Updated Calendar of Events

Nov. 15 - Practice at 2 pm at VFW Park in Royal Oak

Nov. 22 - Eryndor season closer, University of Toledo ROTC Gym. 12:00 pm. For those who are not attending the Eryndor event, we will be holding practice at 2 pm at VFW Park in Royal Oak. This will be our last outdoor practice of the season.

Nov 29 - Fifth Saturday Get Together at Dan and Renee's. Time: 2 pm. Bring board games and Turkey Day Leftovers! We plan on eating food and playing games all day.

Dec 6 - Tentative initial indoor winter practice, assuming details can be sorted out and there are people able to attend. 

Dec. 13 - Akron's annual Yule Party. Food, fun, and fellowship. Location: Royal Oak Church of Christ. Details to follow. Cost: $3 for active members, $5 for nonactive members and guests.

January 3 - Formal Open Assembly Meeting, 2 pm. Garb required. Board games and general socializing to follow.

January 10 - Winter indoor practices begin at Matt's Church in Detroit MI.

Eryndor Event 09/06

Tomorrow the Kingdom of Akron will be making an appearance at the Thieves Guild Event in Taylor MI. We will be cancelling practice so that all members may attend.

The event is at Heritage Park (12111 Pardee Rd, Taylor MI.) It is about a half an hour drive from Royal Oak. Weapons Check opens at 11 am and battles begin at noon. There is usually a small fee charged by the host to cover expenses ($3-$5).

After the event, all blacksmiths are invited to Jack and Kaelyn's to continue building their swords. Sword forging will begin at 6 pm and continue until undetermined time.

Again, if you would like to attend and need either a RIDE, LOANER GARB, or LOANER WEAPONS, please check with Jack or Cynar. We have resources and would like to get everyone there!

Current Events

August 30 - Practice will be cancelled and Akron will be attending the Michigan Renaissance Festival. We will meet at Royal Oak Church of Christ at 8:30 am to carpool. 

September 6 - The Changing Tide Event hosted by Thieves Guild. 12111 Pardee Rd, Taylor, Michigan 48180. Weapon's Check at 11 am, Battles Start at Noon. Garb is required. If you would like to attend and need garb, weapons, or a ride, please check with Jack or Cynar. We have some group weapons and loaner garb available. There is usually a small fee charged for attending these events ($3-$5).

September 6 - 6 pm @ Jack & Kaelyn's House - Sword Forging 2.0, for those who need to continue working on their swords.

September 18-21 - Badon Hill campout in PA, hosted by Rome.

October 11 - Eryndor Event hosted by Fury of the Called. We are waiting on details for this event.

October 25 (tentative) - Akron's annual Dark Harvest Party.

Early November - Eryndor season closer.

Just a reminder, friends.


Practice will be canceled on August 30th for the Kingdom trip to the Michigan Renaissance Festival!

See the Kingdom's Facebook Page for details.

Sword Forging - August 23

Come on over to Jack and Kaelyn's house on August 23 to forge your very own Epic Sword. 

Okay, maybe it won't be quite as epic as this sword, but we all have to start somewhere.

We will be shutting down practice at 5 pm on August 23 to work on constructing new weapons. For a list of required materials, please contact Jack Angelfoot. All members of Akron are welcome, but we would like to have some idea who is coming so we can be sure to have enough working space.

Project 144 for Ragnarok XXX

Project 144 for Ragnarok XXX is starting up right now!

The goal of Project 144 is to keep us moving on things that we need to get done for Dagorhir practices and events. We want to encourage members to work on their projects consistently, working on or completing one project a month over the next twelve months. You define what a project is - it can be anything from a single blue sword, shirt, or arrow to a new armor set, garb kit, or weapon set.

Finished projects or updates can be posted on akronproject144.blogspot.com! Check with Kaelyn for details.

Ragnarok or Bust

Just a few quick reminders for everyone attending Rag:

If you are preregged for Saturday, please make sure you arrive well before Troll closes at 5 pm. Bring your pre-reg receipt and photo ID.

We will have two trailers travelling with us, Cynar will have one and Riylan the other. Contact them if you need to get something on the trailer. Please throw a few bucks their way to help cover the cost of gas for towing those trailers. (We estimate it costs them an extra tank of gas round trip).

As in previous years, we split the cost of firewood between all Akron attendees. This usually costs between $8 and $15 per person for the week.

Troll, Weapons Check, Medics, and Security, are all looking for volunteers for the week to cover a variety of shifts. You can earn points towards Ranger Badges for volunteering. (Details on that to follow via Ranger Handbook). Please consider volunteering for a shift or two, as it is volunteers that make Ragnarok possible.

