One day we decided to be fantasy merchants and live the full NPC fantasy (yes we used some catchphrases and all) In this article we are sharing our story and recount 10 things we learned from it including the experience points earned.

How it started

Some years ago we sold our crafts and designs in several booths at medieval, witch, viking and fantasy themed events… it was a whole “level up” journey and have many fond memories of those times. We got our handmade unique products, a vision and lots of energy! And the adventure began ,one more difficult than expected (spoilers we are retired from it)

The daily life of a fantasy artisan

Our modern medieval merchant life consisted of scheduling events a month or two in advance (or more depending on the type of event) and producing by calculating the estimated attendance. Important detail: such events where in outter wilder areas for the scenery and organization convenience. In that time we were younger and unstoppable so we had no issue traveling a little or camping in site. Me Ivy, being intense about the theme and characterization aspect, went further and used to prepare a costume according to the theme. That led me to create a small themed closet that loved to prance in at the events as if it was my personal runway. Then we had a time race for production and improvements of our booth (which was set up the day before the event). We would arrive just before the event in a manner just like caravan vendors in your favorite RPG to set up.

About our products, we’ll be talking about them in other posts!

Leveling up

At the beginning of our journey we started with a small table and by the end we had several ones, also shelves, dividing walls, drapes and decorations and even a wonderful chest to take out the products from. Just as we adapted in space, time and presentation, we mainly adapted the product to offer variety in price and category. All this effort led us to win a recognition with the main organization of our country. (Please allow me to brag a little).

Currently we are dedicated to sell our creations online through Etsy and very soon our own web shop, if you want to see some of the products go to our store MandragoriaOnnelier on Etsy.

10 Things we learned in our merchant’s arch (in a very nerdy gamification perspective):

1. Being a “merchant” requires some physical condition even if it doesn’t seem like it +5 vitality and +5 strength points.
2. You get to meet wonderful people +3 insight and charisma
3. Working WHILE Camping in remote places can put you in physical danger. +3 wisdom points +3 survival points
4. As an artist, receiving feedback and seeing the reactions of customers at the same place and time is amazing + 5 spirit pts + 5 inspiration pts.
5. Perfected our many and varied hobbies, from sculpture, jewelry making, illustration and woodwork. +skill and confidence points 6 each category.
6. Increased our knowledge as an entrepreneurs and business management tremendously, after all it is a business and should profit accordingly +dexterity points 7.
7. The sense of camaraderie among vendors is something very nice and you learn to let go of the sense of competition. +charisma points +community points (not all of course, so beware) .
8. Yes, on one occasion that we had no electricity or basic facilities in the middle of the forest we lived the authentic experience of a vendor in a medieval campment (leveled up everything in life there +10pts).
9. You appreciate more the comforts of modern life once you get out of your 3-4 days medieval town lifestyle (would recommend from time to time, it’s like the hardcore medieval version of go touch grass). +divinity points +gratitude 10.
10. We shall appreciate all our independent artists and handcraft market exhibitors, (they are making a real effort to support themselves and be nice.) +5 empathy points.

BONUS

1. Getting to live a very immersive outdoor experience takes you to another era and provides a ton of perspective in life, and it can be really fun (more if you like roleplaying). We once traded with another “NPC” merchant a yummy steak for a hot coffee while wearing medieval attire and sitting around a bonfire, it indeed felt like some epic quest experience. (the quest was to get the coffee from across the frosted cold ass camp.)

The end of the Caravan Chronicle

As you can read, it was a complex campaign but seeing the bright and excited eyes of the attendees made the effort worthwhile. However things came to an end but we decided to continue generating and sharing the magical experience in other ways, and here we are! pursuing still the fantasy life through a modern technological portal. This has been our own experience and keep in mind it can be different for any other person as it depends on the country, faire organization…etc.

Hope it has been an entertaining read, feel free to share in the comments your own experiences.

Wishing thee fun and safe adventures!