ISSUE I A.S. XXXIIi
Copyright July 1998
Unless otherwise specified, articles may be reproduced as long as the original source is cited, and details of the citing publication are supplied to the Chronicler of Arrowsreach.
COVER: Illustrated by Helga 1998.
Explain your concept of ‘Chivalry’ to me?
To me, chivalry is the expression and application of integrity.
It encompasses many things; honour, courtesy, honesty, generosity, humility
and respect being some of them. I am firmly in the camp of
“honesty is the best policy” and think that this particular virtue should
be given the greatest amount of credence. Within the context of the
Society, chivalry can be utilised in a very situational way which often
leads to a disparity of opinions about it. For instance, when I am
fighting someone and I take their legs, I have two options open to me
-I can stay up while they kneel or I can go down with them. I am
being chivalric by standing, as I am according the utmost respect to my
opponent by telling him that he is still dangerous despite being disadvantaged.
I am also being chivalric if I choose to kneel, as I am awarding him a
point of honour and I am according him the highest respect by not pressing
the advantage. Which is more chivalric? You will find people
who will argue either way so to say that there is one description of chivalry
that is more appropriate than most is almost impossible as everyone is
different. Personally, I think that if you are honest to yourself,
to your opponents on the field and to all people off the field, you can’t
go too far wrong.
How do you apply this to your fighting?
Through self-assessment, continuous re-examination of current values
and listening to healthy doses of external criticism. I believe that
if you are being honest with yourself then nobody else has a leg to stand
on if they are accusing you of dishonesty. (Note: that my favourite expression
comes into play here “there is an exception to every rule” as every persons
perception of reality and truth is different…)
Why did you take up heavy fighting?
Hmmm, you just had to ask a sticky one, didn’t you? I had
heard some of this S.C.A thing but had not given it any credence.
One day, I get home from work to find that my then girlfriend’s dog has
died quite messily all over the laundry and she has freaked out and run
off. I was not happy about this and decided to check out all of the
haunts that she would go to if upset, but to no avail. As a last
resort, I checked out this ‘fighter training’ thing at Melbourne University
basketball court as she had mentioned it. I asked the people there,
watched a bit, then they dressed me in armour and I got to hit people.
The fun aspect took over. I got authorised two weeks later then I
went to Festival ’87, 4 weeks after that.
What does being a Knight mean to you?
Well, according to other members of the populace, it means giving
up fighting, working on my beer gut and pointing to the pointing to the
white belt a lot (hahaha). What it means to me is showing people
how hard I can hit them when they say that I don’t fight, have a beer gut
and am pretentious about being a member of a peerage order (louder HAHAHA
Sorry, serious stuff. I felt that the Society put a great deal into
me. Part of what being a knight is about is putting all of that back
and then some -I have experience and knowledge and skill that I have
managed to get from bucketloads of different people over the years and
I think that others would benefit from dissemination of that. Automatically
receiving respect from people when you walk onto a tourney or war field
is what being a knight IS, but to continually strive to deserve that respect
and be worthy of it is what a knight DOES.
What are your feelings on Archers?
Scum sucking lights??? (Does that answer your question???)
I hate having to spend 30 mins getting dressed, 60-90 mins in preparation
(speeches, invocation, rules, scenarios, tactical discussions etc). Then
walk 10 metres after “LAY ON” is called, and without having thrown a single
blow or bellowed a single word of command, being shot in the face/box/handy
target area of choice. Despite that, I feel that archers are just
as important to war scenarios as heavies are and I will use them to gain
as many advantages on the battlefield that I can (just ask Weeb… ).
I appreciate their speed, and the fact that they can turn the tide of a
battle without much effort. I like archers, but as long as the good
ones are on my side…;^)
What is your opinion on the re-introduction of the 5 yard rule?
Good and bad. Good in that the level of injury will be lessened
greatly, heavies will start to learn distance recognition as part of their
authorisation. It will promote an awareness of self-preservation
on both sides of the fence (heavies vs lights over distance).Bad in that
there will be disputes over who killed who at what distance (“I was within
5 yards!” “No you weren’t!” type arguments). It will require
archers to have an increased knowledge of close distance and when and when
not to flee an engagement, and opens up abuse from heavies with pole weapons.
What’s the biggest problem you face as a Marshal?
