Earwigs and Other Pests

With Ragnarok only six months away what has been weighing most heavily on my mind?

Earwigs.

And if you were there last year, you would have noted that they are increasingly prevalent.

The good news is that Pennsic peoples have been dealing with earwigs and ants for years, and this is what they recommend.

1. Peppermint oil to repel ants. Spreading this in a line around the tents and food areas will keep ants away. It is recommended to get high quality peppermint oil. Also has the added benefit of repelling spiders.

2. Cedar chips and planks to repel earwigs. Cooper's does not like mulch spread around, so we would have to be careful to clean the chips up afterwards but if they are placed on the ground tarp around the tent they are supposed to be effective in preventing earwig invasion. Put the cedar planks inside suitcases and clothing chests to prevent stowaways

3. Garlic. One person suggested keeping an unpeeled bulb of garlic in your tent as it has natural insect repellent properties and then using it for dinner the night before you leave. We've used garlic spray to great effect in the past and I am hoping to get some for next year. This stuff is great for driving away things like gnats and mosquitoes.

Best of luck with all the creepy crawlies in you life that you never wanted there. IF anyone has more suggestions, I would love to hear them.

Announcements

Just a reminder, this Saturday Dec 27 there is NO PRACTICE due to the holidays. Practice will resume on Jan 4 (although I heard it was supposed to snow storm on that day, so please stay tuned for updates). Instead, we will be having a project day at Jack and my house. Show up anytime after 3 pm and leave when you get bored. If you are planning on coming out, a heads up would be nice.

Christmas in Akron

Location: Jack and Kaelyn's House in Warren, MI. If you don't know how to get here, please call someone who does. Or facebook message me. We would love to have EVERYONE show up.

Food: Potluck. Please bring a hearty dish to share. Desserts are also ALWAYS welcome. Currently on the list are cheesy potatoes, pulled pork, and Deb's new recipe. 

Time: Festivities begin at 4 pm and end when everyone leaves. 

What: Bring a white elephant gift. Ideally, this is something you have laying around that you no longer want or that you pick up at the dollar store. Munchkins are welcome and should also bring a gift so they can participate. 

If anyone would like to bring group games, please do so.

Akron's Holiday Schedule

Ladies and Gentlemen, due to the crazy busy Holiday Schedule that our members have, the Council of Lords has decided to suspend practices until after the New Year. However, we still want to stay connected with everyone, so Jack and I are opening our home for social time. We humbly request that those planning on showing up let us know ahead of time.

Dec 14 - At Jack and Kaelyn's, 3pm
Dec 21 - Holiday Party. This will be a potluck as in previous years. Location TBD, festivities usually start in the evening. 
Dec 28 - At Jack and Kaelyn's, 3 pm
Jan 4 - Practices resume, barring a blizzard.

Project 144 Will Be Making a Comeback

Hey everyone, at the request of my fellow Akronians, I am going to try to re-energize Project 144 this month! I know I'm getting this going again a little later than I intended. And Christmas is coming up, bound and determined to derail all of our mad crafty plans.

 So the goal this month, as we get this rolling again, is to WORK on something. Not necessarily finish something (although I am certainly going to attempt a finish), but to get busy on one of those projects rattling its way around my imagination.

For Project 144 this month, I will be working on my Confessor's Dress and hopefully educating myself on electronics, with the goal of eventually enlisting Astrid to help me build a robot.

Kaelyn's Confessor's Dress

Jack has decided to spend this month putting together a newer better faster flail and devoting some serious time to writing the Chronicles of Akron.

So, who is in?

Fifth Saturday Project Day

Fellow Akronians,

Saturday November 23 is the Eryndor season closer at Ottawa Park, Toldeo Ohio. Festivities begin at 11 am with weapons check. It promises to be a chilly weekend, so dress warmly and fight hard.

Saturday November 30 is the Fifth Saturday Event. Because of the Holidays being crazy, your Akronian party planners have chosen to designate this day as an official chill out/relax/project day. All those wonderful things you've been meaning to put together? This is the day to get started and also tap into some of the years of expertise of your fellow Akronians. We speak the languages of chainmail, leather, weapons, garb, and cookies. Location still to be determined depending on how many are planning on showing. If you want help with something specific, please contact a house lord to make sure they are prepared with the right tools that you will need.

