[Ravensfort] For those who missed show and tell....

[David R. Hoffpauir]

Greetings Raven's Fort and Friends,

    Last evening at the Populous Social, Chrystal and I announced we would be
stepping down as B&B at Raven's Fort Defender.  That means the Barony has a
difficult task before it which will require input, effort, and patients from
everyone over the next few months.  It is our firm commitment to get the Barony
through the selection process as amicably and fairly as possible.

    Our decision comes as a surprize for some and possibly a relief for
others.  Plans for this decision were put into motion about three years ago
when we realized many of our goals had not been met.  Since then we have worked
to unify our Baronial Guard and give them both a prescience and a purpose.  At
the early spring event, Basitde de Corbuex, we signed the Official Charter for
our 'new and improved' Baronial Guard.  During the fall of last year we kicked
off the "Artisan of the Season" program and are coming up on the third awarding
of it.  We've also instituted, with help from the Order of the Raven's Heart,
the Feather of Honor as a public Baronial 'thank you' for the good folks,
within and without the group, who help make things happen.  The Feather has had
the added benefit of organizing and unifying the Raven's Hearts.

    Other achievements over the years have included sponsoring Crown
Tournament, Coronation, Kingdom War Practice, Red Tape Event, plus our usual
slate of 3 or so events per year.  We've also picked up 30 miles or so of
trash, painted scrolls, sponsored Newcomer Tourneys, chased a King and Queen
around the planet, hosted numerous Kingdom competitions, awarded piles of
thistles, AoA's, and Talons and been fortunate enough to see our members become
Regional and Kingdom Officers, Pelicans and Knights.  We're proud to have had
all this happen during our tenure.  Often the B&B get the credit, but it's
really you guys, the Barony, that make it happen.  Thanks for the love and
support.

    Having reached this point, I think it's safe to say Raven's Fort is in good
shape.  We've accomplished almost every specific goal we set forth with. Time
has come for us to woad ourselves and run naked in moonlight, leaving the
Barony to new stewards and fresh ideas.

    Details for the selection process are being worked on.  Nothing is set in
stone, appropriate parties have been notified, no animals will be harmed in
this process, it's 5 pm.  I going home.

    Good bye and thanks for all the fish,

    David St. David, Raven's Fort