Trying to avoid giving fighting technique advice while on the job HAHAHA!
Diplomacy mainly. I see two fighters in a tourney who are whaling
away and it looks bad to the spectators and the hardest thing I find is
approaching them and saying, “You are not taking blows” in a courteous
fashion. Difficult, but not impossible, but a problem in that the
perception is that I am an ogre and I hate the person I have told etc.
On what grounds do you think a Knight should hand back his belt?
You’re going to milk this interview for all it’s worth, aren’t you?
Short answer -when he feels that he is no longer behaving in a knightly
fashion. Long answer -don’t even start me on Reynardine (yes,
I feel qualified to say things as I was squired to him at Festival ’87,
but that doesn’t mean that I am going too…), suffice to say that fear is
not a valid excuse.
What is your feelings on A&S Nazi’s?
Generally the same as vegans who wear leather shoes –GET A LIFE!
(I didn’t fight my way to the top of the food chain to be a bloody vegetarian!
Anyway if the supreme being didn’t want us to eat animals, why did he/she
make them out of meat???) Sorry, I think that you get out of the
Society what you put in and you shouldn’t attempt to modify other’s perceptions
of the Dream to fit into yours if they are playing it differently.
In any case, A&S Nazi’s tend not to approach me for some reason…
Margie wants to know, “What’s your favourite medieval food?”
Fresh, dripping, hot roast animal in large chunks (check this
Master squared Charles of the Park…)
Who do you think is sexier, heavies or lights?
Heavies by a big margin -lights just don’t smell bad enough
to take seriously!
(The interview was cancelled, as Cindy Crawfoot found herself negotiating a hostage situation. Namely her own! As the greatest, handsomest, most talented Knight in the Known World, committed unimaginable torture on this adorable reporter. Utilising illegal technology, he showed her sights not meant for innocent baby blues; involving his squires cavorting nakedly with rampant… well no need to go into gory details! So, I hope you enjoy this brief yet tantalising glimpse into the world of sweat, metal, white belts and copious abuse of privilege.)
As fever passed and I awoke With trepidation dogging
my heels
A blush I did feel I headed for a shaded
spot.
He smiled rather blankly A clear view of the
second list field
Amused by my zeal. The day promised to be hot.
Trembling hands and heaving breasts In black and red with
stars of gold
To his side I hastened thus. Was my gallant fighter
dressed
Blushing profusely from raucous jests In the regalia of
a knight of old
My bidding had created a fuss. I was suitably impressed.
With generous spirit and pure delight With gentle grace
and simple joy
He congratulated my good luck He bid me a warm salutation
His small talk was exceeding polite I devised a most
cunning ploy
I gave the List Ladies their bucks. He fought for
Saarlands nation.
With amusement and some chagrin Harkening to the
Heralds announcements
I bid him a fond goodnight We settled to a
long, interesting day.
Little did I realise the fun to begin Forays
of strong, brave combatants
My household mocked my plight. Fighting for honour
and glory.
As contestants completed their fights Fighting Florentine
was he
A resounding cheer did sound A deadly foe to behold
For the battle made a glorious sight As he competed
magnificently
Soon a champion would be crowned. He was worth more than
20 gold!
My purchased fighter did win his way Our gallant hero succumbed
eventually
Through most deciding bouts Though he fought so good
and true.
Before each match he was heard to say Although he apologised
emphatically
“For House Saarlands!” did he shout. We do not doubt his
virtue.
With chivalry, respect and finesse For he has been
our ideal warrior
He greeted his opponents well What chivalry should
be
With great skill and honed prowess We are definitely
no sorrier
We were captivated by his spell. That he did not
claim victory.
Ok, we’ve all seen them. Most of us have done it at some stage.
What should we aim for? What do people like? Is the ‘Jumping
Jews of Jerusalem’ entertainment? Should we sing our favourite song?
And why won’t people shut up when performer’s perform? And so on.
Ok here are some suggestions I would make:
1. PICK YOUR AUDIENCE
Unless you’re surrounded by people who feel like you about entertaining
(and how likely is this?), make some sort of executive decision early on
about who is the target audience here. I made something of a hit
with the visiting royalty once, by arranging an old Irish song about ‘Grainne
ni Mhaille’ the pirate queen. Turned out that this lady was the Queen’s
fave all-time historical pinup hero. I didn’t know this, but it was
a reasonable guess. Obviously visiting royalty gets precedence over
everyone else. The rest of the populace seemed to like it too, but
this was something of a bonus. Pick something that you feel a) the
audience will like b) you will like performing c) you are able to perform
and d) isn’t too long. Remember this is the T.V generation and their
attention span is about 8 minutes!
