Best Pennsic in 20 years
As I prepare to dive back into the mundane world tomorrow, my tent dry, clothes washed, gear more-or-less stashed, I realize I haven't actually posted the whole war thing.
Start with getting to Zero Night about an hour after Troll opened. Got trolled in, set up my tent, and hung out. Pulled my first Watch shift at 1700, albeit not a full one. My cart clapped out in the Bog, halfway through. Land Grab itself went way easier than before, but then we had a hot and brutal wait while our setup contingent was stuck in Troll for 4 hours.
Sunday afternoon, town run for all the stuff I didn't bring up initially. Got home Sunday evening, spent Monday packing, loaded a bit more Tuesday, and got back up to War around 1500. During all the trips up and back, nary a traffic jam one. I'll take that and run with it.
Peace Week Wednesday and Thursday were my last remaining unscheduled days. Thursday, I got to attend Auntie Arwen's excellent Norse Medicine class. Friday, the awesome began with great turnout and good fun had by all at my firearms class.
Saturday, getting my armor inspected. Then, Guild of St Barbara meeting in the afternoon, then attending the Knighthood vigil of my Squire-sister, Cunen Beornhelm. First vigil where I've walked a candidate over to Odyssey Coffee between the departure of the Peer advisors, and settling down for the vigil. We wrapped about 0400.
Sunday -- Up at 0730, on to the guns for Opening Ceremonies. Thus, was in on firing the first shots of the War. Sunday PM, stopped in at the forge where Cunen's Lady, Ariadne Flaxenhair, was forging her spurs. Those spurs: The heel-straps were forged of iron smelted mostly at Pennsic. The bronze for the pricks was made onsite, from copper and tin smelted at previous Pennsics.
Monday: Up to inspect and Marshall, and wound up writing up a knowledge base article on mangling Windrose / Mandrake spear tips into something that would pass inspection. Marshalled the Castle Battle, then off to a couple meetings of the leadership and membership, of the newly reconstituted Chirurgeons' Guild. Then, Mardi Gras! Yes, it's always on Monday night. At Wickerman this year, I was gifted a fire-blanket. Threw it into my pocket, and at Mardi Gras, asked if they needed spotter help. Yes, and of course spotters get the best seat in the house. WIN.
Tuesday: Rose with the sun, armored up, and fought the Bridge Battles. My major function was soaking up enemy fire. First Bridge, I was fifty feet behind the lines, and sustained a good blow to the head. Looking around, I found a ballista bolt on the ground behind me. I noted that getting shot with a helm on is an improvement over eating a bolt in the face while marshalling. Second and third bridges, I got to the front lines, and annoyed a few people before getting gacked. Died early enough on the third Bridge, that I could get back to camp and shuck the armor. Thus, did not have to shoot for the Rapier Town Battle in my gambeson.
Dashed down off the hill, showered, and dressed in my spiffies with all the bling. Yes. That's right. I. Dressed. Up. For. Court. I was slated to process in as part of Cunen's harem of consorts, since she'd fought for me in a Crown. Not having time to cook, I hit the Beast and Boar for dinner. The dinner special was St Louis Baby Back Ribs. Yes, you got that right also. Dressed to the nines, and dinner was BBQ ribs. In a feat of gustatory Dexterity (heh), I ate an entire rack, with green beans and coleslaw, without getting one single drop of sauce or other rib-goo on me.
Court: Summarize it as the most epic Knighting I have ever attended. His Majesty Aethelmearc, Timothy of Arindale, wrote the words to her scroll. Speaking for her were Countess Allanda de Warwick, our Knight's Lady, as Lady of the Rose; Viscount Sir Daffydd ap Gwalchmai, OL, our former Squire-Brother, as the Laurel; Master William de Montegilt, senior Pelican of Aethelmearc (formerly one of the senior Pels of Atlantia); and Countess Sir Fernanda de la Foret, OP, of the Middle spoke for the Chivalry. Notable, however, is that in Aethelmearc, they have additional Worthies speak of the candidate. Cunen and Flaxie didn't know to ask a Royal Peer. When one was asked for, Duke Cuan MacDaige of Atlantia stepped up and spoke.
In the bestowing of regalia, King Timothy told the tale of the chain. It began as one he wished to give her. He had it sent to Atlantia, where the Knights at Ruby Joust were asked to each wear it for a passage at arms. It was Fedexed around the country, and worn by King Havordh of An Tir, Count Thorbrand of Outlands, Viscount Daffydd of Northshield, Earl Knarlic of Caid, and Duke Valharic of Atenveldt, among others. It then made its way back to Aethelmearc, where it was worn by a plethora of other Knights. In the eight weeks between Writ and Elevation, that chain was worn by sixty-seven or more Knights.
