Following Orders

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

I started work on the kite shield last night. Drilling composite wood can be interesting to say the least. Four new bolts installed for straps. Must get leather for straps now. Hope to paint this weekend. Pictures of the "evolution" are being taken at each milestone.

[Sir William Marcus]

We here anticipate its completion.

[Femme Falchion]

Warrior Monk...if you are in need of any consultation, M'Lord is a wood craftsman with expertise in composties.     Really.

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

Warrior Monk...if you are in need of any consultation, M'Lord is a wood craftsman with expertise in composties.     Really.

I thank you. I shall have him look over my divinely inspired, brutishly applied craftsmanship at GARF if he is of an amenable mind...



-continuation of this post:

The Tale of the Shield:

How to turn a Crusader's Kite Shield into the fearsome representation of the Armor of God for a Warrior Monk!

First, what the shield looked like when it arrived:


The measly straps provided with small Phillips screw anchors:


See what they're supposed to support:


The plan-5/8" bolts and locations (with a little motivation to keep working):


Exterior with bolts put in:


Operator's side with initial anchor test:


New straps in place:


Starting the visual transformation:


Size comparison: Princess vs Kite Shield:


Size comparison Pt II: Princess vs Kite Shield or "Daddy...can I have this when you're done?" :


Installment of "evil/wickedness":

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

Applying "Purity" by the 2/3 to 1/3 Rule!


Followed by the application of a "simple-in keeping with the theme of the Order's Rule" pattern of the "blood of thee anointed One"



Soon to be followed by a clear coat, and some "In use" photos......

[Femme Falchion]

Great work Warrior Monk!    Glad you posted all the pictures because I wasn't sure where you were going with your "evil/wickedness"

So, you modified the shield to be more historically accurate?  Do you plan on carrying it at faire?  It must be quite heavy if it's particle board! 

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

I wanted to make it more visually pleasing to the eye.
It's actually lighter than my heater shield that's made of real wood.
I plan on it being at the faire, but most likely it will be born by an associate Brother, or Templar Sergeant, as I will bear the Beausant heater.

[Sir William Marcus]

Excellent! Beautifully done brother. Our beloved Marshall will be most pleased to have our brethren brandish such a shield on the field of battle.

[Lady Christina de Pond]

good job warrior
and the answer to can i have it when your done
was when your older

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

the answer to "can i have it when your done ?"
was "when your older..."

I regret to say it, but my Princess was actually the role model for Lucy Lawless' Xena Warrior Princess.
If and when she can carry it, she gets it!
She already has her own Norman helm.

[Lady Christina de Pond]

should be interesting in a few years from now when the princess is borrowing all warrior monks acessories

[Sir William Marcus]

I can almost guarantee that Princess Brynn won't have to borrow anything 

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

Yes, some know me....or her better than others.....


New book alert!

Islam's War Against the Crusaders by W. B. Bartlett.
You might like to know that Islam's War Against the Crusaders will be released on May 1, 2009.

Product Description
The Crusades continue to exert a fascination as a story of perceived gallantry and battles against impossible odds. Yet what is less often considered is their effect on the Holy Land, and in particular the response of the Muslim world to the invasions of west European Crusaders (I THOUGHT THEY INVADED THE HOLY LAND FIRST, THUS THE ARMED RESPONSE...). By a previously divided Islamic world, they gave an unstoppable impetus towards the declaring of jihad against the West, a holy war against Christendom. They also helped to shape the careers of some important figures, most notably Saladin but also other great men like Sultan Baibars and Nur al-Din. The rise of these great leaders (REALLY?) is traced in this book, as are the many great battles that were fought by men just as devoted to their cause as the Crusaders were (REALLY...AGAIN?).

[Femme Falchion]

I plan on it being at the faire, but most likely it will be born by an associate Brother, or Templar Sergeant,

Why am I not surprised that you have henchmen?    :

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

Henchmen......no.  Devoted Warrior Acolytes, yes.

They'll look something like..........



Photo provided by Lady LeFay

hench?man? Show Spelled Pronunciation [hench-muhn]  Show –noun, plural -men.

1. an unscrupulous and ruthless subordinate, esp. a criminal: The leader of the gang went everywhere accompanied by his henchmen. 
2. an unscrupulous supporter or adherent of a political figure or cause, esp. one motivated by the hope of personal gain: Hitler and his henchmen.  
3. a trusted attendant, supporter, or follower.
4. Obsolete. a squire or page.

ac?o?lyte? Show Spelled Pronunciation [ak-uh-lahyt]  Show–noun

1. an altar attendant in public worship.
2. Roman Catholic Church.
    a. a member of the highest-ranking of the four minor orders.
3. any attendant, assistant, or follower.