2. WHAT SKILLS DO I BRING TO THIS PERFORMANCE? (and which ones will
be useful?)
Well, in my own case, I’m a mundanely published poet, a commissioned
composer as well as a singer and conductor. So if there are part-songs
to perform this is a good call. Would I inflict serious mundane-style
poetry on an audience? No way! Ditto for serious mundane-style
music. It isn’t appropriate and we shouldn’t do this even if we’re
good at it. Having developed some sort of skill in devising silly
poetry I can do this. I’ll also inflict serious period poetry on
an audience if requested by Royalty or an autocrat. Otherwise let’s
just keep it light shall we? However, if your talents lie in the
field of serious period verse or singing, by all means consider it. Bear
in mind, that if you can do any comedy, please do it. The audience
will thank you.
3. CAN I DO SOMETHING EPIC?
In other words, I’ve had this great idea of reciting the ‘Song of Roland’
and wouldn’t that be way cool! Well, you will certainly test people’s
courtesy, possibly to the point of getting bread thrown at you, but please
don’t. Keep it short, wherever possible. There are exceptions,
naturally. Last Stormhold Coronet a drama troupe did ‘Sir Gawain
and the Green Knight’ (edited highlights) and did it exceptionally well
too. The advantage here was that, being a play, lots of people were
talking and interacting with each other.
You can do more. I am supposed to be doing something epic
fairly soon with St. Hildegarde of Bingen in honour of her 900th anniversary.
The safety nets will be a) music (helps keep your audience interested)
b) different people speaking and c) the audience will be forewarned,
so anybody who won’t enjoy it won’t be coming in the first place.
Generally however, be careful. I still break out into hives thinking
about the Opera I once inflicted on the populace.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITES OF A MARSHAL:
1. Field Marshal -supervise individual and melee combat in the Lists.
2. War Marshal -supervise combat in wars
3. Marshal-in-Charge -assumes responsibility for all fighting at an
event, co-ordinates marshals to inspect
armour and oversee combat and settle disputes.
4. Branch Marshal -oversees fighting in the branch, practices
and events, responsible as Marshal-in-Charge at local events, or must deputise
another who’s qualified and must send reign reports.
5. Armour Inspections
6. Fighter Authorisations
7. Marshal Authorisations
In some circumstances, unwarranted fighters under the supervision of
the Marshal-in-Charge, can take on some of the above responsibilities,
such as Field and War Marshal. Authorised fighters should be familiar
enough to help out with these tasks at the request of a marshal-in-Charge.
Marshals-in-Training should offer their assistance in order to gain valuable
experience.
With Arrows Reach, we have a number of warranted Marshals, including:
Atar of Sarum, Little Brusi of Dragonvale and Margie of Glen More (the
Arrowsreach Branch Marshal). Those new to the S.C.A, a Marshal can
be recognised by a tabard or baldric of black, with a gold insignia of
two crossed swords. I look forward to seeing you. Any queries
on combat arts in Arrowsreach, please contact me.
Like many newcomers, when I first joined the S.C.A, I had no feasting
gear at all. Fortunately some very kind Gentles loaned me the necessary
bits and pieces to get me through the event. That first feast (held
in the Otter St. hall over 11 years ago now) showed me that having something
to wear (also borrowed), so that I didn’t look too out of place; was very
nice. However, being able to eat the food was perhaps more practical
to someone who had deliberately not had lunch on advice from an experienced
S.C.Adian.
So immediately after that event, I began to collect things for
my feasting basket. I am still collecting. It seems to be a
never ending minor obsession. Though try not to be misled here; I
do not have a never ending stockpile of feasting gear. Over the years
some have been given away, some lost and some broken. Like many things
in the S.C.A, there are no hard and fast rules for the acquiring of your
feasting gear, and I am certainly not here to tell you that you “must”
do it my way. What I am trying to do is to make suggestions, and
hopefully they may give you ideas.
