The Adventures of the Sage Lion

THE ALLIANCE TAKES OVER THE RENAISSANCE FAIRE!!!

THE ALLIANCE OF THE DOUBLE CROSS PILLAGED AND PLUNDERED A RENAISSANCE VILLAGE.

La st Saturday, Uno de Mayo, The Alliance of the Double Cross had one helluva fun time at the Southern California Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Irwindale,CA. The weekend was Swashbuckler weekend or somesuch, but we grog thirsty Pirates were not there to buckle and swashes--we was there to, uh, well, um, walk around and socialize primarily.

It was a gorgeous day to gather and we were able to enjoy our mates and meet some new folks. Not only did we have our regular array of miscreants, but we were also joined by Jamaica Rose Barton. Also joining us, was an addition to me crew of The Pride, Quartermaster Sebastian Cain.

We meandered around the grounds, drank some ale and did some shopping. We caught a few shows and overall just relaxed as if we had just come off account. Though there was considerable amount less raping. Well, ye can'ts have everything.

The regular Renaissance faire is going on through the end of the month, so go and visit.

After the event, we all went out to Killearny's Irish Pub in Riverside. We ate well, drank well and laughed well.

Next major event for the Alliance is Pier Daze in Long Beach. It should be quite a show as we shall be firing our black powder flintlocks and doing some sword work. Come on out and join us.

      

PIRATES FOR CHOC

A couple weekends ago, in fact, it was last Friday as a matter of fact, me lovely wife, Salma Gundy and meself went down to Anaheim to the Pirates for CHOC (Children's Hospital of Orange County) fund raising party. The party was a a bar down there, I can't remember, and was chock full o'pirates.

We arrived around 7ish, just as things got rolling. There were vendors on the street and when we arrived we were able to meet and chat with Marty Klebba and Lee Arenberg from Pirates of the Caribbean. Frankly, these actors made the movies for me. These men are gold. The nicest guys you could meet. Speaking of actors, Vinnie Lazano and Treva Etienne showed up a bit later. They too are super guys. Not pretentious or rude.

Anyhow, we hung out, got some food and ale, socialized with our brethren and had a great time.

We even won some cool swag at the raffle. We won an awesome tankard with the event logo on it, we won some cool collections from No Quarter Given and some tickets to Knotts Berry Farm. There was also an auction. Nothing really piqued my curiosity until the last item went up for bid. There was this canon on the ground next to me lovely wife Salma Gundy and meself. I told her I thought it would be cool if they auctioned it off. I thought it was a prop for the event. I'll be damned as soon as I said it, they put it up for auction. The canon is sweet and was made by Captain Hammer. Well, it went up for bid and after some finagling I got the canon for a damn good price. It is resting in me classroom as we speak.

We socialized some more, smoked pipes and laughed a lot. We met some new folk, some we have seen on the Pyracy Pub, like McDrago.

All in all, it was a great time. We hung out with our Alliance members and dear friends, Greydog and Cantankerous Jan as well as Cap't Sam Iron Flint, and Scratchy (don't ask) and we touched base with Oderless Eye who was fluttering about like a social butterfly.

We also got to see Scarlett Harlot. She is simply adorable. The thing I like the most about her other than the obvious, is that gorgeous smile. We just didn't get to spend enough time together. Never do.

Salma and I returned home and passed out, for Salma was taking some workshops on Saturday from Mira Betz as well as dancing Saturday evening. But, that is the story for my next entry.

Regards,

Captain Dunn, The Sage Lion

TO NEW ORLEANS AND BACK AGAIN: A PIRATE'S TALE --continued

Let's see, where did we leave off...oh yes, we had just arrived at the Pyrate's Alley Cafe for Talderoy's surprise birthday party.

Well, as I said, it was rainy and the cafe is predominately outside. We grabbed a few chairs and made ourselves comfortable under some overhang from the rooftops. We got a drink...A Hurricane. Now, It is a tasty drink, kind of fruity with a small punch. It didn't affect me too much, but let us just say that Salma Gundy was in the eye of the storm.

