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...
Sunday, May 18, 2008
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.
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