Book Review - The Lions of Al-Rassan

So not only am I writing a blog but this is first e-book I've ever read.  Guess I am finally entering the modern middle ages.  Next thing you know, I might start checking FB more than once or twice a month.  I still prefer to hold and read paper books.  However, I've come to the unfortunate conclusion that I can't afford to buy all of the books I'd like to read, nor do I have the space to store them.  However, the Orange County Public Library has a lot of books that interest me, and many of them are only available in e-book format.  I guess they don't have infinite storage capacity either.  This is one of those books that was only available as an e-book.

The Lions of Al-Rassan
Guy Gavriel Kay
(HarperCollins 1995, epub 2012)

Guy Gavriel Kay is one of my favorite authors.  I think I may have even reviewed one of his more recent works back when I was doing the review in the Revelry.  Kay is a Canadian author of fantasy.  One of his earliest works of "high fantasy" is the trilogy The Fionavar Tapestry which may be familiar to some readers.  I read this series and found it entertaining but the books of his I most enjoy are the ones where he uses history to inspire his characters and stories.  However, rather than writing and out and out historical fiction, he has created an alternate world that is unapologetically inspired by medieval Europe and the Mediterranean world.  In Kay, Al-Rassan is a parallel to Andalusia, Esperana is Spain, Ferrieres is France, Batiara is Italy, Sarantium parallel to the Byzantine Empire.  He has also created parallels to the three major religions of the middle ages.  Thus, the Jaddites who worship the "Sun" are the stand-ins for Christians, the Asharites are the people of the desert parallel to the Muslims, and the the Kindath are the 'Wanderers" and this world's Jews.  While there are some few fantasy elements in these historically inspired novels, such as brief encounters with the Fey or old gods, or in this novel a character with an unreliable power of prophecy, the historical is much more important to Kay.  By setting his novels in a fantasy setting he has more freedom to address medieval individuals and cultures without having to adhere to specific events.  Kay also states in an essay he wrote on this subject (Home and Away 1999, http://brightweavings.ca/ggk/globe/) that he feels he can better relate these themes from the past to his modern readers by means of fantasy.

The Lions of Al-Rassan is inspired by Moorish Spain.  In this story, Asharite Caliphate that once dominated the peninsula has broken up into mini-kingdoms and city states while the once native Jaddites, driven into the north and northwest, and themselves split into competing kingdoms, have in the intervening centuries begun to reconquer lost territory and assert rising dominance over the Asharite statelets.  Meanwhile the Kindath minority lives on the fringes, given grudging acceptance among the Asharites as long as they pay their taxes and otherwise keep to theirselves.  This is the period that modern scholars call the Convivencia, a time when at least among the elite there was some tolerance and respect among the peoples and cultures even amidst their political and religious conflicts.  However, the convivencia is not so much enlightened idealism but a function of the fact that in this fractured land no one people or kingdom is powerful enough to assert absolute dominance so that a kind of cultural equilibrium.

Their are four main characters that dominate the story.  The first is Rodrigo, the Jaddite captain from one of the Esperanan kingdoms, whom the author bases on the historic El Cid.  Due to the politics of Esperana, he has been exiled and he and his company are now serving as mercenaries in the Asharite city-state of Ragosa.  Ragosa represents the ideal of the convivencia (perhaps as Cordoba did in the days of the Calipahate...), rich, jaded, a cultured trading city where an Asharite king rules with the assistance of a Kindath chancellor defended by both Asharite and Jaddite mercenaries.  Enter Ammar ibn Khairan, assassin and statesman, also exiled after a coup has overthrown the Asharite king he served.  These two men, the best and most talented of their peoples, should be natural enemies but are throne together in a doomed friendship that you know at the outset cannot last.  The third major character is Jehane bet Ishak, a Kindath physician in service to both Ragosa and the mercenary company, who admires and is admired by these two champions.  Finally the fourth major character is Alvar de Pellino.  Son of a minor knight living in the rural borderlands, he has grown up on stories of knightly glory, of vanquishing the Asharites and restoring the glory of Jad to Esperana.  He is new to Rodrigo's company where he develops a crush on the Kindath doctor and while living amongst the mercenaries in a cosmopolitan city learns that the world is not as black and white as he thought it was.

