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A recounting of the great events having taken place on the Day of Fools at the Household Moot of the Red Winged Lion in the town of Bowling Green in the Barony of Red Spears.
And lo, the Squires, Protoges and all beloved of the Lion who were able gathered this day to share in discourse over the future of the RWL and share their limited wisdom with the shining light (when his hats off) of the Middle Kingdom, a true knight, the good Duke Dagan du Darregonne, chief of the Red Winged Lion Clan. I. Expectations & Household direction After all good gentles were seated His Grace spoke to those assembled. In welcome and in greeting he started, and asked us all to ponder their own thoughts regarding the Household, it's identity, our expectations and desires. He asked for wise counsel and advisement regarding the household and it's future. But then he spoke to us with the Ducal glower in the fore, and we did but whimper in reply. For he did bid us to remember that this household is within a Society that strives to emulate times now gone and as a part of this, he is the Chief of our Clan. In this current feudal Society he is the Household�s undisputed leader and as such, will make all decisions regarding the Household. He then spoke to those present, asking them to speak of their expectations, ideas and the degree of satisfaction they have experienced within the Society and household. Strongly did he stress to all to remember what brought them to the Society, and to remind all that it should be for enjoyment first. With a twinkle in his Ducal eye, he fixed his gaze on Ragnar, first amongst Squires (and first on the list) and asked him to speak. All was silent for a moment, before Ragnar pushed back his rusty helm and combed the beard from his mouth. He spoke of being pleased with what the Household was at present, but that he could see benefits from a more organized household presence on the battlefield. He spoke of focus on the field, and the desire to see our camp appearance enriched when the RWL goes to War. He thought that gatherings such as this had value and thought more would be of help. He spoke of the need to find ways to help and encourage and assist those within the household in their areas of interest. Then Alexander was called upon to speak. Great was his worry and his brain groaned painfully as it sought to put words to his silently working mouth. He said he wasn't prepared to answer this type of question. (and lo! The surprise was mighty amongst us!) He did manage to stammer that he felt the household was meeting his expectations. He then gratefully relinquished the floor. Lord Grimkirk was next called upon. Rightfully he did remind us that it would be unusual if he did not clearly state his opinion. He talked of this Household having been by far his best personal experience within his many years of service to the Society. He would like to see more focus in matters martial as well as seeing us enhance our group identity. While he would also like to see the household more involved in service-related activities he did also caution that this area was both difficult to quantify and to motivate. He suggested we first pursue other areas to advance the household presence. At this point My Lord Baron Ranulf rapped his cane smartly against his bottle for attention and advised that any who held Kingdom offices were performing service that would reflect positively on the Household. As shown by hand count, many in the room already contribute good service in this manner. His Grace then pointed out that what HE would like to see is more household connected service. He spoke in example of such service to be rendered in the form of providing security or serving feast at a local event or things like guard duty at War for Midrealm Royal. The Honorable Lady Saradwen spoke next, saying that she was getting used to the household. (!!!) She said that she had always admired other households that strove for recognition and visibility. She spoke of Darkyard as an example and spoke of her desire to have greater visibility for this household. In wonderment to all her comments were gratefully shorter than her written discourse. Conchobar followed on her heels (sorry, bad turn of phrase) saying that he expected from this household was guidance on what to do. Many helpful hand were raised in offering of this requested guidance. He would like to see more promotion and support of those within the household both to each other and to the Kingdom at large. Aylwin then spoke of his love for this household and the mix of gentles within. He spoke of the diverse lands from which all came. He spoke of his desire to see more growth of the household presence and his desire to have more relations with other households. We suggested he better finish this before his handfasting. This prompted comment from His Grace regarding the relationships of the Red Winged Lion with other households. With beard bristling he reminded all that as this was his household, he would decide any such relationships. As always, he would be happy to hear wise counsel. He declared to all that this would remain an autonomous household, free to align itself whomever His Grace wishes to and for whatever the length of time that he so chooses. Ironhawk was then asked to speak. He spoke of his admiration for the household and felt it was a family as well as friendship. He talked of his desire to see the household supporting members involved in tournaments and also for those who work in the Arts & Sciences and other areas of interest and service. He said he would like to