Obeisance - I have been doing it wrong

I really should have researched this before now, I have been a part of many royal courts, maybe the Baron and baroness made me a guard because I did not perform obeisance well.

It's something we all do but where and when did it start in the western world? (I will update this later with east traditions but requires more research)

So we start at the beginning, the first reference I can find to obeisance to royal's dates back to Alexander the great in 328 BC he introduced to his court the act of proskynesis (sadly this is not the ability to set things on fire with your mind, but bowing or prostrating oneself before a person of higher social rank) and comes from persian courts (maybe)

Anthony Woodville, Earl Rivers & William Caxton
presenting the first printed book in English to Edward IV

The greek author Arrian of Nicomedia recorded the events in his work Anabasis. (literally an "expedition up from") is the most famous work, published in seven books, of the Greek professional soldier and writer Xenophon.)

[4.10.5] Concerning the opposition offered to Alexander by Callisthenes over the question of obeisance, there is also the following story.note It had been agreed between Alexander, the sophists and the most distinguished of the Persians and the Medes at his court that the subject should be raised during a drinking party.

[4.10.6] Anaxarchus launched the topic, saying that Alexander had much better claims to be regarded as a god than Dionysus and Heracles [...].

[4.10.7] The Macedonians would have better reason to honor their king with divine honors; there was no doubt that once Alexander departed from men they would honor him as a god. How much more justifiable it would therefore be to honor him in his lifetime rather than wait for his death, when the honor would be of no benefit to the recipient.

[4.11.1] After Anaxarchus had spoken to this effect, those who were privy to the plan praised his words and wanted to begin doing obeisance to Alexander, but the majority of Macedonians were displeased and kept quiet.

[4.11.2] Then Callisthenes intervened with these words: "Anaxarchus, I declare that there is no honor fitting to man that Alexander does not deserve. But a distinction has been drawn by men between honors fit for mortals and honors fit for gods, for example in the matter of building temples and setting up cult statues and setting apart sacred enclosures for gods, and making sacrifices and libations to them, and offering hymns to the gods but eulogies to men. Most important is the distinction observed in the matter of obeisance.

[4.11.3] You greet men with a kiss, but since a god is placed higher up and it is sacrilege to touch him, you honor him in this way with obeisance. Dances, too, are held in honor of the gods, and paeans are sung to praise them. No wonder, when one considers that different honors are appropriate to different gods, while heroes receive yet others distinct from divine honors.

Twelfth-century depiction of Henry II
and Eleanor of Aquitaine holding court

[4.11.4] It is unreasonable, therefore, to obliterate all these distinctions by inflating human beings to excessive proportions through extravagant honors, while inappropriately diminishing gods, as far as is possible, by offering them the same honors as men. Alexander himself would not tolerate for a moment a private individual laying claim to royal honors on the strength of some unjust show of hands or vote.

[4.11.5] How much more justified would be the displeasure of the gods against men who assume divine honors or allow others to do it for them. Alexander has more than justified the claim that he is and is seen to be the bravest of the brave, the most kingly of kings and the greatest of all generals.

[4.11.6] More than anyone else, Anaxarchus, you ought to have put forward this point of view and opposed the rival line of argument, because of your position as philosopher and instructor of Alexander. You ought not to have launched this subject. Remember that it is not Cambyses or Xerxes you are associating with and advising, but the son of Philip, descended from Heracles and Aeacus, whose forefathers came from Argos to Macedonia, and have since ruled the Macedonians by law and not by force.

[4.11.7] Why, not even Heracles received divine honors from the Greeks in his lifetime, nor even after his death until Apollo at Delphi gave an oracle instructing Heracles to be honored as a god. If one must think in foreign ways on the ground that this argument has originated in a foreign land, then do not forget Greece, Alexander. It was for her sake that you launched your whole expedition, to add Asia to Greece.

