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Amtgard, Inc., Kingdom of the Burning Lands
International Board of Directors Meeting
October 20, 2001
Present Board Members:
Sir Aramithris
Sir Bolt
Earl Flagg
Dame Gwynne
Sir Raphael
Countess Verana
Absent Board Mebers:The meeting was opened at 6:07 p.m. by Board President, Sir Aramithris. The September 29, 2001 minutes were approved as written.
I. President=s Report: Sir Aramithris
A Clan 20: As the autocrat of Clan 20th year, Sir Aramithris raised the following concerns:
1 We have received a letter from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (Sacramento Ranger Station, Lincoln National Forest) in response to our query regarding the scope and limit of Amtgard=s responsibility and authority at Clan. As you can see the letter is far from specific. It is my wish that the U.S. Department of Agriculture be asked again (perhaps listing some of the security issues of Clan 19 and their solutions) of Amtgard=s specific legal rights during this event. It is also necessary that the exact function and responsibilities of Recreational Resource Management be firmly established and understood prior to Clan 20th year. Further correspondence with both entities will be sent regarding these questions/issues.
a. Some specific concerns are:
1 What are our limits/responsibilities in policing Amtgarders? In explanation: if it is merely a matter of resolving disagreements involving just a few people then there is no problem, however, what is our recourse if a problem arises involving fifty people?
2 What is the legal protocol if a problem arises involving >resident= mudanes?
2 It is Sir Aramithris= intention, in addition to the above, to investigate the possibility of alternate sites, whether they be privately owned, as the Timberon site, or possibly Boy Scout camps which are located in the general Cloudcroft area.
3 In addition to representatives from the Burning Lands meeting with the federal, state, and local authorities at Cloudcroft prior to Clan 20th year, it is Sir Aramithris= suggestion that an elected representative from the kingdom of Dragonspine also be included in this meeting specifically since they have volunteered to provide (Amtgard) gate personnel at Clan 20th year.
4 Sir Aramithris asked for input regarding the presence of the water buffalo (brought to Clan 18 and Clan 19 under the aegis of the kingdom of Dragonspine. It is his intention that in order for the water buffalo (filled with water labeled >non potable=) to be present that the kingdom of Dragonspine assume full written legal responsibility for the safety of said water for human consumption, and to further agree to hold harmless Amtgard, Inc., The Kingdom of the Burning Lands for any health complications arising from the consumption of said water.
a When queried, Squire Wovoka, as med-tent autocrat, said he would not have any problem, in a medical sense, with the presence and consumption of water from this source provided the water was potable and so labeled.
5 Identification and documentation of littering and other instances of adverse environmental impact was also brought up by Sir Aramithris and discussed by the Board. The consensus of opinion was that each such incidence be recorded and photographed toward further action by federal, state, and local authorities. Squire Wovoka said he would provide a Polaroid7 camera for this purpose, and Sir Bolt is taking responsibility for the photography.
6 Sir Aramithris asked for a reiteration of supplies and amenities provided for gate personnel at Clan 20th year, to wit:
a A cooler with soft drinks
b A thermos containing a hot beverage
c Snack foods and sandwiches
d Chairs
e Waterproof storage boxes for t-shirts, medallions, receipt books and other necessary supplies
f Two (2) sawhorses to serve as an (Amtgard) gate barricade. Squire Wovoka has volunteered to provide the sawhorses.
g Sufficient lighting whether in the form of propane lanterns or flashlights or both. Dame Gwynne stated that two (2) excess propane lanterns from the Burning Lands royal pavilion could be provided for the gate personnel.
h Light rain slickers for gate personnel in the event of inclement weather
i Some type(s) of tangible rewards will be provided to all gate personnel in recognition of their efforts. Free Clan t-shirts and medallions were two of the items mentioned.. Sir Aramithris noted that he was open to other suggestions in this matter.
j Another suggestion was offered to the effect of providing a small tent for the gate personnel=s convenience. This will be taken into consideration.
7 It was also noted that a billboard be provided at the gate for announcements, event scheduling, lost and found notices and et cetera. Squire Wovoka and Vinall have volunteered to provide this item.
8 His Majesty Raphael pointed out that every effort should be taken to avoid having certain groups with historical rivalries camp in adjacent areas. Sir Aramithris responded that one kingdom has already stated that one of the >problem= groups from that kingdom had promised not to attend Clan 20th year. He also noted that while such verbal assurance is encouraging it is in no way a certainty that the enmity arising between two such groups at Clan 19 will not occur again.
B Burning Lands Mid-Reign Celebration and Feast: The incoming monarchy informed the Board that this celebration was planned for the month of December, and accepted Sir Aramithris= and Dame Gwynne=s offer of their home in which to hold this event in conjunction with the Archon Midwinter celebration. All present agreed that the sum of $100 be provided to the monarchy to defray the cost of the event, and that December 22nd be the day of the event.
1 It was pointed out that the >Lord of the Rings= demonstration was also scheduled for that weekend. It was agreed that:
a Squire Wovoka is in charge of arranging the demonstration
b The Tinseltown site is to be desired over the Sunland Park site
c The demonstration will be scheduled for the early afternoon of Saturday, December 22nd.
d Sir Raphael, acting as scribe of the incoming monarchy, will publish information on the demonstration on the list, and specifically invite members of Dragonspine, Shadowvale, and Amtgard members of other groups who are in the Burning Lands during this period to attend both the demonstration and the Midwinter Celebration.
C Earl Flagg, in his position of prime minister, announced the results of the Crown and Guildmaster Winter Reign elections, to wit:
1 Monarch/Queen: Countess Verana
2 Regent/Consort: Squire Wovoka
3 Champion: Kurse
4 Guildmasters:
Wizards Sir Bolt
Barbarians Countess Verana
Healters Squire Wovoka
Reeves Sir Aramithris
Knights Dame Gwynne
Paladins Sir Bolt
Antipaladins Sir Raphael
Company Cpts. Earl Flagg
Druids Dizzy
Assassins Sepha
Monsters Sir Raphael
Worriors Earl Flagg
Monks Aramithris
Artisans Dame Gwynne
Bards Calidor
Archers Sespa
Scouts Seraph
D Rulebook 6.1: Sir Aramithris and Sir Raphael announced that they have finished the first review of the clarifications for magic using classes. The following points were also presented:
1 The kingdom of the Emerald Hills wants to elect a representative for the 6.1 Committee. It was noted that there are time constraints on selecting representatives due to the deadlines established for the 6.1 Committee (text revisions completed by December 22, 2001 - completed Rulebook by Clan 20th year. Emerald Hills will be given this information as soon as possible.
2 Sir Aramithris asked to take this opportunity to thank Sir Garik, Sir Terarin, and Sir Roger for their excellent work on 6.1, but added that their submissions still have to be integrated with the rest of the Rulebook.
3 Sir Raphael noted that the clarifications to magic abilities for all magic users would unify the rules of play for all classes.
4 Sir Ivar has provided Sir Raphael with some artwork for possible inclusion in 6.1, however, Sir Raphael stated that more would be welcome. After discussion, it was agreed that the deadline for new artwork submissions for 6.1 is January 15, 2002. Prime Minister Flagg will see that this information is provided to all kingdoms.
E Amtgard, Inc. 2001 Board Minutes: Sir Aramithris expressed his desire that all minutes of the current Board be posted on a special Board website in an attempt to disseminate all actions of the Amtgard, Inc. as widely as possible. Sir Raphael informed the Board that he was in the process of setting up the Board website and that it would be >up and running= very soon.
F. Rising Winds: After discussion by all present, it was agreed that Rising Winds would be a strong candidate for kingdom status by Clan 20th year provided they continue to meet all Corpora requirements for said status.
G. Monarch=s List: Sir Raphael informed that he was going to communicate with the Monarch=s List moderator, Sir Garik, immediately to request that his name and the names of all other elected officers no longer in office be deleted from said list. Sir Raphael will also request that incoming Consort Squire Wovoka be added to the list.
II. Secretary-Treasurer=s Report: Dame Gwynne
A. The September, 2001 bank statement was approved by the Board.
B. Dame Gwynne informed the Board that a letter officially acknowledging Knobland=s barony status has been mailed.
C. It was also noted that the current low interest rate on the kingdom=s money market account was undoubtedly due to the present economic situation resulting from the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Towers.
D. The contract for Shadowvale was provided to the Board for signatures. Dame Gwynne has made arrangements to deliver the approved contract to representatives from Shadowvale at the Renaissance Fair in Las Cruces on November 3, 2001.
III. Prime Minister=s Report: Earl Flagg
A. Prime Minister Flagg reported to the Board that he had mailed a blank Amtgard, Inc. contract to a group tentatively known as Rottingham. When received back, he will provide the signed contract to the Board for consideration.
B. Sir Aramithris reported that to date, Amtgard, Inc. has 71 approved contracts in file.
IV. Wetlands:
Sir Aramithris asked the Board members to state their opinions of the Wetlands= refusal to correct their selection processes for knighthood. The individual comments by Board members follow:
A. Her Highness Countess Verana: The current monarch of Wetlands has consistently lied about the so-called >support (of Wetlands= actions) by all other kingdoms. The Wetlands monarch shows no signs of cooperation in trying to resolve matters. They do not represent their populace and should not be a kingdom.
B. Dame Gwynne: All populaces have the right to their voice visa vis the conferring of knighthood by the monarch.
A populace by their vote has agreed to be represented by the monarch, and as their representative he is empowered to confer knighthood. This power is not vested in a non-elective knights guild nor the guildmaster of knights. This is an immoral act by a small group that is determined to seize illegal power, and that places its own self interest over the good of the populace. Wetlands is acting in an immoral manner, and should not be a kingdom.
C. Sir Raphael: While it is understood that kingdoms have the privilege of amending their rules to suit local conditions, what Wetlands has done affects all of Amtgard and cannot be considered a local matter. The knights guild and the guildmaster of knights in Wetlands have emasculated their monarchy... they are using him as a puppet, not as the elected representative of their populace. The Wetlands= knights guild and guildmaster are denying the elected monarch the right to govern. My recommendation is immediate revocation of their contract.
D. Prime Minister Flagg: I am not a knight, but I know that kings make knights; knights do not make knights. I would go further and recommend that no consideration be given to Wetlands= retaining their kingdom status unless they submit a total retraction of their corpora. This should not be >swept under the rug=. I would also note that since the Corpora throws so much weight toward the knight classes that it is no wonder that those seeking power would strive by any means to perpetuate their power by usurping the prerogatives and rights of the monarchy. Perhaps, when the Wetlands situation is over, we (Amtgard, Inc.) should review the Corpora.
E. Sir Bolt: A small circle of (non-elected) knights deciding who are to become knights is wrong. This is a unilateral action taken without presenting it to the populace (via the monarch). When is Wetlands going to present this to an althing? Can we even be sure the populace is aware of what is going on... do they only hear what their knights guild tells them? (Note: At this time Sir Bolt was called away from the Board meeting because of family concerns at this point and asked that the final decision regarding Wetlands= status be deferred until such time as he could give the Board his opinion.)
F. Sir Aramithris: Responding to Sir Bolt having to leave the meeting, Sir Aramithris asked the Board to reconvene in an ad hoc meeting on October 26th, 2001 for the Board=s final decision and vote on Wetlands.
DISCUSSION FOLLOWING:
G. Sir Flagg: The Board has ignored Corpora deviations heretofore. Why is the Wetlands situation so important?
H. Verana: Knighthood cannot be tampered with by any one kingdom as a knight is recognized kingdom-wide. Knights are >forever= whereas the positions of monarchy, prime minister, guildmasters are temporary.
I. Lord Ghee (guest): I have been in Amtgard nineteen (19) years, and the Corpora and contract are still >working=. All we have is to keep Amtgard or leave Amtgard. I (personally) do not want to leave Amtgard... Wetlands should leave.
J. Aramithris: My thought is that Wetlands is making sure that its populace cannot hear the truth. I am sure that the Amtgard, Inc. Board of Directors is being portrayed as evil oppressors rather than as a group dedicated to the good and advancement of Amtgard as a whole. We are not out to >get= Wetlands... we are trying to ensure that the inequity that exists in Wetlands does not continue.
K. Sir Raphael: I would note that Amtgard, Inc. can reassign kingdom status to another representative group in the Wetlands area. This should be taken into consideration.
L. Prime Minister Flagg: One of my concerns is that other kingdoms who have their own corpora modifications will view the Board=s decision on Wetlands as an attack on them.
M. Sir Aramithris: Why should it? It is already acknowledged that minor corpora revisions provided they are effective only on a kingdom level only are understood and permitted. It is only when a kingdom rewrites a corpora in such a way that it affects Amtgard in its entirety as in knighthood, that the Board is compelled to correct the situation.
N. Prime Minister Flagg: Perhaps we should tighten up on the rules... take more central authority. Is this an option? Should we be concerned with the >give them an inch and they take a mile= situation?
O. Sir Aramithris: What?... and become another SCA? More paperwork and more laws obviate the Amtgard ideal.
P. Lord Ghee: Amtgard is not the SCA, ie., each group is a separate entity... there is no shared revenue, et cetera.
Q. Sir Aramithris: Wetlands is threatening a mass exodus... is this just another one of their lies?... I believe so. Other kingdoms are not threatened by the Wetlands situation.
R. Squire Wovoka (guest): I do not think a central, controlling entity is right. The authoratative concept is not Amtgard.
S. Countess Verana: Let us not forget that there may be others in the (Wetlands) area who may be able and willing to go for kingdom status. I thing firing (canceling the contract of) Wetlands is definitely the lesser of two evils.
T. Squire Wovoka (guest): I think that ten kingdoms can keep the light burning... it will kindle again.
At the conclusion of discussion it was agreed that the Board=s decision on Wetlands on Friday, October 26th would be final. Sir Aramithris said he would carry out the dictates of the Board.
H. Adjournment: As there was no other business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8: 32 until the ad hoc meeting called for Friday, October 26, 2001. The next regularly scheduled meetings will be November 11, 2001 and December 01, 2001.
Amtgard, Inc. Board of Directors
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Sir Aramithris, President
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Sir Bolt
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Sir Raphael, Monarch
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Lady Verana
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Earl Flagg
State of Texas )
County of El Paso )
On this date, the day of , appeared before me the above signatories, who stated that the two preceding pages are a true accounting of the Amtgard, Inc., Kingdom of the Burning Lands Board of Directors meetings held October 20, 2001.
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Notary Public
My Commission Expires:
By my signature below, I also certify that the above minutes are a true recording of the Amtgard, Inc., Kingdom of the Burning Lands Board of Directors meeting held October 20, 2001.
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Dame Gwynne, Secretary-Treasurer