Firstly you need something to carry everything in. The
most common item used over the length and breadth of the S.C.A is of course
the humble basket. Usually made of cane. Of varying shapes
and sizes, as suited to the individual taste of the owner. They can
usually be obtained from such places as Target, Kmart, Myer, House, Home,
Op Shops, Community Aid Abroad or markets. This is not an exhaustive
list by any means., look around you.
I have had several baskets over the years, and also taken note
of those that my friends have acquired. One thing I would recommend,
is to try to get one with a lid. Preferably one that can be fastened
shut, and not simply closed. There is nothing worse than having your
basket tip over, and having everything fall out (especially if the contents
are breakable). Other Gentles have used their wood working skills
to great effect and practical use and have made their own feasting box.
However, unless you can make your own, or you can find someone willing
to make you one for a price, I suggest you start with a cane basket.
A fully-stocked feasting basket for one person will include such
things as: a) a minimum of two plates and two bowls. One of the bowls,
usually the larger of them will act as your scrap bowl. b) One or two goblets
c) an eating knife d) at least one spoon or if you prefer e) a fork or
two and f) a small container for your salt is also nice.
(PART 2 NEXT ISSUE)
1 1/2 kg pickling onions 1 litre of malt vinegar
75g salt 25g mixed whole pickling spice
Peel onions, place in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Cover with
tea towel and leave overnight.
Meanwhile, put vinegar and pickling spice in a pan and slowly boil.
Remove from heat and pour into basin. Leave overnight. Next day,
strain the vinegar. Drain onions and rinse to remove excess salt.
Pack onions into jars and pour strained vinegar on until you cover
the onions.
Fashion airtight lids, from either material or metals (your choice)
and decorate according to taste.
STORAGE: Jars should be stored in a cool, dark place for 2-3 mths before they’re opened.
“Where is she?” I panicked as 2:15p.m. came and went. I
was packed and ready for the ordeal ahead. Ten hours of driving hell
to Silverdale in N.S.W. Blasted landscapes and monotonous sheep were
all I had to look forward too. The day was half gone and we
weren’t even out of Melbourne yet. I tapped my fingers and went to
the toilet for the umpteenth time (you can never be too careful!)
I revised my luggage, wondering what I had left out or didn’t need.
The clock registered 2:32p.m. and my panic grew. This was my first
attempt at driving for any length of time. Where WAS she? Finally
I spotted the dirty red van pulling in our driveway. I was momentarily
overwhelmed by feelings of distress and homesickness. Did I really
want to go? I mustered my fleeing courage and went to the toilet
again. As I said, you can never be too careful.
Slowly Evan and I started lugging out the necessities I needed
for the trip. Marg’s face registered panic as she gestured to the
car, and to our horror, there was no room! She was packed tight and
I had a mountain of luggage to fit. Also coming, was our Household’s
food for the duration of the event. Where would it all fit?
“Let’s just bring everything outside and go from there,” Marg advised.
Hell had just begun. With much tugging and pulling, swearing and re-arranging
we re-packed the van. I bid fond tearful farewells to my adoring,
little family (artistic license at work here!) and then Marg and I were
off. Cigarettes dangling and music blaring we headed for the open
road. “We still have to pick up Maidlin and Ry from school,”
she informed me. My hopes for freedom were cruelly dashed and I grudgingly
acquiesced.
I glanced at the time and sighed, 4:00p.m and we were still in Mooroolbark.
We had ambitiously planned to be on our way by 3:00p.m.
We picked up each child and were greeted with whining choruses
of, ”Where were you?” Marg, believing that children should be treated
as adults, preceded to rehash the painfully, pedantic tale from yo
to woe. (Children are like dogs: groom them, feed them and discipline
them often! Let them know who’s Mistress! That’s my philosophy)
We hit Lilydale (a good suburb away from Mooroolbark!) when Marg yet again
informed me we had to stop. We needed petrol. ‘I guess that’s
important,” I conceded.
Well sniffing fumes is my favourite pastime and I preceded to
get high as Marg filled the Bloodclot.
(Her van’s name) Feeling decidedly light headed and seeing spots,
I offered to pay first tank. I reeled into the station and was side
tracked by an array of glitzy, gaudy, cheap, plastic sunglasses!
Entranced and slightly nauseous, I played try on those specs! Marg
helped in her usual fashion (clowning around and generally embarrassing
herself), and between us we chose for me, a delightful pair of plastic,
green sunglasses with fake tortoise-shell arms. Making witty remarks
and sharing amusing asides with the console operator (not Sui’s dream girl!)
We purchased our necessities, which were petrol, sunglasses, cokes,
mints and cigarettes. Everything a good road trip needs. As
a bribe and because I was still under the influence of petrol, we bought
the kids some snakes. This took a good twenty minutes or more,
and we still hadn’t left yet!
You can guess the next three hours or so. Lots of conversations,
many cigarettes, surreptitious sips of our beverages (remember, you can
never be too careful!) and plenty of good driving music to whittle the
time away. I especially composed a tape of great driving songs. It
included a classic selection of Demis Roussous, heart-breaking love songs
from Chicago, Duran Duran hits, Abba favourites and Ol’ Rubber Lips himself,
Bryan Ferry! Marg was heartily impressed and sang along with many
of the tunes! Did you know, that she knows all the words to every
Demis song? Her favourite though is, “My friend the Wind”.
Like all good road trips there was the eventual call for a stop
as many had to pee and most of us were starved. Mind you, I had provided
a delicious lunch that I had slaved over (it took me ages to decide what
rolls to purchase!), which they gobbled down in less than a minute!
Marg actually prefers to dribble her rolls on herself. Apparently
it’s more fun that way! So with glee and bizarre, stiff legged gaits,
we ran amuck and caused as much chaos and anarchy as possible in two minutes.
Our Household leader would be so proud.
Apart from a few heart- stopping moments for Marg, when I drove
the Bloodclot, it went well. For those who are unsure why my driving
would inspire dread, let me explain. I’m only on my Learners, I’m
23 and I have the brain power of a pea! (This is currently being
ghost-written by a well known intellect of Stormhold!) I also like
to dance and sing whilst driving. My favourite routine is the roller
skating one from Xanadu! I adore Livvy and she’s on the driving tape
too!
There was only one truly scary stage. That occurred near
the witching hour, when children should be asleep and toys come to life!
(Hey Mr. Buzzy!) A combination of white-line fever, fatigue, boredom,
petrol fumes overdose, lack of coke (due to the sipping requirements!)
and cigarette allergic reactions caused Marg and I to hallucinate.
Composing seemingly amusing parodies of television themes starring various
members of the S.C.A populace and our own Household! In retrospect
and on singing these ditties to our Household, we were convinced of our
inability to compose pop tunes! We weren’t no Savage Garden!
I’m still convinced there’s at least one salvageable rhyme. It chronicles
the formation of House Saarlands and the Druids. Naturally this does
NOT include former members who claimed to have sprouted cerebral appendages.
:-)
The Household has a squire called Atar,
Then there’s William and Lord Brian.
There’s also Wolfram
And an associate called Dafydd.
And a phallic symbol named Duncan.
Then the one day when the boys met a girlie
And Brian wanted an apprentice of his own.
He got Margie, then she got Brett.
His jeep and mobile phone!
Now Margie has some rugrats of her own
And two became Saarlanders too.
There’s Ryan and he’s their Banner bearer
And Maidlin is their Druid Princess.
Now the boys needed mommies to care for them,
As they don’t have moist, pink bits of their own.
They recruited Magda, Shona, Yvon and Ness.
Who all became known as House Saarlands!
(PART 2 NEXT ISSUE)
My plans for the Aardvarkian is to make it as interesting and cheap as possible. So far I have set the cost at $8.00 for 12 issues. If you are online it will cost you nothing, as there are no printing or postage costs. Those who want it mailed pay for printing and postage. What I need for postage is:
NAME:
ADDRESS:
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Send information and any articles to The Chronicler to the addresses
below.
Thursday July 16th (8:00p.m-10:00p.m) Arrowsreach Planning Meeting
To Be Announced
Anybody with ideas and questions are welcome.
Especially newcomers.
Saturday July 25th (1:00-4:00p.m) ?Candle-making Workshop?
1 Walsh Street, Noble Park
Please supply own pots. Only bring old pots
as they are unusable afterwards.?
Anybody interested in hosting an event or has an idea for a workshop can contact the A&S Officer, the Seneschal or The Chronicler for more information.
Thank you everybody.