[4.11.8] Consider then whether on your return you will exact obeisance from the Greeks, the freest of men, or will you make an exception for the Greeks but inflict this indignity on the Macedonians? Or will you draw a distinction in the matter of honors generally, receiving from Macedonians and Greeks honors fit for men and acceptable to Greeks, and foreign honors only from non-Greeks?

Hommage au Moyen Age (public domain)

[4.11.9] It may be said that Cyrus the son of Cambyses was the first man to receive the honor of obeisance, and that it is this which has kept the Persians and Medes submissive as you can see. But you must remember that the great Cyrus was humbled by Scythians, poor but independent men, and Darius by other Scythians, and Xerxes by Athenians and Spartans, and Artaxerxes by Clearchus, Xenophon and the Ten Thousand,note and lastly our opponent Darius by Alexander - who had not yet been the object of obeisance."

[4.12.1] These and similar words of Callisthenes greatly irritated Alexander, though the Macedonians were pleased to hear them. Alexander realized this and sent instructions to the Macedonians to forget about obeisance for the future.

[4.12.2] Silence fell after these words, but the eldest of the Persians came forward to perform obeisance one after the other. Leonnatus, one of the Companions, thought that one of the Persians had not bowed properly, and made fun of the Persian's air of submissiveness. Alexander was angry with him at the time, though later he was reconciled.

[4.12.3] The following story is also told.note Alexander sent round a golden cup, passing it first to those who were privy to the plan about obeisance. The first person would drink from it, stand up and offer obeisance, then receive a kiss from Alexander, and the rest likewise in turn.

[4.12.4] When it was Callisthenes' turn, he stood up, drank from the cup, and went towards Alexander to kiss him, but without offering obeisance.

Alexander was then engaged in conversation with Hephaestionnote and was not paying attention to whether Callisthenes was going through the act of obeisance or not.

[4.12.5] But when Callisthenes approached Alexander to kiss him, Demetrius the son of Pythonax, one of the Companions, remarked that he had not made obeisance, whereupon Alexander did not allow himself to be kissed. "Well then," exclaimed Callisthenes, "I shall go away one kiss the poorer."

And so the beginnings of obeisance was formed within the western courts, the idea spread throughout royalty as a visible means of acceptance or dominance to stations higher than one's own clearly marking those who stand alone in august company.

Obeisance is considered a sign of respect or of service, Pre 5th Century it was performed by descending on both knees but later it was changed to descend on the left knee for higher station (yes I have been kneeling on the wrong knee) and the right for Bishops or if the blessed sacrament is present (but this was not formally adopted into the church until 1502)

Obeisance can also mean a indication of respect (this is done in many different ways depending on the culture, from a simple salute to complex hand/hat twirling (which became popular in french and italian courts.) some of the movements are quite complex and beyond the scope of this blog post. There are resources on courtly life that detail complex obeisance (like italian figure eight hat twirling) it can be quite fun learning about your persona's cultural "quirks"

Obeisance should be neither hurried or slowed, the ideal duration is five heartbeats to descend fully to the ground on bended knee, (for men) or Curtsy transitioning into a kneeling position (for women) it is neither trial nor duty but honor to give respect before royalty or those of worthy station.

During court obeisance is performed when called upon or as part of a procession, As a kneel and rise or kneel and wait to be dismissed by the elevated station you are making obeisance to, this is not always clear unfortunately but with practice and exposure to courtly "life" you should be able to "read" what is required (when called upon for an award kneel and wait)

Obeisance within the SCA at events "at large" (such as walking around the event site), can be as simple as an acknowledgment towards those of greater station, by lowering the eyes, a short bow/curtsy or in some cases a full kneel as the person passes, this is but your discretion, look to what others do is usually a good guide.

Leadership

If you want to build a ship, 

Don't drum up the men to gather wood

Divide the work and give orders

Instead teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea

Blow thy Horn, Hunter

Blow thy Horn, Hunter

William Cornysh

Born: 1465

Died: October 1523

Unknown creation date

Blow thy horn, hunter,

And blow thy horn on high!

There is a doe in yonder wood,

In faith she will not die:

Now blow thy horn, hunter,

Now blow thy horn, jolly hunter!

Sore this deer stricken is,

And yet she bleeds no whit;

She lay so fair, I could not miss,

Lord, I was glad of it:

Now blow thy horn, hunter,

Now blow thy horn, jolly hunter!

As I stood under a band,

The deer shoff on the mead;

I struck her so that down she sank

But yet she was not dead.

Now blow thy horn, hunter,

Now blow thy horn, jolly hunter!

There she go'th! See ye not,

How she go'th over the plain?

And if ye lust to gave a shot,

I warrant her barrain.

Now blow thy horn, hunter,

Now blow thy horn, jolly hunter!

He to go and I to go,

But he ran fast afore;

I bade him shoot and strike the doe,

For I might shoot no more.

Now blow thy horn, hunter,

Now blow thy horn, jolly hunter!

To the covert both they went,

For I found where she lay;

An arrow in her haunch she hent,

For faint she might not bray.

Now blow thy horn, hunter,

Now blow thy horn, jolly hunter!

I was weary of the game,

I went to tavern to drink;

Now, the construction of the same--

What do you mean or think?

Now blow thy horn, hunter,

Now blow thy horn, jolly hunter!

Here I leave and make an end

Now of this hunter's lore:

I think his bow is well unbent,

His bolt may flee no more.

Now blow thy horn, hunter,

Now blow thy horn, jolly hunter!

You tube link to Blow thy Horn Hunter by Avlos is a Greek renaissance consort that specializes in European music of the 13th to early 17th centuries.

Lists

Lists are important, I find listing what I want to do/create means I have a reference and can steadily work on projects throughout the year, the past few years I have found that working throughout the year stops the "event panic" common within the society, it's not two weeks to "faire" I have all year to build, create and research... so do you, I dont need panic to be productive.

I have a few current projects I am working on,

Camp
Tent (buying one, since the popup isn't working as well as I have hoped)
A folding camp table (inlaid with a map of the known world)
x2 Folding chairs (was thinking a glastonbury chair)
Folding bed ( considering building a monastery bed that breaks down)

Landsknecht garb
1x Dress set
4x General

Armouring
Travel kit (just need arms and (semi) coat of plates now)
Breakdown shield (plan is to create a shield that can break into smaller parts for transport/travel) similar to my hand pavise.

More cheese making
Brewing (have 100L currently aging)

Largess (being a noble means an obligation to provide largess (this is not an sca requirement, but my own personal value) I have done so every year (last year I made 40L of sekanjabin syrup)

12 things challenge (almost finished)

Training, dancing (need to find a teacher) and singing (learning songs in german)

Cut twice, measure once.

Real life keeps preventing me from pursuing my dream, so my new year's resolutions is to make time.

So to that end I am going to continue to make time to work on my blog, Thank you to all the mysterious people who do visit (almost 50 per day from unique Ip's) I am working on the bench assembly plans Link to Bench plans and continuing my quest for period style padding without breaking the bank Link to Gambeson

I leave you with a 1100 - 1150 Troubadour song about the crusades Link to Audio file

Marcabru, Pax in nomine Domini - (translated from french - Original)

I. Peace in the name of the Lord! Marcabru made the verse and the tune. Hear what he says: how the heavenly Lord in His loving-kindness has created for us, in our vicinity, a washing-place such as never existed before, apart from over there near the valley of Josaphat in Outremer; but it is about the one over here that I exhort you.

II. We ought to wash night and morning, according to what is right, I assure you. Each has the opportunity to wash; he ought to go to the washing-place while he is still fit and well, for it is a true medicine for us, because if we go to death beforehand, instead of a lofty mansion we shall have lowly lodgings.

III. But avarice and no-faith divide youth from his companion. Ah, what grief it is, that all and sundry fly towards that place whose reward is infernal! If we do not run to the washing-place before we have our mouth and eyes closed, there is not one of us so puffed up with pride that he will not find a strong adversary at the moment of death.

IV. For the Lord who knows all that is, and knows all there will be and ever was, has promised us a crown and the title of emperor; and its beauty will be sapiential, for it will shine in the sky at the washing-place more than the morning star, provided that we avenge God of the wrongs that they do to Him both here and over there towards Damascus.

V. Akin to the line of Cain, the first evil man, there is a great number here of whom not one shows honour to God. We shall see who will be His close friend, for with the miracle of the washing-place Jesus will be in communion with you. And drive back the rabble who believe in augury and divination!

VI. But the lecherous wine-trumpeters, dinner-gobblers, brand-blowers, hearth-squatters will remain behind, those pilferers! For God wants to test the brave and the sound in His washing-place, and these others will keep an eye on the houses and dig their coulter into the garden (?), which is why I hound them to their shame.

VII. Here and in Spain the Marquis and all of Solomon’s Temple bear the weight and the burden of pagan pride, which is why youth gathers a base reputation; and the public outcry relating to that other washing-place pours down on the highest-ranking leaders: broken failures, weary of valour, who love neither joy nor delight.

VIII. The French are perverted if they say no to God’s cause, for I know how things stand! Antioch, here Guyenne and Poitou are in mourning for reputation and worth. May God conduct the count to His washing-place and lay his soul to rest, and may the Lord who rose from the tomb guard Poitiers and Niort.

Fimblewinter 2016

This last weekend I had the honor of helping to steward a local event "Fimbulwinter" it was quite a lot of fun, I got to see how much effort goes into planning event's (P.S, they don't happen overnight) It was also the 10th anniversary of the 1st fimbulwinter so we re-created the Feast that Lord Kotek made.

We had guests from Ildhafn and from our baroney, Southron gaard. Also in attendance was the Baroness of Southron gaard to which she comported herself with noble grace and bearing (even while reading ribaldry) much fun talking, drinking, rapier, archery, embroidery, candle dipping was to be had.

But the company was the best part, spending time with those that enjoy the game as much as you or I.

Sadly we had 7 cancellations due to sickness which left our tables very well stocked, I heard tell of people exclaiming they may well explode with all the food and drink on offer and a large debate rolled on towards night as which was the best dish, with all the food being compared and attendees exclaiming their favorites (my personal favorite was the Honey and Cumin carrots)

It was a great pleasure to see attendees helping and assisting others, talking and debating without one-upsman ships which so plagues the mundane world. events like this is what I feel the SCA is all about and was very enjoyable to attend.

I wish to thank each and every attendee for making the event what it was and what I will remember it to be years from now. I hope that in Year 20 of fimbulwinter others will look back at what came before with fond memories and a light heart.

Ps. There's still food left.

Sunset and the dawn

Apologies,

I have been quite unwell these past few months haven't been able to train or do much SCA related stuff so my path slowed somewhat. (a big "I'm sorry" to the gentleman who asked me about shield Pavise construction as I have been unable to fulfill his request about a template and construction method, esp rawhide edging)

Recovering from events in your life can be tricky, I have found this is be true especially in regards to keeping momentum or motivations for your projects, it can be many, many things that set projects back. For me I suffer from Cluster headaches which randomly (or without a discernible pattern I have found) have periods of high activity.

Part of chivalry in my opinion, is the ability to push past or at least take on adversity! Stand and say No.. when it meets the Code to do so. I hope I can find the strength to continue this task, which I will never finish even if I reach my goal.

The path to knighthood is never ending, Even if you reach the point to be recognised, the path continues.. ever onwards into the sunset, and onto the dawn of a squire.

A crown, a tower and dream while fleeting.. lasts.

Canterbury Faire is over.. Sad, but joyful at seeing all those within the populace who travel to spend time with those in far flung reaches.

At Faire we crowned a New King and queen, King Gilbert Purchase and Queen Bethony Gaitskell, long may they reign! and our baroney has a new Baron and Baronesses, Baron Richard and Baroness Ginevra.

Many, many hours of court made this possible (my poor legs) and 2 pelicans were recognised, Anna de wilde and Ginevra both who duty and service shows them to be valuable and valued members of the SCA, long have they toiled to help bring us events, offices and service.

My duty as a henksman (guard) to the barony of southron gaard, kept me running all over the event setting up court and finding lost/misplaced items, while the duty was long and sometimes impeded what I wanted to do, I kept my word and upon my honor that would be cheerful and be committed to all that was required of my duty.

While service and duty calls the field upon which mettle is tested was loudest of all, Sadly I was found wanting but not from lack of trying. The armour changes I made that were battle untested as a complete kit did not work as intended, my sword side pauldron kept slipping under my armour's backplate which meant that I couldn't move my sword back past my torso dramatically reducing power generation and a buckle which looked sound during my pre-faire check slipped its tether and dropped the strap holding my arm on, Field repairs were made but this proved to be a constant failure at the most in-opportune moments, with armour failure aside my own technique was lacking I have much to work on and while at faire sought out advice and techniques from all willing to pass on their knowledge to which I would like to thank: His Majesty Gilbert, His Excellency Steffan, Sir Agro, Sir Roland who took time and helped with advice and techniques.

Knowledge is valuable, more greatly prized than material goods but knowledge is useless unless enacted and I intend to not let such go to waste. My liege, Sir Philippe de Tournay while not able to attend this event his advice and guidance still rings true in keeping a small book to write down help/advice/idea's so such a valuable bounty may not be forgotten.

I am tired, worn, beaten but I will not fall, see you all at the next event. (and uninjured! even after fighting in gods and monsters in minimum armour and no padding)

The tower on the plains.

Canterbury Faire (Southron gaards biggest event and the biggest yearly event in NZ) starts next week and this year its bigger than ever! With 12th Night (the coronation of last crown tourney winner to be king/queen of Lochac for the next 6 Months) and Cfaire after that its shaping up to to be a very eventful event!

Myself and my lady are ready, we decided there would be no last minute panic over gear/stuff, So we started planning just after last faire (2015) and have worked hard to have everything ready including new garb and armour.

I am looking forward at seeing all my fellow scadians again and meeting a few new ones, nothing builds comrades like crossing swords (I call it my friend stick) and then beer. hopefully I won't be injured like last year (2 hairline fractured ribs and a mild concussion) but I won't lament if I am, its all part of the fun.

Each event allows the opportunity for service and to improve courtly graces, I hope to acquit myself well on the field of battle too, but my fellow fighters are very good so I don't expect any victory's. (not that it will stop me from trying) I hope to inspire a few new fighters, and help out with their first few blows. I enjoy taking a bit of time each year to seek them out and talk/train, maybe even gift some of my spare gear.

I am also looking forward to the investiture of our new baron and baroness and spending time with my liege. Each year I learn more and more such depth of experience and grace paying heed to his teaching's has served me well.

No blog post next week as I will be at an event.

The trice armed bench

The Bench,

It started off so simply, to make a chair that would be strong enough to sit on in armour... Then came the additional requirements...

• Wouldn't it be nice not to just make a chair, but a bench in case others need a respite.
• Wouldn't It be nice if it had no pegs or pins to be lost
• Wouldn't it be nice it to folded up for easier transport
• Strong, very strong so up to 3 fully armoured fighter's could sit on it.

So naturally it needed to be made from wood, but not just any wood, that would be too easy... I decided on making it from Knotty wood (wood unsuitable to general sales as it has lots of knots (which look great) but also not straight and with an uneven surface. (which increases the "fun")

May I present the bench.

How the stand shall be armed,

I have been working away for awhile now on building an armour stand, I came across This about 2 months ago on Honor before victory and I decided to build it.

Here are my results, took almost 3 days due to the wood staining (its made from pine with a stain) one of the reason why I built this one is that is also packs down flat, and I can make it to my dimensions.. its kinda cool seeing what I look like in armour, as my view has been from the inside till now.

