the new Copernican theories and demonstrating period optics with a range of period-correct instruments, including a rudimentary telescope or what he refers to as an "Optick Stick" built based on the 'Diggs' model.

Calabash
(‘tis a type of gourd… better not to ask!)

Player: Scott Perkins (Guildmaster)
Role: Fool/Alternate Character
Occupation: Rouser of Rabble, Master of Mischief, Moppets and Miscellaneous Mayhem

Calabash is Italian, but don’t hold that against him. He “got lost” en route to Milan from Florence when word reached his Commedia Del Arte troupe that their patron's wife had borne a baby with a goatee and a suspiciously long nose. He turned up in Paris and eventually attached himself to the young Queen Mary (by hook & crook) and followed her to Scotland. He is not generally welcome at court because Darnley hates him (feeling’s mutual) so he spends his time chasing the village lasses and avoiding the guards. He is a shyster, a prankster and generally treats authority-figures with contempt. He is loud, brash, sarcastic and often ribald (around adults) but loves to entertain children with his toys and tricks. The queen generally tolerates his wicked silliness and protects him from her husband… he has become her designated "Loud Speaker".

Daf
(Daphine Drinkamugameadaday)

Player: Kristin Perkins (Guildmistress)
Role: Naif
Occupation(s):Capturing fairies, blowing bubbles, entertaining urchins, rolling down hills, asking questions, telling stories, playing games, causing mischief, chasing Calabash

Daf was a bright child; too perceptive and simultaneously naïve for her own good. This has led her to frequently ask the wrong question at the inopportune moment (“But sir, was your ladyfriend not a redhead and much younger just yestereve?”). This tendency has managed to so annoy those she’s been apprenticed to that she’s gone through all the available roles in the shire. She has been a baker, seamstress, ladies’ maid, schole-mistress, weaver, spinner, and even (showing her parents' desperation) a blacksmith…

She is currently being “studied” by Calabash, who is intrigued by her ability to cause trouble without meaning to.

Beatrix Abercroft
Player: Becky Ashton
Role: Carouser
Occupation: Cook

Currently searching for her mute sister Brigid who's gone missing. And perhaps chasing the village lothario...

The eldest of 12 children, her parents haven't let her wed yet, because she's been so helpful in raising her bothers & sisters... She' s the family cook. Beatrix loves faire; a chance for her to escape from the family croft, oogle men (ones not related to her) & drink beer.

Bodicia
Player: Barbara Kopecky
Role: Connoisseur of men
Occupation: Washer Woman

Blurb: Bodicia is always on the look out for her next husband, as she seems to misplace them, often before anyone gets to meet them.

She tends to play more than wash, enjoying the opportunity to talk men out of their 'dirty' shirts so that she may... um... wash them. Yes. That's it...

Jillanna
Player: Jillanna Kopecky
Role: Urchin
Occupation: Dirty Urchin, Apprentice Baker, Pickpocket in training.

Jillanna is Bodicia's daughter and has a lot of time on her hands. She is the ringleader of the village urchins. She likes to entertain the adults in hopes of distracting them from her "other interests".

Player: Michael Edgar
Role: General Opportunist (ne’er-do-well, but Edward doesn't like to be called that)
Occupation: Poacher, pickpocket, general man of misdeeds

Edward likes to do nothing. But you can't do nothing on nothing, that takes coin. So Edward earns it the easiest ways open to him... by going into economic sectors that have the most potential for growth: poaching, "borrowing" (without asking, mostly), and the occasional purse cutting.

Edward is quiet and tries to blend into the background a bit, making it easier to be a layabout or - when opportunity presents itself - to grab some unwatched coin.

Winifred is married to a farmer, he farms a number of odd things that Winifred could care less about. She has a very unattractive daughter that she has tried to marry off with out any luck, so she has given up on the poor lass. Winifred's husband is not terribly fond of her and encourages her to go to faire in order to give him some peace and quite. Winifred has taken up a new hobby this year and it includes LOTS of meade, so you may see her stumbling and mumbling around faire.

(I won't really be drunk!)

 TheFamilies of ourVillage

"The Taylors"

"Mad" Marie Taylor
(pronounced Mary)
Player: Niki Moffre
Role: Village Widow (?)
Occupation: Seamstress

Marie has been married twice, but both of her husbands have turned up missing. 

No one really knows why, neither does she. She is "slightly insane" (perhaps dual

personalities?) but doesn't know it. Has been known to disappear for long periods 

of time but she denies disappearing and says she is always at home with her 

children. She is also very forgetful and can't hear very well, thus talks loudly. She 

also has a temper and has been known to throw scissors with deadly, calculated 

accuracy. She lives outside of EdinburghScotland and is mother of Katherine 

(15)and Little Marie (9).

