At this point, I think our image is reasonably good. Certainly it's far
better than it was when I started, when we had real problems -- we were
basically perceived as isolationist snobs by a lot of folks. That got
dealt with a good ten years ago or more, mainly by encouraging folks to
get out more and be involved with the Kingdom as a whole. I think that
gentle encouragement wants to continue -- that sort of cross-pollination
is good for the Barony in more ways than simply our reputation -- but I
don't think it needs to address a particular problem any more.
<p>
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.
<p>
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...