Outside forces are active that will disrupt this equilibrium.  The Jaddite Esperanan kingdoms are growing in power and the petty Asharite states are forced to pay them tribute.  In order to hold onto their power, the largest of the Asharite states invite in fundamentalist Asharite tribesmen from across the straits from Al-Rassan.  These tribesmen, living in the deserts and mountains, consider their own fellow Asharites pampered and decadent and their is no room in their faith for unbelievers.  Meanwhile, in the other Jaddite kingdoms to the north of Esperana, a crusade is being organized to recapture the Jaddite holy land in the east from the Asharites.  Priests from Ferrieres come to encourage the Esperanan kings to cease their own conflicts and fight their common Asharite enemy in their own midst.  The kings of Esperana, being more pragmatic than their fellow religious from the north, are suspicious of these priests as they realize it is one thing to conquer in the name of religion and another thing to rebuild and rule after the conquest is complete.  As the story progresses, their are pogroms against the Kindath, massacres by both Asharites and Jaddites, and the eventual passing of convivencia.  Meanwhile our heroes attempt to maintain friendships amidst divided loyalties of kingdom and faith.

Around the Knowne World

Greetings good gentles!  Today I bring to you a new series that we are going to try out.  Our Society spans the globe, with amazing SCAdians in all sorts of places.  Many have created blogs to share information, tips, and their adventures.  This series will focus on sharing great posts from other blogs, so that we can all have a peek into what others are doing around the world.  If you would like to recommend a blog that you follow, please email a link to trident-times@baronyofdarkwater.org.

Today's post comes to you from The Compleatly Dressed Anachronist.  Master Edyth Miller has written a lovely article on how to continue participating and investing in your game when the budget has other ideas.  Enjoy!

The Compleatly Dressed Anachronist - How to Invest in Your Medieval Recreation When You Are Broke

From The Kingdom

Greetings!  This new article series will be where we will share posts from Trimaris Kingdom officers, in an effort to share information as widely as possible.  

Today's post is from the Sundial Herald, the person in charge of protocol, precedence, and traditions.  You can find their blog post here:

Religion & Ceremonies in the SCA

Ring of Chivalry - 2019 Ballot

Peer Interview: Sasha Vilanov

1. What is your mundane name?

Jon Thomas Conant but I go by Tommy

2. What is your full persona name?

Posadnik Soshka Gregor’evich Vilanov aka Sasha

3. What is your peerage and, if appropriate, your discipline?

Pelican – mostly administrative and heraldry

4. How long have you been in the SCA?

25+ years.

5. Can you give us a little of your persona’s story?

Born in 1220 in the Grand Duchy of Vladimir. At age 18, I was a Russian soldier and was gifted to the Mongolians when they came to his village to prevent them from raiding and destroying the village. Later in life I became a bureaucrat in the city of Vladimir after it was rebuilt.

6. What offices have you held?  What were the greatest challenges of these duties?

I have been Baronial Seneschal, Baronial Archery Ranger, Baronial Webminister, Kingdom Webminister, Sextant Herald (maintain the Order of Precedence), Triskele Herald (Principle herald of the Kingdom), Sundial Herald (Royal Court Herald) and I am about to become the Secretary for the Order of the Pelican. Keeping everything running smoothly. Remembering to delegate when appropriate.

7. What is your favorite SCA memory (not including receiving your Peerage)?

There are many, but I would probably say watching my wife become Princess and then Queen.

8. Are you a member of a household or guild?  If so, what is it, and how do you participate? 

I am currently the leader of both Clan Far-Flung and Red Phoenix Horde. Honorary member of Clan Cait Dubh.

9. What is something about you that you don’t think many in the SCA know (that you don’t mind them knowing now)?

That I like to fight. I typically have only fought at wars over the years and semi-sporadically, so not everyone has seen me in armor and I always get comments of “I didn’t know that you fought” whenever I show up in armor.

10. What advice do you have for less-experienced members of the SCA?

Don’t continue to do something that you don’t like doing. There are a zillion things to do in the SCA and if something stops being fun, stop doing it. If you take on an office or a position, finish out your tenure to the best of your ability, but don’t be afraid to step down if life gets in the way of that. Don’t just half ass it and peter out without letting anyone know. People will have more respect for you and can accept admitting you can’t finish something more than just disappearing and not telling anyone.

Largesse Derby Rules - Autumn 2018

We will be holding a largesse donation derby at Village Faire! The goal is to create a collection of largesse that can be used for gift baskets for investitures, coronations and wars, as well as donating some to the Crown.

