Gulf Wars XXXII
King's Arrow Ranch
Lumberton, MS
9-16 MARCH 2023
Gulf Wars XXXII Day 1 - The good Earl Benen and I departed early this morning from our shire homes. A dampness and drizzle badgered us as we came down from the plateau into the lowlands. The trip was uneventful, the wetness changed to cool breeze under an overcast sky as we entered the Kingdom of Gleann Abhann. As is our way, we conversed and shared silence in equal measure. The journey made better for our easy company. We setup camp in a methodical process, familiar and known. As darkness fell, we found the camp kitchen and supped. Weariness making our meal much more appetizing than it probably was. I spent a little time around the fire at Fox’s Den after I sorted out my tent but the long day has done me in and my cot beckoned. More to do tomorrow. But now, rest.
Gulf Wars XXXII Day 2 - Work day. Most of the day was spent preparing the Renarts booth for public consumption. It’s booth 25, just off Queen’s Highway east of 5 Points. We busied ourselves. Building fixtures. Unpacking boxes. Locating free range screws to replace the domesticated screws that someone worked hard to organize into a semblance of sanity at Pennsic. All was right as rain by early afternoon. The shingle was posted and the wall was opened to allow smiling happy people in. Many worthy and deserving shirts found new forever homes. Was a good, long day. The good Earl taken care of. I’m tired. Tomorrow, the clash of arms awaits. My role in the army command beckons my presence. For now, I will dream of the fun tomorrow brings. Goodnight, sweethearts.
Gulf Wars XXXII Day 3 - A pretty busy day today in kit. Along with several other Meridian soldiery, I joined the combat archers in the ravine as a shield man for their CA only engagement. It’s literally being a walking shield for them as they shoot at each other. Was a good time and all of our Meridian archers did a great job. I found myself supporting a group of Middle and Atlantean allies. There were impressed with my ability to swat the occasional arrow from the air in flight and credited their success to my presence. Felt good to help and show them to a good outcome. Next, I went to the town battle. We had 2, 45 minute long, resurrection fights. I can tell you with no reservations that I am gassed. It was a lot of fun. But tired I am. The fighting was friendly for my part and there was a lot of fun had. More fun coming tomorrow after some entourage time for HRM Timothy. Oh, and I was summoned to court later this week. I’m sure I’m not in trouble. Something to else to look forward to. Good night all.
Gulf Wars XXXII Day 4 - Early start today. Entirely an hour earlier than I needed. Set my rooster for the wrong time. But, I made the best of it. Had my coffee and broke fast as the nightly veil was lifted from the sky. Entourage was first on the docket for His RM Timothy. Got to stretch my legs a bit. If you have ever followed him around, you know what I mean. Processed with TRMs and the populace to opening ceremonies. I was then relieved of my duties. I did not stay for the full ceremony. For those of you who don’t know, the opening ceremony is where all the assembled royalty declare their alliances for the wars two major factions, the Kingdom of Ansteorra or the Kingdom of Trimaris. Meridies is allied with Trimaris this year. I made my way back to camp to gear up for today’s armored combat, the bridge and fort battles. We fought one pass in and one pass outside the fort. There were limited resurrections and the pass is timed. Trimaris and her allies won the bout capturing the fort as attacker in less time than Ansteorra. Yay us. Then we ran 4 bridge battles. Standard format across three bridges. Trimaris again came out on top by winning three in a row and sealing the deal. Meridies was awesome today. We were outnumbered most of the time, but our spirit and large number of combat archers won the day. Had dinner with the good Earl late in the day and then to camp for some rest. Was a really fun day.\
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| Thank you Kungaloosh Photography!!! |
Gulf Wars XXXII Day 5 - Up early again this morning to see dawns early light on the horizon. Served as entourage again for His RM. During my shift I was present for Loegaire Mac Lochlainn’s elevation to Pelican. Bearing witness to an elevation is cool. So much joy and happiness. Was a great start to the day. From there a little camp time before going to help Earl Benen prepare the Renaissance Arts & Design shop (Booth 25 just off Queens Hwy east of 5 Points) for Moonlight Madness. Moonlight Madness is an event at Gulf Wars where all the merchants stay open late after dark. It can be magical. The people dress to the nines and there is music and joviality. Everyone turns out and strolls the merchants area. It’s a good time. The temperature was great and the air was cool under clear skies. Duchess Rebecca came in to help also. The three of us had a great time and laughed almost all evening as we served the t-shirt poor public. As the crowds dwindled, we closed the shop for the evening and I bid the good Earl good night. After returning to my tent I could not help but marvel at the beauty of the night sky.
