THE UMBRIAN MUG - December 1998

Greetings and Salutations!

Welcome to the tenth edition of the Umbrian Mug. This edition covers the month of December. If you know of a Kingdom member who isn't getting the Umbrian Mug, please let me know so that I can rectify that situation.

The deadline for submission of articles for next month's Mug is January 31st, 1999.

A Message from the Thrones of Umbria!

From the King of Umbria:

Saturday, December 19th was Our Kingdom's first Crown Tourney. What was to have been a joyous occasion was instead visited by treachery, tragedy and great sorrow, for the Benevolent King of Umbria was felled by a despicable assassin with a poisoned dagger to the back.

Sir Tremain, a previously welcomed visitor from the self-styled 'Kingdom' of Terre Neuve (actually a Canton within the Greater Kingdom of Umbria), is solidly suspected of committing this heinous act though, amazingly, no formal charges were brought against him-such was the horror and sorrow of the populace. This Wicked Criminal (clearly allied with the Rebel Scum Johan) then Strutted about Our Kingdom with impunity, boldly marching to victory in the Steel Tourney. Were his Dark Deeds at an end? Sadly, this was not to be, For Our Beloved Queen's grieving for her lost King lasted mere seconds, as She invited Sir Tremain to take his place beside her, in the King's throne, for closing court! Our kingdom's kind and generous Sir Caliban then presented Sir Tremain with a beautiful painting of a Dragon surrounded by knights in shining armor as a gift to the Steel Champion. Such was Our First Crown Tourney.

All of Umbria - and, indeed, the Adrian Empire as a whole - should be Keenly aware of the Chaos and Despair wrought by Sir Tremain and others of his ilk.

Fortunately, due to the loving and nurturing talents of the Royal Physiker, Lady Kate MacPherson Mackintosh, Our health was later restored in order to enjoy the pleasures of Our Kingdom's Inaugural Yule Feast, organized by the lovely Keara Craig. Though she is the King's Guard and was at Our side when We were felled (dropping her Event Protection Record to 1-1), she is to be praised for her culinary and organizational prowess.

Special Kudos to Waylan of Winchester for his first Knight's Renn victory!

Our Arts Tourney resulted in two Masterworks: To Lord Michael Sinestro for his Epic Poem and to Franziska Grummel for her bodice. Our artisans continue to amaze, astound and educate all of Umbria.

Umbrian Royal Proclamations

Royal Proclamation the First:

Distribution of Umbrian Newsletter.

The Royal Chronicler is hereby authorized to mail the Umbrian Mug to all members of Umbria, as well as to Crowns or Chroniclers of other regions of the Adrian Empire and related organizations, including the Kingdoms of Avalon and Galandor. Expenses for distribution are to be reported and reimbursed on a monthly basis.

Royal Proclamation the Second:

Voting Rights of Estates.

The votes accorded to a Estate within Umbria shall be derived from the maximum number of votes possible for that Estate. For example, a house or barony of 20 members shall be accorded 5 votes, as if it were a single barony comprised of four houses of five members each. This Proclamation is to allow and promote growth and free association within an Estate without diminishing that Estate's voting rights by requiring unnecessary divisions.

Royal Proclamation the Third:

Duties of the Umbrian Nobility.

Pursuant to Article VIII, Section E of the bylaws, The ruling Noble of an Estate is responsible for the administration of the Estate. These duties include:

Houses

1. Notify Estate members of meetings, events or special activities.

2. Inform Estate members of messages/duties from the next higher Estate.

3. Represent Estate members to next higher Estate.

4. Represent Estate members to the Estates General of the Kingdom as directed by the Estate members.

5. Be responsible for answering Estate members questions or directing them to whomever will be able to answer questions.

6. Inform next higher Estate on status of Estate and notifications/informing of Estate members.

7. Exercise low justice.

8. Make decisions as needed.

9. Create and give awards of Estate.

10. Meet with other Nobility.

11. Organize and hold one event.

Baronies & Counties

1. Same as Houses.

2. Make war (for fun) on another Estate of equal rank.

3. Make sure communications flows up and down the Nobility ladder.

Marches

1. Same as Houses and Baronies & Counties.

2. Advise the Crowns.

3. Hold Courts.

4. Organize and hold 2 events.

The audit of Estates resulted in the following structure and Estate populations. The additions to several Estates are members identified as being in said Barony or County, but not in a particular House.

