Unto the Populace, Konnichiwa & Greetings

WAR! The winds of War come from the North.
Sacred Stone has called upon Us in Their hour of need and We travel North to lend Them aid and support.

We wish ALL Our Gentles, Artisans and Warriors to travel to Elchenburg Castle with Us and engage the forces set against Our Northern Friends and Neighbors.

We look forward to seeing each and everyone one of you in the Baronial Encampment and sharing Fun, Fellowship & Food at War of the Wings IX!

In Service to the Dream,
Takeda & Ariel
Baron & Baroness, Nottinghill Coill

A Plea from Sacred Stone

 Pray attend all ye citizens of Nottinghill Coill, as the Barony of the Sacred Stone does send greetings.

Dearest neighbors, we had believed that our Investiture would be a time of joy and renewal, but instead word has reached us that we have instead inherited a land in peril.  We find we are to be set upon by one of our fair Kingdom’s peers without cause or provocation.  Our lands have for many years known the ravages of War and now, just as the dust has settled from a conflict which had to be resolved by the King Himself, we hear these dark tidings.

Sir Bryce de Byram, trice peer and former landed Baron of Caer Mear, has stated that he was authorized by a previous King to perform chevauchée.  He has said that he intends to raid our now peaceful lands and “restore the King’s justice and bring this troublesome land to heel”.  This claim has little weight as we in Sacred Stone have just this past harvest time had council from the King and are on the best of terms with both Him and His Rightful Heir.

We do believe that there is a hidden and much more sinister reasoning for Sir Bryce’s actions.  It has long been known that Sir Bryce is, as he has stated in his own words, “300% Peer Evil”.  We believe that this is a clever ploy to become even more powerful . . .  We believe that this noble Knight of Atlantia plans to use this right of chevauchée that he claims to capture lands from his home in Caer Mear to the border of the Kingdom and use them to create his own Principality!  We have intercepted a map which marks the lands of Windmasters’ Hill and the lands of Nottinghill Coill as part of Caer Mear!  We also have copies of communications sent to and from Sir Bryce that mention a Principality of Restarea, and since we have no knowledge of such a lands in the known world, we must take this as proof that a foul plot is afoot.

With these claims to part of our King’s rightfully held land and with the gathering of his allies to lay claim to Sacred Stone as well, we are sending out this plea that you stand with us to defend the Kingdom and to hold back those who stand Loyal with Sir Bryce.  If he is willing to use the King’s own words to justify his dark plans, what is to stop him from expanding his aims and claiming the whole Kingdom and all its riches and citizens as his own?

Stand with us.  We are in need, nay the Kingdom is in need, of your strength and your friendship.  We await your answer.

In service as always, to the Crown and to the Dream,

Marc d’Aubingy & Alianor atte Red Swanne
Baron et Baronne, Sacred Stone


OUR RESPONSE:

Dear Cousins,

An attack upon the Sovereignty of one Landed Baronage is an attack upon Us all!
We, Takeda & Ariel, gladly lend the considerable talents of Our Populace and
Ourselves to You in Your time of need against this most Vile Knight and Foul Usurper,
Sir Bryce!

It is the custom in my homeland of Nippon to take the heads of our enemies. We look
forward to gazing upon the severed head of Your enemy! We anticipate an enjoyable
and victorious War of the Wings IX!

Yours In Service & Arms,
Takeda & Ariel
Baron & Baroness, Nottinghill Coill

The Old Dun Cow at War of the Wings!

We had a great time last year at the Old  Dun Cow Pub at WoW. So much so, we’re gonna do it again!

The Old Dun Cow pub will make its appearance again this year in the Painted Wheel/Nottinghill Coill camp on Friday night of War. Look for the ship and the vardos.

Everyone of any age is welcome, but be aware that the bar is stamping the hands of people who wish to share our beer . There will be no exceptions. No ink no drink. Underage drinking will not be tolerated. And because pirates will be running said bar, there will be no arguments, either. Yes, the ship has cannon ports. We speak from experience.

Awake at the Wheel will be running an open jam, and anyone is welcome to perform. Perform/play in the Cow, and you get to write your name on the wall. All entertainment welcome regardless of skill. All that we ask is that you keep stories and limited to five minutes each (you may leave off and pick up if you have a long story to tell), that you consider your audience when choosing a piece (if there are, say, small children around, you might want to save that raunchy piece for a little later), and that you keep in mind that while we don't mind drums, this is not a drum circle (you can do a drum piece for dancers, however, just please observe the five minute rule). 

