The Theory of Universal Malice

It is my firm belief that the Universe hates me. Pessimistic of me perhaps, but there is ample proof. Oh, certainly it slips up occasionally and lets me have my moments of joy, but I'm pretty sure that's only because it's busy inflicting misery somewhere else. I admit that others suffer far more than I do. In war-torn Eastern European countries, in times of famine in Africa or even in the inner cities here in the States, the Universe doles out punishment far in excess of my own. But when it does spare a moment to remember that I exist and that I may be temporarily feeling pretty darn good about myself, look out! The past few days have been one of those times when the Forces-That-Be realize they've been too easy on me. So, I'm on call at work and getting woken up at 4am by my pager going off (and again at 5am, etc.), I'm sore from starting a new exercise plan, I was out of work Monday with a serious migraine and now I'm pretty sure I'm coming down with something. Yes, I realize I'm whining. My blog, my privilege. But, in the interest of not being too big of a twit, I'll leave it at that and move on.

I'll be the first to admit that the modern world kind of sucks in a lot of little ways (and several big ones, too), but the book I'm currently reading makes me kind of glad I'm living in a reasonably technologically advanced era. It's called "Dies the Fire" by S.M. Stirling and it tells the story of a global cataclysm that renders advanced technology useless. Electricity is no longer a slave to the whims of Man. Gunpowder and high explosives are rendered inert. Yes, the set up is a little hokey, but the brutal fight for survival that follows is graphic enough to make me look around at our comfortable, air-conditioned, food-rich, computer-driven world and sigh in relief. Ironically, some of the main characters in the book are former SCA people. It has been said that should society collapse and technology become scarce, that Scadians would have a field day. We already know how to fight with primitive weapons and many of us have skills that pre-date the onset of modern technology. We have blacksmiths, leather workers, horse trainers, bowyers, etc. But, for most of us, it's a hobby. Something we do in our spare time. Sure, we invest a lot in developing those skills, but it's still not a life or death thing. What if it was? Would we really be able to survive the brutal after-effects of a global breakdown of technology? Some of us would, I'm sure. There may even arise new nations based around strong Scadian warlords in such a setting. But it wouldn't be pretty. The grim reality of such a situation would be rife with famine, disease and human brutality. Many people would die in all kinds of horrific ways. I'd rather not find out if I would be one of them, thank you very much. Still, reading this book, I have to wonder if being thrown into a struggle like that would crush us into dust or bring out a hidden reserve of strength. I have no illusions about my current state of health or my ability to compete with people who are bigger, stronger, better trained and experienced in real combat. The reality of it would be deeply unpleasant for people like me. But the fantasy of somehow becoming a hardened survivor, a cunning, experienced, dangerous denizen of a grim post-apocalyptic wasteland, well, that is somehow darkly attractive. What would we do if our technological cradle were overturned and the thin veil of civilized behavior were torn away? It is an interesting question to ponder. Hopefully, such a thing will remain firmly in the realm of fiction and not something we ever really have to face. It would make our current woes seem petty indeed.

Why's the RUM gone?

RUM (aka Royal University of Meridies) was this past weekend. It is an SCA event designed for teaching new skills and such to anyone who wants to learn. My group hosted it this year and while it was a big job, we still managed to have a lot of fun. I was (of course) in charge of the rapier classes and activities. The turn out wasn't as large as I had hoped, but we did get enough to make it worthwhile. There was class on German two-handed longsword, taught by my lady wife, Ysabel, a class on DiGrassi (a period master of defence) taught by Thomas O'Toole, and a melee tactics class that I taught. After a break for lunch, we fought a few pick ups in the blazing heat and the Queen's Ring changed hands a few times. I managed to get it from Hawk (barely) then defended it successfully from Leon and Ysabel. She decided to pony up the $5 to challenge me a second time and won it. Never trust a woman in a sword fight. They are damned sneaky.

The real news came after the fighting was done and we had cleaned up for Court and feast. Our group received many accolades from the Crown at this event. Thomas O'Toole was awarded the Argent Rapier (and it's about time). Waldryk got an Argent Comet for service. Ysabel and I (for reasons we have yet to figure out) were awarded the Argent Lily. Now, this is a rare honor, from what we were told. Each Crown can only give this award out once during Their reign, so the number of persons that have it is limited. It is supposed to be given to reward "courtliness, refinement, elegance and courtesy". I can totally understand Ysabel being recognized for those qualities. I, on the other hand... well, let's just say it's a bit of a stretch. However, I will not presume to question the wisdom of the Crown. We were deeply honored to be awarded the Argent Lily and even more honored that everyone seemed to think we genuinely deserved it.

There was one other award received by a member of our Shire that outshines even the Argent Lily. Sir Griffin O'Suaird was granted an Augmentation of Arms. This is, according to what I've been told, the highest, most esteemed award any Kingdom can give. It is reserved for the best of the best, the most dedicated, the most respected, the most (pardon the vulgarity) kick ASS members of the Society. Anything more that I could say would pale in the face of Sir Griffin's accomplishments, so I'll simply say "well deserved" and move on.

Now that the event is over, we can reflect on all that has happened and look forward to what's to come. RUM was an exhausting and exhilarating experience that will not be soon forgotten, but other things are coming up that we need to get ready for. We are planning on attending Beggar's Rebellion in a few weeks and Tourney of the Foxes a couple weeks after that. Our group has been tasked with running the next Coronation in September, also. Having to organize another large, Kingdom-level event so soon after RUM will be difficult, but I have faith in our Shire and I know we can pull it off. In between our SCA obligations, I'm hoping to get a chance to go see the new Batman movie and Hellboy 2. Both look to be pretty awesome. I missed my chance to see the Hulk, which irritates me, but I'm sure I'll see it on DVD when it comes out. Might even have that 50" flat screen tv by then... ok, probably not. Also, a new expansion set for Magic the Gathering comes out on Friday and from everything I've seen, it is going to rock. I'm hoping to get some people over that night for some card flopping fun.

So, all in all, good times have come and gone and will come again. Despite all the badness, life does seem to have its upside.

Speaking of the good life, I am still working on getting some pics up from our beach trip a couple weeks ago. So, I'm a slacker, but apparently I'm a courtly, refined, elegant and courteous slacker. So there! :op

I'm Alive!

I swear, I'm still breathing. It's just that I've been on vacation and haven't had the opportunity to update my blog. I promise I'll post some neat pics and stuff from the trip, I'm just not sure when. I'm still pretty wiped out from it. I need a vacation from my vacation. More later.