Jack also needs people to help recruit for Banner Wars on Sunday.

We are planning on having a quick camp meeting on Saturday immediately upon arrival. Please stick around camp until the meeting is over, we will need to go over a few quick items with everyone before Ragnarok officially starts.

Practice will be cancelled for Dearborn on Tuesday, July 1. Practices will be held as usual in Ferndale on Thursday, July 3, and Royal Oak on  Saturday, July 5. 

Surcoat Saturday

Anyone and everyone is invited to join us Saturday after practice for a surcoat making session. I will be giving straight forward no-nonsense directions so that everyone can make their own, just-above-the-knee length surcoat, similar in style to the ones seen on Morric, Jack, and myself in the above KoA banner. In order to successfully complete this project you will need to bring:
*drum roll*

1. Fabric. Get something durable! The last thing you want is to shred it the first time you wear it. You will need either 1.5 yards or 3 yards depending on your bolt width. [the most common bolt widths are 48" and 54". To know how much you'll need, take your chest measurement (or waist if bigger) and add 6". If the total is less than the bolt width, you need 1.5 yards. i.e. for me it's chest: 46" + 6"= 52" < 54" bolt, so I need 1.5 yards.]

2. Thread to match. Thread is fairly cheap, and only you know what fabric you're using, so you can't bet a matching thread will be there (or that there will be enough for you to swipe some). I'd suggest getting nylon as it holds extremely well. (assuming you are actually using a durable fabric, it'll actually shred super thin fabric)

3. Sewing stuff (sewing machines, measuring tape, tailor's chalk, scissors, etc.). If you don't have any, we'll figure out how to make it work, but the less you need to borrow, the faster we'll all be able to work.

4. Hardware. If you want to get fancy hardware like we have on our surcoats in the pictures, (swing clasps), you'll need to get some, otherwise I'll have toggles there for cheap.

This will be taking place at the Royal Oak Church of Christ building that is just north of our normal practice area (the church building is located on SE corner of 11 and Campbell).

I hope to see everyone there, let me know if you have any questions.

~Cynar

Surcoat Construction

Cynar has offered to teach those interested in how to construct a surcoat. The class will take place on May 31, after practice. Please contact Cynar for more information.

Remember that there is an Eryndor event that the Kingdom is planning on attending on June 7 and garb is required to attend. This would be a good opportunity to start putting together your garb kit.

Ragnarok Meal Plan & Other Stuff

Firstly, the Ragnarok KoA Meal Plan is officially released. Please CLICK HERE to download in Microsoft Word Format or HERE to download as a pdf. Complete the form and return to Kaelyn with payment by June 7. Any questions can be directed Jack or Kaelyn.

Note that June 7 is the final Eryndor event before Ragnarok and the Kingdom of Akron is planning on attending, so get your garb and weapons ready to go!

And lastly, there will be an Open Council Meeting on June 14.  This will be open to any member of Akron and garb is required as this is a formal event. We are planning on keeping this meeting short, as the House Lords are all aware of the preparation work everyone needs to complete.

TTFN

~Kaelyn

The Ragnarok Packing Guide

In putting together our rough packing list for the trip to Slippery Rock, I thought it might be good to post it up as guide for the inexperienced and to serve as a reminder to the veterans.  Plus, I could use the feedback because I am sure I am forgetting something.  (Excuse the overlap with the Planning Guide)  So...here goes:

The Ragnarok Packing Guide:

Min. Required:

Tent
Sleeping Bag/Blankets
Garb
Plate and/or bowl  (wood or metal)
Cup/mug
Fork and/or spoon
Money for Toll (Ohio Turnpike baby!)
Money for wood
Toiletries
Towel
Sunscreen
Prescriptions
Weapons


KoA Highly Recommends:

Tarps (for under the tent)
Pillows
Underthings
Cool weather garb for night fighting and/or sleeping (it can get pretty chilly at night)
Flashlights
Camp chairs
Flip flops (for the showers....ewwwww....)
Phone chargers
Umbrellas
Extension cords
Gear repair kits
Money for Merchant's Row
Money for Restaurant Nigh
A Knife


Optional:

Air Mattress
Extra blankets
Quarters and soap for laundry
Bathing Suit (for Beach Day)
Money for food vendors
Entertainment (books, games, decks of cards)
Armor


This is by all means not an inclusive list and is meant as a generic list only.  Food-related items are not included here because it is dependent on Houses.  Check with your House Lord about your responsibilities for provisions.  Also, House Lords have additional requirements for group gear not listed here (canopies, walls/posts, tools etc).  