March Full Moon (37)

County Dragonstar (36+1)

Barony Red Wyvern (14+5)

House Silver Dagger (5)

House Golden Hammer (5)

House Chralib (4)

Barony Thundercloud (17)

House Emerald Shield (6)

House Duir (5)

House Fallingstar (6)

County Warwick (29+5)

Clan Mackintosh (10)

Barony Canterbury (19)

House Trimble (6)

House Windsor (5)

House Terpsichore (8)

Barony Dragon's Lair (19+1)

House Winged Dragon (5)

House Broken Rose (7)

House Dragon Spirit (7)

Based upon this audit, the following Estates are placed on probation pursuant to Umbrian Estates Writ 3 (Grace Periods for Estates to Regain Minimum Requirements): March Full Moon, County Warwick, House Chralib.

These Estates have 60, 60 and 30 days, respectively, to regain good standing. During the grace period, the Estate Holder shall retain all rights and privileges except the right to vote or give proxy for the Estate. Any corrections must be provided to the Crowns for distribution to the Royal Steward and Royal Rolls Minister.

All Umbrians should be aware that the then-Ducal Steward announced the status of Estates at the October 7th, 1998, Court. The Chancellor will be reviewing the validity of that announcement and the ramifications thereof.

Per the Estates Meeting held on the 19th of December, Estates Writ 4 is proclaimed as follows: All Royal Ministers are required to submit a copy of their monthly Imperial Report to the Crowns, and to make that report available to the Populace.

Banner War: Memorial Day Weekend, 1999, the Kingdom of Umbria will be hosting the Imperial Banner War. We hope to position the Banner War Site in Northern Arizona near Williams or Flagstaff. More details will be forthcoming and all interested parties are invited to assist Umbria in this auspicious occasion: The Return of Imperial Events to Arizona.

Additionally, We would like to announce a new position available: Royal Exchequer. This person will be responsible for procuring prizes for winners of Arts and Combat Tourneys. Anyone interested in this position should talk to the Crowns.

Warmest Regards,

The Recovering, Wary

Duriel van Hansard

Benevolent King of Umbria

Kingdom Event Report!

The December Kingdom Tourney was held on the 19th. We had both Combat and Arts Tourneys.

The Combat Tourney was run by Sire Keara Craig, the Royal Minister of War & Joust.

The Knight's Renn List was won by Man-at-Arms Waylan of Winchester. This was his first Knight's Win. HUZZAH!

The Knight's Steel List was won by Sir Tremain, as reported above in the King's missive.

The Arts Tourney was held, even with the absence of the Royal Minister of Arts & Sciences, Lord Sir Angus McAllistar. Sire Serene ran the Tourney.

There was no clear winner; however, 2 entries did both attain Masterwork status: Lord Sire Michael Sinestro's Bardic, and Sire Franziska Grummel's Bodice. Due to the difference of categories, they share the glory.

Canton of Thunar Tourney Report…

As for the December Canton Tourney, which was held on the 9th, it was a fine night. The Tourney was delayed one week due to the rain, and the closure of Encanto Park.

The Combat was fierce, with the Knight's Renn List Win going to Sire Drake Lyttle.

There was no Arts Tourney, due to the low turnout of Artisans and their entries.

We honor all participants of the Events with a resounding Huzzah! And speaking of Huzzahs...

Three Huzzahs To...

...for the December Kingdom Tourney, Sir Tremain, who won the Knight's Steel List, and Man-at-Arms Waylan of Winchester, who won the Knight's Renn List. This was Waylan's first Knight's Win!

...Lord Michael Sinestro and Sire Franziska Grummel, for tying and both receiving Masterworks in the Kingdom Arts Tourney.

...for the December Canton Tourney, Sire Drake Lyttle, who won the Combat Tourney in Knight's Renn.

...the participants of the Holiday Helpers Drive. The Free Amazons would like to thank all who donated items for the chosen charity, the New Day Transitional House. The Amazons were able to donate over $400.00 worth of supplies. Of particular note, His Majesty King Sir Duriel and Keegan both donated money, which was used to purchase blankets for the Drive. This will be a quarterly occurrence, as this House can use all the help it can get. Contact Sire Keara Craig, the coordinator, to offer supplies (blankets, toiletries, etc...) or to assist.

...All of the participants of the Events!

If I have missed anyone in any event, please contact me, and I will correct this in the next issue of the Umbrian Mug.

Happy Birthday!

Birthday greetings to the Members of the Kingdom for the months of January and February:

JANUARY:

Nuada Og (12th)

Lady Kate MacPherson (18th)

Collen O'Riley (19th)

Squire Duncan Wallace (20th)

Sir Fredrick von Burg (21st)

Caitlan McDaniel (27th)

FEBRUARY:

Lord Sir Hanzel von Brandenburg (6th)

Ceredwyn Og (21st)

Lord Sir Angus McAllistar (24th)

Note: Please contact the Royal Steward, Lady Skye O'Malley, or myself (Lord Sir James the Red) for entering your birth date into the Kingdom records. We will not ask which year, in case you are afraid of us knowing how ANCIENT you truly are!

