[Valgardr]'s diary
My ladywife and I traveled across the kingdom to our neighboring Barony, Osprey, for the coronation of Maximillian and Lethrenn, only to find that our fair queen Deidre was assassinated, and Boru had been beheaded while avenging his queen. It was a sad day for the kingdom, but our highnesses took the crowns with honor and I felt much better about our kingdom knowing that they would rule us using the guidance of their esteemed parents.
At the tournaments, my ladywife fought valiantly and displayed honor and chivalry amongst the knights and squires who asked for a chance to fight her, with her knight watching proudly at the side of the field. One of her fledgelings, [Isabetta] fought well along side her husband Lord [Lorcan], and suprised many a comfortable fighter with their prowess on the field. I fear I will have to remake my lady's armor, as the coat of plates I fashioned for her is now ragged from hard use. Thus I may still be a long time out before I am able to make my own armor to fight for my kingdom and my knight. I do not worry about that, as it is good for me to be able to make sure my ladywife is able to fight in good armor. My time will come soon enough.
Our hosts at Osprey were very friendly and during feast, i opted to lend to atmosphere by sitting off to the side, providing music from my guitar, soft and pleasant to ease the hungry pallets waiting on the next servings.. To my suprise, more than a handful of gentles came and brought me food and drink, though I did not mean it to seem as though I was missing out on feast because of the state of my purse, rather enjoying the time spent in semi-seclusion just outside the light of the feast hall...
I wore a new long vest created with loving hands by [Jac] sable, with Or dragonflies embroidered all over it, which was by far my most favorite piece of clothing I own now.
I was fortunate enough to run into [Bjorn] and his lady, along with [jocosa] and [kynwric], who shared some of their shade with me, and I happily plucked a few songs from my guitar. It was good to have many friends to share stories and shade with, having noted how nice it was to go somewhere far away and still have those who call you by name to sit and share their fires and drink. It was a much needed reminder as to the company I keep, and what they all truly mean to me.
I had also the chance to speak to my good friend Boru about a few things, and showed him my new tattoo. I would like very much to speak more in depth with him, as in all the time i've known him, we have only been afforded a few stolen moments between responsibilite
Sadly, as the night grew, having other responsibiliti
Without Service, there is no Loyalty
Without Loyalty, there is no Chivalry
Without Chivalry, all is lost..
Household Creed of Slippery Slope in Caid... It's a very good quote.
added stuff to the Bardic Circle...and a new graphics page for Meridies for people to put decorations in their profiles...
Arabian Nights was a great success! In attendance (that I can remember)
TRMajesties Trimaris + Entourage
Sir Baras Bayan
Sir Logan Guile
Sir Alexander Brighthelmston
Viscount Sir Camric Greenshield
Sir Myrwyyd
There were a NUMBER of shineys and pointies, but I don't recall all of their names.. As well as a good few Pelicans and Laurels I believe.
We had 36 fighters on the list, and 15 fighters on the Rapier List (that is the same number for when they attended the Rapier's Fighter's Collegium)
We had visitors from all over, feast was great, everyone had a grand time. I had a smallish crowd (including TRM Trimaris) in the Tavern listening to music with me and Sanzio, Sir Logan lent his bardic abilities and we played on till 4am. :D
more later...
The promise that everyone in my shire should make to each other:
Help and give support to those who need, and accept help and support from those who offer it.
I like that way of thinking...
Instead of telling you all how Crown List went, I will show the letter I wrote to my Shire, to give you an idea of how proud and happy I am that we pulled off such a HUGE event.
As many of you know, I brought my father to this event, and it was his very first introduction into our Society. He had the best time he'd had in a VERY long time, feeling comfortable and secure and surrounded by friends even if he did not know them. His views on the SCA are very very secure, and he wants to participate more with Arenal and surrounding areas. His health issues will make it a slow process, but know that all your loving hands brought my father into a scope of perspective that will never tarnish, due to all of your kindness, courtesy and love. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for this, as it proves all the great things I have spoken about to him and others, and solidifies the reasons I give for taking on such burdens. The fullfillment that I get from you all, and the family we share is worth the stress and worry. We are a great Shire. We now have the favor of our Kingdom to prove it. One step closer to our goal of healing and gaining the respect we have always deserved. We're not a 'black hole' anymore. No longer considered a 'Black Sheep' Shire. We are on the map with a bullet, and you all have each other to thank for it.
The List - Lord Sanzio Sansovino
Though Sanzio was defeated in battle, his honor is more than intact, if not elevated for the outstanding show and display of arms on the field. You represented us in the best of ways, and it was an honor to have you fight for us all at Crown List. I am proud of you, Sanzio. Know this above all things.
