DOMINIQUE FOOSHA TOONE
DAFYDD OF THE GLENS
ULF LOWIS
LADY ANTONIA da RUCCELLAI
TADC O'CORCORAIN
B. FARROW
D. TOONE
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.
TADC O'CORCORAIN C)1998.
So, as Matt LeBlanc so eloquently expressed at the Logies... 'Rock On!'
We now have a hall we can use on Tuesdays. The hall will be used initially for Fighter Training, but it would be nice to see other people putting the hall to good use. Some people have suggested a Theatre Group or an Arts and Sciences venue. If you have any ideas, please let me know.
Our plan is to make The Aardvarkian as interesting and cheap as possible. So far the cost is $8.00 for 12 issues. If you are online, it will cost you nothing, as there are no printing or postage costs. Those wanting it mailed, pay for printing and postage. What we need for postage is:
NAME:
ADDRESS:
MEMBERSHIP NUMBER (IF APPLICABLE) :
Please advise me on any address changes.
Send information and any articles to The Chronicler to the addresses
below.
NAGEL'S NIGHT in March 1999 Banners
- Thanks to the conscientious efforts of Sui we have a Hall for Tuesday Night Fighter Training
- Margie of Glenmore has appointed Sui as Deputy Marshal.
- We have the Arrowsreach Discussion List up and running . Contact Will Cumyn (Bill Farrow) for details
- We finally received the List of Addresses needed to submit our Name and Device for Arrowsreach!
- Thanks to Sharon Nevin who produced October's Stromscroll, she got us in the Regnum!!
The Aardvarkian... conjures up sophistication, timelessness, exudes a sense of frivolity, or even whim. This title is no flight of fancy, the Aardvark is a creature with the most unique qualities.
To form a sense of history, and understand the nature and objective of The Aardvarkian, it is essential to explore the Aardvark itself, it's habitat, idosyncracities, it's raisond'etre, and how these marry to create a mascot to be modeled on.
The Aardvark, it is not a Lion, strong and proud with razor sharp survival instincts, nor is it as graceful and majestic as the Giraffe. Indeed it has been described as, "A grotesque, thickset animal..." (1997 Charles R. W. Lyne).
The Aardvark is however, an enigmatic creature who scientists agree
is truly unique; it is in a class of it's own.
The Aardvark or for Latin buffs, Orycteropus Afer, is a medium sized
nocturnal mammal with tubular nose and a long, extendible tongue. The Aardvark
goes by several names less prestigious but as effective, The Ant bear or
Earth Hog.
The name Aardvark derives from a poetic combination of Afrikaans -Aard
meaning Earth and Vark meaning Pig.
Aardvarks do not move at excessive speeds and take time to enjoy life.
Each night they employ an exceptional sense of smell, to locate their prey
and dine on a feast of delicious African termites. During the days they
can be spotted lazing at the front of their burrows, soaking up the rays.
Having a brown hide, the Aardvark, doesn't have a compulsive need to
remain clean, and finds that the African dust, adds to its highly developed
camouflage.
Don't let this relaxed creature fool you, when alarmed or backed into
a corner the Aardvark can move with astonishing speed. When their back
is against a wall, they will rear onto their hind legs and paw at the attacker
with the front paws. This failing, they will lie on their backs and paw
with all four legs.
Although this sounds slightly ineffective, take into account, that
Aardvarks are accomplished burrowers. The claws combined with the speed
they can dig, is a highly effective weapon. They will run, however having
bad eyesight they have a tendency to frequently crash into trees, bushes
and other obstructions, hence their flight instinctive is to burrow.
The Aardvark is at risk from hunting, some cultures believing that the hair and claws have obscure medicinal and 'magical' properties.
Why the Aardvarkian, it is an unique publication, made up of many talented individuals, who are seen mostly at night, but can be found languishing beneath fluorescent light in elaborate burrows during the day. Their strength of purpose is great and when required to attack do so effectively, for their own survival and that of their clan.
DOMINIQUE FOOSHA TOONE
4. HOW FAR CAN I GO?
Well, you must remain courteous. Satire is dodgey. I really don't recommend this except in unusual circumstances. Crude? Depends on context. Medieval life was shall we say, rather robust, and you can get away with a fair bit of rudeness as long as you do it with style and gusto. And the better you are the further you can go. Remember that if you have adopted a clearly recognizable character persona you can go quite a long way as long as you stay in character. If you are a Medieval Fool, for instance, you can get away with almost. But being a Fool is, after all, extremely difficult. In the entertaining biz it's the backwards double twist, 2.5 somersault with pike.
