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To Mistress Rowan Perigrynne, for the enormous amount of work she
did for the College and for all of us during her 4+ years in office.
During my association with the College I was somewhat aware of her
efforts, but having now received, read and absorbed the extensive and
well-ordered files, I have had it driven home to me just what she
achieved. She brought the College from three Warranted Scribes in
1985 to somewhere near 30 in 1989 (possibly more - I'm still working
on updating the lists). Row an also helped Lochac admirably through
the enormous changes in the College, including the organisation of
the highly successful pre-printed AA scrolls, not to mention
cultivating a high standard and a reputation for excellence which has
made Lochac scribes renowned throughout the Knowne World. While we
can all be proud of our individual efforts, I believe we all owe a
vote of thanks to Rowan for her enduring enthusiasm for the College.
I hope that I can follow adequately in her footsteps.
And now, of similar importance, is:
My name and title is Baroness Alarice Beatrix von Thal (OLM, ORL,
AA). My mundane name is Miriam Krajewski, and the address for all
correspondence is:
14/8-12 Minter Street
CANTERBURY NSW 2193
My phone number is (02) 789 4580 (please do not call after 9.30pm). I
may also be contacted during business hours on (02) 257 4229, and
while there is no problem in my accepting calls at work, please be
aware that I will probably be unable to answer questions immediately
as my memory for details is not terrific. I can of course take notes
and get back to you with answers.
As to my experience. I have been Seneschal of two Baronies, and held
the office of Lists in Rowany some years ago. I served a term as
Vicereine (the representative of the Crown before we were a
Principality, and therefore similar in many ways to the position of
Princess). My work in the College has hitherto been restricted to
pre-printed AA scrolls, although I am working on getting my original
work up to standard. I so far only do illumination (my calligraphy is
very poor and I have a limited interest in improving it). For those
of you who are worried about my ability to judge your work, be not
alarmed. My husband, Master Richard de la Croix, will be acting as my
technical advisor. Also, if you have any questions concerning
technique, materials, styles and sources, don't be afraid to ask. I
will have your questions answered by Richard. And if he is
unavailable or unable to answer the question, I still have Rowan as a
back-up advisor (she only lives a suburb away after all). I hope I
have assured you that my lack of experience will not hamper my
willingness to help and advise.
OK. So what do I intend to put in Scribenotes? Well at the moment,
I am not quite sure what I want it to be. For the moment I will
loosely follow Rowan's format until I develop my own style. And I
need to re-organise the files so that they suit the way I think. Once
I've done that, I'll have a better idea of where we all stand. To
help me do this, I have enclosed with this Scribenotes a letter to
each scribe, and a circular to all A& S officers in groups where
there appear to be no warranted scribes. The circular is
self-explanatory. The letter included to scribes is intended to help
me make sure that all my records are correct and up-to-date.
Therefore, if any details are incorrect, please let me know either by
marking the correction and returning the letter to me, or by writing
to me. In particular, I need to make sure that your address is
correct. The only thing that I really need to get updated is the
mailing list. In fact, maybe you are receiving this and you don't
know why. If you fit this category, please also let me know because I
can ill-afford to post this to people who don't want to read it.
I have also made note of what assignments I believe you are now
holding, and the date that it was assigned. If it is over 10 months
since the scroll was assigned, it will be highlighted. If I do not
recieve some message from you as to what stage the scroll is at
within two months (ie. Christmas), then the scroll will be
reassigned. If you have an assignment that you do not believe you
will have time to do before your 12 months is up, please return it.
These actions are very necessary, because while there is not a great
deal of work available to assign to willing scribes, there is a huge
number of scrolls previously assigned and awaiting return.
If I don't hear from you I will assume that the details were correct
and I will look forward to seeing your completed works.
This is where I need your help. While I know many of you
personally, and have some idea of what standard you are at and what
type of scrolls you like to do, there are many of you of whom I know
precious little. Until I feel more comfortable in this role, you will
all have to give me some guidance about what you feel confident
doing. For the moment, if all you have been doing is pre-printed,
then that is what I will continue to assign to you, unless you tell
me you are ready to do an original (or unless Richard and I feel that
your standard is worthy of pushing you towards doing original
scrolls). Being an apprentice myself, I can sympathise with feelings
of nervousness when faced with an assignment. And I have a couple of
suggestions to alleviate this. They are available to anyone who asks
(otherwise I will assume that you are happy with the assignment and
will expect to see the scroll within 12 months).