Awards - Court
I had thought to take notes of all the awards given, and I know I cannot remember a few of them, but alas, I was not able to muster the energy to do so given my current circumstances. (yay gimpashal stick and borderline heat exhaustion) but I know that you all deserved them and some were a long time coming. Understand that no matter how much you believe that nobody sees you and your selfless hard work, know that there are ALWAYS caring eyes on you. You may think nobody sees you but we do.. and my Shoulder Gnome sees alot too ^_^
Lorcan OFlagherty - AoA
Errennach O Farrel - AoA
Giovanni Ramagliante - Duvant Cross
Jacquette d'Anjou - AoA
Harold of Barthe - Argent Comet
Damien the Black - AoA
Jane Catherine Russell - Meridian Cross
Madalena Sartore - AoA
Ming the Mongol (You're not the KAHN) - AoA
Tristan De Lioncourt - Cygnet
Gefn - Guiding Hand
I apologize if I missed anyone, there will be corrections I'm sure.
The Tavern -
Martha, Christine
Words cannot express how wonderful the tavern was. It was a complete success and added much to the feel and ambiance of the event, it drew people just by being there, and was a centralized location for everyone to rest and drink, share stories and listen to the Bards, who also frequented the tables. It was automatically adopted as the main area for gathering and merriment. There is no amount of praise I can give that would be worthy for your most successfull efforts with the tavern. I am almost of the mind to hope for more taverns at our events ;) I do not believe that our Crown List would have been the same had it not been for your Tavern.
Phoenix Glade Fundraiser Lunch/Delectab
I was so happy to see many from the Glade come to participate, your lunches and sweets were very very well recieved and I hope that you did well with them. I did mean to get a sugar free cookie from Melbrigda and Lavena's sweets table for my father but kept getting sidetracked. Again, thank you for all your help and I pray that your efforts provided you with suitable compensation, and all your hard work and efforts reaped the benefits you had desired.
Mistress of Children: Children's Hall
Madalena and her helpers provided yet again another shining example of love and unconditional dedication to the children of the SCA. I only was able to stop in a few times, but from what I heard from others, and saw of the hall, it was a great place for children to be and for that, You deserve MUCH MUCH more praise and admiration than I alone can give, Like the tavern, there is just no such word to use as a worthy description of the praise and admiration I feel for you and what you have brought to Arenal. You have my love, adoration and utmost heartfelt thanks and appreciation, Madalena. Well done!
Constable: Nikolus the Great
You are exactly what this Shire needs during an event. You not only handled everything thrown at you, you did it firmly and with honor. You take your office very seriously, and have done an outstanding service to us, keeping us and ours safe during the course of the event. You kept on top of every minutia, reconciled all problems that arised in a firm and timely manner, with zero drama. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed and I assure you that as I speak for myself, I speak for this Shire as well. You are AWESOME.
Herald: Sanzio, Xander [Rowan ;)]
Your services as herald and Hall Steward were very well recieved and appreciated! I noticed at Court, that there was much switching off during the announcments of awards. I did not understand that, but it looked to me as a tag team effort, and was nice to see you all up there being able to do it. Anytime our members are tapped with the responsibility of serving the Crown Directly in some way, it is an honor for yourselves and the Shire. Well done indeed! I added Rowan in this because it was her shining voice in the Feast Hall that commanded attention each time and for this, I think you should consider a slight dabbling in the heraldic arts.. :D (luv ya gurl)
Exchequer/Feas
Well, Though I did not stop by the kitchen but twice or so, I was confident all was well in hand, even though the Kingdom dropped a few pennies in your Kool-Aid with the time changes and delays, but your food was still outstanding, HRH Deidre spoke to me during feast, with the highest possible praise about your feast. Well Done Indeed! I noticed alot of activity, including our own Spoonmaker TC, and Inga the Viking Crone from Osprey as well, thank you to all the kitchen crew for an outstanding Feast. Joselito, Gefn, Lorcan, Errennach, Jacque, Amareth Jean, TC, Inga, and to the Serving Team Nicolas Hildebrandt, Arwyn, Tristan, Brad, Giovanni, Kyle, Rachel, Elenial, Gunnarr and whoever I missed.. You were an integral part of the success of this Crown List. We are honored and proud of your success.