Armour stand back

Armour stand front

With armour on it

Closer shot with armour

Almost side on armour on armour stand shot

Should make maintenance easier, although there is a slight lean because of the weight of the armour, I will need to think of a solution. All I need now is some dress armour! and maybe a sword.

The greater whole.

Apologies for the following it's some personal enlightenment, possibly not fully related to the SCA.

Since joining the SCA I have come to value people a lot more than I once did, Not only has it allowed me to realise that not everyone is a self-serving jackass, but I don't have to be one of them either.

Service has become one of my most enjoyable parts of events. (at my last event I told her ladyship Ginevra that she would need to duck tape me to a pole to stop me helping)

Which is strange now I look back on it, I am a heavy fighter (hitting people with stick is fun) and I love building things (I am enjoying learning to sew, I remade my entire soft kit this year without patterns) but serving others gives me something that I have never had before and I can't quite define it, it's beyond my sphere of experiences.

Service is more than just fulfilling a needed task, the duty to help others is how police or doctors must feel, coming to work each day, far more than just creating ad's (which is what I used to do)

I guess it's that being part of a greater whole you find talked about in period literature.

I have always had a Moral code, but it was undefined and lacking substance. The SCA given me focus purely unintentionally (although I do have a traditional Knight as my mentor) I follow this: The knightly virtues as best I can now, but it can be tough sometimes but I find worthwhile.

I have heard it mentioned that "well what do you expect he wants to become a knight of course he follows the code" I disagree, acting "knighty" has little to do which wanting to be a knight and can be pursued by people who have no wish to become knights and far more to do with wanting to be a better person.

I will most likely never be recognised as a Knight within the sca and that's ok. My fighting level isn't good enough and most likely won't be for the foreseeable future mostly due to my inability to travel enough and I have a tendency to speak my mind which I can't seem to shake, Truth or "my truth" and then telling the person to their face not behind their back has rubbed many people the wrong way and I apologise for this, but it also contravenes the virtues of justice (Temperance) and nobility (charity), not to mention my limited social skills, a knight needs to inspire which I do not.

So next time I stand in the lists and have the opportunity to speak as to why I fight I have written a little speech.

Your Majesties, your excellencies, peers and Nobles I have the dubious honor of being lord leonhart hunt, squire to Sir Philippe De Tournay. I fight this day in the name of the Lady Amalia Shriber, but my reasons for fighting is far simpler, I fight because of you, not for you as it would be presumptuous to claim such an honor, but because of you. We are part of the glorious dream known as the SCA and it takes each one of us to make this dream happen, each of us has a part to play and I am honored that this is my part. I think of us as parts of a greater whole, A machine where each one of us is a cog that makes it turn, some cogs are larger than other some smaller some gilded or wood, some whole or missing teeth but thought us all this machine, our dream... is made real. I fight and may I say we fight because you all make it possible to do so. /end

Know that I fight (and not just on the field) because of you all, you have inspired me to be better than I am who knows how far this will reach in the future.

Honor in the SCA

What is Honor? Honor is your good name or reputation. it's the value of your word. It can also mean a mark of respect (example: A place of honor at the table) and finally A code of integrity, dignity, and pride, chiefly among men, that was maintained in some societies, as in feudal Europe, by force of arms.

Honor as a squire, refers to the first definition and can be tricky. Honor is subjective (Example, Holding a door open for a lady), based on the viewer's values and ideals, But there are a few most will agree upon as being honorable.

Value your word - What's you say and how it's said can be vastly important in people's estimation of your honor, if you're going to say something make your words mean more than just words, do not boast of yet undone deeds and value the commitments made by your words.

Help as you can - There is always someway you can help others, never is there a lack of need. It may be transporting gear or carrying items from another's "horse"  or cleaning out trash buckets. Expect no word of your deeds for these, but expect many words if yet undone and you stand idle.

