[Ansteorra-archery] Pomp and Ceremony

[Rumil Fletcher]

Greetings all,

I agree that more pomp and ceremony is a fine thing.  I agree with 
the other folks who have posted that it adds much to the tournament 
to have that pageantry, being called to the field by the Heralds 
before Their Majesties (if Their Majesties are so inclined).

I also agree with Anabelle that this can sometimes be a hard thing to 
pull off.  So here are some things we can do to make this work.



1)  Field heralds are generally in short supply and overworked.  You 
may have better luck getting someone to do field heraldry for archery 
tournaments if you offer them something, like:

   a) Bribe them with drink and munchies for the whole time they are 
working at the tournament.  I used to bring several cans of soda and 
a couple of bottles of water exclusively for use by the heralds to 
keep them comfortable.

   b) Do something for them.  The chief herald for an event is 
_always_ looking for someone to herald announcements around the event 
site.  Nobody likes doing it as it is too much like work.  So make a 
deal with the group's herald:  Come herald our tournament, and two or 
three archers will make ourselves available for camp announcements 
for a couple of three hour shifts.



2) We archers can do a lot to add more pomp and ceremony, too.

   a) Look in the mirror and see if your shooting outfit could use some work.

   b) Is your bow too modern looking?  Maybe some leather or cloth 
sleeves, or perhaps some paint over the limbs could make it a little 
more period looking.

   c) Is your armguard, quiver, bowstring, or arrows looking kind of 
tattered?  Spruce them up a little.  Restain your armguard, make a 
new bowstring, repaint those arrows.  Take some pride in how you look 
out there on the field.

   d) Five years ago we had a Nobles Shoot at Ansteorra's Twentieth 
Year Celebration.  I had the honor of sponsoring two archers, Morgan 
Dracos and Braden Longhair.  My lady and I made up some matching 
tunics and belts in my colors, and they each wore my arms on a favor. 
They looked great out there on the field!  Team competitions can 
benefit from some kind of uniform.

   e) Honor shields may not be appropriate for an archery tournament, 
but we could hang our banners with our arms on them from a couple of 
poles so that the crowd can see the arms of the shooters.  Speaking 
of which, how many of you *have* a registered coat of arms?  How soon 
are you going to get your name and arms registered?  What are you 
waiting for, an engraved invitation?



So what I am suggesting is that you each look for ways for _you_ to 
add more pomp and ceremony, and not leave it exclusively up to the 
heralds to add that spice of pageantry.  Pomp and ceremony begins at 
home.

Rumil Fletcher