The Official Akronian Holiday Party is currently scheduled for December 21, and will be a potluck. More details to come.

~Kaelyn

Eryndor Season Closer

Eryndor Season Closer is coming up this weekend!

Deets

Please contact Cynar before Friday is you plan to attend.  Carpool arrangements are possible if you're looking to save cash.

~Ravenna

Updates on Project Linus

EDIT - PROJECT LINUS WORK DAY CANCELLED IN FAVOR OF FIFTH SATURDAY CHILL OUT/PROJECT DAY

Well everyone, we're getting into Holiday Time again. And it is time for Project Linus.

Project Linus is a charity organization that delivers new, handmade blankets to children in crisis. For the last few years, Akronians have gotten together to make blankets to donate. This can be any handmade blanket, from crochet, to fleece tied blankets, to quilts, or any kind of handmade blankets.

The date for our Project Linus get together is still up for debate. It has been suggested that we do it on Thanksgiving Weekend for our Fifth Saturday get together. Please let us know if you would like to participate and when you would be available. Eryndor's season closer is the week before Thanksgiving, so there will be no conflict with Dagorhir events.

If you aren't sure what we're talking about here, please check out the Project Linus Pattern Page and also the posts here, here and here to get an idea of the types of things that you could do.

Please comment or email me so that we can set this up!

Fiber Art Blog Share

If you are interested in the fiber arts of weaving, knitting, crocheting etc, you may be interested in checking out the blog Wisdom Begins In Wonder.

Andrea works as a farmer at an alpaca farm near Battle Creek.  She spins yarn from her goat's wool, weaves, and knits (haven't seen any crochet yet).  She also sells her yarn on her Etsy shop as well as some handmade goat's milk soap.

If you enjoy the craft or are interested in pasture-to-product materials, she is worth checking out.

The King's English - 100 phrases in 3 Minutes [HD]

Stolen from Kiran's FB comments

Elven Bows for All

 

So one might assume that without access to unbreakable elf-hair, spiritwood, or authentic Tolkienian elves; an Elven Bow would be relegated to books and video games alone.

But never fear!  Technology shall prevail where magic is lacking. And that is great news for the real Deepwood Ranger's Guild. 


The bows you see on this page were not made from CGI or the prophetic visualization of Brandon Sanderson's imagination.  Rather, they were crafted from the modern-day magical substance known commonly as PVC.



Yes, that's right, all the bows on this page were made from PVC.  Although I cannot honestly explain all the details, my research leads me to conclude that the steps probably include:

1. Heat-flattening the limbs, bending the recurve, and bending and shaping the handle.
2. Molding over-the-counter fiberglass compound to make the handles and arrow rests. 
3. Carving the three prong string nocks.
4. Plasti-Dip the entire thing to give it one uniform appearance and to create the texture.  
5. Painting and Staining the bow to make it look like wood or whatever!

So count me in, Cynar.  I am going to try my hand making some PVC recurve bows.  Just a warning to everyone.  I have heard from other Dagorhirim that the hardest part of making the PVC bows work is getting it to pull at 35 pounds.  Getting the poundage right simply takes trial and error.

Also, if you are not feeling crafty but just got a hefty overtime bonus, just go and buy one.  All of these bows were made and are sold by the elves at Glaive Gear.   Believe it or not, the elves there make custom bows for just $75.  Here are a few more pictures just for kicks.

___________________________________________________________

Re-Do-Over

So...do you guys remember this mess?

This happens to be the main reason my garbing has been on hold.  I was part way in on a garbset made with chiffon when the thing frayed apart.  (I even checked the pattern and it suggests using chiffon!).  I've been itching to get back to it, but have been reconsidering fabrics.  My garbing experience is minimal, so trying again with a fabric that is easier to work with seems like a smarter and more productive idea than attempting to plow through this mess.

So...I poked around for a bit ( here, here and here among other places ) to look for suggestions for beginners on fabric selection. 

The general consensus is that the top three for beginners are:

• Cotton
• Linen
• Wool

 

Happy circumstance that these are the three most commonly used fibers during the Medieval era (along with some silk thrown in for the elite).  I guess this settles my personal debate over authentic vs. modern materials.  Sometime soon (Sat?) I will be picking up some black cotton gauze.