do more for those within the household as if bragging about a family member, but often doesn�t know what we do or how we contribute both to the household and Society at large. He would also like to see more support given to/from household members in their endeavors. He spoke well and from the heart and did not stutter too much. C:unradus spoke from between sips of whisky, saying that, in brief, the household should promote its� members both internally and externally. He then returned to his regularly schedule bottle Conchobar, Spawn of Shamrock, agreed that this would be of help, but that fighters had much higher profiles than those who are involved on the A&S side. As a group there was a general consensus that we do need to do more to promote ourselves both to the Kingdom at large, our local groups and most importantly, amongst each other. Robert, Lucky Squire 13, was then next to speak. He talked of his desire to see our household make the Middle Kingdom look good. He spoke of his own experience within his own House de Tyre and his less than satisfactory experience in being a Squire to another Knight. He looks for guidance from HG, but would like to see the Household providing more service at War (guard duty, patrol/security) as well as leading by example. Enan then spoke of his desire to tap into the cumulative knowledge resource of the Household membership. He would like to gain knowledge from those in the household with experience in his areas of interest. This is a way that all within the household can provide service to its members. His Lordship Garth then came to the fore. After first explaining that there was no business like show business, he too thought that it would be good to share knowledge within the household. He offered his talents to share in this worthy cause. Ethel Merman wannabes to see Garth. He made an excellent suggestion that perhaps some type of household collegiums to cover this interest might be in order. The floor was passed to Aine, who expressed her love for the support already shown within the household. She commented that some of us don't play with local groups and to those of us in this position (notably a number of the Chicago group) everything is for the RWL. She expressed her appreciation for the ability to offer serious opinions for consideration and not being just a rubber-stamp approval process. Isabeau then spoke that she loved the household though her overall Society experience in her opinion was still relatively new. She would like to see the household pursuing a common goal together and would like to see the household grow. She expressed joy in the fact that wherever she traveled in the Kingdom that she was sure to see a friendly face from the household. Poor Grim must be in trouble again. Aylwin then spoke again and told us of his affiliation with a prior group where they created a "yellow pages" listing all members as well as their skills and the areas in which they were pursuing skills or knowledge. The suggestion was put forth that something similar be done for the RWL. The general feeling from the room was that this was worthy of pursuit. Advertisement space will be reasonable. The good Baron Ranulf commented that the RWL, being a Ducal household was subject to less outside interference allowing us to focus on the areas of interest to the household. We thanked the Honorable Lord Baron for his keen insight. Rinaldo, acknowledged to be even elder than HG, spoke from the heart commenting that as a group, he would like us to never lose the openness and ability for frank discussion. He believes that this and the shared knowledge of the decision-making process imparts a certain magic to the household. He further said that he would like to see the household image grow stronger. Cunradus awoke long enough to say that he wanted to see the household lead through example. He also commented that he wanted people to say; "Wow, it�s those guys" when they passed camp. Grimkirk then threw out a thought for discussion. Perhaps, says he, we should also look at what we don't want to be as a household. He expressed concerns about growth of the household and the potential to bring to it hangers-on that would diminish the strength, unity and image of the RWL. Ve also haf ze belief dat ve must keep the genetic pool of zis haus as pure as possible... Kidding aside, and with the interests of the household in mind he asked about what the criteria was for household membership. His Grace then spoke on this subject and advised that his approval was the sole criteria for household membership. He would be the one who invites people to join. For those within the house who would wish to bring friends, or a man-at-arms into the household, HG asked only that the household members and himself be given a chance to get to know them before HG would render a decision. Potential new member hint: Gifts of single malt scotch go a long way towards paving the way. He then spoke further of his desire to have, at some point, a household handbook that would be of particular assistance to new members. This was discussed as a longer term rather than immediate desire. He wandered a bit at this point to thoughts of War and talked about his strong abhorrence of the words "this is my vacation". As he rightly points out, it is also everyone's vacation and everyone contributing equally will make the camp burdens lighter. Comments from new friends of the household were most positive, with them agreeing that this was what they had sought within the Society. They expressed their frustration with getting information within the Society and their appreciation from