| GRENDEL GAMES Grendel Games can be nearly anything. Most often they are spur of the moment boredom type events. Everyones done it, its like when you are at a lake or pond and someone picks up a rock and skips it across the surface. Their partner of course is then honorbound to pick up a BETTER rock and skip it fully DOUBLE the amount of times. THAT is a Grendel Game. The first Grendel Game happened at the house on Rock Road in St. Louis. Every Grendel (at the time) was gathered together at the house, waiting on whatever it was we were to actually be doing, when someone broke out a hackey sack, tennis ball, whatever it was, I don't remember but its enough to say it was round. The ball was tossed from one to another, then another joined in, then another. Soon, with each catch of the ball, you got to add a new rule. It wasn't long before Wade, in his kilt, was doing a reverse under the leg toss with his left hand to his right hand then bringing it around his back, ending in a hook shot to the next player in line. If you dropped the ball, the game stopped, a new round started with no rules, and everyone made terrible fun of you for dropping the ball. In times since, other Grendel Games of note have surfaced, such as taking turns at chopping a tree with a massive axe. Each Grendel got six chops. The Grendel who took it down, won. There are more silly games we have played over time, triangle drills, nipple shot wars on cold winter days, etc. but the most famous of all Grendel Games remains "Grendel Mac". This favorite past time always starts off wtih Sir Mac trying to tackle someone, tweak a nipple, start a game of bloody knuckles or something akin. The someone is always a Grendel. As soon as this is started, it is the responsibility of the closest Grendel to shout with all of their might "GRENDEL!!!", to which every G in ear shot responds by sprinting full bore at Mac and doing a flying tackle ending in a terrible dog pile with Mac at the bottom. Of course, it must be said in all honesty, with every Grendel Mac, theres always some poor Grendel who's also on the bad end of things. This usually is their left testical in some death grip from Mac at the bottom of the dog pile. It never ceases to amaze me how whenever we do a Grendel Mac, theres always seven or eight camaras pop into existance right at that moment. We plan on sending copies via email to the Corsair website now that Mac has been knighted. HOLMGANG This is the oldest of traditions in the company. To read all about Holmgangs, click here.. THRALL PARTY This is the newest of traditions within the company. It was started when a Thrall advanced to Bondi by winning their Holmgang. The new Bondi had researched the historical instances of when the Period Thralls bought their freedom into Bondi and so decided it would be great fun if we were to include a similiar tradition into our circle. Here is his letter and the model for our Thrall Parties. NEW MEMBERS This is the one tradition in our company that speaks loudest for our ideals. Our company is founded on the principal of fun for all. Everyone is welcome to join us in playing this great game. To become a member, one only has to ask to be a Thrall. From there, its how ever far they want to take it. We have a tradition of "Do Not Recruit" for potential members. If someone wants to join us, they will. It is actually a no-no within the company to actively recruit new members. Now, I'm not saying we havn't talked the company up to those who ask us about the company, thats not the point. The point is, we do not wish to approach someone and say, "we've talked and decided we want you in our company. Would you consider joining?". There has only been two instances of this rule being broken and for good reason. The first player dripped the values we wished to promote, they joined and now is one of the top members. The second player also just "fits" the concept of what we intended when we made the group. This player has replied that he will join when he is not asked. It seems he has read our charter. We have to take that as a lesson to keep true to what we invisioned. In recent times we have been known to give our web address to people we meet from outside areas so that they may at least read over our charter. This is done in hopes that if nothing else they will see our ideals for the dream and pick those up and make them their own in their own way. And, if one of these folks we happen across decides he/she would like to be a part of what we are trying to do, so much the better. LEADING FROM THE FRONT It is company tradition to volunteer to help run things when an event needs running. We want to be the company that cooks for the feast, pulls the gate duty, devises the games, clears the woods, mows the grass. This sets the standard for others to follow. While we've had our bumps along the way with Amtgard Politics as with every park, it cannot be said that this tradition is done for our own gain. Many of us are ex-military or current, and we feel the Creed of the NCO applies to every aspect of life, and yes, even Amtgard. So, either lead from the front or get outta the way! PASSING OF BELTS When a Jarl is defeated by a Thrall during a holmgang, if the holmgang is for the Thrall's right to become a Bondi, it is company tradition for the Jarl to pass his Grendel belt down to the now Bondi. It is also tradition that the Thrall (who is now a Bondi) becomes a son or a daughter of that Jarl, hence building our lineage and our company. |
| Grendel Company Traditions |
| Ever since the conception of the company various activities have worked their way into Company Tradition. These were special times when while setting around goofing off, something happened and it was clear to all a new tradition had been born. The following list of descriptions should give a somewhat complete collection of what has become company tradition. |