I don't think that Carolingia currently has an image problem outside the
barony.  We have an *image* but not a problem.  People in other groups
might see us as arts and sciences mavens -- but only some of them. 
Others might not understand how we govern ourselves (the concept of
representational government, such as this Council vote, is foreign to
some other baronies' officers).  But I think we've shed the snob image,
and the never-travel image, and most people elsewhere see us as
dedicated, and articulate, and devoted to our arts and skills.
The Baron/ess has two roles in inter-baronial relations.  One is their
relationship with the ordinary citizens of other groups and other
kingdoms.  The baron/ess owes all of them courtesy, and should strive to
be an example of why Carolingia is the best group in all the world.  The
other role is that of relating as a peer with other baron/esses within
the kingdom, mingling socially, and perhaps making arrangements and
treaties for interbaronial events and/or tournaments (such as the hurley
matches against Settmour Swamp, or the Great Northeastern War).