Rules for Entry:

•     All entrants must create 12 items that are suitable for largesse. For example: 12 needlebooks, 12 hats from different (or the same) period, 12 pieces of jewelry, 12 children’s toys. 12 socks would not be suitable as that is only 6 pairs.
•     All entries must be tagged and ready to be gifted the day of the competition.
•     Fiber content and ingredients should be listed for any items that contain possible allergens.
•     Entries need not be documentable, as this is not an Arts and Science competition.
•     Items should not have specific heraldry on them as they are meant to be given to other areas.
•     Judging will be done by the “bead in a cup” method.
•     All entrants must register their entries with the organizers at time of competition.

Over the Top:

•     To be eligible for an Over the Top prize, you must enter 3 or more entries (3 sets of a dozen items).
•     All 3 entries must be in different categories. For example: an entry of jewelry, an entry of needlebooks, and an entry of wooden dice would be eligible. An entry of necklaces, an entry of bracelets, and an entry of earrings would not be eligible.
•     If there is any question of if your entries would qualify, or if you would like to donate an Over the Top prize, please contact the organizers.

Prize: The winner will choose one item from each of the entries. (If there are 12 entrants, the winner will receive 12 items.)  If you need ideas for entries, check out the Largesse Makers group on Facebook, or search for SCA Largesse on Pinterest.

Organizer: Mistress Ilene Johnnestoune

Regional Art-Sci at Village Faire - Autumn 2018

Come one, come all to the Regional Arts and Sciences Faire at Village Faire, this September 28th to 30th.

Learn how to enter art/sci, get constructive suggestions to help you further your projects, or helpful ideas on how to ready your projects for Kingdom Art-Sci in January. Entries must fall between 500 CE and 1650 CE.

We have two project work days scheduled during Thursday meetings between now and the event. Feel free to bring your project if you would like thoughts on it, or if you would like help with your paperwork for registration.

If you would like to be a judge at Village Faire Regional Art/Sci please send me a message!

Lady Ursula Blackpool

MKA: Carmen Heffelfinger

Darkwater Art/Sci Officer

artsci@baronyofdarkwater.org

Village Matsuri Flyer - Autumn 2018

Arts and Sciences Letter - Autumn 2018

Hello from the Art/Sci Office:

Reminder: Darkwater meetings and classes are scheduled for every Thursday, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at the Fashion Square Mall Community Room, located at  3201 E Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.

August: 2nd: Officer/Business Meeting

August 9th: Project Day: Work on your Art/Sci, Derby, or whatever project you would like

August 16th: Paper Marbling

       Milesenda de Bourges

August 23rd: Scribal Class 2

       Nickel Hartman

August 30th: 5th Thursday

September 6th: Officer and Business Meeting

September 13th: Project Day: Work on your Art/Sci, Derby, or whatever project you would like.

If you are interested in teaching a class, please send a message and we will put you on the calendar!

Are you interested in period cooking? Want to be the leader of the cooking guild? Please send a message to the art/sci office to learn more.

Lady Ursula Blackpool

MKA: Carmen Heffelfinger

Darkwater Art/Sci Officer

artsci@baronyofdarkwater.org

Webminister Letter - Autumn 2018

Greetings to the populace,

We apologize for all the website issues over the last month. We now have a new temporary website, and it is being  updated as we speak. We will hopefully have the website completed shortly. The Baronial blog and Facebook group will have updates regarding classes and other information, should the website go down for any reason. Thank you for your patience.

Regards,

Lord Thomas von Wildtstein

Webminister, Barony of Darkwater

Known World Handbook - Autumn 2018

Want a larger guide to the SCA to dive into, that will answer your questions and be a resource for years?  They have that! It’s called the Known World Handbook! You can find it on the SCA.org website within the Marketplace.  It is 25 dollars, but it is a wonderful resource to have on hand if you are wanting to dive into the deep end of the SCA.  I often have my book with me, so please feel free to ask to see it if you would like to browse.

The Known World Handbook –

• Is targeted to newcomers to the SCA with less than 2 years’ experience.

• Will be universal with concepts that span all kingdoms.

• Will contain topics and information that will last at least 10 years.

Lady Thyri Bersi, Hospitaller

Hospitaller Letter - Autumn 2018

Welcome,

I am so happy you have joined us. I hope you have been enjoying the summer and surviving the heat.

Soon the fall season will be upon us with many opportunities to learn and share within the Society.  Please consider the upcoming event Village Faire; it is a wonderful first event filled with classes, and it is very newcomer friendly.  This year’s theme will be historical Japan, and will have great activities for everyone.