We socialized and I had a smoke on me pipe and just enjoyed the atmosphere. Scarlett showed up (it is always a pleasure to see her) and then the birthday boy--Clay Clemmens--Talderoy. What a festive environment. We all sang and gave wishes of good fortune. Talderoy said this was the best birthday ever...well, duh!!!

Once that party was winding up we (Greydog, Cantankerous Jan, Salma Gundy and meself) decided to hit the Tropical Isle bar on Bourbon Street for the official Friday night PyrateCon party/auction/bands/etc.

We got there just in time for the auctions...and Hand Grenades. These are rather sweet adult beverages served in grenade shaped cups. I fared pretty well with it...Salma was just starting to enjoy herself. She threw herself on the grenade to save us all.

The auction started. Many things went up...ClipClocks by Deanna, some different piraty clothing, and the highlight...one of my leather pouches. All the money earned went to charity for the New Orleans area. I donated the pouch earlier that day and was mighty happy to see it go for a good price. I introduced myself to the gentleman who bid and won and he seemed to really like it. I like my pouches to go to good homes.

We bid and won some Pyrate Up shirts and such and then the band the Pirates Charles came on. They are a fun band. They will play anywhere. I heard they played on the plane on the flight over to New Orleans.

We danced and sang along and socialized and had a great time. Piranha cleared the dance floor, Jules danced his jigs. Chuck and Colby were just plain fun to chat with and many other wonderful people were just hanging out. Salma Gundy had another drink. She ordered "something fruity" from the bartender. I think her gave her vodka, rum, tequila, Everclear, and jet fuel with a splash of grenadine. She got fucked up. See photo.

It was pretty late when we decided to head back to the room, but revelers were still en force on the streets and in the bars. We got stopped by house managers and asked to go into their upstairs bars. They told us there would be no cover, and they would comp us drinks and give us beads. We are old though and needed our beauty sleep.

Oh, Salma was being so suggestive on the walk down Bourbon Street. I knew this was going to be a helluva night. The mood was set, she was drunk...done. That is the perfect mood for any romantic interlude. However, as soon as we hit the room, she hit the bed, fast asleep. All I can say is thank goodness for the ice machine near the room.

We slept the sleep of the drunk and worn out. In fact, Salma slept to well intoxicated that she didn't want to give it up the next day and her body decided that she enjoyed herself too much. Her head was staging a coup.

Saturday, I socialized and worked the booth with Blackbead, selling my leatherwork and his incredible necklaces and such while Salma slept. I was arrested for lewd conduct and held without bail and Salma slept. I was abducted by aliens and my anus was probed (and not in a nice way) and (let's say it together) Salma slept. 

I finally broke free and decided that an afternoon nap might be pretty good before the big parade coming up. When I got to the room Salma was just beginning to rouse herself, until she realized that I was planning on a little nap. She found the strength to lay back down for another hour or so.

Now, Blackbead, if I haven't mentioned is a great guy. He and his wife Mel are simply the nicest people and very kind and giving. We met them last year at PyrateCon and had planned to get together last year to hang out but it never came about. Over the course of the year we had e-mailed and Blackbead said that he was willing to put my leather up on his site. That never came to pass, however, we did get some of my work at his booth. If you read about my trip to Texas with me brother, Rotgut, you will have read about Blackbead and Mel.

Blackbead suggested that I work the booth for a spell. I was gung ho for that. I hadn't wante d to get in their way due to the size of the booth, but Mel had a wedding to go to for a bit so this was perfect. Rhumba Rue also had her feather pins at the booth. She and Blackbead and I were in this tight little place and I was working it. I think I sold one set of my dice and a pistol of Blackbead's. Apparently  more of my product sold later. It was great. I made a little money while I was there.

Now, if you happen to the be in the Texas area and go to Renaissance Faires and such there, find Blackbead and tell him that you read about him. You will also find my leatherwork and claywork there. Click on the link here to go to Blackbead's site.

Oh, and Mel, if you are reading this...you are gorgeous and fun.