Please refrain from smoking inside the immediate Painted Wheel camp area. 

Songbooks will be available for sing-alongs. Five bucks donation to offset printing and binding costs is appreciated, but not mandatory.

If we have leftover supplies at the end of the night, or if people tip the bar or donate more supplies, we'll do this again on Saturday night. So if it turns out you have fun (and you will), and you want to do it again on Saturday, help us out and we'll do it again.

Hope to see you all there!

Court of Miracles: A Song by Rani Dulcinaya the 'Gypcian

This is dedicated to my beloved kumpania as they journey to our home camp at Pennsic. Latcho drom!
-Dulcy

(can be sung to the tune of Lord Inchiquin by Turlough O’Carolan.)

Where the road runs to nothing in a swamp dark and deep
And mountains lean closely, their secrets to keep
Far away from the battles, the castles, and forts
The trees, fey, and ragged-folk there hold their court

There, the weary can dance and the burdened can sing
One can be what one dreams, and dare dream anything
Gypsies circle the bonfire, their hands to entwine
And for one fierce, wild, sweet moment, step back in time

Where the river sings love songs, and damselflies kiss
If that’s not a miracle, tell me what is

Where sunbeams, like dancers, swirl under the trees
And laughter of gypsies floats sweet on the breeze
And at night, when dark maidens twirl bright with the fire
Golden sparks, winged with joy, fly to dance with the stars

Here dreams bloom like flowers, hope opens like leaves
Here storybooks quicken, and fairy tales breathe
Ever Autumn by evening, and Summer by day
Here the walls between fancy and real melt away

Here all souls find their rest, and all hearts find their bliss
If that’s not a miracle, tell me what is.

Greetings unto fair Atlantia and Her Populace!

Coming soon, there will be a new Kingdom Notable position available: Atlantian Arts & Sciences Champion! This champion will be selected during the next reign and its tenure will last for the duration of that reign. The Atlantian Arts & Sciences Champion will be selected for excellence in any static Art or Science recognized from our time period.

The Duties & Responsibilities of the Arts & Sciences Champion:

• The Atlantian Arts & Sciences Champion is expected to encourage Arts & Sciences throughout the Kingdom of Atlantia.
• They should sponsor at least one competition during their tenure.
• They should teach in such venues as are available and reasonable.
• They are expected to compete as the Atlantian Arts & Sciences Champion at Gulf Wars.
• Selection of the Arts & Sciences Champion:

The selection of the Atlantian Arts & Sciences Champion will be made solely by the King and Queen of Atlantia (in consultation with respected authorities in the A&S community). There are no other judges for this position. Individuals wishing to vie for this role will be given several opportunities to display their work for Their Majesties to see. Display space for entrants will be available at: War of the Wings IX, Fall Crown, Kingdom Twelfth Night & Kingdom Arts & Sciences Festival.

The new Atlantian Arts & Sciences Champion will be announced at Kingdom Arts & Sciences Festival on March 7th.

Specific Gulf Wars Requirements for This Position:

The Atlantian Arts & Sciences Champion is expected to participate in the Gulf Wars XX Arts and Sciences Champion’s Battle. This competition takes place on Thursday, from 8am - 4pm. Details are located here: http://www.gulfwars.org/index.php/gw-activities/arts-sciences/a-s-competitions They are also highly encouraged to participate in the Meridies-Gleann Abhann Open A&S on the following day.

More details will be released as time gets closer! (Watch this space...)

http://www.gulfwars.org/index.php/gw-activities/arts-sciences/a-s-competitions

Greetings to the Goode Populace of Nottinghill Coill

The month of April was a full and fun month with many events and happenings. First, I attended the Coronation of Our new King William and the beautiful Queen Kara. It was a nice event and I was able to visit with many friends that I don’t usually get to see at Our end of the Kingdom.

Then, His Excellency and I attended the Investiture of the new Baronage of Our neighboring Barony of Hidden Mountain. We wish all the luck to Baron Bor and Baroness Asta. Since it was an investiture, Their Majesties were both in attendance and it was good to be able to visit with them again so soon.

Then it was off to Our own Baronial Birthday that was covered in the other article.Then… whew! … It was off to the Investiture of new Baronage for the Barony of Hawkwood, another good neighbor! We also wish Baron Ronan and Baroness Muriele all the luck. Events at Hawkwood have always been quite … entertaining … and this event was no exception! And I was able to visit with Her Majesty again … three times in one month!

It was an exciting month and We hope the Populace had as much fun as We did!

As Always, In Service to the Dream
Baroness Ariel

Konnichiwa & Greetings to Our Populace

We wish to thank everyone who attended Nottinghill Coill Baronial Birthday 2014 for spending the day with Us. We would especially like to thank the Autocrat, Lord Draco, and his Staff, for a wonderful Event. After many misadventures and an uncooperative Mother Nature you all pulled together and the Birthday was very full and enjoyable. 

We request that thoughts turn to NCBB 2015. If you, or your group, are interested in hosting this Event contact the Baronial Seneschal, Lord Olaf Stammkopf. 

We look forward to the next two Events in Barony. The Collegium on Saturday 7/12 hosted by Cyddlain Downs promises to be full of varied and interesting classes so come out and learn something! WOPP: the Wizard of Oz on Saturday 8/16 hosted by St. Georges should be full of fun an frolicking! Instead of the Wicked Witch, might we see the Wicked Baroness?!? 

Our neighboring Shire of Border Vale Keep is hosting an event on May 31 in Augusta. Her Excellency intends to attend this event and would like to see others of Our Barony support Our neighbors. 

As always We remain...In Service to the Dream,
Takeda & Ariel, Baron & Baroness, Nottinghill Quill

Konnichiwa & Greetings to Our Populace

We are sorry that NCBB had to be postponed and We hope everyone is recuperating from the storm. The autocrat was able to reschedule and We hope all of you can attend Our Baronial Birthday on April 18-20.We wish to thank the Autocrat & the Staff for all that they have done for this Event.

We have extended the deadline for Champions Letters of Intent. If you are interested please email your letters to us at:
gillasd {at} bellsouth.net
barontakeda {at} yahoo.com

We're happy to announce the Heavy & Rapier WarLords for WoW. Lord Olaf Stammkopf (Heavy) & Lord Marcus Octavius (Rapier).We have every confidence that these Lords will bring Honor & Victory to the Barony.

 As always We remain,

In Service to the Dream,
Takeda & Ariel
Baron & Baroness, Nottinghill Coill

Pokerounce Master John le Burquillun (Les Shelton)

Original recipe source: Austin, Thomas. Two Fifteenth Century Cookery-books: Harleian Ms 279 (ab. 1430) and Har. Ms. 4016 (ab. 1450) With Extracts from Ashmole Ms. 1429, Laud. Ms. 553 & Douce Ms. 55, Early English Text Society, N. Trubner & Co., London, 1888.

Harleian Ms 279,–xxxvj Pokerounce Take Hony & caste it in a potte tyl it wexe chargeaunt y now take & skeme it clene Take Gyngere Canel & Galyn gale & caste Jer to take whyte Brede & kytte to trenchours 2 & toste ham take Jin paste whyle it is hot & sprede it vppe 3on Jin trenchourys wi tA a spone & plante it with Pynes & serue f orth

Translation:  Take honey and heat it in a pot until it stiffens, then skim it. Add ginger, cinnamon and galingale to the honey.  Take white bread and cut it into trenchers and toast. While the honey is hot, spread it upon the trenchers with a spoon, add pine nuts, and serve.


Redaction (for a table of 8):

1 loaf dense bread
1 cup honey
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp ginger
¼ tsp galingale
2 tbs pine nuts

Slice and toast the bread. Toast the pine nuts in a medium oven or toaster until golden brown.  Warm honey on medium heat and skim if needed. Stir in the spices and then add the pine nuts. Spoon onto toast slices.
       
Comments:

Can be served as a first course (as an alternative to the standard bread and honey butter) or as a dessert.  The original recipe doesn’t call for the pine nuts to be toasted but I think it gives it a much better flavor.  If you can’t find galingale you can double the amount of ginger. I’ve seen an alternative redaction that uses nutmeg and cardamom in the recipe instead of galingale.