I will find out about the Exchequer info later on after Joselito has rested... ;)
Marshal - List Field
Ming spent much time setting up the field, only to have it changed completely. This was an unfortunate turn of events, but Ming and Godric handled it very very well, the List Field was outstanding, all the heraldry and showmanship was beautiful! Thank you for all the hard work you and your helpers did to make the field one to remember by all. :D
Household Honors - Crew of the Belladonna
Congratulation
Autocrat - Overall
What can I say, Ulrich? Your organization and fortitude for this large event was outstanding and the honors you have for coordinating this event is not even CLOSE to being unseen or unrecognized. Even with your health issues, you remained steadfast and true to your words and decrees, and everything went off splendidly and to you we all owe a great and heartfelt thank you for your efforts. Your works inspire all. You are one of the pillars of our community, and deserve much praise for more than just your works with Crown List...
Harold of Barthe - You are and always will be one who's works display the truest nature of the dream. Your help, dedication and hard work selflessness, kindness, portray that which all should take note and witness, and learn to share and rise to such endeavors. It is with your help and service, artistic and creational abilities to help coordinate and be the legs for Ulrich that ensured the success of this Event. I cannot thank you enough for all you have done.
I walked and walked, trying to get as much information and observe as I could to remember so that I could thank everyone accordingly myself, but there was much that I may have missed. I do apologize for this, and hope that your own missives will shed light to those who did not/could not attend. Know that by our efforts as a Team, held together by our own sense of honor and chivalry, that we have proved without a shadow of a doubt, that this shire is Unified, strong, and proud. I made a promise to you all that I would one day help you become a truly Unified Shire, and with what I have seen, and experienced in the past months and at Crown List, you ALL have helped me keep that promise. No words can express my love and admiration for the work and love I have seen come to flourish in our Beloved Shire. One down, just a few more to go....
Remember this feeling, my brethren, Remember what it feels like to have earned the highest admiration and respect from those who you seek it from, the appreciation for the hard labors and works that you set forth on behalf of your kingdom, and how no matter how some of you try to AVOID it, your works will spill over and trickle back on to you and your Shire and you will get the love and recognition regardless of whether or not you want, need or desire it. It will still come. Albeit sometimes it comes a bit late, but it will come.(sometimes, just in the nick of time... :D) Rest assured, you cannot avoid it when your works rest on the lips and hearts of your family and friends, and now our Illustrious Kingdom as well...
I am exponentially past proud of you all.
It is an Utmost Honor to serve you all and call you all Family
Bastion d'Sint Michel
Warrior for Meridies
Fighter for Arenal
Seneschal in Service to the Shire of Arenal
Proudest Seneschal in 19 Kingdoms
[End Transmission]
Hit List was a great event.. TRM Boru and Deirdre honored me with the Order of the Argent Comet. We daytripped in the Pirate bus, and around midnight on the way home, the lights of the bus went out, and we had to drive down the interstate on the shoulder, with a maglight as our only way of seeing..until we got to a rest stop.. then we decided to bunker down at the rest stop and wait till daylight, get a jumpstart from a trucker and limp home.. what an adventure...LO
fought at a demo.. first time I have donned armor since blowing my knee out at GW 06.
Didn't blow my knee, didn't have a heart attack.. feelin pretty good other than the lovely swordblows to my back. :) lovin them bruises..hehe.
A knight is sworn to valour, His heart knows only virtue,
His blade defends the helpless, His might upholds the weak,
His word speaks only truth, His wrath undoes the wicked
what a cool quote...
Day Two of Diet:
Today is only water, vegetables and the veg soup.
Day one was only water, fruit, no bananas, with a soup made of beef stock, celery, carrots and onions.
Me and Erin are both doin it. It suxors. I just know some knobby ass skinny f**** thought this sh!t up...I think I want to peel their skin off with a dull plastic kitchen utensil...
Arenal's 12th night went over really well! Though we would have liked a few more numbers, it went off splendidly! our MOC [Madalena] decorated a wonderful childrens area, with all viking themes, Mistress Christiana and her wonderful singing voice lent aid to our MOC, and was a pleasure to have around, as well as Sir Baroque (sp?) who has come back to play, and displayed such chivalry and honor, that we are hard pressed not to shang hai him for other events just to be around his humor and great attitudes! I was awarded the Boarslayer, the highest order of Bardic appreciation given in our Shire, as well as the Golden Book award, another Shire accolade for teaching others what I know. I also recieved a special award to show the love and support the Shire has for me, which included a 440 surgical steel functional Samurai Sword replicated from the Kill Bill movie, based on the Hattori Hanzo sword, a late period japanese sword maker, who was the best and most renowned swordmaker of his time. [LdNicolas] was the new co autocrat, and his organizational skills were clearly shown along with [Joselito]'s Wife Lady Gefn autocratting, with [Rowan] at the helm in the feast for her first solo mission under the watchful eye of [Joselito] who is one of our best feastocrats in our group.
