News of the Realm

16 March 2009 C.E.

Tis with glad tidings on this the day is celebration of St. Patrick that we should make announcement of this our Court and Council changes for this year. So without further adieu:

As Liege of the Realm I shall continue in thy responsibilities of overseeing all the affairs and governance of the Kingdom of Onondaga while strictly upholding the ideals, vision and objectives as set forth in our bylaws. Following a conscious effort to maintain disparity and continuity among titles of nobility and ranks of the gentry during the infant stages of our Kingdom’s growth, and in a consideration of the below outlined changes, the tyme has come that I shall begin to utilize the title of Sovereign Liege and King. Additionally, in keeping with our bylaws and the objectives of our Guild, while interacting with any presiding festival royalty, the title of Prince should be more appropriately observed until they have passed from our midst.

Lord Richard shall continue in his role as Master-at-Arms (Seneschal) of the Kingdom and is responsible for executing the commands of the Sovereign Liege, maintain general order and ensure that the bylaws of the Kingdom are being followed and enforced. Following the marriage ceremony to the Lady Tamra he shall be awarded the new title of Duke de Loraine whereby he shall then be addressed as his Grace, the Duke de Loraine.

Sir Marcus shall continue in his role as Captain of the Royal Guard and is responsible for the protection of the Sovereign Liege, Members of Court and the instruction and general performance of the Royal Guard in the enforcement of the Kingdom Rules of Conduct. Following our 2 nd Annual Feast of Onondaga, he was formally acknowledged and granted the use of the new title Marquess of Montrose within the Kingdom and he may now be addressed as Lord Marcus from this tyme forward.

Mac , better known to all as our Fighting Friar and a Member of the Royal Guard was recently elevated to the rank of Commodore of the Royal Navy during our 2 nd Annual Feast of Onondaga. He will now be responsible for maintaining, training and equipping the combat-ready forces of the Royal Navy both on land and sea. He shall oversee the ships of our fleet aboard the black-powder cannon armed flagship “Maldonia” while continuing also to serve as our spiritual spokesman when called upon and may now be addressed as Commodore Mac.

Lady Tamra shall continue in her Council role as Kingdom Tax Collector and is responsible for maintaining the Kingdom coffers during official gatherings and/or functions. Following the marriage ceremony to Lord Richard, she shall be granted use of the title Duchess de Loraine, whereby she shall then be addressed as Her Grace, the Duchess de Loraine.

Sir Oliver , the Earl of Goldcliff of the Southeast of Wales was invited to sit as a Member of Court and assumed his new Council Role as Kingdom Scribe during our 2 nd Annual Feast of Onondaga. He is now responsible for maintaining all documents and registers at official gatherings and/or functions.

Zaubon , the Master of Cuisine of the Clan McLotofus was invited to sit as a Member of Court this year and assumed his new Council Role as Kingdom Herald during our 2 nd Annual Feast of Onondaga. He is now responsible for calling to order and/or relaying important news to the general populace in attendance at official gatherings and/or functions.

Sir Moostifer , a Member of the Royal Guard, following this announcement will assume his new Council Role and rank as Sergeant of the Royal Guard. He will now be responsible for the supervision, preparation and discipline of all enlisted members of the Royal Guard and Reserves in the execution of the general orders: “to keep watch over, warn, protect, shield and/or defend the Sovereign Liege, Members of Court and finally the General Populace of our Kingdom.

The Royal Guard and Reserves will continue to be made up of any Armored Knight Member and/or existing Active Member willing and able to actively participate in the Kingdom’s overall operation, the protection of our members, enforcement of our Rules of Conduct or any other duty prescribed by general orders. This honorary rank will continue to be by invitation only through the Sergeant of the Royal Guard by any Member of Court, Nobility or Royalty.

Moon)Dawg , the Keeper of the Majic Box and Wizard of the Kingdom will continue in his much appreciated Council Role as Web-Master for our Kingdom’s home on the world wide web and is in charge of its general maintenance and updates as submitted and approved by the Sovereign Liege.

In summary, tis with much amazement that we have witnessed the membership of our Guild grow to just under 100 official registered members in the past few years. If we count all those who have not yet registered, the members of the Kingdom would actually exceed the 100 mark. This only helps to confirm that people do just really want a place to feel like they belong and to be a part of a social fellowship group that share in their ideas, hobbies and values. All of this would not be possible without each of you and your continued support and willingness to “play your parts” at our functions and gatherings as we continue to try our hand in sharing our version of “living history” with others. I still believe this is what sets us apart from other similar Guilds.