It has also not escaped my attention that these are three of the six craftable textiles in GW2.  My husband hopes I'm joking when I tell him I am planning to make something wearable out of jute.  :)

~Ravenna

Authenticity Check

I posted on FB a couple of days ago but forgot to post this here.

While I was looking for info on my chosen Halloween costume (based off a movie character) I stumbled onto this site.

The RFP

The site is especially a huge forum for Cosplay participants to share info.  It covers movies, TV, and video games.  I found some really great info on my costume, down to a link to the website to order the EXACT shirt worn in the film.  They have brands, mods, props, design suggestions, etc.  If I would have discovered this a few weeks back I would definitely have a much more authentic costume (except for the $400 boots.  Not happening).

Enjoy

P.S. Did I mention props??

Thorin's Sword Replica

Lady Loki

Organic Armor

That's all I got folks...though rumor has it there may be some crafty happening at House Valdyr real soon.

~Ravenna

Day Event

Head's up guys, Eryndor's next event is coming up fast! On Nov. 2, at 488 Newport Rd Frenchtown Charter Township, MI 48166, Senegal's Finest is hosting A Taste of Hope. This day event is only about an hour away.

Here is the Eryndor facebook blurb

"The Jacknife, the Shiv, and the Courtesean's Blade return the Finest who chose to aid Captains Guybrush, Redeye, and Bluegut in the final battle back to the Lady Senegal and the Mistress Haraqia. The Banshee's Wail traveled from Thaw with the ship writes based on visions of the Seers Yozo and Kalika to warn members of the Three Slash Alliance. Those who chose to head the warning met up east of the Lighthouse of Galadia with the Lady and the Mistress approximately a month and a half after the cataclysm. Death, desperation, and starvation is rampant throughout the remaining continent. Viable land is now underwater, what food survived ruin is now running low. The Finest realize nothing good came from aiding either side in the cataclysm and begin aggressive re-appropriation. The latest prey comes in the form of well-maintained caravel towing a small vessel in disrepair."

It sounds like it will be a piratey good time! And meanwhile, speaking of pirates...

 

I might not do that again...

Sometimes I am at a loss for words and occasionally Google random things looking for something to post about.

Today, after reading about a great stretch for your lower back, I wondered if there was anything out on the interwebs.

So I Googled "Medieval stretches" (yeah yeah I know)

..and this is what I got.

Yeah.  It's the Rack.

So...if you're interested in that sort of thing...go for it.  As for me...I've had enough.  I was even trying to think of some way this would be useful to have at Rag, but I got nothin'.

~Ravenna

Meet Zoe Jakes

This week I discovered a modern phenomenon called Tribal Fusion Bellydance.  It is sort of a weird industrial-gothic belly-dancing style.

Personally I think it's pretty sparkling awesome.

Oct 5th Update

Hey all,

Just a quick (last minute) update for tomorrow.  Due to the unanticipated commute time, there will be no KoA attendance at the Eryndor event tomorrow in Midland.

There will still be NO regular practice.

It's a perfect time to brainstorm your winter project activites!  :D

I am going to try to convince my husband that he wants to make me shoes like these:

 

~Ravenna

Winter is Coming

I know its hard to tell from the lovely 80 degree weather we've been having lately, but winter is in fact on its way, and with it begs the question - what are we to do while it is cold outside?

The Council of Lords is going to hold practice year round, weather & safety permitting, but with the days getting shorter and colder, we probably aren't going to want to spend five hours each Saturday at the park.

While I fully support this ambitious venture, I also recognize that the cold will drive us inside sooner than we would like which allows us some indoor time to work on other projects.

Since we have many skilled garb makers and weapon forgers in our midst, I think it would be worthwhile to plan for some group post-practice brainstorming/tutorial/project sessions after the Eryndor season closer in November.

I, for one, would like to make myself a ranger coat and a confessor's dress

Elf Coat by HeadClouds - wouldn't this make a sweet ranger coat?

And here is another great dress that would be perfect for Dagorhir with a little modification (tone down the steampunk side a touch)

 
And I know that Jack would love to have a Akronian Dragon sucoat

This in black and red with a large gold dragon on the front!

This year's season closer is on November 23. When would you like to start and what would you like to do? Dream big!

First Quarter RagSolution Progress Report

Lords and Ladies!!

 Can you believe that it is now a quarter of the time until next Ragnarok?

I thought the 25% mark would be a nice time for me to ask all of our Citizens to check in with their own RagSolution progress report.

For those of you who may not know, my penultimate RagSolution (first among many) was to improve my health and fitness level. I can happily report that I have found a few physical activities I actually *want* to do, and have started engaging in.  I don't have any sexy stats to throw your way (yet) but I am happy with the progress I have made in increasing my activity level.  As far as those other RagSolutions?  I have been fighting an itch to focus on a project that I bought materials for two Rags ago.  I bought McCalls 5647 a while back when it was discontinued, and picked up fabric during our Fabric Warehouse raid.

So Lords and Ladies...did you make any RagSolutions?  This is a great time to stop and reflect on your progress so far.  Did you start/finish those projects you wanted for next year?  Are you happy with the steps you've taken toward your goals?  If not, this is a great time to reassess and get back to it.  We still have plenty of time!

Let's check in again at the halfway mark, which is conveniently just before New Years :)

Cheers!

~Ravenna

Announcements and Dragons

• Next week (10-05-2013) is an Eryndor Event that we hope everyone will consider attending. It is out at Chippawassee Park in Midland, MI and is hosted by the Thieves Guild and Fury of the Called. It is a two hour drive, so this would be a good opportunity to car pool. $3 at troll, weapons check at 11 am, fighting at noon.

• Practices will be considered to be held unless otherwise notified. That is right, ladies and gentlemen. You will no longer receive weekly texts informing you that practices are being held. Cynar will now only send texts in the event of a cancellation (for reasons such as inclement weather or day events).  

• Dark Harvest Party will be held this year on October 26. There will be no practice on that day. Cost is $5 per person. Open to all Akronians and their guests. We are also requesting that each family/couple/pair/etc bring a side dish/snack OR dessert to share and a 2L of pop or something to drink.

And now onto the dragons...

Astrid and I are plotting and planning to have some animatronic dragons for Ragnarok next year. They will by necessity have to be small and we have no idea if we can get them done in time, but that is our goal! We have cleaned out a section of my basement and moved a worktable down there, so we are well on our way.

Dragon work station

 Now I know we are small and don't have a lot of money, but if anyone has an extra $30,000 laying around, you might want to think about investing in this:

It is 20 feet tall, 10 feet wide, with a 7 foot tall opening in the gate and a 15 foot wingspan, and moves, roars, and breathes smoke. Think about it.

-- Kaelyn

Hypnotic!

Last week I discovered the Tribal Bellydance by Rachel Brice.  She is crazy hypnotic.  Check the backbend drop she does about 1:15.




 Enjoy!


~Ravenna

Reminders

Practice tomorrow 09/21/2013 at 3pm at VFW Park. Practice will end between 5:30 and 6:00 pm to allow members to grab food before the Assembly Meeting.

Assembly of Lords Open Forum meeting to follow at 7 pm at Royal Oak Church of Christ. Garb required, as this is a formal meeting. Topics will include U of M group, Dark Harvest Party, practice schedule, and updates on units. All members are invited to attend the Assembly of Lords meeting.

You know you're middle aged when:

Found this...  It amused me.

-Riylan

Everyone should celebrate (my birthday)!

...or National Talk Like A Pirate Day (if you prefer).  :)

Oh...and Morric's birthday too!

 

 

 

I was really really really hoping someone would come strolling down the halls of the Science Building in full pirate garb but, alas, nothing.  I even took my camera to school with me.  The most interesting thing I saw was in lab (besides the sign at the martial arts studio for Zombie Apocalypse Training):

 

 

 

Should have a lot more info on the Dearborn start-up early next week.

 

Argh!

 

~Ravenna



Open Forum Council Meeting 9/21

Lords and Ladies,

The Council recently voted to begin holding quarterly "Open Forum" style meetings.  Citizens are welcome to bring any suggestions, questions or concerns to the Council of Lords during this time.  Our first Open Forum meeting will be held this coming Saturday, Sept 21st at ~7:00pm.  Location TBD.

The Council has requested that any matters to be addressed by Citizens should be added to the meeting agenda prior to the meeting.

If you would like to get on the meeting agenda, please email Kaelyn with you topic etc before 6:00pm on Wednesday the 18th.

Garb will be required at all Open Forum meetings.

Cheers!

~Ravenna

IMG Source

Maille: Some Points About

In ancient times, and not-so-ancient times, maille has been used to protect people from different types of injuries such as abrasion, laceration, avulsion, loss of  limb, decapitation, and death. This is a fact. 

What I have noticed in recent years, is there seem to be a few nonfacts, or misconceptions about maille, some of which I hope this video will be able to dispel.

We Could Go to Ragnarok in Style

... if we take a page out of House Greydragon's book.

This page was made by an SCA'er who gets his weeks worth of camping equipment for two people (garb included), medieval style, into a four door Honda Accord.

Say what?

ALL CAMPING EQUIPMENT FOR TWO PEOPLE IN A TINY LITTLE CAR. With room for the two people remaining.

Don't believe it? I'm not sure I believe it myself. Therefore, the only scientifically logical thing to do is test this theory.

Please visit the encampment to see everything this innovative person has managed to fit into his car. Oh yes, and he also provides patterns and instructions on how to make these items.

I'm going to shamelessly steal some pictures from House Greydragon to show you.

In this car...

It

Is this tent and everything it contains,

 including a bed, four chairs, a cooler, a couple tables, and a whole list of other things. All up to SCA standards.

Including these chairs (instructions can be found here)

which collapse completely to lay flat and can be made with a single sheet of plywood. Yep. Jack is making plans to cook up a couple of these for next year.

This goes right along with our plans to reduce the amount of space we will require to travel to Ragnarok next year, as well as upgrading our medieval experience. Any interested parties?

I can't help it. I'm a girl.

I admit that I have been spending more time than I should looking at shoes.

Medievalish shoes.

Potential Rag shoes actually.

There are a few online retailers that I ran across, as well as one Etsy shop that has been highly recommended to Cynar by a fellow Ragnarokian (?). 

From Medieval Moccasins

From RenBoots

Anifty Etsy shop

From Medieval Collectibles

These satin Maryjane's are pretty inexpensive at $15 a pop.  I wouldn't expect them to last through more than one Rag, but they might be a good option if you need time to save up for something more durable. 

Cynar has been talking about trying his hand at bootmaking some time before next Rag, and potentially making me a pair of shoes.  These links are my backup plan.

And...because they are just awesome...a Halloween choice:

Keep in mind, KoA hosts it's annual Dark Harvest party each Halloween season.  Start planning those epic costumes now!  Deets forthcoming.

See you at Saturday's practice at the usual time and place!

~Ravenna

Back to Class!

Hello all!

Since today was our first day back to class (for both Astrid and myself) I thought it time for an update on the UofM front.

As most of you know, House Valdyr has been working toward getting the Kingdom of Akron set up as a Student Organization on the campus of University of Michigan's Dearborn campus.  We have high hopes of setting up a mid-week practice on campus, both to offer a southern practice and to help increase our numbers.  We are in the final stages of preparation for submitting all of the documents, forms, etc to the school for review and consideration.  I'll try to keep everyone posted of our progress on this blog.  We should be able to get a Dearborn practice up and running before the weather turns sour.

Also, this is a quick reminder that dues will be collected at this Saturday's practice (the 8th) for the month of September.

Happy hunting!

~Ravenna

P.S. Krispy Kreme is giving away a free dozen to anyone who visits in full pirate gear on National Talk Like A Pirate Day (Sept 19th)
.  Linky.

Project Linus 2013

The advent of fall has reminded me that it is time to start considering Project Linus. For the last two  years, members of Akron have participated by making blankets for Project Linus, a charity that gives hand made blankets to local children in crisis. This is something that we typically do around Thanksgiving, taking advantage of the cold weather to stay indoors and get our crafty on. One of our favorite blankets to make is a tied fleece blanket, which is very easy, can be completed in a couple of hours, and requires no special skills other than a willingness to help.

Here are a couple of the blankets that we donated last year. I know there are more, so please send me those pictures if you have them!

I've enjoyed participating in this outreach for the last couple of years and am looking forward to doing so again this year. Is there any interest?

Reminder - No Practice

As this Saturday is a Fifth Saturday of the month, there will be no practice on Saturday, August 31, 2013. Instead, the Kingdom of Akron has elected to invade the Michigan Ren Fest in medieval style. We hope you will join us. Cynar and Ravenna are organizing the trip, so please stay in touch with them if you are planning on attending.

Announcements 08/24/2013

Practice: Practice on 08/31/2013, this Saturday, has been canceled.  Instead, please join us in going to the Michigan Renaissance Festival for a day of fun, frolic, festivity, and frivolity!  We will be attending as a group and will be wearing our best garb.  Bring 4 canned goods to get $5 off the price of entrance. 

Contact Cynar or Ravenna for details.

Council of Lords: The Council of Lords voted unanimously to hold open meetings every quarter. This is a chance for all KoA members to attend the council meeting and to bring up any ideas or issues that they feel need to be addressed. We would like to encourage you to discuss this with your house lord prior to the meeting. The first open session meeting is currently scheduled for 09/21/2013, after practice. Any agenda items need to be emailed to Kaelyn by 09/20/2013 before 7 pm.

Events: An Eryndor event is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 5. More details to come as they are made available.

Project 144: Some of us  are still plugging away at this, trying to stay ahead of things for next year. Let us know how your projects are coming along!

Call for Events - 5th Saturday August 2013

Those of you who have only been with us a short time are probably unaware that The Founders set aside all fifth Saturdays for non-fighting social events.  These are typically in the form of KoA parties, gatherings hosted by House Lords or group outings to local events.

This is a call for volunteer hosts and/or event suggestions for the upcoming fifth Saturday in August (the 31st).

We have already had one suggestion for a group trip up to the Michigan Renaissance Festival in Holly, MI.  This particular weekend is pirate themed :)

Feedback is welcomed and encouraged.  Have a better suggestion?  We're good with that too.  If I don't get any other suggestions we will put RenFest on the calendar :)

Argh!

Annoucements - Friday July 19, 2013

Practice: There will a small practice on Saturday, July 20, due to the many attendees of the Eryndor event in Monroe.

Event: Saturday, July 20 at Munson Park, Monroe MI. (Address is 2770 N. Custer Rd, Monroe, MI). Entry fee is $3 per person, which includes a lunch. Weapons check starts at 11 am, pick up battles at noon.

Project 144: Eleven-ish days left in July, keep working away! See the blog for things already accomplished this month. Anyone can participate and any participant can post pictures. Check in with Kaelyn for posting permissions.

An Update from the Kingdom of Akron Assembly of Lords

Hey mates,
Wanted to give you all a heads up. The Kingdom Assembly just voted to start a dues system (like most of the chapters [and for that matter units] have).
The fee is only $5.00 a month, less than a Starbucks.

In the past the three house lords have pretty much funded all group expenditures out of pocket. But with the growth we have already had and the further growth we are expecting the three of us simply can't afford to do it.

The funds will be used for things like - promoting growth, maintaining and purchasing Kingdom-owned supplies (STURDY pavilions, group weapons, etc.), and fronting the initial costs to host events. Dues will be maintained by the treasurer and collected by the House Lords starting in August.

I know that nobody likes things like dues, but the pervasive thought is the same: We need funding to continue to grow. We have secured one of the largest and best spots in all of Coopers Lake for the next 3+ Ragnarok years. We could easily fit 50-60 Kingdom members in our camp without even squeezing. Growth has started to pick up. And it looks like at least one Unit is beginning to take off. In short, we are looking at something very exciting.

If anybody has any questions or concerns, please email me.

~Jack Angelfoot

Announcements - July 12

"What a horrible way to die..."

Anyone who doesn't get that obviously never went to summer camp.

Practice: VFW park in Royal Oak MI, this Saturday July 13, at 3:00 pm. Practice is practiced until we get tired and go home. We can be found at the north end of the park.

Event: A New Beginning on July 20, Munson Park in Monroe MI. Hosted by Legacy of the Lifetree and Shadow's Edge. Cost is $3 per person, garb is required. Weapons check and Troll open at 11, pickup battles start at noon. Check in with Cynar if you are planning on attending.

