There are a number of Clan armies floating around Galloway these days, Forbes and Campbell. Both were last seen in Dumfries area. I believe that the Gunn's formed an ingame army a while back also, somewhere up near Stirling (it disbanded). Other clans are feeling slightly nervous, as the Campbells at least are spouting many threatening words against peace and good order in pursuit of their own agenda.
Under direction of the Steward, the Royal Scottish Army engaged the Campbells in what turned out to be a skirmish at Dumfries. Sadly, the Forbes got in the way and took most of the damage, allowing the Campbells to scurry behind Dumfries town walls before the RSA could hit them again (oh, so brave, those Campbells). Faced with the probability that many innocents would die if the town was stormed, the RSA leadership pulled back and granted a yuletide truce. Of course, the noisier of the Campbells saw this as a sign of weakness, which makes one wonder about what they would have done in the same position...
For awhile, the Campbells were shouting out about MacTavish, Wallace and Fraser - somehow believeing that we were the main force behind the RSA. Ha. I disabused them of that notion as well I could, but took note that they are looking for scapegoats for their own foolish behaviours.
For now, we aren't up to forming a clan army on our own. We are getting closer. Wallace, at least, is in a similar boat to us.
Not all Campbells are part of these troubles, by the way. I feel for those that don't agree with what their egomaniac leadership is doing.
At time of writing a yuletide truce is in place. Come the new year, interesting times indeed....
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Response to Sajanzv's Accusations
Since Sajanzv has
chosen to make this issue a very public one, I will try to address as
much of it as I can for everyone's benefit. I also want to quote a
couple of applicable forum rules here for the public's information
and ask that we all abide by them:
Quote: |
3. A. Thou shalt not flame,harass, demean, |
Sajanzv wrote: |
I just want to inform the people of Glasgow |
What Sajan
neglected to mention is why this message has been staring at him. I
believe this one can be best responded to by the Goblin family, but I
can assure you that this response on Goblindad's part was not
unprovoked. Any decent husband would have risen to his wife's defense
as a result of the RL personal nature of Sajan's attacks upon
Goblinmami.
Sajanzv wrote: |
Next, I am tired of all the hypocrisy. Some of |
When Sajanzv
resigned from the RSA, he forfeited all rights to that organization's
private forums, onsite and offsite. Because we trusted him, it never
occurred to the offsite administrators to completely remove his
access right away. We were unaware that Sajan was still accessing the
information in that forum until he accessed personal, confidential
information pertaining to our soldiers and began an email campaign to
their private email addresses. Out of concern regarding the illegal
use of this information, a joint decision was made between the
general and the two band leaders who still had mod rights to that
forum. All personal data was cleared and deleted. All other
information was copied and removed from the site. No documents were
destroyed. Yesterday, I received an email sent by Sajan to my
personal email account, not IG. This email was sent to a usergroup
that did not define the addresses in the mail I received. This is a
copy of the mail sent to my soldiers:
Quote: |
Vandalism on the site |
Since there was
no way to know for certain which soldiers received this email, we
sent the following response to all Glasgow RSA members:
Quote: |
To Glasgow Regiment, |
Sajanzv wrote: |
Goblinmami then got Argorian to delete my |
Most of this has
been addressed already. Erin, although the creator of the site, was
no longer a member of the RSA by virtue of her IG death. Therefore,
she had no legal right as a member of the RSA to do any of the things
that Sajan requested of her. The guides are not lost. The intel
reports are not lost. Any material submitted to the RSA becomes the
property of the RSA, just as in RL.
Sajanzv wrote: |
I do not spend so much time on RK helping |
Sajanzv has in the
past been a tremendous help and mentor to new players. His wealth of
information and knowledge about the game has been invaluable to many
of us and we will be forever grateful to him for that. Nothing has
been destroyed. The forum still exists. There simply is no
information in it. Had he not abused his access privileges, we would
have never been forced to take action.
As to the rest of his
accusations, he is certainly entitled to his opinions. I personally
do not wish to fight with him or those who support him. I've had
enough of being wrongly accused and having my own name smeared and my
own reputation drug through the mud by the Duke. The only reason I am
responding at all to this post is to clarify the many questions being
addressed to me by my soldiers and my friends about the issues he has
raised. One question in particular has been asked and that is why is
he doing this, and why are the soldiers being drug into the middle of
what seems to be a personal issue. I'm not sure I can answer that, as
the general and other officers have tried to shield our soldiers from
the worst of his attacks. I apologize to any and all of you who feel
that you have been used or abused by this process. It should have
ended long ago.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
View from the Chief's table
Actually, at time of writing it's a 'view from a node somwhere in glasgow' as I am stuck on a node with about 8 other people as we work out what we're doing. Am learning more and more about travel on this trip, not being a leader and all it has been quite interesting.
RK Scotland seems to have recovered from the forum earthquakes though you still hear the occasional whinge about it. There are still problems in the RSA organising access to appropriate subforums (mainly due to constant changes in the officer ranks rather than the forums per se) so the Regiments have their own offsite forums ticking over.
Speaking of the RSA, MacTavishes are the band leaders of the two largest bands in the three counties - Lanark and Whithorn (Bevin and Hebrin MacTavish, respectively). Rage was a General in Galloway during one of the recent emergencies, also a Captain I believe. I am still on High Command as a Councillor. Rage and Luci are level 3 army way, I believe Aelin is also but we don't hear much from him these days. We do need to keep gaining experience in the military as much as possible so that when we need to form a clan army (not if, but when) we know what we are doing. So keep eating that meat!
In the National Assembly there are lots of words being exchanged between rep's in the public chambers about reforming the institution. All the options I've seen would reduce the power of the clans so I'm not keen on any of them. We'll see how that evolves. In the Council of Clan Chiefs (of which I'm a member) the general feel is that the clans will agree to disagree with any of these regressive changes. If we all hold true to that, should be safe.
Our clan remains fairly stable on 58 living members. Without an influx of new blood, our age profile is aging. Many of us are now level 2, more and more of us are close to level 3. Our clan subforum keeps ticking over fairly regularly, most of us who are active on the forums visit their regularly.
All in all, things are going good for MacTavish. I think we will need to do something big as a clan in the next few months to pull us all together again though, unless the various possibilities for national chaos comes to fruition (eg clan war between macgregor and forbes in galloway, NA strips clan rights away, England border closure turns into active hostilities, rebel army forms).
RK Scotland seems to have recovered from the forum earthquakes though you still hear the occasional whinge about it. There are still problems in the RSA organising access to appropriate subforums (mainly due to constant changes in the officer ranks rather than the forums per se) so the Regiments have their own offsite forums ticking over.
Speaking of the RSA, MacTavishes are the band leaders of the two largest bands in the three counties - Lanark and Whithorn (Bevin and Hebrin MacTavish, respectively). Rage was a General in Galloway during one of the recent emergencies, also a Captain I believe. I am still on High Command as a Councillor. Rage and Luci are level 3 army way, I believe Aelin is also but we don't hear much from him these days. We do need to keep gaining experience in the military as much as possible so that when we need to form a clan army (not if, but when) we know what we are doing. So keep eating that meat!
In the National Assembly there are lots of words being exchanged between rep's in the public chambers about reforming the institution. All the options I've seen would reduce the power of the clans so I'm not keen on any of them. We'll see how that evolves. In the Council of Clan Chiefs (of which I'm a member) the general feel is that the clans will agree to disagree with any of these regressive changes. If we all hold true to that, should be safe.
Our clan remains fairly stable on 58 living members. Without an influx of new blood, our age profile is aging. Many of us are now level 2, more and more of us are close to level 3. Our clan subforum keeps ticking over fairly regularly, most of us who are active on the forums visit their regularly.
All in all, things are going good for MacTavish. I think we will need to do something big as a clan in the next few months to pull us all together again though, unless the various possibilities for national chaos comes to fruition (eg clan war between macgregor and forbes in galloway, NA strips clan rights away, England border closure turns into active hostilities, rebel army forms).
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
There's No Place Like Home
I do have to say that I heartily thank those of you that encouraged me to travel. If I hadn't I never would have realized how little heart I have for traveling, and how much I love my hometown of Whithorn.
Officially, I have told Bricksand that i will not be moving to Girvan, despite JO's standing down (he begged me for another chance) because I cannot and will not support someone who was AGAINST my family and friends - all the people I love.
Those of you who love to travel - Jah bless you. Watch for MY next adventures coming from a Whithorn weaver's shop or front porch near you...
Love,
LadyRobin
Officially, I have told Bricksand that i will not be moving to Girvan, despite JO's standing down (he begged me for another chance) because I cannot and will not support someone who was AGAINST my family and friends - all the people I love.
Those of you who love to travel - Jah bless you. Watch for MY next adventures coming from a Whithorn weaver's shop or front porch near you...
Love,
LadyRobin
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Current events - outbreak of civil war?
I'll do my best to summarise present situation as I see it.
Julius Campbell has kicked off what looks like becoming a civil war by making a grab for power in forums and ingame. To do this he has assumed that those who support the idea of a monarchy or a regency will go along with him. I think he is finding out that those of us who are royalists hate dictatorship as much as the best of the republicans. As a result, he is aligning with and recruiting outlaws and bandits into the army which he had the control of due his captaincy of the galloway regiment. No doubt, he is using his charm to bring in ignorant RSA members to fight for him, and those of his clan who would put their name above the good of the land.
Ragehammer has been made interim general for galloway regiment, which is the forum equivalent of the ingame captain (I guess). He is marshalling troops but things are a bit of a mess so he has his work cut out. The folk of dumfries and kirk will be on their own until the legitimate army under Rage can come to their rescue.
Just to make things interesting, there are intelligence reports of an english army lurking just south of the border.
In the Northern Counties, Ayr and Glasgow are rallying their armies. By the time they are strong enough to crush the rebels (and crush them they will) the first battles of dumfries and kirk will likely have occurred. I'm not sure about Clan Forbes, or whether their clan army is able to be of use in this situation or not.
So, you picked a nice time to look at the countryside Robin!
Julius Campbell has kicked off what looks like becoming a civil war by making a grab for power in forums and ingame. To do this he has assumed that those who support the idea of a monarchy or a regency will go along with him. I think he is finding out that those of us who are royalists hate dictatorship as much as the best of the republicans. As a result, he is aligning with and recruiting outlaws and bandits into the army which he had the control of due his captaincy of the galloway regiment. No doubt, he is using his charm to bring in ignorant RSA members to fight for him, and those of his clan who would put their name above the good of the land.
Ragehammer has been made interim general for galloway regiment, which is the forum equivalent of the ingame captain (I guess). He is marshalling troops but things are a bit of a mess so he has his work cut out. The folk of dumfries and kirk will be on their own until the legitimate army under Rage can come to their rescue.
Just to make things interesting, there are intelligence reports of an english army lurking just south of the border.