So, back to the nap. We were all sacked out when the phone rang. It was Cantankerous Jan asking what we were doing. We told them and then we heard a knock at the door. Those bastards were right there. Well, me being nekid and all tuckered out and snuggled in, I wasn't about to get up. We made them go away. Come to think of it, I should have answered the door--nekid. Though, I might have hurt them. Probably better this way. Anyhow, they told us that we were to meet on the street at 5:30 for the Pyrate Parade--The Invasion of the French Quarter. Now we knew, and knewing is half the battle.

We napped for a short time, got up and got our garb on and made our way down the elevator to the lobby and out there doors where there were already hundreds of pirates lining the street and handing out beads.

And that is where I will leave off until the next installment.

Remember, if you were there, send me an e-mail. I would love to hear from you all. If you have any pictures to share, I will post them and throw them in my gallery. There is a lot we did not get pictures of, so please send em.

Until next time,

Captain Dunn, The Sage Lion

Cutthroats of Corona

Okay, we will get back to PyrateCon 2008 in a few. First, however, I want to give you a brief overview of our very first encampment at the Cutthroats of Corona Pirate Festival.

Corona offers a small venue of a festival, but it is a decent layout and they have been upgrading as of late. And while smaller, it offers a more quaint environment for the re enactment of a pirate village.

This was the Alliance of the Double Cross's first encampment and it was great. Now, don't misunderstand, it was hotter'n hell, there were two fires that almost burned us out of camp and there weren't as many guests as we would have liked, but when it comes to putting on a pirate camp, we knocked em dead. More than one patron commented on how good our set up looked.

While our initial goal was to have a gambling den, of sorts, we ended up mainly being a place to just sit in the shade.

We had a great meal of chicken and such which Cantankerous Jan and Naughty Nellie picked up for us (yes, I know, I still owe you 8 bucks).  We got to meet some new friends. A very talented artist and bohemian rocker, Shaun, knocked out a pic of me in no time flat. I will scan it and put it up here.

I met Jacky Tar. Great guy. Super nice. I would like to say however, that he cheats at 9 Man's Morris.

Liberte ordered a custom leather tray from me while we were in New Orleans, so she came buy to pick that up and visit.

We laughed, drank a lot of water, practiced some sword work, drummed and laughed more. One of the highlights was when we plundered the town. I think we got 3 Irish gold pieces and sold a Naval Commander for ransom and we took hostage two others of the Royal Navy, but they seemed to just fit right in with us.

Salma Gundy and I had a great time. The Alliance is a group of great guys and gals who are very fun spend time and pirate with.

As I think of more I will let ya know.

Coming soon...more PyrateCon 2008

TO NEW ORLEANS AND BACK AGAIN: A PIRATE'S TALE

Where to begin, where to begin. Well, why not start at the beginning.

So, last year when I started pirating in my classroom it was merely localized fun. Me lovely wife Salma Gundy and I had considered going to pirate fairs when they came up, but something happened to perpetuated our piratitude in full force. That something...PyrateCon 2007.

I was so meagerly surfing the Internet for piratical events when I chanced to stumble upon a website for PyrateCon.  It looked like a lot of fun. There were a few issues however, it was in New Orleans and it was during April, nowhere near a school break. Aw, what the hell. I hollered to me lovely wife Salma Gundy and asked her if she wanted to go. She brushed me off with a sure, but much to her surprise, I bought the tickets for the convention.

She flipped, jumped online and got us airline tickets. Fast forward--PyrateCon 2008. We had so much fun and met so many truly super people that there was no option; we were going again.

Our journey started on Thursday the 17th, one week ago this very day. We took our flight on Southwest Airlines. Southwest was superb. They were personable and really did their best to make everything nice. They are not pretentious and had a great time with their jobs. We had a layover in Phoenix. While we were there partaking of a midday repast at an overpriced "pub" Salma and meself saw a bloke walking by with a pair o' flintlock pistols and the Jolly Roger on his shirt. He had t'be goin' as well we chatted with eachother. Lo and behold, that bastard was thinking the same thing about us as we passed him during his meal. Well, in coincidences of coincidences, this fine man was actually someone we had met at the pre-PyrateCon party and he was interested in buying some of me leather maps. His name is Craig. He was going primarily to manage the actors, Isaac Singleton, Jr., Vinnie Lozano and Treva Etienne.

Craig held some seats for us and we chatted about all kinds of things on the way to Nawlins. Now, I have to say, our flight attendant, Jake was great. He was very attentive and really seemed to like the idea of PyrateCon. At the end of the flight, Jake gave us a bag of booty (a few of the left over snacks). Jake, if'n yer readin' this, shoot us an e-mail. We will get ye piratin' yet.

We arrived around 6 pm Louisianna time; around 4 our time here in sunny California. We took the airport shuttle to the hotel. The Louis Armstrong International Airport has a fantastic shuttle service. Not expensive and we were all arranged to get picked up as well.

Anyhow, we made it to the hotel, the Holiday Inn Express right down at the end of Bourbon Street. As soon as we walked in there were a handful of pirates in various stages of attire. There was a particularly attractive blonde who was waiting in line who was very social. I am sure we had met before, but who knows. She and her boyfriend/husband we very polite and appeared to have a great time throughout.

As we waited, Blackbead and Captain Jasper, his wife came in. We exchanged big hugs. Blackbead and his wife Mel are the best people. You recall them from the Texas trip. Well, they are just superb people. They were carrying my leatherwork and claywork at their booth for the PyrateCon. Then Greydog and Cantakerous Jan came in. We were going to meet them for dinner, but they had already eaten, so we trucked down to Embers, a nice restaurant on Bourbon Street. We had eaten there last year and really enjoyed it.

After dinner we ran into some other pirates and were told about the pre party going on, but we decided we had better go get some rest.

The big day. Friday rolled on and registration was at 9 am. We got up at 7ish and went down and grabbed some breakfast. The breakfast was really nice...they even had warm cinnamon buns. Anyhow, plenty of pirates roaming about, giving ahoys, good days and the like to one another. Most looking travel weary, but thrilled to be there. We went up to sign in and we ran into Andre, the promoter and a buddy. He sold some of my leatherwork as well through his business, Arrrgh Pirate Treasures, and that bastard owed me money. We also saw his gorgeous wife Vera. She is the epitome of kindness.

We entered the elaborate set up with a harpsichord and a skeleton playing piraty songs in the hallway, other various skeletons and treasure chests strewn about. Black Fox and Pirate's Way magazine was in the back of registration room as well as some guys from Studio City Tattoo. The owner and pirate of said tattoo shop is Clay Clemmens, a.k.a. Talderoy. He is a very big guy. We say him and exchanged hugs. Well, it was more like a ping pong ball being wrapped in a baseball mitt. He, of course, kissed Salma Gundy's hand and I have to say I was a bit jealous.

Once registered we meandered around a bit and checked things out. There were a bunch of pirates all over. There were people there we had seen the previous year, and we were both thrilled to see them again. And there were others that we had seen here and there. It was so heartwarming how great everyone was.

Let me take a moment to say that everyone we met was golden. Truly, this group of people are all just kind and giving and supportive. I know there are others who might find issue here or there, but really they are minor. Pirates are good people...and we dress cool too.

I took me leatherwork to Blackbead and looked around a bit. By this time Salma and I were coming down off of our high of getting there and decided that we should take a nap. We were going to do some seminars, but the folks we wanted to see were not there. Oh well, maybe next time. On the way out of the registration room we met Cascabel. He inquired about my hat (a subject of frequent discussion). Cascabel has done quite a bit in the pirate community as we found him to be considerate, polite and quite affable. We had also taken with us a Flat Stanley for a 2nd grade girl and Cascabel and a ton of good ideas of where to place Flat Stanley. All in all, very nice man, whom we look forward to seeing again.

