SCA-Pinata in Period

 Pinatas in period

Origin

The origin of the pinata is difficult to determine.  Some theorize that it came from China because Marco Polo wrote about similar items he observed on his travels, people crafting figures of cows, oxen or buffaloes of straw or earth and decorating them with colored  paper, filled them with seeds and hitting them with sticks. This was to celebrate the beginning of spring and the plating season. 1  This celebration was called Dachunniu.

However, we do have to take with a grain of salt as there are many myths to what Marco Polo broght back, such as pasta.  In the paper “From the Dachunniu to the Piñata: Tracing the Alleged Chinese Origin of a Mexican Tradition” Yong Chen  goes over the possible connections. 2

Another origin could be the Lenten almsgiving by the rulers of  Kingdom of Naples and the Two Sicilies.  These alms were placed in simple cookware known as pignatta, an Italian word meaning “earthenware cooking pot”, and derived from the Latin word pinea, “pine cone” based on their shape. These pots would be broken open and the poor would receive their alms. Thus, the first Sunday of Lent became known as “Pignatta Sunday”.

The European piñata tradition was brought to Mexico in the 16th century by missionaries. The Aztec has a similTió de Nadalar tradition to celabrate the birth of the god Huītzilōpōchtli. Augustinian monks there modified European piñatas and created the Las Posadas tradition in 1585 to co-opt the celebration in efforts to convert the local populace.

Pinata-like Traditions

This is a list of traditions that are similar to the pinata, along with any holiday association and simple description.  Further research is needed to see if there is any connection to the pinata.

Slå katten af tønden in Denmark-Christmas- in which a wooden barrel is struck to release candy.

Tió de Nadal in Catalonia-Chrismas-A log is hit to release candy.

Dahi Handi in Maharashtra India-Krishna Janmashtami-Clay pots filled with buttermilk, money or treats are hung in public squares or on streets at a height implicitly challenging youngsters to break them 

Uri adithal-Southern India- Pot breaking with blindfold

Suikawari-Japan- splitting a watermelon with a stick while blindfolded

hampas-palayok or pukpok-palayok – Philippines - played during Filipino fiestas and traditional parties (e.g., birthdays), in which a clay pot filled with treats and/or prizes is used. 

đập nêu (pot-hitting)  Vietnamese.

Sources

https://english.visitbeijing.com.cn/article/47OO0LcyEs3

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40647-017-0179-6

https://ucatholic.com/blog/how-the-first-sunday-of-lent-inspired-the-pinata/

https://lateenz.com/a-smashing-success-the-surprising-origins-and-history-of-the-pinata/

Avatar : Legends, my thoughts after a few sessions

I Kickstarted this project after it appeared on line and here are some of my thoughts.   Note that this isn't a review, but just my experiences running this for the Friday night gaming group I'm in and moving from D&D 5E to this.

I did explain before starting that this isn't like D&D.  Playbooks aren't character classes but more of how you PC looks at and interacts with the world.  You play out what you want to do, not just say it.

Before I started session one, I shared all of the books, playbooks, and associated pdfs with my players, hoping they would read them.  Alas, when I got to the table most hadn't.  For some it was the format, for others it was the overwhelming number of things I sent.

Then on to session one,  as many didn't get through the rules there was a misunderstanding of how the campaign and the choices they had to make.   This lead to confusion and detachment from the game as I as GM made choices that the players should of.   Next time I will give them the quick start rules, giving a lot less material to go over.   

When I came to the choosing and customizing playbooks, everyone had a good time and felt connected with their PCs.  This I liked but question section had one drawback that came out later, what happens when a player quits.  This happed between session 1 and 2, leading to detachment from the group and the guardian to pick a new ward.   This is a my table problem, not something that the rules can nor should account for.

The balance track and combat exchanges are confusing at first, but after a few sessions it made sense. The combat cards, sold separately from the main book, really are a help.  Id recommend picking them up if you're running the game.