what they saw within the household. The Lady Lisete spoke of her desire to see more in the way of traditional support for fighters. Exhorting them, waterbearing, along with any other non-combatant support. Lady Mica seconded this and also spoke of more support for those in non-combat roles. Seafra Nosebreaker, freshly back from a spirited rolling of his chariot, spoke of his enjoyment of the camaraderie of those within the household. He felt that while he sees room for improvement that the household in the field was on the right track. He spoke of the honor he felt being a part of this and his pride at being recognized as a member of HG's group. He then spoke about overlap into the mundane world and it was at this point we began to worry... Take a head shot in that roll there big guy? Griffin then spoke of his enjoyment in the camaraderie provided by the household members. He stressed his belief that we should value our friendship and strive to help each other all the more. Griffin then spoke of his enjoyment in the camaraderie provided by the household members. He stressed his belief that we should value our friendship and strive to help each other all the more. Gregor, a newcomer to the household, spoke of his desire to learn from those within the household. He knows that many are knowledgeable and skilled in many diverse arts and he would like more access to learn. He is most eager to press on and wished for more knowledge at a faster pace than he had been able to arrange so far. Haimish spoke from the heart of his true pleasure at being a part of this group and the feeling of well being from knowing that he truly belonged. He spoke of his desire to put the many years of martial training to use on the field and how much he would like the RWL to become a major force in the field. Anything that improves our visibility as a group, particularly on the field is of interest. James then spoke of his enjoyment in the camaraderie with those of the household. He advised that he was getting what he wanted from the group and that he would be pleased to do more. This wrapped up the first segment of the meeting. II. Household Identity First it was the pennants and ladies household garb that were discussed. A total of 62 pennants have been ordered. Isabeau & Auberad are also working on the additional tabards for fighters. Those who still need to pay for pennants please contact Isabeau as she has a great deal of money out in material. On the subject of ladies surcoats, HG advised that there is many potential outfits due to time periods represented by the various ladies personas and while he has his preferences, he would leave it to the ladies to decide the best way forward on this subject. They went into another room during the battlefield tactics discussions. They say that those who went in, never came out the same... Discussion was held over doing a small silk screen of the lion image to use for household favors and or baldrics. The good Baron Ranulf crawled from beneath his chair to offer to make medallions with the lion for household members. HG accepted this offer. Ranulf will regret this when he sobers up. Queries were put forth as to what times should we officially display the household colors. Rumbles, football games and gatherings in the hood were suggested. HG advised that things like family night, household parties, (Whisky night) Pennsic opening ceremonies were what he had in mind. III. Pennsic Next the discussion turned to that of War and a certain camping event in the wilds of Aethelmearc. HG had strong comments regarding his desires for Camp and the household. First and foremost was camp organization. All we know is he wants it. He would have said more but he left his notes at home.... There's a moral in here somewhere. He spoke of having a duty roster this year for simple camp chores that never seem to be shared equally. This roster would cover such camp chores as propane and ice runs, torch filling and lighting, trash disposal, dishes, camp security and policing. A straw boss will be appointed by HG to assist in managing/supervising camp chores and reduce the number of people HG has to hit with a large stick when something doesn't happen. HG put a strong emphasis on camp cleanliness. Pick up trash and keep it in sealed, properly disguised containers. Dispose of the trash bag promptly when full. Do not clutter up the area and keep it tidy, especially in the camp common area. Note to fighters: HG will thump you painfully if he finds your armor out laying about long after the battle is over. His stated preference is for the fighters to display their armor or at least their helmet and shield on some type of stand. HG is looking for suggestions for building disguises for trash bags and receptacles. HG talked of doing a new gateway into camp for War. While he has some ideas along the general lines of last year, he is looking for any suggestions and/or designs. These are to be given to him no later than Baron Wars. It was also suggested that all camp participants have small escutcheons with their arms to place on an "in & out" rack similar to what is seen at a number of camps at War. HG is making a floor for the area outside the actual shower stall. This is to prevent stepping directly into a mud pit once exiting the shower. Discussion was held over wall sections that household members make and bring with to War. Several ideas were floated. HG suggested either 4'X4' sections of canvas, perhaps with Squires coats of arms or painted lions or, woven wall sections of wooden frames woven with jute to look like wattle. The latter has been tried and the estimated cost for a 6'X4' section is $30. An alternative to the Squires arms being painted on panels was to have them painted on standardized escutcheons and placed around the gate. Mica then offered a black nylon mesh material that she has obtained from her mundane work and provided to her local group for camp walls at War. HG expressed interest in this and asked that she provide samples by Baron Wars. She agreed to do so. A decision will be rendered by Baron Wars. HG then showed a torch he had purchased from Franks Nursery & Crafts. It was a flat black metal torch holder and canister with a built in snuffer. It looked very smart and the cost was $16.00 tax included. He strongly urged everyone to have a look and purchase one or two. He advised that Frank's was in every area that household members resided in and that if someone couldn't find it to let him know. This would allow the camp to ditch the tiki torches. Shower usage was discussed. There cannot be 2 stalls at War due to the physics relating to water flow. Proper management of the shower should enable all to have a hot shower. The time that some took in the shower as well as the frequency per day were discussed. A solid suggestion came from Enan regarding the use of a button control for the shower similar to that found on US naval vessels. It only spits water while you physically hold down the button. This is getting to be important in light of the long lines for the shower and waits of up to 3 hours, along with use and additional cost for propane. Shower discipline will be very important and rigidly enforced for camp. HG is looking for another one or two propane tanks to use with the shower for War this year. If anyone has a spare for use please contact HG. Camp fees were discussed and it was confirmed that they were $20 and that this would not change unless what was included did. The next major discussion was regarding Aylwin's Handfasting. There will be a night of drumming for the men and a henna party for the ladies the night prior. The ceremony will take place on family night (Thursday night the second week of War) and will be the finale for the evening coming after household business (welcoming new household members, new squires or protoges and any other household stuff) and followed only by the spanking and the oral sex. Aylwin is still looking for a coordinator to assist in running this even within an event within an event and anyone foolish enough to, er, I mean interested, should contact Aylwin. The feast is to be finger foods and the number of the people attending will be around 100(?) including the household. Aylwin also seeks a priestly type individual to oversee the handfasting ceremony. If anyone knows of one who might serve in this capacity, please contact Aylwin. HG will be looking for guards to act as security at the camp entrances. Isabeau then put forth the idea of having a camp kitchen. This was debated in both directions with the primary advantage being a centralized area that provides space for it and doesn't impinge upon the personal space of those who participate in cooking camp related meals. The disadvantage is that it most likely wouldn't be used by the majority in camp and that it would require all to give up space to provide a spot for the kitchen. HG was neither pro nor con and only commented that if it was agreed to do this, that someone would need to be responsible for it. Baron Wars was briefly discussed and the Honorable Lord Baron Ranulf volunteered to check into what would be required to set up the same camping space as last year. This has been well covered since in posts on the RWL onelist. Robert de Tyre spoke of his household and advised that they would have a camp at War this year as well as rib night. Robert is as yet undecided as to whether he will be camping with his household or with the RWL. HG asked that we make a contribution, the amount to be decided and advised by HG, for underwriting the cost of rib night, which most all the house participates in. HG also offered the assistance of the household for rib night. Whisky night was also discussed and it was advised that we would have one, but in overall smaller scope than last year. A night for this will be finalized by Baron Wars. The Friday night of the first week and the Monday night of the second week of War were both suggested. Contributions of single malt Scotch whiskies gratefully accepted. See HG or Cunradus for suggestions on brands, costs, availability, etc. Ragnar suggested that a calendar be posted for household events and their times during War. Of course most Vikings can't read anyway but it was a nice thought.... Non-combatant support for fighters on the field was also discussed. The most vociferous on the subject was appointed to be in charge of organizing this support. The Honorable Lady Saradwen has been so charged by HG. This will consist of water bearing for the household and related support activities. Ragnar was charged by HG to prepare a roster for a full-day commitment to guarding Midrealm Royal at War. HG will advise Ragnar for which day. HG is most kind to give Rip Van Viking another chance... The Evil Lord Grimkirk was charged with cleaning and preparing the 2 axes that were the original guard weapons of the Middle Kingdom. Several within the household offered assistance in getting them plated once cleaned. On the fighters tabards it was asked on which should goes the Middle Kingdom pale and on which shoulder goes ones personal arms. Personal arms on the right, MK pale on the left. Or was it.... Thus ended this segment of the meeting. And there was great rejoicing... IV. Archery