Stand by your beliefs, but not until death. Beliefs can be a great source of inspiration and motivation, they can shape notions and breed dreams. But to be valuable they must always be challenged and you must be prepared to defend them with equal gusto, for blind belief (belief without reason) is pointless and can cause great damage. ( Example, I am constantly at odds with my Knight over who shot first in Star wars, He categorically states han, I say greedo and this is ok. Contrary belief is fine even between friends as we can both state a good argument for each side, but if I was to say it was Bobafett, this would be without reason and would degrade my honor due to lack of knowledge)

Honor in the SCA does not refer to battle prowess. While win/loss can be important to some and can be a deciding factor in team's/households/honor's (Second definition) your word or the value of your word is not defined by how well you swing a sword.

The loneliest waterfall

I have stated before that I use modern science in my training and fitness regime, So I thought I would share a little of what I do to get/keep and stay fit, (as I get older it's harder and harder to keep fit. I have never been an easy one to lose weight, I find it very hard and costs me a lot in sweat to even lose a little and build upper body strength. Contrary to opinion I am not naturally skinny it takes work.)

I have added a new dimension to my training after reading some  modern sports books about cold therapy (it's a technique used by most high end sports trainers and people needed to target specific areas for development), This has altered my workout times also.

• Each morning drink iced water 500mls (no food yet) but supplements allowed if you have a preworkout load
• Stretch
• Workout should take 90min - 120min (at gym) - 15min Hiit Cardio, following by either Peripheral heart action or Weight Room then yoga or pilates (yes I know it's not manly but flexibility is important)
• After workout hot shower followed by a gradual reduction to cold, full cold water for 5min
• Breakfast - Protein heavy with protein shake (almond milk with protein added)
• Icepack on the upper trapezius muscle (lower neck) for 30min while eating or any other problem area (ab's, belly)
• Normal daily activities
• Light lunch (or skip if not hungry)
• Dinner
• Cold shower (huzzah - they are not fun)

​The benefit of this regime is to workout when your body is at its weakest, after sleeping your insulin levels are at their lowest and your muscles haven't had a chance to store energy (sugar) yay science!

The cold therapy (showers and ice pack) are to stimulate brown fat, No it's not racist fat, it's subdermal fat stored around muscle groups, Which is not easily targeted by exercise - Caution - you can give yourself hypothermia if your not careful, it's a great technique but keep an eye on your body temperature you want to be shivering, (this burns a lot of fat) but you should recover quickly and your core should not drop to danger levels. Tip - read up on hypothermia if you're willing to try this (I use a thermometer to measure my body temp, don't want to get sick or land in hospital)

Need an icepack? use an old hot water bottle 50% water - 50% rubbing alcohol or vodka stays cold a long time and is reusable, Alcohol means it won't fully freeze.

why do this.. well I am not a quick fat loser after doing this for 1 week I have lost 2% body fat (which is a huge amount I have been stuck at 16% for a long time my target is 8%) I feel great not fatigued or over exercised (always, always stretch) and morning workouts means the rest of the day is free.

A pell of silk

With golden flight over (another fantastic event, run by a new steward Lord Callach and assisted by Lady Hilda) is now time to panic over Canterbury faire being just over 2 months away.

Our new Baron and baroness have been announced, THL Richard d’Allier and THL Ginevra Isabella di Serafino Visconti, I believe this to be an excellent choice due to both parties very long service records and commitment to "the game"

Cfaire this year is going to be very Busy with not only coronation but elevation of the new B&B and noteable other awards and appreciation of good works, alas this has reduced the combat time but pageantry is important for our game more so than hitting others with sticks.

Time to get to work! (must be shinier)

A rabbit.

And so another event grows ever closer, Golden Flight in Southron Gaard. I hope the changes to my Kit work well (this will be their first test before Canterbury faire) I look forward in great anticipation to who our new baron/baroness/s will be and their coming plans for Southron Gaard.

I leave you with this poem,

And now Count Roland in anguish and in pain,

With all his strength sounds the great horn again.

