03-23-2012, 04:09 AM
MEA CULPA.
For the record:
In 60 AD as the Legions of Suetonius Paulinus marched to answer the call of
rebellion in Britannia, one man did not answer the call. Acting Legate of Legio
II Augusta, Paenius Posthumus, Prefect of the Camp, and dedicated soldier did
the unthinkable. He fortified his base and sat it out, withholding his legion
from the fight. After the battle was won and he realized his horrible error, he
fell on his sword.
In 2012 the ghost of Posthumus struck! While we will be demanding no one fall on
his sword, a brief word of explanation is necessary. Before we begin, everyone
should know that we are assessing no blame, and no finger pointing is intended,
inferred, or implied by this missive.
Since the beginning of reenacting, groups have experienced both growth spurts
and breakups. It is an undeniable fact. Many of us can attest to the pain that
happens when a hobby we love becomes a source of heartache and strain. To put it
succinctly (as we will NOT drag anyone through the mud!) it happened to AD43.
The details, while certainly relevant to those involved, will help none of us
move beyond and are largely irrelevant to those of us who had come to cherish
the annual reunion and Immersion of the event. From the initial announcement of
cancellation, the Staff has been looking to do two main things. First move on,
and second, make sure it cannot occur again.
As you look at what has become the CLASH OF IRON main page you will see numerous
changes. What we have now is system of immersion reenacting adapted from proven
aspects of other eras to fit our event and time. No longer will one group
sponsor the event year after year, but a sharing of duties and leadership will
expand to increase our ownership of the event for both Roman and our Celtic
brethren.
With this increased responsibility to guide the event in the future, some of us
will have the opportunity to stand for the Roman Senate and Celtic Council...
perhaps ultimately even the Triumvirate!
As we rise from the ashes, it seemed a good time to do something we had
discussed before and change the name. Something less Roman-centric that allowed
all Iron Age Re-enactors to feel welcome... and show we do not expect them to be
fodder for the Roman War Machine!
CLASH OF IRON. When Civilizations Meet. Recreating the Life... The Times... The
Warfare of Iron Age Europe.
The new name emphasizes not only the combat we all enjoy, but the meeting of
civilizations and what happens between them. It opens the door to events where
combat is on the back burner and impressions can be filled out. The fire as a
background has dual meaning... not only the obvious "fires of war" but on a
deeper level, it is a sign of the comradeship we all feel around the camp fire
where we engage in a different sort of CLASH showing off the latest and greatest
finds in equipment, knowledge, methods, and studies... while sharing a bit of
wine. It is in fact those close moments seated around the fire, that many of us
cherish as much as the moment the testudo hit to gate!
So the Phoenix has risen, and we humbly invite you to join us once again for the
most incredible Iron Age Immersion Living History event ever conceived. CLASH OF
IRON is back on course for Boudica in 2013 and 2014. Same Scenario, Same
Participants, Same location... Different mindset.
We sincerely apologize for what occurred, but hope that in the long run the
event, its units, its participants, staffers, workers, and you will be better
than ever. A lesson learned. A problem fixed.
We look forward to seeing you by the fire.
The CLASH OF IRON Staff
www.clashofiron.org
For the record:
In 60 AD as the Legions of Suetonius Paulinus marched to answer the call of
rebellion in Britannia, one man did not answer the call. Acting Legate of Legio
II Augusta, Paenius Posthumus, Prefect of the Camp, and dedicated soldier did
the unthinkable. He fortified his base and sat it out, withholding his legion
from the fight. After the battle was won and he realized his horrible error, he
fell on his sword.
In 2012 the ghost of Posthumus struck! While we will be demanding no one fall on
his sword, a brief word of explanation is necessary. Before we begin, everyone
should know that we are assessing no blame, and no finger pointing is intended,
inferred, or implied by this missive.
Since the beginning of reenacting, groups have experienced both growth spurts
and breakups. It is an undeniable fact. Many of us can attest to the pain that
happens when a hobby we love becomes a source of heartache and strain. To put it
succinctly (as we will NOT drag anyone through the mud!) it happened to AD43.
The details, while certainly relevant to those involved, will help none of us
move beyond and are largely irrelevant to those of us who had come to cherish
the annual reunion and Immersion of the event. From the initial announcement of
cancellation, the Staff has been looking to do two main things. First move on,
and second, make sure it cannot occur again.
As you look at what has become the CLASH OF IRON main page you will see numerous
changes. What we have now is system of immersion reenacting adapted from proven
aspects of other eras to fit our event and time. No longer will one group
sponsor the event year after year, but a sharing of duties and leadership will
expand to increase our ownership of the event for both Roman and our Celtic
brethren.
With this increased responsibility to guide the event in the future, some of us
will have the opportunity to stand for the Roman Senate and Celtic Council...
perhaps ultimately even the Triumvirate!
As we rise from the ashes, it seemed a good time to do something we had
discussed before and change the name. Something less Roman-centric that allowed
all Iron Age Re-enactors to feel welcome... and show we do not expect them to be
fodder for the Roman War Machine!
CLASH OF IRON. When Civilizations Meet. Recreating the Life... The Times... The
Warfare of Iron Age Europe.
The new name emphasizes not only the combat we all enjoy, but the meeting of
civilizations and what happens between them. It opens the door to events where
combat is on the back burner and impressions can be filled out. The fire as a
background has dual meaning... not only the obvious "fires of war" but on a
deeper level, it is a sign of the comradeship we all feel around the camp fire
where we engage in a different sort of CLASH showing off the latest and greatest
finds in equipment, knowledge, methods, and studies... while sharing a bit of
wine. It is in fact those close moments seated around the fire, that many of us
cherish as much as the moment the testudo hit to gate!
So the Phoenix has risen, and we humbly invite you to join us once again for the
most incredible Iron Age Immersion Living History event ever conceived. CLASH OF
IRON is back on course for Boudica in 2013 and 2014. Same Scenario, Same
Participants, Same location... Different mindset.
We sincerely apologize for what occurred, but hope that in the long run the
event, its units, its participants, staffers, workers, and you will be better
than ever. A lesson learned. A problem fixed.
We look forward to seeing you by the fire.
The CLASH OF IRON Staff
www.clashofiron.org
