msmemory_archive: (arms)
msmemory_archive ([personal profile] msmemory_archive) wrote2006-10-19 03:08 pm

Crown

I love this kingdom, I really do. But sometimes I do get wry amusement from it.

About 10 days ago, which was early, I received my spreadsheet with the roster of Crown List entrants, so that I can prepare my Order of Precedence march of combattants. It was 29 lines, which was 30 fighters (one combattant couple, as usual). Looking it over, I discovered that half a dozen of the "usual suspects" weren't there, so I created entries for them, figuring I can toss out the extra cards if the Crown doesn't opt those fighters in at the last minute.

Just now, someone leaked a list of the entrants on a household list, forwarded from one of the shire lists. 43 names. Including some but not all of my "missing" fellows, and a couple of people I'd heard through the grapevine had submitted letters of intent but had not confirmed. Snicker. I'll bet that list is slightly longer yet before the day.

Now, personally, I'd be all in favor of doing as several (most?) of the other kingdoms do, and posting the list of entrants a week or two before the tournament. Surprise only goes so far - and a posted roster would cut down on the nudging and whispers. Then it could be all corrected and updated before the tournament day, too. I know the secrecy thing hearkens back to the First Tournament years, when a fighter did not have to announce his inspiration's identity until his victory, and I'm enough of a traditionalist to respect that, but I think there is also much to be said for proclaiming as a joyous announcement who the contestants will be, both combattants and consorts.

[identity profile] msmemory.livejournal.com 2006-10-19 04:40 pm (UTC)(link)
The peers all know where they belong. They're the easy part of the line. What usually gets fouled up is some relative newcomer, or immigrant, who shows on my list as having no awards but has an AOA or Grant from someplace else.

Trust me, once upon a time I walked up to a pair of knights and said "You guys were both knighted the same day. Who was first?" and oh you betcha they knew.

43 is not an unlikely number. We've had up to 65 in my memory.

[identity profile] goldenstag.livejournal.com 2006-10-19 08:09 pm (UTC)(link)
The largest Crown Tournament List in the Wet Kingdom was over 120 combattants. Whew. It's now down to about 65 (give or take for any specific Crown Tournament of course). Much easier on everyone involved. The few times we got to over 100 the tournament lasted until after the sun went down.

[identity profile] goldenstag.livejournal.com 2006-10-19 08:09 pm (UTC)(link)
Sigh. That should be "West Kingdom", although there are times the typo is so accurate it's painful.