Genre (Medieval): Dane-geld

It is always a temptation to an armed and agile nation 

To call upon a neighbour and to say: -- 

"We invaded you last night--we are quite prepared to fight, 

Unless you pay us cash to go away." 

And that is called asking for Dane-geld, 

And the people who ask it explain 

That you've only to pay 'em the Dane-geld 

And then you'll get rid of the Dane! 

It's Medieval Times for Genre this month, and it's all lovely long gowns, jewelry with ornate cabochons, and veils. Round cut and polished gems were more common during this time period, and you can see them represented in both the crown included with my hair from Anachron, and in the necklace from Atomic Faery. The hair is a lovely updo of folded braids under a veil - but is also available veiless. Unveiled, you can see the formation of the hair - a center part, two long braids layered over a metal and gem diadem, and the ends of the braids finished at the top of the head with little metal pins. This is a very realistic hairstyle for the time, keeping hair neat yet attractive, and the addition of the coronet marks me as an upper class or noble woman. I love how realistic it is - and how well made. The veil looks like it's made from cloth, with realistic folds and delicate texturing. The hair textures are also realistic, though the hues vary from very to entirely not natural. It hangs against the diadem, which is skillfully made with options to change the gem and metal colors. The entire thing is modifiable which was wonderful when I wanted to fit it to my head - please, more creators make your unrigged things modify ok like Anachron!

My Atomic Faery necklace is a perfect match for the crown, which really makes me happy. Built as a Celtic Cross, with even arms, everything but the black band is changeable via HUD. The gem textures are particularly fine, with lights and shadows to give depth. The metal part is decorated with small dots of metal, a process called granulation. I first learned about this means of adding decoration with gold, using tiny dots of individually applied gold wire to a surface, in a book called Alchemy: A Passion for Jewels by Temple St. Clair. She has a great interest in historical jewelry styles, and her signature is three granulated dots of gold. I encourage you to check out some of the images at her website to see what she makes - there's no way I could ever afford any of them, but I can admire!

It is always a temptation for a rich and lazy nation, 

To puff and look important and to say: -- 

"Though we know we should defeat you, we have not the time to meet you. 

We will therefore pay you cash to go away." 

And that is called paying the Dane-geld; 

But we've proved it again and again, 

That if once you have paid him the Dane-geld 

You never get rid of the Dane. 

The more brightly colored ring, from The Stringer Mausoleum, is a slightly more modern style with rounded edges where the facets are made, and a long pointy end like the gems faceted during this era. I love the cage around the stone most, though, set with small gems and curved like an inverted crown. The top is a gorgeous clover design, which is really sweet. It comes in a variety of shades - both gold and silver metal and stones ranging from the bright green and pink shown here through lovely blues and purples. The centerpiece for all of this is the gown - a gorgeous froth of brown and orange from Sweet Lies. I love the wide ribbon pattern along the neckline, upper arm, and end of the sleeve - which ends in a fun diamond pattern. The styling seems rather Spanish, with the bands holding it up, only without the slats cut open to let the kirtle underneath show. The dress is fully lined, a blessing though I know it raises the costs of uploading significantly, and moves very well in a variety of poses. I love how the texture includes dark ruching for the front and back and along the arms - a touch of verisimilitude I always appreciate. Sweet Lies has made a lovely nod to medieval dress with soft and warm shades, available now during Genre's medieval period.

A lovely medieval look requires a lovely medieval place, and I ended up at Skarvald, a Viking Roleplaying sim and inspiration for this lamentation to the historic influence of the Danes. This isn't a terribly Danish look, but I couldn't resist a nod to my ancestry and a chance to explore another sim. The setting is gorgeous - the bit I explored - with my favorite part being the ring of stones off to one side where I ended my exploration. Remember to wear your OOC tag before you go, but its a lovely place for some historical European images.

It is wrong to put temptation in the path of any nation, 

For fear they should succumb and go astray; 

So when you are requested to pay up or be molested, 

You will find it better policy to say: -- 

"We never pay any-one Dane-geld, 

No matter how trifling the cost; 

For the end of that game is oppression and shame, 

And the nation that pays it is lost!"

----Rudyard Kipling

( More pictures here. )

Credits:

Skin: Izzie's, Irene
Hair: Anachron, Faire Maiden Hair (Genre)
Eyes: .:Soul:., Oculos Eyes
Eyelashes 1: SLink, Mesh Lashes
Eyelashes 2: Flugeln Brise, 05-A
Wings: Atomic Faery, Stained Glass Faery Wings
Body: SLink, Body, Hands & High Feet
Necklace: Atomic Faery, Elanor Cross Necklace (Genre)
Body: SLink, Hands, Feet
Nails: A:S:S, Natural 1
Ring: The Stringer Mausoleum, Regally Caged Ring (Genre)
Outfit: Sweet Lies, Ginebra Dress (Genre)

Poses: Exploseur
Location: Skarvald
Windlight Settings: Phototools, Dead End Sky
Water Settings: Mirror Water

Photographed by Deoridhe Quandry
Post processing: Cropping