[MR] planning ahead for various events

[Michelle L. McDaniel]

Hey all!

Hope all is well with you and yours!

In regards to planning events, the Kingdom of Aethelmearc does something
which I think Atlantia ought to consider. They have divided their kingdom
into regions (they have five) and then assigned each major kingdom event,
like crown tourneys, coronations, and 12th night to a specific region on a
rotating schedule, so that no region always has the same event but it is
predictable. (Much like the time periods for the Tempore Atlantia
competitions are handled.)

Each region has between 4 and 6 groups and surprisingly seem to be made up
of equal parts shires and baronies. One of the groups or a combination of
groups hosts and runs the event. This way the populace knows, well in
advance, when and roughly where an event is going to be. The same region
doesn't host the same Kingdom level event, time after time. Groups know long
enough in advance that they need to start planning for a kingdom level
event.

Currently in Atlantia, we only know when a kingdom event will be, not
where, until a few months in advance. For many who wish to attend, a few
months is not enough planning time, especially if special permission to get
off work is required (One may need to save up vacation time or switch
schedules) or long distances need to be traversed (for many, events are at
least a day's long drive away. others may opt to fly and to get the best
deals one needs to book flights early). A schedule like Aethelmearc has
would be beneficial for planning.

I, personally, would love to attend more kingdom level events. I love the
pageantry that accompanies coronations, crown tourneys, and 12th night. It's
one of the reasons I play. I also want to participate in Tempore Atlantia
A&S competitions. Unfortunately, I will have wait until the fall and hope
that Fall Crown tourney will be held somewhere in MD, Va., or northern
central NC. (The crafts I do tend to be early period.) I was unable to
participate in 12th Night's competition and will not be able to participate
in the next two, because they are too far away from me and cannot reliably
find someone to take my stuff (I tried fairly hard for 12th night and don't
really want to send things by mail, for various reasons).

I would love to see the major kingdom level events on a rotating location
schedule, because then I would have an idea when an event would be in my
area and could plan to go. Now, I just hope things aren't too far south and
am usually disappointed because they are and I can't go.

Yours in service,

**aelfwynn**

P.S. To check out Aethlemearc's system go to
http://www.aethelmearc.org/laws.htm#VIII and look under article VIII
Kingdom Events