Following Orders

[Sir William Marcus]

I hate to admit it but I was having wardrobe malfunctions towards the end of the day....my scabbard kept falling out of it's frog and my hip was falling asleep from the weight of my belt (I also was carrying 2 pouches, runes, a book, a drinking horn, majik box, and other unseen goodies).   

Get a chance, check out the baggage that Lord Magnus carries around his hip too. You can get an idea of  the huge pouches he carries in the bottom image's with Fra Joseph.

[Femme Falchion]

You are quite right, I did notice his pouches *blushing*.  Do you know what he was carrying?  A small keg of ale perhaps? 

I'm wondering if I can improve on the weight distribution (the belt, not my own  ) to enhance comfort?  I routinely am lugging around at least 40lbs (that's how much just 1 of my twins weighs now  ) but still...

In addition, the more I'm carrying, the more I find using the privy vexing!   

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

I'm wondering if I can improve on the weight distribution (the belt, not my own  ) to enhance comfort?  I routinely am lugging around at least 40lbs (that's how much just 1 of my twins weighs now  ) but still...

On any given faire day, you believe you carry around 40lbs.

Having served in the mundane world as an Infantryman, I am an astute disciple of the concept of a soldier's load (what he carries to battle).

Understanding the math involved here will help you come up to a solution to your Faire woes.

It is believed that a person (term being substituted for soldier) should carry no more than 1/3 of their body weight. This will technically leave them in a condition to engage in action upon their dismounted arrival to their objective.

With this in mind, and not venturing to guess what you tip the scales at, I will attempt to solve your dilemma by using only the facts you provided:

First fact- 40lb  load
Second fact- twins (each weighing in at roughly 40lbs)
Third fact- 40lbs divided by 1/3 equals roughly 13lbs

With all this now figured out, if you were to enlist the aid of these valiant young pages (soon to be Warrior Monks), by having them carry the less important 26lbs of gear (distributed as equally as possible, and preferably above their center of gravity, so as not to induce the stress and rigors of load bearing too quickly), this would leave you, the primary load bearer with a load of about 14 lbs. Easily manageable in most circumstances. And we have yet to discuss the possibility of cross loading to the Lord of the group. (special attention would be made for any physical concerns required)


In the worst case scenario, you could always buy a wagon, much like that used by Frere Mikael.

[Sir William Marcus]

You are quite right, I did notice his pouches *blushing*.  Do you know what he was carrying?  A small keg of ale perhaps?

Why YES he was! Along with a pack of bologna, a loaf of bread, assorted tools, thermos, tempur pedic pillow, ipod and his laptop!

I'm wondering if I can improve on the weight distribution (the belt, not my own  ) to enhance comfort?  I routinely am lugging around at least 40lbs (that's how much just 1 of my twins weighs now  ) but still...

Probably the best way to take the load off the waist would be the use of some kind of large shoulder or medieval duffle bag/pouch. Here is an example: http://www.theinnerbailey.com/accessoriesshoulderbag1.htm 

Or the use of some kind of suspender system.  How you would incorporate it is up to ones imagination.  It would however take the load off the waist

Third,  would be a small wagon.
Forth option, hire a road crew. 
Fifth option would be the use of a trained animal to haul your gear like a mule, elephant, goat, llamas, dogs.

In addition, the more I'm carrying, the more I find using the privy vexing! 

That is one of the downfalls for sure.

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

Or to quote Herger the Joyous from the movie 13th Warrior; "Grow stronger"! 

[Femme Falchion]

Excellent suggestions....all! 

Warrior Monk, I do recall applying the 1/3 body weight rule when preparing for backpacking trips.  I doubt I was carrying more than 20 lbs on faire day but my belt wasn't situated properly.  I'm afraid I have relied far too heavily on my attendants (m'Lord) in the past to see to the fastening and finishing of my garb (if you follow my meaning  ) 

Brother William...I thank thee kindly for sending me the link to the large shoulder pouch.  Perfect!  I shall be submitting my Papal request for the necessary funding to cover this essential equipment!  ....and I have always been drawn to the idea of henchmen too (wait, I already have some...they just haven't turned 3 yet  ) 

Growing stronger?  Well, it is almost fire season.  Here in the Grove we primarily heat with a woodstove...fell, cut and split our wood the old-fashioned way.  They don't call me Sister Hatchet for nothing....I'm a 7th level wood splitter!   

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

Yes, yes Sister Hatchet, I can see your point about load sharing.

As for 7th level Wood Cutter, doesn't Black and Decker sell a model of that? 






Today their Renaissance Festivals......tomorrow......

[Femme Falchion]

As for 7th level Wood Cutter, doesn't Black and Decker sell a model of that? 

blasphemy!

[Mikael of Aragon]

(Pokes his head up from this mountain of work he's been buried under)...

Just popping in long enough to thank  Sir William for sharing his rousing tale, and to recommend Sir Joseph for a promotion for his stunning display of a maneuver from "101 Moral-Boosting Uses for a Beauseant". Good Form, Sir Joseph!!! Sister Hatchet, I also enjoyed the pictures from your recent outing! Good to see you making contact with the local brothers! 

My Queen has put forth a last minute commandment: our family is in dire need of a vacation, or at least a weekend getaway, so I have been commanded to pack up my war gear, because it looks like we WILL be making it down to TRF this weekend! I have already been in contact with Frere Hospitaller (who not only survived the brief bout of foul weather that hit Houston a while back, but was also able to track down his Hospitaller kit, for those remember the story of his move). We'll see how well the recovered shoulder holds up under the weight of the chainmail, because I just can't bring myself to attend faire without it! As soon as we return and I get an opportunity to upload pictures, I'll share them with everyone.

Nice to hear from everyone again!

(Digs back under his mountain of work and counts the days for the holidays to be over so things will slow back down!)

[Sir William Marcus]

It's great to hear from you Frere Mikael!! I will pass the news to fra Joseph regarding the recommendation. I'm sure he will be pleased. It is also great to hear that you have been in contact with Hospitaller and plan on rendezvouing with him at TRF. 

Enjoy and watch that shoulder!

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

Good to hear that you're still with us Frere Mikael. I am jealous that you'll be able to attend in such distinguished company, and that Hospitaller will be there as well. Some great photos to be had I am sure.

Best wishes, good luck, and stay safe out there....

[Lady Christina de Pond]

ahhh brother mikael i can understand the queen's need of vacation i myself needs one

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

Has any one else received theirs yet? 

[Sir William Marcus]

Negative brother. My apologies as I was financially sidetracked 

[Just Jesse]

how do i set a profile picture