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I'm going to keep this short and to the point. Suffice it to say, we remain pumped up about upcoming releases and are working hard to get them into your hands. As for the rest, I thought I'd let the fan comments from the Christmas Surprise Packages do most of the talking for us this week. ;)
You demanded it, so here they are in sizes Small to 5XL. Enjoy. See the full description elsewhere.
Epic. 'Nuff said . . . for now. ;)
Moving forward. Art looks fantastic. These two books are going to be awesome.
Approvals have been coming in, and work progresses on Genesis Pits™ the two UEEF Marine sourcebooks. We're making some moves on other fronts involving the Robotech® property as well.
You can get the PDF version with color images for FREE from DriveThruRPG.com, while the print version will become available next week sometime.
DriveThruRPG.com is also your place to get PDFs of older products and sneak previews of upcoming books. Many back issues of The Rifter® are available on DriveThruRPG.com (issues #1-52), as are more than 90 out of print titles such as Rifts®, BTS™ and Palladium Fantasy® first edition rule books and sourcebooks. A sneak preview of Rifts® Vampires Sourcebook should also be coming soon. We have not forgotten about the PDF only editions of The Rifter® #0.1 and The Rifter® #0.2 – both are big, juicy digital editions of new, fan created material for the Palladium Megaverse® of games.
DriveThruRPG.com also offers the Rifts® and Palladium Fantasy® Game Master Kits (both written by Carl Gleba and complete with maps, combat matrix, character sheets, spell list, and 20 pre-rolled characters created by Julius Rosenstein; $5 each). Of course, there are FREE Sneak Previews of Rifts® Black Market, Endless Dead™, Rifts® Lemuria, Rifts® Vampire Kingdoms™, and Thundercloud Galaxy™, as well as 90+ out of print titles, including back issues of The Rifter®, and first edition rule books for Rifts®, Palladium Fantasy RPG®, Heroes Unlimited™, The Mechanoid Invasion® Trilogy, and lots of other good things. ALL available as PDF downloads at reasonable prices. And there is MORE to come.
Take advantage of the Palladium Christmas Surprise Package as well as regular purchases. Keep the orders coming and those imaginations burning bright.
Wayne is selecting material right now. Amy Ashbaugh is doing the cover.
As you can see by the many comments, people are loving the Surprise Package offer.
The Palladium Christmas Surprise Package gets you $85-$95 worth of Palladium product, autographs and fun for (in most cases in the USA and Canada) $45. These days, that's the price of a core rule book or two supplements. How can you pass up such a deal?
It's also a way for you to get original artwork, prints, out of print copies of The Rifter®, miniatures, T-shirts and other goodies. And it's designed so you don't know what you are getting, so you or the person you are ordering it for will be surprised.
It involves you sending Santa Kevin a "Wish List" of 10-12 different in-stock products and a flat payment (+ shipping and handling). I then hand-pick items from that Wish List and I may include product you didn't ask for (hence the nickname, "X-Mas Grab Bag"), but all things I think you'll enjoy, and we ship it all off to you. Gamers have been loving this special offer for 14 or 15 years now. Order one or several for yourself and for your gaming buddies. For the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, or just to get cool stuff and signatures. Get all the information from the description in the online store.
Click here for complete details and to place your order.
We continue to add action figures, publications and Palladium collectibles to my online store. Take a look, there may be some items that are perfect as holiday gifts. Note: There are no more than five Rifts® Lemuria Emerald Editions earmarked for the store and other items such as the Rifts® Machinations of Doom Gold Hardcover, Rifts® RPG Silver hardcovers, BTS Gold, Rifts® Ultimate Gold, Erick Wujcik's Amberzine #11, etc. are also in short supply. In most cases, I have only a dozen or fewer to offer. That's why we continue to dole them out one at a time. Once they are sold out, of course, they are GONE! Other collectibles include first printings of books, signed books, "proofreader" copies of books (a couple more coming your way soon), original artwork, and other collectible odds and ends.
There are also a large number of collectible toys and action figures in my online store. All are from my personal collection. More toys and collectibles are added on a weekly basis.
Working away on all fronts. Keep those imaginations burning bright and game on!
– Kevin Siembieda, Publisher, Writer and Surrogate Santa
Every year there is a section where the customer can offer comments and suggestions with his or her Surprise Package order. Every year, in acknowledgment of our fans, and because they are fun to read, we offer a sampling in the Weekly Updates. Our heartfelt thanks to all of you who have made 2012 a very good year for Palladium. Keep those imaginations burning bright, have a joyous holiday season and game on.
I've been feeling a little out of sorts, lately, and when I read the multitude of these positive and kind comments, they re-energize me. I hope they do the same for you when you read them.
D.M. in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, writes: Thank you so much. This is always the best way to start my holiday shopping.
J.F. in Melbourne, Australia, writes: Thanks guys, you are doing an amazing job. I have been following you for many, many years now, and I'm sure it will be for many more years to come.
M.M. in Windsor, Canada, writes: I want to get my player group to explore the amazing world of Rifts®. And I want to start it off with an epic bang. I think the Minion War would be the perfect setting to get them all hooked. I really appreciate that a company that had fallen on such hard times is still finding ways to give back to their fans. Keep up the great job and here's looking forward to a great 2013!
Z.M. in Tulsa, Oklahoma, writes: Thank you so much for the wonderful products over the years!
D.C. in Valrico, Florida, writes: Keep up the amazing work. Love you guys. You have the best game system on the market today, and we love to play it.
D.M. in Sherman Oaks, California, writes: Keep up the good work! I look forward to the Christmas Surprise Package every year.
B.L. in Peabody, Massachusetts, writes: I'm ordering TWO Grab Bags with this order. These will be my 3rd and 4th Grab Bags of the Season. My first two were AMAZING, I almost felt guilty with the deal I got! You guys are a great company. Keep up the fantastic work!
J.N. in Greeley, Colorado, writes: Just got back into Palladium after losing track since 1998. Thanks Palladium, and welcome back, you were sorely missed. Great idea, with this Grab Bag! Can't wait to see what Santa Kev sends!
T.P. in Saline, Michigan, writes: I am liking Palladium Fantasy®, so I had to order another Grab Bag so I could get more books for it. And have always loved Heroes Unlimited™, which is my favorite game line.
J.K. in North Bay, Canada, writes: Merry X-Mas, Palladium! I have been a long time fan of your work since I was 13. At one time I owned every single Rifts® book up to World Book 22 (and even doubles of some books). Now, I've decided to step back into the Megaverse with the same excitement and enthusiasm I had when I first started playing so long ago. This X-Mas Grab Bag will hopefully help regain a foothold into one of the greatest games I have had the pleasure of playing. My thanks to all the staff and fellow players of Rifts® for their continued hunger to expand their imaginations. Game on!
C.L. in White Sulphur Springs, Montana, writes: I enjoyed the first Surprise Package I ordered this, and found myself with a little extra to spend, so I thought I'd support my favorite publisher out there and nab some cook books in the process. Keep on kicking @$$ and taking names!
D.B. in Placerville, California, writes: Keep up the good work!
C.H. in Aberdeen, South Dakota, writes: My husband still acts like a kid at Christmas every time he gets one of these packages! We both enjoy Rifts® and Palladium Fantasy®. He has talked about looking into Nightbane®. We love all the signed copies. Happy Holidays. And our latest edition, born in July, will probably be a gamer eventually. :)
From Kevin Siembieda & staff to all of you. As always, thanks for the positive vibes, support and kind words. - Kevin Siembieda
We've been asked over and over again to re-issue the popular Rifts® Logo T-shirt in sizes other than XL. We heard your requests, and here you go. Order yours today.
● The full Rifts® logo as created by artist Kevin Long, printed in white on a black T-shirt.
● Sizes Small to 5XL.
● 100% cotton – our usual quality T-shirt.
● Prices vary according to size:
Small: $18.95
Medium: $18.95
Large: $18.95
X-Large: $18.95
● Cat. No. TS804
● And don't forget other fun T-Shirt designs like . . .
The Rifter® Number 60 is another standout issue.
You might think of The Rifter® #50 as a special "all-star" anniversary issue with official source material for Rifts®, Heroes Unlimited™, Nightbane® and many other Palladium RPG settings.
I'm working on this bad boy right now! Unknown to most humans, deep within Mexico the vampires have established entire kingdoms. There they live like tyrants and gods, dominating an underclass of cattle people used as slaves and food stock. Learn more about the vampires, their rivals, allies and the humans who willingly serve their supernatural masters for a chance to join the undead. A must-have guide for those who wish to travel deeper into the Vampire Kingdoms or play as vampires and their human minions. In final production right now with art and text coming in and final editing and writing restarting next week.
This is an epic sourcebook that takes an in-depth look at the Invid Genesis Pits, their purpose, function and the mutants and monsters they unleash. It is packed with good stuff that will put a grin on the faces of Robotech fans.
Everything you want to know about the Black Market of Rifts® North America presented inside a pair of gorgeous black leatherette covers. Gold foil embossing on front cover and spine. Historically, gold collector editions only increase in value on the collector's market, and often quickly. This is the lowest number of a Collector's Gold Edition that Palladium has ever printed.
See what everyone is talking about and order yours today. Rifts® Black Market™ is an epic, 192 page sourcebook that contains a wealth of information about the inner workings of the Black Market, the Five Factions, new Bandito Arms/Black Market weapons and gear, how to make any O.C.C. a Black Marketeer, special abilities of the Black Marketeer, criminal enterprises, Black Market loans, merc and crime jobs, and much more. This book has it all. AND best of all, a lot of it can be easily adapted to just about any world setting, not just Rifts Earth.
Northern Gun™ is the largest independent manufacturer of high-tech weapons, robots and vehicles in North America. Outside of the Coalition States, one could argue, no other kingdom is as powerful or influential, at least when it comes to technology and weapons. The manufacture and sale of Northern Gun weapons and vehicles has given virtually every kingdom, town, colony of settlers and adventurer group a chance to survive and prosper. Located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, NG has been the premier outfitter of mercenaries, adventurers and upstart kingdoms for generations. Now, for the first time ever, learn Northern Gun's history, goals and plans for the future. Of course, that means new weapons, robots, power armor, vehicles and gear.
More information about the weapons, vehicles and practices of Northern Gun, including the new rage of robot gladiatorial combat.
The Minion War spills across Rifts Earth, where demons and infernals hope to recruit allies and use the Rifts as gateways of destruction. Their influence shakes things up across the planet, especially at locations where demons and Deevils already have a strong presence. Demons, Deevils and supernatural beings run rampant and wreak havoc across the world.
This is a great resource for getting out of print Palladium titles and other select books. We've made 90 titles available as PDF digital downloads from DriveThruRPG.com. This is a great way to try Palladium products and get access to out of print RPG source material. Some notable titles include.
Everyone I've ever talked to who has tried this game loves it, especially if they had a thing for post-apocalyptic games and zombies to begin with. Fans of zombies, horror and apocalyptic settings really should give this RPG a try. – Kevin Siembieda
Think you know zombies? Think again.
Can you survive in a world where the dead have risen and feed upon the living? Battle zombies, mad men and death cultists in a post-apocalyptic where world the last of humanity struggles to survive.
Dead Reign™ RPG is the aftermath of the zombie apocalypse. Civilization is gone, the dead reign, and the living fight to survive against impossible odds. Tales of zombies, human survival and horror as a fast-paced, easy to learn game and sourcebooks.
It has been months since the dead rose to attack the living. Civilization has crumbled. There is no army, no government, no help coming. You are on your own and things are only getting worse.
Secrets of survival, including using railroad tracks and the urban underground to travel unseen and undetected by zombies.
The zombie hordes grow in number and strangeness. Can humankind survive? Where is the military?
The following are in development:
Everyone at Palladium has a Rifts® Dice Bag, shouldn't you? It is a good size, sturdy, drawstring bag made of imitation black velvet emblazoned with the famous Rifts® logo in gold.
Russian mythology and magic come to life in this fan favorite Rifts® World Book. The book includes all kinds of demons, monsters, new magic character classes (O.C.C.s), and nine different types of gypsies – some of whom are adventurers, others mystics and mages, some psychics and one is even a beguiling shape-shifter. Plus more background about Russia and the Sovietski.
Magic vs Technology. The infamous Coalition/Siege on Tolkeen story arc starts with this 160 page sourcebook. Not only does it lay the groundwork for the Coalition's all-out siege on the kingdom of magic, but it includes a vast number of Techno-Wizard weapons and vehicles, powerful magic artifacts, demons, monsters, magic and a historic Crisis Time-Line from 12 P.A. to 106 P.A.
The Siege on Tolkeen goes into full swing as the Coalition Army makes the first devastating attacks on Tolkeen. Coalition Generals, Special Forces squads, and strategies are presented with a wealth of adventure ideas.
We didn't want you to forget about this excellent sourcebook in the series. The Coalition's siege on Tolkeen has had a devastating impact on people across North America. None have been more affected than the Cyber-Knights. This sourcebook reveals not only the history and secrets of the Cyber-Knights, but the schism the war has created among the fabled warriors.
Earth is home to thousands of alien species from beyond the Rifts. One of the strangest and most dangerous is the Xiticix. A danger nobody seemed to realize until the sprawling Hivelands began to encroach on the territories of other people. Armed with new breeds of aggressive warriors, new weapons and legions of insectoids willing to fight to the death, people are beginning to wonder if they are the next threat to humanity.
The war between the people of the New German Republic and the Gargoyle Empire rages on, but only the heroes of the NGR seem to be getting the upper hand. See where things stand in the year 109 P.A. and get a closer look at the NGR Army, government, society and people. This World Book also presents the latest weapons, combat vehicles, power armor and robots of the NGR as well as commercial vehicles, robot helpers, and more.
Archie 3 and Hagan Lonovich are two of the most beloved villains (anti-heroes?) in the Rifts Earth setting. This sourcebook highlights their strange relationship, plots and blunders. One of which is inadvertently unleashing The Mechanoids® into the world!
The Mechanoids have one driving goal: To destroy all humanoid life! This book has it all. Source material, the Mechanoids, new equipment, monsters, adventure and cryptic prophecies.
● New! Rifts® Pencil – Cat. No. 2561 – 50 cents per each pencil. People love this item and often buy them in sets of 10. Enjoy.
● New! Palladium Fantasy RPG® Coffee Mug – red on a black, 15.5 ounce mug – Cat. No. 2560 – $10.00.
● New! Dead Reign™: "Survive or Die Trying" T-Shirt – Cat. No. 2556 – price varies with size: Medium: $18.95, Large: $18.95, XL: $18.95, 2XL: $20.95, 3XL: $22.95, 4XL: $24.95, 5XL: $26.95
● New! Rifts® Wilk's Laser Technologies™ Logo T-Shirt – Cat. No. 2557 – price varies with size: Medium: $18.95, Large: $18.95, XL: $18.95, 2XL: $20.95, 3XL: $22.95, 4XL: $24.95, 5XL: $26.95
● New! Imagination Unleashed T-Shirt – black image on a red T-shirt – No. 2558 – price varies with size: Medium: $18.95, Large: $18.95, XL: $18.95, 2XL: $20.95, 3XL: $22.95, 4XL: $24.95, 5XL: $26.95
● New! Rifts® Northern Gun™ Logo T-Shirt – Cat. No. 2559 – price varies with size: Medium: $18.95, Large: $18.95, XL: $18.95, 2XL: $20.95, 3XL: $22.95, 4XL: $24.95, 5XL: $26.95
● Property of the Coalition™ T-Shirt – Cat. No. 2528 – price varies with size: Medium: $18.95, Large: $18.95, XL: $18.95, 2XL: $20.95, 3XL: $22.95, 4XL: $24.95, 5XL: $26.95
The following new Rifts® miniatures have never before been released by Palladium Books.
● MI8021 – Rifts® Shadow Beast – $12.00
● MI8022 – Rifts® Mystic Knight – $6.00
● MI8023 – Rifts® Lord Magus – $6.00
● MI8024 – Rifts® High Magus – $6.00
● MI8025 – Rifts® Coalition Psi-Stalker (new-style Dead Boy armor) – $6.00
● MI8026 – Rifts® Coalition Dog Boy in DPM-D1 Armor – $6.00
● MI8027 – Rifts® Coalition Dog Boy #2 (with energy rifle) – $6.00
● MI8028 – Rifts® Coalition Dog Boy #3 (with rifle and Vibro-Knife) – $6.00
● MI8029 – Rifts® Coalition Dog Boy #4 (German Shepherd with rifle and Vibro-Claws) – $6.00
● MI8030 – Rifts® Coalition Dog Boy #5 (Bulldog with energy rifle and Vibro-Claws) – $6.00
The following favorite Rifts® miniatures are back in stock. Some, like the Glitter Boy, have sold on the collector's market for as much as $50-$120. They are being re-released for the first time in a decade.
● MI8031 – Rifts® Glitter Boy Power Armor – $20.00; this is a large, heavy figure.
● MI8032 – Rifts® Glitter Boy Pilot – $6.00
● MI8033 – Rifts® Kydian Overlord (Atlantis) – $20.00; this is a large, heavy figure.
● MI8034 – Rifts® Dragonsaurus (Atlantis) – $10.00
● MI8035 – Rifts® Slaver and Slave (Atlantis); 2 figs, no plastic bases – $10.00
● MI8036 – Rifts® Crazy – $6.00
● MI8037 – Rifts® Juicer #1 (with laser pistol) – $6.00
● MI8038 – Rifts® Juicer #2 (with Vibro-Sword) – $6.00
● MI8039 – Rifts® Cyborg #1 (with Rail Gun) – $12.00
● MI8040 – Rifts® Cyborg #2 (with gun hands) – $12.00
● MI8041 – Rifts® Cyborg #3 – $6.00
● MI8042 – Rifts® Coalition Officer (old armor) – $6.00
● MI8043 – Rifts® Coalition Grunt #1 (old armor) – $6.00
● MI8044 – Rifts® Coalition Grunt #2 (old armor) – $6.00
● MI8045 – Rifts® Coalition Grunt #3 (old armor) – $6.00
Speaking of which, have I mentioned that I will be one of the guests at Anime North in Toronto next year? Well, I will. The event takes place Memorial Day weekend, May 24-26, 2013. This will be my first time back at a convention in Canada in something like 15 years. Too long. www.animenorth.com
Oh yeah, we can hardly wait for Gen Con next year. We may even need to expand the size of our booth.
Note: No Palladium Open House in 2013 and right now, there are no plans for one in 2014.
© Copyright 2012 Palladium Books Inc. All rights reserved.
Rifts®, The Rifter®, RECON®, Splicers®, Palladium Books®, The Palladium Fantasy Role-Playing Game®, Phase World®, Nightbane®, Megaverse®, The Mechanoids®, The Mechanoid Invasion®, Coalition Wars® and After the Bomb® are Registered Trademarks of Palladium Books Inc. Beyond the Supernatural™, Chaos Earth, Coalition States, Dead Reign, Heroes Unlimited, Ninjas & Superspies, Minion War, Mysteries of Magic, SAMAS, Thundercloud Galaxy, Three Galaxies, Vampire Kingdoms, Warpath, and other published book titles, names, slogans and likenesses are trademarks of Palladium Books Inc., and Kevin Siembieda.
Robotech® and Robotech® The Shadow Chronicles® are Registered Trademarks of Harmony Gold USA, Inc.
This press release may be reprinted, reposted, linked and shared for the sole purpose of advertising, promotion and sales solicitation.


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Taco Revolution Food Truck
There's a Party Happening in Parksville and Taco Revolution will be there! Details here!
