Re: Mercs for Hire!

[Peter Adams <redduke@earthlink.net>]

Poster: Peter Adams <redduke@earthlink.net>

> Remember when the WHOLE KINGDOM OF ATLANTIA switched sides for cookies? The
> Midrealm sent an offer of 100 dozen chocolate chip cookies in about '85 or so.
> They didn't quite figure out how to use Atlantians that year, but the next one
> we definitely earned our cookies. First Midrealm victory since PW IX.
> 
> Erich von Kleinfeld
> =======================================================================
Erich, as the first King who made the decision to fight for the Middle
(Daffyd was the second), I must STRONGLY OBJECT to your description of
the events.  In fact, I am surprised at you, you were there for this.
	We did not change sides.  We were not ever on anyones side but our
own.  We formed an allegiance with the Mid, we did not become in any way
their clients.  
	Also, as part of the decision reached by aggreement of Calontir,
Atlantia, the Mid, and the Warlord of the East,  Calontir fought  for
the East that year for the first time, so we didnt even leave anyone
hanging.  So, there was no real shift of numbers at Pennsic, though
there was a small amount of hard feelings on both sides by those who
felt "deserted".  I repeat, you cant be deserted by someone who is not
yet on your side.
	We were not bought for cookies.  The Midrealm sent emmisaries to our
coronation to entreat for an aliance at Pennsic.  The East, after they
said they would send an emmisary failed to do so.  In fact, in order to
meet publication deadlines for the ACORN, Nyan Nyan and Tsuneo thanked
both parties for their presence- imagine our chagrin when only one
kingdom showed!
	We did not compell anyone to fight with our Kingdom, regardless of
citizenship.  I dont remember where the several mercenary units of that
time fought, but Duke Michael of Bedford chose to fight with his friends
in the east.   I condoned this both individually and in the blanket
release from compulsion we published in the Acorn.  We wanted people to
fight where they would most enjoy it.
	There *were* cookies, of course, as well as personal gifts for the
monarchs (us).  If you wish to imply the value of these gifts "bought"
our alliance you may send your seconds. 
	By far the most important reason that we fought for the Midrealm that
year was the fact that during our tenure as prince and princess, Nyan
Nyan and Tsuneo (now Catherina and Badouin) interviewed as many of the
people of the kingdom as we could about their preferences for
allegiance.
	The majority opinion was that Atlantia at that time was being treated
by the East as their dutiful child, whose loyalty was assumed without
any attempt to earn it.  The Midrealm was both novel, and they had
treated with us as a soveriegn kingdom.  Therefore, in one mind with our
people, we chose to fight for the Middle.
	I did lead us to might be the worst military disaster in Atlantian
History (with the possible exception of a pennsic battle lost with
amazing alacrity by my mentor and Knight, King Gyrth Oldcastle), but I
still count that a small price to have payed for the pleasure of seeing
Atlantia making the statement that Pennsic could be a flexible
environement without everyone hating each other.  I feel to this day
that if the sides were more often mixed up, that Pennsic would have
considerably less acrimony among the warriors.
	
	Pennsic Tid-bit-
	Pennsic war was declared by King Cariadoc of the Bow of the East upon
the Midrealm over the status of -what else?- the Debatable Lands!  The
joke was the loser got Pittsburgh.
	King Cariadoc of the Bow of the Middle defended that august realm
against the Eastern onslaught.
	Thus, "Cariadoc declared war on himself, and lost."  Lo, the beginnings
of Pennsic as it has been told to me since about AS 11.  Debatable Lands
went to the East (I dont believe for a moment that this is really how
that line was drawn, but it adds glamour to an already remarkable story)
	

	 Oh, the cookies? They were distributed as gifts of gratitude from the
Mid to the warriors of Atlantia.  Let me tell you, distributing those
cookies to the Atlantian army remains one of the most rewarding
experiences I ever had.  We went from Camp to Camp of Atlantians with
this big chest of cookies, and we were able to address our thanks to
most of the units as we did.  Regardless of our loss on the field, the
morale of our kingdom was very high.  I may be boasting but I am told
that people still remember that reign out loud with fondness-  an
excellent reminder that winning may not suck, but it is not a
pre-requisite for happiness.	
	Yrs in Service, and with apologies for my heinous spelling, 	Badouin
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