Brief note re Clan Armies

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....

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

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.

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.

Clan policital proposal rejected (again)

I recently received a letter from leader of Clan Forbes, seeking our involvement in 'The United Clans of Scotland' (a newly proposed political party). This was my reply:

Jefferson Davis Forbes,

I have put my views on this matter to the one who first raised it, JO. I promised him I would not publicly voice my critique and keep an open mind and eye. I continue to do so. When you have Munro, MacGillivray and O'Broin (and MacGregor, if they are still active) on the list, then you will have surprised me and convinced me at the same time. Until then, I maintain position that clan and political party are separate entities and should remain so.

Clan MacTavish has some very divergent political opinions within it. So far, we have a happy house. If we as a clan get involved in the political fracas and compromise (which is the art of politics in a democratic society, afterall) then survival there could lead to troubles at home. Have already seen Scottish Nationalist Party fall apart on the rocks of ego and grudge. What makes you think this proposed party would be any different?

Politics divide. Clans pick up the pieces. Politics about power. Clans about culture. Oil and water.
I am sure that, even if we are not in 'the party' our votes would strongly tend towards your candidates. As I see it, that is the way it should be.

I assure you, as I have others who have brought this proposal before us, we keep an open but sceptical mind on the issue and remain to be convinced.

Yours in unity,
Dracmuller

Here's the letter I received:

Dracmuller, Chieftain of the Great Clan Mactavish.

Presently there is a building of the United Clans of Scotland. So far there are 3 reps from each of the following clans. The Campbells, The Forbes, The Macales, 3 coming from both the Wallaces and the Kennedys.

I'm contacting you and the other chieftains to build on this list. Giving this body your strongest arms and your brightest minds. It is our intention to put forth a list of canidates in Galloway and hopefully Ayr, for those who have relocated there. Providing a platform that will be the front line of the coming english political parties.

I've never been more proud to be a parts of Scotland and her clans. Without the MacTavishes, the body would be nothing more then a empty suit and with you, .... courage, commitment, and commonality.

Sincerely Jefferson Davis

Discerning readers will note that of the clans mentioned in Forbes' letter, only one of them is a 'heavy hitter'. It was their rep's who deserted the Scottish Nationalist Party when things appeared to be getting too personal and bygones couldn't be let be bygones (sorry Robin). The 'litmus test' clans I mentioned fell on the other side of the barrier. If the hard heads of those clans all agree with the UCS proposal, then I would say we should re-evaluate present stance. Until then, there is nothing here that cause me to feel inspired...

PS - check our clans forum for details of upcoming Christmas get-together at Wigtown on the weekend before Christmas...

Politics Schmoliticks

I recently had an approach made me by a fairly well known county level politician type, seeking to recruit 'my clan' into a 'new political party' that will 'represent the interests of clans' in 'Scotland's future government'. I politely rejected this proposal out of hand.

The politician returned for more. I explained my reasoning thus: politics divide, clans unite. I see his way as leading to the diminution of the clan system before it has had a chance to blossom. He says that this was all "[his] point exactly", the clans can 'unite' the present political factions, secure their own power in doing so, and make scotland 'truly scottish'.

Hmmm, I thought. The politician was by this stage as close to begging as this politician will ever come. As he has worked very hard as a politician and has probably on the whole done us more good than harm, I didn't jump down his throat. I said that I'd bring it up before my kin, but would not recommend any such political involvement nor endorse it in any way.

My goodness, with the diversity of political views within this clan, we'd self destruct if we had to agree upon the best way to run the economy or some such...

Letters, Fraser and Campbell (long post)

The Fraser Clan is entirely resident in Whithorn. They are unique in that they have a 'Chieftess,' Lady Gypsy Rose. They arrived at the Gathering of Clans out of the blue before the Nov 1 deadline. Well done! Also perhaps of interest to many of us is the fact that four of the seven Frasers have some link to our own clan (according to our archives).

I have had some correspondence with The Fraser. I reproduce the most interesting letter so far.
I first sent a brief letter (not reproduced here), thanking her for visiting our hut own November 1, as well as during the cyberstorm the following night. In her reply (not included here) she alluded to fact that other unnamed clan leaders were giving her a hard time about the fact that her character is female. This was my response:

Lady,

MacTavish has no problem dealing with a female character leading her clan. Many of our most influential members are female. We honour all. In fact, methinks you must be very competent to have raised your people to recognition in the short time you had available. Well done!

Leave ignorant ones to their ignorance. It may mean a bit more give than take on your part, but in the long run the people will recognise wisdom and understanding for what it is.

Looks like 6 of our fellow chieftains have nominated themselves for the council of the new colony (whenever that will come about, who knows). Much experience will be leaving our County with them. These are both things we will need to consider for the benefit of our people(s).

Yours,

Dracmuller of Whithorn
Chieftain of Clan MacTavish

The Campbells (again)

I have also received word from JuliusOctavius of Clan Campbell, effectively summoning myself as chief and yourselves as clan members to Wigtown for a big meeting. I'm none to pleased that he feels it his right to do this, but believe that what he proposes has merit. Therefore I go. And ask all of you to go if you are interested (directions are here).

I wrote this letter to Aqueron, Chief of Cambell, before doing anything else:

Aqueron, Proclaimed Lord of Argyll, Chieftain of Clan Cambell, Greetings!

I have received word from your kinsman, summoning clan leaders to a meeting as clan leaders. I believe that it is necessary we all meet publicly. So I will come. I would like you to note, however, that I would rather have heard such from yourself than from he.

Dracmuller
Chieftain of Clan MacTavish

I hope I wasn't too brusque!

Finally, a quoting letter of mine to Aqueron, which quotes his response to the previous:

"Your want of hearing from myself would have been true if I had prior knowledge of this event. Many times Julius takes action as the Captain of the Army and not as sub under me in the clan. If this were a summons from Clan Campbell to the others such as yourself, rest assure it would have come from me."

Point taken, sir, but we still would rather have heard of it from you. Be it thus. We go because we all need to talk, and be seen to talk, openly so that the scottish people can have their trust in the clan system affirmed. On another matter, I feel I must thank you for your wise words to Aindriu. When he first approached us, I referred him to yourself. I believe he is thinking things over at the moment.