The first and only 100% Gluten-Free Food Truck joins you in celebrating Canada Day! Tacos once found only under the hot Mexican sun can be enjoyed along one of the most gorgeous shores of Vancouver Island. Every taco is handmade from scratch … from ingredients sourced to be gluten free! Their tacos are so good you will want them every day, and that's okay! Keep tabs on Taco Revolution's locations
Every taco served has been pulled from Mexico City's street culture, spiced with authentic Mexican peppers – Guajillo, Ancho, Achiote, Chipotle – to be shared with us. It is time to taste a taco as it was meant to be – gluten free – and from a Food Truck! A true north Taco Revolution!
Taco Revolution Website • Instagram • Facebook • Twitter
Tacos al Pastor – The King of the Mexico City street taco: Pork loin cut thin and slowly marinated with Guajillo and Ancho peppers, Achiote paste and a slew of herbs and spices; cooked on a vertical spit and served with roasted pineapple, onion and fresh cilantro and salsa.
Chorizo con Papas – Taco Revolution's very own Chorizo fried up crispy and delicious with potato and onion. Finished with cilantro and salsa.
Tinga Vegetariana – The cabbage, carrot, onion trio allowed to simmer along with tomato, chipotle and garlic. Topped with lettuce, feta cheese, and crema
Tasty Tasty Fish Taco – Fresh cod lovingly marinated in lime and spices then seared up on grill. Placed on a tortilla along with fresh cabbage, crema, and chipotle.
Check the Events Schedule for Today's Location


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Gwyneth Paltrow's kids call grandmother Blythe Danner "Lalo," and Goldie Hawn has her grandkids call her "Glam-Ma." For some women, "Grandma" connotes an image of an out-of-touch granny with white hair and pearls—in other words, old. But according to the U.S. Census, grandparents are actually getting younger, officially earning the title with the birth of their first grandchild on average at the age of 47. So, according to the New York Times, many baby boomer grandparents are figuring out their own unique monikers.
Plus: Becoming a Mom, Becoming a Grandma
Some grandparents name themselves, or end up with a cute name their grandkids come up with (although my kids call her Grandma, my mom's other grandkids call her Gee-Ma). Grandparents.com even has a huge list of traditional, trendy, playful and international names to choose from.
Plus: When Baby Doesn't Like Grandma
What do your kids call their grandparents? Have your mother or mother-in-law ever balked at the idea of being called Grandma?


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February 23, 20131
Branford, CT
Edward Van Name, 64, passed away on February 23, 2013. Born in Long Island, NY, he was the son of the late Karla Van Name.
He was predeceased by his brother, Gregory Van Name. He leaves behind his children: Christy (Michael) Beasley of Sarasota, FL, Stephanie Spells of Sarasota, FL, Erik Van Name of Sarasota, FL, Ryan Van Name of New York, NY and Grayson Van Name of Hurst, TX. He also leaves behind his companion, Halina Cul of Branford, CT; and great-grandchildren whom he adored: Tyler, Brandon, Jake and Alexandra Beasley of Sarasota, FL and Raven and Colton Spells of Sarasota, FL.
He was an extraordinary man who will be missed by all, especially his children.
Funeral services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Modena Fire Department, P.O. Box 78, Modena, NY 12548.
The North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, North Haven, CT has been entrusted with the arrangements. www.northhavenfuneral.com


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We made two new Pinball Map T-Shirts!
Check out our podcast! Mappin' Around with Scott & Ryan
Support Pinball Map via Patreon
Welcome to the Toronto Pinball Map!
To begin: Search! Or click here for a random location!
This map is best maintained with the help of YOU. Please "add" and "remove" machines to/from locations to keep things up to date. And if you know of a location with machines that isn't on the map, submit a new location.
Want to help spread the word about the Toronto Pinball Map? Print out this flier!
We are tracking 65 locations and 164 machines.
Message of the Day: Do you want to help out as an admin for this Toronto Pinball Map? We could use your help. Let us know!
The Toronto Pinball Map is maintained with the help of the Toronto Pinball League


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The Marathas are a proud and hardy race who are a sub-set of the wider Hindu Community. They are first mentioned in Indian history as the stout fighters in the army of the Chalukya King Pulikeshin who resisted the Southward march of Emperor Harsha in the 7th century C.E
The Marathas before Shivaji were Mercenaries and revenue Collectors for the Muslim Rulers
In keeping with the feudal tradition, the Maratha Sardars (Generals), before Shivaji kept shifting their loyalties from one Muslim ruler to another. And there were many Muslim rulers like the Adilshahis at Bijapur, the Nizamshahis at Ahmednagar (Berar), the Qutubshahis at Golkonda (Hyderabad), etc.
Shahji Bhosale, who was Shivaji's father typified this practice of shifting loyalties from one Muslim overlord to another. He was from time-to-time in the service of the Mughals, the Adilshahis and the Nizamshahis. The thought of establishing an independent Maratha-Hindu kingdom, does seem to have crossed his mind, but he never really got about to doing it successfully. The germ of this idea however seems to have got rubbed into Shivaji - his son by Jijabai.
Shivaji Maharaj - the Visionary Saint-Soldier
Shivaji was born in the year 1627 at the Fort of Shivneri in Maharashtra in Western India. Shivaji's mother, Jijabai was a direct descendant of the erstwhile Yadav royal family of Devagiri. She seems to have nursed deep within her mind the idea of recovering independence from Muslim rule which her Yadav forebears had lost in the year 1318. Shivaji grew up with these ideas embedded into him. His childhood stories are those of playing games in which he and his friends attacked and captured forts held by the enemy.
The Oath of Independence - at Raireshwar
When Shivaji was seventeen, he decided to transform what were till then simply games to a reality. He and his friends encouraged by Jijabai and his Guru Dadoji Kondeo; decided to take a formal oath to free the country from the shackles of Muslim tyranny. This was done in the year 1645 in a dark cavern housing a small temple to the Hindu God Shiva (locally called Raireshwar).
Here Shivaji and his select band of teenaged Maratha friends slit their thumbs and poured the blood oozing from it on the Shiva-linga (Phallus representing the Lord Shiva). By this act they declared a blood-feud against Mughal tyranny. This was the beginning of a long and arduous Maratha-Mughal struggle that went on for the next century and a half to culminate in the defeat of the Mughals and their replacement by the Marathas as the dominant power in India
Shivaji's encounter with Afzal Khan
When Shivaji started his military career by capturing the fortress of Torana, it sent shockwaves in the Adilshshi court at Bijapur. Here was a local Hindu chieftain, daring to challenge the might of a Muslim ruler. The retribution was swift and Adil Shah sent in his most fearsome general named Afzal Khan to bring back Shivaji dead or alive to Bijapur. Afzal Khan who was reputed to be more than six feet tall and of a real massive built, set on his mission and in order to lure Shivaji down into the plains, he destroyed the Hindu temples at Tuljapur, Pandharpur and Shikhar Shenganapur.
Afzal Goes Up to Pratapgad
This ploy failed to work and Shivaji stuck to his Hill fastness in the Sahyadris. Shivaji even sent a letter to Afzal Khan praising the legendary strength of Afzal Khan's powerful arms and his reputed fearlessness. Shivaji addressed him as his uncle and said that he was afraid to come down to meet Afzal Khan. Shivaji asked him to come up into the hills to meet him and on condition that Afzal Khan came with not more than few select soldiers. The proud Khan felt that the Dekkhan-Ka-Chuha (Rat of the Deccan as the Muslims scornfully addressed Shivaji) had really chickened out.
Afzal Meets his Nemesis in Shivaji
Khan-Saheb agreed to go up the hills at Pratapgad to meet his nemesis. When the meeting took place, Afzal Khan embraced Shivaji and with his diminutive enemy (Shivaji was less than five feet in height) in his grip, Afzal suddenly pulled out his dagger and tried to stab Shivaji. When Afzal's dagger could not plunge into Shivaji Maharaj due to the protective armour which Shivaji was wearing, Afzal tried to throttle him. But the wily Maratha was more than prepared for this as he had come down not only with full armour that was hidden by his thick satin robes, but he also had with him the 'Wagh Nakh' - a sharp weapon resembling tiger claws that could be hidden in the grip of one's fist. In addition, he had the Bichhwa - curved dagger hidden in the pocket of his waistcoat.
Jiwa Mahalaya
On sensing that the Khan meant to throttle him, Shivaji pierced the tiger claws deep into Khan's belly and pulled out his intestines. After which Shivaji repeatedly stabbed him with the bichhwa. The Khan bellowed "Daga" "Daga" and yelled for Syed Banda, his bodyguard to come to his rescue. When Syed Banda, also a burly Muslim was about to strike Shivaji with his sword, Shivaji's bodyguard Jiva Mahalya struck off Banda's upraised arm in the air itself.
Santaji Kawji
After this commotion, the bleeding Khan tried to make good his escape and rushed into his palanquin. As the palanquin bearers set off with the fleeing Khan, Santaji Kawji, another of Shivaji's select warriors cut-off the feet of the bearers and Khans' palanquin, with its load of Khansaab fell to the ground. Santaji Kawji, then finished off the task of sending Khan to his final resting place. Khan's army which was waiting in the valley was ruthlessly massacred by the Marathas who were hiding behind every crevice and bush in the densely wooded jungles around the Pratapgad fort. At the place where this encounter took place on 10th November 1659 between Shivaji Maharaj and the Khan, there stands today a Kabar (grave) erected by Shivaji for the departed Khan's soul to rest in peace.
Bijapur Stymied
The result of this dramatic encounter was that the Bijapur ruler panicked and after that never posed a serious threat to the growing Maratha power. The next Muslim power which Shivaji turned to was that of the Mughals. Here was the real challenge for Shivaji. The Bijapur rulers were a provincial power, while the Mughals were an power of imperial dimensions whose writ ran almost all over Northern India.