I normally avoid Court. I would not have missed this, though an army of trolls barred my way.
Wednesday morning, I had to dash to the far west end of the War zone, to roll cannon charges for Thursday and Friday. Then, a meeting of the Master Gunners of the Guild, on its future direction. Dash back to camp, grab a wagon, and load up with teaching materials.
Had a fantastic group of students for Medicine, Physick, and Surgery, including a couple of modern medical pros who added some interesting insights to the conversation. Master Bedwyr, of the East Kingdom, did me the honor of co-teaching with me (and bringing his toys) on Evolution of Firearms. Finished the afternoon up with a Master Chirurgeons' meeting.
Wednesday evening, wandered around Midnight Madness, but didn't shop except to pick up a thrumm cap, then hung out briefly at a mini-bardic circle at camp.
Thursday was Woods Battle day. For the Guild, that means 0900-1700 on the hill. Bring a chair. Bring water. Bring lunch. Bring things to do. It's a long day.
For the evening, I was over in the food court when mention was made that the Viking Funeral boat would be coming through. I've known of it for years, and seen it burn from a distance a couple of times. This year, I went over to check it out.
The boat itself was five feet long, and the gunwales crammed with round shields bearing the arms of those who had passed. Among them was Baron Adhemar, of the Gunners' Guild. The most-honored departed one of the year gets his or her arms on the sail. In this case, it was Master Merlin the Archer, who'd never registered arms. Thus, the sail bore the handicap-access symbol, with the seated figure holding a bow and arrow. The procession was led, in fact, by kin of his pushing his wheelchair, laden with his arms. Of note, on the foredeck, was an oblong black object: A miniature Federation Starfleet Mark VI photon-torpedo casing, labeled for Leonard Nimoy.
In another stroke of the great things that made this war fantastic for me, I got picked as a boat-bearer. We carried it through the marketplace, and down to Runestone Park. The lantern which would provide the flame for its ignition was lit there, then down to the lake and out onto the grassy spit protruding. As we were getting the boat lit, a call went out for any who wished to place a token in the boat. I had a Saint Barbara pin in my pouch. In honor of Baron Adhemar, and the Marines who died in Chattanooga (Artillerymen, they were), I placed it in the boat.
I shall have to make the Boat Burn a feature of my future Pennsics.
Friday dawned clear as usual. I actually had a fairly leisurely morning, then went up the hill to fire for the Rapier Field Battle. Master Michael Graham and I shot the openings and closings, and I got to fire the last shot of the War. Friday night, a final trip to the Bog was most memorable.
A few flashes, here and there: Zero Night (actually, afternoon), standing in the Troll line. We were entertained by Duke Cariadoc, who told us a tale ascribed to Mohammed of three men trapped in a cave by a boulder. ** Middle Sunday, I walked a lady back to her camp (she was worried about heat issues). On arrival, I was invited to dinner. Wonderful, period food, and excellent company. ** Anita Cooper has a huge, fluffy, orange-and-white cat [Edit: I have since found out his name is Greebo]. A few times during the War, he got out, hopped the fence around the Cooper house, and scrounged for scritches among the Populace. So, in the midst of Pennsic, I got a couple of unexpected furball-cuddle fixes. ** Outside of Aethelmearc Court after Cunen's Knighting, ran into Mistress Dorigen of the Grey Gate. We reminisced, and realized that this Pennsic was the thirtieth anniversary of our adventure together. ** One day, went over to Mystic Mail to catch up on some stuff. Stopped back by later, and the lady said, "OMG, I just took your medallion to Lost and Found!" I dashed over, and had it back in minutes. Helps to have a distinctive medallion cord with stuff on it. ** On the musical side, I got to hear the Creepy Bard, Wolgemut, and a bunch of random encounters with the musical talents around Pennsic. ** There were random fire-spinning and dance performances. ** On the way into the Bog one night, I heard someone in Landsknecht garb yell "Mein Schwanz ist ein Flammenwerfer!", which triggered a bizarre conversation in fractured pig-German about Der Klapp. ** Had a Laurel wander by my medical class, and told me I had more students show up than he did to his.
Saturday, the ADHD kicked in and my pack-out was over-leisurely. I got out of camp and off to my motel room just before dark. However, this was NOT before the one bit of sustained rain we'd had all Pennsic, sent me home with wet canvas. Sunday, one of the smoothest trips back I've had in years, and got the car pretty much unloaded. Today was drying the tent, laundry, and return to the World.