5. OK, I'VE SEEN LAURELLY TYPE PERSONS DOING HIGH CULTURE. IS THERE TOO MUCH OF THIS? DOES THIS MEAN WE'RE ALL SUPPOSED TO DO THAT?
Not in the least. Do what you're good at. As far as renaissance motets and stuff like that goes, we do this because it's good for the populace to get high culture sometimes. Even if they don't like it, it's good for their souls. Also, here is the pointy bit, some of you may have noticed that a typical Dafydd song bracket usually ends with something very silly indeed in a serious style. This is intentional. You cannot have good humored satire unless there is a clear cultural ambience to send up. So what I like to do is get an atmosphere of serious arty stuff well and truly established and then send it up. Without the serious bit you don't get the comic contrast.
6. CAN I TELL THE AUDIENCE (NICELY) TO SHUT UP AND LISTEN?
This is always a controversial one. At times I do like to see the audience being told to belt up and listen. Especially if the performer is abit on the shy side, or it's going to be seriously quiet ensemble piece. For myself, I will take my chances with the audience. If they don't shut up then clearly I'm not at my best and it's my own fault. A bit of give and take between performers and audience is best. Audiences should keep quiet, and performers must not try their audience's patience.
Long live the Aardvarks!
MASTER DAFYDD OF THE GLENS
Held out front, a sight unseen
Below, an unyielding haze.
Swirling about, within itself
What was done, now gone.
A touch sees what the eye cannot
A sigh within the cloud.
Shaken by the burning trunk
Marked a warning for all.
Grand emerging from the drift
Furnace turning around
Between the toes at the ancient one
The Spot, now is found.
MARSHALL PRIVYDIGGER
A bottle suitable for decanting into it your preferred drink for the event, or a bottle bag to cover your mundane plastic bottles. Also a corkscrew or bottle opener so that you can actually open your drinks. One or two candlesticks, along with enough candles to last for the length of the feast and matches, or an oil lamp or two depending on your preferences. A table clothe, and two napkins help round out the list. (Please note this list is not exhaustive)
The minimum feasting gear that you will need to survive a feast is a plate, a bowl and a goblet, as well as a spoon and an eating knife. Anything over and above that is nice, but this list is the bare basics.
Some people prefer wood, others prefer ceramics, metal or glass. You may wish to take into account your persona when deciding upon your feasting gear. I have a late period Persona, and I prefer to use ceramics and glass. However, I also have wood for the practicality of being able to toss it into my luggage and know that it is likely to survive the trip intact.
Wood and pottery were quite common throughout period and could be had at reasonable prices. Naturally, the better quality pieces made by master craftsmen were far more costly to acquire. Metal was rarer and tended to be more expensive, whereas glass was extremely expensive. Not only because it was hard to make, but also because of the difficulty in transporting it.
I have always found it harder to find my cutlery than my crockery. Spoons in period tended to have rounded bowls, so a modern soup spoon would be closer than a modern dessert spoon. Forks were known in period, though not widely used. Queen Elizabeth was once presented with a set of forks. Two pronged for preference (if you can find them). Eating knives tended towards daggers style as opposed to butter knife shape.
Camberwell Market has yielded several Scadians' with two pronged forks over the years, though I understand that they are getting more expensive these days. Some pieces have cost me a couple of dollars, others have been somewhat more expensive. Still others have been gifts from friends.
If you are after such things as a glass bottle to hold your drinks, try Safeway or Coles. Nowadays both of these supermarkets have some very decorative bottles for a reasonable cost. For small bottles to hold your precious salt, try any of the $2 shops that have sprung up. They often have small coloured glass jars that would suit.
Op-Shops have yielded lovely tablecloths and napery on occasion, but it really does depend on what has been donated. Old bed spreads have been used, as well ass lengths of fabric. Not only do they help keep the table clean, they help to decorate the Hall and the Feast.
Antique and Bric-a-brac shops have also yielded treasures such as drinking horns, knives, forks, goblets etc. True these stores tend to be more expensive, but sometimes you can be pleasantly surprised.
Keep looking and collecting, with the aim to be that you should not borrow from others. Who knows, like many of us you too may end up carting along extra bits of feasting gear, "just in case".
