GoAs and Argent Shields went to some very deserving people.  Aislinn, Molli, and Yseult are now Ladyships (did Mistress Bronwen pay off the Crown??), and Murchadh got his Argent Shield.  Let's not forget that there are other deserving people in the Consortium.  Keep those recommendation letters coming!

In the days ahead, before winter seizes us in its icy grip, we have several things to look forward to.  For those of you who are not going to Fighters' Collegium, you could plan to participate in the Ravenwood Newcomers' Day or strut your stuff in the Knight Before Christmas Parade.

Since we do have the off-season coming, don't forget to do a little bit here and there in preparation for next year's Meridian Maneuvers, Gulf Wars, and Fools' War, which will be the first three Consortium events of interest (and if Camden Tor and Dragonfly would just tell us about Hammer the Hordes…).

Weard Words

Man, oh, man, what a difference a month can make!  As of last issue, we didn't have any Royalty or new babies, and we were shy a few GoAs.  So we survived a war, which we moralistically won, if not physically (yeah!), and now we head off into the cold, frigid winter (okay, so not so cold - sue me) with a sense of contentment at having met our objectives.

Congratulations to Their Highnesses; undoubtedly Their ascension to the throne will shine a giant spotlight on the Consortium.  We had better be prepared.

And congratulations to Tatheg and Zada!  She was obviously so overwhelmed at becoming Lady Zada that she gave birth right there on the spot.

Married bliss seemed to be the theme of Champions' List.  Congratulations Uilleag, Verena, Owen, and Azizah.  Hopefully, they all got married to the appropriate person.  :)

October Event Reviews

CROWN LIST

The big news, of course, is that our once "Lord" Artan of Forth Castle won the Tournament, and is now His Royal Highness Artan. His consort is Her Royal Highness Hanna' (known to most as Mama Yvonne). The news spread like wildfire throughout the Consortium, and our two Royals were immediately whisked up into Their new roles by the next weekend at Panhandle Skirmishes, where both looked quite regal indeed in Their fancy new chairs.

Additionally, Molli Rose Kekilpenny, Sol Haven, received a Grant of Arms during court, and Master Theahtyn lost a protege (read "Household News" in the Chatter).

PANHANDLE SKIRMISHES

Sideline Commentary (from Lord Michael von Moltan): "I wish I could have been out there with the rest of the fighters. From the sidelines it was very apparent to me that the Regional War Practice we had in Valdosta really helped with us being a cohesive unit. I think it would be a good thing for us to have a few more of those before next we invade Trimaris. We should also work on being able to bring more of our numbers to bear upon the field.
Michael von Moltan"

From Shair Fiachna (snipped from a Tavern Yard post): "The event was much smaller than last year, but very enjoyable. Meridies was vastly outnumbered by about 2.5 to one, I believe. Fortunately, after the first lopsided battle, our gracious hosts began providing allies for us to make the combat more even and enjoyable for all. When the fighting ended about 1:00, most fighters were too tired to do pick ups.

"Friday night the seneschal of Trimaris stood vigil for elevation to knighthood on the field Saturday morning. The best part of that was the keg of nut brown ale, which kept me entertained until 5 am. ;) Saturday night, I was abed by midnight. LoL!"

Lord Murchadh inn Digri, Rivermarch, Consortium Cempa, became a member of the Order of Argent Shield, and Rakli Zada Orlenda was awarded Arms during court Saturday evening.

CHAMPIONS' LIST

Sir Simon MacLeod won Champions' List, and Earl Michael Bohun won Best of the Rest. Weddings were abundant (see News from the Marches - Forth Castle and Sol Haven), and there was a good deal of Fanciyam shifting throughout the day (see the Chatter).