All in all, its a good RPG with a few quirks. I'd run it again in a heart beat.

Some suggestions for the Magpie Games, put the balance and fatigue tracks on the side of the playbooks.  That way players can slide paper clips up and down, much like the bullet and wound tracking in Classic Deadlands.

Here's a link to the publisher's page on the game

https://magpiegames.com/pages/avatarrpg

Online RPG resources

Making a list for myself of what tools I use when I GM.

VTT

Owlbear Rodeo at https://www.owlbear.rodeo/

Maps

Dyson’s Dodecahedron at https://dysonlogos.blog/

Wizard of Jersey at https:ko-fi.com/wizardofjersey

Other

https://donjon.bin.sh/

https://watabou.itch.io/

https://5e.tools/

https://www.dndbeyond.com/

https://www.kassoon.com/

https://www.ionzone.com/rpg/

Critical Role

 In February, I started watching Critical Role season 1 hoping to up my DM game a bit and steal some ideas.  I've come to some realizations.

1. I'm not half bad at being a DM and every game I've played in was fled well.

2. I'm no Matt Mercer and I don't want to be him.   I have my own styles and I like it.

3. Planning and combat just takes that long. I shouldn't rush my players.

4. I can up my descriptions and voices a bit.

Maybe I'll post more on this latet.

D&D Homebrew World Lore-Orcs

What if I were told you everything you knew about orcs was wrong?

Sit and listen to my tale...

Far removed from the nomadic raiders that the bards tell of, exists the city state of Ag Mushnudh.   During the Age of Rebirth the Gnomish god Garl Glittlergold made a wager with Gruumsh, the orc god of conquest, survival, strength, and territory, that he could steal a tribe of his worshipers from him.

The proud god accepted and told Garl he had a year,   Garl smiled and said "I don't need a year, as I already have them."   With a snap of Garl's fingers the god were transported to s secluded valley filled with gnomes and orcs,   There was laughing and singing but not from the gnomes.

"My people has taught them farming and irrigation.  The bounty of the land has softened their need for conquest.  No longer raiding as their hunger was no concern, they have turned to music, art and emotion."

The orc god vowed revenge but that is tale another for a time

Orcs in my world are ruled by their emotions.  In the savage tribes they follow anger and envy but ones raised in other civilizations feel a tempest of strong emotions.   The don't have a crush on a sweetheart but a torrent of passion, they don't get irritated but go into a white hot incandescent rage and the saying "Even an orc would not know my grief" speaks for its self.

DMing D&D

 This are some notes about the Friday night game that is on hiatus.

Dangling story hooks

1. The goblins being paid in electrum pieces.  The agent that hired the goblins paid for their service in a strange coinage of electrum.  No one has ever seen this minting nor currently used electrum coins.

2. The Shattered Crown of Fallen Kingdom of Elgad. When put thogeter and placed on some one's head all the "Stones of the Crown" will call out the name of the wearer and proclaiming them as the one true king.   They found two of the three pieces but the agent that hired the goblins is looking for the pieces as well.

3. As a reward the party received a deed from MacCeardadh trading company for a townhouse.

From the depths of Lj-Aug. 19th, 2009

Since someone's blog keeps mentioning Zombies, I have decided to generate a campaign idea around it.

Paris, France-1890 A.D.

Three months ago the gates of the city were shut to stop the Grey Death spreading to the rest of Europe. Observation towers were built outside to make sure none of the infected escaped. A week ago, a light appeared at the Eiffel Tower. The light signaled in Morse Code, "We have the cure. Extraction needed." Since then no signal has appeared. Your patron wants you to go and find who signaled and retrieve the cure. He will provide an airship that can dock at the Tower and will retrieve you when you signal.

So there you have it. Zombies, zeppelins, steampunk and the City of Lights. Feel free to use it if you want, I currently don't have the time to develop it.

From the depths of Lj-Apr. 30th, 2009

 I have the perfect idea "Teddy Roosevelt, Hunter of the Unnatural". The fictionalised story of T.R.'s life using real events and having him defend humanity from the paranormal and unatural. Example: Leading the rough riders in battle against a pack of chupacabra or stalking the misty streets of the Foggy Bottom neighborhood hunting vampires.

Pity, I can't draw to save my life.

From the depths of LJ-Nov. 7th, 2005

 This weekend was fun. I went down to Maryland to be the besy man in a buddy's wedding. It seemed like all of the SCA household that I'm in was there, along with many other people that I haven't seen in years.

I must say that being the best man is a strange experience. But I can't put my finger on why.


Here's the toast that I gave. It isn't 100% original but I thought it was good.

Before beginning, I'd like to offer my sincerest gratitude to J and M for allowing me to be part of this special occasion. Also, I would like to say thank you to Mr. L for all that you've done to make this the special day that it is. And, of course, my gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. L for all of your support and all that you've done to make this, by all accounts, the perfect day.

In our lifetimes, we are gifted a small number of truly "landmark moments". They start small enough, say, riding a two-wheeler bicycle or throwing your graduation cap high into the air.

They grow in power and significance; some of you have seen the moment when a doctor tells you, "it's a girl," or, "it's a boy," and then hands you that perfect little life that you created. And it must be a perfect moment when you look into the eyes of the most loving, caring, giving, individual that you've ever known and realize you've found true love.

A moment like this and the commitment which follows should be celebrated to its fullest. And so, I contend to all present that it is our duty to ensure that this moment in the lives of J and M does not pass unrecognized.
And in celebrating their happiness we might just make this one of the landmark moments of our own lives.

Here's to J and L, a life of years, free of tears, bottoms up and lots of luck.

From the depth of LiveJournal- Jun. 22nd, 2005

Moving some stuff over for my old Lj account, but just the quality stuff. 

Does this make me geek or a famious game designer?

http://www.sjgames.com/sjgames/in-nomine/articles/new/Gallery/demons/nelson.wedgies.html

The Eight of Clubs -The Boxcar

I went into the office this week and will be going in next week as well.   I don't really understand why.   I can do my job from my desk at home and most of the building is closed.    I'm not going to argue though, I have a job.



The Boxcar

This recipe calls for 2 oz of Gin, 1/2 oz of orange liqueur, 1/2 oz lime juice and an egg white.  Shake with cracked ice and serve in a cocktail glass rimmed with sugar.


I'm beginning the think the guy wrote these drink recipes never tried them.    The shaking makes the drink much too cold and dulls the taste of the ingredients.   After it warmed up to was more favorable but I couldn't taste much flavor.     I might also need to upgrade my ingredients from bottom self to mid level at least.



Next time- The Boomerang. 
(It has nothing to do with New Jersey)

The Seven of Hearts or Gin Ricky

The drink for today was the Gin Ricky.   

1 1/4 oz of Gin

1/4 oz of Lime Juice

Club Soda

Pour the Gin and Lime over ice in a highball glass and fill with club soda.  It's ok. The  gin and lime are very diluted, making the flavor much more subtle then I want in a cocktail.   Maybe I need an actual highball glass for measurement or a Gin with a bolder flavor.

I don't know if I try it again.

The Six of Hearts-The Dry Martini

The Dry Martini, the classic drink.  Simple and elegant yet misunderstood.

The original was the Martinez cocktail from 1887 that evolved in to the three note drink of today.   I prefer them bone dry, that is little to no vermouth, and stirred because if its too cold you don't get the full favor.

But today I used the recipe on the card.   1 1/3 oz of gin and 1/3 oz of vermouth.   Shaken and garnished with an olive or lemon twist.   It's not my thing, the vermouth overwhelms the gin and I am not able to make a lemon twist.   I'll finish it but I won't use these ratios for my next cocktail

Variations: To make a sweet martini substitute sweet vermouth for the dry  To make a vodka martini substitute vodka for the gin. To make a Gibson substitute a cocktail onion for the olive


Oh and while we're on the subject of martinis, just because its served in a cocktail glass does not mean its a martini or -tini.    You're drinking a cocktail be it apple, ginger, or mint chocolates.  There are not in anyway related to the martini.

Cocktail Project-5 of Hearts, New Orleans Buck

The last week has rocked the US with strife.  Protests across the nation, some turning into riots and looting. As a white male, I will never fully understand what African Americans are going through.

Black lives matter.  Don't let anyone dilute this with all lives matter, or anything like that.

I can understand is their anger and thirst for justice.  Most of the protests are peaceful but some valid reports of agitators disturb me.  I pray for everyone to stay safe, and for a peace and justice to come out of this. 

Enough about that, on the the cocktail.

5 of Hearts- New Orleans Buck

A buck is the same family as the trendy Moscow Mule. This one is made with light rum, orange juice,  lime juice and bitters.  It's shaken and served over ice and mixed with ginger ale.

This is a good looking and tasty drink.    My only criticism is I would like more of a ginger flavor.   I can easily correct that with another brand of ginger ale. I will drink this again.

The exact recipe that I used is available by request.

The 4 of hearts: the Jockey club cocktail and the coming of TROGDOR!!!

This week has been interesting, I've had a recruiter call me and I have to go into work on Monday. Like physically into an office...how bizarre.

I'm waiting for the recruiter to call me back but I'm also not holding my breath. It's another call center job oh, this time in Jersey but with higher pay.  It has something to do with mortgages, so my work at the Title Agency is a plus. 

(BTW- Shout out to the folks at Sterling Title Agency  They are good folks that will do you right.)

Yesterday, I was left a voice mail by my manager asking for a call back.  In this economy this worried me.   She advised me that the email group had to be in the office.   I haven't been there since the third week in March.  I need to get conformable wearing a mask for hours.  I'm making that into  a weekend chore.




Today's cocktail is the Jockey Club

Made with gin, triple sec, bitters, lemon juice and amaretto.   This version is shaken and served with an old fashioned glass with cracked ice. 

It tasted, how should I put it?  It tastes dated, like something old timey but not retro. Maybe i'll try it again at a bar but I won't  make it again,

As for the origins, I'm guessing that this one is either English or French.  Both have Jockey Clubs but the French one is also a club for gentlemen.   If I was to bet on it, I'd bet for France








You read all of that for Trogdor, didn't you?    Well, I am now the proud owner of Trogdor the Boardgame. Yes, Trogdor comes in the mail! (Really it was FedEx but that doesn't matter)

Two of Hearts-Blackeye Martini

Things seem to be opening up here in the Delaware Valley region, with New Jersey permitting small gatherings and Bucks County set to go into the yellow phase of reopening.    It gives me a little hope that we can start to return to some state of normal, but I am also aware of the possibility of a second wave of the virus hitting the US harder then before.

As I was cleaning my barware today, I noticed the water was not hot. Then, I went to look at the heater and found was on a 85 degree angle.   So we called our HVAC company who declared it DOA. The bottom line, no hot water til Tuesday.  Anyway, on to the drink!



Two of Hearts-Blackeye Martini

Made with vodka, dry vermouth, and a black olive; stirred and served in a chilled glass.  It's a Vodka Martini with a black olive.  If that's your thing great, for me it was just meh.

I also don't understand why it was stirred.  You stir a martini because if it gets too cold the gin looses flavor but a vodka martini doesn't have that problem.   I also have a problem with drinks with a '-tini'
suffix but I will save that for another post.

Cocktail Project - Three of Hearts- Planter's Punch

About a month ago I found out how bad my company is.    The CEO did an interview saying things are "Brutal" and out of 700 or so employees only 110 are left.  I'm lucky to have a job and privileged to work from home.

That being said, I am looking for a new job.   Its not just because of the layoffs. Before that we were furloughed one day every other week.  I can take PTO time to fill in the gaps but that should be for me.  But enough about that on to...

Today's drink, Planter's Punch. 

It's a traditional drink dating back to 1878.   This version has rum, orange juice, lemon juice, grenadine and sugar.  Shaken with and served with fine ice.  It's a bit more sour then sweet and tasty.
I think if it was a warmer day it would be even better.

It would be even better I didn't have to make it three times.   The first time my shaker fell into the sink.   The second, I poured it into a glass that had water in it, diluting by about 1/3.

Oh, and I didn't forget about the two of hearts.   I don't have one of the ingredients, so I'm keeping it up my sleeve until I get it.

Cocktail Project - Ace of Hearts- The Amsterdam

I've been working from home for nearly 60 days.   My standard pastimes of boardgames and RPGs
 are on mostly hiatus and the SCA events are canceled for the foreseeable future.  I getting bored and irritated.  More on the irritation for in another post.   

I thought to myself that I should try doing the cocktails thing again.   Unfortunately, the Boston Project was a bit too ambitious.  Too many drinks, the combinations were for a late 50's pallet and many of the ingredients were expensive or hard to come by.

Lucky for me, I have a caring wife.    In a trip to get provisions for our lockdown, she spotted Cocktail Party Bicycle Playing Cards.   Modern recipes with easy to get ingredients, this I can do.


Today's cocktail is the Amsterdam on the Ace of Hearts.

Made with gin, triple sec and orange juice. shaken over crushed ice but not strained and served in an Old Fashioned glass.  At first sip, the flavors were a bit off putting but after the ice melted a bit I came to like it.  I would drink it again.

Next up the Two of Hearts.

Campaign Document

Tone of the Campaign 

Heroic fantasy- That sweet spot between personal stories of Sword and Sorcery fiction and the world spanning adventures of Epic Fantasy

The World

The name of the planet is Televon.   It has 8 major continents, our adventures take place on the continent of Orea, where kingdoms have risen and fallen for thousands of years.

There is one sun, Solan and one moon, Lunea.

Time Line

During what we know now as the Age of Rebirth, the noted historian Publius Junius Dacien codified the system that we use for history today.   Ages have no set years, rather they evoke the major influences that happened.   Times mark the end of Ages.   The 4th Age ended when Emperor Maxen X sundered the runic sigils and brought about 100 years marked by fire, plague and famine.

The Age of Dreams

The Time of the Fall

The Age of the Ancients.

The Time of the Dawn War

The Age of Wyrms

The time of the Sons of Annam.

The 1st Age of Man, The Age of Glory

Time of Song

The 2nd Age of Man, The Age of Heroes

The Time of Testing

The 3rd Age of Man, The Age of Rebirth

The Time of Apotheosis

The 4th Age of Man, The Age of Turpitude

The Time of the Sundering

The 5th Age of Man, The present

The year is 1487 AS  (After the Sundering.)

God and Deities

The Young Gods

Kniha-commonly called Tome, God of Knowledge

Rueanna-Goddess of Harvest and Fertility.

Tal- God of the Sun

Actia-Goddess of the Moon

Grapthar,-God of Storms

Izara-Goddess of War

Alea-Goddess of Protection and Mercy

Lydian-commonly called Coin, God of Trade .

Bodros-God of Magic

Zehir,-God of Death and poison

Eton-God of the forge

Taxion-God of the grave

Druids worship nature itself and its personifications. Demihumans,  Humanoids, and Monsters worship their gods per the PHB. 

Known Warlock Patrons

Manos, the Hand of the Fated

Vecna, the Whispered One, the Undying King, and the Lord of the Rotted Tower

The Enchantress of the Willow Tower

Asmodeus, Ruler of the Nine Hells

The Blackrazor, Eater of Souls

Ramiel, Outcast of Mt. Celestia

Factions.

The Order of the Sundered Sigil- A loose assumption of of individuals that seek to maintain the balance of power by gathering information and intervening when necessary

The Wolves- An expansive alliance of trader and organized crime seeking to make profit.

The Imperial Council-The council of the lords of the Most Blessed Empire of Aelsthad.  Seeking to maitin the empre while in a period of interregnum and vie to become next emperor

The Templars of Mt. Modignano  - Named after the location of the Apotheosis, they seek to vanquish evil from the world by direct means.

Races

Dwarves

Hill dwarves live in independent clan-holds, lead by chiefs   There can be one or several clans in a hold

Mountian- All are ruled by the high king, Morgran Trueblood with Lairds owing him homage.


Elves
High Elves are civilized and powerful living in city-states each with their own government.  They are in a cold war with the Drow.   The city of Sylel Shaeras hosts a dark elf embassy. It is believed by many that some  residents have converted to her worship.

Dark eves are rare in the world. Most are some have emigrated to the surface, others have escaped and others are just spies.   They are treated with supsiscion.

Wood Elves come from the wilds, the largest of these is Chandwell Forest on the border of Most Blessed Empire of Aelsthad and the former kingdom of Elgad the west.

Halflings
Halflings are everywhere a demihuman population is.   They don't have a home land, nor rulers.

Dragonborn
Dragonborn appeared neat in the end of the Age of Reberth, some claiming to be worshipers of the dragon god Bahamut that were transformed by his power.   After the time of Apotheosis, others claimed they came from another world that melded for a time with our own.  Neither claim has been proven true but they still

Gnomes
Gnomes have been hunted by kobolds to near extinction.  They organize into groups of families keeping to themselves. 

Tieflings
Tieflings were created due to the infernal pacts that were not discouraged of the fourth age.  It is a supries to many a human family when their child is born with a tail, red skin and small horns.   However this is the exception, most are the children of other Tieflings or even trysts with a devil 

Deadlands - The Great Maze- Captains Personal Lo

Ships log of the maze runner Bella Morte

Reginald E. Poe - Captain

Lion's Roar.

In trying to find out who has decided to put Jonathan out of business, we have encountered one of the famous Earp clan Virgil, now acting as sheriff of the town.    Hmmm....first Doc Holiday, now an Earp and our 'former' Pinkerton mentioned he's heard that the Clantons are around.   Maybe later on I can ask him about the assailants that tried to attack us on the way back from the pool hall.

After returning to Vernia D's, I put a cold compress on Ms. Antonia's as she banged up noggin'.  I hope it will help Mindy's attitude, but I doubt it.   Is she worth the trouble of keeping around. Bart tried healing Mr. Charles but something went wrong, Bart hunched over like he got a belly wound.  Bear in Moonlight used his hood-do to heal him but it took a lot out of him,   No ritual tonight but I am feeling hale and hearty at present. Bart explained he lost a hand of cards to a demon.  Must of been a skilled demon, the way that boy can play.

October 15th. Thursday-Lion's Roar.

Weather overcast-Winds light SSW

In the morning, we checked with Buford on how the repairs to the driveshaft and boiler.   Almost done, good. we may have to leave quickly.   Then we left for inquired with a Cajun captain about some exotic fare for Jonathan to serve, lobstrosites he called them, and arranged transport of the catch back to the restaurant.  Bear snapped at Ms  Antonia during our negotiations,  I am not alone in tiring of her company.

Back at Vernia D's, I noticed a man who was wrapped in shadow.  I think it was a 'hex' like Bart uses or the like, Ms. Antonia  gave her unasked for opinion that it was a spirit.  The man was a elderly tribesman, who said he was called Watcher or some such.  He spoke in riddles.  I explained he could stay, if he was a paying customer.