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boogieshoesSo, every so often you'll hear me talk about the SCA, which is my 'socialization' hobby - it's a re-creation group that recreates the middle ages from roughly the fall of rome to the end of the elizabethan era. it's world-wide, although undoubtedly strongest in the US, and in any given area you can find an event every single weekend. i love the SCA for many reasons: i like the generic and specific research quantities, i love the people, i love the Dream, i love camping, and i love belonging to a group of people who know such a vast array of things and skills and items of dubious utility. and items of *vast* utility, should the modern world ever vanish overnight.
my personal area of (admittedly limited, seriously ADD-style) focus is the arts of heraldry: name and device research and illustration; calligraphy and illumination. i like serving the Society and the local groups, and so i volunteered to be the Herald of Axemoor, because i love doing this job, as odd and quirky as it is. what i dislike is boring reports: i have to report every month to Diamond Herald about the heraldic goings-on in our Barony, and while there are some standard report forms to do it with, they really don't lend themselves to life in the Dream. i prefer to write my reports 'forsoothly' (that is, in a mock-period style which almost certainly is *not* authentic, but nevertheless sounds darn cool). this month's report on the doings in march includes the doings of Gulf Wars, the big local event we all get excited about. i've already posted a few things on it, and still have to post my pics, so i thought you all might like to see the Baronial Report as written by the newly-minted Lady Brigid nic Una, Pursuiviant of Axemoor.
my personal area of (admittedly limited, seriously ADD-style) focus is the arts of heraldry: name and device research and illustration; calligraphy and illumination. i like serving the Society and the local groups, and so i volunteered to be the Herald of Axemoor, because i love doing this job, as odd and quirky as it is. what i dislike is boring reports: i have to report every month to Diamond Herald about the heraldic goings-on in our Barony, and while there are some standard report forms to do it with, they really don't lend themselves to life in the Dream. i prefer to write my reports 'forsoothly' (that is, in a mock-period style which almost certainly is *not* authentic, but nevertheless sounds darn cool). this month's report on the doings in march includes the doings of Gulf Wars, the big local event we all get excited about. i've already posted a few things on it, and still have to post my pics, so i thought you all might like to see the Baronial Report as written by the newly-minted Lady Brigid nic Una, Pursuiviant of Axemoor.
*****************************************
To the Diamond Herald of Gleann Abhann, from Lady Brigid nic Una, the Pursuiviant of the Barony of Axemoor - I bid thee welcome. I must apologize for the long dry spell between reports this late Winter and Spring, but I have been accursed with the Foul Pox known as Mundania. Long has that pestilence laid a hand on me! But I have fought the disease's foul clutches most valiantly, and have come 'round at last to inform you of the doings of Axemoor, my Beloved Barony.
In truth, this Winter past was a harsh one, as cold as any we have seen yet, but Spring has been returning with quick steps to light our hallways. I have, as I promised, put in a new garden as the year warms, and am pleased to see it quite taking shape. I am endeavouring to grow food crops this year: peas and beans, carrots and a new lettuce from Spanish lands called Arrugula - or at least that is what the seed merchant says. He has informed me of this lettuce's delightful flavor, and I thought to try something new - we shall see how it does in our wetter climes here! These are all well producing new plants, and I am delighted as always to see the youthful shoots growing - it reminds me of God's Love of the World - so much so that He allowed such Holy Blood to be spilt that we may Grow in His Divine Benificence. I have also laid in some catnip, as the castle felines are sure to enjoy. Later this year, I hope to make some small sachets for my Lady Baroness and Lord Baron as largesse, perhaps, or simply gifts to give the local families with competent mousers.
Earlier this month, the Barony mustered to War along with all the lands of the Glorious Kingdom of Gleann Abhann. I was able to find lodgings nearby the battlefields, and thus did not have to worry of the common camp ailments that so often plague the Honored Knights and Ladies in the field. But oh - what a sight! I tell you in truth, God's Own Glory was nearly matched by the rows and rows of colorful tents, all with their Banners flying, proclaiming their pride and Kingdoms! Merchants there were there, as always, bartering arms, and cloth, foodstuffs and ornaments for the Ladies. The knights upon their Valiant Steeds, the Royalty of the Various Kingdoms - yet I think none so Handsome as our fair King Uther, nor so Beauteous as His Queen Kenna.