The Siege of Panhalgad
Despite this defeat, Bijapur's Adil Shah made one last attempt to check Shivaji by sending another general named Siddhi Jouhar against him. Siddhi besiged Panhalgad where Shivaji was camping. The seige went on for some months, from summer till the monsoons. But Shivaji Maharaj slipped out of Panhalgad and reached safely at Vishalgad.
The Brave Deed of Baji Prabhu Deshpande
It is during this escape that Baji Prabhu Deshpande held the pursuing enemy troops at a narrow pass called Ghod Khind. Baji Prabhu immortalized himself by laying down his life but ensured that his Master reached safely at Vishalgad. This narrow pass is today known as Pawan Khind i.e. a Holy Pass. Made holy by Baji Prabhu's memorably brave deed.
Encounter with Shaista Khan - Aurangzeb's Uncle
The next Khan to come down 'literally' before Shivaji was Shaista Khan. On hearing Shivaji's depredations, Aurangzeb was furious and wanted to desperately crush this infidel upstart. He sent his uncle maternal Shaista Khan with a large and powerful army to checkmate Shivaji.
But even this time the wily Maratha proved that brain was stronger than the brawn.
Shaista Khan came into Maharashtra and started devstating towns, villages fields, temples, forts and everything that came in his path.
Shaista Establishes his Harem in Shivaji's Devghar (Prayer Room)
To provoke Shivaji, Shaista Khan established his camp in Shivaji's home in Pune called Lal-Mahal. And to top it up, he put up his Harem in Shivaji's Devghar (prayer room).
Shaista is Lucky - He Only Loses His Fingers
Shivaji bided his time for many months and one on fine day (night), he with a select band of Maratha Samurais, sneaked into Pune and into the Lal-Mahal. He tracked down the sleeping Khan to his bed. The Khan sensing that his time was up tried jumping out of the window. At that point Shivaji cut off the Khan's fingers with which he was holding on to the window sill.
On the Khan's wife's pleading before Shivaji to spare her husband's life as she considered Shivaji to be her brother. And so killing her husband would mean making her a widow, Shivaji spared the Khan's life. This was a mistake for which Shivaji was to pay dearly later. Shivaji made good his escape from the Khan's lair, but not before the treacherous Khan ordered his troops to give chase and try to capture the fleeing Shivaji.
Shaista's Retreat from Maharashtra
The Khan however, decided that enough was enough and returned to Delhi - without his fingers. This happened in April 1663
The failure of his uncle peeved Aurang to no end and he now sent another general to subjugate Shivaji. This was Mirza Raja Jai Singh, Aurangzeb's Hindu general who was also the scion of the house of the Suryavanshi Kachhawaha's who we saw earlier had ingratiated themselves to the Mughal rulers by giving away their daughters in marriage to the Mughal Padishah. (The Moghuls incidentally never returned the favour by giving, or even offerring, their daughters to the Rajputs!). This Mirza Raja Jaisingh who came with a powerful force was smarter than Shaista Khan sent earlier by Aurangzeb. Mirzaji laid siege to Purandar alongwith a systematic loot and destruction of rural Maharashtra.
The Brave Deed of Murar Baji
When Raja Jai Singh and his general Diler Khan laid siege to the Fort of Purandar. Murar Baji was the Maratha Fort Commandant at Purandar. To break the morale of the Maratha troops, Diler Khan launched a viscious attack on the fort and laid waste the surrounding countryside. The Mughals succeeded in forcing their way into the outer defenses of Purandar.
But the Marathas were not easily intimidated, they withdrew to the inner fort (bali-killa) and kept on their attack on the besieging Mughals. One day, Murar Baji decided to rain hell on the enemy and the Marathas stormed out of the fort and fell upon the Mughals who were occupying the outer fort. In face of the Maratha attack, the Mughals broke ranks and fled to their main camp in the plains below, where Diler Khan was camping.
Seeing the ferocity of the Maratha attack, Diler Khan, decided to tempt Murar Baji with an offer of making him a general in the Mughal army if he betrayed Shivaji. When news of this offer reached Murar Baji, in the midst of the battle, his rage knew no bounds, and in a rash act he pushed into the ranks of the Mughal troops, hacking right, left and center towards Diler Khan and shouted at him that he would reply Diler's offer by cutting off his head and taking it to Shivaji Maharaj.
Murar Baji had left his own troops behind and was now surrounded by Mughal troops on all sides, but he could only see Diler, whose head he wanted. This act was brave but rash and cost Murar Baji his life. Their leader dead, the Marathas withdrew into the fort. The news of this battle and the passing away of Murar Baji and the long drawn siege along with the destruction of the countryside forced Shivaji to reach out for a compromise with Jai Singh in the interests of the sufferring population of Maharashtra.
The Treaty of Purandar
The treaty of Purandar signed between Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Shivaji Maharaj had among many conditions, one condition that Shivaji accompany Mirzaji to Agra. Shivaji decided to go to Agra in 1666.
Shivaji's Visit to Aurangzeb at Agra
At Agra, when Shivaji presented himself at the Moghul court, Aurangzeb deliberately insulted him by making him stand behind a lesser noble whom Shivaji has once defeated in battle. This was a calculated humiliation that Aurang had arranged for Shivaji. As a result Shivaji left the court in a huff. This gave Aurangzeb an excuse to declare Shivaji of having committed the offence of insulting the Mughal court.
Imprisonment of Shivaji
Aurangzeb detained Shivaji in Mirza Raja Jai Singh's house where Shivaji had put up. Shivaji seems to have read Aurangzeb's mind of having him put to death. Aurag had made plans to shift Shivaji into the proper Mughal dungeons.
Shivaji's Escape from Aurang's Clutches
Shivaji struck upon an idea and said that he wanted to make peace with God by sending fruit and sweetmeats to Brahmins and holy men. To this Aurangzeb consented. One fine day Shivaji and his son Sambhaji hid himself in two of the sizable baskets in which fruits and sweetmeats had been packed everyday and made good their escape from Aurnag's custody. In doing this Shivaji must have had in mind what had happened to his general Netaji Palkar who after being captured by the Mughals had been forced to embrace Islam and change his name to Quli Mohammed Khan. Netaji was forced to serve as a Mughal soldier in Afghanistan, till he too made good his escape and returned to Shivaji to reconvert to Hinduism and join the forces of Swaraja once again. Others were not so lucky, they were made to convert to Islam and some others were simly tortured to death - as was to happen later with Shivaji's son Shambhu Raje or Sambhaji, ater Shivaji's death.
Coronation of Shivaji as Chattrapati
After returning to the deccan, Shivaji again raised an army and recaptured all the forts that he had been made to surrender to the Mughals as per the treaty of Purandar. In this phase we see the exploits of his brave general Tanaji Malusare who perished while recapturing the invincible fort of Kondana from Uday Bhan - the renegade Rajput who was the Mughal commandant of the fort. After all the forts had been recaptured, Shivaji was pursuaded by Gaga Bhatt (a brahmin from Benaras) and his mother the ageing Jijabai to formally crown himself as the king of the Marathas. The coronation took place at Raigad on the 6th of June 1674.
Shivaji Maharaj's Seal. Shivaji Maharaj was the first Hindu King to ascend a throne after a long time. During the Dark Days of Muslim Tyranny, Shivaji Maharaj was one of the very few (along with the Ranas of Mewad), to issue his own coinage. Shivaji's coinage was in Sanskrit. The coins were in two main denominations, the Shivrai made of copper was a lower denomination coin and the Hon was a gold coin of a higher denomination. To erase the memory of Shivaji Maharaj, Aurangzeb issued an order after the passing away of Shivaji Maharaj that all Hons were to be imponded and melted. That Aurang did not succeed in erazing Shivaji Maharaj's illustruous personality from our memory is another matter
A "Nazarana" - The Daughter-in-law of the Muslim Subahdar of Kalyan
During the days after the coronation, many Maratha generals presented Nazaranas (tribute in kind) to the newly anointed King of Maharashtra. It was then a practice of the Muslims to abduct any fair maiden and to force her into the harem as a concubine. (A harem is a term for the living quarters of abducted women, nominally treated as wives.) On one such occasion, following the "illustrious" example set by the Muslim aggressors, a Maratha Sardar also (general) abducted a daughter-in-law of the Muslim Subahadar of Kalyan, near Mumbai (Kalyan was then under Mughal occupation).
This Sardar presented this "Nazarana" to Shivaji Maharaj, expecting to be patted on the back for such a "fair" tribute. Shivaji Maharaj's reaction at this occasion, gives us an insight into the mind of the person who lived 300 years before us. Shivaji not only chided the general, but warned him and all the other Maratha generals that such a heinous offence would henceforth attract a penalty of the offender's hands being chopped off. The dazed general was asked by Shivaji to return with full honours, the daughter-in-law of the Muslim Subahadar of Kalyan.
The Maratha ballads (Povadas) that describe this event say that on hearing Shivaji's dialogue in Marathi the teenaged girl is said to have exclaimed "Ya Allah, yeh aadmi nahin farishta hai. Ees farishtey pe kamyaabi bahal karna." ("O Lord, this is not an ordinary man but an angel. Bestow success on this angel.") The Maratha balladeers, while narrating this event say that "Asseech amuchi aai asatee,sundar roopavati; amhi hee sundar zhalo asato - vadaley Chattrapati" ("If my mother had been as beautiful, I too would have been as beautiful - exclaimed Chattrapati"). These dialogues might as well be a later romanticization of what actually happened. But it proves a point - Shivaji Maharaj had risen above the attitudes of religious bigotry, and beastly behaviour that had come to typify the Indian ruling class under Muslim rule.
Karnataka and Tamil Nadu Campaigns of Shivaji
After this Shivaji launched his campaign in Karnatak, which took him up to Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu. The period from 1674 up his passing away in 1680 was a relatively peaceful period, as the Mughal made no more attempts to molest the Marathas. Only after the passing away of Shivaji Maharaj did Aurang again dared to venture into Maharashtra, and then too he did not entrust the task to any general. He came himself in 1682 and stayed on in the deccan till his death in 1707.
