War Journal Christopher Köch Day 3

The fires of war burn around the camps, and I sit here writing around my own fire surrounded by friends and family.

For my wife and I, sleep was restless as each sound perked the ears while we guarded the wagon. As the sun rose and began to burn away the morning fog we both awoke fully, prepared to take on the challenges of the day. We awoke our companions and registered our presence with the army census, then found out way to the allotted camp location. Once again we were placed among friends and family, creating what could have been a cold camp of war to a home away from home. We placed our tents and soon hitched our wagons to the distant burg of Hatties.

The burg of Hatties is a pleasant place, they have wisely decided to capitalize on the war fields nearby and the merchants were selling in full strength. The trip was mostly uneventful, with the exception of Lady Kolfina having pushed her work duties to the point of exhaustion and she was in need of much rest. Thankfully Alexander was more than willing to step up and cover her duties, I may be more swayed to approving their dalliance after that. We returned back to our camp and finished our set up with ease.

I soon became restless, and felt the need to explore the war site. The merchants of course have set up shop and eager to sell to the soldiers and camp followers who have followed along for the campaign. My eye was caught by a number of items, and I'm sure more will appear before the campaign ends. My wife has found an excellent pair of socks and insists on more.

As the sun began to set, my first task of this War began. His Majesty, Kurn, required retaining assistance while on campaign and I was more than happen to assist. He is a good King, honorable and wise but unafraid to smile and become playful with his populous. He is a very particular man on how his tent is to be set, and Kurn has no issue saying how he wants things done, but serving him was still a pleasure. I shall do so again many times this week I feel, and I look forward to every attempt.

The bards began to sing, and my wife approved, so I found myself sitting in the Green Dragon after too long. A cold pint served by a lovely bartender was just what God intended for my evening, and I enjoyed the company of my fellows with a second round. Dinner was soon served however, so I left my new friends with promise of return and returned home. The soup and bread was fantastic, and after a good meal my wife and I enjoyed simply laying back and watching the stars shine above.

Tomorrow the campaign begins in earnest, with several artisans putting on classes and the first war practices amongst the armies. I can sense my wife growing restless, she fears for my safety in the coming battles and has been unwilling to leave my side for much of the night. I finally managed to get her into bed, to give me the time to write a few words.

A note, for future remembrance. I have found great pleasure in planning tricks and tomfoolery with my brother Master Thaalibi. If we both survive the battles ahead, we will have much fun planned.

War Journal of Christopher Köch Day 2

My traveling partners have been most unique so far, and as I write after a wonderful meal I am compelled to write an account of them.

First in our band is of course my lovely wife Lady Moire Grey. A passionate woman, she has taken the role of matriarch on this journey and has found no issue with vocalizing her desires or guiding the party when we lack direction. A talented scribe, though perhaps it is God's will that she cannot focus on one art at a time and instead feels compelled to become diverse and talented in many. She has taken charge of organization and packing with the caravan, and looks forward to taking time away from her duties in the home to assist the army as best she is able.

Next in our company is Lady Kolfina, one of my most talented retainers for the Nobles of Darkwater. This is her first experience in campaign away from family, and i think she's a little too eager at times to prove herself. She has proven adapt at guiding the horses, she and my wife have grown quite close so far on our journey and they have found a common bond over taste in music (sadly). A young woman growing more confidant every day, I feel she will be of great aide to the war effort this campaign and demonstrate to the visiting nobles the skill of the house staff of House Darkwater.

Also attending his first solo campaign is our solider from An Crosaire, Alexander the Plump. How he became to be know as the plump is a mystery, as I have rarely found a taller or thinner but well built warrior. He is a fine fighter from my second home in the Barony of An Ceosaire and has been on campaign several times in the past but always alongside his father and brother. This is his first solo War, and while his father gave his goodbyes with stoic pride his mother on the other hand fretted and prayed to all the Saints to watch over her eldest. There is a time that all men must leave home and strike out, and I am proud of him for this. He seems to have taken a fancy to our fellow traveler Lady Kolfina, I am unsure if I should promote this fancy or dash it upon the rocks to keep her focused on her works. I will pray to God and seek advice from my Mistress and Baroness on this.

Last, but certainly not least, is Neb Amenhetep from the house of the Pharaoh herself. He and I have grown close over this past year, I have sought his priestly council in matter of religion and he has pryes my mind on methods for taking care of the nobility. This is his first coming, never has he journeyed to the fields of battle in any capacity nor seen the majesty of Trimaris laid out for battle. I admit I am a little jealous, to see it all again with fresh eyes would be a blessing from God Himself. He is a priest to the temple that the Pharaoh seeks guidance from, and will be staying with the Royal entourage for the  duration of the campaign. I pray he is kept safe.