LADY ANTONIA da RUCCELLAI
MARGIE OF GLENMORE
ULF LOWIS
Heavy Training is now occurring regularly at a Hall in Beryl Street Nunawading, every Tuesday evening. Attendance appears to be improving. Although there are some new fighter's, no new authorisations have been completed at this stage.
Some armouring workshops at Brian's have produced very pleasing results. Thorrgill's expertise in leather armouring has also helped those in need of making or purchasing armour for heavy fighting.
Where are the Arrowsreach lights? It's time to dust off your armour and string your bows- How about some light training? Or maybe an event including light combat?
MARGIE OF GLENMORE
TIME: 7:00 - 10:30p.m every Tuesday evening
COST: Unfortunately there will be a new cost of $5.00 to cover the Hall.
Coffee and tea provided.
Thanks to Sui for all his hard work in organising this new venue.
All spectators welcome, so bring your sewing, embroidery, have discussions,
meetings or just chat!
DAY 1: (ARRIVING AT ROWANY)
We arrived at 3:00a.m Friday morning to an encampment of exhausted Medievalers.
With no orienteering skills whatsoever, we desperately searched for our
well disguised Household. With feeble torchlight and treacherous turf to
impede us, we eventually stumbled upon a blasted and eradicated Oak tree
slung insolently over a hired tent. Jackpot! A nest of unruly Saarlanders
lying blissfully unaware and covering our stumbling approach with melodious,
choral snoring. What music!
To our surprise and delight, our Arch Ker-nig had arrived with his
faithful sidekick Wolfram in tow. Amused by the icy night air and the dilemma
facing the intrepid travelers, I mused on the comforting fact that I had
sent my bedding ahead with Shona. Shona had arrived the day before and
I was sharing a tent with her. She was to have my bed ready and waiting
for me, so I could kiss this sorry lot goodbye and curl up and go to sleep.
So I commiserated with the others as they struggled to erect tents,
whilst battling fatigue, stress, shitty children and below zero temperatures.
After much sympathising, I unloaded the van and promptly went to bed. As
my luck would have it, there was no bed! I woke a slumbering yet alluring
Shona (again, liberal use of artistic license) and almost screamed, "Where's
my *#@! Bed?" To which she sleepily replied that the most Depraved, Wicked,
Malignant, Villainous, Base, Sinful, Vile, Corrupt, Infamous Baron known
to Lochac held my most precious bed ransom! "Who?" I queried. To which
she replied, "The EVIL Baron Alaine!"
(Dun, dun da!)
Pause... as the readers gather themselves for a most unexpected twist in the story so far.
"Why O Why?" cried I. Weeping shamelessly as all dreams of blissful
slumber were dashed cruelly away. To which our torpid antagoniser crustily
informed me that it was in his tent and I could retrieve it tomorrow. 'Oh!"
was all I could say. So with hopes dashed and with heavy heart, I trudged
back into the icy morning and begged for bedding to sustain me till sunrise.
With unflagging good humour and the inability to say "No!", Marg acquiesced
and I secured bedding for the morning.
I chatted with Shona as she shared delicious, naughty rumours on the
goings on so far (Primarily concerning her!!) Rehashed the trip's highlight's
which consisted of not much and eventually was lulled to sleep by the dulcet,
sweet sounding extravaganza so thoughtfully provided by Atar and Roland
Ironbeard's nasal passages! A sweet lullaby indeed.
WHEN: Sunday November 8th
WHERE: John Gardiner Reserve; Auburn Road, East Hawthorn
COST: Normal $2.00 tithe applies for hire of Field and Pavilion
TIME: Picnic begins and Lists open at 1:00p.m
Please bring along a picnic, blankets, games, musical instruments but
most importantly a hat and sunscreen!
All merchants welcome.
Yummies and treats will be available to buy on site for a reasonable
cost.
CONTACT: Lady Druid Orange Girlie (Vanessa J. Thomson) in regards to
picnic and merchants
On 9733 4229
And Will Cumyn (Bill Farrow) in regards to the War on 9819 3714.
27-29 November 1998
FRIDAY NIGHT: Soup Kitchen
SATURDAY: War and lots of it! Everyone gets to die. Collegia.
SATURDAY NIGHT: Loki's Night. Gambling, drinking, eating, drinking,
singing, drinking, partying, drinking, wrestling, drinking. (Bardic Competition-
Norse Style)
(Mead, Ale and Beer supplied FREE by the Brewers of Politarchopolis)
SUNDAY: Collegia, Bush KaZi, Archery, Village Football, and Rapier
Tournament.