In the Northern Counties, Ayr and Glasgow are rallying their armies. By the time they are strong enough to crush the rebels (and crush them they will) the first battles of dumfries and kirk will likely have occurred. I'm not sure about Clan Forbes, or whether their clan army is able to be of use in this situation or not.
So, you picked a nice time to look at the countryside Robin!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Scottish Style
Another quick review of events around the Kingdom.
Our clan numbers seem to have stabilised (60), albeit with a few of us having gone into retreat around the time of the recent forum changes. As our age profiles develop it might be an idea to again start scouting the young ones we meet to see if they might be MacTavish. Particularly to hear from her place of retreat that Ladyrobin indeed still watches over us.
MacTavishes fought in both RSA regiments in the recent Battle of Muirkirk. Various of us were individually successful on the battlefield. Of particular note, Gryphon MacTavish joined up just for the fight and then managed to get a fatal wound in on Tosher MacGregor, the rebel leader. Well done! Cheatley MacTavish was associated with some of the rebels before the battle, recently was the latest of a long line of successful rebels in Wigtown, Galloway. He isn't welcome in our hall anymore, and would be wise to avoid meeting up with certain of his cousins if swords are in play. I think we all agreed that even good families like ours have our black sheep. Hmmm.
Asbgas and Destrata, our newest Assembly representatives, are posting and voting. They're also giving us 'nutshell' guides to the issues being debated (freedom of information and clan armies, by the sounds of it). Thanks guys. I should also again here mention Lucifera who certainly kept the buggers honest during the closing stages of her assembly membership. Thanks heaps Luci.
Nationally, debates continue about the form of government. There are glimmers of common ground being found amongst the factions. But it seems to me that there are a lot of potential fracture lines. I truly hope that common sense prevails.
Here's to "Lots of quiet days in the renaissance! Scottish style!"
Raises glass
Our clan numbers seem to have stabilised (60), albeit with a few of us having gone into retreat around the time of the recent forum changes. As our age profiles develop it might be an idea to again start scouting the young ones we meet to see if they might be MacTavish. Particularly to hear from her place of retreat that Ladyrobin indeed still watches over us.
MacTavishes fought in both RSA regiments in the recent Battle of Muirkirk. Various of us were individually successful on the battlefield. Of particular note, Gryphon MacTavish joined up just for the fight and then managed to get a fatal wound in on Tosher MacGregor, the rebel leader. Well done! Cheatley MacTavish was associated with some of the rebels before the battle, recently was the latest of a long line of successful rebels in Wigtown, Galloway. He isn't welcome in our hall anymore, and would be wise to avoid meeting up with certain of his cousins if swords are in play. I think we all agreed that even good families like ours have our black sheep. Hmmm.
Asbgas and Destrata, our newest Assembly representatives, are posting and voting. They're also giving us 'nutshell' guides to the issues being debated (freedom of information and clan armies, by the sounds of it). Thanks guys. I should also again here mention Lucifera who certainly kept the buggers honest during the closing stages of her assembly membership. Thanks heaps Luci.
Nationally, debates continue about the form of government. There are glimmers of common ground being found amongst the factions. But it seems to me that there are a lot of potential fracture lines. I truly hope that common sense prevails.
Here's to "Lots of quiet days in the renaissance! Scottish style!"
Raises glass
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Locating our Forum
Things have been crazy with the new forum set up. It will take a while to settle down there. I am hoping people give it a go before throwing hands up in the air.
We now access the forum through the game, and everyone's forum account is now linked to their game player account. New players will have an account automatically made for them. Us old characters must link our old accounts to the new system.
Click on 'forum' in bottom left of game screen. This will lead you to a screen with three major choices, beneath a 'box' which has to do with 'NPC's (Non Player Character).
To 'activate' your old forum account, click on the THIRD option. It will then ask you five simple questions to link your game character to your forum account. You should only have to do this once. Once you've activated your account you should be able to access forums.
If you click the FIRST option on the 'forum' screen from which you chose to activate your account you will be taken to a small forum board which contains those public forums to which you have access. In theory this will be Highlands Hall, your County Inn and your Town forums (plus FAQ and a few others). Please note, our forum is NOT under 'The Gathering of the Clans' in this forum.
If you click on the SECOND (French) option on the 'forum' screen from which you chose to activate account you will be taken to the much larger 'second' forum board, containing all the private subforums. You will only have access, of course, to some of these. Our clan forum is about half way down the (huge and chaotic) list of private forums. Still in the 'Kingdom of Scotland' section (about a dozen entries down).
NB among the various 'glitches' are the following:
- your avi has dissappeared, will be back later
- you will have to set up your 'profile' again for your account, adding back your banner/sig
- the 'second' forum is a strange blue colour, change it back if you want (through profile)
- the link between your character and your town isn't always correct if you are travelling. This is a big bug I think they will try and fix very quickly.
There are lots of things to complain about the new system. I'm not trying to stop you, but please be careful on the forums to complain if you must about the changes, rather than admin.
We now access the forum through the game, and everyone's forum account is now linked to their game player account. New players will have an account automatically made for them. Us old characters must link our old accounts to the new system.
Click on 'forum' in bottom left of game screen. This will lead you to a screen with three major choices, beneath a 'box' which has to do with 'NPC's (Non Player Character).
To 'activate' your old forum account, click on the THIRD option. It will then ask you five simple questions to link your game character to your forum account. You should only have to do this once. Once you've activated your account you should be able to access forums.
If you click the FIRST option on the 'forum' screen from which you chose to activate your account you will be taken to a small forum board which contains those public forums to which you have access. In theory this will be Highlands Hall, your County Inn and your Town forums (plus FAQ and a few others). Please note, our forum is NOT under 'The Gathering of the Clans' in this forum.
If you click on the SECOND (French) option on the 'forum' screen from which you chose to activate account you will be taken to the much larger 'second' forum board, containing all the private subforums. You will only have access, of course, to some of these. Our clan forum is about half way down the (huge and chaotic) list of private forums. Still in the 'Kingdom of Scotland' section (about a dozen entries down).
NB among the various 'glitches' are the following:
- your avi has dissappeared, will be back later
- you will have to set up your 'profile' again for your account, adding back your banner/sig
- the 'second' forum is a strange blue colour, change it back if you want (through profile)
- the link between your character and your town isn't always correct if you are travelling. This is a big bug I think they will try and fix very quickly.
There are lots of things to complain about the new system. I'm not trying to stop you, but please be careful on the forums to complain if you must about the changes, rather than admin.
Friday, August 22, 2008
The dogs of war
If you hadn't noticed, there's a few armies kicking around Scotland at the moment. I believe they include Forbes (Clan army in Drummore, Galloway), 1st Galloway Regiment (Royal Scottish Army), 'Fury' (rogue army led by Tosher MacGregor, last heard of in Ayr City) and I hear rumours of the Glasgow Regiment (Royal Scottish Army) forming in Glasgow somewhere and Ayr Regiment (Royal Scottish Army) forming in Ayr. On top of this, an english army either in or heading to Cumberland.
Forbes army, not doing much except flexing muscle in Drummore area.
1st Galloway Regt, mustering and about to march.
Fury, recruiting in Ayr City before continuing to head South.
English army, stepping up provocative verbal threats at Captain of Galloway Regt.
Tosher army formed in Ardencaple. Gathered many thieves and rebels to its ranks. While it recruited the town was on alert and therefore lost a week's production. Glasgow Regt said it would deal with it. Galloway raised its Regiment in case Glasgow didn't. Ayr scrambled to raise its Regiment but a little hamstrung through lack of high level characters.
Tosher marched south, declaring it only wanted to get to England. English threaten scotland, saying this would be cause for war if we let Tosher through. Glasgow Regiment not formed and so Tosher gets his army out of Glasgow county. Rumours of deals being done behind this. Ayr military beg Galloway to come and help it. Ayr politicos threaten Galloway to stay out. Galloway continues to muster therefore. English start stepping up the threats.
In the Galloway Regiment at the moment the soldiers are pretty pissed that it looks like we will have to fight (and some of us will die) do defend england from invasion by scots. Those who have so far done nothing to stop Tosher's march threaten Galloway with anathema if we let Tosher through as they don't want a war with england. Ayr on high alert, Glasgow marshalling.
That's the present situation. If I had to I'd put money on it I'd say it will come down to Tosher either making a move on an Ayr town and us having to seige him out, or a battle on a node in Galloway as he makes a run for the border. Whether the english then invade will probably largely rely on how large our losses are in the fight to defend their property.
Confused? Aye. Do I sound cynical? Aye.
And all of this on top of instability in our national government (see post below).
Interesting times indeed.
Forbes army, not doing much except flexing muscle in Drummore area.
1st Galloway Regt, mustering and about to march.
Fury, recruiting in Ayr City before continuing to head South.
English army, stepping up provocative verbal threats at Captain of Galloway Regt.
Tosher army formed in Ardencaple. Gathered many thieves and rebels to its ranks. While it recruited the town was on alert and therefore lost a week's production. Glasgow Regt said it would deal with it. Galloway raised its Regiment in case Glasgow didn't. Ayr scrambled to raise its Regiment but a little hamstrung through lack of high level characters.
Tosher marched south, declaring it only wanted to get to England. English threaten scotland, saying this would be cause for war if we let Tosher through. Glasgow Regiment not formed and so Tosher gets his army out of Glasgow county. Rumours of deals being done behind this. Ayr military beg Galloway to come and help it. Ayr politicos threaten Galloway to stay out. Galloway continues to muster therefore. English start stepping up the threats.
In the Galloway Regiment at the moment the soldiers are pretty pissed that it looks like we will have to fight (and some of us will die) do defend england from invasion by scots. Those who have so far done nothing to stop Tosher's march threaten Galloway with anathema if we let Tosher through as they don't want a war with england. Ayr on high alert, Glasgow marshalling.
That's the present situation. If I had to I'd put money on it I'd say it will come down to Tosher either making a move on an Ayr town and us having to seige him out, or a battle on a node in Galloway as he makes a run for the border. Whether the english then invade will probably largely rely on how large our losses are in the fight to defend their property.
Confused? Aye. Do I sound cynical? Aye.
And all of this on top of instability in our national government (see post below).
Interesting times indeed.
Days of wine and ....
Rage MacTavish recently started a petition to retire the present membership of the National Assembly. This has caused some fairly major dispute across the land, including within our own clan hall. At time of writing this, there were about 60 odd signatures on the petition (it requires 100 signatures to have its effect). At this exact moment, of course, the forums are not working (as they are being reorganised). Lucky Assembly.
There are quite a few MacTavish signatures on the petition. The other obvious group which has signed en masse is composed of members of Tosher's rogue army (see post above this one). Highly ironic chuckles. It's interesting to also note that a lot who signed this petition also had their name on the petition which sacked the Regent in the days immediately preceding the first gathering of the Assembly.
