[MR] Coronation through Roman eyes (3rd of 3)

[GREG FABIC]

Excerpts from the Collected Epistiles of Pliny the
Youngest 
Volume V - The Expedition to Atlantis

Chapter IX – With respect to the teaching of the
Nobles and Youth of Atlantia


The youth of Atlantia learn war at an early age so
that they are best able to protect the realm when
their time comes neigh.  To establish their skills at
an early age they are schooled in the virtues of
prowess.  In reflectance of this, the coronation I
travel towards is to host competitions in arms for
youths as well as adults.  For the Atlantian youth the
nature of these trials shall be in one on one and
melee armoured combats.  These combats shall be
designed such that the Roman virtues will be
reinforced.  The combatants shall be judged in terms
of:

 Comitas
"Humour" Ease of manner, courtesy, openness, and
friendliness. 

Firmitas
"Tenacity" Strength of mind, the ability to stick to
one's purpose. 

Veritas
"Truthfulness" Honesty in dealing with others. 

Industria
"Industriousness" Hard work.

  Virtus
"Courage" Especially of leaders within society and
government. 

Nobilitas 
Excellence of character and actions accompanied by
high ideals.

These youth shall gather immediately after the last
court of the current King Ragnarr Blackhammer and
Queen Anneke Raudhe.  This is fitting for these the
current King and Queen do much that inspire the youth
of this realm.  Those youth who wish to begin or renew
their training should gather also as all of the
letters and classes pertaining to youth combat shall
be encompassed within the event.  
(Translators note: Those whose youth need armour and
weapons would be advised to make the acquaintance of
the translator by a message sent with Mercury. 
Mercury will find the translator at -  
gfabic at prodigy.net     )

An Academy of pages shall be held within the bounds of
this coronation, as shall other activities pertaining
to children.  

With the intention of educating future Caesars about
the heroes and gods of the great Empire's past,
children's activities shall be a series of stories of
Roman myths followed by activities that go along with
them. Children should come prepared to open a
Pandora's box; to Race against Atalanta; to Battle the
Medusa and the Cyclops and to help release Minerva
from Jupiter's own cranium.

Though the youth of Atlantia find themselves well
trained upon reaching maturity, it is considered
ignoble to stop learning and the greatest of virtues
for the learned to teach.

Instruction is given freely throughout the realm and
this great gathering is no exception.  Those who wish
tutelage can find instruction in such diverse arts as;

Tablet Weaving with a 3/1 broken twill 

Imperial Roman clothing, this would be of the
traditional Western type for this is somewhat new to
this realm.

Early Byzantine Clothing and Adornment, this would be
of the modern Eastern Roman tradition.  So new it is
new to the author as well.

On the preparing and serving of a feast within a
rustic setting.  Due to the traditional settings of
many of the festivals held in Atlantia it is necessary
to learn how to provide sustenance without the
conveniences of city dwellings.

The author must now put down the tablet, as it is time
to ask of Mercury, that faithful and quickest of
messengers yet more of this wondrous event.  One
strives to announce and spread the bounty found but
words are no substitute for experience.  Seek the sage
advice of Mercury for yourselves   
http://coronation.atlantia.sca.org/index.html     and
go to this Coronation.  For once this event is over
the author must once again resume the search for lost
Atlantis.  Though it may never seem as wondrous as it
once did.