The Duelists

05/15/2026

Hey folks,

We just want to acknowledge how awesome y'all are!!

We really debated whether or not to ask the question we did (historical vs cosplay) because that particular question ALWAYS degenerates into hostility and name calling since people seem to have really strong feelings about it, and we did NOT want to create that contentiousness here.

But not you guys! Everyone who responded was respectful, gave honest answers, and gave their reasons for their answers! Of course we questioned and challenged some answers, and even those questions were answered! That's how a discussion works!

So, give yourselves a pat on the back for being awesome!
⚔😄⚔😄⚔😄⚔

05/12/2026

Renaissance Festival? Fantasy Festival? Outdoor Cosplay con? What do you think? And why?

We've noticed over the last few years as Renaissance Festivals have gained mainstream popularity--especially since the dreaded 'lockdown of 2020'--that more and more we're seeing all manner of non renaissance period costumes: fantasy characters, anime characters, film characters, and yes furries, as well.

Recently the Maryland Ren Fest tightened its rules over what costumes or headwear will be allowed into the festival (we dont have all the info on why) and there has been a surprisingly amount of backlash with some saying, "Good, its a *Renaissance* Festival let's get back to what made them period events," and others saying, "Ren fests are about fun not history, why you gotta harsh my mellow?"

So that got us thinking...we're curious, among OUR fans--clearly people of exqusite taste and dictinction! --what do you think? Should Renaissance Faires & Festivals go back to being more authentic, more representative of the Renaissance era they were modeled on, or should they expand to include all areas of fandom?

What do you think? We aren't looking to debate or change anyone's mind, we're just honestly curious what you think and *why* you feel that way! Give us your honest thoughts on this!

05/11/2026

And another thing! I mean, as long as we're on the topic of things not quite working out...

A number of people who bought calendars reached out because of delivery issues. I've always said to give it a few extra weeks, just in case. And this is exactly what I mean. We were waiting on a delivery Saturday (Well, not literally...'cause we were at a park wondering where everyone else was!🤣) that didnt arrive and when I checked the tracking you'll see it went from the Northeast to Jackson, FL to GA...aaaand back to Jackson! Who knows why....its the USPS.

So if you order a calendar from us (or anything else!) give it an extra two weeks on top of their stated delivery times...because!

05/11/2026

Well, so much for that! The event this past Saturday had to be postponed due to rain, and given 11" of rain in 2 days? I get it.

Ah well, what can you do?

05/11/2026

Well, so much for that! The event this past Saturday where we were setting up the Shoole of Defense had to be postponed due to rain, and given 11" of rain in 2 days? I get it.

Ah well, what can you do?

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful moms! May your day be full of love, laughter, swords and beautiful moments! You're the best!

⚔️🌹⚔️🌹⚔️🌹⚔️🌹⚔️

05/04/2026

Hey Everyone!

We have had so much going on the last few months and we've been so overwhelmed, we've been late or completely missed making some posts we want to make (like International womens day or MLK day or follow ups to some Faires). And, honestly, neither of us are big Social Media guys, so posting doesnt come naturally to either of us! We *think* things have slowed down some, so we should be back on track! We hope!

So, our apologies, we'll try harder, and if thats not enough, then, in the famous words of Conan the Barbarian, at the Battle of the Mounds, "...then to hell with you!"😆😆😆

So, the next Renaissance Festival for us is the West Virginia Renaissance Festival in beautiful Lewisberg, WV. It will be its 9th year (8 if you dont count the Covid year) and man, has that place grown! The site is incredible (and Hilly!) and its just a wonderful festival! Great people and great crowds!

But first, and on REALLY short notice, we'll be setting up our Schoole of Defense at the Baton Rouge Parks Fae Fest: https://www.brec.org/calendar/detail/fae-fest
This Saturday, May 9th. If you've seen us at the Punkin Chunkin' in PA, it's very similar to that! We get to continue teaching violence to children! Yay! If you have kids, bring em out! While the weather's still agreeable!!🤣

Then in the winter we plan to return to Scarborough's Hollow, Scarborough Ren Fests, Fall Fantasy Festival. As we said before, its a whole new flavor (at night, lit up everywhere) that really works, and is a lot of fun (and not hot!)

And we have a couple of irons in the fire for a couple of other events, and when we have something solid we'll post!

So, again, our apologies for our silence and...we're back!

Michael & Randal

05/04/2026

Happy Star Wars Day, Everyone!

A 50 year old movie that so fundamentally changed popular culture, science fiction, fantasy, business, cosplay and so, so much more!

We do want to point out the irony that with Disney building Galaxy's Edge at the theme parks they reintroduced the immersive theatre dynamic mastered by Phyllis Patterson, the creator of the Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire in CA, and what led to renaissance festivals being so popular around the country. Which in turn allowed us to make this post!

See how that works?

Happy Star Wars Day, Everyone!

05/01/2026

Happy May Day! The day that traditionally marks the reintroduction of the infamous ripped Levi's! 🤣🤣🤣 And when you turn the page on your Duelists calendar!😆 We still have a few left so nows your chance! And we'll have them at the WVRF next month--if we dont sell the rest!

Since we're almost halfway through the year, they're only $10+$2.50 shipping. Message us here on Facebook or email [email protected] and we can send a QR code, so its easy as can be!

04/13/2026

02/14/2026

“The only thing more powerful than hate is love”. And nothing says love like the sweet, sweet smell of your partners foliage...

Uh..no wait....that doesnt sound right!

Nothing says love like Duelists sniffing each others roses...

No...wait!!!

Ugh...nevermind! No one ever believes us anyway!!😆🥰😆🥰😆🥰

Happy Valentines Day everyone!