November 2009 - The Kingdom of Galandor

The Blade
Pope Urban II
November 2009
Missive from the Crown
Greetings Populace!
Her Majesty and I have returned home from the lands of Vega and had a glorious time. We
wish to thank TRM Impact and Valdys for welcoming us with open arms.
We wish the kingdom to know that the Order of St Michael continues to grow in Galandor
with a new addition. The Order welcomes Baron Sir Gerrit Kendel to its ranks.
Upon returning home we were glad to be welcomed to the Solaris mid-reign celebration.
Though we are sad to see Lady Dame Lark step down from the territorial seat, we are please
that Marchioness Dame Mynwyn has chosen to continue on. We look forward to seeing
what is in store for the next year.
Though we will not be able to attend Squire Kirjavina’s tournament, we look forward to
hearing how the “story ” unfolds. Good luck to those in attendance!
Once again we have contenders for the Crown of Galandor. As HRM and I sort through the
letters that came in, we once again ask the territories to send autocrats our way. We are in
need of an autocrat for the homeland and an autocrat(s) for the outlying territories. The
letters of intent will be published in the December blade for voting and the outlying
territories will be hosting their war in the first two weeks of January were as the homeland
will host its war in the last two weeks. We are looking forward to seeing how our document
unfolds.
Good holidays and we hope to see all soon.
Gaelen
Anne
And
Rex
Regina
Calendar of Events
November
7th – Story Tourney (Altiora)
Squire Kirjavina
December
5th – Champion’s Tourney (Solaris)
Marchioness Dame Mynwyn verch Gruffydd
12th – Winter Festival (Altiora)
Lord Sir Richard “Rabbit” Kirk and Lady Dame Inara alZarqa'
Events
November 7 th – Sto ry Tou rney
Hello all. I want to host a Storyline Tournament based on fairtales of my land. The
important thing however is Steel Fighters. This entire tournament will center around our
brave steel fighters, and in order for the story to turn out, I need as many of you as I
possibly can.
The tournament will be Open Shinai, Rapier, and Steel. As with any tournament, it is
important to have a high turnout, so it would honor me if all of the steel fighters would
send me a message telling me if this date will be convenient. But please do not
misunderstand, for if there are many rapier and shinai fighters, the story will be all the
better!
The Tourney will be held in Altiora at our regular practice area (Reid Park). There will
be a site fee for a served lunch. Fee for any Solaran will be $2, and $3 for Altiora. It will
be held Saturday November 7th and will begin promptly with opening court at Noon.
Please let me know if this works for everyone. Thank you all!
Squire Kirjavina
December 5 th – Champion’s Tourney
The time has come once again to choose the Champion and Captain of the Guard of
Solaris. Gather your arms and your bravery and come to the field of battle for the
fierceness of combat.
The tourney will be held on 5 December starting at 10 am, site TBA. The site will be $3
for light refreshments. If you are not part of Solaris, do not quail, there will still be a
steel list, rapier list and shinai list. After this will follow the list to choose the new
Captain of the Solaris Guard.
During all of this, I will be keeping my eye on the fighters. After all the fighting, I will
choose my new champion. This will be the fighter that has caught my eye—not only for
his/her prowess on the field, but also for their chivalry and grace.
Please come and enjoy a day of fighting.
Marchioness Dame Mynwyn verch Gruffydd
December 12 th – Winter Festi val
Greetings unto all! The joyous holiday season is upon us and much celebration and
merriment shall be ensuing in the coming days. To honor the Winter Solstice We, Lord
Sir Richard Rabbit Kirk and Lady Dame Inara al-Zarqa' shall be hosting a Winter
Festival. We wish to incorporate some combat, some arts, dancing and revelry into this
event. Details are as follows:
- Time: Site opens at 4pm, court at their Majesties leisure
- Location: Our keep; 3225 E. Fairmount St. Tucson AZ 85716
- Site fee: Bring a dish to share to serve at least 10 people (we will provide beef and
chicken to be grilled as a main dish)
- Combat styles: Shinai and Rapier
- Arts tournament: if we have enough entries
- Wet site, BYOB (or perhaps we can inquire about Baron Sir Gerrit or m'lord Cyris
about bringing some of their home brews to share?)