Our caravan had a slow travel along the trails, we encountered several forward member of the Trimarian army and shared a meal in the hospitality of the Baron and Baroness of Oldenfeld. There were several cargo shifts due to high winds, my wife chided me regularly on my less than excellent storage capacity of which I have to agree with her on. Our dinner ended at a wonderful tavern, regional fair that filled even the picky eating ladies attending with us. This Crescent City tavern may have Islamic ties, but I am more than willing to patronize this location again.

My lady and I have decided to stay with the wagon this evening, while the rest of our companions stay in the local inn outside of the war encampment. We sleep restlessly, visions of the days to come keeping us awake.

Pray for us to St. Martin for quick and glorious victories.

War Journal of Christopher Köch Day 1

 Rest is soon upon us, and with it comes the promise of tomorrow and the War to come.

My lady and I have spent much of the day in perpetration for our journey, a greater undertaking than ever before. Our simple wagon would not suffice, through trade we aquired the use of a large caravan capible of crossing both town and country. I had never made such an acquisition before and was confused at the process, thankfully my Lady was on hand to navigate it for me. I would truly be lost without her and I thank God every day she has entered my life.

Much of the afternoon was spent packing very carefully, not only would we be traveling but three close companions would travel with us as well. A loyal retainer to the House of Darkwater, a solider from the Barony of An Crosaire that has taken quite a fancy to her and a priest to the Pharaoh Herself carrying with him a sacred object. Navigating all that is required took much time, but even language barriers could not slow our preparations of War.

I leave in the early hours of the morning, not in the back of the vanguard. This year I March at the front of the caravan, for I am a loyal solider for Trimiaris. My blade and armor may be fresh, but my heart and arm are eager to begin the work. I know my Lady frets for me, but her support on the field of battle allows me to continue my quest. My last major War, I was simply a camp follower and used my services as a Majordomo to help the former royalty. I will continue all those tasks...but add in warrior of the three seas to my profession.

The candle burns low and night escaoea me. I pray to God to keep our royalty safe in their travels, I pray to St. Martin to keep me strong in the battles to come and I pray to my namesake St. Christopher that our own travels be safe and swift.

Why I fight

I am very excited, in just two short weeks I will be attending another Gulf Wars with friends and family. I will work hard, learn loads, good off and get some much needed stress release for the week. I am adding something new to the mix this year though, this is my first year as an authorized fighter.

When I first talked about doing combat in the SCA, it raised several eye brows with my friends. Many asked why, many were confused as they hadn't seen any kind of desire or heard me discuss it before. I even managed to surprise several of my SCA relationships the day I was authorized, the Queen Herself pointed out that she was surprised to see me out of the kitchens. Because of all that, I feel the need to blog about my choice and speak aloud my whys and how's.

Short answer:

Because I want to, and I will have fun doing it. Duh.

Oh, that's not a good post...I should probably fill in more of an explanation than that.

Long answer:

Sword fighting, combat and daring warrior antics have always been a part of my imagination and my dreams. Growing up I adored the Power Rangers because they had weapons and weapon combat felt cooler than later pistols. Jedi were awesome, they were just future Knights!my fantasy and play times I cloves saving princesses from dragons or saving the day by beating a generalnin one-on-one combat. These were fun fantasies of mine, but nothing I ever thought would be a reality.

As I grew up I discovered stage combat, first playing with it in stage shows and later moving onto performing at Ren Faires. This scratched the itch that I had felt since a boy, a fun outlet to live out my fantasies as a swashbuckler. In doing such activities I met some fantastic people and one person in particular introduced me to the SCA. At the time her selling point was "wanna swing a sword and hit people for real" and to a young twenty hear old guy that sounds kinda fracking awesome.

I primarily played rattan when I first joined that SCA, that was all I knew, and thought the combat was nice it was like eating a candy bar. Yes a candy bar tastes good, makes you feel full and happy for a short period of time, but it was just temporary. I didn't have an anchor into the group and that feeling along with other factors led me to leaving the SCA for a time.

Upon coming back with my friends combat was the farthest thing from my mind. Service and Art were what was pulling to me, and for a good while I could have cared less about combat within the SCA. Sure I enjoyed the tourneys with my friends and didn't mind supporting my fellows in ther fighting endeavors, but as far as participating went I could have cared less if I fought or not.

Then I went to Gulf Wars for the first time.

