Tag: #SCA

This is an accounting of the first formal deed of arms I was privileged to hazard. This was written January of 2013

On the last day of August, Anno Sociatas XXXIX do I, Lord Robert Downey, a man blessed more than his worth, sit with ink and quill, and write these words, having been hard pressed by my companions to do so. This is not in keeping with the ancient traditions of our fathers, for it seems unseemly to me to write of my own endeavors, but for the pleasure of my companions, for the renown of those most worthy Men at Armes who participated, and for the honor of my most Radiant Lady I am compelled to write down this deed. I beg forgiveness from you, most noble reader, for my audacity.

            I am blessed with living in the lands of the Barony of Illiton, being held for our most excellent Dragon King by Baron Gareth Thorne, and Baroness Katherine Oakley. In the spring of this year, Our Most Dread and Glorious Soverign King Alaric commanded Their Excellencies to make ready the Barony’s forces for war. When these words did reach my ears I rejoiced heartily, for serving our King is a most glorious thing. I also contemplated the opportunity for deeds of armes between armies in the fashion our Ancient fathers wrote about. As I and my household readied for war, my heart seized upon starting an enterprise. For the Love and Honor of my beautiful Lady, for the pleasure of my Master, to display my newly registered armes for the first time upon the field, and to honor a Knight who had taught me much in the way of armes, I would put myself to the hazard, and attempt a Deed of Armes.

            With grim resolution did I set forth to prepare for this deed. As is right and proper, I sought the services of a scribe to fashion letters for each of the Mighty Kings that would gather their forces to this dread conflict. My good friend, Lord Wilhelm Mihallik, whose silver pen can create miracles and delights for the eyes, offered his services to ennoble my quest. I heartily accepted his help, but I fear I vexed him, for he agreed to help before he had seen the cascade of words I wished to convey. He was sorely pressed in the task of creating eighteen letters fit for a King to read, but with grim determination, and love of beautiful things in his heart did he fashion these parchments. I shall now record here what these letters contained:

            “Unto the Most Splendid and Dread Monarch of the mighty Kingdom of ____________ do I, Lord Robert Downey, a humble warrior of little status but much desire send humble greetings, May the Lord keep and bless thee, and may the light of Glory shine ever upon your Realm.

            I beg forgiveness for my feeble and ungraceful words as I am but a simple warrior of the Dragon, being not Knight, nor Squire, but a humble student of Chivalry and of the sword. I tremble with the audacity of sending you this missive, but my heart, the love of my most excellent Lady, and the simple joy of Deeds of armes do push me to strive above my station. 

            In the lands of the Middle there lives a most Chivalrous and excellent Knight, possessing of pure heart and skillful sword arm. I much desire to be worthy of his tutelage, but fear my humble birth and skills are not deserving of such a Master. With great desire and much love of the joy of simple combat have I set myself upon a Quest. I will pit myself against a warrior from each kingdom present, and live with joyful pleasure in this deed of armes, or die a humble man who strove too high. If I satisfy my quest in honorable fashion, then I will know I have it in me to be the student of a Knight, and will be worthy of honoring my most radiant Lady.

            To accomplish this, I most humbly beg a boon. Will you send a warrior of your Kingdom to strive with me in noble combat? It need not be a Knight or Squire, only a warrior of honor who can judge my efforts. I shall make myself available at their pleasure upon the pickup fields on the days of August 11^th, 12^th, and 13^th 2-4 PM with my Lady beside a shield Ermine, a tower and on a chief embattled vert a fiddle fesswise reversed and a fiddle fesswise argent.

with heartfelt gratitude do I thank you for your time in consideration of this matter. 

Ever humbly in service

Lord Robert Downey of Forfar

House Fallen Star, Barony of Illiton, Middle Kingdom

Protégé to Master Günther Von Stein”

            Lord Wilhelm delivered these eighteen letters to me, and my Dearest Lady lovingly folded and sealed them in the ancient and proper fashion. She also prepared a boke for worthy participants to write their words and admonitions. (After this fete was done, I delivered this boke to the glorious Knight who has given me training. Alas, I did not record all the names from the boke before I gifted it to this knight, so My telling of this tale is missing a few names. This is a grievous error, as I would have the names of these fellows known, but alas, I cannot undo my mistake) After all other preparations were complete, We loaded our wagons, and followed our King to the fields of Pennsic.

            When we had arrived and arrayed our camp in proper and war-like fashion, I sought and procured the services of a most Excellent Herald, as is proper for such deeds. Lord Samwell of Hartshorn Dale proved to be an exceptional herald, and did serve me nobly, adding honor to the name of his office. For a day did he and I travel the roads between noble camps to deliver letters to the High Kings of our earth. I tell you now that this day in itself was high adventure, and we were honored above our stations to speak with terrible and splendid sovereigns, and High officers of state. I trembled with the audacity of such a thing, but my Herald proved to be bold and worthy of his title. We were given much pleasure and honor by these most noble and powerful Lords and Ladies, so much so that we were saddened when the last of the letters was delivered. With sore feet, and fiery eyes, my Herald took his leave for the day, and I returned to my own camp, to prepare for the next day.

            I did not sleep well that night, for I spent the sleepless hours in contemplation. In the late watches, the demons of doubt tormented me ceaselessly, for I feared I was striving above my station, or would fail in such a fashion as to bring dishonor to my Lady, and those I wished to honor. As the sun rose, however, I determined in my heart that even should I fail, and prove unworthy, I would strive with open heart and all my strength, and let these Noble warriors and my Lady measure the worth of my deeds.

            My Master Gunter and I loaded the wagons with chairs and refreshment, and the beautiful shade pavilion of gold and yellow he had fashioned for this deed, and with my Lady and her splendid mother, we proceeded to the fields of Pennsic. We quickly put all in order, and My dearest Constance armed me in a most expert fashion. After warming up on the pickup fields with several noble warriors, I sat by my Lady, and waited. We passed an hour in pleasant conversation and bouts with warriors, when my Herald Samwell approached with his Royal Majesty Robert de Rath, mighty Soverign of the majestic Kingdom of Atlantia, and one of his Majesty’s doughty warriors. His Majesty spoke with eloquence and power, and delivered to me a young and skilled warrior. I had the joy and pleasure of introducing my Lady to these Fine gentlemen, and his Majesty took refreshment, and prepared to watch and judge this deed of armes between myself and this skillful warrior. We chose to contest with Sword and Shield, for five blows received, and, saluting our sovereigns and Ladies, we engaged each other with lusty vigor. With smiles on our faces, we strove for some minutes, my noble adversary being quite skilled, the eyes of my Lady and his Majesty ever upon our efforts. After receiving three excellent blows from my friend, God shined upon me, and I bested him with five blows. We removed our helms and reveled in the joy of combat. I sat this noble warrior beside my Lady so they could judge our efforts, and presented him with a gift of luxury to bestow upon his inspiration. I was then greatly blessed by His Majesty offering combat as well. I leapt to arm myself, and eagerly accepted. I was then blessed with joyfully receiving many blows from His Majesty, and striving happily in this contest. The King then deemed my efforts honorable, and He and His warrior wrote in my boke. Then, after refreshing themselves, they took their leave. I was greatly pleased and humbled by this encounter, and having realized his Majesty had left the gift of a well crafted dent in my breastplate, swore to never remove it in remembrance of this event. 

The previous day, My Herald and I had the pleasure of speaking with His Royal Majesty Baldar Langstrider, King of Mighty Trimaris, and the most excellent Crown Prince Gaston de Vieuxchamps. These to Noble warriors were on their own quest during this war, and His Majesty proposed we fulfill our quests together by my participation in their Passage of Armes. I joyously accepted this proposal, and as this was the day to fulfill this, my Lady, my Master and I proceeded to where his Majesty’s Deed was being performed. I had the great pleasure of introducing my Lady to His Majesty, his Highness, and a most noble knight of Trimaris. I then armed myself, and entered the list with his Majesty. I strove with all my might, and took great pleasure in the skill with which this Mighty King of men struck ten blows upon my person, I then immediately launched into combat with his Highness the Crown Prince. Again with much skill did he best me with ten blows received. I then had the great honor of striving with a mighty knight of Trimaris. We both took much joy in this combat, and having been inspired by such worthy foes, I struck upon his person two blows before he completed his course of ten blows upon me. With joy he embraced me, and we spoke of noble deeds and chivalry for some time. These combatants judged my efforts honorable, and wrote in my boke, and I delivered my humble gift of luxury to these gentlemen. Many good words were spoken, and I shall remember them always.

After these events transpired, it was time to end for the day, so we packed the wagons, and removed ourselves to our encampment.

            The next day was beautiful and windy, and with much excitement, we returned to the field. After having set up, I again warmed up with my fellow brothers of the sword, and waited.

            Soon, a lone warrior with fiery eyes approached our pavilion. He had one of our letters in his hands, and was well armed. He introduced himself in a noble fashion, as a warrior of the Grand Kingdom of the Outlands, and leader of the Clan Tinker. With much joy did we receive him, and offer him refreshment. We then spoke for much time on honor, Chivalry, the paths of Knighthood, and many other things. My Lady Delighted in the wonderful gift he brought her, a pin of the Outlands stag fashioned expertly and designed by himself. He also gave her a beautiful rose. I was then able to give him my gift of luxury to his inspiration, and having enjoyed ourselves in this manner, we armed for the Deed at hand. We merrily engaged each other in combat to five blows recieved, and many minutes ensued. He proved to be a skilled and joyful adversary, and we both enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. We both exchanged several blows, some of them landing upon both our persons. Eventually, it had to end, and he landed the final blow with great skill upon my person. With much pleasure taken from this combat, we removed our helms, and refreshed ourselves. Again we spoke on noble subjects. I was thrilled to hear he would soon take the chain of Chivalry from his King, and we spoke on this for some time. Having written in my boke, this Noble warrior took his leave, and departed. 

            While my Lady and I sat, a noble man in splendid livery approached our pavilion. With princely stride did he approach us, and from his livery I recognized him as His royal Majesty of the Great Kingdom of Drachenwald, Cadogan map Cado. In Kingly fashion did he greet us, and I again had the pleasure of introducing my Lady too a powerful Sovereign. He spoke wonderful words of complement to our letters, and this deed, and pledged that he would not only fulfill my quest tomorrow with his person, but also bring a native son of his land to strive with me as well. He then told me that he had just an hour hence arrived on site, after traveling continuously for 24 hours, and after receiving my missive, could not take his rest until he had spoken to me. I was humbled and honored by this, and tried to express my gratitude with my crude words. He then took his leave for the day.

After these events transpired, it was time to end for the day, so we packed the wagons, and removed ourselves to our encampment.

            The next day, my Beloved Lady, of whom there is no equal, adorned herself with her finest clothing, and jools, and with pride stationed herself under my golden pavilion to view the last day of this deed. As in the days before, we prepared ourselves, and I warmed up with my brothers in armes. Soon, however, a most noble entourage approached. It was without question that I knew a queen was approaching. I was approached by the Herald of Northshield who introduced me to her Majesty Queen Bridei. Queenly indeed was her bearing and the star shining upon her brow caused me to bow low to honor her. With wild joy did I introduce her to my Lady, and, when she took her rest, she delivered to me her chosen champion. A noble warrior of Northshield indeed was this man, and it was certain his eyes were filled with the inspiration of his Queen. We strove mightily in this deed, and reveled in the pleasure of it. When the last blow was struck, we embraced in a brotherly fashion, and he attended his queen. I joyfully gifted him with a thing of luxury and, after a short time; this most noble company took their leave.

            As they were departing, another Queenly company was approaching. The proud Falcon, gold and purple marked them as from the Kingdom of Calontir, but the Radient and beautiful queen amongst them marked them as Splendid and noble folk. The herald of Calontir approached and, with much skill and gravity did ask me if I recognized the letter he held in his hand. It was indeed one of the letters crafted by Lord Wilhelm, and he introduced me to his Queen and the noble champion of this most radiant Monarch. I was honored above my station with her presence, and she delivered to me her champion to fulfill my quest. She and her company then took their leave, as they had pressing business of state. I introduced her champion to my Lady, and we conversed for some time on noble things. We then armed ourselves for combat. He proved to be a skilled and worthy adversary, and we strove for quite some time. After many minutes, we stood at four blows a piece. I saluted him and his Queen, and he saluted my Lady before we commenced. After a flurry of skilled exchanges, he laid a fine blow upon my helm, and we embraced in joy. He took his ease and refreshment, and I gave him a gift of luxury for his inspiration. We spoke of many things, but when he spoke of being the champion of a Queen, the fire in his eyes burned so brightly I knew the soul of this man, and without a doubt he was most worthy of this title. He wrote in my boke, and after speaking pleasantly, he took his leave. I felt blessed and honored by this exchange, and rejoiced in the pleasure my Lady took from this deed.

            Soon after, the most kingly stride of His Majesty of Drachenwald approached with a noble warrior at his side. With much joy did I greet these two, and His Majesty introduced me to his warrior. This gentleman of Bavarian descent greeted me as a brother, and told unto me that this was to be his first fight not only at the Pennsic wars, but on a different continent from his birth. I rejoiced in this, and was humbled by the effort it took to deliver this warrior at this very moment to help in my quest. His majesty took his rest beside my Lady, and we prepared ourselves to exchange blows. We fought with vigor and joy, and it was easy to see the pleasure we both saw in this exchange. After some time, he skillfully bested me, and we embraced each other not as warriors from far flung kingdoms, but as brothers in armes. His Majesty Cadogan then blessed me further with combat himself. He was skilled, and Kingly, and I rejoiced in the nobility and strength he showed me. After I thankfully received blows upon my person, we took our rest, and spoke of many noble things. He spoke of his Kingdom, and its peoples, and I, a humble warrior of the dragon, was shown the great pride he held for his Kingdom. After many words, and after they wrote in my boke, these to chivalrous warriors took their leave, carrying with them my gift. With their departure, the time for my deed was at an end. We packed the wagons for the last time, and removed ourselves to our camp.

            So ends this tale. After this transpired, the Great Kings did indeed go to war, and I strove with all my heart to serve my king in this conflict. I delivered my boke with the names of these warriors and what they wrote to the worthy knight who stoops to train such a low born man as myself. I did not tell his name in this missive, as I do not yet know if this deed pleased him, but I shall keep the memory of this enterprise in my heart forever, and shall remember and bless these noble fellows for the honor they showed me, the lessons they taught me, and the chivalry they exemplified. They honored this humble warrior above my station, and I shall ever strive to be worthy of this. Although many kingdoms did not send a warrior, I have been overwhelmed by the glorious  response I did get, and sincerely pray the Honor of my Lady, My Master, the Knight who Teaches me, and my worthy opponents has been well served.

So begins my life in the Culture of Armes..

Lord Robert Downey of Forfar

House Fallenstar

Barony of Illiton

Middle Kingdom

I wrote this to beg the boon for one of the very first Masters of Defense of the Middle Kingdom, one of my dearest friends, Clint. This was written September 2016

Sovereigns, may I approach your Royal Presence.

I wish with all my heart to speak upon this grave matter before your Court,

As their Majesties know, I am……. Finicky about the word “Chivalry”. It is a subject to which I have dedicated much of my existence, and in spite of my best efforts, I am still but a beginning student. 

The question before the Court is if this man possess the Chivalry required of him to take, and fulfill this oath. 

It is a difficult question, for I am still not convinced that Chivalry is something you possess.  

Perhaps it possesses you.

I would propose that the intent of this oath, written by our ancestors, puts upon the oath maker the necessity of Franchise, for in my opinion, that is the….. alchemical virtue of Chivalry.

What is Franchise… Yet another lifetime of study is needed to answer that question fully, but suffice it to say that, in crude terms, Franchise is the OBLIGATION of NOBILITY.

You Do what you Do because you Are what you Are. because you can’t help it. because your very being demands it. 

Many years ago, Literally 15 seconds after I met this man, I, an untutored, untested and course man of coat armor, was served by him so Nobly that I instantly knew What he was.

Since that time, our histories have been entwined. He has served Masters and Kings, been champion of Queens, 

he has gracefully suffered coarse peasants with croaking tongues and hubris bloated gasbags who spew forth rancid words. 

he has protected Noble ladies, Steered guile filled thieves to their own ennoblement, 

been an exemplar and in fact, been one of the REASONS for the founding of an entirely new Order. 

He has made countless children laugh in delight, been the martial test of other men’s spirits. Made beautiful maidens swoon, shed blood for My King. Given shelter to a stricken Knight, fulfilled oaths of word and blood…. 

Been My friend.

And that is not altogether easy.

Through all of these things, all of these trials and honors and heartbreaks and victories, ever and always he has acted in accordance with Franchise. He has been defined by his Nobility, because he could do not otherwise.

Over the years, He has honed this skill of service to the level of art. If you watch, It seems effortless at times, though it is far from it. 

He has served the beloved People for whom I am sworn to protect so well that it reaches the level of Sprezzatura.

That is Mighty.

Your Majesties, This man is Noble, and has great capacity to express Chivalry. I would trust my life, my Honor, and most importantly the well being of your People to his wisdom. 

Thus is my council given. 

This challenge was written for the inaugural SCA event for the Barony of Illiton called the Fields of Cloth and gold. It was written January, 2013:

To all Princes, Dukes, Counts, Barons, Knights, and Men of coat armor who be not enemies of the King our Lord, or who are not cast out of the Culture of Chivalry do I, Baron Robert Downey, send heartfelt greetings.

I have assurances that the Heralds of the Great and Dread Baron Willhelm, and the Fierce and beautiful Baronwa Alzbeta have spread word far and wide of the Great festival of armes to be held in their lands on the Feast day of St. Hildegard of Bingen, this coming Saturday. 

I would have you know the nature of the test set before you, my fellow Men at Armes.  For make no mistake, those who don harness at this great festival of Arms will bathe their souls deeply in the Bath of honor, and shall emerge cleansed and clothed in great renown. 

It has been written by the Great Pagan philosopher, Aristotle, (may God  ease his pain in hell) that Man is composed of four states: The physical, the Emotional, the Intellectual, and the Spiritual. It is testament to the Wonderment of God’s creations that even a Man who’s soul is damned to hell, can discern the truth of God’s creation.

This truth is further revealed in the works of Fiore de Liberi. This Master of the arts martial has left us the mystery of the Segno.

When last this tournament was held by Their Excellencies, The company of men of coat armor, and the Noble ladies of the gallery discovered that these truths were right and proper, and as the Great Master Fiore stated, the perfect swordsman emerges from expressing to their fullest the four aspects of man. 

And so their Excellencies have determined that this Noble Enterprise will be focused on testing these aspects.

Those who care more for honor than their craven and corrupt bodies will present themselves upon their Excellencies’ list, so their bodies, their minds, their emotions and their spirits may be tested by the blows of their peers, under the watchful eyes of a  gallery of fine ladies.
As the ancient saying goes, “Renown is the coin of the tourneyor”. Make no mistake on the morning of the 17th there is great opportunity for Renown or Infamy. Should you choose to not don bright harness in the sun, you will count yourself lessened for not hazarding your body to win worshipful honor.

I shall meet those who seek greatness upon the Fields of cloth and Gold.

I wrote this speech August 2013 to “Beg the boon” for one of my dearest friends. It was a beautiful point in the story arch of our historical reenactment lives, and will always be cherished in my heart.

Majestic Sovereigns, Would  It please you to hear my words? 

My name is Robert Downey, and I am a servant of the Crown which presses upon your Worthy Heads.

I have not always been this.

There was a time when I was a peasant with a burning, violent heart beating in my chest, gazing distantly at the fevered dreams of Knights and Ladies, of Blood and steel and Franchise.

There was a time I wore 9 yards of polyester bunched about my waist, and dreamed. Always dreamed.

And then I met a Slip of a girl on an emerald hill, surrounded the strangest of people. 

She bade me to join this merry band of creatures, and we danced and sang.

And when we could dance no more, 

We spoke of many things. Of colored stones, and Chivalry. Of music and magic. Of Nobility and baseness. Of life and death. Of secret struggles and public Defiance. We ruminated endlessly upon the fevered dreams of Knights and Ladies, of Blood and steel and Franchise.

Then one evening, around the campfire upon the Emerald hill, She posed  a question to me: “Why can’t we be Great?”

Her question changed the course of my life.

Years passed on that Emerald hill. We changed, as did the world. I have been blessed beyond measure, and have had Many bloody adventures. 

For ever and always, I seek to answer her question.

And for Ever, and always in my adventures, that Slip of a Girl has been there.

I came to understand the wisdom, beauty, and unfailing Nobility which she possesses.  I delighted in her own adventures, and have been restrained by her wisdom. There have been times where I would have Burned the world, were it not for her counsel. And I still would, should she wish it. With a single word, I would frolic in the blood of her enemies, and dance upon their desecrated corpses, lustfully drunk on indignant violence. But ever she refrains giving that word. In this way, she embodies Chivalry, as a Noble Lady should, for what is Chivalry if not the restraint of violent men.

I have seen her bend her will to so many tasks. Seen so many facets. She has been Archer, Man at arms, Confidant to Kings, Defender of the weak, Campaigner, embroiderer, Kitchen hand, Mule, Musician, Performer, Illustrator, Storyteller, comforter, Noble Lady, Delighted reveler, Messenger of Generals, Spy, Family.

I have seen her push brooms at midnight, and outdazzle the sun at mid day.

I have seen her joyfully laugh as she dances Toss a Wench, and heard her spit her defiance as she charged tuchuks holding Castle gates.

I have seen her exercise Nobility through trials that shall never be spoken of, and Joys that can never be described.

I have seen her swear the Oath of your Populace countless times.

Quite simply, as I have the great honor of speaking for the Populace, I have seen her revel in being one of us, and I have seen that she is one of the greatest among us.

As a, humble, Student of the Laws of Chivalry, I have studied the oaths of Your Great Kingdom,  and In doing so, have observed an interesting thing.

The oaths you have taken, Great Sovereigns, are what they are, and you are discharging them with wisdom  by elevating this Most Noble Lady. I suspect more perfectly and more effectively than even your greatness realizes, if I may be so bold.

The oaths of your Knights are what they are.

As are the Laurels.

Soon, we shall hear Azlbeta swear the oath of the Pelican, We shall see her weave her thread around the tapestry that is Oathbinder.

But the oath of the Populace is an entirely different thing.

For as you know, it is open ended.

The great oaths of state specify what you are promising. The Knight enjoys his station and in return is Foremost in battle, etc etc. etc.

For oaths of fealty, are, by definition, Contracts.

But to swear the oath of the populace……….

It is an open ended contract. 

A contract that clerks who make themselves powerful by the terrible engine of the law would NEVER counsel anyone take! 

“To serve where serve I might”

Simple. Unlimited, Trusting. 

Alzbeta has served our oath, in ways unexpected and unheralded. Ever and always with Nobility and Greatness.

And through her service she has created the fevered dreams of Knights and Ladies, of Blood and steel and Franchise.

She has touched all of you, even if you do not know it. Especially because you do not know it.

With her simple question, posed upon an Emerald Hill, She created me.

In my simple mind, Your Majesties, your Crown is a Symbol of the Nobility of the Populace. One which you are sworn to Protect. You discharge your duties skillfully by doing this thing.

But I beg you understand one thing, Great Sovereigns.

If the Populace is, indeed, reflected by the Majesty of your Crowns, Alzbeta is the greatest jewel upon your brows.

I wrote this challenge in October 2019. It was an open challenge to the squires of my shared lineage in the SCA to step forward and excel.

“Unto the Squires and dependents who serve the Descendants of Logos, He who is Fons Honorum of a Great and Noble Lineage, do I, Robert Downey, Knight and Vassal to the Dragon throne send greetings.

I have been overlong in the attendance of the affairs of my estate, and have grown fat and weak with the pleasures of the table and of soft flesh. 

Though my hand still knows the lover’s embrace of good steel, I can feel the weakness in me, and I am angry.

The Fryers mewl incessantly that for every thing there is a season. What do they know of Nobility? Nothing but the defilement of noble daughters in the Cloysters, is what I say. 

The tilling of fields, and the prattlings of clerks and money changers have lulled me into a stupor. I have been distracted by Peasants and Merchants… feeding upon comfort and greed… for that is their magic.. These creatures wield cunning engines of gold and ledgers of lies that promise wealth. I have not paid attention, and have allowed my lust for Knightly adventure to be shackled.  But I will not yet allow my standard to be furled for the final time. 

I awake, as if from some drug addled torpor. I have sinned against Chivalry by allowing my harness to tarnish, my manhood to grow limp and flaccid, like some Flemish cloth merchant with soft hands and throw pillows.

I admit that I have drank deeply in the past from the cup of worshipful honor, seeking renown and Knightly adventure. But past renown is like a fine pair of Brais.

Certainly they are wonderful to wear, for a time, but if not renewed they begin to stink and chafe.

And so I challenge you, you men of coat armor who serve the scions of Logos. I have worn the legacy chain of our ancestor for too long. 

Awake from your slumber, as I am, and seek out worshipful honor. Earn your spurs with your deeds, not your words. Put aside your vapid politics, your complaints and excuses, your finely crafted whining about how things “should be” and give me the pleasure to pass this relic on. 

For once more, I ride in search of stricken fields, and I would not have this Hoary and Honorable chain of Fealty rot with my worthless corpse should I gamble once too often with my Body.

Tell me, Mia Familia, What will you do to win worshipful honor when the snow thaws, and the Destriers strengthen upon new grass for the summer campaigns? 

What Chivalric enterprise will you put forth and have heralds cry before the Culture of Chivalry?

Strive above your station! Throw yourself to the hazard and win Renown, or Die trying…

I grow weary of wearing this Chain, and wish to pass it on. Don’t make me die with it around my neck….. 

I have many other relics to pass on, but you are not worthy of them yet. If I have to bury them in a cold tomb rather than pass them on, I will haunt you and your sons to seven generations…. This I swear. “

I wrote this in late 2019 to act as herald for my Brother Brad/Ambrose.

“Great sovereigns

I bring before you Isabella Margaret, peerless lady and Ambrose St. John, constrained by the chains of chivalry.

 stripped of shining harness, clothed only in knightly truth.

exercised of reverence and generosity in  high halls and base hovels.

shield of the weak in all the realms of God’s earth. 

Ever at the vanguard, always possessed of Knightly joy, obedient ever to the sacred laws of Chivalry.

You would expect nothing less of your Heirs, and your People should expect nothing less from their Sovereigns.

Noble combatants, today, God has brought before you a test. For that is what this man has been bred and trained to do. 

Will you be Noble? Will you be courteous? Will you be worthy of the love of our Great King’s people? 

If you face this man today, the truth of the matter will be layed bare.

This man’s Knightly defiance willl lay bare the truth of you for all to see. Look you well to your honor, and serve your consorts Nobly, for my brother will test it this day. 

Such a thing is right and such a thing is good.”