Bright drops of blood aye springing from his mouth,

Veins in his forehead are cracking with the strain.

That mighty voice cries out a second time;

Charlemagne hears it, high on the mountain pass,

Duke Naimon listens, and so do all the Franks.

Then says the king, "That is Count Roland's horn!

He'd never sounded it, except for an attack."

Ganelon says, "What battle can there be?

You have grown old, your hair is streaked with white;

The words you speak could well befit a child.

You ought to know how great is Roland's pride--

The wonder is God suffers it so long.

He captured Noples, and not by your command,

And then flushed out the Saracens inside;

He fought them all, Roland, your loyal man,

And then took water and washed the field of blood,

Hoping that you would not detect the fight.

Just for a rabbit he'll blow his horn all day!

Now he is playing some game to please his peers.

Who in the world would dare make war on him!

Ride on, I tell you! What are we waiting for?

We've far to go to see our lands once more."

- an excerpt from a French epic, chanson de geste

You've got mail

After 1 year saving

After 4 months build time

After another month in the mail and getting stopped by both UK and NZ customs

All I get is this lousy package

I wonder whats inside...

2 piece Late 15th Gothic Cuirass - front

2 piece Late 15th Gothic Cuirass - Back

16 Gauge mild steel, fluted, articulated and edge rolled

Time to make modifications! 

Leather Bottle

A few pics of my first attempt at making a period water bottle, I decided on the classic "bladder" style for my first attempt and its holds water! (no leaking) this one is quite small only holding 500mls of liquid (good for port)

Leather bottle, Veg tanned, Wax hardened and Natural colour

Leather bottle, Veg tanned, Wax hardened and Natural colour

it was quite easy taking only 2 days to make, another piece to add to my garb (or to give away) update: which I did to my Liege.

Dew on a rose

Apologies for the tardiness of this post, We have been preparing for our next event with my local group Wildmoor.

Perfection.

One of the things that has been lost in our modern world is dedication to a task or an ideal, to strive for it with a bright burning desire to become better.

It is said in japanese culture that one can spend a lifetime looking for the perfect cherry blossom, and this would not be wasted life...

I have no comparison for this in my upbringing in western culture, to dedicate yourself to something so profound as perfection is just beyond belief.

The idea of achieving perfection is so lost for me, nothing is ever perfect, and I hope I never find anything to be, for perfection is the death of desire.

we have medieval contemporaries who spent their entire lives transcribing one book or illuminating text, artisans who only made table legs.. but oh such tables leg they are, dedicating their lives to one small part or a total project is very noble.

But the SCA is a game, we are not lost in time and have reality to come back to, Where we have bills and jobs, But the idea that you can spend your entire life perfecting a small part of a greater project is a nice dream to ponder.

I have great admiration for those whose minds don't wander like bubbles in a breeze like mine is wont to do.

Its an endless dream, like rolling a rock up a hill, only to find that it's a circle.

Preserved meat, Biltong!

Biltong!

I have started looking into preservation techniques of food stuffs and starting with dried meat the 2 images below are my first attempt at biltong (and yes I vacuum packed it for long term storage) when I get the recipe right I will be making quite a bit for camping events along with other non-perishable foodstuffs (like cheese and beer!)

Biltong

Biltong close up

The recipe was simple involving vinegar, salt and coriander seeds but I have found this to be too salty and will try again with another batch next week.

But dried or preserved foods are as ancient as eating them, Ancient egyptians stored a multitude of food for emergency's, for War and to improve flavor and longevity. 

Biltong is a south african method of preservation by simpling immersing in a brine solution and drying it slowly over several days it can then be eaten as is or soaked in water and rehydrated then made into a stew. wrapped in a breathable material (like linen or cotton) it can keep for several months without spoiling or years if vacuum packed or frozen.

when I can, I am looking at also purchasing a smoker and smoking a small amount for even longer storage (and flavor) All hail food you don't need to refrigerate, perfect for the campsite and on the move.