We grabbed a nap and then hit the road to grab some lunch. We went directly across the street through the Hampton hotel. There were vendors there also, but right through the hotel is a little mall of sorts with a food court. Salma ended up getting some tasty Asian food and I had shrimp on a bun. Damn it was good. Just like a hamburger, but fried shrimp instead. And the batter on the shrimp was excellent. The people were  great and everyone loved seeing us pirates.

One minor thing happened that should have foreshadowed was to come. The floor was stone and my right heel had little traction. I almost ate shit right there. Anyhow, we had lunch with Grace and her boyfriend Dutch. Grace works for Pirate's Way magazine and Dutch was her cabin boy. Kiiiiinky. It was fine until she made him clean her porthole right there at the lunch table.

After lunch we hit the vendors in the Hampton. We chatted with some folks promoting Pirates of the High Seas game and then we ran into Captain Dirtbag from the Jolly Garogers, a band that played last year. It was very nice to see him and he was very generous with his pleasure to see us again. Since he had seen the devastation from Hurricane Katrina, he started a volunteer organization to help out. He was there promoting that. I will get some more info on it and put it up later.

We made our rounds and I talked a bit with a gentleman from Renboots.com. This was another big guy, and another friendly guy. Sometimes when people find out that you have the same trade (i.e. leatherwork) they get territorial and prickly; this guy was neither. He was very supportive of my crafting and I was very impressed with his work. They do great leatherwork. Their boots look solid, as do their other goods, BUT THEIR POUCHES SUCK!!! SUCK SUCK SUCK. YOU MUST BUY YOUR POUCHES FROM ME BECAUSE MINE DO NOT SUCK, BUT THEIRS SUCK. Alright, now that is out of my system. They were great.

Back over to the Holiday Inn, we kicked around a little and chatted with other pirates. We saw Scarlett Harlot dressed in a great seamaid sort of outfit. She and Salma and I laughed and took some pics. Scarlett has been one of the nicest people we have met and she is damn sexy as well.  After Scarlett we went up to get ready and freshen up. Tonight was the Pirate Feast at the French Market Restaurant and then the parties. We were invited to go to a surprise birthday party at the Pirate's Alley Cafe for Talderoy.

Dinner first though. We met up with Cantankerous Jan and Greydog annnnd, two new friends, and our Colorado chapter of the Alliance of the Double Cross, Sir Richard Noggin and his wife Treece. Greydog and Cantankerous have known them for quite awhile. Anyhow, the promoters asked that we pirates stagger for the feast since we had approximately 1000 pirates or more there and the restaurant only holds so many. Being pirates, we grabbed a cab and grabbed a table on the balcony at the far end. On the way onto the balcony, I slipped and my full weight went down on my right ankle and knee. For a moment, I thought a had sprained my ankle. With time and some stretching it was alright. It hurt all weekend and I had to continue to stretch, but I made it.

When I fell, about 6 pirates jumped up to help me out. See, pirates are good people. I think they just didn't want me to spill me rum.

We sat and had the most confusing drink orders in the history of New Orleans. We went in and got some red beans and rice and sliced French loaf. There was a very tasty salad as well. Salma Gundy does not eat red meat so the dinner was not too accommodating. Everything pretty much had sausage in it. I went in to help Salma out and I noticed that at the end of the buffet table were many badass looking tins with a skull and crossbones on them. Well, these must be cookies or something tasty and no one is touching them. I should leave them for whatever was to come, I thought to myself. And so following pirate logic...I took one. That is right, straight up pirating pirates. Yarrrrgh.

It was rum cake. Tasty rum cake.

Well, we all finished up dinner and decided to walk it off until Talderoy's party rolled around. We went into a few shops and a toy shop in particular. Apparently, Sir Richard collect not only action figures, like I do, but small plastic soldiers as well. He was in heaven, there were a bunch of new ones being put out.