I was doubly pleased to see, upon entering the Baronial Encampment, my good friend Maria Castraria, who has woefully been sent journeying in the lands to the Far West by her own responsibilities. She was working upon a beaded banner, the like of which I have never seen, for little enough of beads do we own here in Axemoor. Such finery as beaded dressings or pouches and hats are to be reserved for the highest of the nobility, or the richest of the merchant class, and my eye which lusts after the sparkled-glass ne'er lacks for taste, but for coin! But here Maria has brought many beads of all colors and sizes to work upon a flap of most sturdy leather, and to my wonder I saw the Baronial Heraldry taking shape beneath her hands - yea, and the personal colors of the Lord and Lady Baron. This pennant did Maria present to Beloved Baroness Morgana in the evening, and with much joyous shedding of tears, Morgana returned her favor to Maria with the title of Axemoor Ambassador to the Lands Beyond Gleann Abhann. Thus, Maria is sealed to us for all her journies, knowing she is always of the family of Axemoor. This, I fain believe, is no less than most good and right.
But such was just the beginning of the Honors bestowed upon the Axe at War. New to our Barony is the good Lord Charles de Bourbon, and he it was who took upon himself the responsibility of the Knowne World Party. I regret that I could not attend - alas, that foul pox had sent me to bed early! - yet I have heard nought but good reports of this venture, and the hard work of the Barony. I do not know Charles well, yet he must be accomplished, for our Good Uther and Kenna saw fit to give him the Onyx Chalice. Ingvarr Vorsa was also given an Award of Arms for his service to Crown and Kingdom. Inigo Montoya in Battle earned the title of Companion of the Bow and Blade, and Their Royal Majesties saw fit to bestow yet further Honor: They did make Maria A'isha Castraria de Merida, my own Good Friend, the Royal Gleann Abhann Ambassador to the Kingdom of Caid. With all of her many travels already, I cannot think of a better person to be given such an honor. She reports regularly, and though my heart is sad that she remains abroad, I look forward to her missives with joy. It is with a most humbled soul I beg to report that I, too, was Honored at the War with an Award of Arms. My joy shines bright when I think of my moment in Court - so Glorious! So Magical! And yet I cannot but think still that it is my most humble honor to serve Axemoor and Gleann Abhann, for I do so love both.
Mid-March, the Barony did help the Goodwine Clan pack up their estate upon their removal to Shire of Wyrmgeist. I shall miss The Honorable Lord and Lady much, but we have pressed upon them to visit us often, for Wyrmgeist is not so far from us. The Shire will prosper with their new denizens, I am sure, as I am that Axemoor shall be the poorer for their loss.
At Hadrian's Wall this past week in Seleone, that Same Gentle Inigo Montoya was honored with the Combattant Ram, and well-earned it was. I had made bid to go, but I fear that Spring, beautiful as she is, also bears the pollens which make me sneeze so miserably! Aiee! Well, I shall try again to visit the good Barony of Seleone soon.
As always, my plans and dreams for my office grow apace, and yet my time not so. Still, I shall endeavor this year to contribute to the Baronial and Kingdom Scroll Pile, and perhaps take upon myself a student, for none learns so much as he that teaches another. I shall also try to finish an actual dress! It would indeed be nice to have presentable wear for Court.
I close now in the evening breeze of my garden, with the begonias growing full and the catnip even now attracting some small kitten's attention. I bid you farewell, and shall write to you in another month as is my wont.
In Service Always,
Lady Brigid nic Una, Pursuiviant of Axemoor
To the Diamond Herald of Gleann Abhann, from Lady Brigid nic Una, the Pursuiviant of the Barony of Axemoor - I bid thee welcome. I must apologize for the long dry spell between reports this late Winter and Spring, but I have been accursed with the Foul Pox known as Mundania. Long has that pestilence laid a hand on me! But I have fought the disease's foul clutches most valiantly, and have come 'round at last to inform you of the doings of Axemoor, my Beloved Barony.
In truth, this Winter past was a harsh one, as cold as any we have seen yet, but Spring has been returning with quick steps to light our hallways. I have, as I promised, put in a new garden as the year warms, and am pleased to see it quite taking shape. I am endeavouring to grow food crops this year: peas and beans, carrots and a new lettuce from Spanish lands called Arrugula - or at least that is what the seed merchant says. He has informed me of this lettuce's delightful flavor, and I thought to try something new - we shall see how it does in our wetter climes here! These are all well producing new plants, and I am delighted as always to see the youthful shoots growing - it reminds me of God's Love of the World - so much so that He allowed such Holy Blood to be spilt that we may Grow in His Divine Benificence. I have also laid in some catnip, as the castle felines are sure to enjoy. Later this year, I hope to make some small sachets for my Lady Baroness and Lord Baron as largesse, perhaps, or simply gifts to give the local families with competent mousers.
Earlier this month, the Barony mustered to War along with all the lands of the Glorious Kingdom of Gleann Abhann. I was able to find lodgings nearby the battlefields, and thus did not have to worry of the common camp ailments that so often plague the Honored Knights and Ladies in the field. But oh - what a sight! I tell you in truth, God's Own Glory was nearly matched by the rows and rows of colorful tents, all with their Banners flying, proclaiming their pride and Kingdoms! Merchants there were there, as always, bartering arms, and cloth, foodstuffs and ornaments for the Ladies. The knights upon their Valiant Steeds, the Royalty of the Various Kingdoms - yet I think none so Handsome as our fair King Uther, nor so Beauteous as His Queen Kenna.