There's nothing I can really do to describe my experience with War. It changed me, all for the better, and left marks on me mentally and even spiritually that I'm still uncovering and learning of. One of those marks was rekindling that childhood dream of combat, to fight for glory and honor and to have a great fracking time. After that first war I began to plot out and plan how I would enter into the fighting field, what I would do and how far I would take it.

It took me a while to get everything together that I needed, job changes and life changes like getting married refocused a lot of my priorities, but I finally was as to join in combat. While I still enjoy rattan and can't deny the carnal pleasure of slamming a sword up against a mans helmet, I wanted to follow my dream. My dreams have never been about me fighting alone against the odds, I was always with my friends. My brothers in arms are an important part of this dream, and since my best friends all fight with rapier I had an easy choice to make.

There is always a lot of talk about The Dream when it comes to the SCA, and the importance of following your personal dream to its fruition. For me, this year at War will be a first big step to fulfilling a dream I've had since I was a child. I will take the field of battle and fight with honor to represent my Lady, my King, and my Country. I will finally be living out a fantasy I never thought to be a reality. I am so fracking excited I can barely contain myself. And though I will most likely die pretty regularly during each battle, I dare you to find someone out there on the field or at the whole of Gulf Wars who will be happier than me.

Personal Reflections after St. Val's

I find it humorous that sometimes working like a madman all weekend at an event can bring about a lot of personal revelations. I think it's the chance to see things through a new lens, to see reflections of behavior in others actions and to try something new. I'm gonna kinda bullet point some of my reflections here.

• Seeing such a performance during feast really has changed the entire scope of my TMT and 30th year feast plans. Madhavi showed me how to do entertainment right, it was all timed perfectly and everyone who participated did a damn fine job. I also love how she mixed up "low tables" and standard seating. It makes sense, giving certain guests the option for the authentic feasting experience while still providing wonderful table service for the guests, and I plan on mimicking it for 30th year. I will ask Tim to help me with the Iliad on Saturday night, and I will be splitting the hall to "period" seating and modern seating for 30th year.
• I really do adore Kristin and love hanging out with her. We get along really well, and she inspires me to be a better person for myself and for the SCA. I always learn something from her after every meeting, and she makes me think about things in ways few people can. We also both agree we shouldn't be left alone unsupervised for too long...
• I really do love all of my Baron and Baronesses. They inspire me and make me proud to be a member of both An Crosaire and Darkwater. Gavine shows me that there is a need for that personal time and personal work, even when public pressure is high. Illene shows me that there is always time for everyone, because even a small gesture can make someones day. Dulcia shows me that its best to publicly promote others verse ourselves, because that spreads the Dream with every viewer. Turold shows me that dignity, chivalry and grace at all times is vital. They inspire me and it makes me feel good inside to support them anyway I can.
• I got authorized! I was so happy to authorize, it was many kinds of awesome. It lets me do more with my friends, which is always good. It lets me fill a dream of mine as well, to fight at War. I have dreamed of going to Gulf Wars, fighting for Crown and Country, and fighting with honor of the field for my home and my lady. I cannot wait to live a dream of mine next month.
• I was really happy that I had the same White Scarf who denied my first authorization to approve me on my second attempt. It made me feel really good, really safe and that I had learned a lot to gain his approval to become an authorized fighter.
• I got a rose from Dulcia, for my actions in the tournament and (as she said) my bravery. Pretty sure that was one of the best moments of the event for me.

Gonna explore some of this more later, I just wanted to share some of my reflections on an amazing event. Thank you to all my friends and family whom I was able to share this weekend with, and I hope to see most of you at War!

Vivat!

And this is why I often avoid Internet forums...

So I take a lot of pride in the work I do as a cook. Both professionally in my own store and in my SCA life, my cooking and the work I go through to put on a good meal for people is a source of pride and joy in my life. It's why I tend to get frustrated with folks online, who prompt questions like "what is a bad feast experience" and those who respond with generally poor reasons to be unhappy.

I'm not saying that it is wrong to complain, or to have concern over an issue. It's not wrong at all, and Anne of their points are quite valid. I too worry about properly cooked food, I too express concern over health of my guests in the kitchen. I too would be worried about allergies if I had any, who would want to be worrying about dyeing for eating a nut?! These are all valid concerns, and things that would make a feast experience a bad one.

But then there are just some...whiny cry babies. I know the type, because I work in the industry that deals with them on a daily basis. People who have "concerns" or complaints that have nothing to do with a situation the cook can (or should) control. And seeing people go off on these topics, it just makes my teeth itch. I'm gonna tackle a few of these concerns , and really show why it's not that valid.

