From the Captain General of Archers
Master Godric will be stepping-down as Captain General of Archers at next Birka, and wishes to share the following missive with the populace.
A greeting to all of the East Kingdom does Master Godric of Hamtun send.
It has been some time since I have written as to the state of archery in the East Kingdom. As I look back on my last Pennsic War campaign as your Captain General, I would like to sit in remembrance of the last 4+ years.
It has been my privilege and my honor to serve as your Captain General. We have accomplished so much over the past 4 years, and I say we because I could not do this job alone. It is with the service and guidance of all of the dedicated archery marshals and their families that we have been so successful here in the east. I have so many people to thank, that if I listed them all it would take me many pages of this letter to include them all. Suffice to say there were a few the need to be recognized here.
First and foremost, I would like to thank the archers of the East. If it wasn’t for your enthusiasm, dedication, skill and willingness to shoot, there would be no reason for my position.
I would be remiss if I did not thank my lovely wife Baroness Margeret of Rochester. She has made many sacrifices so that I might perform the job of Captain General: she has been my sounding board, my editor, and my barometer over the past 4 years and without her I would not have been able to do this job.
I would greatly like to thank Mistress Ygraine of Kellswood. She has not only been the kingdom score keeper for many, many years but she has been a most trusted advisor, friend, and kept me informed when ranks were attained and handled the most arduous task of keeping the archery marshals list up to date.
I would like to thank Master Maxton Gunn, Lord Alexander St. Pierre, and the multitude of others who helped me revise and rewrite the Policies of the Captain General. I believe we have a document that is both thorough and understandable.
I also wish to thank all of my Advisory Council, Master Krakken Gnashbone, Master Mark Squirelsbane, and Mistress Tamar Walshman. Their many years of experience and their timely and helpful advice have made my job as Captain General much easier.
To all of my Regional Commanders and my Lieutenant Generals, thank you for your dedicated service. I know that I have not made things easy on you and that I required more of you than has been in the past, but your counsel and hard work is what makes East Kingdom archery what it is.
To all of my archery marshals and marshals in training, thank you for your service and please keep up the great work and dedicated service. Without such service archery could not happen.
To all of the Royalty that has reigned during my tenure as Captain General, thank you for your enthusiastic support of archery during your reigns. I am always excited to see royalty on the range and that you value the archery community’s contribution to the kingdom.
The final person I wish to thank is my Deputy Captain General, Mistress Jehannine de Flandres. Over the past 2+ years she has been at my side through thick and thin, learning the office and taking on many responsibilities and doing them well. Jehannine has been my confidant, my friend and partner in crime, and together we have added to the legacy that is East Kingdom Archery.
I have had a wonderful experience as Captain General and I have made many new friendships along the way, ones I hope to continue in the future. But alas all good things must come to an end. My tenure as Captain General will end at Market Day at Birka this coming January. I will be recommending to their majesties Mistress Jehannine de Flandres as my choice to succeed me as Captain General. Mistress Jehannine has work very hard for the past two year as my deputy to learn the job. If anyone wishes to be considered for the position of Captain General, please send a letter of intent to their majesties and the Kingdom Earl Marshal, with your desire and qualifications.
I know that I have missed many who have helped me along the way this past four years. Know that I thank you now and very much appreciate your service and hope that you will continue that service under your new Captain General.
I hope to see you on the range soon.
In Service
Master Godric of Hamtun
Captain General of Archers