Upcoming Events...

Estates Meeting!

The next Estates Meeting will be held at the Kingdom Tourney in February, at 2 p.m. The agenda will be mailed prior to the meeting, so that all Estates Holders will be prepared. All Estate Holders are requested to attend or send their Proxy.

Collegium Announcement!

Lord Sire Michael Sinestro will be giving a Collegium on Preparing and Presenting Bardics. This informative class will cover documentation, preparation and presentation, and will give pointers on how to increase your confidence. This Collegium will be held on January 27th. All are invited to attend.

This section is to announce to the Populace the memberships that are due for continuing the fine Adrian experience. All dues expire on the 1st of the month. There is a 30-day grace period; please get with the Royal Steward, Lady Skye O'Malley, promptly and renew! If you have already settled your membership with the Steward, then just smile when you read your name!

JANUARY:

Julie Decker

Ralph Decker

Raeann Decker

Athois Blackthorne

Melissa Boylan

FEBRUARY:

Franziska Grummel

Amy Farren

Charles Farren

Rog'nar Holless

DarcMuin

Marvin Lane

Sir Rashalak Lombard

Dame Alexandria Lombard

Message from the Royal Minister of War & Joust...

Hello, Good Populace of Umbria. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Sire Keara Craig, recently appointed as the Royal Minister of War & Joust. I am honored.

To the Crowns, I will strive to live up to your expectations, and I appreciate your confidence in me. To the Populace, I would appreciate the help of all Knight Combatants, and all other combatants as I attempt to carry out my duties in this office. I look forward to your comments and suggestions. I will do my best to be objective and fair to all. I will strive to commit to memory the Combat Manual and the By-Laws of the Empire of Adria. Please keep in mind, as I try to do, that we are all human, and are likely to make a mistake now and then. All I ask for is your patience and understanding.

Also, I would like to have a meeting with all Knight Combatants to discuss the events of the upcoming year (Time and Date TBA).

If anyone from the Populace would like to talk with me, my phone number is 335-1674, and my pager number is 560-0791. I still have a few deputy positions available. Currently, my deputies are as follows:

Crown Marshall - Michael Sinestro

Deputy Crown Marshall - Squire Duncan Wallace, Sir Cameron FitzCannon, Baroness Draconia De Vona.

Respectfully,

Sire Keara Craig

House of the Broken Rose

Warrior Elder of the Free Amazons

King's Guard

Royal Minister of War & Joust

Message from the Royal Hospitaller...

Greetings one and all, I am Baroness Draconia De Vona, the Royal Hospitaller. I served the last Duc and Duchess, and look forward to continuing my service under the reign of Their Majesties Sir Duriel and Dame Roawyn. I take my duties seriously, and I am striving to perform my job to the best of my abilities. I am working on getting a copy of each Imperial Manual, so that I can distribute copies, per my duties. Of note, the Arts & Sciences Manual has been heavily changed - all Artisans will need to see me to get a copy of the new rules. Please contact me if you have any questions; if I do not know the answer, I will help guide you to someone who can answer.

Respectfully,

Draconia De Vona

Baroness of Dragon's Lair

Royal Hospitaller

Message from the Royal Steward

Good tidings to everyone. I am Lady Skye O'Malley, Royal Steward of Umbria. I have served in this capacity now for 4 Crowns, and look forward to another year or so of service. I am here to process your memberships, correct your mailing addresses, and to track the status of the Estates of the Kingdom of Umbria. If you ever have a question, or wish to talk, you can find me at most events, call me, or send a magickal message through email. My contact information is listed at the end of the Mug, along with the rest of the Royal Ministers.

To the Estate Holders, I charge you with the responsibility of updating your Estates Listings with me on a regular basis. If there are changes, (e.g. additions or changes in Sire, etc...) you need to contact me as soon as possible. This information will be part of my monthly report that will be available per Estates Writ 4.