The petition itself is on Highlands Hall thread, along with a discussion on it in a separate thread. There is another discussion on it in 'Holyrood House' forum, in the public area of the National Assembly subforum. I haven't signed it yet, not sure if I will. I don't wish to stop others making up their own minds, and certainly won't hold your decision against you if you do or don't sign.
The petition is the only constitutional means by which the people of Scotland can discipline an Assembly with which they are unhappy. And a lot of people have been unhappy with the Assembly of late....
There are quite a few MacTavish signatures on the petition. The other obvious group which has signed en masse is composed of members of Tosher's rogue army (see post above this one). Highly ironic chuckles. It's interesting to also note that a lot who signed this petition also had their name on the petition which sacked the Regent in the days immediately preceding the first gathering of the Assembly.
The petition itself is on Highlands Hall thread, along with a discussion on it in a separate thread. There is another discussion on it in 'Holyrood House' forum, in the public area of the National Assembly subforum. I haven't signed it yet, not sure if I will. I don't wish to stop others making up their own minds, and certainly won't hold your decision against you if you do or don't sign.
The petition is the only constitutional means by which the people of Scotland can discipline an Assembly with which they are unhappy. And a lot of people have been unhappy with the Assembly of late....
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
The grim reaper
We've taken a bit of a hit in terms of our numbers, back down to less than 60. Four of the recent five departures were because of death (Firesage, Pasqualina, Natura and Sweetmeg), one due to permanent retreat (Wognot). Pas had language difficulties, Natura was noob, not sure about Firesage and Sweetmeg (both from drummore), Wognot's work took him away.
Oh well.
Oh well.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Letter to Dewey - Mayor of Ardencaple
Ardencaple is at the north west limit of present day Scotland, two days travel from the larger towns of Glasgow and Ayr. Arden is a fishing village, Scotland's smallest (not counting Ayr City). I have written to the mayor of Ardencaple, warning him of the impending visit by a number of MacTavish tour groups during our tour of Glasgow County.
Greetings Dewey,
I don't know if you have yet heard from your fastness at the head of the Loch, but a bunch of MacTavishes are about to land in your town. At reset, should be half a dozen of us, with a friend who is with us by the name of Jurl. On the morrow I am expecting probably this many again to be arriving. We intend departing the day following that. I think Lucifera and Stri will be putting us up for the night.
I think most of us have brought our own food so shouldn't cause you too many problems there. Some of our younger kin will probably seek out some day labour. The older amongst us plan on a day of fishing so we can soak our tired feet in the waters.
On a personal note, I must say that I have long been looking forward to casting my line out from your shores. So much so that we have come here ahead of Stirling in our travels.
Cheers,
Chief Dracmuller MacTavish of Whithorn
Since I sent the letter, he has already replied and said we are welcome to buy and work as we chose, and to enjoy the hospitality of the town.
Greetings Dewey,
I don't know if you have yet heard from your fastness at the head of the Loch, but a bunch of MacTavishes are about to land in your town. At reset, should be half a dozen of us, with a friend who is with us by the name of Jurl. On the morrow I am expecting probably this many again to be arriving. We intend departing the day following that. I think Lucifera and Stri will be putting us up for the night.
I think most of us have brought our own food so shouldn't cause you too many problems there. Some of our younger kin will probably seek out some day labour. The older amongst us plan on a day of fishing so we can soak our tired feet in the waters.
On a personal note, I must say that I have long been looking forward to casting my line out from your shores. So much so that we have come here ahead of Stirling in our travels.
Cheers,
Chief Dracmuller MacTavish of Whithorn
Since I sent the letter, he has already replied and said we are welcome to buy and work as we chose, and to enjoy the hospitality of the town.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Travel Advice
I've sent the following to the two other mob leaders who will lead us out of Girvan...
I received the following from Whithorn Band about settings for 'move options' for leaders of mobs (on the travel screen)
"In these times of robbers frequently attacking, We should be setting to:
- Travel Always
- Fight Always
- I will not hesitate to kill my opponent. No longer :I Try To Spare My Opponent's Life
"The kill setting will boost the patrols FC and will not really kill anyone, unless they have already been in a fight and lost recently."
I've set to 'kill', assume you have too.
The thieves are in Girvan. If we can get a headstart on them to Ayr they shouldn't be bothering us. They think we are in Girvan for a few days more so if we meet them it's just bad luck.
We now have three groups with twelve people in them. Stoink might try and join a group at the last moment, otherwise he has said he'll travel on his own (I've mailed him about this bad habit he is developing). Jazstar is working and being picked up by Tuski soon. Malons will head back to wiggie some time soon.
We should be traveling for a few days now ... Ayr, Muirkirk, Lanark, Glasgow, Ardencaple. IF you let your mob know that you are hitting 'travel' each day, it's up them to hit 'follow the leader' or get left behind.
See you in Ayr.
Drac
I received the following from Whithorn Band about settings for 'move options' for leaders of mobs (on the travel screen)
"In these times of robbers frequently attacking, We should be setting to:
- Travel Always
- Fight Always
- I will not hesitate to kill my opponent. No longer :I Try To Spare My Opponent's Life
"The kill setting will boost the patrols FC and will not really kill anyone, unless they have already been in a fight and lost recently."
I've set to 'kill', assume you have too.
The thieves are in Girvan. If we can get a headstart on them to Ayr they shouldn't be bothering us. They think we are in Girvan for a few days more so if we meet them it's just bad luck.
We now have three groups with twelve people in them. Stoink might try and join a group at the last moment, otherwise he has said he'll travel on his own (I've mailed him about this bad habit he is developing). Jazstar is working and being picked up by Tuski soon. Malons will head back to wiggie some time soon.
We should be traveling for a few days now ... Ayr, Muirkirk, Lanark, Glasgow, Ardencaple. IF you let your mob know that you are hitting 'travel' each day, it's up them to hit 'follow the leader' or get left behind.
See you in Ayr.
Drac
Friday, June 27, 2008
Peacekeeping in Kirk
Just to show how RK can take off from under your feet, I somehow ended up leading a group of Whithorn Rangers to Kirk. Here we are, a bunch of farmer militia from over the hills, patrolling the strange streets of Kirk and trying to keep the locals from tearing each other apart as they get over the shock of having their town hall overrun by thieves and subsequently trashed and looted. Not a pretty sight.
And while all that's happening outside, I'm aiding negotiations between the factions inside. Talk about a strange situation.
And to think it all started out as a regular monthly two day patrol to nearby Wigtown.
And while all that's happening outside, I'm aiding negotiations between the factions inside. Talk about a strange situation.
And to think it all started out as a regular monthly two day patrol to nearby Wigtown.
Monday, June 23, 2008
On Travelling Freely
At present a handful of thieves are gaining far more prominence than their deeds warrant. They do this because the RSA in its peacetime persona is effectively unable to 'take out' the robber bands because to do so would cause a lot of injury and death amongst innocent travelers caught in the crossfire. Luckily, the thieves are themselves ineffective against well organised groups of travellers (armed mobs of sufficient strength and weaponry to fight off any high level brigand).
The ideal prey of the robber is a lone level 1 with their lifesavings in their backpack, setting out to start a new life. Or a small bunch of disorganised low level revellers going on a county wide pub-crawl.
I would hate for a bunch of MacTavishes heading to a clan gathering to be mistaken for a garden variety pub-crawler by these thieves. Besides our good cheer, we should also maintain our reputation for toughness. Do that by travelling in armed mobs and retinues, armed with shafts (swords and shields are no good for 'peacetime' combats against robbers). Communicate, don't be afraid to ask other relatives in your town or county if they can lend a hand.
I'd like to know that all the Dry's and Prut's and other assorted thieves will keep their distance when they hear a bunch of MacTavishes marching by!
Copied from our clan's forum
The ideal prey of the robber is a lone level 1 with their lifesavings in their backpack, setting out to start a new life. Or a small bunch of disorganised low level revellers going on a county wide pub-crawl.
I would hate for a bunch of MacTavishes heading to a clan gathering to be mistaken for a garden variety pub-crawler by these thieves. Besides our good cheer, we should also maintain our reputation for toughness. Do that by travelling in armed mobs and retinues, armed with shafts (swords and shields are no good for 'peacetime' combats against robbers). Communicate, don't be afraid to ask other relatives in your town or county if they can lend a hand.
I'd like to know that all the Dry's and Prut's and other assorted thieves will keep their distance when they hear a bunch of MacTavishes marching by!
Copied from our clan's forum
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Letter to a Campbell
The (in)famous JuliusOctavius has recently assumed leadership of the Scottish branch of the Campbells. I have been having a brief friendly exchange with him. He asked me about where we stand on 'official alliances' between clans etc. I thought my response might be interesting to those of you who care about such things. So here it is...
Julius Octavius Campbell, greetings from Whithorn on the sea!
I find that a good daily workout, smashing steel in my forge, helps me appear level headed when I emerge in public. Whatever works...
As to Clan business, I have been approached by various clan leaders over time seeking these 'official' alliances of which you speak. I say to you what I have previously said to them,
I do not presently abide by the concept of 'official' clan alliances, at least in regards to ourselves. We regard all clans as our blood allies, even when that blood is running hot.
I place great regard in the clan 'system', though I recognise it as being potentially Scotland's weakest point as well as its strongest asset. When contesting matters of honour I always try and also keep in mind this point. But, if a clan breaks with us, I am sure our emnity will be as pronounced as our friendship. I hope it never comes to that.
There is much work that can be done to strengthen links between the clans. We, for example, will soon be congregating in Ayr for a Shindig with your relatives. By partying with them we build a link to you guys.
I see two things as majorly strategically important for the mid to long term future of clans ... how the concept of organised clan militias translates into practice, and how strongly we continue to stamp Scotland's clannish nature upon our national and county institutions and cultures.
Always keen to exchange views,
Dracmuller MacTavish of Whithorn
Chieftain of Clan MacTavish
Julius Octavius Campbell, greetings from Whithorn on the sea!
I find that a good daily workout, smashing steel in my forge, helps me appear level headed when I emerge in public. Whatever works...
As to Clan business, I have been approached by various clan leaders over time seeking these 'official' alliances of which you speak. I say to you what I have previously said to them,
I do not presently abide by the concept of 'official' clan alliances, at least in regards to ourselves. We regard all clans as our blood allies, even when that blood is running hot.
I place great regard in the clan 'system', though I recognise it as being potentially Scotland's weakest point as well as its strongest asset. When contesting matters of honour I always try and also keep in mind this point. But, if a clan breaks with us, I am sure our emnity will be as pronounced as our friendship. I hope it never comes to that.
There is much work that can be done to strengthen links between the clans. We, for example, will soon be congregating in Ayr for a Shindig with your relatives. By partying with them we build a link to you guys.
I see two things as majorly strategically important for the mid to long term future of clans ... how the concept of organised clan militias translates into practice, and how strongly we continue to stamp Scotland's clannish nature upon our national and county institutions and cultures.