After the toy shop, we hit Cafe Du Monde. Now Cafe Du Monde is famous for their beignets (ben yays). These are little pillows of dough simply covered with powdered sugar. When I say covered, I mean heaped. So, we had some beignets and chicory coffee. As we sat their laughing and sharing stories, many people came up and asked us what we were doing. One girl was having a birthday and we took some pictures with her and her friends. Then on the way out another little guy or two wanted pics with the pirates (really me) and then a Mexican family stopped me and asked as well. There were about 5 or 6 kids and they just handed a baby to me. I thought this an odd gesture, but I didn't want to offend them to I took the child. As we left, I heard a lot of shouts of joy for the pirates. Things like "Loco Gringo!!!", "Ven Aqui" "Mi Nina" and other somesuch. They must have really enjoyed me, because they were running after us to join the pirates. In a gesture of friendship, I gave them the baby they gave me. I figured I would honor their culture. They seemed a little put off, but took the gift with no questions. Strange culture.

We then went to Pirate's Alley. This is a large pedestrian only area where during the day artists and fortune tellers and performance artists hang out and shill their wares. This night it was mainly devoid of folks and it began to rain. How fantastic--dressed as pirates, French Quarter, stone walks, iron gates and rain. It could not get any better. There was a lone palm reader finishing up and the rain came harder. We found a little archway to stave off the rain and from the light behind us an awesome shadow appeared on the wall across from us.

We laughed more and Greydog and I had a disagreement so we started sword fighting. Well, he won. I blame my heel again and the last beignet I ate.

We made it to the Pirate's Alley Cafe for Talderoy's surprise party, but I will pick up on that in a day or so. Check out the pictures in the gallery.

Next Up:  Salma Gundy gets Slaughtered

BACK IN THE ROOM

What a great evening. I imbibed two grenades. I don't quite know what is in them, but the cups are phallic looking and they are pretty tasty. I am just dropping a line letting everyone know that I will be telling you more about the fantastic evening we had and share some pics with ya. If you are from PyrateCon please drop me an e-mail. Once again, everyone was golden. No problems that we saw and everyone was, once again, the best you will ever gather with.

Until tomorrow,

Captain Dunn

PYRATECON...Helluva a good time

We are in full swing here in New Orleans for PyrateCon 2008.

So, last night we had the Pyrate Feast at the French Quarter Market Restaurant and ate on the balcony with about five gazillion other pirates. I slipped and fell on my leg messin' up my knee and ankle, but I kept going. Dinner was tasty, then Salma Gundy, meself and a few others of the Alliance of the DoubleCross GreyDog and Cantankerous Jan and a couple others who live in Colorado, Sir Richard Noggin (Dainty Dick) and his wife, Treece, kicked around the French Quarter, going to a toy shop and then on to Taldaroy's surprise birthday party at the Pyrate's Alley Pub.

The rain came and we strolled and partied through the rainy alleys of New Orleans French Quarter, particularly Pirate Alley. Taldaroy's birthday started to wind down so we moved on to the Tropical Isle on Bourbon Street for the PyrateCon bash and auction.

We drank a grenade or two, served in very phallic cups and laughed and danced and partied and bid on auctions and just caroused until the weeeeee hours o the mornin'. Salma Gundy was 3 sheets to the wind and then some when we headed back to our cabins. On our way home we were met by many on Bourbon Street who wanted pictures or just to shake hands. Bar managers were inviting us to join their crowds and offered us free drinks and beads to throw. Everyone was in good spirit.

                               

We managed to make it back walking most of the jaunt with most of the cast of Pirate Master and with Isaac Singleton, Jr. the very imposing bosun from the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie, (and our friend. By the way, he is a genuinely good man. Very gracious and kind.). We got in, degarbed and passed out.

Salma Gundy has been napping all day and I have been helping out Blackbead sell his wares in the vendor room. I think I sold a couple pouches, some dice and such. I passed out a bunch of cards.

Now, I am wrapping this up to take a nap and prepare for tonight...the Pyrate invasion of the French Quarter. This is the Pirate parade that last year was one of the most memorable experiences of our lives. Oh, yeah, more pirating also. And we may enter the pirate and wench of the year contest. Who knows?

PYRATECON day one...so far

Ahoy and Avast,

Day on is about half way through. We have run in to old some old friends that we met last year. Blackbead and his gorgeous wife, Captain Jasper, Silke and John Swallow, Scarlet Harlot, Clay Taldaroy (owner of Studio City Tattoo) and a bunch of other folks.

