[Steppes] Pavilion poles and list poles...by Warlord!

[Randy Shipp]

Oyez! Oyez! Good people of the Barony of the Steppes, loyal subjects
of their Oaken Excellencies, Duncan and Genevieve, and fellow
Dreamers, heed my words!

Steppes Warlord, one of our barony's shining moments each year,
approaches quickly and Her Excellency the Baroness desires that we put
our best foot forward as the attention of the entire Kingdom of
Ansteorra shifts to our premiere event. Therefore she has instructed
her people to complete a number of projects to beautify the area
around the list field where the chivalry of the realm will vie for the
title of Steppes Warlord. Others have come before you already to tell
you of the painting of the baronial achievement on the roof of our
glorious, new pavilion, but we will be unable to erect this pavilion
unless we come together to ensure that these tasks are completed
before the event!

Work is underway on the pavilion poles as we speak. The poles are
shaped and metal reinforcement caps will be fitted on them soon. But
we still need to drill holes in the ends, buy and cut 1/2" steel rod
for the pegs, and secure the pegs in the ends of the 44 perimeter
poles and the two center poles. Some light sanding will need to be
done, and then there is a fair bit of work to do applying stain and/or
Thompson's Water Seal on all the poles, followed by the application of
polyurethane on the bottom several inches of each pole to make certain
that these poles will remain attractive and functional for years to
come. Sir Domingo (Charles Barnes) has begun estimating how much
materials will cost for this phase of the project, and we will need to
bring that information before Their Excellencies and the Financial
Committee as soon as possible so that we may be ready to proceed.

In addition, the decision was made to replace our existing list poles
with new, stouter posts and that project has begun as well. I will be
buying the lumber for the rest of the 26 list poles soon and making
all the necessary cuts, as well as drilling holes for the lag screws
which help hold them together. This work is being done in Roanoke,
which I know is a long way for some people, but it is likely that we
could assemble all the list poles in one day if a few loyal servants
of the barony will step up and volunteer to meet there between now and
the date of our event. Perhaps a car pool could be arranged to
minimize gas expenses? Perhaps some of those not able to attend might
be able to donate money to provide pizza and drinks for the workers?
After all the poles are assembled, they will need to be finished in
much the same manner as the pavilion poles, and those two projects
could combine in that finishing stage.

I know that we are all busy, but if we pull together we can create
some lasting artifacts that will make us proud of the Steppes for
years to come. I hope you will heed the call.

Yours in Service to the Steppes,

--Antoine D'Aubernoun