This is a quick blog entry about our new camp at Pennsic 2008.

Camp Name: Terre d'Ange (It's French for "Land of Angel/s" or "Angel Land")

Camp Founders: Vkeva and Veela (Me)

Camp Theme: Our camp is inspired by the fantasy medieval novels of Jacqueline Carey ("Kushiel's Dart", etc.). When I say "inspired by", I mean that it is not an exact duplicate of her world. We've chosen some elements that we both liked and combined them in a way that works for a camp and looks medieval enough to maintain the aesthetic harmony at Pennsic. Obviously, it would be impossible to re-create every aspect of Ms. Carey's books. Over time, as our camp grows, we will add more locations from the books.

What's Important To Us: We're women and we're starting a camp run by women. Yes, we like men--a lot--but we're not men and we feel there's already plenty of warrior camps designed around males. Our camp is designed around females (ok, around very *girly* females). We want it pretty, comfortable, tidy, nice smelling, creative, and incorporating those creature comforts that delight us (such as in-camp hot showers, quiet mornings so we can sleep in, big tents for evening salons, afternoon teas, and gourmet dinners).

The Night Court: In our world, we are known as "The Night Blooming Flowers". The Realm of The Night Blooming Flowers is located (in the books) at "The Night Court". We like this, because we're flowers and we're night owls. Our plan is to stay up all night entertaining and sleep till noon every day (thus avoiding much of the heat and humidity and being most active when it's cooler out).

The Night Court is divided into 13 Houses (in the books); our camp, Terre d'Ange, will start with two. Each House has a theme and a Mistress In Charge. Think of it like a harbor where all the ships have female captains. Our first two "ships" will be run by Vkeva and Veela. (I'll include the themes and names later.) Each house will host different parties, salons, teas or gatherings throughout Pennsic. Both houses will host a big party together: "The Longest Night" (which is, in the book, held in Winter--probably Winter's Solstice--but that isn't possible at Pennsic, so we're using some creative license).

I should point out, that the Ladies of The Night Court (in the books) are technically Courtesans. However, in the world of Terre d'Ange, to be chosen to serve in The Night Court is a tremendous honor granted to only those most gifted (in beauty, intelligence and/or a particular skill or talent). Those who serve are highly trained in all the arts and are treated with great respect. (Men can also serve in the houses, btw.) There are many types of houses, and not all of the women who serve are submissive--courtesans are not to be confused with concubines, ahem. In our Terre d'Ange, we're Women who delight in socializing, entertaining, flirting and *portraying* Courtesans in public, and that's where the role ends. We expect to be treated with respect by every visitor to our Pennsic home.

Entertaining: Details on our scheduled salons and parties will be posted soon. Our plan is to host an afternoon tea daily at 4pm sharp; multiple evening salons (not raucous parties, but, rather pleasurable get-togethers that include dancing or live music, discussion, perhaps games, food, drink, and good conversation); and one large party ("The Longest Night"), which will be a masquerade. (Shirts required to all camp events. Good grooming is expected. )

Quiet Time: Our camp will be closed to visitors from 4am to 1pm daily. No callers will be admitted. All those camped with us will be expected to be *extremely quiet* during the hours of 4am to noon.

Meals: Our first meal will take place at approximately 12:30pm. (This will be "brunch" and is open only to camp members and invited guests.) Tea will be served daily at 4pm sharp and is open attendance (though the cook appreciates your advance notice when possible). To join us for tea, bring a treat to share or a tip to contribute and arrive on time. (Shirts required to all camp events. Good grooming is expected. ) Camp dinner is served at 7pm and is open only to camp members and invited guests. (Cook must be notified in advance of guests.)

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To learn more or inquire about camping with us: www.terredange.org or contact Veela at butterfly@wenchchristina.com (Note: I rarely check-in at tribe.net or myspace these days. Direct email is the fastest, best way to reach me.)