There were very few snags at the event, everyone was mellow and happy, including the 'crats' which was both a pleasant suprise, and a blessing as well. It showed their organization was such that they had time to do fun things as well. Feast was outstanding! [VikingCrone] was there, and I got to meet her in person, and all who met her spoke wonderfully about her, especially the feast teams to which she was a great asset, as some of us know from her help at Gatalop and other places she's helped.
We were competing with alot of other events that were on the same weekend, which lent to our less numbers, but we still did alright and everyone had fun and that's what counts!
Knight's Gambit was alright..It was 10 degrees at night and the site owner would not allow us to heat the cabins we rented, (said if he saw heaters in the cabins, he'd shut down the event) So we had to fend off the cold with what we had. The fighting was great though, got to see a number of meridian legends, and up and comings, We had fun during the day, and feast was very good. I especially liked the chicken lasagna and the 'dump' cake. :) I believe Master [Salih of Aksaray] had a hand in both of those dishes. It was me, [KathrynShea],[Gunnarr], his lady, [LdNicolas],[Joselito], and his lady,[Lord Damien],and his lady [Lady Jane] among those who are members of TK who went.
We would have taken pictures, but the camera actually FROZE and wouldn't work.. :(
finished Erin's Bazubands, just need to paint and wax them. made two gauntlets for one of our youth combat fighters, and [baronulrich] is working on a leather Baronial Coronet. [Sanzio] worked on a cloak for one of his squire brothers. MAN it was cold.. no heater in the warehouse.
Holding armor night at my workplace after hours.. yesterday I made a gorget, and worked on Erin's bazubands (arm/elbow armor) and repaired her chestplate strapping in a couple of places. I also helped make a gorget and a few other things for a few other people the week before.. i'll be finishing erin's new armor pieces before Knight's Gambit. Our knight has asked us to be there so we're gonna go. by hook or by crook :)
We got Coverage on channel 10! :)
http://www.fox
"When you are a man... Sometimes you wear stretchy pants... In your room... For fun."
just a little humor i made in photoshop mulling around my desk at work today..heh enjoy. :)
I guess the rain and cold weather at Gatalop took it's toll.. Both me and my lady are sick..haha.. it was rainy and cold and dreary friday morning till afternoon.. course.. My lady was also diving in a bucket of icewater for minis...that could have had something to do with it..haha.. Time to start swiggin the 'Tussin..
I made all these cool Shire Award Scrolls to be given to my group.. and I can't find the darn things.. I'm going to have to make all new ones.. *sigh*
Gatalop was awesome! I got to speak with Master Salih and Simon, I got to talk to The Majesties Gunthar and Kora, and invited them to Thunder's Keep, I got to hang out with Master Geoffery (not on the greatest of terms as we were helping someone through a tough night) but, we got to talk and He is willing to send me patterns of his armor so I can make people better armor.. haha.. I referred to my armor as "Ghetto Geofferies" and he laughed so It was cool and he wasn't mad I was doing knockoff armor. :) I got to spend more time with Kallile (sp?) who is now Glen Ahbann (he used to be in Meridies before the great Switcharoo, he's a good honorable man and very personable and I enjoy our talks immensely.
My buddy [Gunnarr] was his usual lively self doing anything and everything to have fun, including dressing up as a 'baby squire' including a bonnet, pacifier, diaper and his squire belt and booties. It was pretty cold at night, Poor Ming the Mongol's lovely parachute material pavilion which looked really good got blown down and we had to take it down and make room for him in one of the bastions to sleep. All in all, it was a great event, with lots of fun and camraderie. My shire The Shire of Arenal got a ton of awards at Court, Sanzio got the Argent Comet, [Joselito] got his GOA, Baron Ulrich got the Cygnet's Nest, [Gunnarr], Lyonet,Godric, and [Nikolaus Hildebrand] got their AoA's. What a great event.. :)
I didn't do much drinking, but My lady had fun, and kicked major medieval buttocks on the field.. She made me and our Knight very proud at her fighting. She was the last shieldman standing on the bridge battle against 8 or so enemies, All that was left on her side was her, and three Knights. When she realized she was all alone, and the other knights were cut off on the other side of the bridge, she growled and charged into the biggest cluster of enemies and started swinging her sword like a maniac, dropping at least two before they clubbed her! I was marshaling at the time, so I got to see her plow a hole through the shield wall that would have made a Green Bay Packer blush. LOL I was so proud of her..I am injured (Since Gulf Wars 06) and I'm hoping to get a knee brace soon so I can fight too. I miss it terribly..