So Tuesday, I posted about a court summons without really providing much explanation. Realizing I have some who read it without understanding, I thought I’d dig in a little deeper.
A court summons in our hobby is just that. It’s an invitation from Their Majesties. Court is were the conduct official business. To that end, a court summons means that Their Majesties have some business that involves me. What that business is is not known. It’s just an invitation to be present. That’s it. So much of what we do in our hobby and our ‘success’ in it is about recognition. A court summons is a form of recognition. For me, it doesn’t matter if my call to court is for an award or some court schtick or just a ‘Hey, how you doing Eoin.’ I am content in the knowledge that my name is known (hopefully in a good way) and I am of enough worth that that TRMs would like to see me. Whatever interaction occurs after I have been called up in court is just gravy. My point is that no matter what happens, getting called up on court is cool and an important experience in our hobby. Regardless of the outcome, it is a recognition in itself and that should not be overlooked. The mystery of what it is about is part of the magic of the dream we are trying to create. Never look past that. Drop any preconceptions about what happens next. Take the invitation at face value and enjoy whatever comes after.
Gulf Wars XXXII Day 6 - I had another early entourage shift this morning for His RM Timothy. I barely got up and around in time due to the late night yesterday from Moonlight Madness. I was greeted at the Southern Consortium camp with some ribbing (instigated by HRM I think) that I walked into the camp like I owned the place. Like I was some sort of mafioso or something. Lots of laughter and more jokes followed. Now I have Iain and Piers running up to kiss my ring like I’m a don. Iain is now my official herald. His northerner accent is on point and he puts just the right amount of inflection in everything to have everyone laughing. Faggedaboudit. Got to see three elevations today for Count Bart and Countess Dalla to Pelican and a surprise elevation of Richard to knight. Good stuff all around.
During my entourage shift, we were at the royal pavilion on the field when I saw Her RM tap her wrist looking at Timothy like they were late for something. My mind keyed on that and I prepared to fall in behind them as the moved by me. Only, they stopped in front of me. In my mind I thought I was in the way. So, ‘game on’ for a few seconds before I realized they wanted to talk to me and weren’t going anywhere. It was probably a pretty silly looking scene for anyone noticing. Me trying to get out of the way and them trying to stay in front on me. Once we got past the awkwardness, they gave me a stainless steel bracelet with the kingdom motto ‘Ad Astra’ stamped on it and Roman stamp work. It represents a personal thank you from them to me. It will be a nice keepsake and memory of their reign. I have enjoyed helping them for this reign. They are really good representatives of our hobby and a pleasure to serve.
The ravine battle was today. We had a Bear meeting before the battle. Our Prefect, Bam, could not fight so we needed to select a new sergeant major for the army in the field. I was nominated and selected to fill that role on the field in Bam’s absence. Was a bit daunting, if I am honest. While the responsibility is not hard, having all those bears look to me and say ‘yes’ was humbling.
The fighting was hard. The ravine always is. One hour long resurrection battles will test your metel. Whether you make it the distance or not, you will be worn and gasping for air at the end. As if on cue, the air movement stopped and temperature got warmer right before for we started. This created a swealtering environment for our engagement. We took the right side of the line along with Atlantia. We faced off against Calontir again. The contest was a struggle. Our control point objective was significantly closer to their resurrection point than ours. Meridies threw itself against the Calontrii over and over. We were relentless. Headlong charges again and again from both sides to try and find leverage on one another. In the end, the battle was called to an end a little early. Through our efforts and those of the Trimaris Alliance, Trimaris won the day.