The Marathas After Shivaji Maharaj - Sambhaji
After the passing away of their illustrious leader, the marathas fell into relative disarray. Shivaji's eldest son Sambhaji did not prove adequate to the responsibility of preserving the flame of independence to which his father had given the initial spark. Sambhaji was extremely fearless and brave. Maratha chronicles (Bakhars) refer to him as in fact more assertive and independent than his father. But in addition to all this Sambhaji also had vices like wine and women. In his eventful life, Shivaji Maharaj did not seem to have had enough time to groom his successor. Sambhaji's temper had a short fuse. During Shivaji's life-time itself, he had once quarreled with his father and had gone over to join the Mughals as one of their Mansabdars. Subsequently, he realized his folly and came back to his father and repented. But this act of his deeply hurt his father nad also displayed his chimerical nature for which he was to pay later with a painful death.
Sambhaji's Assassination
Sambhaji did not falter in battling the Mughals, as well as the Portuguese. In those days Aurnagzeb had come over to the Deccan. After subjugating the Bijapur and Golkonda kingdoms, he turned his attention on the Marathas. He carried on a ceaseless campaign against the Marathas. Sambhaji performed many daring acts in this guerrilla campaign especially in the Konkan region. But in spite of his bravery, his short temper and his vices went against him. One night, when he was passing thru Sangmeshwar with a small band of bodygaurds, he was waylaid by the Mughals and was brought in chains before Aurangzeb.
On being presented to Aurabgzeb, Sambhaji was asked to surrender all his forts, accept Islam and enter the service of the Mughal Emperor. To this affront, Sambhaji scronfully replied that he could consider this if Aurangzeb gave him his daughter in marriage and proclaimed him as the successor to the Mughal throne! On hearing this Aurang flew into a rage and decided to torture Sambhaji to death. Sambhaji's eyes were gouged, his tongue was cut off, followed by his arms and legs. Sambhaji died an inhuman death, but till the agonizing end he never recanted his faith.
Rajaram, Tarabai and Shahu
After Sambhaji's assassination, his step-brother Rajaram became the king. He was not especially brave and is said to have been physically weak. During his time Aurangzeb besieged and captured Raigad. Instead of fighting the enemy, Rajaram fled from Raigad when the fort was about to be besieged. Raigad fell into the hands of the Mughals in 1689 when a renegade Maratha called Suryaji Pisal betrayed the defences of the fort to the besieging Mughals. During the capture of Raigad, Sambhaji' wife Yesubai and his son Shahu were taken captive by the Mughals. Rajaram's life as Chattrapati was spent mostly in fleeing from the Mughal armies. Nevertheless during his times, the generals like Santaji Ghorpade and Dhanaji Jadhav carried out a whirlwind guerrilla campaign to harras the Mughal army and never let Aurangzeb rest in one place. Thus in spite of his presence in the Deccan for more than 25 years from 1680 to 1707, Aurang could not subsume the flame of independence lit by Shivaji Maharaj
Aurang's Death in 1707
When Aurang died in 1707, his son Azamshah who was with him at his deathbed, proclaimed himself the Mughal Emperor and prepared to battle his elder brother Muaazam, who was then in Kabul. To ensure that the Marathas came over to his side, Azamshah released Shahu who was till then held as a prisoner by the Mughals. Shahu had been a prisoner for 18 years from 1689 up to 1707. When Shahu staked his claim to the throne, Tarabi was ruling. A battle between the two was inevitable. This battle fought at Khed went in favour of Shahu and he became the Chattrapati. He was incidentally the last de facto Chattrapati of the Marathas.
The Spread of the Maratha Empire.
The Marathas rose to the status of Imperial Rulers of India. Their rise from freedom fighters for swarajya to the rulers of Marathi Daulat (Empire) took place from 1720 to 1761 and lasted till 1803 when they were supplanted by the British.
The Peshwas - Baji Rao, Balaji Baji Rao, Madhav Rao
As we saw above, after Shahu, the de facto executive power passed into the hands of the hereditary Prime Ministers the Peshwas. Balaji Viawanath Bhatt was succeeded by his son Baji Rao the first. Baji Rao was a very able and ambitious soldier and he was the one who consolidated Maratha power in North India.
history and the fissiparous tendencies he let loose ultimately let to the downfall of the Maratha empire.
His first mistake was to go back on the agreement between his grandfather Balaji Viswanath Bhatt and Kanhoji Angre according to which the Peshwa was to have no direct control over the Maratha Navy. He attacked the his own navy and weakened one arm of the Maratha might.
During his rule, North India was invaded by Ahmed Shah Abdali first in 1756. Balaji Baji Rao then sent his brother Raghunath Rao along with Malharrao Holkar to defeat Abdali. Raghunath rao not only defeated Abdali but chased him up to the Khyber pass till Attock in Paktoonistan. .
This success of Raghunath Rao aroused the jealousy of Balaji Baji Rao's wife Gopikabai, who started conspiring against Raghunath Rao to undermine his influence. This led to corresponding jealousy from Anandibai who was Ragunath Rao's wife. The unfortunate fallout of this court intrigue ws to end in the disastrous 3rd battle of Panipat in 1761.Let us see the event that led to this catastrophe at Panipat.
The Persian Invasion of 1740 by Nadir Shah
Some 80 years after Shivaji when the Mughal Empire had been weakened by repeated Maratha attacks, the Afghan raider Ahmed Shah Durrani (Abdali) invaded North India. As the Mughals were past their prime and were now living at the mercy of the Marathas, they did not dare oppose Ahmed Shah. The task of challenging him was left to the Marathas. The Marathas who then were on their ascendancy in North India had since the first Persian-Afghan invasion by Nadir Shah, the king of Persia in 1740, established themselves as a dominant power in Northern India. The 20 years from 1740 to 1760 saw a see-saw battle between the Afghans and the Marathas for the domination of North India.
With the defeat of Mohammed Shah, the Moghul Emperor in 1740 by Nadir Shah (in whose army Ahmed Shah Abdali was a general), the Mughal power steadily declined and its place was usurped by the Rohillas who were led by an ambitious and ruthless chieftain named Najib Khan. Najib's ambition was to supplant the Moghal Emperor and crown himself as the ruler of India by capturing Delhi.
The Marathas Liberate Punjab
But the growing power of the Marathas in their northward expansion, stood between Najib and his ambition. To overcome the Marathas, in 1755, Najib invited Ahmed Shah Abdali from Afghanistan to help him in defeating the Marathas and crown himself the ruler of India. In this, he was thwarted by the Marathas who decisively defeated the Rohillas and Afghans near Delhi in 1756. The defeat was so decisive that Najib Khan surrendered to the Marathas and became their prisoner. The Maratha forces were led by Shrimant Raghunath Rao and Malhar Rao Holkar.
After defeating the Afghan-Rohilla forces, the Marathas pursued the Afghans into the Punjab and beyond up to the Khyber pass. The last frontier of the Marathas was at Attock in today's NWFP (or Paktoonistan) on the Afghan border. (This campaign of the Marathas led by Shrimant Raghunath Rao is called as Raghu's Bharari - i.e. whirlwind campaign.
Thus after nearly 800 after the last Punjabi King Tirlochan Pal Shahi had been defeated by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1020 C.E. did that part of India come under Indian rule in 1756 due to the liberation of Punjab by the Marathas.
Meanwhile with machinations and trickery, Najib Khan won over Malhar Rao Holkar and secured his release. On his release Najib started to undermine the Marathas once again and treacherously killed Dattaji Shinde (eldest brother of Mahadji Shinde). Najib continued to battle the Shindes in 1757-58 and with his newly found confidence again invited Ahmed Shah Abdali to invade India.
PANIPAT - A Result of Court Intrigues at Pune
The court intrigues at Shaniwarwada in Pune between Gopikabai (Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao's wife) and Anandibai (Raghunath Rao's wife) led to the sidetracking of Raghunath Rao in favour of the Peshwas cousin, Sadashiv Rao Bhau (along with Viswas Rao the Peshwa's son and successor) as the Supreme commander of the Maratha forces that were to give battle to Abdali a second time. It was unfortunate for the Marathas, that due to rivalries, a successful commander like Raghunath Rao was bypassed in favour of another general.
The 3rd Battle of Panipat
When Abdali launched his second invasion in 1759 the Marathas who after their successes in 1756 had been hibernating in Maharashtra and Central India again woke up and in alliance with the Jat King Suraj Mal of Bharatpur formed an alliance. This alliance led by Shrimant Sadshiv Rao Bhau and Shrimant Vishwas Rao (the Peshwa Shrimant Balaji Baji Rao's son) won spectacular victories and captured Delhi and Kunjapura (where the Afghan treasury and armoury was located). Here the alliance developed cracks due to the Maratha insistence on not allowing the Jats to loot Delhi. This ultimately split the alliance and Suraj Mal withdrew from the alliance. The Marathas consequently marched upto Panipat, but instead of continuing their attacks to completely defeat the partly defeated Abdali and Najib Khan, they stayed put at Panipat, blocking the way of the Afghans back to Afghanistan. Seeing their way back to their homeland blocked, the Afghans now became restless. They in turn, decided to block the way of the Marathas back into the Deccan.
Stand-off for one year
This stand-off continued for one whole year from the 14th of January 1760 up to the 14th of January 1761. This led to the fall in the morale of the stranded Marathas and ultimatley led to their defeat at Panipat. The Marathi term "Sankrant Kosalali" meaing "Sankranth has befallen us" comes from this event. During this stand-off the Afghans cut-off all supplies to the huge Maratha army. The Afghans with Najib Khan meanwhile also recaptured Delhi and Kunjpura. On the decisive day of 14th January 1761 (Makar Sankranti), the Marathas decided to break-through the Afghan blockade and re-enter Deccan. The disastrous battle saw about one hundred thousand Maratha troops being slaughtered in a matter of eight hours. But the Afghans too suffered heavy losses and decided enough was enough and went back to Afghanistan never to return to India.
The defeat of the Marathas and the withdrawal of the Afghans created a power vacuum in North India in the period 1761-1790. It was this vacuum that was filled up by the rising British power. But more of this later.


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Theresa McManus
Birders from near and far are able to cross an item off their bucket list after viewing a wee bird that lost its way.
A red-flanked bluetail that would normally be in Southeast Asia at this time of year has been causing quite a stir in Queen's Park. Birders armed with binoculars and photographers equipped with fancy cameras descended on the park in recent days to view the visitor.
"There were a lot of bird watchers – 35 or 40," New Westminster resident Rob Butler said about the crowd on Wednesday afternoon. "If it hangs around, there would be people coming from across North America – it's so rare."
The arrival of the red-flanked bluetail in New Westminster is the first time the bird has been reported in Canada.
"It was pretty neat," Butler said about seeing the bird. "I have been over to Asia birding. I didn't see it in Asia."
A report on the B.C. Rare Bird Alert website stated that the red-flanked bluetail was found Feb. 13 by Colin McKenzie, and later confirmed by George Clulow and Mike Toochin. Both Clulow and Toochin have previously seen the red-flanked blu-etail in Asia.
"People spend their money and fly all over," Butler said. "People have these lists. It's pretty esoteric stuff. This is the first in Canada. For George, he was the first person to identify it."
Butler said some bird watchers set goals of seeing how many species of birds they can view in a year. He noted that was the premise of the 2011 film, The Big Year.
"A lot of bird watchers, they have their life lists," Butler said. "People have their own lists, they have their North American lists."
The discovery of the red-flanked bluetail in New Westminster is only the third time the bird has been found in North America. The species normally breeds in Siberia and winters in Southeast Asia, meaning it would normally be in south China, Burma, Thailand, Laos or Indonesia at this time.
Butler, a professional ornithologist who first became interested in birds as a child, is an adjunct professor at Simon Fraser University and a former senior research scientist and biologist with Environment Canada's Canadian Wildlife Services. He's also involved with Bird Studies Canada, where his work has included coordinating the British Columbia Bird Atlas.
Butler knows birds – and he also knows birding can be big business. "It's a huge market, a massive market," he said. "Vancouver city is really getting into this."
Sadhu Johnston, the City of Vancouver's deputy city manager, is the former chief environmental officer with the City of Chicago, where he developed a "bird agenda." The City of Vancouver's Greenest City 2020 action plan notes that Vancouver has some of the world's most important habitat and more than 407 bird species – making it the "perfect place" to lead the country in celebrating World Migratory Bird Day.
Butler contacted a New Westminster city councillor about the presence of the red-flanked bluetail in the Royal City.
"It is important for the city to know this," he said. "Those people coming into the city will be spending money."
Butler visited the park on Wednesday afternoon with friends who had come from Vancouver Island to see the bird. Another friend from Toronto is interested in visiting if the bird appears to be staying.
"It's an unusual year," Butler said. "There are quite a few Asian species that are showing up this year."
While there have been sightings of bram-blings, wagtails and other species from Asia, the red-flanked bluetail is the most rare bird to visit the Lower Mainland.
Butler said there's no way to know whether the visit is a onetime occurrence, or whether more red-flanked bluetails will head this way. There's also no way of knowing when the bird plans to fly the coop and head elsewhere.
"It's hard to know. Sometimes they do hang around for a long time. Other times, they just go," Butler said. "They come and go – that is the way it is with birds."
Since it was first identified last weekend, the bird has attracted flocks of people to Queen's Park, including birders from the Okanagan, Vancouver Island and Washington State.
The bird appeared quite at home in its temporary home in the treed area near the children's playground.


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Quick Notes From the Meeting of the Board 12/08/10December 13, 2010
Merl Whitebook, Secretary
At 7:00 p.m. Mike Lake, President of KCBS called the meeting to order. Present at the meeting were the following members of the Board in person or by phone: Mike Budai, Gene Goycochea, Don Harwell, Paul Kirk, Mike Lake, Wayne Lohman, Ed Roith, Tana Shupe, Candy Weaver, Merl Whitebook, and Carolyn Wells, Executive Director.
At 7:07 p.m. Merl Whitebook, Secretary announced that a quorum was present.
Members attending or calling in to meeting
Randy Bigler
Carol Bigler
Arlie Bragg
Thom Emery
Sunday Holler
Mike McCloud
Nolan Thunderman
Public Address
Sunday Hollar and Nola Thunderman, discussed the Lansing, Ks. Blues Brews and BBQ contest in relation to the denial by the Board of Directors, as to the date for their contest. The organizer stated she has performed a study and found that there were very few teams which would be affected. She stated that a Saturday/Sunday contest would be an economic hardship. That the contests in conflict with the requested date have not filed for sanctioning prior to Dec 1st, and therefore have waived their protected dates.
Minutes Merl Whitebook
Merl Whitebook made a motion to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Directors, of November 10, 2010. The motion was seconded by Ed Roith.
9 yes, 0 no, 0 abstentions
The motion to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Directors, for November 10, 2010 passes.
Carol Whitebook joined the Board of Directors meeting.
Accounting and Financial Committee Mike Budai
Mike Budai made a motion to accept the financial statements for November, 2010. The motion was seconded by Tana Shupe.
10 yes, 0 no, 0 abstentions
Mike Budai presented an advisory budget for 2011. (There was not a vote nor discussion, as this is an advisory budget only and KCBS does not utilize a binding budget passed the Board, for the operation of KCBS.)
Merl Whitebook made a motion to approve the budget assumption of the 2010 budget as to staff salaries. The motion was seconded by Don Harwell.
10 yes, 0 no, 0 abstentions
The Budget assumptions for staff salaries were approved.
Contest Rep Committee Carol Whitebook
1. Carol Whitebook made the following motion:
That all KCBS Board Consents obtained by e-mail, be based upon a time period (48 or 72 hours typically) utilizing normal business days (24hrs). The motion was seconded by Ed Roith.
10 yes, 0 no, 0 abstentions
The motion to utilize business days to determine each period for e-mail consents, passes.
2. Discussion and vote on removal of contest rep/independent contractor who is in violation of board policies and procedures.. (passed to executive session)
3. Discussion and vote regarding acceptance of Dave and Virginia Londeen, who have met all training requirements, as new Contest Reps/independent contractors.
Carol Whitebook made a motion to approve Dave and Virginia Londeen as Contest Reps/independent contractors. The motion seconded by Wayne Lohman.
10 yes, 0 no, 0 abstentions
The motion to approve new Contest Reps/Independent Contractors, passes.
(Note, the only area of the country where the Board has openings for Contest Reps/Independent Contractors who may be nominated by existing contest reps is the Northeastern part of the country.)
Philanthropy Committee Tana Shupe
Attached is the proposed Grant-In-Aid Application that, with the board's approval, will be printed in the January issue of The Bullsheet, along with the article announcing that was previously approved.
The report is accepted by the Board of Directors, as presented.
Sanctioning Committee Wayne Lohman
1. Contest Name: Clarksberg/Thornbury National Barbeque Championship
Date Requested: 7/16-17/2011
Location: Thornbury/Clarksberg, Ontario, Canada
2. Contest Name: Anchor City Cook Off
Date Requested: 10/7-8/11
Location: Centralia, MO
3. Contest Name: American Legion Triple STAR Post 299 "Pulling for the Post"
Date Requested: 7/22-23/2011
Location: Raymond, IL
4. Contest Name: Up in Smoke on the Square
Date Requested: 8/26-27/2011
Location: Lincoln, IL
5. Contest Name: Monroe County Jam & River Raisin' Rib Off
Date Requested: 8/26-27/2011
Location: Monroe, MI
6. Contest Name: Stand by Your Grill (This contest was tabled.)
Date Requested: 3/11-12/2011
Location: Fulton, MS
7. Contest Name: "I Got Smoked at Westfair"
Date Requested: 7/29-30/2011
Location: Westfair Council Bluffs, IA
1. Contest Name: AZ BBQ Festival
Date Requested: 3/25-26/11
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
2. Contest Name: Keystone Classic Barbeque
Date Requested: 10/7-8/11 Original Date: 10/1-2/10
Location: Harrisburg, PA
3. Contest Name: AR City Smoke-Off
Date Requested: 8/26-27 Original Date: 9/3-4/10
Location: Arkansas City, KS
4. Contest Name: Smoke on the Prairie BBQ Contest
Date Requested: 8/5-6/11 Original Date: 8/20-21/10
5. Contest Name: Smokin in the Creek
Date Requested: 4/29-30/11 Original Date: 4/23-24/10
Location: Sugar Creek, MO
6. Contest Name: BBQ at the Summit
Date Requested: 8/12-13/11 Original Date: 8/5-6/10
Location: Dillon, CO
7. Contest Name: Clabber Girl Brickyard BBQ
Date Requested: 7/22-23//11 Original Date: 7/16-17/10
Location: Terre Haute, IN
8. Contest Name: Bayou Boogie
Date Requested: 4/15-16/11 Original Date: 4/30-5/1/10
Location: Covington, LA
9. Contest Name: Mainely Grillin & Chillin BBQ
Date Requested: 8/12-13/11 Original Date: 8/6-7/10
Location: Eliot, ME
10. Contest Name: The Golden Acorn BBQ Fest
Date Requested: 8/12-13/11 Original Date: 11/5-6/10
Location: Campo, CA
11. Contest Name: Polar Bear BBQ Challenge
Date Requested: 2/11-12/11 Location: Hallsville, MO
12. Contest Name: Belton Heritage BBQ Contest
Date Requested: 5/6-7/2011 Original Date: 4/30-5/1/10
Location: Belton, MO
Wayne Lohman made a motion to approve sanctioning of the Lansing KS contests. The motion was seconded by Ed Roith.