Marie (Molly) Taylor (pictured above)
Player: Kariya Moffre (pronounced Kah-ree-uhh)
Role: Urchin
Occupation: Tree Climber, Village Scrap Rat

Doesn't know her father, he disappeared when she was only a baby, thus been raised by her Mom and older sister. Learning to sew, embroider, spin wool, and collects fabric scraps. Loves animals and has been known to bring home all sorts of small creatures such as turtles and rats. Knows that her mom has dual personalities, but doesn't talk about it for fear that her mom might realize that she has dual personalities and lose all her faculties. So she just goes along with it.

Katherine (Kat or Kay) Taylor
Player: Jayme Thueringer
Role: Apprentice spinster
Occupation: Village Maiden

Daughter of Marie, she is learning how to become seamstress but can already spin wool Doesn't know where father is. each story is different (Got lost in woods, ran off and married his horse, etc etc)

"The Crossing-Grey Clan"

William Crossing aka "Blot the Insane"

(formerly Lord Manley)

Player: Mark Tanno

Role: Madman

Occupation: Fallen Irish Nobleman

During the uprising of Silken Thomas in Ireland, against 

Henry VIII, William lost his title, his land, and his mind. 

Supported by his daughter and son-in law (whose source 

of income is questionable) Blot and his family are… well,

a blot upon our village's landscape and good reputation.

(hence the name)

Cin Grey (formerly Crossing)

Player: Marisa Rolph
Role: Blot’s Daughter
Occupation: Housewife

Has been constantly on the move with her father, trying to find a safe place to live. Finally ended up
in Holy Glenshire, where she met her husband, Connor, a commoner of nefarious means.

Connor Grey
Player: Alex Chase
Role: Blot's Son-in-law, Village Lothario
Occupation: Hunter (Brigand)

"The Bakers"

Jenny Baker

Player-Jenny Dellert
Role: Goodwife of the shire
Occupation- Baker (ironic, huh?)

Wife of our cranky carpenter who recently became “lost in the woods” and hasn’t been seen in quite some time (aka went to law school and has no time for faire this season). Mother of two changelings, I’m mean darling, well-behaved girls.

Thomas Baker
Player-Chris Dellert
Role: Grumpy Carpenter
Occupation: Grumpy Carpenter

Alas, Thomas is "lost in the woods" this year.

Caitlin “Caity” Baker
Player-Caitlin Dellert
Role: Urchin
Character's Occupation-urchin
The taller, happier of the two urchins (left/pink). Likes dancing, getting into mischief and making messes with her sister.
Brianna “Brie” Baker
Player-Brianna Dellert
Role: Urchin
Character's Occupation-urchin
The shorter, grumpier urchin (right/lavender). Likes dancing, getting into mischief, chasing Calabash and playing with her mother's flour.

The Mongers

Maximillian Slaughter
Player: Michael A. Robles (Evil Genius, Monger-in-chief)
Role: Monger
Occupation: Fish Monger

They say you can never see Maximus coming.... but you sure can smell him. Born into the home of a poor fisherman, Maximus (Max for short) tries to help his family out by peddling the the fish his father is unable to sell. He spends most of his time just outside the gates of the faire, because of his strong scent he's rarely allowed in. When he's not smelling of fish, he's usually smelling of meade or some other kind of "spirits". But don't let that scare you, he's always light-hearted and ready to have fun... even if he does smell like fish. 

Pip
Player: Ray Estrada
Role: Monger
Occupation: Sausage Monger

Pip simply appeared one day and introduced himself.   No one knows the mysterious past of this newcomer to the shire.  Perhaps he has fled the troubles of his homeland, perhaps he is a prince from a far off kingdom, bereft of his crown... the rumors swirl around this enigmatic figure and Pip smiles mysteriously.  Nevertheless, he has quickly become a fixture at the front gates of our village, hawking his sausages of dubious quality.   If you need it sold, if it's origins as an animal are in doubt... Pip's your man.

Mumsy
Player: Jane C. Smith
Role: Monger
Occupation: Cook/Chicken monger

Mumsy always seems to make the best of a bad situation. It dosn't get much worse than losing your family and becoming a monger to support yourself. Transferring her loving and nurturing nature onto the less than fresh chickens she tries to sell. Afflicted with apoplexy, the simple villagers and town folk simply refer to Mumsy as Elf Shot. A kinder gentler way of referring to her bumbly ways. She views her world in a very rosey hue and refers to Max as King of the Mongers and Pip as her prince and protector.

When Chicken is unavailable, Mumsy can be found as household and cook for a traveling acting troupe The Oak Leaf Revelers.

The Schole of Pleasant Pastymes
(An independent sister guild...)

Mistress Melantha Collins
(Guildmistress)
Player: Melanie Mayo
Role: Dame Schoolmistress
Occupation: Dame Schoolmistress

Mistress Collins has tired of teaching young children but has realized there be more money in teaching young women to teach the young children. She currently has taken on a few apprentices in that goal.

She is sometimes in the service of Lady Hunsdon as a serving gentlewoman. After being recently widowed she has caught the eye of the Lord Chamberlain' s hand, Sir Jerome, who has showed his attentions (and mayhap his intentions) with small gifts and tokens.

Jean
Player: Jeanese Hime
Role: Village maiden
Occupation: Dameschool apprentice

Jean stepped into a fairy ring and then out of it quite some time later.She is subsequently a wee bit touched. She was tricked into selling her hair to make a wig. She spends most of her days following around a fairy named Hobb and rolling in the mud and hay. She also tends to mumble to herself.

Hobb
Player: Eva Collins
Role: fairy
Occupation: Making Mischief

Hobb is a very quiet fairy that only talks to a few people. Her favorite human is Jean, a fairy enchanted maiden, and convinces her to do naughty things. Hobb enjoys music, magical beasts and bubbles.

Sir Jerome Cameron
Player: Jay Bricker
Role: Mercenary
Occupation: The Hand of the Lord Chamberlain, Captain of the Black Dragon's Mercenaries

Sir Jerome is the third son of a minor clan nobleman. He left home around 16 years of age, aboard a fishing boat to Ireland, then on a merchant ship to Mediterranean. He left the ship and banded together a group of mercenaries, "The Black Dragons." They spent many years as body guards and caravan guards in the Ottoman Empire. He fought at the gates of Venice with the Ottoman Empire. He was knighted by Suluman the Great.

He left his second in command with the Dragons and traveled through Europe eventually ending up in England. There he met Sir Henry Carey, Baron Hunsdon later to become Queen Elizabeth's Lord Chamberlain. He fought with Lord Hunsdon on the English-Scottish border against the Reavers and became his friend, personal aide - "the Hand" and family bodyguard.

[editor's note: This world traveler has also the distinction of having been the first to introduce the Turkish drink "Qawha al Bin" (coffee) to the British Isles, God bless him!]

Elynor Feld
Player: Kelsey Fahy
Role: Village maiden
Occupation: Dameschool apprentice
 
Singer, spinner, apprentice teacher; Elynor has a knack for singing and other musical activities, but has been sent to Mistress Collins by her parents, who do not approve of minstrels and hope that being apprenticed to a school teacher will drive this nonsense out of their daughter's head. Happily for Elynor, Mistress Collins encourages musical talents as a necessary part of teaching the younger children. 

Elynor is currently learning how to teach very young children, but has also picked up spinning as a sideline and still harbors her dream of becoming a minstrel.

Young Mab
Player: Andrea Haffly
Role: Village Maiden
Occupation: Dameschool apprentice; also the young midwife/healer/ "village witch"

Mab became healer after the rather suspicious and timely death of her mistress, Old Mab. Mab hates being patronized and is rather eccentric, but very cute. She never answers questions about her old mistress, and is highly loyal and devoted to Mistress Mel.

Jealous villagers have often accused Mab of being a witch and have been known to chase the unfortunate girl across the green in an effort to be rid of her. Mab has no last name and is offended by the question.

Constance Gibbs
Player: Melissa Haffly
Role: Village Maiden
Occupation: Dameschool apprentice

Constance's parents sent her from their farm in England to be apprenticed to the dame school mistress so she would make something of herself. Her cousin, Amy Gibbs, was sent along to make sure she kept to her studies. Constance loves faire, for the boys and for the flirting, and loves to run around and give red ribbons to mark her favorites. She looks up to, and is inspired by, Tia (Kristin), and does her best to model her heroine's behavior. <wink>

Amy Gibbs
Player: Aimee Olive
Role: Village Maiden
Occupation: Dameschool Apperentice

Amy lived with her aunt and uncle and was sent to Scotland to keep an eye on her cousin, Constance Gibbs, and make sure she keeps to her studies and away from the boys she so loves. Amy is shy, but can easily be convinced into any adventure by her cousin.

.