One in particular is a truly good hearted gentleman, Robeys Pierre. He bought one of me pouches last year and is now all pirated out and here to celebrate with us.

We brought along Flat Stanley to snap some pics for a friends daughter and he has been a hit. Cascabel (whom we met and found truly charming) thoroughly enjoyed his company. Don't tell Cascabel that Flat Stanley is a piece of paper, it will ruin his illusion.

Anyhow, we are going to head out to the Grande Pyrate Feast in a few minutes and plan on kicking around the French Quarter tonight and causing a raucous.

Keep a weather eye out for updates and more pics.

PYRATECON 2008!!!!

Here we are in Phoenix, Arizona making out way to The Big Easy...NEW ORLEANS for Pyratecon 2008.

This is the 2nd Pyrate Con and last year was a blast so this year should be off the hook!! Get it, off the hook? Like the Captain? Hook? Anyway, we are geared up and rarin' to go.

Keep yer eyes on me website for updates on PyrateCon. You can also go check out PYRATECON.COM to see what we will be up to.

Pyrate Sword Work--The Cuts

Alright me hearties,

Now, this post be primarily for me Pyrate group The Alliance of the Double Cross. However, if'n ye be interested in sword work o'pyrates or any other sword carryin' peoples, this is a very basic tutorial.

I am a scholar with the Bankside Schoole of Defense. My provost is Steve Leon. He and the advanced scholars are very skilled and make me look like a child waving a tree branch around.

If you are interested in learning 16th century rapier sword techniques, long sword, pole arms and the like, get hold of Steve at the Bankside website. 

Now a little about the Alliance.  Almost a year ago me lovely wife Salma Gundy and meself went to PyrateCon in New Orleans. What a great time we had. While we were there we met many great people. Once set of great peoples we met was Greydog and Cantankerous Jan. They were nice, but we didn't spend too much time with any particular folks. Anyhow, the following weekend in Corona, CA was the Cutthroats of Corona pirate fair. Salma and I were kicking around when lo and behold, thar be Greydog and Cantankerous Jan. Well, what a pleasant surprise. Along with them were Dirty Davy Kidd and Naughty Nellie.

We exchanged numbers and decided we would keep in touch. As the months went on, we did get together and got to know one another and we also met some other great people who were affiliated with Greydog and Cantankerous Jan. Well, at one fateful dinner, we decided to commit to eachother. Now we realized that no ship could run with 3 captain (Meself, The Sage Lion of the Pride, Greydog of the Orange Mermaid and Sam Flint of, you know, I don't know his ship's name) so instead we decided to form an alliance.

Historically, that ain't unheard of. Many pirates formed loose alliances with others.  And I have to tell ye, we have been having a wonderful time ever since.  The Alliance has come together very well, we have a Master Gunner John Billinger, A Master Armorer, Deep Six Dave, A Sword Master--Meself, and a Master at Arms--Sam Flint, plus we have many talented folks who are super knowledgeable about the era.

We can do events if anyone is interested. We can bring our canons, swivel guns, swords, flintlocks, muskets, and/or games to an event if'n someone needs it. To arrange any events ye may need pirates for ye need t'get hold of Greydog. He has a head for that.

We have events scheduled up this year and we have been training. We got together a couple weeks ago and I taught the group some basic sword work and we learned to fire the flintlocks and swivel guns (brass monkeys). We had a blast. Get it...blast? Nevermind.

Anyhow, long story short (too late), this video is to assist me Alliance with the correct cuts.

By-the-way, I also have the wooden sword for the Alliance or anyone else interested. Just send me an e-mail and I will put them aside for ye. The ones I have are natural wood color. No more black ones available.

Now, tell me what ye think. Also, do go over to me brother's website and check out his videos of him tattooing. These are awesome videos. As well, if you tell him I sent ya, he will give you a discount on your custom tattoo.

Download alliance_cuts_0001.wmv