Erasmus Urswyc - Grand Master Bowman

The archers of the East have nocked upon Our doors and We have drawn upon their wisdom. Thus aimed in the correct direction do We, Konrad, Sharpest King and Brenwen, Cresting Queen, with feathered words do speak the name of Lord Erasmus Urswyc!

To the Point, he hit his mark on this past September 4th. We verily quiver with delight to acknowledge his wondrous accomplishment of Grand Master Bowman. Let fly all our praise on this day October 24th, Anno Societatis XLIV at Ghosts, Ghouls and Goblins in our Barony of Carillion.

Word Count 92

Illumination and Calligraphy by Khatife of Domus Variana

Photo by Khatife of Domus Variana

A shot in the BLOG

Blog posting from the future. This was from back in 2009 and one of my first forays into wordsmithing. I was still unsure of myself and the reception my words would receive.

My mentor Khatife gave me the assignment. The Grand Master Bowmen is achieved by having a Royal Round Average of 100 or more in archery. It is not a prize for a competition, but personal achievement.

My first instinct was to go for the puns and for archery as there are a lot of them. I became a little trepidatious and began questioning myself. Wondering if the recipient would like or want the pun storm I was about to launch upon them. 

So I made up 2 versions, one pun-full, and one more serious. I called upon my Pelican, Master Liam St. Liam (William O Donovan of Monmouth), for his opinion. He told me to go for broke and embrace the puns.

Still nervous,  I wrote a non punny version:

"These skills of Our Archers are paramount in the Knowne World. We, Konrad, Sharpest King and Brenwen, Cresting Queen laud those that Bend their bows to the Glory of the East.

There comes a time when the talent of one archer soar above and they climb the ranks and earn the exalted rank of Grand Master Bowman. One Erasmus Urswyc has become known to us as worthy of this status. It is to our honor We recognize him so. Done this day, October 24th, Anno Societatis XLIV at Ghosts, Ghouls and Goblins in our Barony of Carillion."

I was told that the herald reading the scroll in court had the entire hall in stitches, laughing at the puns. Very glad I went with the puns!

Ravyn MacKay Award of Arms

Ships on the horizon were sighted, each proclaiming the name of our Ravyn MacKay.  Every sail a missive: A dancer learned in the arts of the Middle East she delights the crowd and heart-sworn friends with her ready wit and quick tongue.  Another reveals her burgeoning skills on the archery field and the effortless time she invests in service to Our kingdom.

While the oceans hold many secrets, this one has been revealed to Us. Thus do We,  Poseidon touched Andreas and Amphitrite kissed Gabriella, Imperial Majesties of the vast lands and shores of the Eastern Empire, with delight praise the grace and service of Ravyn MacKay and award unto her Arms To be borne by her alone to wit:

Given by Our Imperial hand at this first Imperial Court upon the occasion of our Coronation in Our Shire of Nordenhalle, The eleventh day of April, AS XLIII

Words by Aislinn Chiabach and illuminated and calligraphed by Khatife of Domus Variana