Following Orders

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

In addition to communicating with the local Saracen Atabegs, all Franks (Christians from Europe) in the Outremer were required to give the Seljuq officials a 24 hour 'heads up' if they will be transiting Saracen territory.
   
This was a common procedure for Christian pilgrims and local leaders and involves giving them your identity, religious affiliation, type caravan, and points of origin and destination.
   
I have constructed this exchange (Deus Vult) for the archives of Islamic Crusades history: "From Europe to the Holy Land". 

The exchange goes like this...
   
   Saracen Atabeg: 'Unknown caravan you are in Saracen territory. Identify yourself.'
   
   Frankish pilgrim: 'This is a Christian caravan. I am in Frankish territory.'
   
   Saracen Atabeg: 'You are in Saracen territory. If you do not depart our lands we will launch jihad with our Saracen Faris!'
   
   Frankish pilgrim: 'This is a Brother of the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon. Send 'em out, I'll wait!'
   
   Saracen Atabeg: (no response ... total silence) 

[Femme Falchion]

You say acolytes, I say henchmen.......


Excellent new picture Warrior Monk.....um, where exactly are you carrying the war hammer and the trebuchet?   

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

My "mits" are my War Hammers, and I'm carrying a "pocket trebuchet"..........lol!

[Femme Falchion]

Let the record reflect extreme restraint against inappropriate comment...

(I know a set-up when I see one!)

and I'm carrying a "pocket trebuchet"..........lol!

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

[Femme Falchion]

Nevertheless....I am compelled to say....

"is that a trebuchet in your pocket, or....."

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

 

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

Stumbled upon this tonight:

http://getmedieval.wordpress.com/category/introduction/


Brother Mikael, where are you at?

[Sir William Marcus]

Did you assemble that desk top Trebuchet with what appears to be vintage Bic Banana supports?

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

I must admit, that I can not take credit for this desk top equalizer. I found it as a defence to another's response....

[Femme Falchion]

What???    A Warrior Monk defending himself with rubber bands?  Silly, silly man.   

[Sir William Marcus]

Rubberbands? Why of course lady Warrior.  In todays world one must improvise, adapt and overcome to destroy ones enemies with what is readily available at his disposal.   It is Gods will

[Femme Falchion]

As usual Brother William, you have an excellent point.   

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

History International channel had a show called: Investigating History;The Holy Grail on this morning. It should have been called the Knights Templar.
It had Malcolm Barber on it, along with an interview with Barbara Frale.

It was deliberately vague at points, but then cam back to cover the details later in the show.

An interesting hour to say the least. They had some reenactors on there as well, that had some remarkable combinations of armor: flip up face plate on great helm- can be ordered from most medieval stores, and layered spaulder shoulder armor.

From 1 to 10 on enjoyment scales, I'd rate the show a 6. 

[Sir William Marcus]

Wednesday, April 1, 2009
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8-10pm -- Secrets of the Koran -
The Koran--one of the most influential religious books of all time. Muslims worldwide believe the Koran is God's guidance, a sourcebook to help believers follow the right path. But much of the non-Muslim world sees the Koran as a text shrouded in mystery...and controversy. We'll attempt to demystify and explain the text: where it came from, what it says, and what it means. Like any holy scripture, the Koran can't be separated from its historical context. We'llexamine the history of the verses and also their implications for modern times, as well asthe striking similarities and differences between the Koran and the Bible--and the ways in which Muslims believe the Koran corrects some of the Jewish and Christian scriptures. The program will get at the heart of one of the world's holiest books, capturing its majesty and mystery and illuminating for the audience the very foundation of Islam.

10-12am -- Beyond The Da Vinci Code -
Is it the greatest story ever told--or the greatest story ever sold? A best-selling novel sparks a debate that could changeChristianity forever. Were Jesus and Mary Magdalenemarriedand co-leaders of their movement? Was Mary Magdalene, herself,the Holy Grail--the vesselsaid to hold Jesus's blood--and mother of his descendants? Didthe early Church knowthis "truth" and deliberately misleadfollowers? Istherea secret, ancientsociety, the Priory of Sion, which still protects this bloodline? Have some of the most illustrious names in art and science been members?These are some of the questions that Dan Brown's best-selling novelThe Da Vinci Code raises. We examine both sides of the story--the conventional view of Christianity and the "alternate history" proposed by Brown--so thatviewers can decide.