1) Servers

A lot of the complaints were focused on the servers, how there's not enough/not educated/seemed inattentive. And really, that annoys me. Everyone who serves feast at an event is a godsend, volunteers who bend over backwards to take care of others. Often times its younger children and teens, people who are turned away from many service roles and just want to be of help. Sometimes it's good gentles who couldn't afford feast/couldn't reserve in time and are willing to work for a meal.

None of them are paid, none of them are required to be there and none of them are responsible to you to have be same level of cheer and ass-kissing attentiveness that your waiter at Denny's will. They're not paid, they so this by choice, so shut up. 

2) Lack of modern food

I don't hear people complaining that there is a lack of modern fabrics on the Queens dress, or a lack of modern inks on a scroll, but it's ok to complain about a lack of mac'n'cheese for your five year old?

I get it, some period food can have strange or weird textures/palettes. Sometimes period food can be intimidating to first time eaters and I get that entirely. But to say a reason you wouldn't go to an SCA event feast is because the food isn't modern enough for you just maddens me. Why would you not want to try and experience period food?!

As for not catering to children needs or unique diets...there just isn't enough money or time. I don't have enough funds to spare (more on that in a moment) and I don't have dedicated teams ready. I have a limited kitchen with limited time and space, and often I have a very loose handle on WHO will be in my kitchen to assist. I can't cater to every whim, every last minute notification, every picky eater. And I don't deserve to have my feast called bad because of it.

3) Money

Find me anyplace that can provide you a 4-5 course meal including drinks all for 10 dollars. It doesn't exist, so why the hell do you wanna say the cost of feast is what turns you off?

I have packed and brought my own food when I wasn't a fan of feast, or when day tripping a smaller event. It costs me regularly 12-15 dollars to feed myself, more than the cost of the whole bloody feast!! I don't just understand how someone could gripe and complain about this cost.

"But Chris, think of the price of kids! A whole family would be so expensive!"

You're right, it would be. It would be the same if not more expensive if you went to Red Robin or Logan's Steakhouse. 

And do you really grasp how hard it is to feed everyone at 10 a head? For a 100 feast I get 10 dollars a person. Ontop of the 100 people, I need to feed high table for free which is an additional 16 people. Then including servers and the feast crew and you end up with feeding 130-140 individuals, for only 1000 dollars. That's breakfast, lunch, dinner and a small travelers Faire meal on Friday nights for just 1000 dollars. That's 7.69 I get to spend per person, just to break even, and feed everyone enough food.

Anyone who can pull off that amazing feat of purchasing should be admired and respected, not scorned because of the price asked.

Sorry to go off on a small rant, this kind of thing just really itches me. There are valid concerns and complaints that can make a feast bad, but too many of those comments came off as the type of patron I dread coming into my workplace.

Fall Coronation Memories

Fall Coronation has a funny way of making me see things in a new light, of reminding me of things I never knew I needed reminding of, of placing new challenges and new situations in front of me to tackle for the next year. In a way this event is my New Years Day, a shining weekend of hope and promise. And much like New Years in January I always leave there changed. 2011 was my first Fall Coronation, and every one since has been a wonderful changing experience. This year proved to be equally insightful. 

This new year promises to be one of comings and goings. I am learning, slowly, to trust and rely on others. I can't do it alone, nor will I have to. I have family to provide comfort, friends to ally with and common causes to rally others around. At the same time I am learning to let go of things that need to move on, to not have a death grip on things because "that's how it's always been". Friends come and go, and I need to let that happen without too much fuss. Passions and interests grow and change, and I need to adapt better to these things. 

My new job has also taught me I have a strange fascination and enjoyment for administrative tasks. I find myself wanting to do them, and look forward to exploring  the administrative side of the SCA. After talking with my Laurel, I was able to find a really great mentor on all things service-related in Steve aka Baron Terrill(sp?). It'll be nice to have a guy I can bounce ideas off and get advice/insight without any concer of strings or misunderstandings. My passion for cooking as always burns strong, and combined with homework from my Laurel the Saturday night feast have me much to inspire and push me higher.

It's silly at what inspires us, but having a larger tent has inspired me to have a more period presence. I have more room, thus can think of more things to do to look better. I wanna make my footprint on site look more period, dress more period, just be more damned period in my presence at events! I have idea for rugs, wooden covers on bags/crates, lamp lighting...ah money. This raise was nice, and now it's nice to see it go away again!

I think my favorite part of the night was a spent late on Saturday. Andi, Jason and I just lounged outside the feast hall with drinks in hand and on her carpet. The conversation just traveled, but those few hours of simple social time really made the event for me. I wish I could have gone another day, but alas work.

I have a wonderful new year to look forward to!