Month: July 2012

Casablanca Arena Update

In her opening appearance at the Casablanca arena, Mathilda! successfully survived her lunch date with the lions.

The 26 new gladiators were herded out onto the sands from the north gate, and the first glimpse of our girl perhaps gives us a pointer as to the style of gladiator she will be – with body paint and hair that some would describe as a cross between Xena Warrior Princess and Loana from ‘One million years BC’, she strutted forth with arrogance and pride.

The lions, as usual, were sent in from the south, and that three hundred yards of distance between life and death once again caused confusion and panic in the new fighters. Testimony varies depending where in the stands you were sitting – clearly the group were spread as they had decided that they didn’t need to be the fastest fighter in the Arena to survive, simply not being one of the slowest would probably do it, but somewhere along the lines, the two fighters nearest Mathilda! lost their footing, and the male lion, always keen to avoid expending effort, took the hindmost.

Nobody interferes with the male lion while he eats, and as confusion and carnage reigned in the rest of the arena, our girl quietly seemed to almost be standing guard on her pet lion as it ate it’s fill. Thus ended the inaugural appearance of Mathilda!

Final score – 26 people went in, 14 people walked out, and two people were carried out alive but with significant injuries. 6 lions went in, 6 lions came out again. A usual Saturday feeding.

 

Asgarde banner

The Asgarde Banner- The White Tree

(Press release from the Court of the External Empire to the journalists covering the Royal Wedding.)

We have had many requests for information and much curiousity over the banner of our Regensia in Waiting, Arnhilde Asgarde.

The Regensia is from an old family that traces its heritage from the Thelbane Hendrakes; however, it has spent much of the last several thousand years on St. James and was responsible for the Norse/Viking tradition recorded in that world’s history. The characters and symbols are Old Norse runes, a ancient symbolic language of that land.

The significance of the Heraldry is as follows:

The central figure is Algiz- Defender.

It is said to be taken from Elk’s horns or Eolh Sedge, a plant which is said to wound and burn the blood of those who try to uproot it.

Also the figure is associated with the Tree of Life, Ygg.

The Norse Hexagram appears in the center of the Tree of the large rune. The six pointed star in the center, has many arcane meanings including a balance between material and spiritual worlds and the union between man and god. The overlapping triangles of fire and water combine to represent all four elements and together transcend to indicate the fifth element, spirit. Each point may be labeled with a virtue of Divinity that we may aspire to emulate: Power, Wisdom, Majesty, Love, Mercy and Justice.

Large rune to the lower right is Othila- Homeland, and symbolizes a beloved place where all is right and fair and all may enjoy their place in peace and prosperity. The Aasgarde consider themselves defenders of the land they inhabit.

Also this rune is an acknowledgement of Odin as a patron God and ancestor of the Regensia’s family.

Jera- symbolizing Eternity is near the right branch of the Tree.

Its meaning is hope and the sharing of the fruits of harvest and hard work fall equally to both the rich and the poor.

The small Character near middle branch is Raido- Journey.

This rune symbolizes a journey that takes us far from our beginnings or comfortable homes over many paths and may be difficult.

Dagaz- symbolizing Awakening and the New Day sits near the left branch.

Dagaz symbolizes Light, the messenger of the gods and which brings happiness and consolation to all men.

We hope this will help satisfy the curiousity so many have to get to know our new Regensia better. For the younger children who may be wanting to include the Regensia’s banner in their flag making efforts it should be noted that a White Tree is the unofficial form of the banner and is completely acceptable to use!

Casablanca Children’s Welcome Cadre

The Children of Casablanca are hereby appointed Welcome Ambassadors to Visiting Royalty for the Wedding Week and Royal visit. All children are encouraged to show their civic pride and duty by turning out to express our excitement to our Royal Visitors from other lands.

Children are encouraged to make their own artistic renditions of the visitors’ heraldry and colors and turn out to show our Royal Guests their creations by waving them vigorously and shouting out as the Royals pass.

To assist in this, teachers, tutors and schoolmasters will be given examples of each of the appropriate banners for the children to interpret and copy for display. Don’t be shy! Work with heart and enthusiasm and be proud. Who knows maybe it will be your flag that makes one of our visitors see how heartfelt our welcome is!

We are proud that so many of Casablanca’s talented children will be showing their skills for our visitors to see and appreciate and even prouder that our children will step up as part of the Welcome of Casablanca!