I was bagged. Came close to calling it quits myself about halfway through. But, the faith bestowed on my by the Legio Ursi kept me in the fight. I found a way and stayed. It was not pretty but I was persistent. Dragging my self back to the line. Trying to be the leader they asked me to be. Trying to inspire others. And, I guess it worked. Our General, Count Barthelemy, recognized me in front of the army and gifted me a ‘ring’ in his role of ‘ring-giver’ for my efforts. I was so happy for the validation. An SCA army is a big unwieldy thing, full of many levels of experience. It often does what it wants after the fight starts. Leading this ‘entity’ is akin to herding cats and a goat-roping clinic, on a good day. This will be another great memory when I look back on the war this year.
Later at court, I attended, as requested, and was called up by TRMs. Her Majesty, Ysmay, awarded me the Meridian Majesty. It’s a more formal thank you for providing service during their reign. I have much appreciation and respect for them both. The thrones are hard, unforgiving chairs that require good people to sit in them to run the kingdom. They have been good in the role of King and Queen. The conscientious way they have gone about their business is inspiring to see and excellent to witness. I am grateful for them and being able to help them be successful in the exercise.
I got some pics of me in my new Sable Sword Viking Coat Ellen made for me along with my cool new pouch made by Earl Benen.
I closed my day with a meal and good conversation with Earl Benen after court. We walked up and down Queens Highway a couple of times before retiring for the night. The air is heavy and humid, but I am happy and content. I think I will sleep well tonight.
Gulf Wars XXXII Day 7 - Rain delay 😞. The field battle was scheduled for this afternoon, but was cancelled when thunderstorms rolled in over the site. Spent time in camp in the common tent socializing and watching water fall from the heavens. Had some good discussions with Master Lash concerning the use and construction of his glaive (pic for reference).
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Late in the afternoon, I ventured out with Sir John and did a little bit of shopping with the merchants that were still open. Parting ways with John, I stopped in on Earl Benen and shared company over a meal.
Late in the evening, we inducted Thomas Paumer into the Legio Ursi in a pop up court in the Southern Consortium camp. I socialized a bit, then was called upon to march with Their Majesties to render tribute to the infamous mercenaries, The Shadow Legion,who assisted Meridies in the battles this year. My day done, I returned to my tent for rest. Tomorrow is packing day and will be busy.
Gulf Wars XXXII Day 8 - The Packening, an epilogue. The final day of war. The the good people mounted wagons and departed ways. Travelling to their homes, near and far. Hugs, tears, smiles, sweat and relief, in equal measure, flashed across the collective countenance.
Fox's Den woke early, its denizens taking advantage of the coolness of the morning. Soon the camp was vacant, very little remained to mark the passing of the week spent in our hollow. Echos of the these fine people could faintly be heard on the slight breeze after their parting. The warmth of comradarie leaving a mark on this place.
I made my farewells and ventured to the Street of Gold. There, I found the Good Earl making his own preparations for departure. A few travellers visited his shop, looking for that fix that only a quality clothier can provide. As he hawked his goods out the front of the Renaissance Arts & Design tent, I made busy dismantling and packing up things in the back. The operation was measured and deliberate, an orchestrated exercise with no conductor, only the commonality of shared experience gained from the several years I have been in his service guided the work. And then, we too were not there. The space, booth 25 on the Street of Gold, just off Queen's Highway east of 5 Points, was vacant. The wagon loaded and mule's stomping with impatience to make the journey back to our Cumbrian home.
Night fell. We talked as we rode. Retelling to each other the events of the week and the discussion ranged over many more topics as the distance grew from the King's Arrow Ranch. Weary, we arrived at our destination. Sleep called. Home again.
Gulf Wars XXXII was memorable. I made new friends. I provided service to my beloved Kingdom of Meridies. The Legio Ursi lifted me up and I made a name for myself in battle. I saw many people I respect elevated to peerage. I shared my days in the dream with the Known World at that camp in Glean Abhann.
It was a good war.
Well met friends. Safe journey to thee!
Baron Eoin Mac Cana called 'Clyde'
Squire to Earl Benen MacTire
Warden of the Northern PlateauShire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies
