From: mittle@watson.ibm.com (Josh Mittleman)
Subject: Pennsic in brief
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 1992 20:52:54 GMT
Disclaimer: This posting represents the poster's views, not necessarily those of IBM
Organization: IBM T.J. Watson Research Center

Greetings from Arval!

It is impossible to report on Pennsic, but like last year, I'd like to
offer a few observations and anecdotes, in no particular order.

The weather sucked green rocks.  I arrived Saturday to race the rain to see
who got to get into my pavillion first.  The rest of week alternated among
dreary rain, dank overcast, bitter-cold nights, and steamy sunshine.  I
think this may account for the low energy that caught Vajk's attention:
Everyone was too tired out by the weather.  However, do not believe that
everything was drear and misery!

The merchants were somewhat better this year than last, with more and
better goods on hand.  I've found over the years that I seldom find things
to buy at events any more: I've filled my basic necessities, and whatever I
need beyond that I usually fill by my own efforts or by special
arrangements with craftsmen.  However, I always enjoy browsing good
craftwork (Claus the Toymaker is always fun), the books (Esperanza's
Dangerous Books should have warning signs posted), and I always drop in at
the Perfumed Dragon to buy presents.  There was a surprising shortage of
fabric for sale, but I did find the raw silk noil in brilliant colors at $8
per year (and invested in the next couple pieces of garb).  I got a nifty
chest at auction, just large enough to hold the new tableware that I'll be
getting from Ashraf Qurci.

Wednesday evening was probably the most fun for me.  It started with
dinner, which was prepared and served by my apprentice, Tibor.  He did a
splendid job, serving dinner to five guests, my lady and myself, from
appetizers to dessert.  I really felt the part of a noble lord, and it was
delightful fun.  Afterward, I went to Eastern court, which was of especial
interest to me because I help write Thora Sharptooth's Laurel ceremony.
This was an experiment: A ceremony designed to fit a 10th century
Anglo-Danish persona.  I think it worked, though not perfectly.  The court
itself was long (2 1/2 hours), but surprisingly enjoyable.  I don't think
people were bored, even when they read all twelve scrolls inducting the
founding members into the new Eastern Order for Fencing.  The scrolls were
all different, which probably helped.  After court, my lady & I wandered
off and found Aed of Avigdor's Sing Thing, going strong since Pennsic IX.
Aed has finally broke down and replaced the Great White Falling-Down Thing
with a HUUUUGGE pavillion that rises up in the distance like a Great
Pyramid!  It has been variously christened as Son of Great White
Falling-Down Thing, the Great White Standing-Up Thing, and Beautiful Club
Aed.  The Falling-Down Thing is on sale to benefit the chirurgeons, at $1
per square yard (rope gratis).

Other moments: a visit to the swimming hole (at least once per war, whether
I need it or not), beer and chat with Ilaine de Cameron at the Enchanted
Ground, finally hooking up with Tarver the Pole to catch up on the last
couple years, The Fourth Annual Quest for the Third Humour of Saint Pyr at
Rusted Woodlands camp, bardic circle at Acre camp, heralding West Kingdom
court in Great Court, marshalling the field battle...

Pennsic was a success this year in spite of (and just possibly because of)
the weather.  The new land-allocation system was not perfect, but it seems
to have worked, and it seems to be the right answer in the long term.  The
battles seemed fairly clean this year - the field battle only had one
injury hold, which was reportedly not for a serious problem.  Mostly, I
spent my time relaxing, schmoozing, and revelling in the fact that it
wasn't my problem this time round.

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Arval Benicoeur                                       mittle@watson.ibm.com