- Bring chairs to sit in as we do not have very many at our abode.
We are hoping to have both a shinai and a rapier tournament before the sun goes down in
addition to an arts tournament occurring during the fighting. Following combat we shall
have feasting and merriment. In addition we shall be having a drum circle with belly
dancing from 7 pm – 9:30 pm. There will be a fire pit (if anyone wants to bring
marshmallows they are welcome to) and a bardic circle going on, we also welcome
anyone to share stories that they may have (we love our "No s*it there I was tales"). We
encourage members to share their performances, their dancing, and on a whole have a
good time celebrating the solstice.
Directions from Solaris: Take the I-10 towards Tucson and exit at Speedway Blvd. Go
Left on Speedway (east) and take it down to Country Club. Go Left on Country Club
(north) and take it to Fairmount (it should be the second street). Go Right on Fairmount
(east) and pass through the 4 way stop. We are the third house on the left.
Lord Sir Richard “Rabbit” Kirk
Lady Dame Inara al-Zarqa'
Extras
Recipe of the Month
Pears in Wine Sauce
A popular cooked fruit dish throughout the ages has been pears in wine sauce. This
recipe was suggested by one calling for pear-bark, cinnamon, cumin and pepper.
4 small hard pears peeled and sliced—Conference/Bartlett/Bosc
¼ cup red wine
½ cup liquid honey
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
1 8x8 baking pan
Preheat oven to 350º. Place the pears in the baking dish. Mix the remaining ingredients
and pour this mixture over the pears. Cover with a lid or foil and bake for 1 hour or until
tender.
Solaris Edge
First off, I’d like to thank Baron Sir Gerrit Kendal for his wonderful Investiture Feast.
The food was wonderful and the entertainment even better. I know all who came enjoyed
themselves greatly.
Secondly, congratulations to Lord Sir Kheldar upon his induction to the Order of the
Rising Sun. This is a well deserved recognition of all his accomplishments in Solaris as
much as a acknowledgment that he will continue to do all he can to help these Lands.
Lastly, I look forward to the opportunity to choose a new Champion in December. Please
come and vie for this important position.
Marchioness Dame Mynwyn verch Gruffydd
Heraldry Challenge
Congratulations to HRH Robert Sanguin for winning the first heraldry challenge. He
receives half off all site fees for the month. As a reminder, here’s the device.
The device belongs to Gregory Winterson. The blazon is azure (blue), a bear’s paw
argent (silver) pierced by (with the following inside of) a mullet of 4 points (a 4 pointed
star) azure (blue), on a chief (above) embattled (crenellated) of the second (color, i.e.
silver), 3 mullets of 4 points of the first (color, i.e. blue). Just a note, the official blazon
indicated is also incorrect as it indicates a just a chief without the embattled field
division. This is being corrected.
Here’s this month’s device. Remember, the first one to email me at blade@galandor.org
with the owner of the device and the blazon will receive half off the next month’s site
fees.
Congratulations and good luck!
Chronicler
A Pope?
Pope Urban II was Pope from March 1088 until his death in July of 1099. He’s known
for his prominent support of Gregorian reforms as well as his diplomatic finesse.
However, Pope Urban II is most known for his call to start the First Crusade.
On 27th November 1095, at the Council of Piacenza he called for Nobles, Knights and
peasants to gather to help Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos against an invasion of
Seljuk Turks who had taken over most of Byzantine Anatolia. It is commonly thought
that the phrase “Dues Volt” or God wills it, came from his speech, which launched nearly
200 years of back and forth conflicts and wars between Christians and Muslims.
And that’s your Medieval Minute.
The Walls Have Ears
•
Back in the Middle East they stuffed everything.
•
That’s enough to send you into a diabetic coma.
I know. That’s why I’m so excited.
•
I need men!
•
I’m sorry, she actually joined a house with class.
•
I can do a very low squat.
•
How high are we going?
•
I thrusted the bubble.
•
Wow, these are real hard to stab.
•
I don’t have a gaping hole in my crotch, that’s what’s different.
Articles
Middle Eastern Clot hing: A Brief Overview
*Note: My research is mostly on Women’s clothing, so there may be some confusion
about the descriptions of garments and such. Please be aware of this when reading this
article.*
Bright colors, exotic patterns, ornate headdresses…. This is just some of the many
aspects of Middle Eastern clothing. When it came to clothing in the Middle East during
the Middle Ages, the focus was on not only comfort but protection from the varying types
of weather that people would be faced with. Although the names for the different
garments varied from region to region, this was a basic listing of the layers of clothing
worn:
- Undertunic/underdress
- Pants (commonly known as shalwar or salwar)
- Under jacket, short coat or vest
- One or more fitted coats
- Grand outer coat
- Headdress
- One or more scarves to adorn the face or the waist/hips
Construction of all garments was made using mathematical equations to make rectangular
and triangular shapes. An explanation of each layer is as follows.
Undertunic—This was the undermost layer of an outfit, similar to a smock or a chemise.
It was made of a soft, sheer fabric, mid-calf to ankle-length, with either fitted or extra
long, wide bell sleeves. The neckline was usually keyhole style, extending down to the
center of the bust line with a button to hold it closed at the neck at the discretion of the
wearer. There are some images in which the undertunic is decorated with trim or lace of
some sort; some people believe this to be décor, others feel it is a form of handsewing to
make the edges look pretty.
Pants—These are the pants worn underneath, though not “underwear”, although styles
similar to these have been found to be used for that. Although they look as though they
are poofy, gathered ‘harem pants’ Middle Eastern pants are actually made with a tightfitted ankle, extending wider as they reach the hips so that they are much looser in the
seat. They were usually made with a sash or tie for the waistband, or had an extra piece
put in to make a separate waistband altogether. The fabric used was usually soft and
flow-y but documentation has shown that they have been made to be tucked into boots
and look poofy (similar to harem pants). They were made of a contrasting color, or they
were made of a colorful patterned fabric.
Under jacket, short coat or vest—This was a short (usually ended just under the bustline)
coat or vest. Many times the coat version was made with large, flowing sleeves in a
contrasting color to the rest of the outfit.
Fitted coat—Often times, multiple fitted coats were worn overtop the undertunic, pants
and fitted coat or vest. They were very vibrant in fabric color, pattern, or both. The sleeve
styles have many variations, ranging from long, fitted sleeves to flowing sleeves that
extend past the hand and lay open. The length varied from mid-thigh to ankle-length. The
buttons and buttonholes are similar to frog closures, with long strips going outward
towards the sides. They start at the top of the coat (where the neckline starts) and go all
the way down to the waist or belly button, though not all of them are necessarily
buttoned.
Grand outer coat—This coat was “the main event” for the entire outfit. Made of the most
ornate or expensive material, the grand coat was worn as the outermost layer of the outfit.
This was commonly seen as being worn ankle to floor length. The sleeves would many
times be very long, almost floor-length, with an opening so that they opened at the elbow.
This was considered the focal point of the entire outfit and therefore would have beading,
embroidery or other decorations on it to emphasize it.
Headdress—In the Middle Ages wearing headdresses was not just common; it was
required in most cases. For many religions that reside in the area, keeping one’s head
covered was required, therefore the styles of headdresses varied from region to region.
Most common headdresses consisted of turbans, pillbox caps, scarves wrapped around
the head and face, tiaras (either attached to caps or worn over scarves to cover the hair),
feathers in a small bunch, mogul hats and lots of pearls.
Scarves—In most paintings or illuminations, seeing scarves is quite common. Scarves
were used to adorn the face and body, both as protection from weather, covering for
religious purposes, and as general décor for the wearer. It was uncommon to see leather
belts as in some religious beliefs wearing leather was not allowed, so instead scarves
were worn as sashes or acted as belts for the wearer.
Interested in seeing some of this in period? Here are a few more pictures of a group of
women as depicted in a book whose name I cannot recall, but they are meant to portray
the women and court of Suleman the Lawgiver during the 16th century in the Ottoman
Empire.