Always keen to exchange views,
Dracmuller MacTavish of Whithorn
Chieftain of Clan MacTavish
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
McKenzie replies
Greetings Dracmuller,
I'm more then certain that we'd find you and your kin places to rest their heads. Several days spanning a weekend would be perfect. A Bonfire and a grand cooking would be a great idea!
I have let my town Mayor, who is also a McKenzie, she has said she will try to have a good feast prepared in the taverns. The only question I have is if you know roughly how many will be showing?
To a grand friendship,
Kishen McKenzie
I've replied that we should have a rough idea of numbers within a few days, and asked him if possible to (1) not be too publicly specific with the dates, and (2) have the RSA keep alert for robbers.
I'm more then certain that we'd find you and your kin places to rest their heads. Several days spanning a weekend would be perfect. A Bonfire and a grand cooking would be a great idea!
I have let my town Mayor, who is also a McKenzie, she has said she will try to have a good feast prepared in the taverns. The only question I have is if you know roughly how many will be showing?
To a grand friendship,
Kishen McKenzie
I've replied that we should have a rough idea of numbers within a few days, and asked him if possible to (1) not be too publicly specific with the dates, and (2) have the RSA keep alert for robbers.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Letter to the McKenzie about a shindig
Kishen McKenzie of Girvan is the Chieftain of his Clan, the most significant indigenous clan of Ayr. He and most of his kin live in the same town, one day by foot from Wigtown, two from Whithorn and Kirk, three from Drummore, Lanark, Stirling and Ardencaple. In recent correspondence (not recorded here) he accepted an offer to extend an invitation to us (!) for a shindig (party) between our clans. Because of the travel time involved, we are looking at departing in around two weeks. Hopefully that allows enough time for people to put their affairs in order.
Below is one of my letters, suggesting a possible date.
Greetings Kishen,
Thankyou for your warm reply to my query. It gladdens me that civility amongst true scots is still a virtue that is valued.
I have broached with my kin the concept of a shindig in your fair town. If you could put us up there would probably be groups arriving from both Glasgow and Galloway for the affair. I have suggested several days, spanning a weekend - gotta think of all those to whom weekends are not good for RK as well - in which RP and tavern crawls occur. Perhaps a grand bonfire, cows on a spit with side threads of all sorts?
Three or four days spanning the weekend of 5-6 July would probably be good logistically, and not too far away that people lose focus...
Your thoughts?
Dracmuller MacTavish
Below is one of my letters, suggesting a possible date.
Greetings Kishen,
Thankyou for your warm reply to my query. It gladdens me that civility amongst true scots is still a virtue that is valued.
I have broached with my kin the concept of a shindig in your fair town. If you could put us up there would probably be groups arriving from both Glasgow and Galloway for the affair. I have suggested several days, spanning a weekend - gotta think of all those to whom weekends are not good for RK as well - in which RP and tavern crawls occur. Perhaps a grand bonfire, cows on a spit with side threads of all sorts?
Three or four days spanning the weekend of 5-6 July would probably be good logistically, and not too far away that people lose focus...
Your thoughts?
Dracmuller MacTavish
Sunday, June 8, 2008
It's been too long!
Having returned from his trip to the borderlands in Eastern Galloway, Drac settles in at the Hearth to recount a little of his recent experiences.
I set out in a travel group from Whithorn with Asbgas and Helian MacTavish. We met up with Aelin MacTavish in Wigtown, and travelled on to Kirk the following day. We spent a day there (I worked someone's field) and met up with Malons Knight MacTavish who was stranded there. Then it was on to Dumfries.
Dumfries has only about 140 residents. There were quite a few nobles around when we arrived, but that is because it is so near the border and there was a fair bit of interest in events there at the time. Most of these nobles left over the following week. It was very strange to see myself and Asbgas as amongst the highest ranked folk in town on the town list.
I spent a couple days cutting wood, and the next four or five days 'guarding the power'. I sold them a couple blunt axes as I knew that there weren't enough resident smiths there to keep things going smoothly. I gather that there is generally a shortage of stat workers in town also, though not as chronic as it used to be.
There were three pubs in town. Generally always someone around. Market was sparse, but enough food to eat. I managed to get a blue bonnet there on my first day (haven't seen one anywhere else). Forbes are probably the major clan, but they seemed less hostile than the Forbes of Drum. Sadly, I think that some of the Forbes way of doing things has been seen by other locals and has been a disincentive to join a clan. Sigh.
I didn't do any active recruiting but I think we created a good impression (which is at least as important). In fact, by not recruiting we may have advanced our reputation.
While in Dumfries Asbgas and myself went on a bit of a tour of the castle. Actually, we went and looked at some catacombs beneath the castle, and barely escaped with our lives. Due to some quick wit on Asbgas' part I was able to able to bring back an ancient roman dagger blade to add to the collection of knives I have at my forge.
The return trip was fairly uneventful. I missed catching up with Jazstar as we passed through Kirk, but we weren't going to delay our return as our money was running out and our farms needed attention.
All in all, a valuable expedition. I would encourage all MacTavishes to have a bit of a journey beyond the next town on the road. You can appreciate the diversity of this huge community best by spending a little time in various places.
Of course, now I've been bitten by the travel bug again, I want to travel again. Perhaps a trip to Lanark?
I set out in a travel group from Whithorn with Asbgas and Helian MacTavish. We met up with Aelin MacTavish in Wigtown, and travelled on to Kirk the following day. We spent a day there (I worked someone's field) and met up with Malons Knight MacTavish who was stranded there. Then it was on to Dumfries.
Dumfries has only about 140 residents. There were quite a few nobles around when we arrived, but that is because it is so near the border and there was a fair bit of interest in events there at the time. Most of these nobles left over the following week. It was very strange to see myself and Asbgas as amongst the highest ranked folk in town on the town list.
I spent a couple days cutting wood, and the next four or five days 'guarding the power'. I sold them a couple blunt axes as I knew that there weren't enough resident smiths there to keep things going smoothly. I gather that there is generally a shortage of stat workers in town also, though not as chronic as it used to be.
There were three pubs in town. Generally always someone around. Market was sparse, but enough food to eat. I managed to get a blue bonnet there on my first day (haven't seen one anywhere else). Forbes are probably the major clan, but they seemed less hostile than the Forbes of Drum. Sadly, I think that some of the Forbes way of doing things has been seen by other locals and has been a disincentive to join a clan. Sigh.
I didn't do any active recruiting but I think we created a good impression (which is at least as important). In fact, by not recruiting we may have advanced our reputation.
While in Dumfries Asbgas and myself went on a bit of a tour of the castle. Actually, we went and looked at some catacombs beneath the castle, and barely escaped with our lives. Due to some quick wit on Asbgas' part I was able to able to bring back an ancient roman dagger blade to add to the collection of knives I have at my forge.
The return trip was fairly uneventful. I missed catching up with Jazstar as we passed through Kirk, but we weren't going to delay our return as our money was running out and our farms needed attention.
All in all, a valuable expedition. I would encourage all MacTavishes to have a bit of a journey beyond the next town on the road. You can appreciate the diversity of this huge community best by spending a little time in various places.
Of course, now I've been bitten by the travel bug again, I want to travel again. Perhaps a trip to Lanark?
Sunday, May 18, 2008
A quieter week in the Kingdom
This has been a quieter week in the kingdom of scotland.
Constitutionally speaking, Galloway's outgoing council ratified the draft Constitution as its final act before departing office. Therefore, all three counties and the Gathering of the Clans have all supported the draft. It has now been submitted to King James the Second for his consideration. If and when he approves our Constitution, the National Assembly will assemble, clan armies will become lawful, and the fun will begin.
Politically speaking, Antek MacTavish has gracefully retired from Galloway Council, having not stood for re-election. Not a complaint was heard of his performance during the most tumultous council term Galloway has yet experienced. Well done Antek! Aelin and Yankie MacTavish have taken seats on the new council, and Bonquida might still get a seat if anyone vacates their seat. I should also say that Aelin is now Duke of the County (?), the first MacTavish to hold such high office.
Personally speaking, I have recovered from both my computer virus and my 'flu virus. No lasting damage was done except that when my hard drive melted down the fire destroyed the MacTavish archives. The worst loss was the total destruction of the carefully compiled MacTavish genealogy and family tree. I'm thinking of an alternative way of doing it as I write...
Constitutionally speaking, Galloway's outgoing council ratified the draft Constitution as its final act before departing office. Therefore, all three counties and the Gathering of the Clans have all supported the draft. It has now been submitted to King James the Second for his consideration. If and when he approves our Constitution, the National Assembly will assemble, clan armies will become lawful, and the fun will begin.
Politically speaking, Antek MacTavish has gracefully retired from Galloway Council, having not stood for re-election. Not a complaint was heard of his performance during the most tumultous council term Galloway has yet experienced. Well done Antek! Aelin and Yankie MacTavish have taken seats on the new council, and Bonquida might still get a seat if anyone vacates their seat. I should also say that Aelin is now Duke of the County (?), the first MacTavish to hold such high office.
Personally speaking, I have recovered from both my computer virus and my 'flu virus. No lasting damage was done except that when my hard drive melted down the fire destroyed the MacTavish archives. The worst loss was the total destruction of the carefully compiled MacTavish genealogy and family tree. I'm thinking of an alternative way of doing it as I write...
Thursday, May 15, 2008
A letter to a kinswoman (long post)
Recently I sent the following to a relative in Lanark who is concerned about the recent 2 week forum ban placed on Sajanzv for 'flaming'. Apparently it is quite an issue locally. As a member of the Privy Council of the Regent (where 2 of the 3 flames occurred) I have access to the relevant threads. I cannot quote them, but can give a bit of my view.
Anyway, I have received a number of letters about the issue. So I have published here the most comprehensive response I've yet given. So that we all know my personal views on it.
I write you about the issue with your friend. I looked at at least three of the threads which caused his troubles. I can only say what I think of the situation and what follows is my personal view at the moment.
Firstly, as usual, Saj had a good idea. What he then did, however, was act like 'a bull in a china shop'. He accused two other players of lying, made his good idea into a 'all or nothing' demand. My own view is that that is not any way to talk to anyone in this game, let alone the Regent in the Regent's home. So he basically got suspended for bad manners.
Secondly, it is important to note that it was for forum breaches, not the RP or political aspects of what was said, that Saj received his penalty. In the linlithgow threads, others intervened but Saj came back for more. It was only then that the matter was referred to the censors. An appeal occurred. Their initial decision was upheld. Many fine scots have worn a ban for similar reasons (I recall once when our general, captain, count and trade minister all had bans on them).
Thirdly, the whole issue of the Regent and 'democracy' is a very delicate issue. Being Scots, there are different views on it and they are often strongly put. In this situation, to flame and insult could lead to very serious consequences, such as outright rebellion, repression, civil war.