Musings from the Mad Monk: Plague Ships By Brother Amos the Pious

This has been a rough month for the Mad Monk. I have been recovering from a plague that has been sweeping through our fair barony. Luckily it is just a cold but it got me thinking about just how dangerous it was to get sick in the dark days before modern medicine. 

A big factor in people getting ill was simple malnutrition. Most foods were seasonal and if a famine or pestilence took a crop it could leave entire villages and towns without essential nutrients that the body requires to fight off sickness and disease.

Another large factor was ignorance of simple sanitation practices, such as washing hands, which would lead to the rapid spread of sickness. One prevalent illness that resulted from poor sanitation was Dysentery, known then as “the Flux”  or “Bloody Flux”, could cause death due to dehydration. In 1191 Philip II of France was forced to abandoned the third crusade because of a case of the flux. Later, in 1596, while anchored off the coast of Panama, Sir Francis Drake died from an acute case at age 55.

Most afflictions of the skin were labeled as Leprosy, including sever fungal infections and Syphilis, which could cause lesions and deformation as well as seizures and dementia. True Leprosy, known today as Hanson’s Disease, is a bacterial infection that attacks the skin, eyes, cartilage and nervous system. In the 12th century the Benedictine Matthew of Paris estimated that there were as many as 19,000 leper hospitals throughout Europe. During the 12th century, one famous leper hospital located near Jerusalem was the Hospital of St. Lazarus, which spawned a military order made up entirely of leper knights. Lepers were thought by many to be going through purgatory on earth and therefore it was considered a holy affliction.

Tuberculosis has long been one of the most feared diseases, it has been discovered in human remains dating back as far as 7,000BC. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates named it phthisis and identified it as the most widespread illness of his time. In the later Middle ages it was also known as Consumption because it seemed to consume victims from within. Upon seeing the afflicted, one 12th century inquisitor wrote that a dog shaped demon occupied the person and began to eat the lungs. In England and France during the 14th century, it was believed that the royal touch could cure Consumption and whole days were set aside for the Kings to touch the afflicted and give them alms.




One of the earliest documented plagues was the Antonine Plague of 165AD-180AD, which is now believed to have been either Smallpox or Measles. It killed as much as 30% of the population in some areas of Italy and decimated the Roman army. Smallpox most likely was introduced to Europe from Africa during the Islamic invasion of Spain in the 7th and 8th centuries, but it did not become endemic to Europe until it was brought home by soldiers returning from the crusades. The Persian physician Muhammad ibn Zakariya ar-Razi  was the first to differentiate between the two in his 9th century treatise “The book of Smallpox and Measles”.

Fevers were a very dangerous symptom of illness as it could cause permanent damage to the brain. One illness that caused fever was Malaria, known as Roman Fever because it was so prevalent during the Roman Empire. Typhus was a common illness first described in 1489AD during the Spanish siege of Moorish Granada. 3,000 men were lost in battle but an estimated 17,000 died of Typhus which was spread by fleas. Influenza, first described by Hippocrates, remains a major killer even in modern times killing 250,000 to 500,000 people worldwide every year. One early documented outbreak of influenza began in Russia in 1580 and spread through Europe killing 8,000 in Rome and killing entire towns in Spain. Little is known about Sweating Sickness which afflicted Europe between 1485-1551 but modern scholars believe that it could have been Hantavirus, a lung infection spread by rodents, due to the sudden onset of fever resulting in death within hours.

The worst of all Plagues to hit Europe was the Bubonic Plague. First documented in the 6th and 7th centuries it was known as the Plague of Justinian and killed 40% of Constantinople and 50% of Europe. after that it disappeared until the 14th century when it returned as the Black Plague in 1348-1350AD. The plague was transmitted through rat fleas carried aboard merchant ships from Asia. Most victims died within 2-7 days of the first symptoms and 80% of victims die within 8 days. By its end it had killed 30% to 60% of the European population and is estimated to have reduced the world population by a staggering 100,000,000 people by the year 1400AD. It took Europe 150 years to recover from the Black death which returned several times before finally disappearing in the 19th century.

In recreating the middle ages I found a love for the old ways and often wish to experience life back then. But modern medicine is definitely one thing that I do not wish to live without! I begin to ponder the old adage, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. Now go wash your hands!

Pax Vobiscum - The Mad Monk