I would like to take this chance to announce the Membership Dues for 1999. Per Imperial policy, all Membership monies collected will go to the Imperial Treasury. This currently is an open-ended situation, but will probably change when the Imperial situation improves. Along with this change, fees have risen:

Full Membership - 1 year = $30.00

Full Membership - 6 mo. = $18.00  (Editor's Note:  Was misprinted in the paper copy of the Mug as $20.00)

Additional Members -6 mo. = $6.00  (Editor's Note:  Was misprinted in the paper copy of the Mug as $7.00)

Associate Members - 1 year = $6.00

Additional Members - 1 year = $10.00

Full Lifetime Membership = $300.00

There is a 10% discount for Military, Full-Time Students, and members 55 years and older (all subject to verification) for annual (1 year) memberships. The discounted rates are:

Full member = $27.00

Add. Member = $9.00

Additionally, there is a cap of $70.00 total for a Family Membership.

Respectfully,

Lady Skye O'Malley

Baroness of Thundercloud

Royal Steward

Message from the Royal Chronicler...

Greetings and Salutations to the members of the Kingdom of Umbria, and our readers from across the world. I am Lord Sir James the Red, Royal Chronicler of the Kingdom of Umbria. This is my third "tour of duty" as the Chronicler, and I hope that the Umbrian Mug is growing into the publication we all want to see and read. Positive criticism is welcomed with understanding, and negative criticism will be met with bared blades in Combat!

I invite one and all to read and learn of the Kingdom's events, and to offer ideas and suggestions. This is the Kingdom's Newsletter - tell me what you want in this publication. All submissions are welcomed and encouraged, be they articles, comments, opinions, etc. They will be printed, space permitting, according to rank. The Kingdom of Umbria supports free speech and equal access to the press, therefore opinion submissions will be marked clearly as such.

I look forward to working with the Crowns to further the Mug, and to also continue developing the Kingdom Website. Again, suggestions on content and presentation are greatly encouraged and appreciated. The Kingdom's site is http://members.tripod.com/Kingdom_of_Umbria/

You will also find links there to the Umbrian Mug Website. I encourage one and all to check out these informative sites!

Respectfully,

Lord Sir James the Red

Count of Dragonstar

Royal Chronicler of Umbria

Recipe of the Month

This section offers a new recipe each month. The following recipe was culled from the Internet.

Spit Roasted Meat with Egerdouce Sauce

In medieval Europe, the spits were turned by kitchen boys and were periodically dusted with spices and herbs. Since forks were still almost unknown the slices of meat were eaten in the fingers but accompanied by sauces. These were laid in small dishes (saucers) along the tables, and diners would dip the little finger of the right had only into the sauce and spread it on their meat. This finger was never licked but carefully wiped on a napkin out of respect for fellow diners.

In the modern kitchen, any joint of meat can be used, but it should be well flavored if the Egerdouce sauce is to be served with it. Cook it on a spit, a barbecue, or on an open rack in the oven. Sprinkle it lightly with ground mixed herbs plus a little of any spice that you fancy.

Egerdouce Sauce

(serves six)

2 tablespoons olive oil

75 g (3 oz) onions, roughly chopped

25 g (1 oz) each of raisins and currants

1/2 teaspoon each salt, ground ginger, mace and saffron

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

120 mL (4 fl oz, 1/2 cup) dry white wine

90 mL (3 fl oz, 1/3 cup) wine vinegar

25 g (1 oz) sugar

75 g (3 oz) wholemeal or wholewheat breadcrumbs

approx. 90 mL (3 fl oz, 1/3 c) water

Gently cook the onions in the oil till they are soft. Add the fruit and spices and cook for a few minutes. Melt the sugar in the wine and vinegar and add this to the onion and fruits. Simmer all together, covered for 15 minutes then process or liquids. Return the mixture to the pan and add the bread crumbs and enough water to make a thick but not cloggy sauce. Adjust the seasoning to taste and serve with the roast meat.

The British Museum Cookbook, by Michelle Berriedale-Johnson (1987, British Museum Publications Ltd.)

Posted by Jennifer A. Newbury, Saturday, 25 September 1993.

Bardic of the Month

This section is showcase for period pieces and "home made" bardics. This month's selection was also found on the Internet, on the Shadowlands.

I built my walls of solitude,

And hid myself within them -

To guard myself from pain and loss,

To have a shelter to strengthen.

I built my walls of solitude,

And in my fortress did abide;

In the comfort of my self-made world,

My heart did safely hide.

Then in the shadows of the mists

A shaft of light did shine -

A precious Princess touched my heart;

For a brief while she was mine.

But the wheel of fortune took a spin,

As it is wont to do -

The dreams of love, beginning to grow,

Before their time, were through.

And so within my walls of stone,

I hide this heart of mine;

Nevermore to brave the world -

Hiding for all time.

Posted by Anon le Mouse on Saturday, 19 December 1998, at 2:20 a.m. on the Bardic Circle in the Shadowlands

For November's Mug, click here.

For January 1999's Mug, click here.

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