As Saj is a player who has obviously invested a huge amount of time and energy into the game for all of our benefit I imagine his forum ban is causing him great sadness. I hope that he has got over the shock and decided to remain and continue to participate. It would be sad for him and for Scotland if he did not. Sadly, as the issue which he raised became 'political' with his raising it, I suspect that it will now take awhile longer to achieve what he originally asked than it once would have.
In my dealings with Seer she has always been considered in what she does. She is very aware of the anti-regent position held by many. She may even hold those views herself for all we know. Even if I don't feel comfortable with her at times, I would trust the power to be in her hands more than any other player I can think of (and I have had dealings with most of the leading characters in the land). The fact that she has not gone around and stuck her nose into everything says something about her own concerns regarding the power that is in the regent's hands.
I can't speak of Dragon of Lyons Hall, having not known him long enough. He did seem to be leading Saj on. Saj should have realised the nature of the contest. Live and learn.
I don't know what england is like, having never been there. To date the main battles in this land, to keep us distinct, seems to have been around the co-operative nature of scottish society and our clannishness. I hope this never changes. Another difference is that we have a regent who questions her own position more intelligently than any others I've yet heard speak on it and who has refused to interfere in the people's affairs even when all else around urged her to do so. She has not boasted of this, and the events in her chambers are basically kept in-house to allow honesty within. But this has been the case.
I fear that many who speak of 'democracy' actually want the strongest and the loudest to get their way without the risk of authorities preventing that (I'm not saying this about Saj, but several other Gunn's can act that way). People of high ability often would set the world up as a meritocracy. And that can be even more exclusive than a royalty.
I'd be interested to know what Loren Soth thinks of this all.
None of us like everything in the constitution, and the clans probably gave away more than any other group. The challenge will now be for the National Assembly to keep the ship of state afloat. The MacTavish Representatives on the Assembly will both be independent types.
I've said more than enough. Talkative me! I guess it boils down to - there was a reason for what happened, the decision was appealed, and in my opinion there has been no lasting harm done to anything but people's pride. I hope.
Yours truly,
Drac
Hopes he hasn't upset too many people by baring his soul here.
Anyway, I have received a number of letters about the issue. So I have published here the most comprehensive response I've yet given. So that we all know my personal views on it.
I write you about the issue with your friend. I looked at at least three of the threads which caused his troubles. I can only say what I think of the situation and what follows is my personal view at the moment.
Firstly, as usual, Saj had a good idea. What he then did, however, was act like 'a bull in a china shop'. He accused two other players of lying, made his good idea into a 'all or nothing' demand. My own view is that that is not any way to talk to anyone in this game, let alone the Regent in the Regent's home. So he basically got suspended for bad manners.
Secondly, it is important to note that it was for forum breaches, not the RP or political aspects of what was said, that Saj received his penalty. In the linlithgow threads, others intervened but Saj came back for more. It was only then that the matter was referred to the censors. An appeal occurred. Their initial decision was upheld. Many fine scots have worn a ban for similar reasons (I recall once when our general, captain, count and trade minister all had bans on them).
Thirdly, the whole issue of the Regent and 'democracy' is a very delicate issue. Being Scots, there are different views on it and they are often strongly put. In this situation, to flame and insult could lead to very serious consequences, such as outright rebellion, repression, civil war.
As Saj is a player who has obviously invested a huge amount of time and energy into the game for all of our benefit I imagine his forum ban is causing him great sadness. I hope that he has got over the shock and decided to remain and continue to participate. It would be sad for him and for Scotland if he did not. Sadly, as the issue which he raised became 'political' with his raising it, I suspect that it will now take awhile longer to achieve what he originally asked than it once would have.
In my dealings with Seer she has always been considered in what she does. She is very aware of the anti-regent position held by many. She may even hold those views herself for all we know. Even if I don't feel comfortable with her at times, I would trust the power to be in her hands more than any other player I can think of (and I have had dealings with most of the leading characters in the land). The fact that she has not gone around and stuck her nose into everything says something about her own concerns regarding the power that is in the regent's hands.
I can't speak of Dragon of Lyons Hall, having not known him long enough. He did seem to be leading Saj on. Saj should have realised the nature of the contest. Live and learn.
I don't know what england is like, having never been there. To date the main battles in this land, to keep us distinct, seems to have been around the co-operative nature of scottish society and our clannishness. I hope this never changes. Another difference is that we have a regent who questions her own position more intelligently than any others I've yet heard speak on it and who has refused to interfere in the people's affairs even when all else around urged her to do so. She has not boasted of this, and the events in her chambers are basically kept in-house to allow honesty within. But this has been the case.
I fear that many who speak of 'democracy' actually want the strongest and the loudest to get their way without the risk of authorities preventing that (I'm not saying this about Saj, but several other Gunn's can act that way). People of high ability often would set the world up as a meritocracy. And that can be even more exclusive than a royalty.
I'd be interested to know what Loren Soth thinks of this all.
None of us like everything in the constitution, and the clans probably gave away more than any other group. The challenge will now be for the National Assembly to keep the ship of state afloat. The MacTavish Representatives on the Assembly will both be independent types.
I've said more than enough. Talkative me! I guess it boils down to - there was a reason for what happened, the decision was appealed, and in my opinion there has been no lasting harm done to anything but people's pride. I hope.
Yours truly,
Drac
Hopes he hasn't upset too many people by baring his soul here.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Moving right along...
I've still not got my 'old' computer going. New hardrive installed but now an issue with the video card. Still I managed to catch up with some clan admin this morning.
We now have 50 members. Thanks to the spark of Destrata and the energy of her friends, there are now ten MacTavishes in Lanark. Well done folks, make the most of it! I believe the Roses are the other major clan presence in town, from past dealings they are a nice and friendly bunch of people generally speaking. Four more of us have become level 2s over the past week; Lucifera (Ardencaple) is now a baker; Jubox and Quik2type of Whithorn, weavers; and, Jayne of Drummore, a miller.
Our clan subforum keeps fairly busy, albeit mainly with new applications for membership at the moment. There's a thread there seeking your thoughts on what our clan is and could be doing. Please have a look and post your ideas there.
In national affairs, the Scotish Constitution awaits the ratification of the one remaining county (Galloway) before becoming law. Our two brave MacTavish representatives, Ragehammer and Lucifera, both await the opening of the National Assembly (we get two representatives due our status of one of Scotland's Founding Clans). Expect there to be a bit of shake up of national power structures in the months following the opening of the National Assembly.
Galloway Council elections finish in a couple days. It is likely that the Scottish Democratic Party will take a majority of seats (fingers crossed). If this proves the case, there could be upto three MacTavishes on the County Council (Aelin, Bonquida and Yankie) and a MacTavish as Count! I urge all MacTavishes resident in Galloway to get out and vote, and be careful you place your vote in the box of the SDP ticket!!!
There has been a slight increase in clan hostilities recently. The MacGregors have shown their robbing colours again, laying silent seige to Dumfries castle in April. The Forbes have run a ticket in the Galloway elections, and elevated a squabble between their chieftain (JeffersonDavis) and the Wallace Chieftain (Brother Chris) into the beginnings of a feud. Tempers seem to have calmed recently, and the MacGregors have dispersed, but the potential for major conflict has shown itself. Through these troubles we have kept a quiet presence in the background (as also, I hear, during the present dominance of the Gunn clan in Glasgow) and kept going in our own little ways to improve the situation.
This gives us great credit.
We now have 50 members. Thanks to the spark of Destrata and the energy of her friends, there are now ten MacTavishes in Lanark. Well done folks, make the most of it! I believe the Roses are the other major clan presence in town, from past dealings they are a nice and friendly bunch of people generally speaking. Four more of us have become level 2s over the past week; Lucifera (Ardencaple) is now a baker; Jubox and Quik2type of Whithorn, weavers; and, Jayne of Drummore, a miller.
Our clan subforum keeps fairly busy, albeit mainly with new applications for membership at the moment. There's a thread there seeking your thoughts on what our clan is and could be doing. Please have a look and post your ideas there.
In national affairs, the Scotish Constitution awaits the ratification of the one remaining county (Galloway) before becoming law. Our two brave MacTavish representatives, Ragehammer and Lucifera, both await the opening of the National Assembly (we get two representatives due our status of one of Scotland's Founding Clans). Expect there to be a bit of shake up of national power structures in the months following the opening of the National Assembly.
Galloway Council elections finish in a couple days. It is likely that the Scottish Democratic Party will take a majority of seats (fingers crossed). If this proves the case, there could be upto three MacTavishes on the County Council (Aelin, Bonquida and Yankie) and a MacTavish as Count! I urge all MacTavishes resident in Galloway to get out and vote, and be careful you place your vote in the box of the SDP ticket!!!
There has been a slight increase in clan hostilities recently. The MacGregors have shown their robbing colours again, laying silent seige to Dumfries castle in April. The Forbes have run a ticket in the Galloway elections, and elevated a squabble between their chieftain (JeffersonDavis) and the Wallace Chieftain (Brother Chris) into the beginnings of a feud. Tempers seem to have calmed recently, and the MacGregors have dispersed, but the potential for major conflict has shown itself. Through these troubles we have kept a quiet presence in the background (as also, I hear, during the present dominance of the Gunn clan in Glasgow) and kept going in our own little ways to improve the situation.
This gives us great credit.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Tending the Hearth
I apologise for not posting much here recently. I have had various IRL crises this past week, and still don't have regular computer up and running, but I hope to do something at this hearth this weekend.
Until then, I'll just clean out the ashes and collect a bit more fuel for the fire...
Until then, I'll just clean out the ashes and collect a bit more fuel for the fire...
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Random News
Clan member news
Nejen, Sir Aaron, Drayzzok and Maerik have all levelled up recently. Congratulatons! Around twenty of our fortyish members are now level 2. Ragehammer has become a level 3, he and Vermelaine are our two senior members. Saliery made it Lanark. He joins Destrata there, with another three going through the application process. This will make it our second largest outpost within a week. Not to be totally outdone, there's also two would-be-members applying in Whithorn.
National Politics
Our clan supported the proposed national constitution in discussions amongst all the clans. Eventually the Gathering voted about 14 in favour, nil against, 3 abstentions. We now await the County councils to ratify the constitution. If they all do, we will have a national government.
Part of the National Government will be the National Assembly. As of right, we will have two seats as a clan in the national assembly. Ragehammer and Lucifera have kindly stepped forward to be our voice in the assembly. It was important to select our two representatives as soon as possible in case the assembly is formed suddenly, and to allow our delegates to get used to the national point of view. I know they will do us and scotland proud.
County Affairs
County elections are less than three weeks away in Galloway. The present Council has three MacTavishes on it, Lady Robin, Antek and Aelin. We were involved in the United Clans of Scotland list of candidates. There is no UCS ticket this coming election. We have members involved in the Scottish Democratic Party (Aelin, Bonquida and Yankie on the ticket, various others of us in the party). The only other list is 'Clan Forbes', so I won't comment on which way I'd suggest we vote...