- If you receive an assignment which you don't understand, don't feel
comfortable with, or have some questions about, please either return
it immediately, call or write so that I can provide the extra
information you need, or talk to other proficient scribes in your
area for advice. Please DO NOT ignore it, because someone else could
be working on it.
- If you receive an assignment for which you decide you would like to
do the calligraphy, but are not comfortable with the illumination (or
vice versa), contact me immediately, so that I can set you up with a
partner. It need not be difficult to work with a partner (even across
long distances), and if you would like advice as to how to go about
this, please let me know.
- Almost anyone can colour a pre-printed AA, and often that is all
that is needed to foster an interest in the scribal arts (and I
should know). To help encourage new scribes, I would like some
calligraphers to offer their assistance in calligraphing some
pre-printed scrolls, so that I can send them for colouring to new
scribes. If you're willing to do this, please let me know.
If you are a potential scribe who would like to take advantage of
this, then I can send you a calligraphed scroll to colour, some
advice about how to colour it, and if you feel unsure about drawing
in the device (either because you are unsure about your drawing
abilities or your heraldic knowledge), I can also send you a copy of
the device which you can either copy or trace.
Now, I know that this can work, because it is how I do my scrolls,
and I know personally of many other people who have discovered how
easy illumination is by being eased into this way. Of course, I can
also send batches of A As to groups to be done this way. Just because
you can't calligraph and illuminate doesn't mean you can't
make a worthwhile and satisfying contribution to the College.
One of the regular features of Scribenotes in the past has been
the articles and advice on various aspects of the scribal arts. These
were generally written by Rowan, but as I have made clear, I do not
really have the knowledge and experience to provide that kind of
valuable information. I would therefore dearly love to have a Guest
Scribe each issue to write an article or short discussion on some
relevant topic. While I will be requesting this from particular
scribes, I would love to receive anything in this line from other
scribes whom I have not contacted. Maybe you have discovered a new
technique, or a great reference source, or have some specialised
knowledge in a particular style. By sharing information, we can all
become better scribes.
In the short time I have been in this office, I have heard
whisperings of a number of people who have gripes about the College
or the way it is run in Lochac. Now is the time to start afresh. If
you feel you have been ignored or unfairly treated, tell me so that I
can do something about it. Despite the fact that I clearly appreciate
the great effort that Rowan made towards this office, any office will
potentially become staid if it is run by the same person for over
four years. Don't worry, even though she is a friend, I won't go
running off to Rowan to tell her all the horrible things you said. I
just want to work towards having a lot of happy scribes producing a
lot of high quality scrolls.
There seems to be some confusion over exactly what is required to
reach each level within the College structure. This is partly because
in the last couple of years it has changed a number of times. On your
information sheets I have left your status' as Rowan had recorded
them, and until I get the requirements confirmed by the Chancellor of
the College, I won't be changing them. The most recent set of
requirements I can find are as follows (although I am sure this is
not the most recent set):
APPRENTICE:
A newcomer who has shown interest, not yet on the Roster.
Must attend 3 AA workshops or produce 1 original scroll to become a
journeyman. (We are not currently running regular AA workshops, as
Principality events often don't have time to spare. Some groups are
running regular workshops, and I suppose this counts. I would regard
completing three A As as the equivalent (since attending doesn't
really mean you've learnt or completed anything). Further, completion
means either calligraphy, or illumination, or both.)
JOURNEYMAN:
Has completed one original scroll or participated in 3 AA
workshops. Is listed on the College Roster and issued a warrant by
the Principality Scribe. Must produce 3 or more original scrolls or
be a journeyman for two years to become a scribe. Must continue to
produce 1 scroll a year or attend 3 workshops per year to stay on the
Roster.
