From the Caecepol

Good people of the consortium,
It is tax time again. In past years our monies have been slated for various causes, each of them worthy of our help and support. This year is no exception. As you are all aware Their Highnesses Artan and Hannah will be the Crown come Pennsic. Wouldn't it be nice if our Crown, and I do mean our, were sent in style. I am well aware that they will have the support of all Meridies but don't they have the right to expect a little more from us, their family?

In the next few months I will endeavor to let you know which Events I will be able to attend and/or who will be attending that will be collecting in my stead. Any questions may be directed to me at [email protected].

The tax system is strictly voluntary. I know that this group of people often has hearts larger than their pocketbooks but that each of you will give as you can.

Marie

[editor's note: information about hidage (and how to calculate your share) can be found at http://www.geocities.com/consortium2/hidage.html.]

Weard Words

Whew! Lots to talk about this month so lets jump right into it.

First of all, we have wars coming up - and plenty of them. And to get in shape for that, the Consortium - ever mindful of your needs - is once again holding Meridian Maneuvers. Jointly run by Ravenwood and Rivermarch, this event is always a blast for those fighter types. Now I know you've all looked in the PC and seen that Pelika is the feastcrat. Admittedly that scared me too, but look just underneath his information and you'll see that Dinah is the Co-feastcrat. And how many times has Dinah let you down? See? No excuse for missing out.

This is our first opportunity to work together as a Consortium team. Earl Michael Bohun, our Fyrdwise, wishes to proclaim a call to arms of the Consortium faithful. I believe he envisions the Consortium against all comers at the event. I think it would be kind of neat too! And a call to arms leads as well to...

Second, Gulf Wars is drawing nigh. And, as any artist can tell you, nigh is a difficult thing to draw. A Consortium fighting unit there would be a wonderful thing. We've shined brightly as a unit before in the big wars and, as a group, attract vast notice around the Kingdom with our matching colors, camaraderie and large numbers.
But fighting is only one aspect of how we can show this Kingdom our might, our ability and our Chivalry. As you know, the Autocrat of this years Gulf Wars is our own beloved Baroness Katherine. After speaking with her Excellency, she would like to call upon all Consortium members to volunteer at least two hours at GW this year. Besides the obvious advantages of meeting new people in and out of Kingdom, you will also be earning money for your own home Shire in the process! Yes, that's right. Volunteers at Gulf Wars earn cold hard cash for their home groups. How much you earn depends on how much you serve. It's a win-win situation folks. And two hours out of a week? Come on, get real!
She also provided me with possibilities for service. Troll, Security and Water Bearing are three biggies, but volunteers for Herald's Point, Sanitation, clean-up crew, etc are needed and appreciated as well. And don't forget like I did last year to turn in your time sheet!!!

Third, our GW campsite is shaping up nicely. His Royal Highness has decided to camp with us, so we actually get to be a Royal encampment for a change! As I reported in an earlier e-mail, I am investigating what can be done to fix up the shower we had last year which was built by Sir Simon. Watch your e-mail for further developments.

Fourth, it may be a tad early, but Marion Glen has already put in a bid to host Chalice Challenge for this year. Tentative date for the CC is September 7th but may be subject to change depending on circumstances. They offer a primitive site for our gathering and the bonus of food to boot. As usual, if there are any other Consortium groups interested in submitting a bid, let me know at your earliest convenience. The "award" will not be made for quite some time, but don't put it off and forget about it.

Speaking of Marion Glen, they and Viridian's Fjord have formally requested admittance to the Consortium. Both groups are somewhat comprised of Consortium veterans and know of the benefits of being a member of our fine (but non-existent) organization. I have decided to make Fools' War the deadline for all discussion and input from the Shires. That gives all groups the months of February and March to provide me with feedback. Based on the difficulty of gathering individual votes, I declare that both groups shall gain admittance unless there is a majority "no vote" backed by good reason not to accept them into our fold. Meanwhile I invite members of both groups to participate with the Consortium in all ventures, whether camping, fighting, feasting, or wearing of the colors.

All righty then. That's about all for the Weirdo's...er...Weard's page. See you next month, same Consortium time, same Consortium channel!

Gio the wordy Warden.

PS: Pelika, like me, you're just too easy to pick on! :-)