Generally, as Chieftain I am immensely proud of our clan. Many of us seem content with quietly advancing ourselves in our home towns. But we are hanging in there, and advancing steadily. Very few of us have quit the game in the last six months, I great sign in a game like this. I think Bonquida expresses it well in his recent post on our forum.
To the Honour of MacTavish and the Glory of Scotland!
Nejen, Sir Aaron, Drayzzok and Maerik have all levelled up recently. Congratulatons! Around twenty of our fortyish members are now level 2. Ragehammer has become a level 3, he and Vermelaine are our two senior members. Saliery made it Lanark. He joins Destrata there, with another three going through the application process. This will make it our second largest outpost within a week. Not to be totally outdone, there's also two would-be-members applying in Whithorn.
National Politics
Our clan supported the proposed national constitution in discussions amongst all the clans. Eventually the Gathering voted about 14 in favour, nil against, 3 abstentions. We now await the County councils to ratify the constitution. If they all do, we will have a national government.
Part of the National Government will be the National Assembly. As of right, we will have two seats as a clan in the national assembly. Ragehammer and Lucifera have kindly stepped forward to be our voice in the assembly. It was important to select our two representatives as soon as possible in case the assembly is formed suddenly, and to allow our delegates to get used to the national point of view. I know they will do us and scotland proud.
County Affairs
County elections are less than three weeks away in Galloway. The present Council has three MacTavishes on it, Lady Robin, Antek and Aelin. We were involved in the United Clans of Scotland list of candidates. There is no UCS ticket this coming election. We have members involved in the Scottish Democratic Party (Aelin, Bonquida and Yankie on the ticket, various others of us in the party). The only other list is 'Clan Forbes', so I won't comment on which way I'd suggest we vote...
Generally, as Chieftain I am immensely proud of our clan. Many of us seem content with quietly advancing ourselves in our home towns. But we are hanging in there, and advancing steadily. Very few of us have quit the game in the last six months, I great sign in a game like this. I think Bonquida expresses it well in his recent post on our forum.
To the Honour of MacTavish and the Glory of Scotland!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Events in the Kingdom
Recent event in the Kingdom have been quite interesting to those that follow these things.
On a hillside near Stirling was raised the banner of rebellion by those wishing to form a 'celtic army'. The rebels were eventually shouted off the hill by the growing crowd below, well fed on Yay RSA cookies.
A Regent was appointed by our King. Her role is not yet closely defined. There is much fear that she might pave the way for a future dictator, which is what the English Regency appears to have become. She has selected a panel of advisors, one of whom is myself. The fears are not a reality as yet, and there is much debate on what terms the Regent holds office (temporary, elected, relation to the future Steward, etc).
The Constitutional ratification process continues at its slow pace. There may be some minor amendments to mollify the Counties, but the guts of the document have the support of the nation. Clan MacTavish has cast its vote in favour of the passage of the Draft into law.
Our clan continues its slow and steady growth. We are now the second largest clan. Of great significance is that much of our new growth is in the new County of Glasgow. Thanks to those members there for flying the flag!
On a hillside near Stirling was raised the banner of rebellion by those wishing to form a 'celtic army'. The rebels were eventually shouted off the hill by the growing crowd below, well fed on Yay RSA cookies.
A Regent was appointed by our King. Her role is not yet closely defined. There is much fear that she might pave the way for a future dictator, which is what the English Regency appears to have become. She has selected a panel of advisors, one of whom is myself. The fears are not a reality as yet, and there is much debate on what terms the Regent holds office (temporary, elected, relation to the future Steward, etc).
The Constitutional ratification process continues at its slow pace. There may be some minor amendments to mollify the Counties, but the guts of the document have the support of the nation. Clan MacTavish has cast its vote in favour of the passage of the Draft into law.
Our clan continues its slow and steady growth. We are now the second largest clan. Of great significance is that much of our new growth is in the new County of Glasgow. Thanks to those members there for flying the flag!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Clan News
The new colonies in County of Glasgow opened their borders for several days. Four MacTavishes made the move.
Lucifera is in Ardencaple
Maerik and Luthien Bedwyr are in Stirling
Destrata is in Lanark
All four have been given access to the UCS as the Glasgow MacTavishes.
There are three MacTavish Councillors on Galloway County Council
Lady Robin is Spokeswoman
Antek is Constable
Aelin is Public Prosecutor
We lost no-one to Ireland. Some other large clans lost half of their members (O'Broins, Campbells, MacAles, Kennedys in particular). We have been gaining members slightly faster than losing, seem to be holding around 40 MacTavishes. Almost a quarter of us are level 2.
Our homelands lie in counties to the north and the west of county of Glasgow. We might start thinking about the possibility of a big move at short notice in case new colonies of interest open in next few months.
At the moment Dracmuller is busy checking the proposed Constitution through. The clan is debating it before casting a vote for or against it. So far, no-one has said we should oppose it.
Lucifera is in Ardencaple
Maerik and Luthien Bedwyr are in Stirling
Destrata is in Lanark
All four have been given access to the UCS as the Glasgow MacTavishes.
There are three MacTavish Councillors on Galloway County Council
Lady Robin is Spokeswoman
Antek is Constable
Aelin is Public Prosecutor
We lost no-one to Ireland. Some other large clans lost half of their members (O'Broins, Campbells, MacAles, Kennedys in particular). We have been gaining members slightly faster than losing, seem to be holding around 40 MacTavishes. Almost a quarter of us are level 2.
Our homelands lie in counties to the north and the west of county of Glasgow. We might start thinking about the possibility of a big move at short notice in case new colonies of interest open in next few months.
At the moment Dracmuller is busy checking the proposed Constitution through. The clan is debating it before casting a vote for or against it. So far, no-one has said we should oppose it.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Clan Member News
Sweetmeg of Drummore has levelled up. She is a weaver. Congratulations!
The Glasgow colonies are still open for those who want to move. After our recent discussion the following have moved so far:
Lucifera has moved with friends to Ardencaple where she can fish in peace.
Luthien and Maerik have gone to Stirling. Luthien likes the forests and Maerik is looking for adventure.
Destrata has gone to Lanark where the peasants pick fruit.
No MacTavishes have gone to Ireland. Many hotheads (including not a few NNGO) have gone to Stirling. Anton_capone is now in Ireland.
Balenoape of Drummore has passed on. He was one of the original MacTavishes. Jah bless him.
Aelin of Whithorn has joined Galloway Council as various members leave for the colonies. Looks like a busy time ahead for our resident scotsman.
Idallia has left our clan to join her newly found sister into the Rose Clan. Our good wishes go with her.
I make it we have 39 active members, with 2 applications in the works at the moment.
The Glasgow colonies are still open for those who want to move. After our recent discussion the following have moved so far:
Lucifera has moved with friends to Ardencaple where she can fish in peace.
Luthien and Maerik have gone to Stirling. Luthien likes the forests and Maerik is looking for adventure.
Destrata has gone to Lanark where the peasants pick fruit.
No MacTavishes have gone to Ireland. Many hotheads (including not a few NNGO) have gone to Stirling. Anton_capone is now in Ireland.
Balenoape of Drummore has passed on. He was one of the original MacTavishes. Jah bless him.
Aelin of Whithorn has joined Galloway Council as various members leave for the colonies. Looks like a busy time ahead for our resident scotsman.
Idallia has left our clan to join her newly found sister into the Rose Clan. Our good wishes go with her.
I make it we have 39 active members, with 2 applications in the works at the moment.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
New County - Glasgow
Glasgow County is soon to open it looks like. Don't yet know which towns will be there. If there's one in the tossarchs, then that'll be one of our - 'cause that's where the mythical Dunn of Tavish once was.
I'd suggest use the forum to co-ordinate movement (ie, who moves as a colonist, which town they go to, what they find there).
I'd suggest use the forum to co-ordinate movement (ie, who moves as a colonist, which town they go to, what they find there).
Saturday, March 22, 2008
The Most Noble and Chivalous Scottish Order of Saint Andrew?
A Campbell, a Kennedy, a Forbes and a Sinclair band together and create a "Noble and Chivalrous" order of knights. To my ear that sounds a little pretentious, a little english even! The most valuable service they might provide, perhaps, is an elite band on permanent station and, if so, good on them. It is more likely that we will have a 'chivalrous' (roleplay) order to fight civilised (nobles) tournaments against similarly well-to-do english. Fun if you are into that kind of thing I suppose.
Perhaps something a little more raucus, a little less chivalrous and a little less noble. Like a cross border raiding society or some such? A little less lords and ladies in the courtyard, a little more good folk and gentle in the cattle byre?
Puts his nose back into joint and wanders off.
Perhaps something a little more raucus, a little less chivalrous and a little less noble. Like a cross border raiding society or some such? A little less lords and ladies in the courtyard, a little more good folk and gentle in the cattle byre?
Puts his nose back into joint and wanders off.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
A Neibour in Ayr!
Neibour MacTavish has 'joined' our clan, though he has actually fulfilled all membership requirements since Jan 1, 1456 (yech, reminds me of those itty bitty mushrooms, thinking of New Year's Eve). He is level 2 (blacksmith). Perhaps we can start rebuilding our membership in Ayr and taking on some of that anti-clan sentiment which we hear emnating from former NNGO types out there...
There's no present membership applications, so I'd remind people to keep their eyes open for promising individuals. Just send me their names and I'll take it from there, or ask them yourself.
There's no present membership applications, so I'd remind people to keep their eyes open for promising individuals. Just send me their names and I'll take it from there, or ask them yourself.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Ticking along
Although things are quiet here at the hearth at the moment, our clan seems to be ticking along.
Kwakiutlcs 'Kwak' MacTavish of Whithorn has become a baker.
A recent RSA patrol composed of four MacTavishes worked flawlessly (albeit, didn't see the robber).
Clan members have been active in both local and county political scenes, with three standing as candidates at county election with UCS party, and several members providing voice to dissent with the VotP party (though not as candidates). By the way, get out and vote if you haven't done so already!!!
With a slow but steady flow of active members joining up, we remain the third largest clan in the land despite fact that Italian_Iceman and Lady_Susan no longer exist (:(
Kwakiutlcs 'Kwak' MacTavish of Whithorn has become a baker.
A recent RSA patrol composed of four MacTavishes worked flawlessly (albeit, didn't see the robber).
Clan members have been active in both local and county political scenes, with three standing as candidates at county election with UCS party, and several members providing voice to dissent with the VotP party (though not as candidates). By the way, get out and vote if you haven't done so already!!!
With a slow but steady flow of active members joining up, we remain the third largest clan in the land despite fact that Italian_Iceman and Lady_Susan no longer exist (:(
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Where is the candle stick maker?