10 yes, 0 no, 0 abstentions
The motion passes. (The Board noted that the date was now free as other contest did not renew their sanctioning prior to December 1, 2010 and therefore the issue of density and saturation was not an issue.)
Wayne Lohman made a motion to approve the remaining contest. The motion was seconded by Tana Shupe.
10 yes, 0 no, 0 abstentions
The motion to approve the above contest, passes.
(Note: The Scottsdale, Az is approved subject to discussions concerning financial assurances.)
Wayne Lohman made a motion to require Lewiston, Mt. to provide financial security and to secure the deficiencies of sanctioning within 5 business days. In the event the organizer of the Lewiston, Mt contest fail to come into compliance, within 5 business days, then KCBS sanctioning will be withdrawn. The motion was seconded by Don Harwell.
10 yes, 0 no, 0 abstentions
The motion to obtain financial security and to cure the deficiencies of sanctioning as to the Lewiston, Mt. contest, passes.
Marketing Committee Candy Weaver & Tana Shupe
GABT Tour
2010 Tour is now complete and trailer / vehicle in storage. Final accounting will be finished this week, and proceeds will be reported/sent to KCBS by the board meeting.
We are currently in the process of planning the ideal routing and logistics plans for the 2011 GABT schedule.
Truck discussions and research underway, pending tune up and tour 2 possibilities
The Rancher's Reserve Beef Cup events are now complete. Rancher's Reserve will be participating in the annual KCBS Banquet as a sponsor, where they will award prize money to the winners.
Total October sales: $1,338
Expansion of the merch line is on hold until KCBS / MMA inventory discussions have been completed.
Advertising sold for October: $1,365
Uploaded December Bullsheet
Uploaded MP3 of November's BOD meeting
Adding new member items into the site's navigation
Added Tour recaps and other news blurbs as needed
Revised KCBSgear.com is complete
Added KCBS Facebook Fan page feed to home page
Added Banquet registration page
Social Media: Facebook page created for the GABT. Also using MMA, KCBS, and GABT Facebook and Twitter pages to promote KCBS-related events/promotion.
Sent Red Monkey E-blast
Working on E-blast for new KCBS merchandise website
Continued CBJ PR
Sponsorship Activities
In discussions with several major brands; will update latest info at meetingWe expect the 2011 tour to be sold-out by end of December.
Banquet Activities
Will continue working with KCBS staff to facilitate Banquet activities
The Banquet sponsorship opportunities are sold-out.
Still need feedback from the board on the Music download opportunity - custom, humorous BBQ songs (which samples were circulated to all board members)
The date has been set for Sam's Club's private CBJ class in Bentonville: December 17. Currently working on accompanying presentation.
The marketing report was accepted as presented, by the Board of Directors.
Ed Roith made a motion to go into executive session to discuss personnel or contractual matters. The motion was seconded by Merl Whitebook.
10 yes, 0 no, 0 abstentions
The board went into executive session.
Merl Whitebook made a motion to come out of executive session. The motion was seconded by Ed Roith.
10 yes, 0 no, o abstentions
The Board returned to the business of the meeting.
2010 - 25th Banquet and Annual Meeting Committee Paul Kirk No Report
(Note: The Board of directors requested that since the Banquet is a month away that the Banquet and Annual meeting committee present a written report to the Board this week. The committee agreed to submit a report to the Board, this week.)
Education Committee Paul Kirk No Report
Rules Committee Candy Weaver
Working on Rules presentation for January's Rules Meeting. Final suggested revisions to the rules will be compiled with the other five responses. Out of twelve head cooks asked, six gave responses. A questionnaire will be prepared for attendees to complete which will correlate to the presentation. This information will be compiled and presented to 2011 president for next year's Rules Commit
The report was accepted by the Board of Directors as presented.
CBJ Committee Ed Roith
A certified judge has asked that the Board consider giving partial credit as a judge when this judge has been asked by the contest to be a table captain. The request was based on the partial credit we give to a judge having to judge the backyard contest. A similar type program would be appreciated. As this is my last month as chairman.
The Board discussed the matter and no motion was made to provide additional credits. The Board express the policy that only one signature may be awarded at one contest.
Ed Roith made the following motion:
"Whenever a CBJ serves as a Judge or a Table captain at a KCBS contest, where they participate in all four of the KCBS meat categories, (Chicken, Pork Ribs, Pork, and Brisket) then the Contest Rep is authorized to sign their book for a single credit." The motion was seconded by Merl Whitebook.
After discussion, the motion was withdrawn.
New Ideas Committee Merl Whitebook
1. Determination on the appropriate board reaction and or action when the rules of the board are not followed or there is a serious breach of ethical conduct which affects the ability of the Board to properly function.
In May the Board passed the following board rule as to "any intended e-mail blast sent by MMA for KCBS or by KCBS, the e-mail blast must be submitted in advance to all members of the Board for comment. The members will have 48 hours to comment. Should there be an objection by any member of the board, then the executive director and the president will direct how the e-mail blast will be handled."
In June an e-blast was sent out where the Marketing co-chairpersons approved an e-blast without notifying the Board.
On 6/23/2010 11:44 PM, Tana Shupe wrote:
"I agree with Candy, and maybe Carolyn can confirm this. I can't imagine why the entire board would need to see it unless, for some reason, they need to approve the expense ... and I believe that is already covered.
Great job, Julie!"
:) Tana
In November an e-blast was sent our where a co chairperson of the marketing committee approved an e-blast over the objection of two members of the Board, and without submitting to executive director and president to authorize, modify or reject.
On 11/29/2010 12:58 p.m., Candy Weaver wrote:
"Why would this be an agenda item? Why further board approval? Your objection and Gene's objection and Carol's timing objections were the only concerns. I released the e-blast based on only three objections and one of those was a timing objection, not content driven. More positives than negatives, e-blast approved and in process of being sent now.
Should Carol want to add a timing of notifications change, that would be her call.
In May a member of the Board kept material information from the Board where the Board was making a substantial financial sponsorship in the event involved.
On 5/12/2010 11:26 a.m. Tana Shupe wrote:
"My contact with Helen Brett emailed to let me know she has been on vacation ... and that she was just told that Helen Brett will not be involved in the Louisiana Tailgate & BBQ Festival. I asked her if she could share with me why they will not be and am waiting for her reply, but wanted to let you know because it does concern me since the website and Enthused Partners have published that there will be plenty of vendors, etc. Maybe I'm just panicking, but wanted to keep you updated. I'll be back in touch if I hear from Leane again. For the present, however, I don't want to share this with the board.
:) Tana
What should be the proper response by the Board? We should have a policy of understanding of an appropriate response, by the Board of Directors when members of Board actions' are contrary to the rules and policies of the Board of Director. I request the board to further discuss the appropriate response by the Board.
The Board discussed the issue of compliance by members of the Board with existing Board policies. Merl Whitebook stated that when members of the Board act on their own, it divides the board and that the Board does not function. Merl expressed a belief that a Board run KCBS could not function, in this manner and if not resolved, it would be better served as a private for profit business. Mike Lake expressed the need to work together as a unified and cohesive Board, following the rules and policies of KCBS.
No further action was taken.
2. New Ideas Committee has modified the contestant critique and the organizer critique. The major emphasis was to make all three critiques use the same terminology. Please review the attached critiques.
Merl Whitebook made a motion to approve the contestant critique and organizer critique as revised for 2011. The motion was seconded by Don Harwell.
10 yes, 0 no, 0 abstention
The revisions for the 2011 contestant critique and organizer critique were approved.
3. I hereby move that the rules concerning the signing of "Certified Judge Contest Verification Record be limited to the following, (without exceptions or special circumstances.) I have been told by CBJ's that many Contest Reps apply the present rules and exceptions in a different manner. Therefore the rule should read:
Whenever a CBJ serves as a Judge or a Table captain at a KCBS contest, where they participate in all four of the KCBS meat categories, (Chicken, Pork Ribs, Pork, and Brisket) then the Contest Rep is authorized to sign their book for a single credit."
(The motion was discussed as part of the CBJ report. The motion was withdrawn.)
The report was discussed and accepted as presented by the Board.
Membership Committee Gene Goycochea No Report
Technology Committee Don Harwell
Created MP3 of November board meeting for posting on our web site.
Completed Testing Member's Profile and Election information page on WEB
Contest Program
Have received three responses for RFP after it was reopened
RFP's reviews in final stage.
Members call-in
No updates or changes of how members call into the meetings have been made as of yet. Would like from members, if someone know a free way for KCBS and member to use a phone to call into the board meeting please email firstname.lastname@example.com
In order to assist members who have had trouble in the past getting their username and passwords to vote, members will be able to go to our web site and retrieve their username/password if needed. Article by Merl and I will be on Web and Bullsheet to aid members on how to vote.
Along with the election of candidates, the voters will be surveyed on their opinion on two questions.
Question 1:
Do you believe that related person should be allowed to serve on the board of directors of KCBS, at the same time?
Question 2.
I would support the change in KCBS that would require some Board Members to be elected by regions.
Yes I support this statement
No I do not support this statement
For Closed Section of Board:
Non – Committee related:
Compensation for volunteer (passed to executive session)
Selection for the 2010 "Gary Wells' Sportsman Award" (passed to executive session)
Special Committee to review Board Member's actions:
The Committee is in review of documents to see if a motion to censure should take place, as a result of actions of a member of the Board.
The report was accepted as presented by the Board except where discussion was indicated.
Contests Past The Board reviews past contests.
4th Annual Sun City Festival BBQ Cook-Off
Plant City Pig Jam
Bandits BBQ Shootout
Christmas on the River
Get Your Pig On
There were no issues to be discussed by the Board, as to the past contest.
