Research Resources and Chivalry

My father is currently involved in a Master's program and so I had asked him what academic databases he had access to for help with my current endeavor.  We're both residents in the greater Boston area and he told me that, with a Boston Public Library membership, I had access to JSTOR and other academic databases free of charge.

Back when I was first developing my persona, mostly doing research into names and Middle Mongolian grammar structures and naming practices (of which I'm still not entirely confident, but that is a project I will delve into at a later time), I spent a great afternoon in the records and journals archive of the BPL and, since I was there I joined the system.  My membership had, in all honestly, languishing as just another card in my wallet until he reminded me of this access.

That night, I went on a JSTOR binge and pulled resources on Persian miniatures, culture and biases before, during and just after the Il-Khanid period.

At the same time, I was reaching out to other contacts I had within Society for help in direction.  I owe a debt of gratitude to Facebook for making it so much easier for me to get going in everything.

From my contacts on Facebook who're playing in the SCA, I was able to get some help both directly and through "telephone".

I've been a longtime internet friend with Jabra'il Attar, who currently resides in the Outlands but is originally from Calontir.  As you can imagine from his persona name, he has a Persian persona and I knew he draws his inspiration for garb from Persian miniatures, with many books -- whether academic or "coffee table" -- on the artform.  He has provided me with some images of foreigners, in particular Mongols, from miniatures.

At the same time, I'm close friends with (the newly) Mistress Elinor Strangewayes.  She's already proven to be a great moral support, given the size of the project I'm undertaking.  I owe the ambitiousness of the project, really, to her encouragement.  She's been a great sounding board for me, especially about my nerves about the project (which will get its own post).

As a recently elevated Laurel, she is still has strong contacts with her former Apprentice Siblings, some of whom are also researching Mongol cultural and arts aspects, and she is close with her former Mistress, Mistress Bess of the Northern Shores.

Mistress Elinor was chatting with Mistress Bess about my research interests and my intentions, and Mistress Bess was kind enough to send some of her research using Persian Miniature as a reference for my research.

I've chatted occasionally with Mistress Bess, but never anything in depth or serious, so I am sincerely thankful for her help, as well.

I'm finding this process, already, to be an eye opening experience regarding the helpfulness, the community and the chivalry of the Society.  I've reached out for guidance and reassurance and I've gotten more than I could even ask for.

I'm humbled by the amazing qualities of everyone who's help me.