We have three more level 2s amongst us, all of Whithorn. Aelin has become a butcher, and Minuet and Yankie have taken up milling as a trade. With all our pig, wheat and corn farmers there are the makings of some fine trading combinations here! Particularly in Whithorn where there are butchers and bakers.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Drac will be hard to reach for a couple of days
Hi folks. Just to let you know that I will be hard to reach for a couple of days because I have to go walkabout in real life. Hopefully I'll be able to find a place to log on and feed me and my pigs. Should be back in time for mass!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Dearly departed, and the soon-to-be...
I have done one of my periodic checks of the clan roster. There were a few MacTavishes who are officially classed as 'dead' at the moment, one who has 'dissappeared', one who hasn't logged on for several days but is still alive. I thought I'd leave a message here for a bit, before advising the official power structures ingame...
Totally Gone
Muzz
He's done this before so I'll wait a wee while before notifying this guy as gone.
Officially 'Dead'
Kevin Teastone
Daniel the Slayer
Italian Iceman
I'll wait for their profiles to be erradicated before regarding them as truly gone.
Missing But Active
Lady Susan
If anyone knows anything, please let me know if I can help...
Totally Gone
Muzz
He's done this before so I'll wait a wee while before notifying this guy as gone.
Officially 'Dead'
Kevin Teastone
Daniel the Slayer
Italian Iceman
I'll wait for their profiles to be erradicated before regarding them as truly gone.
Missing But Active
Lady Susan
If anyone knows anything, please let me know if I can help...
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Territorial musings
More Musings
I have been looking around at historical stuff on MacTavish. Found this site which contains a lot more useful information than you'd expect at first glance. For the moment, I looked at the maps as it has been a mytery to me where exactly in Argyll our historical lands actually lie. I now have much better Idea - South of Kilmartin (the River Add, actually), North of Castle Sween, West of Highway 83, East of the Isle of Jura. The site of Dunnardrie and the castle/fort is on the River Add at the north of the territory. The Knapdale forest is solid MacTavish country. I wonder if this land is going to be a wood town ingame?
I have yet to go for a cyberjourney to the ahistorical lands I have creatively carved out for us to the North of Loch Lomond - in the Trossarchs (mountainous woody country - would become MacGregor land in the 16th century).
If Argyll opens up ingame for colonisation, would be pretty cool if we established a strong presence in the area around Dunnardrie. Until that glorious day, I intend to stay based in Whithorn. Of course, there'll probably be a lot of Campbells claiming Argyll as their own, so expect to have a bit of jostling amongst the clans. And don't fall for the propoganda which says MacTavish are in some way junior to Campbell. We're not.
I'll post the maps up to give you an easy look (it took me awhile to work it all out) as soon as I find time and inclination to do so.
I have been looking around at historical stuff on MacTavish. Found this site which contains a lot more useful information than you'd expect at first glance. For the moment, I looked at the maps as it has been a mytery to me where exactly in Argyll our historical lands actually lie. I now have much better Idea - South of Kilmartin (the River Add, actually), North of Castle Sween, West of Highway 83, East of the Isle of Jura. The site of Dunnardrie and the castle/fort is on the River Add at the north of the territory. The Knapdale forest is solid MacTavish country. I wonder if this land is going to be a wood town ingame?
I have yet to go for a cyberjourney to the ahistorical lands I have creatively carved out for us to the North of Loch Lomond - in the Trossarchs (mountainous woody country - would become MacGregor land in the 16th century).
If Argyll opens up ingame for colonisation, would be pretty cool if we established a strong presence in the area around Dunnardrie. Until that glorious day, I intend to stay based in Whithorn. Of course, there'll probably be a lot of Campbells claiming Argyll as their own, so expect to have a bit of jostling amongst the clans. And don't fall for the propoganda which says MacTavish are in some way junior to Campbell. We're not.
I'll post the maps up to give you an easy look (it took me awhile to work it all out) as soon as I find time and inclination to do so.
While the servers are down - musings
Here I am on a Friday night at the Hearth, thinking my thoughts and scribbling them down.
Lucifera, we'll need a day or two's notice if we are to get to Wiggie from Whithorn. I'm thinking of it seriously, might chop a bit of wood at the same time for me smith's forge...
The UCS thing is a real mixed bag of things from a clan chief's perspective. It throws into stark reality the clannish nature of scottish politics. This will be showing itself pretty majorly in Ayr at the moment. Will be interested in any stories from Ayr over the present fortnight.
One thing I am real glad about is that I stayed clear of the term 'United' in our clan's little slogan at our clan forum. I went for 'Scotland - Strong, Free, Independent' over 'Scotland - Strong, United, Independent'. I think I'd rather be free than 'united'. As things stand, we are united with most other clans via the UCS. Two active Ayr (Munro and O'Broin) clans and one local Whithorn clan (Frasers) have stayed out of the UCS political party. Philosophically they do so from a sense of independence. I don't think it will be fatal for anyone, and it does add a bit of spice to the mix. It's funny, but O'Broins voted to walk out of the UCS as we voted to walk in.
And, in case you're wondering, within the UCS I think we MacTavishes have already made ourselves heard in the direction the party is going. Although it wouldn't surprise me if someone starts pulling the numbers on us. For the moment, however, it's a case of watch and learn.
Lucifera, we'll need a day or two's notice if we are to get to Wiggie from Whithorn. I'm thinking of it seriously, might chop a bit of wood at the same time for me smith's forge...
The UCS thing is a real mixed bag of things from a clan chief's perspective. It throws into stark reality the clannish nature of scottish politics. This will be showing itself pretty majorly in Ayr at the moment. Will be interested in any stories from Ayr over the present fortnight.
One thing I am real glad about is that I stayed clear of the term 'United' in our clan's little slogan at our clan forum. I went for 'Scotland - Strong, Free, Independent' over 'Scotland - Strong, United, Independent'. I think I'd rather be free than 'united'. As things stand, we are united with most other clans via the UCS. Two active Ayr (Munro and O'Broin) clans and one local Whithorn clan (Frasers) have stayed out of the UCS political party. Philosophically they do so from a sense of independence. I don't think it will be fatal for anyone, and it does add a bit of spice to the mix. It's funny, but O'Broins voted to walk out of the UCS as we voted to walk in.
And, in case you're wondering, within the UCS I think we MacTavishes have already made ourselves heard in the direction the party is going. Although it wouldn't surprise me if someone starts pulling the numbers on us. For the moment, however, it's a case of watch and learn.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Clan Update
We are expanding our presence. Clan was very prominent in recent RP of some note in Whithorn (Destrata led from the front in a witch hunt). Yankie has started off Pig Rolling RP on our clan forum. Over in Drummore, Lucifera is out fishing with some interesting types in her refugee thread.
In clan events, we have joined the United Clans of Scotland political party. Lady Robin, Antek and myself are our representatives. So far, looks like a bunch of people trying to look at developing scotland by working together. Will be updating as we go on clan forum.
Clan is presently equal third largest. We have several applications for membership up on the forum, and there are a couple more who are thinking about it. Still no official members in Ayr, and the bulk of us still reside in Whithorn. Though I think there's a critical mass in Drummore (I hope you guys are supporting The World's End tavern, run by Luthien Bedwyr MacTavish).
More and more of us seem to be using Signatures on our forum profiles. There's a thread on our own forum where Lady Robin has kindly offered to help those of us who don't wish to make a signature banner ourselves (me personally, I loved making my own banner).
That'll do for the moment. Please leave a message on the chatbox in here if you pass through.
In clan events, we have joined the United Clans of Scotland political party. Lady Robin, Antek and myself are our representatives. So far, looks like a bunch of people trying to look at developing scotland by working together. Will be updating as we go on clan forum.
Clan is presently equal third largest. We have several applications for membership up on the forum, and there are a couple more who are thinking about it. Still no official members in Ayr, and the bulk of us still reside in Whithorn. Though I think there's a critical mass in Drummore (I hope you guys are supporting The World's End tavern, run by Luthien Bedwyr MacTavish).
More and more of us seem to be using Signatures on our forum profiles. There's a thread on our own forum where Lady Robin has kindly offered to help those of us who don't wish to make a signature banner ourselves (me personally, I loved making my own banner).
That'll do for the moment. Please leave a message on the chatbox in here if you pass through.
Monday, February 4, 2008
In defence of clans
The following is a recent post of mine at Highlands Hall where someone asked the question abut being in a clan. You can read the original thread here.
I am a clan chieftain, having formed clan mactavish in the early days of scotland. I was a total noob to this type of game, but a bit of an old (jaded?) hand at certain political games (always oppostional till now). I thought of making a clan that wasn't a political machine (having a fear that that was what would happen to many - I'm glad I the fear seems unfounded as there is so much more to clans that that).
So I got into it and MacTavish was formed. Now pretty big, always changing its focus of activity, disputing and scrapping and laughing amongst ourselves but getting to where we're going. We are very diverse in age attitude opinion and playing style. But that's good for us, good for our communities. We're all learning as we go so its an interesting experience. Together.
Almost everyone in our clan was invited in. We've accepted those who asked to join, but not too many of those. I suspect thats because we've kept in the background up to now. There's lots of reasons why we ask people to join, generally because the player has 'style' of some sort. That doesn't mean rich and famous, just means that they seem to be willing to have a go and keep an open mind. Only a fraction of us are active on forums, but that's reflective of RK generally. We try.
Unless you've got a good reason not to, I'd encourage all to join a clan. It adds layers to the whole experience and makes our land unique.
I am a clan chieftain, having formed clan mactavish in the early days of scotland. I was a total noob to this type of game, but a bit of an old (jaded?) hand at certain political games (always oppostional till now). I thought of making a clan that wasn't a political machine (having a fear that that was what would happen to many - I'm glad I the fear seems unfounded as there is so much more to clans that that).
So I got into it and MacTavish was formed. Now pretty big, always changing its focus of activity, disputing and scrapping and laughing amongst ourselves but getting to where we're going. We are very diverse in age attitude opinion and playing style. But that's good for us, good for our communities. We're all learning as we go so its an interesting experience. Together.
Almost everyone in our clan was invited in. We've accepted those who asked to join, but not too many of those. I suspect thats because we've kept in the background up to now. There's lots of reasons why we ask people to join, generally because the player has 'style' of some sort. That doesn't mean rich and famous, just means that they seem to be willing to have a go and keep an open mind. Only a fraction of us are active on forums, but that's reflective of RK generally. We try.
Unless you've got a good reason not to, I'd encourage all to join a clan. It adds layers to the whole experience and makes our land unique.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Letter to a Campbell
I just realised that I can print here a copy of the letter I sent to the UCS founder. I sent it Feb 2 (local).
Greetings.
Thankyou for recent missive. I can inform you that our clan is discussing the UCS issue anew. It would appear very likely we will be seeking to join UCS, full membership (ie 3 representatives). And, by "very likely" I mean "almost certainly". The process still has several days to run. But that is the way it's looking.
I have told you this out of respect for you and your position within both UCS and County. I simply ask that you not tell anyone about this until my clan has completed their discussions.
Yours truly,
Dracmuller
Greetings.
