[Ansteorra-archery] The Fray... (was signal flags)

[Timothy Rayburn]

Unto Michael, Carlos, and all other valiant warriors of The Fray, regardless if they fight with bow, sword or rapier.

I believe that Master Pug's point is being missed.  He is welcome to correct me if I am reading his point incorrectly.

No one on this list doubts that the Fray are an important part of the Kingdom of Ansteorra, and a force to be reckoned with on the field.  Your service to Kingdom and the Central Region is a proud record that none should speak ill of, and I do not believe any have.

The point Master Pug was trying to make is this : If The Fray is to act as a portion of the Ansteorran Army, and if the Ansteorran Army's commanders for Archery decide that a flag system is the way they are going to convey orders, then why would The Fray's archers not follow such conventions?

Micheal's belief that the system is flawed/ineffective may have valid points, but this is matter of chain of command.  Your voice should be heard and your opinions considered during the process of deciding, but once a decision has been made (and I am not saying it has at this point) then it is the duty of those who fight as part of the Army to follow such decisions.

I encourage one and all to make their opinions known, but to tread carefully when making ultimatims.  When sentences are written like "I will not..." then this goes only to break down the structure that is trying to be achieved.  Remember we are all friends, and engage in this activity as a hobby.  We are all volunteers, and certainly it is your right to believe that a system is flawed, but to follow a flawed system because it is the decision of your commanders shows character, and builds a more powerful fighting force.

In short, give your commanders your input, but respect their command as that is the road to victory against the enemy.

Timothy of Glastinbury


>If you want to know about mercenary units, then ask Ironwyrm, he
>established his household as a mercenary household of archers back in
>late 1999 or early 2000. He stated that he was leading a household
>mercenaries during the Commanders' meeting prior to this year's Gulf
>Wars XI.
>
>The Fray is a warband of equals that have functions that require
>individuals to step forward to fill those offices. When that function is
>no longer required, then the individual steps down until needed to step
>forward again to complete the requirements of that fucntion.
>
>And the Fray is NOT a bunch of heros...we train together as a unit and
>go to War as a unit and fight as a unit. Our officers do attend
>Ansteorra Commanders Meetings for orders as well as taking an active
>part in planning tacties which includes the last two Gulf Wars.
>
<snip>

>Pug Bainter wrote:
>>
>> Michael of the Fray said something that sounded like:
>> > When I take the field with Fray, I have already received my main
>> > instructions, with secondary options - all based upon the fluid actions
>> > of the forces in play on the field.
>> >
>> > Therefore, I will not seek nor even bother to look at flags nor will I
>> > support such a effort nor will I instruct other archers that are either
>> > in the Fray or supporting the Fray to do so!
>>
>> Good Morning,
>>
>>   I've been thinking about your words all day and I think that I have a
>>   couple questions.
>>
>>   Is the Fray a mercenary household or part of the Ansteorran Army?
>>
>>   If a merc unit, how do they get paid, what is the bidding process
>>   and restrictions on their command once the Fray is merc'ed out? This
>>   is professional curiousity being part of a mercenary household.
>>
>>   If part of the Ansteorran Army why won't your unit listen to the
>>   orders of the commanders of the Ansteorran Army? That seems to imply
>>   that you are a bunch of "heros" and not part of the army in my
>>   opinion. This has gotten units killed by their own men in the past.
>>
>>   If you don't feel like answering the questions, I will gladly talk
>>   with the commander who is able to answer them.
>>
>> Ciao,
>>
>> --
>> Phelim "Pug" Gervase   |  "What about your Gods?