Following Orders

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

I never really too a "break" from guard duty. Maybe from the exposure to direct sunlight, but as you see, the searching gaze of a warrior monk intent on saving distressed pilgrims is readily apparent. Plus I was on the only patch of elevated ground, so as to see the whole operational area....

[Lady Christina de Pond]

is that the same as i wasn't sleeping but just checking my eyelids for holes

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

is that the same as i wasn't sleeping but just checking my eyelids for holes

Aaaaaaahhhhh......no.

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

Preceptory Development: North West Alabamia, Kingdom of Florence

Yesterday I woke early with the full intent of linking up with a Brother of the Temple at a remote location on the frontier of North West Alabamia. It had been suggested that there was a gathering of pilgrims at this location once a year, who might benefit from the presence and security provided by Knights of the Temple. A chance to validate the charter that brought the Order into existence; protecting pilgrims.
I arrived early, and had the benefit of walking the grounds, and getting the Lay of the Land. I was personally quite shocked. I was told that all these pilgrims, voluntarily make this pilgrimage once a year, not directed by the church.
Having made appearances at several other settlements (GARF, MZRF, GCRF, and the SCRPF) I was astounded by the lack land available to support such a gathering of 'motivated' pilgrims. I could very well fit all of their "settlement" within the confines of my fortress and surrounding lands. (see MYSPACE photos)
The pilgrims also seemed to carry an air of suspicion with them. They were not as approachable as in other settlements, and there seemed to be a larger number of gypsies.
While there, I encountered the local scribe, who asked if he could present a representation of my efforts, and help share the word of the Order's mission within their encampment. (see new avatar or last link post)
I also made contact with their principality's leader, when he recognized my "colors" and wanted to thank me for my representation of the most famous and feared of the Medieval Military Orders of the Church. He wanted me to know, that before their annual pilgrimage to this settlement, that they hold a themed feast, and have what they know as a "round table" where they exchange bits of medieval history. His topic this year was on the Knights Templar, and his delivery of the topic was known as "The Cursed Magicians". Doomed by the Church and King, but magical enough to keep the myths alive.
I stayed a little over 3 hours, since the ride to and from my preceptory to this distant encampment entailed a 5 hour journey each way. There was a small stop at the Grand Matriach-in-Law's domicile upon reaching a near by county upon my return. (picture also posted)
I failed to make contact with the Brother of the Order who was supposed to represent this region. Part of this was my fault. I assumed that for all his eagerness to appear, that he would have arrived early as well. A note for future gatherings of this kind, set the hour.
So I returned home, not all displeased with the experience, but certainly thinking that things could have gone better.

On a side note, after talking to their head chief, I hit on an idea, that I will discuss with the forum council at a future date.

Pax vobiscum.

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

Although for some that exceed the standard size cranium, selecting the proper fitted helm can be somewhat of an extreme challenge. Therefore they must settle for what is only available at times...

I will be ordering mine today!

[Just Jesse]

its a 2 hour journey from alabaster, me and my brotherin went left at 8 in the morn, we got there at about lunch and i guess it was just poor timing, i tried to be there exactly for the opening, but STUPID SPORTS TRAFFIC delayed me just enough. WE STOLE THE SHOW with our holy wares. we took at least 300 pictures with everyone. the #of fellow crusaders to show, disappointed me greatly. i saw one with a sharpied latin cross on his tunic. ictures to come soon.

[Femme Falchion]

Excellent campaign report Warrior Monk. I am sure the pilgrims and the principality's leaders were able to breathe a sigh of relief upon your arrival..and how wise of you to secure the area before departing...and kind of you to share the limelight with the younger brothers.

TJ...I look forward to your pictures.  I will pray for you as well....may you remember to set your alarm clock in the future and may the holy spirit of spell checking descend upon you with many blessings...

Another beautiful day in Fairhaven.  My major responsibility was keeping a watchful eye on my companion (*note...this is not M'Lord)  who was keeping his watchful eyes on all the beautiful ladies..as well as celebrating the natal day of a fellow R/F sister (Lady M)



I did have the opportunity to speak with several men of the cloth...



and brothers in training....



and here is an unfortunate brother who seems to have lost his resolve....



Ave Maria!

[Lady Christina de Pond]

ff losing control for a second ohhhh is not good

[Richard de Graeme]

Warrior Monk, lose control and free thy spirit.

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

Warrior Monk, lose control and free thy spirit.

Oh but my spirit is free, just as described by St. Bernard of Clairvaux.

THE LIFE STYLE OF THE KNIGHTS OF THE TEMPLE

And now as a model, or at least for the shame of those knights of ours who are fighting for the devil rather than for God, we will briefly set forth the life and virtues of these cavaliers of Christ. Let us see how they conduct themselves at home as well as in battle, how they appear in public, and in what way the knight of God differs from the knight of the world.

In the first place, discipline is in no way lacking and obedience is never despised. As Scripture testifies, the undisciplined son shall perish and rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, to refuse obedience is like the crime of idolatry. Therefore they come and go at the bidding of their superior. They wear what he gives them, and do not presume to wear or to eat anything from another source. Thus they shun every excess in clothing and food and content themselves with what is necessary. They live as brothers in joyful and sober company, without wives or children. So that their evangelical perfection will lack nothing, they dwell united in one family with no personal property whatever, careful to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. You may say that the whole multitude has but one heart and one soul to the point that nobody follows his own will, but rather seeks to follow the commander.

They never sit in idleness or wander about aimlessly, but on the rare occasions when they are not on duty, they are always careful to earn their bread by repairing their worn armor and torn clothing, or simply by setting things to order. For the rest, they are guided by the common needs and by the orders of their master.

There is no distinction of persons among them, and deference is shown to merit rather than to noble blood. They rival one another in mutual consideration, and they carry one another's burdens, thus fulfilling the law of Christ. No inappropriate word, idle deed, unrestrained laugh, not even the slightest whisper or murmur is left uncorrected once it has been detected. They foreswear dice and chess, and abhor the chase; they take no delight in the ridiculous cruelty of falconry, as is the custom. As for jesters, magicians, bards, troubadours and jousters, they despise and reject them as so many vanities and unsound deceptions. Their hair is worn short, in conformity with the Apostle's saying, that it is shameful for a man to cultivate flowing locks. Indeed, they seldom wash and never set their hair--content to appear tousled and dusty, bearing the marks of the sun and of their armor.

When the battle is at hand, they arm themselves interiorly with faith and exteriorly with steel rather than decorate themselves with gold, since their business is to strike fear in the enemy rather than to incite his cupidity. They seek out horses which are strong and swift, rather than those which are brilliant and well-plumed, they set their minds on fighting to win rather than on parading for show. They think not of glory and seek to be formidable rather than flamboyant. At the same time, they are not quarrelsome, rash, or unduly hasty, but soberly, prudently and providently drawn up into orderly ranks, as we read of the fathers. Indeed, the true Israelite is a man of peace, even when he goes forth to battle.

I am just in the vocation of freeing the heretic, or Saracen's spirit with the proper leverage provided by three feet of razor sharp Frankish steel! 

[Monsignor de Beaumanoir]

....

The young lad in the tunic of the Temple must be of English or Welsh origin. Apparently he has some skills with the Long Bow (light). He is to be commended on his devotion and weapons selection.

As for the man in the robe of the Order (who at this time wears a questionable pirate piece of apparel on his skull), although apparently tested to the limits of one man's endurance (psychologically, and physically through proximity), he must be one of the priests allowed to administer to the Warrior Monks, for he lacks the standard accouterments that go with the position of those who entertain the enemies of the Cross at lance and sword point (mail, helm*, shield, and steel).

A Warrior Monk of any Order casts an "Aura of Fear" through the ocular apertures on his helm, without such a device in place, he's just another smashingly handsome soul making his way though life.

[Femme Falchion]

I was suspicious of the authenticity of this "knight" immediately which is why I made the sacrifice and thus put him to the test with my wholly wares. He failed. 

(but was a wonderful sport and a hilarious guy.... )

[Sir William Marcus]

....

The young lad in the tunic of the Temple must be of English or Welsh origin. Apparently he has some skills with the Long Bow (light). He is to be commended on his devotion and weapons selection.

Don't think that I could of said it any better myself.

Sister Hatchet, Thank you for sharing.  I was unaware you possessed such protective leather, as I am assuming that it is you in the top photo that you posted ..correct? 

Greetings all,

Excuse me my fellow brothers & sisters as I have been extremely busy preparing the fortress for the winter months that lay ahead of us.

I must say, excellent report frere Cliff on your journey to North Western Alabamia, and the words from St. Bernard of Clairvaux most inspirational as one can imagine.  It's unfortunate that you did not make contact with Jesse considering the distance in which you traveled.

For Jesse & frere Mikael (who I hope is in good health)  looking forward to the images.

I did manage to attend a Hallows celebration this last weekend.  My orders were clear, and that was to keep a close eye on the evil fae....



and to see how well she played with the others




Pax Vobiscum

[Femme Falchion]

Good to hear from you Brother William...was getting worried by your silence.  Good to hear that you were able to resist the charms of your sweet fae's evil doppelgänger.  What a great costume!  Your daughter's companion reminds me of "Claudia" from Interview with a Vampire...   

Yes, the top photo tis I.  I really enjoy the mercenary shoulder & cincher....have matching bracers too (Griffin Works Leather). I know it's no where near HA but I get to create my own reality, right? 


p.s.  Could we please stop reposting that photo....it's getting a little embarrassing   

[Sir William Marcus]

p.s.  Could we please stop reposting that photo....it's getting a little embarrassing   

Consider it done