The Guild of St. Michael is the parent organization for all of the military companies at California's Renaissance Pleasure Faire, Southern Faire (RPFS).

St. Michael's also maintains Renaissance Reenactment pages full of information about period society, culture, history and activities as well as links to other sources on the Net

Recruit Training

Children recruits are taught weapons and drill and then marched before the military.

St. Michael's Kids Militia

Muster

All the men are mustered and the password of the day is set. Various military issues are brought forth and dealt with by the camp and company commanders. Companies are then dispersed to their duties or to patrolling the shire. (Some companies may try to take some leisure time during the festivities of the shire's faire day).

Shooting Practice

Baskerville's Company of Shot load up and test fire their black powder weapons by the water near the shire front gate. This readies both men and guns for the coming battle.

Battle Pageant

English, German and Lowland Scots battle with Scottish Highlanders and their Irish cohorts. A spectacular demonstration of individual and group fighting methods using edged weapons, black powder guns and pole arms. Narrated by Academie instructors and interns, with an introduction by Sir Charles Blount, the Colonel for the English.

Officers Mess

Col. Sir Charles Blount hosts a daily feast for his officers and the gentlemen of the camp

Queen's Progress and Guild Parade

Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, and her Court is escorted through the faire.

Recruit Training

Children recruited throughout the day are taught weapons and drill and then marched before the Queen.

St. Michael's Kids Militia

Military Review

Her Majesty inspects the troops, tours the camp, samples the officers' finer cuisine, administers justice and pronounces decrees while visiting the various companies in the muster camp. Gentlemen, officers and others take to "practice yard" for weapons exercises. When Her Majesty is ready to leave, all are called to escort her onward

Queen's Progress and Show

Military escortes The Queen and Court to visit the Lord Mayor and other waiting nobility. Guests to the Shire are treated to a great show of England's Royalty which culminates in a grand demonstration by of sword fighting!

Sailors' and Soldiers' Tavern

English mariners run the Serpent's Nest -- so named for their ship, the Serpent, and their long boat, the Serpent's Tongue -- which is open to off- and sometimes on-duty military personnel in the shire. There is always table space available for guests and visitors and, in the afternoons, several games of chance (gambling?) are taught and played along with typical drinking, fighting, drinking, singing, drinking, eating, drinking and quenching of thirst. [Guest must bring their own food and drink.]

Fight School

German mercernaries training and practicing in the use of various personal weapons. Young men (and women) "recruited" through the purchase of wooden swords, shields or axes are given initial instruction.

Light Weapons Practice and Demonstrations

Germans test and train their own soldiers and any English, Irish or Scottish fighters for strength, stamina, ability and competition

Academie Classes

Our own Royal Academie of Military Science which now includes the College of War, Department of Engineering, and School of Medicine. In-service training and guest lectures about the military, camp life, cooking, weapons, etc. Daily demonstrations of medical trauma and surgical techniques.