Lol. if it were a bigger guild, there would be some people to make armor or leather workings. You could either have them help you, or buy them the material and either pay them for their time (it takes a LONG time to make a chainmaille shirt) or compensate them in some way.As for me, everyone pitches in 2-3 into my tip jar but everyone gets to drink for free anyway. =]
That sounds just OK to me...chainmail may take a long time to make but a decent mead takes 6 months ish...chainmail while time consuming to make is just about as hard to do as a mead...lol. Leather is even easier to work with...I think it is neat that you are going to be a ren brewer for your buds, do not get me wrong, but I would try to maintain an even playing field. I can see a "brewer" being taken advantage of quickly. BTW I fixed the language in that last sentence and bolded it. (Remember we are not allowed to barter or sell our home brew legally, even at a ren gathering.
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As for the barrels, I was thinking of getting a couple 2.5 gal sizes. I'll look into those styles and see what would best fit the taste buds of the guild.
Strangely I had sized the barrels from your guild size, and alcohol % servings. Most of the drinks I suggested are stronger than average and are closer to wine. If you shoot for 2-4 drinks each you are looking at 2 gallons. Not enough to get blind drunk but anyone interested should have a buzz...lol.
The other reason I suggested 1 gallon is it would be quick to oak and light to carry. I am going to guess that a wood keg weighs almost as much as it's contents. With the 1 gallon size you could use a rope tied to resemble an 8 as a handle and carry 1 in each hand with little problems... 2.5 will require a lot more effort. Don't forget you need the stands and spigots too! Also, it would be easy to adjust the quantity needed for the demand at the gatherings. Once again this is just my opinion...
Any recommendations on books? It's pretty informational but I want something I can hold in my hand and read.
How about the Bible, King James Version? Most brewers in those days were monks and most of the people that could read and write were...monks or royalty. It may be fun to read a passage about drink or wine as a mini-blessing/toast.
This could also help with costume/participation. Think about how important Friar Tuck was in the Robinhood stories...There was no mention of Frank the most feared pikemen in that clan...
Well, I am about spent on my ideas. Do what you want and have fun! :rockin: