Gulf Wars X Report

What a fabulous War!
We heard that we topped over 4000 in attendance.
On the battlefield were throngs of fighters, numerous huge siege engines, and arrows flying so thick they blackened the sky.
The siege battle on Saturday rivaled the battle scene from Braveheart (sans the buttock display, darn).
The only serious casualty (that we know of) was a fighter who had a compound fracture when she jumped from the Fort ladder.
At the Scriptorium, the Scribes had a battle of their own on their hands--scrambling to replace SIXTY!! scrolls that had been damaged in Monday’s downpour.
This caused a delay in the start of the Meridies Court.
However, the time went by most pleasantly as the Bards of the realm entertained us with song and poem.
Master Teig (sp?), served as Gleann Abhann's court jester and warmed us with laughter so that the chill of the night air was all but forgot.
Our Prince and Prncess of Gleann Abhann announced that the date for the Principality list is being moved and that they will serve for only 3 months, so fighters, be prepared!
As for awards: newly come to our Barony, Baroness Broinnfhionn was awarded the Order of the Argent sheild for figting and the Order of the Bough.
Scotti MacCurragh of Seleone was inducted into the Order of the Velvet Owl and the very first two graduates from the School of Pages were called to court. Huzzah!
Fatigued from working at Heralds Point and Scriptorium all week, we were unable to attend Great Court and can make no report.
However, if you received a site scroll at court, look closely, the large circle motif at the top spells out "Gulf Wars" in pseudo-Arabic.
Our own Lord Gradlon Friant Braz, who practiced with the musicians during the week, did stay to play at the Ball.
Speaking of Heralds Point, it was even better organized and more efficient than last year, which is hard to imagine.
They held their usual delicious, catered buffet party, a nice perk for being a Herald at the war.
The Grand Procession of the Royalty on horseback was magnificent with our Sultan of Meridies speaking fine words of welcome to the onlooking crowd.
At the equestrian area, our own Baronial Herald, Wulfred Hansard was dashing in his dagged cap and matching houppelande as he heralded the impressive Emprise des la Trois Roses (14th cen. french equestrian tournament).
The equestrians’ helms and livery were fabulous; something everyone should behold.
There was also much coursing of the hounds, which, thanks to the efforts of Lady Rebecca, was the largest pack yet.
Arts and Sciences had some wondrous items including furniture and an unusual exhibit by Baron Tally of Trimaris on the snakes of St. Hildegard (fossils) as a heraldic charge.
The encampments were even more beautiful than last year with many more period style tents including the addition of the Early Period Life encampment at the end of Queens Lane.
Classes on period blacksmithing, bread making and dyeing were taught at this new, yet old style encampment.
Axemoor encampment’s firepit was most inviting and our Saint Bogdacious banners impressed several people to whom I spoke that were new to the war.
The Heralds have been inspired by all of these to add more heraldic display to their own tent next year.
They have tentatively scheduled courses on the Heraldic Arts to be offered in the mornings with the consultation hours in the afternoons and lengthened in hopes of offering more service to those coming off the fighting fields.
Thanks to the hard work of the organizers, Lady Katarina Tesmer, her Lord Derbin, House AF, along with Lady Richenda and others who worked hard to sell tickets, the raffle for Baby Tristan held at Odyssey Coffee was a huge success--collecting $1800.75.
Not only was a fabulous sword donated by Pol Uto but the Baroness Isolde of Seleone donated a glorious late period dress of black and red and many merchants also generously contributed.
Loud shouts of huzzah rang from the crowd as each winner was acclaimed by Ladislav the Merchant of Seleone who played the announcer, while Mistress Francesca recorded the event on tape for Thorvald and Solveig.
We also passed around a card to be signed.
Alas, dark descended upon us and the merriment ended all too soon.
Things we would like to see more of, More transportation for the infirm, more toilet paper, vegetarian egg rolls, more classes on Sat., particularly on Western European history, arts, and sciences and more SCA-newcomer type classes.
Please contact the Autocrat Sir John the Pursuwer (228-871-5735) with your words of praise and suggestions for improving next years event and, perhaps, volunteer to make it happen.

In Service to The Dream,
Lord Colm Dubh and his Lady wife