EVENT STEWARD: Llewellyn de Guerre (Andrew Hill)
EVENT HEAD CHEF: Drake Morgan (Craig Jones) Dietary requirements must
be notified prior
to the event.
COST: Before 1 November - $35.00
After 1 November -$40.00
BOOKINGS: Drake Morgan (Craig Jones)
Valhalla
G.P.O box 2435 Canberra, ACT 2601
Phone: (02) 6251 8101 (between 7-10p.m, 7 days) Email: Craig.Jones@airservices.gov.au
Nb. This is a camping event. Unfortunately bunkhouses are not available.
SATURDAY 17TH - BARONIAL INVESTITURE AND FEAST
WHERE: Saint Joseph's Hall, Pine Mountain Rd, Ipswich (UBD, Map 47,
L6)
TIME: 11a.m onwards. Feast begins around 6p.m.
SUNDAY 18TH - BARONIAL CHAMPIONSHIP & TOURNAMENT OF ROSES
WHERE: Sherwood Forest, Brisbane. (UBD, Map 33, N5)
TIME: Lists and Armour Inspection open: 11.30a.m . Tournament begins:
12.30p.m
COSTS: Adult: $30.00 single day (including lunch) $5.00, off Board:$5.00
Children: under 5: free. Ages 6-13: $15.00. Teens 14-18: Adult price
Family: 2 adult and 2 children: $70.00. 2 adult, 1 child and 1 teen:
$95.00
or any combination in between, Maximum cost: $120.00
BOOKINGS: Bookings required for Lunches and Feast.
DEADLINE: 14 October CHEQUES: SCA Riverhaven Inc.
Dyna or Leanda Jones: Ph: (07) 46 30 33 48. Address: Jones Rd Withcott, M/S 408 Toowoomba, QLD 4352.
When booking please include: Special dietary requirements, Billeting
requirements, Bus & Airport pick up and drop off needs. Billeting is
available, further details will be given when booking.
A petty quarrel of great need
Who suffered most, but thoust seed.
I run away and back again
The will break one day and then
Thoust will not see nor, nor hide nor hair
Nor hear the voice of who was there.
Not hear the voice of who was there!?
That seems too rash, let us repair
The damage done by thee and some
Let bygones be, let me be one.
TADC O'CORCORAIN
(TEIG)
Many of us have spoken of our love of entertainment and our interest in pursuing this interest within a group situation with other like minded individuals. A forum in which to express ourselves and to create works both personal and professional
A fun and relaxed atmosphere where 'everybody' is encouraged to participate both behind the scenes and on stage. An opportunity to direct, write, produce, star, design, create and work with published or even better, amateur productions. No experience necessary, only enthusiasm!
This is your opportunity to join in, have fun and create your own niche within the Society. So please come along to Tuesday Evening Fighter Training in Nunawading and help us create something new!
Greetings and Salutations,
Since the 'Boris is Back' event in June, the Hospitallery hasn't grown any larger, so if anyone has any feasting gear or garb to donate please contact me. Once we have sufficient funds, hopefully we'll have a sewing bee to make more garb for newcomers.
Yours to the Dream
A Chivalric weapons tourney will be held on Saturday December 5th at PRIDEMORE PARK, MASON STREET, HAWTHORN (MELWAYS 2H-H5) from 11.00.a.m. Followed by a catered Feast at FITZROY TOWN HALL (upstairs) MOORE STREET, FITZROY (MELWAYS 2C-B9) from 5.00.p.m.
Entry tickets: $20.00 for members
$25.00 non-members
Cheques payable to SCA Inc. Stormhold.
Tickets will be on sale from the Autocrat from the 1st October until
sold out or till 1st December.
(Wayfarers by arrangement with Autocrat)
There are a limited number of tickets (we have sold out for the last
two years).
Chivalric weapons are either two handed swords or shields with either
sword/mace/axe.
Next will be a Challenge Resurrection Melee (ransoms supplied by the
event, commensurate with the status of the fighter) in the style of the
12th century.
Lists open 11.00a.m, Tourney from NOON SHARP (No S.C.A Time!)
At the Feast will be a Best Angevin Garb competition and the Baronial
Arts and Sciences Championship.
Anyone with special dietary requirements please advise the Autocrat.
AUTOCRAT: Thorfinn Hrolfsson (Steve Roylance)
1592 Malvern Road, Glen Iris, Victoria 3146
(03) 9885 6348 e-mail: roylance@corplink.com.au
So again, thank you to one and all for their help.