Strategic Funds Committee Candy Weaver No Report
Nominating Committee Merl Whitebook
The Kansas City Barbeque Society 2011 election for members of the Board of Directors begins on January 3, 2011 and ends on January 13, 2011.
This year there are four - three year terms to be filled, and one - two year unfulfilled term.
You will be able to vote for up to four candidates, the open two year unfulfilled seat will be filled by the candidate receiving fifth place in the voting.
The election will be conducted by ElectionsOnline, paper ballots may be requested from the KCBS office.
The winners of the board seats, will be announced during the annual banquet in Kansas City, KS, on January 15, 2011
The candidates certified by the nominating committee to run for a position as a Director of Kansas City Barbeque Society this election are:
Candidate City/State
Ford Alison Sparta, MI
Sonny Ashford Plattsmouth, NE
Randy Bigler Huntsville, AL
Arlie Bragg Mt. Juliet, TN
Mike Budai Olathe, KS
Thom Emery Thousand Palms, CA
John Kirby Baltimore, MD
Scott Kuklin Simi Valley, CA
Dale Newstrom Carterville, IL
Tana Shupe Tullahoma, TN
Mark Simmons Independence, MO
Jim Stancil Oxford, GA
On January the 3rd, each member in good standing will receive an email on how to vote.
Should any member have a problem receiving their voting information by email on January 3rd, assistance can be found on our web site www.KCBS.US
Go to www.KCBS.Us
Login to Member Sign In (at top of Home Page)
After you are logged in, Click "Resources" (beside Shop KCBS)
Under Resources, click "My Profile".
Review your email address(very importance) and your profile information
If your profile needs to be updated, contact the KCBS office.
For election information Click the:
"Click here to have your election username & password emailed to the email address"
Your election username and password is not valid until 01/03/2011.
Usernames and passwords are in testing now and only starting January the 3rd will your correct username and password be available.
Should you have other issues in the voting process or require additional election assistance, please contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com
Merl Whitebook Don Harwell
Nominating Committee Election Committee
The report was accepted as presented by the Board of Directors.
Old/New Business
Tabled from July 2010: Mike Lake – Discussion of response to Cease and Desist letter for infringement of KCBS proprietary property. Discussion of license options with NEBS. Carolyn advised that the she did not believe our Legal Representatives had sent the appropriate letters. The matter was tabled until January, 2011 for a conference all with legal over intellectual property issues.
Tabled from October 2010: Gene Goycochea – Motion to purchase new truck. A Committee is to be formed and appointed by Mike Lake to research the cost and projections of purchasing a replacement truck for the KCBS Great American BBQ Tour. Report by committee to be presented to the Board at the November 2010 meeting with consideration of motion. This matter was tabled until January 2011.
Tabled from November 2010: Merl Whitebook
Request of Mike Budai, Treasurer for a report as to the expenses associated with sponsors at the 2011 banquet, as required by the MMA contract as to sponsorships and expenses.
No report was provided to the Board, and no motion to approve expenses was presented..
Tabled from November 2010: Candy Weaver: Discussion of request by Wired Barbeque (http://www.wiredbbq.com) requesting permission to do a live webcast at the Banquet.
Candy Weaver made a motion to approve Wired Barbeque permission to do a live webcast at the Banquet. The motion was seconded by Tana Shupe.
0 yes, 10 no, 0 abstentions
The motion to give permission to Wired Barbeque to provide a live webcast, fails.
New Business:
Motion by Candy Weaver
Since there will be at least 25% of the board next year being newly elected board members, I would like to propose the following motion:
KCBS Secretary compile a list of working rules (rules enacted at board meetings, not contained in Bylaws), referenced with the date of enactment of each. This list will be added to on a quarterly basis in the future. The motion was seconded by Tana Shupe.
Following discussion, the motion was withdrawn.
Carol Whitebook made a motion to remove a contest rep/independent contractor who declined to follow the rules of conduct and procedures which are required of a contest rep/independent contractor who performs services on behalf of KCBS, subject to a 30 day right to appeal along with proof of compliance of all rules of conduct and procedures for a contest rep/independent contractor of KCBS. The motion was seconded by Merl Whitebook.
Following discussion by the Board of Directors a vote was taken as follows:
Mike Budai, yes
Gene Goycochea, yes
Don Harwell, abstain
Paul Kirk, abstain
Wayne Lohman, no
Ed Roith, yes
Tana Shupe, no
Candy Weaver, abstain
Carol Whitebook, yes
Merl Whitebook yes
Because of the abstentions, there was a not a majority vote and Mike Lake therefore cast his vote.
Mike Lake yes
The motion to remove a Contest Rep/Independent Contractors who declined to follows rules and procedures, passes.


text:
Elena Kagan Obama nominates Elena Kagan to Supreme Court.
US President Barack Obama applauds as Designated Supreme Court justice Elena Kagan smiles during a reception in her honor in the East Room of the White House. Kagan has become only the fourth woman to win confirmation as Supreme Court justice.
Jim Watson / AFP / Getty Images
Copyright © 2018, Los Angeles Times


text:
BlackDesertHQ is the biggest and best fan community for PearlAbyss's upcoming game, Black Desert. We're a place to chat about what's been shown so far, and to share your ideas about what's to come. Check out our forums further and our Black Desert news section. We hope you enjoy your stay!
Make yourself at home. Take a moment to create an account! It's free and painless, and it's the first step in getting involved. For more, dive into Black Desert's universe at the Wiki.


text:
Eda dodged through the crowd, eyes watering when a blast of heavy incense caught her in the face from one of the well-wisher's burners. She caught sight of a clear doorway, and she and the other freshies pilled their way into its frame to watch the procession leave the city.
Alchemical lanterns bobbed above, burnishing the armour of the marchers and glinting off the tips of their spears. At the head of the troops, a golden crown woven about her seven psychomantic eyes, rode the Champion of Sinnheim, Fourth of the Volür, who had only a year since cleansed the Nether Realm of the taint of the Rot. (Absently, Eda touched her hand to the single additional eye above her own brow, wondering what it would feel like to have others bud there). The Champion would relay the situation on the front back to the other Volür. Close behind her came the Gedriht, most trusted of warriors sworn to live and die by their leader's side. These had swords buckled at their hip and armour that was intricately etched. Finally came the rank and file, a forest of steely thorns.
Eda craned her neck, trying to catch sight of the frontmost riders again. Still very early in her military training, she faced being one of those left behind while most of her friends went off to the Lower Provinces. It just wasn't fair. What was the daughter of a fungus-farmer to do? She and the ragtag bunch of glory-seekers now crammed beside her wouldn't have a chance of making anything of themselves if they stayed stuck in Sinnheim. The time was now. Rumours from the front told of a new – or previously unsuspected – threat: creatures now known as the Sightless Ones, swarming up from a great breach in the provinces below. With them a sickness spread through the stone. It blighted the rock, making entire caverns collapse in upon themselves and sink into the depths. With the foundations of the earth continuing to be so undercut, even the surface would feel the sting, sooner or later. Farmsteads were devastated; important land had been abandoned, refugees arriving daily. But this wasn't the worst of it. For where the stone collapsed there was simply… nothing. Not a hollowness. Hollowness still implied some solid containment. Instead there was an utter lack of real features. A blank.
And these monsters needed fighting. Such thoughts might be frightening, but they were also thrilling to the aspiring recruit.
Further on the great shining mass of the army passed the gates of the city, soon vanishing into the darkness of the First Cavern.
Eda rounded on her companions. "I've had enough of waiting around. We either ace our training now, or we decamp and go find our own fights down there. Maybe if we do something really impressive, they'll even let us join up straight," she added, exciting herself. "What do you guys think? Up for this?"
The Downward March
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The Downward March
Uukumanu - ranger and spirit seeker
Tuvstarr - Black Queen of Pharon Glos
Imliss - High Elven researcher in Blood Magic
Aetheldred - Sorcerer and psychomancer, daughter of the Völva of the Blood of Alfhild
Tuvstarr - Black Queen of Pharon Glos
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Aetheldred - Sorcerer and psychomancer, daughter of the Völva of the Blood of Alfhild
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text:
Virtual Developer Workshop: Containerized Development with Docker
Yes - I know there is already a topic on circular push buttons but they weren't quite what I wanted, so I wrote my own. What I wanted was a button that looked exactly like the normal buttons, but instead I wanted them circular.
First of all I make sure the buttons are circles (and not ellipses) and store the centre and radius of the button. Next I simply make the button owner drawn and draw it like every other owner drwn button, but instead of being able to use nice routines like Draw3dRect, I had to roll my own circle drawing routine which would draw each pixel with the correct colour dependant on the point on the circle I was drawing.
COLORREF GetColour(double dAngle, COLORREF crBright, COLORREF crDark) { #define Rad2Deg 180.0/3.1415 #define LIGHT_SOURCE_ANGLE -2.356 // -2.356 radians = -135 degrees, // i.e. From the top left of the screen ASSERT(dAngle > -3.1416 && dAngle < 3.1416); double dAngleDifference = LIGHT_SOURCE_ANGLE - dAngle; if (dAngleDifference < -3.1415) dAngleDifference = 6.293 + dAngleDifference; else if (dAngleDifference > 3.1415) dAngleDifference = 6.293 - dAngleDifference; double Weight = 0.5*(cos(dAngleDifference)+1.0); BYTE Red = (BYTE) (Weight*GetRValue(crBright) + (1.0-Weight)*GetRValue(crDark)); BYTE Green = (BYTE) (Weight*GetGValue(crBright) + (1.0-Weight)*GetGValue(crDark)); BYTE Blue = (BYTE) (Weight*GetBValue(crBright) + (1.0-Weight)*GetBValue(crDark)); return RGB(Red, Green, Blue); }
This is a simple linear interpolation between the two colours based on the cosine of the angle between the light source and the point. Angles are measured from the +ve x-axis (i.e. (1,0) = 0 degrees, (0,1) = 90 degrees ), but remember: positive y points down!