From time to time, people have felt that Carolingia had an image problem outside our borders. Do you think Carolingia currently has an image problem outside the barony? If so, do you have any particular ideas how you might remedy that? If not, what do you think is the Baron/ess' most important role, if any, in inter-baronial relations?

In practice, the B/B's most important role here is the gentle give and take of personal relations -- getting to know the other groups (especially the neighboring ones) on a personal level, going to their events, and generally being friends with them. There are occasionally treaties to negotiate and such, but they're relatively few and far between. Most of the work is in being comfortable enough with the other Baronies to smooth matters when something of import *does* happen.

This is more Caitlin's area of experience than mine, I'll admit. She plays quite heavily at the Kingdom level, and already knows many of these folks pretty well. (The consequence of having been a Kingdom officer for many years. As Regional Seneschal, she's been trying to periodically visit the groups in the region anyway.) It would be a bit more learning for me, but I figure that an excuse to get out to more events is not a bad thing...

Using that as a yard stick the goal I might set is to drive that merchant out of business! (or at least into different merchandise) Not by direct pressure but by creating a public image that no longer demands those sorts of goods.

In Ireland to keep on good relations with our Celtic neighbours we had wars, cattle raids, territorial disputes and even stole one of the Scottish Shire's islands at one point. I said in answer to another question "to embrace the Current Middle Ages is to embrace (good natured) conflict". The geography and people here are a bit different. What might suit the tone better would be a series of arranged marriages, hostage exchanges, and/or fosterings. Perhaps just dramatic trappings, but the echoing of period methods of reaching out does foster a more open atmosphere that the administrative side of the game can use to do their side of the work.

The ways to remedy the perception of Carolingians as snobby, stuffy, and insular are for Carolingians to visit other places and to lure those from other places into Carolingia. As baronial coronet, I would anticipate traveling quite a bit and representing Carolingia to other places. It would also be my duty to be as welcoming as possible to others when they visit Carolingia.

Carolingia does have a problem, a happy problem, in that we are difficult to compete with. I personally find our events more interesting and well run than most other places I have been. Problems occurs if we, as Carolingians, are perceived as setting ourselves up as the model for all to follow (or actually do try to tell others what to do, which has happened on occasion!). Any suggestions to others should be solicited, or offered extremely tactfully. Carolingians in general are a helpful lot; we just need to be tactfully helpful.

The most important thing the Coronet can do to alleviate these problems is to travel to neighboring events, not nessarily constantly but regularly, and (most important) *visibly* as Carolingians. With luck they will inspire others to travel with them: the best cure for the image problem would be Carolingians who are recognized as such, and who are having a good time Playing With Others. The second most important thing the Coronet can do is to recognize visitors who come to our events and to make them feel welcome; we do put on large and interesting events, and more people would be happy coming to them from out-barony if they didn't think they'd be ignored or looked down on.

As we all know, the baron/ess doesn't actually have all that much real power. Their power is all that of example, persuasion, and interpersonal skills. Being easy-to-find and easy-to-talk-to makes a huge difference.

Barring that, declare a war on you neighbors at least once a year and lead a horde of troops against them. Or ally against yet a third Barony. This greatly improves interbaronial relations... :)

In general, Carolingia needs to be seen as non-insular. Having a populace who make visitors feel welcome can achieve that, and the Baron and Baroness should lead the way and set an example. When outside of Carolingia, the Baron and Baroness are the ambassadors for the group, and need to act in that role accordingly.