All that being said, I can also say:  Don't sweat it!  If you forget something the campground's two food vendors and camp store probably have you covered.  If they don't have what you need, the nearest Walmart will be happy to help you part with your cash.

Feel free to comment with suggestions / recommendation (admins feel free to edit!).  The more input we get on this thing, the better it will be.

Good luck!

~Ravenna

Council Meeting Announcments

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Assembly of Lords has held their May Council Meeting and I have several announcements!

First, we have determined that the best way to help the Dark Tide Refugees will be a two-step process. First, we would like to to collect materials over the next week and send them to As immediately. We would also like to replace one of the tents that was lost, so we will also be collecting money at Practice on May 10. Anything that you are able to contribute to either of these efforts will be most welcome.

Secondly, there have been specific requests to replace certain types of items, so several people have committed to making garb or weapons. Again, if you can help by donating your time to making these items, please let us know. These items will go in a second shipment, hopefully in a couple of weeks.

So once again, THIS SATURDAY MAY 10th AT PRACTICE, please bring any materials/money that you would like to donate to the Dark Tide refugees.

Additionally, I am happy to announce that we are starting Mid-week practices. The first will be on Thursday, May 8 at Geary Park in Ferndale, MI. We can be found in the north-west corner of the park, from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Donald+Red+Geary+Park/@42.4621441,-83.1500151,17z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8824ced894d9e83d:0xad01f7943c0ddf3

This practice will be hosted weekly, on every Thursday, by Morric of Corma. We are also tentatively planning on hosting a Tuesday practice in Dearborn. More details to follow as they become available.

Dark Tides V Refugees

Yesterday at the end of Dark Tide V, a flash flood swept through the campground, breaking a sewer pipe and completely destroying as of yet uncounted thousands of dollars of camping equipment, personal effects (cell phones, keys, wallets, prescription medications), and Dagorhir gear (armor, shields and weapons, garb, props, etc). Because of the sewer pipe, none of the equipment will be recoverable. More than a hundred Dagorhirrim lost everything.

We are very grateful that no one was seriously injured in the disaster and this one hits particularly close to home because one of our own, Az of Akron, was attending. 

A crowd-funding resource has been created to help our fellow Dagorhirrim replace the items they lost. Also, the Council of Lords of the Kingdom of Akron will be meeting on Saturday to best determine how we can help Az and the other Dagorhirrim recover. Please contact your House Lord if you have any suggestions for ways we can help, or any materials/items/time you might be able to contribute. 

Ragnarok 28 Survival Badges

For those lucky eighteen people who survived Tropical Storm Ragnarok last year, here is a sneak preview of the belt flag you will receive. They are designed to accommodate a belt up to 2.5 inches wide.

Here's hoping the weather is better this year but in the meantime, revel in your tenacity and survival skills.

The End is Near!

Earlier this morning I found myself musing that we must be getting close to the 100 Day Countdown for Rag.  I logged on just to check the counter and lo and behold!  Today is the 100 Day mark!

100 Days to Ragnarok!

So I thought I would put together a quick list of things that citizens of the KoA should be thinking about and planning for as we approach The End of the World.

A Quickie Ragnarok Planning Guide:

It is highly recommended that you make sure to secure minimum camp arrangements before pre-registering.  Some things you need to consider are:

• Transportation:  How are you getting to Cooper's Lake?  Carpooling is a great way to save gas, but consider space needed for gear, and arrangements for getting home.  Talk with your House Lord if you need help making arrangements.

• Employment Arrangements:  Do you need to get vacation approval from your employer?  Now's the time to secure the week if you haven't already.  If you can't get vacation, now's the time to consider you options for job hunting when you get home (I'm KIDDING!  Don't quit your job for Rag...unless you REALLY hate your job).

• Camping gear:  At bare minimum you'll need some kind of shelter and a mess kit.  Typically this means a tent, sleeping bag, pillow, mess kit, towel and toiletries kit for the shower (your campmates thank you).  Though you can choose a more simplistic approach.  We once had a guy who slept on a hammock under a canopy for most of the week.  This isn't really recommended for tropical storm conditions.

• Cost:  Registration is one of a few costs to consider for Rag.  On top of registration, each attendee is asked to contribute money to cover firewood and food (more on this later).  You should consider bringing some spending cash for Merchant's Row, the camp store, restaurant night and laundry.  Also consider any costs to acquire/make necessary gear.

Now that we've got that squared away...

It is important that members Pre-Reg under our unit name (Kingdom of Akron!) so that The Powers That Be assign us enough land for all of our tents.  Pre-Reg info is here. You can come down any day of the week and costs are prorated accordingly but consider those transport options.  If your ride is coming down on Tuesday, you're coming down on Tuesday.