Oh -- and on the way back, I composed a song.
Start with getting to Zero Night about an hour after Troll opened. Got trolled in, set up my tent, and hung out. Pulled my first Watch shift at 1700, albeit not a full one. My cart clapped out in the Bog, halfway through. Land Grab itself went way easier than before, but then we had a hot and brutal wait while our setup contingent was stuck in Troll for 4 hours.
Sunday afternoon, town run for all the stuff I didn't bring up initially. Got home Sunday evening, spent Monday packing, loaded a bit more Tuesday, and got back up to War around 1500. During all the trips up and back, nary a traffic jam one. I'll take that and run with it.
Peace Week Wednesday and Thursday were my last remaining unscheduled days. Thursday, I got to attend Auntie Arwen's excellent Norse Medicine class. Friday, the awesome began with great turnout and good fun had by all at my firearms class.
Saturday, getting my armor inspected. Then, Guild of St Barbara meeting in the afternoon, then attending the Knighthood vigil of my Squire-sister, Cunen Beornhelm. First vigil where I've walked a candidate over to Odyssey Coffee between the departure of the Peer advisors, and settling down for the vigil. We wrapped about 0400.
Sunday -- Up at 0730, on to the guns for Opening Ceremonies. Thus, was in on firing the first shots of the War. Sunday PM, stopped in at the forge where Cunen's Lady, Ariadne Flaxenhair, was forging her spurs. Those spurs: The heel-straps were forged of iron smelted mostly at Pennsic. The bronze for the pricks was made onsite, from copper and tin smelted at previous Pennsics.
Monday: Up to inspect and Marshall, and wound up writing up a knowledge base article on mangling Windrose / Mandrake spear tips into something that would pass inspection. Marshalled the Castle Battle, then off to a couple meetings of the leadership and membership, of the newly reconstituted Chirurgeons' Guild. Then, Mardi Gras! Yes, it's always on Monday night. At Wickerman this year, I was gifted a fire-blanket. Threw it into my pocket, and at Mardi Gras, asked if they needed spotter help. Yes, and of course spotters get the best seat in the house. WIN.
Tuesday: Rose with the sun, armored up, and fought the Bridge Battles. My major function was soaking up enemy fire. First Bridge, I was fifty feet behind the lines, and sustained a good blow to the head. Looking around, I found a ballista bolt on the ground behind me. I noted that getting shot with a helm on is an improvement over eating a bolt in the face while marshalling. Second and third bridges, I got to the front lines, and annoyed a few people before getting gacked. Died early enough on the third Bridge, that I could get back to camp and shuck the armor. Thus, did not have to shoot for the Rapier Town Battle in my gambeson.
Dashed down off the hill, showered, and dressed in my spiffies with all the bling. Yes. That's right. I. Dressed. Up. For. Court. I was slated to process in as part of Cunen's harem of consorts, since she'd fought for me in a Crown. Not having time to cook, I hit the Beast and Boar for dinner. The dinner special was St Louis Baby Back Ribs. Yes, you got that right also. Dressed to the nines, and dinner was BBQ ribs. In a feat of gustatory Dexterity (heh), I ate an entire rack, with green beans and coleslaw, without getting one single drop of sauce or other rib-goo on me.
Court: Summarize it as the most epic Knighting I have ever attended. His Majesty Aethelmearc, Timothy of Arindale, wrote the words to her scroll. Speaking for her were Countess Allanda de Warwick, our Knight's Lady, as Lady of the Rose; Viscount Sir Daffydd ap Gwalchmai, OL, our former Squire-Brother, as the Laurel; Master William de Montegilt, senior Pelican of Aethelmearc (formerly one of the senior Pels of Atlantia); and Countess Sir Fernanda de la Foret, OP, of the Middle spoke for the Chivalry. Notable, however, is that in Aethelmearc, they have additional Worthies speak of the candidate. Cunen and Flaxie didn't know to ask a Royal Peer. When one was asked for, Duke Cuan MacDaige of Atlantia stepped up and spoke.
In the bestowing of regalia, King Timothy told the tale of the chain. It began as one he wished to give her. He had it sent to Atlantia, where the Knights at Ruby Joust were asked to each wear it for a passage at arms. It was Fedexed around the country, and worn by King Havordh of An Tir, Count Thorbrand of Outlands, Viscount Daffydd of Northshield, Earl Knarlic of Caid, and Duke Valharic of Atenveldt, among others. It then made its way back to Aethelmearc, where it was worn by a plethora of other Knights. In the eight weeks between Writ and Elevation, that chain was worn by sixty-seven or more Knights.
I normally avoid Court. I would not have missed this, though an army of trolls barred my way.
Wednesday morning, I had to dash to the far west end of the War zone, to roll cannon charges for Thursday and Friday. Then, a meeting of the Master Gunners of the Guild, on its future direction. Dash back to camp, grab a wagon, and load up with teaching materials.
Had a fantastic group of students for Medicine, Physick, and Surgery, including a couple of modern medical pros who added some interesting insights to the conversation. Master Bedwyr, of the East Kingdom, did me the honor of co-teaching with me (and bringing his toys) on Evolution of Firearms. Finished the afternoon up with a Master Chirurgeons' meeting.
Wednesday evening, wandered around Midnight Madness, but didn't shop except to pick up a thrumm cap, then hung out briefly at a mini-bardic circle at camp.
Thursday was Woods Battle day. For the Guild, that means 0900-1700 on the hill. Bring a chair. Bring water. Bring lunch. Bring things to do. It's a long day.
For the evening, I was over in the food court when mention was made that the Viking Funeral boat would be coming through. I've known of it for years, and seen it burn from a distance a couple of times. This year, I went over to check it out.
The boat itself was five feet long, and the gunwales crammed with round shields bearing the arms of those who had passed. Among them was Baron Adhemar, of the Gunners' Guild. The most-honored departed one of the year gets his or her arms on the sail. In this case, it was Master Merlin the Archer, who'd never registered arms. Thus, the sail bore the handicap-access symbol, with the seated figure holding a bow and arrow. The procession was led, in fact, by kin of his pushing his wheelchair, laden with his arms. Of note, on the foredeck, was an oblong black object: A miniature Federation Starfleet Mark VI photon-torpedo casing, labeled for Leonard Nimoy.
In another stroke of the great things that made this war fantastic for me, I got picked as a boat-bearer. We carried it through the marketplace, and down to Runestone Park. The lantern which would provide the flame for its ignition was lit there, then down to the lake and out onto the grassy spit protruding. As we were getting the boat lit, a call went out for any who wished to place a token in the boat. I had a Saint Barbara pin in my pouch. In honor of Baron Adhemar, and the Marines who died in Chattanooga (Artillerymen, they were), I placed it in the boat.
I shall have to make the Boat Burn a feature of my future Pennsics.
Friday dawned clear as usual. I actually had a fairly leisurely morning, then went up the hill to fire for the Rapier Field Battle. Master Michael Graham and I shot the openings and closings, and I got to fire the last shot of the War. Friday night, a final trip to the Bog was most memorable.
A few flashes, here and there: Zero Night (actually, afternoon), standing in the Troll line. We were entertained by Duke Cariadoc, who told us a tale ascribed to Mohammed of three men trapped in a cave by a boulder. ** Middle Sunday, I walked a lady back to her camp (she was worried about heat issues). On arrival, I was invited to dinner. Wonderful, period food, and excellent company. ** Anita Cooper has a huge, fluffy, orange-and-white cat [Edit: I have since found out his name is Greebo]. A few times during the War, he got out, hopped the fence around the Cooper house, and scrounged for scritches among the Populace. So, in the midst of Pennsic, I got a couple of unexpected furball-cuddle fixes. ** Outside of Aethelmearc Court after Cunen's Knighting, ran into Mistress Dorigen of the Grey Gate. We reminisced, and realized that this Pennsic was the thirtieth anniversary of our adventure together. ** One day, went over to Mystic Mail to catch up on some stuff. Stopped back by later, and the lady said, "OMG, I just took your medallion to Lost and Found!" I dashed over, and had it back in minutes. Helps to have a distinctive medallion cord with stuff on it. ** On the musical side, I got to hear the Creepy Bard, Wolgemut, and a bunch of random encounters with the musical talents around Pennsic. ** There were random fire-spinning and dance performances. ** On the way into the Bog one night, I heard someone in Landsknecht garb yell "Mein Schwanz ist ein Flammenwerfer!", which triggered a bizarre conversation in fractured pig-German about Der Klapp. ** Had a Laurel wander by my medical class, and told me I had more students show up than he did to his.
Saturday, the ADHD kicked in and my pack-out was over-leisurely. I got out of camp and off to my motel room just before dark. However, this was NOT before the one bit of sustained rain we'd had all Pennsic, sent me home with wet canvas. Sunday, one of the smoothest trips back I've had in years, and got the car pretty much unloaded. Today was drying the tent, laundry, and return to the World.
Oh -- and on the way back, I composed a song.