I was doubly pleased to see, upon entering the Baronial Encampment, my good friend Maria Castraria, who has woefully been sent journeying in the lands to the Far West by her own responsibilities. She was working upon a beaded banner, the like of which I have never seen, for little enough of beads do we own here in Axemoor. Such finery as beaded dressings or pouches and hats are to be reserved for the highest of the nobility, or the richest of the merchant class, and my eye which lusts after the sparkled-glass ne'er lacks for taste, but for coin! But here Maria has brought many beads of all colors and sizes to work upon a flap of most sturdy leather, and to my wonder I saw the Baronial Heraldry taking shape beneath her hands - yea, and the personal colors of the Lord and Lady Baron. This pennant did Maria present to Beloved Baroness Morgana in the evening, and with much joyous shedding of tears, Morgana returned her favor to Maria with the title of Axemoor Ambassador to the Lands Beyond Gleann Abhann. Thus, Maria is sealed to us for all her journies, knowing she is always of the family of Axemoor. This, I fain believe, is no less than most good and right.
But such was just the beginning of the Honors bestowed upon the Axe at War. New to our Barony is the good Lord Charles de Bourbon, and he it was who took upon himself the responsibility of the Knowne World Party. I regret that I could not attend - alas, that foul pox had sent me to bed early! - yet I have heard nought but good reports of this venture, and the hard work of the Barony. I do not know Charles well, yet he must be accomplished, for our Good Uther and Kenna saw fit to give him the Onyx Chalice. Ingvarr Vorsa was also given an Award of Arms for his service to Crown and Kingdom. Inigo Montoya in Battle earned the title of Companion of the Bow and Blade, and Their Royal Majesties saw fit to bestow yet further Honor: They did make Maria A'isha Castraria de Merida, my own Good Friend, the Royal Gleann Abhann Ambassador to the Kingdom of Caid. With all of her many travels already, I cannot think of a better person to be given such an honor. She reports regularly, and though my heart is sad that she remains abroad, I look forward to her missives with joy. It is with a most humbled soul I beg to report that I, too, was Honored at the War with an Award of Arms. My joy shines bright when I think of my moment in Court - so Glorious! So Magical! And yet I cannot but think still that it is my most humble honor to serve Axemoor and Gleann Abhann, for I do so love both.
Mid-March, the Barony did help the Goodwine Clan pack up their estate upon their removal to Shire of Wyrmgeist. I shall miss The Honorable Lord and Lady much, but we have pressed upon them to visit us often, for Wyrmgeist is not so far from us. The Shire will prosper with their new denizens, I am sure, as I am that Axemoor shall be the poorer for their loss.
At Hadrian's Wall this past week in Seleone, that Same Gentle Inigo Montoya was honored with the Combattant Ram, and well-earned it was. I had made bid to go, but I fear that Spring, beautiful as she is, also bears the pollens which make me sneeze so miserably! Aiee! Well, I shall try again to visit the good Barony of Seleone soon.
As always, my plans and dreams for my office grow apace, and yet my time not so. Still, I shall endeavor this year to contribute to the Baronial and Kingdom Scroll Pile, and perhaps take upon myself a student, for none learns so much as he that teaches another. I shall also try to finish an actual dress! It would indeed be nice to have presentable wear for Court.
I close now in the evening breeze of my garden, with the begonias growing full and the catnip even now attracting some small kitten's attention. I bid you farewell, and shall write to you in another month as is my wont.
In Service Always,
Lady Brigid nic Una, Pursuiviant of Axemoor
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no subject
Date: 2008-04-01 11:20 pm (UTC)~we've got yer Raaaaam, we've got yer Raaaaam~
See you in november? %^)
no subject
Date: 2008-04-02 11:42 am (UTC)but, we'll see when i can visit. our ram, huh? so, tell me, my good man - i totally missed the practical joke war this year - anyone pass on any stories?
-bs
no subject
Date: 2008-04-02 10:52 pm (UTC)On the other hand, I hear rumor is that feast at Bordermarch may be ram cutlets... sure you don't want to be on hand for that? %^)
Come on out if you can. I want to try to entice you into the castle. I have plenty of beads to bribe with, thanks to a certain someone.
no subject
Date: 2008-04-03 12:43 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-04-03 02:58 pm (UTC)::looks at read-half-of-these-and-need-to-finish-them pile::
or... maybe not. ::grins::
-bs
no subject
Date: 2008-04-03 03:04 pm (UTC)