Now that you are officially attending, let's talk about what you'll need while you're there:

• Garb:  Yes you need garb.  Everyone is required to be in garb while outside of their home camp.  I posted the 2014 Rag Garb rules on the Facebook page.  Personally I recommend bringing at least four sets for the week if you have them.  Coin laundry facilities are available on site.  This year it looks like they are cracking down on shoes and easing up on Under Armor.  Please read the Guide.

• Weapons/Armor:  This is the area in which planning ahead will make the most difference in your Rag experience.  If you only have time to deal with one thing, make it this.  Based on our experiences I feel safe recommending you bring more weapons then you plan to use.  While you may want to bring a small repair kit, we recommend against bringing your entire foamsmithing/leathercrafting toolkit.  You really don't want to spend half of your vacation repairing that stupid old shield/flail/sword.  Instead, make a new one (or three) before you go and be sure to play-test them.  Also, consider how you are going to keep them safe and dry at camp.  Do you have room in your tent?

• Food:  You'll need to eat while you're there.  Meal plans are managed according to Houses so contact your House Lord for their food policy.  Most attendees opt into our nightly group dinner plan.  There is a per-person cost dependent on the food served and number of participants.  Kaelyn is in the process of working up this year's dinner meal plan so members can sign up in advance for the meals they want.  In the past, dinners ran $5-$10 a plate.  Be sure to make your own dinner plans on nights you opt out of group cooking.  We typically plan to dine out in town one night of the week, so bring some cash.  In the past there has been a cafeteria available to purchase hot meals and snacks from.  This is an option if you don't want to deal with packing your own food.  I know that the food plans have been a point of contention on occasion.  I am sure there are questions.   There will be more info provided as the details get worked out.  Please don't stress about this right now.

...and a couple of bits of miscellany to consider:

• Firewood:  Everyone is expected to contribute to the cost of firewood.  I believe last year it was about $15 a person.  Costs have probably gone up (yey inflation!).

• Trailers:  It is really too early to know if a trailer will be available to transport gear.  That being said, it is becoming standard practice that someone travels with a trailer and may have space for some of your gear for a price.  I would recommended talking to your House Lord if you might be willing to contribute to the cost of a trailer (rental AND gas).

While I'm sure I'm forgetting something, this should be plenty to get your cogs turning on the Rag planning front.  If you have any questions or need clarification on anything feel free to talk to any of the Rag Vets.  Like I said before, this info is based off of our past experiences and is certainly subject to change (especially if you've got a great idea on how to improve life at camp).

Happy Planning!

~Ravenna

P.S. Thanks to Kaelyn I was able to add a tab for the Rag Planning Guide.  I am hoping to work out the time to keep this updated as things progress, until and well after Rag.  Also, if anyone has any suggestions/ recommendations, let's get them up here!  I would really love to develop a fully comprehensive guide as time permits.  I think it would be a very valuable resource. Cheers!

The Dagorhir Weapons Guide

The Dagorhir Weapons Guide - Tutorials and Reviews is LIVE!

After a month of work, I have compiled all the tutorials I could find, reviewed them, and the list is live.  Take a look and enjoy!

Click the tab above or this link:  The Dagorhir Weapons Guide - Tutorials and Reviews

Stupid Winter - Practice Cancelled for 02-01-2014

Well once again, winter weather has managed to cancel practice for us, Feb 1. 2014. Winter Storm Maximus is scheduled to drop half a foot of wet slushy nasty white snowy stuff tomorrow so the Council of Lords has decided to cancel practice due to hazardous road conditions. Safety is our number one priority. Sorry guys, hopefully next week will be more better.

Practice is Cancelled - 01-25-2014

Due to the maliciously cold temperatures and vindictive wind chill, practice is officially (by unanimous agreement) hereby, henceforth, and forthwith cancelled for 01-25-2014. Those willing to bravely face the temper tantrum that Old Man Winter is currently subjecting us to may join the other hardy Akronians at the church for Project Day.

Practice Update 01/25

Okay everyone, it seems like we are hanging in there okay for practices this winter. However, Polar Vortex 2.0 is in town. Please either check here on the blog or our facebook group before you head out to practice, because if the weather is dangerously cold practice will be cancelled. We want everyone staying safe and healthy.

Practice Update

Hey everyone, due to the cold weather, we will be meeting at Royal Oak Church of Christ at 2 pm and heading over to the park when everyone arrives! There will be a few practice battles and then we will head back to the church warm up. Rinse, repeat, and stay safe in this bitter cold. Please remember to bundle up!