His Grace opened the next segment of the meeting by stating once again his desire that the household fighters authorize in combat archery. The purpose being to field a group of crossbowmen for melees, especially War. In addition to fielding a crossbow corps authorization in combat archery is required for operation of siege weapons. It is also His Grace's desire to build and man siege weapons for use in melee with Ballistae being the weapon of choice. His Grace, some would note, wants lots of things.... Alexander was asked to speak of the combat crossbow source he had posted about previously. Showing that he wasn't entirely speechless, he advised all that he did not have an example to be shown. (now lets talk about useless...) While he had hoped to do so, the purveyor of these combat crossbows had not received an anticipated shipment of prods to allow completion of a sample. Alex further advised that these same crossbows are in the $50-$60 range. Alex was asked to provide a sample as soon as possible but presumably in time for Baron Wars. A source for balder blunts was also offered where a quantity of 500 would be $125.00. More specific information would be gratefully accepted. His Grace now spoke of his additional desire (we're not worthy) to have the household field a target archery team for War. It is something that non-combatants can participate in that would bring points to the War efforts of the Middle Kingdom. Ironhawk made a worthy suggestion to check the local flea markets for used bows, which he has found for less than $10.00 each. In these cases the reminder was to have the marshal inspect the bow for safety prior to use. Saradwen emphasized the need for arm guards and her joy in participating in archery, though she didn't have the arm strength to reach some targets. In rejoinder to which HG emphasized that well placed shots to targets within the range of the archer still counts for points. Time may be wiser spent on perfecting shots at a comfortable distance for the archer. In the discussion on the subject of archery it is apparent that there are a number of sources both within and close to the household that can provide instruction and assistance and would willingly do so. Much of this has already come to light in posts on this subject after 12th Night. V. Heavy Weapons - Unit Identity The next subject brought forth by His Grace was the subject of the identity of the household heavy weapons fighters. HG spoke of his reluctance to bring back the Killer Elite due to the past history and the way in which it would make the group a hot target. While HG is still toying with creating an identity for the group perhaps at some future stage, his preference at present is to just keep it the Red Winged Lion. Some potential names were tossed forth like the Lion Legion and Charon's Cohort. While these are not totally banished from discussion, HG became more and more settled on keeping it the Red Winged Lion as the discussion wore on. So shall it be written, so shall it be done... His most eminent Huckleberry then spoke about the war boards that have occupied so much space on the RWL onelist of late. The war boards will be heater shaped, 22"X46", and will display the RWL in a larger, stretched format that will cover most of the shield. (Ever seen the screaming chicken on the old Trans Am?) The current going price is $25.00 per blank and the shields are to be left in HG's hands for embellishment. Handles, straps and edging to be done by the owner, though this is not firm for the edging. In either case, the edging will be done to HG's specifications and will create a red boarder on the shield. HG still needs to liaise with the purveyor of fine shield blanks to finalize price for quantity and, most importantly, timely delivery. These are to be done and ready for War this year. His Grace also advised us that House de Tyre would fight with the RWL for at least one battle at War, and hopefully more. Templars and Scots huh? Read a book about that somewhere once... VI. Heavy Weapons Unit Tactics & Training His Grace then spoke about his plan to weave us into a lean, mean fighting machine. Pausing for bite from his doughnut, (Ow! Quit it!) he spoke about the need for the household fighters to be aggressive, but to act in concert as a tight-knit fighting group. He spoke of moving as a unit, and having enough knowledge of what to do that anyone on the field knows the correct move to take. He spoke of command and the need for it to be more unified on the field and the need for more awareness in the ever-changing face of battle. At his point he asked Ironhawk to step forward and speak of small unit tactics. Ironhawk spoke well on tactics, derived from military crowd control tactics. All of the information was sensible and useful and will be put up as a separate file to view on the onelist. The meeting then broke and went to the field to try and practice some maneuvering in formation. Three things (at least) came out of this; 1). Helmets make it virtually impossible to pass commands and hand gestures (how rude!) will need to be worked on along with the "pass-it-on" theory of communication. 2). Why Squires don't dance. 3). A Wedge formation doesn't mean grabbing the back of a person's underwear and heaving upwards. (Got that Ragnar?) After this was called on account of darkness, all retired for more stuffing of face, swilling of drink and endless blathering. A good time was had by all... Faithfully recorded and cringingly submitted by one who shall remain nameless. (or get hurt) Now I can get back to my whisky...(whoops) Genvieve also provided notes, but no wisecracks. |