Death by Karate

[barondave]

Fiona "attacking" MN-StF President lydy
Closing Ceremonies, Minicon 43, March 23, 2008CE

A brief recap: The President of MN-StF holds the office for life. Therefore, the only way to change presidents is through assassination. At least, that's the tradition. The Assassination of the President occurs at Closing Ceremonies at Minicon. Each assassination is different, often chosen by the victim, though I (as MC of Closing Ceremonies) often write or participate in them.

A few years ago our President had to resign in mid-term, sans assassination, leaving the job to the Vice-President. At Closing Ceremonies, there was confusion as to the precise mode of succession and lawyer Rob Ihinger explained the legalisms to the then-president who's brain exploded, establishing the precedent of Death by Bylaws.

Rob's daughters, Fiona and Delia (as well as Peg) are very into karate, and both are black belts in their respective divisions. Last year, I inveigled them to help out at Closing Ceremonies. We've spent the year honing the routine. And then, at the last minute, both girls decided they were tired and sore (from karate practice) and wanted a shortened bit. Unsurprisingly, Lydy agreed.

The girls, dressed in their outfits, did a short routine... but wanted a board to break. "We don't have a Board to break, but we have a President." Great! They did a short "form", using bo (a stick, in Delia's hand) and kama (small scythe-like weapons seen here held by Fiona) with the president in the middle... and the president didn't survive. Death by Karate!

The girls ran off, leaving Lydy crumpled on the floor. At which point Rob stood up, and made the legalistic argument that according to the bylaws the President was very specifically not a member of the board, and therefore her participation didn't count. And so the new president, Lydy, was resurrected.

All hail the new president!

Comments

[asimovberlioz.livejournal.com]

I recognize that smiley couple, sitting in the front row, at the left-hand side of the picture. And I sure do miss them.

Is that retooned sitting a few rows back, wearing a red shirt?

The smiling blonde woman with glasses, visible behind and between David and Judy, looks like someone I ought to recognize, but I can't place her.

[barondave.livejournal.com]

No, it's not retooned, In fact, from an educated guess as to whom you may or may not know, I'd say you don't know anyone else in the shot other than David and Judie.

To make you feel even older: A quick glance at the people in the picture is that there are seven people who weren't born when you left for smoggier climes, including Fiona.

[laurel]

That would be me, the blonde with glasses between David and Judy, FWIW.

[jbru.livejournal.com]

Those are kama not comma (though they sound the same).

[And I still assert my authority as President in Exile as I have never been present at my assassination.]

[barondave.livejournal.com]

Thanks, fixed. I'd never seen the word in print...

And yes, I believe you were one of the factors involved in Death by Bylaw. I shall let you and Lydy duke it out for Ultimate Authority.

[jbru.livejournal.com]

You obviously don't read enough martial-arts RPGs. :)

There will be no duking. I will not stoop to the level of She Who Has Loosed Tigers.