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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Greetings from the Autocrat of “A
Day At The Stones Of Raven’s Fort” </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">( formally known as the Autocrat
of “Defender of the Fort” ) :</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As many of you know, when the
storm blew in last September, Raven’s Fort was forced to postpone our Defender
of the Fort event from its PED due to damage and the lack of almost
everything.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Our conventional wisdom
at that time was to move Defender to the spring weekend that we already had
reserved.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Even though everything
was falling into place easily, there was not the excitement present that was
there before the storm.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I have
Autocrated fourteen times, and as I explained at our officers meeting last
night, I am a Zen Autocrat.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I am
willing to facilitate almost anything IF IT FEELS RIGHT.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Holding Defender in the spring never
felt quite right to me.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>When I
discovered that Elfsea’s Defender is rescheduled for the same weekend it pushed
me over the line.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I had to voice my
reservations.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>At officers meeting
everyone had their say which took about an hour and forty minutes.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In the end everyone agreed that the best
thing for our Barony, Elfsea and the Kingdom was to rethink our spring
event.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It was unanimously decided
that Raven’s Fort will again postpone our Baronial Championships until
Defender’s traditional date in September.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>We sincerely hope that this will not inconvenience anyone.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">I have volunteered to stay on
through the fall to coordinate the Baronial Champions competitions for Defender
in September.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Since I have already
made arrangements for liaisons and supplies, it seemed to be the easiest and
right thing to do.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I am hoping that
everyone that has agreed to fill a position will still be available and willing
to assist me and whoever is selected as the new Defender Autocrat.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">For those of you that don’t know,
Raven’s Fort has had its last two events weathered out.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Between you and<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>me and the rest of the Known World,<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>we need a successful event to replenish
our coffers and lift our spirits. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We are hoping that changing both heavy
and light fighting scenarios to MELEE BATTLES will draw the fighters that aren’t
interested in list style tourneys.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Good for Elfsea and good for us.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>We will also sponsor an EQUESTRIAN competition and an ARCHERY open.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>A simple event, but simple is what is
needed now.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Simple will allow us eight and a
half months to clear the storm and logging damage that has befallen The
Stones so we will have a clean and presentable site for Defender.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>There is much work to be done, but that
is where Raven’s Fort shines its brightest.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>When we work, we always party.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We love seeing each other so there are
always lots of smiles.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We have a
CAMPING WORK WEEKEND at The Stones scheduled for February 6<SUP>th</SUP>,
7<SUP>th</SUP> and 8<SUP>th</SUP>.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Please feel free to come out Friday evening and stay till Sunday.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">We also have a work DAY scheduled
at our new site near <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
/><st1:City><st1:place>Conroe</st1:place></st1:City> on Saturday, February
14<SUP>th</SUP>, Valentine’s Day.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Please bring personal shovels, hand tools, chain saws and the like.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">When the decision was made to
once again postpone the high persona Defender event and hold a “spring style”
fun event in April, I could feel the pulse of the Barony change.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We had found our way<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>back to our true rhythm.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Our locals are good hearted and strong
willed.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>With the help of friends
throughout the kingdom we have been able to see our way through troubled
waters.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Many thanks for all of the
efforts that you have already rendered.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>In closing, I would like to say how proud I am of Baron Brian, Baroness
Fionna and our Seneschal, Lady Giovanna.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Their open minds and ability to adapt has made uncertainty times easier
on their populace.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Kudos.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">For more information or to
volunteer, please contact this humble Autocrat at <A
href="mailto:byzytym@att.net">byzytym@att.net</A> or 281-367-3409 wireless /
281-419-2167 home.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">See you at A Day at The Stones of
Raven’s Fort, April 3<SUP>rd</SUP>, 4<SUP>th</SUP> and 5<SUP>th</SUP> if not
before.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">In service to the Barony and the
Kingdom,</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Volodymyr of the Black Isle /
Vlod NotVlad</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
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