For your first steps into the society, we can provide “Gold Key”, which simply means loaner garb and items to assist you during your first event. During your first events, you’ll see the many different styles and time periods people choose to wear. This is the perfect chance to look around and see what strikes you as appealing.  Please feel free to walk up to people, compliment them on their garb if you like it and ask questions about it, such as what time period is this from or what region? By asking questions about garb you may want to wear, you learn about options for yourself and widen your circle of friends.

Astor Geekfest is coming up on August 25th, 2018 from 8am to 2:30 pm, at 54905 Alco Rd, Astor, FL 32102. This is a great little demo to meet people and show them that the SCA can be an amazing family hobby! Please contact Michelle Moon at inkdippedmoon@gmail.com for more information!

Kindly in your service,

Thyri Bersi

407-492-4349 (text preferred)

Hospitaller@baronyofdarkwater.org

Chronicler Letter - Autumn 2018

Salvete, amicis!

This is the last time you will hear from me, at least as your Baronial Chronicler. As of Village Faire, I will be stepping into the role of Baronial Arts and Sciences Officer, while Lady Ursula Blackpool will be taking over as Chronicler.

I ask that you do your best to make her job as easy as possible. Create content. Write letters, write articles, write stories. Report on the happenings around you. It is not only the officers of the Barony who can contribute to the Revelry and the blog. We want to hear from you.

Most importantly, turn your submissions in before the deadline. This is something that has been a struggle throughout my entire tenure, and sadly, it has not improved. With the move to a quarterly, rather than monthly, newsletter, there is no reason to wait until the last possible moment or to send things in after the deadline has closed. It is not fair to the Chroniclers, and it substantially increases our workload.  I leave it to Lady Ursula to set her deadlines where she wants, but I beg you to do better with hers than was done with mine.

Thank you to everyone who has helped support my tenure in this office. I hope to have left the office a little better than it was given to me, and I hope that I have made improvements for the good of Darkwater. I love you all.

Yours in service, 

Honesta Domina Calpurnia Fortunata

MKA: JP Holcomb

chronicler@baronyofdarkwater.org

Seneschal Letter - Autumn 2018

Greetings to the Barony,

Summer is slowing heading into Fall, which is one of our busier times of the year. Soon we will have Village Faire, Lady of the Lakes, and the holidays.

First, I’d like to encourage anyone who enjoys art and learning to take full advantage of Village Faire. The staff have some great things planned for the event and I’m personally looking forward to it.

Second, if you’re not planning to attend Martinmas Moot this year, consider attending Lady of the Lakes. It’s a great opportunity to meet people, hang out with your barony, and learn new things. If you’re interested, please talk to Thyri.

As always, I want to express how thankful I am that our barony is filled with so many people willing to volunteer. Rarely do I find that we don’t have enough hands; often the problem is finding enough things for everyone to do, which isn’t a bad problem to have.

As you all know, youth activities and background checks have been an active interest of mine. We now have multiple people background checked in both of the cantons and in the barony. As of the end of June, it’s my understanding that we have more people background checked then the rest of the kingdom combined. Thank you for supporting this effort.

If you haven’t had a chance to get background checked and are interested in it, please let me know and I’ll help you get copies of the proper forms.

HL David Archer

The Head Cat Herder

Baronial Nobles' Letter - Autumn 2018

Hello good gentles!

We are eagerly looking forwards to Fall Coronation! We are very fortunate to have excellent relations with the Shires nearest to us, and the Ruins has long been a very welcoming place and people. The incoming Crown is a set of lovely people and their reign is looking to be one that is filled with joy and love.

We also have Village Faire coming up soon! It should be a wonderful trip to the orient and if you have Asian-style garb, this will be a fantastic event to bring it out. We are actually having a set of Japanese garb made for the event to help support the theme!

If you haven't heard, Mistress Adelheid was able to arrange a temporary, and possibly moving into long term, indoor location for Sunday fighter practices. We just had the first one, combined with Scribal Sunday and a tunic making class - and had over 30 people show up!

As a closing thought, we cannot tell you how much Darkwater is home to us - and to you. We are unusual in that regard and it is always a welcome sight when we return from travels abroad. 

We only ask that, as we get into the hot months of events, that we are a Society based in Courtesy - and that words have meaning when they leave our mouths - or our fingertips.

Yours in Love and Light,

James and Milesenda

Baron and Baroness of Darkwater