Project 144: We now have nine happy participants. Check out the Project 144 tab for a list of excited people and their projects. Please note, our wayward dark elf is definitely the most ambitious of us all. Hope to have some pictures of projects soon, in the meantime, check out Ravenna's Update.

Council of Lords: the governing body of the Kingdom of Akron had a meeting last week. We are going to make some changes in the next few months with the goals of growing more active and attracting more people. These will include weapons and garb making sessions and training, casual get-together days, and plans to eventually host our own event. Stay tuned for updates.

Project 144 Begins

Its official, Project 144 is now active. We have a new page devoted entirely to Project 144 (see the tabs at the top of the page) and have five people participating so far. 

Join us in our creative madness!

Valdyr House Ragnarok Meal Plan

Hey Lords and Ladies of House Valdyr,

I realize this is a little late but I thought it warranted posting to possibly avoid any confusion when it comes to chow.

This year House Valdyr's policy on breakfast and lunch foods is that all members are asked to please provide your own food for breakfast and lunches.

There are a number of reasons why we have chosen to take this route.  We all are operating with unique food requirements, tastes and budgets.  By asking each of you to provide your own fare it eliminates any potential issues with allergies and general dislike.  You know what you can eat, what you enjoy eating and what you can afford to eat.  There is nothing that bothers me more then someone spending my money for me.  I don't want to do it to you.

We feel this is really the best option for all involved.  It is difficult enough to find foods the three in my household will eat, let alone others.  ..and unless you share my freakish love of oatmeal you are better off.  If you want to eat Poptarts all day every day you are welcome to do so (and I will pray your liver can someday forgive you).

That being said,  if you have any questions or ideas about meal sharing etc, we are not opposed to working some things out ahead of time.  Feel free to make suggestions etc.  You can always utilize the cafeteria at Rag, and there will be multiple trips to the grocery stores.  If you get really desperate, you are always welcome to some delicious oatmeal :)

Yum!

~Ravenna

Countdown to Ragnarok: Part 2

Just a little over 8 days to go guys! Are you getting excited? I'm suffering from senioritis at work, anxious to be on my way back to the middle ages.

There is going to be a lot more going on this year than there was last year.

On Monday, in addition to the all-day battles, you can look forward to a class on Garbing, hosted by Twinkle; a photoscavenger hunt; learning to play the drums around a campfire;

Photo courtesy of 1LoveDrums

belly dance classes; introduction to Poi performance art; basics of fire performance; and a Children's Storytelling event for the munchkins!

An example of fire poi from themaori.com

Monday also marks the beginning of banner wars, for those who prefer a strategic battle, and straight-forward night fighting in the lower fields for those who just didn't get enough battles during the day.

Check out the Deepwood Ranger's Guild page by clicking on the tab. 
The requirements for joining the guild and even making Ranger are included. 

Enjoy!

Countdown to Ragnarok Part I

Update on Food! We are going to have SET TIMES for dinner this year, as it has been difficult to get everyone back for dinner at the same time, because no one knows when dinner is.

 Dinner will be served sometime between 6-7pm each night. The exceptions are Ragnarok War Council Nights, during which dinnerwill be served at 8 pm, because War Council starts at 6 pm.

Tentative meal plan is thus:

Sunday - Corma - Beef Stew or Taco Salad
Monday - Baline - Sloppy Joes.
Tuesday - Valdyr - Mystery Food
Wednesday - Meal in Town
Thursday - Baline - Pizza?
Friday - Corma - Beef Stew or Taco Salad
Saturday - Valdyr - Steaks

Baline has Monday and Thursday because those are War Council Nights, as agreed upon at the last meeting. I'm willing to trade nights with someone, should another Chief Chef wish to cook on a War Council night. None of this is set in stone, just general guidelines. Anyone not happy with their nights, feel free to trade.

Welcome

Hail Akron!

This will be the website where we post updates and announcements. Please bookmark it and check back frequently or subscribe to get updates emailed to you.

This will do a couple things: 1. More than one person will be able to post updates, and 2. Kaelyn will not be spamming inboxes with unrequested emails. Thus, only people who want updates will recieve them.

I'm sure we'll have a few bugs to work out along the way, so please be patient and let us know if there is a problem.

~Jack & Kaelyn Angelfoot