From what you can see here, many times women are not depicted in Turkish or Persian
art, only men are, so many inferences must be made about the garb that is worn. Many
times Persian clothing is looked at because Turkish and Persian clothing were extremely
similar; there were very few differences between the two. For a few internet references
on both garb and parts of the medieval Middle East in general, you can look at these
websites:
http://www.geocities.com/anahita_whitehorse/ottofemcloth.html
http://users.lazerlink.com/~dwarph/v1n1/al-must_v1N1.html#RTFToC11
http://fenris.net/~lizyoung/bklist.html
http://www.indiana.edu/~librcsd/etext/tilke/contents.html
http://www.willofyre.com/periodmideastgarb.html
http://www.kultur.gov.tr/EN/BelgeGoster.aspx?17A16AE30572D313679A66406202CC
B0DBA70C97114F1A29
http://home.earthlink.net/~lilinah/Rashid/
http://www.sca.org.au/collegewar/ottoman.html
http://www.theottomans.org/english/index.asp
http://www.turkishculture.org/index.php
One of the best book references (besides looking at Middle Eastern miniatures) that I
have found is the book Women’s costume of the near and Middle East written by Jennifer
Scarce. This book includes multiple images of extant garments in addition to quite a lot
of historical information about the various areas in the Middle East during the Middle
Ages.
Still interested in learning more or want to know how to pattern a proper Middle Eastern
outfit? I will be holding a class on Middle Eastern Garments and basic Patterning during
an upcoming Arts and Armoring Day, so be watching the Blade for the date.
Lady Dame Inara al-Zarqa’, or
Sayyida Hanim Inara al-Zarqa’
Hierarchy of Galandor
CROWN OF GALANDOR – TRM Gaelen O’Flaharty and Anne
of Brackley
Principality of Norhtwatch
– TRH Sir Robert Sanguin and Dame
Mina Lavigne
– Great House of Northwatch – Lady Squre Elix DeVries
Marquisette of Altiora – HE Jarl Sir Jaster Mereel
- Stormdragon – Lord Squire Giovanni Visconte
- Zaralexis – Lady Dame Inara al-Zarqa’
Marquisette of Solaris – HE Marchioness Dame Mynwyn verch
Gruffydd
-Semag Hall – Lady Dame Lorelei von Bremerhaven
- Peregrine – Lady Squire Josceline Marie Tourneau
Province of Stahldrache – Graf Sir Adon von Hesser
Royal Officers of Galandor
Kingdom Herald – Lady Dame Inara al-Zarqa’ – herald@galandor.org
Minister of Arts and Sciences – Lord Squire Giovanni Visconti – ans@galandor.org
Minister of Combat – Pan Sir Kronosch Kiwaczyk – marshal@galandor.org
Minister of Rolls – Princess Dame Mina Lavigne – rolls@galandor.org
Sovereign of Arms – Lady Dame Lorelei von Bremerhaven – fleur@galandor.org
Royal Exchequer – Marchiză Dame Lark Evintorianalaxisabalandi –
exchequer@galandor.org
Royal Hospitler – Lord Sir Kheldar – hospitler@galandor.org
Royal Chronicler – Marchioness Dame Mynwyn verch Gruffydd – blade@galandor.org
Kingdom Web Minister – Baron Sir Gerrit Kendel – webminister@galandor.org
Kingdom Secretary – Baron Sir Gerrit Kendel – secretary@galandor.org
Kingdom Regalia – Marchioness Dame Mynwyn verch Gruffydd
Kingdom Water Bearer – Sabine
Current Listing of Galandorian Royalty
King and Queen of Galandor – TRM Gaelen O’Flaharty and Anne of Brackley
crown@galandor.org
Principality of Northwatch – TRH Sir Robert Sanguin and Dame Mina Lavigne
sirsanguinius@galandor.org
Marquisette of Altiora – HE Jarl Sir Jaster Mereel
Altiora@galandor.org
Marquisette of Solaris – HE Marchioness Mynwyn verch Gruffydd
solaris@galandor.org
Province of Stahldrache – Graf Sir Adon von Hesser
siradonvonhesser@yahoo.com
ECS Websites
Imperial Website:
Kingdom of Galandor:
Kingdom of Vega:
www.ecs-imperial.org
www.galandor.org
www.ecs-vega.com