Thankyou for recent missive. I can inform you that our clan is discussing the UCS issue anew. It would appear very likely we will be seeking to join UCS, full membership (ie 3 representatives). And, by "very likely" I mean "almost certainly". The process still has several days to run. But that is the way it's looking.
I have told you this out of respect for you and your position within both UCS and County. I simply ask that you not tell anyone about this until my clan has completed their discussions.
Yours truly,
Dracmuller
Saturday, February 2, 2008
More on the UCS
I don't know if any of us have approached the UCS hierarchy recently to tell them what's happening in our clan, but I've just received another request for us to come and send rep's to the UCS. Again, it is being produced as 'not a political party'. As if...
I told their representative that we happened to be considering that very course of action at present and that I would get back to him. I haven't published the letter here because I didn't receive explicit permission.
I told their representative that we happened to be considering that very course of action at present and that I would get back to him. I haven't published the letter here because I didn't receive explicit permission.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Pubs and Professions
In recent times quite a few of us have levelled up to level 2. This is our present list of tradespeople, grouped by town.
Wigtown
Lady Susan (Baker)
Drummore
Luthien Bedwyr(Baker)
Whithorn
Antek (Baker)
Dracmuller (Blacksmith)
Lady Robin (Weaver)
Ragehammer (Butcher)
Vermelaine (Carpenter)
Wognot (Miller)
While I'm at it, there are two pubs owned by MacTavishes
The Alba Arms (Muzz of Whithorn)
The World's End (Luthien Bedwyr of Drummore)
Wigtown
Lady Susan (Baker)
Drummore
Luthien Bedwyr(Baker)
Whithorn
Antek (Baker)
Dracmuller (Blacksmith)
Lady Robin (Weaver)
Ragehammer (Butcher)
Vermelaine (Carpenter)
Wognot (Miller)
While I'm at it, there are two pubs owned by MacTavishes
The Alba Arms (Muzz of Whithorn)
The World's End (Luthien Bedwyr of Drummore)
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Polls and Pictures
Polls
Greetings all. On our clan subforum is a pair of polls, asking you if we as a clan should (a) be involved with the United Clans of Scotland political party, and (b) if we do, what level of involvement that should be (if we become involved). Please take the time to go and vote in both polls.
By the way, I split the poll into two parts to make it 'fairer'. The main question is SHOULD we be involved. If I had put up a three way poll, the vote for those who want involvement would have been split two ways, versus the vote for those who don't want involvement which wouldn't have been split. Also, doing it this way, if we choose to get involved, those who voted against involvement get a say about what level of involvement we end up seeking.
If you need to know more about the issues before voting, theres notes on the poll thread about where you can find information. If still having trouble, mail me.
Pictures
Our clan's Coat of Arms has been delivered to us by the Court of Lyons (Scotland's heraldry authority). It is now official. Again, there's an announcement thread on the issue posted on our clan subforum.
Greetings all. On our clan subforum is a pair of polls, asking you if we as a clan should (a) be involved with the United Clans of Scotland political party, and (b) if we do, what level of involvement that should be (if we become involved). Please take the time to go and vote in both polls.
By the way, I split the poll into two parts to make it 'fairer'. The main question is SHOULD we be involved. If I had put up a three way poll, the vote for those who want involvement would have been split two ways, versus the vote for those who don't want involvement which wouldn't have been split. Also, doing it this way, if we choose to get involved, those who voted against involvement get a say about what level of involvement we end up seeking.
If you need to know more about the issues before voting, theres notes on the poll thread about where you can find information. If still having trouble, mail me.
Pictures
Our clan's Coat of Arms has been delivered to us by the Court of Lyons (Scotland's heraldry authority). It is now official. Again, there's an announcement thread on the issue posted on our clan subforum.
Friday, January 25, 2008
"Clans rule" of "Mob rules"?
The governmental project of Scotland, a group with representatives from all of scotland's 'estates' (eg. clans, army, church, court of Lyons), is beginning to publish on the forums the various draft articles it has devised for our proposed national constitution. Our representatives on the Project are Ragehammer and Malons_knight. Now we all have a chance to read and debate. To do so, click here.
For your information, I will pop in and out of the public debate. I intend doing so in my individual capacity. In my case, that encompasses my role as Clan Chieftain. Therefore, I will have a tendency to promote as much power as possible to the clan system. Of course, if you think differently to me on these points, all the more reason for you to consider publishing your own views!
Seriously.
For your information, I will pop in and out of the public debate. I intend doing so in my individual capacity. In my case, that encompasses my role as Clan Chieftain. Therefore, I will have a tendency to promote as much power as possible to the clan system. Of course, if you think differently to me on these points, all the more reason for you to consider publishing your own views!
Seriously.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Departures and Goodbyes
Minuet has gone into retreat, being totally frustrated at a game system which keeps locking her out and penalising her. After a long battle with the system and much talk with the admins, she called it a day in disgust. Will wait until she has been inactive for 3 months before removing her.
Soltario had real life creep up on him. Something had to give. Online gaming drew the short straw, so he too went into retreat. He's working long long shifts in Iceland, hopes he'll be able to return one day. Will wait until he has been inactive for 3 months before removing him.
Telets has relocated ingame to be near the university of his home country in eastern europe. I wouldn't be surprised if we'll see him again one day, but have had to remove him from official list.
Reinaert wrote me, asking release from our clan. I granted that release. She is no longer a member. Part of her reason was that she was the only member in Ayr after Telet's departure. The other reason was that she couldn't maintain membership after some of the opinions expressed about her friends on our subforum. She is involved in many good things in her hometown and county, works with these folk every day, and in good faith could not countenance the opinions of some of us. A very sad loss in my opinion.
Soltario had real life creep up on him. Something had to give. Online gaming drew the short straw, so he too went into retreat. He's working long long shifts in Iceland, hopes he'll be able to return one day. Will wait until he has been inactive for 3 months before removing him.
Telets has relocated ingame to be near the university of his home country in eastern europe. I wouldn't be surprised if we'll see him again one day, but have had to remove him from official list.
Reinaert wrote me, asking release from our clan. I granted that release. She is no longer a member. Part of her reason was that she was the only member in Ayr after Telet's departure. The other reason was that she couldn't maintain membership after some of the opinions expressed about her friends on our subforum. She is involved in many good things in her hometown and county, works with these folk every day, and in good faith could not countenance the opinions of some of us. A very sad loss in my opinion.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Clan Update
Scotland seems to have a population which varies between 3100 and 3200 souls across its two counties. Around 320 are presently in one of the various clans. There are 30 MacTavishes at time of writing (this includes 3 who appear to have either gone 'inactive' or who have told me they will shortly do so).
Their are seven towns in Scotland at the moment. MacTavishes are in 4-5 of them. The average scottish town seems to have 430 - 470 inhabitants, with around 120 level 1, 22 level 2 and 4 - 10 level 3. Our clan presently has 0 level 3, 4 level 2, 26 level 1. Several level 1s are on the cusp of going to level 2. The majority or our clan was 'born' in scotland ingame, and in that sense we remain a 'young' clan.
Our greatest concentration is in Whithorn (Galloway), where around half of the clan presently resides. Drummore has now got 6 members, 3 in Wigtown, the remainder in County Ayr.
It took us 2 months and 1 week to double in size from November 1, when we had 15 members. We were the third largest clan then, we are the third largest clan now. There are five applicants at present, likely to all become MacTavish within the next week.
Their are seven towns in Scotland at the moment. MacTavishes are in 4-5 of them. The average scottish town seems to have 430 - 470 inhabitants, with around 120 level 1, 22 level 2 and 4 - 10 level 3. Our clan presently has 0 level 3, 4 level 2, 26 level 1. Several level 1s are on the cusp of going to level 2. The majority or our clan was 'born' in scotland ingame, and in that sense we remain a 'young' clan.
Our greatest concentration is in Whithorn (Galloway), where around half of the clan presently resides. Drummore has now got 6 members, 3 in Wigtown, the remainder in County Ayr.
It took us 2 months and 1 week to double in size from November 1, when we had 15 members. We were the third largest clan then, we are the third largest clan now. There are five applicants at present, likely to all become MacTavish within the next week.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Newsflash - War Approaches!
The scottish nation marshalls itself for war! If you are already in the Royal Scottish Army (RSA) you should contact your local town band leader and ask for orders (check on the forum for the Regiment if you don't know who your local leader is). If you want to join the RSA, you should contact the RSA by posting on the forum for the royal scottish army at the Highland Hall (or contact your local leader if you know who it is).
For those who will be marching to the muster (gathering of the army), you should ideally take a weapon (shaft or sword), shield, 6 days food and some spare money. If you will need to manage your fields while you are gone, you should take enough money to do that as well. We don't know how long we will need to stand to arms or march around the countryside. Also, we don't know if we will actually have to fight. If we fight and die, we come back. If this happens, won't be able to fight again for another 45 days though.
If we have to fight, you get a bonus for every 50 points of strength or charisma you have. you also get one point bonus for having a shaft, and either 2 or 3 bonus points for having a sword. A shield will help defend you. If you go into battle as part of a (mounted) 'retinue' you will get another bonus for being mounted (even if you are not an ingame lord). At least, that's how I understand the IG rules about war.
If you stay behind, we will need the economy going at full speed. The army will need food and other supplies if this goes on for a long time, as well as people to carry the supplies to the front.
If this gets heavy, it will require maximum effort from all of us!
I have posted this on the forum also...
For those who will be marching to the muster (gathering of the army), you should ideally take a weapon (shaft or sword), shield, 6 days food and some spare money. If you will need to manage your fields while you are gone, you should take enough money to do that as well. We don't know how long we will need to stand to arms or march around the countryside. Also, we don't know if we will actually have to fight. If we fight and die, we come back. If this happens, won't be able to fight again for another 45 days though.
If we have to fight, you get a bonus for every 50 points of strength or charisma you have. you also get one point bonus for having a shaft, and either 2 or 3 bonus points for having a sword. A shield will help defend you. If you go into battle as part of a (mounted) 'retinue' you will get another bonus for being mounted (even if you are not an ingame lord). At least, that's how I understand the IG rules about war.
If you stay behind, we will need the economy going at full speed. The army will need food and other supplies if this goes on for a long time, as well as people to carry the supplies to the front.
If this gets heavy, it will require maximum effort from all of us!
I have posted this on the forum also...
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Auld Lang Syne - Happy New Year! Hogmany!
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?
Chorus: For auld lang syne, my jo,
For auld lang syne.
We'll tak' a cup o'kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
(On the last verse, traditionally, each clansmember extends his right hand of fellowship to the member on his left, then the left hand to the member on his right. This symbolizes two things: firstly, that they are crossing their hearts; secondly, that they automatically form a smaller and more intimate circle of friendship. Now they have an unbroken chain of brethren who are close friends.)
And there's a hand, my trusty frier!
And gie's a hand o'thine!
And we'll tak' a right guide-willie waught,
For auld lang syne.
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