SCRIBE:
Has been a Journeyman scribe for 2 years or has completed three
original scrolls. Is listed on the College Roster and is issued a
warrant. Must continue to produce one scroll a year or attend three
workshops per year to stay on the Roster.
ROYAL SCRIBE:
Selected from scribes by appointment to Their Highness, the
Prince and Princess of Lochac. Duties include filling in of
promissaries at the last moment, preparation of legal documents as
required by the Coronet, etc.
As I said, I am sure this is not the last series of requirements.
When I have the real thing confirmed I will print it. Please do not
let your present status discourage you. As you can see, it reflects
little on your ability, and almost entirely on your volume of work.
And if it needs updating, I will do so as soon as I receive the
correct requirements.
Furthermore, if you are and journeyman or scribe, and have never
received a warrant, let me know and I will send you one.
I noticed when reading through the files that mention was made of
the omission of names on the backs of some scrolls. While I am sure
you are all putting your names on the back of your work, I thought it
would do no harm to mention it.
If the scroll has been done by two people (ie
calligraphy/illumination), make sure both names are on the back, and
if you are not personally acquainted with the recipient, put your
mundane name & address on the back as well, so that the recipient
has the opportunity to thank you. This is especially important for
original scrolls. Always write in pencil, near the edge, and press
lightly so that it does not show through.
Pleeease, do not send completed scrolls through the post. Having
been the victim of Australia Post (8 of my scrolls were lost with a
package of 16 sent from Brisbane to Sydney), I cannot stress this
enough. If you must send them in the post, please send them either
certified or registered mail. But I much prefer personal delivery,
and I am generally at Principality events, so will happily accept
them then. I am even more reluctant to post scrolls overseas.
Therefore, if anyone is going over to the West and would be able to
convey scrolls either direction (or both), please let me know as soon
as possible so that I can organise it. We are always in need of
couriers.
Well, that's about all I had to say for the moment. I suppose I am
expecting a barrage of mail as you all rush to answer my questions
and update my mailing list for me. Communication is certainly going
to help me get this running smoothly, and I look forward to getting
to know you all a bit better.
If you think what I'm doing isn't right, please tell me. I really do
appreciate constructive criticism, and I usually take it well, even
if I do pout a bit for a while.
Since I had a spare page to kill, I've copied some period diaper
samples. Just inspiration type stuff.
Until next time, I remain your faithful servant,
26th October ASXXIV (1989)
P.S. The following original scrolls appear to be available to willing
scribes. Please tell me if you would like to do a particular one. If
you believe one of these has already been assigned to you, please
contact me immediately (before I accidently assign it again!)
Recipient - Award - Group - Date Given
Reynardine de Clifford - Knight - Aneala - 18/4/87
Angharad of Chester - Pelican - Aneala - 2/1/88
Hrolf Herjolfssen - Pelican - Ynnes Fawr - 15/6/86
Steveg Stevegson - Pelican - Aneala - 2/1/88
Reynardine de Clifford - Viscount - Aneala - 2/1/88
Eleanor Lyttlehayles - Viscountess - Stormhold - 2/1/88
Aislinn de Valence - Pelican - Innilgard - 1/4/89
Elffin of Mona - Knight - Llyn Arian - 27/3/89
Kane Greymane - Knight - Aneala - 9/4/89
Llewen the Unruly - Laurel - Rowany - 25/3/89
Peter du Gaunt Noir - Pelican - Aneala - 8/4/89
Also, do people prefer to do scrolls for people from their own group?
Or would you rather do scrolls for people from other groups? This is
particularly in reference to AA assignments - I would just like some
opinions.
Thank you!
Date:
Society Name:
Current Status:
Mundane Name & Address:
Current Warrant Expires:
Warrant Expired:
Local Group:
Date Warranted:
Phone:
(h)
(w)
Current Assignments*::
_____ Recipient ______ Award _____ Callig _____ Illum _____ Date
Assigned _____
* If highlighted, this assignment will be reassigned unless I hear
from you before Christmas.If you believe one of these assignments has
been completed/returned or reissued, please also let me know as soon
as possible. If this information needs adjusting, please correct and
return to me.
Extra Notes: