The Final Chieftess Challenge

Good-Sisters of our clan gathering, two of our chieftesses have been able to send in the answers for the last challenge I posted.

I am sharing them with you now:
Chief Eilis of Clan Beauchamp with Early Bird and 13 correct: 26 +1 = 27 pts
Chief Kellan of Clan MacKenzie correctly solved all: 30 + 1 = 31 pts

FINAL CHIEFTESS STANDINGS:
Eilis Beauchamp 97 +27 = 124
Fiona Fraser remains at 110
Kellan MacKenzie 120 + 31 = 151
Jenny Murray remains at 49

Congratulations goes to Kellan MacKenzie for all of her hard work. For anyone who played along at home, answers will be posted later today on the Chieftess Challenge thread at Ravelry.
Thank you to all who participated in this challenge!
~Mordag Elsbeth McLean

Highland Game Final Standings

Sorry for no pictures. My camera and computer aren't on speaking terms at the moment and I'm left as the go-between.

For the final round of the Highland Games we had the fewest participants: 13. Surprisingly, the majority – 10 individuals – were included in the hand-knit felted cloche drawing.

Those in the drawing: Nemetona (tandemsandy), Shaylee (soniacolleen), Morven (BessE) and Murron (lovestoknit) of Clan Beauchamp; Catrionia (Neila), Mrs. FitzGibbons (jules 1960) and Kinley (Rehnbo) of Clan Mackenzie; Marsali (mommaowie) of Clan Murray and Jocasta Walkley (Anne) and Morgana (Cluxewe). The Murrays and Frasers did particularly well. All participants that met the deadline had perfect scores.
Winner: Jocasta Walkley (Anne) of Clan Fraser. She earns an additional 5 points for her clan.

Round 7 Clan Standings:
Beauchamp: 65
Fraser: 29
Mackenzie: 45
Murray: 12

Highland Games Winners:
Beauchamp: 524 (First Place)
Fraser: 314 (Fourth Place)
Mackenzie: 399 (Third Place)
Murray: 429 (Second Place)

Additional awards: (for bragging rights)
Early Bird Award: Mordag E. McLean of Clan Mackenzie. She submitted her answers first. Her e-mail was dated 11:47 a.m. Monday, Oct. 27.
Sneaker Award: Elspeth of Clan Beauchamp.She submitted her answers last and her e-mail was dated 10:52 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4 that means they had 8 minutes to spare.

Statistics:
13 of 36 participated in Highland Games Round 7, that’s 36 percent
10 people got every question right or 77 percent of those who participated.
Clan Beauchamp had 66 percent or 6 of 9 members participate, earning 65 points
Clan Fraser had 22 percent or 2 of 9 members participate, earning 29 points
Clan Mackenzie had 44 percent or 4 of 9 members participate, earning 45 points
Clan Murray had 11 percent or 1 of 9 members participate, earning 12 points

Perfect Participation:
Siusan (knittingalone), Muirne (bwarnergroup), Morven (BesseE) of Clan Beauchamp; Jocasta Walkley (Anne) and Morgana (Cluxewe) of Clan Fraser; Catrionia (Neila), Mrs. FitzGibbons (jules1960), Mordag Elsbeth McLean (abitknottie) and Kinley (Rehnbo) of Clan Mackenzie.

Perfect Scores: (which means they had perfect participation, too)
Marsali (mommaowie) of Clan Murray and Murron (lovestoknit) of Clan Beauchamp.
We had seven other clan members who missed three or fewer questions throughout the entire games.

CORRECTION:
I re-evaluated the Round 6 answers since there was a question about the question of Murtagh’s identity. After reflecting, digging through the book I decided that stating Murtagh is a Fraser and has known Jamie all his life does not correctly answer the question. I based this decision on the fact that every one else who submitted an answer to this question got it correct, by stating that Murtagh was yes a Fraser, and had sworn an oath to Jamie or was his god parent. Knowing someone for your life isn’t enough to trust them with your life – especially during the 18th Century.

I spent a lot of time reviewing my decision on this question and looked at everyone’s answers, which is how I discovered a couple mistakes I made in correcting Clan Frasers answers (sorry ladies). The scores for the Highland Games Winners is accurate. The Frasers earned six extra points, one point each for the mistake made, plus the two additional points for earning a perfect score in the round.

Comments Wanted:
Leave a comment and tell me what you think we did well or what could be improved or changed in the administration of the Highland Games for the next swap.
Did you like the timing?
Do you like the games and answers posted on the blog?
Do want different types of games? If so what type?
Was it too time consuming?
How could we make it easier for everyone to participate?
Should the games be mandatory?
Let us know your thoughts. We won't be able to make changes or improvments if we don't hear from you.
~Kellan

Final Highland Games Answers

Here are the answers to the Highland Games Round 7 questions.

1. Who technically runs or keeps everything in order at Castle Leoch? Mrs. FitzGibbons (A nod to the Mackenzie’s own Jules1960)

2. Who turned Jamie into the Watch after returning to Lallybroch with Claire? Ronnie McNab He’s the father of Rabbie McNab, the boy Jamie makes a stable lad and tells him not to beat his child anymore.

3. How did men of Lallybroch handle the situation? Killed him, burned the croft down. The men took Mrs. McNabb, Rabbie and other children in to the main house to work. He apparently holds a grudge, and the men of Lallybroch had to show him justice.

4. Besides giving Claire the promise of keeping her fed, Jamie also told her she was safe. What specifically examples of how he'd protect Claire? You are safe. You have my name my family, my clan and if necessary the protection of my body.

5. What were the pagan wedding vows Claire and Jamie recite after formally marrying in the church? “Ye are Blood of my Blood, and Bone of my Bone./ I give ye my Body, that we Two might be One./ I give ye my Spirit, 'til our Life shall be Done.” When I first read Outlander, I thought this was a chilling statement of what marriage should be. Then to find out, it's the way Jamie and Clarie's really is.

6. What is the gossip of who Leticia slept with and is Hamish's father? Hint: It isn't Dougal. Geile says the gossip is that Jamie is the father because of the red hair. Everyone seems to forget that Jamie’s mother and grandfather (Hamish’s too) were gingers.

7. Why did Jamie offer to take the punishment for Laoghaire during Hall? Pity. He was concerned that she would be shamed in front of everyone who knew her and it would have taken time to get over.

8. Who is supposed to have information regarding the murder Jamie is accused of? Horrocks, an English deserter. A few people mentioned Hodgepile, who is indeed another informant/secret keeper to the plot of an Outlander novel and English deserter, but he is important in later books.

9. What is the key to tickling trout? Pick a good spot and wait. The theory is if you are still enough and patient enough the trout will be lulled into a sense that your hand is really a piece of the landscape and will be shocked to find themselves launched on the bank and the subject of someone’s breakfast.

10. What happened when Jamie first met the Duke of Sandringham that made him leery of going on an extended hunting expedition with the man? Sandringham made sexual advances at Jamie.

The winner will be posted tomorrow sometime. Just a warning, I had some problems with my camera so no promises of the wee bairns drawing names out of the hand-knit felted cloche.

~Kellan

Chieftess Challenge VII

Good-Sisters of our clan gathering, our chieftesses have sent in the answers for the last challenge I posted.
Standings:
Chief Eilis of Clan Beauchamp who solved one of the cryptos and was able to place it correctly. 4 points
Chief Fiona of Clan Fraser solved 5 cryptos and correctly placed them. She also stole Early Bird this week. 20 +1 + 1 = 22 points
Chief Kellan of Clan MacKenzie also solved and correctly placed all of the cryptos. 20 + 1 = 21 pts.
Sneaker award goes to Eilis - answers submitted with just 14 minutes to spare.

CHIEFTESS Standings to date:
Eilis Beauchamp 93 + 4 = 97
Fiona Fraser 88 + 22 = 110
Kellan MacKenzie 99 + 21 = 120
Jenny Murray 49

Their last challenge has been posted and they are busy working on it. I have already gotten in two responses. For anyone who would like to play along at home, answers will be posted next week. For those playing along at home, the answers to last week's challenge have been posted on the Chieftess Challenge thread at Ravelry.Thanks for playing along and check back soon.
~Mordag Elsbeth McLean

Chieftess Challenge VI

Good-Sisters of our clan gathering, Whilst our chieftesses are challenging us, they are doing a braw job working on the ones sent their way.

The results for this week's challenge are as follows:
Chief Eilis of Clan Beauchamp who got 10 1/2 correct. 22 points.
Chief Fiona of Clan Fraser who got 9 correct. 18 points
Chief Kellan of Clan MacKenzie who has early bird (again!) with 12 correct 24 + 1 = 25 pts.

Sneaker award goes to Eilis - answers submitted with just 14 minutes to spare.

CHIEFTESS Standings to date:
Eilis Beauchamp 71 + 22 = 93
Fiona Fraser 70 + 18 = 88
Kellan MacKenzie 74 + 25 = 99
Jenny Murray 49

Their next challenge has been posted and they are busy working on it. For anyone who would like to play along at home, answers will be posted next week. The next Chieftess Challenge will be posted on Sunday. For those playing along at home, the answers to last week's challenge will be posted sometime today on the Chieftess Challenge thread at Ravelry.

~Mordag Elsbeth McLean

Highland Games Round 6 Results

This week we have fewer names in the hand-knit felted cloche drawing; a total of 9.

Those included in the drawing:
Siusan (knittingalone), Elspeth (Georgethegirl), Morven (BessE) and Murron (lovestoknit) of Clan Beauchamp; Catrionia (Neila), Mordag Elsbeth McLean (abitknottie) and Mrs. FitzGibbons (jules 1960) of Clan Mackenzie; Marsali (mommaowie) and Senga (robyn) of Clan Murray.

Winner: Senga (robyn) of Clan Murray. She earns an additional 5 points for her clan.

Round 5 Clan Standings:
Beauchamp: 69
Fraser: 18
Mackenzie: 45
Murray: 46

Total Clan Standings After 5 Rounds:
Beauchamp: 459
Fraser: 279
Mackenzie: 354
Murray: 417
Additional awards: (for bragging rights)
Early Bird Award: Shaylee of Clan Beauchamp. She submitted her answers first. Her e-mail was dated 10:56 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15. She’s won this award two times during the games. Please give this woman a round of applause.
Sneaker Award: Catrionia Duncan of Clan Mackenzie.She submitted her answers last and her e-mail was dated 11:34 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21 that means they had 26 minutes to spare.
Mastery of the Indistinguishable Scottish Noise Award: Mordag Elsbeth McLean of Clan MacKenzie. For her answer to question No. 9.
“When traveling back to Leoch, Dougal and company were stopping for a break in travel and Jamie and Claire offered to fetch water from a private glade and share a little afternoon mrmmph. Two redcoat deserters came upon them while they were mrmmphing, and old 'Arry pulled Jamie off at gunpoint and handed him over to his buddy Arnold, so 'Arry could show Jamie how it was done. While Harry was in situ and getting ready, Claire readied her dagger. Hearing Rupert's instructions in her head, "Here, lass, up under the lowest ribs, close to the backbone. Stab hard, upward into the kidney, and he'll drop like a stone.' , she sought her mark. On the second try, she was successful.”

Statistics:
17 of 36 participated in Highland Games Round 3, that’s 47 percent (Remember the clan chieftans are excluded from playing. We organize, you play. Except for the Chieftess Challenges, which will be posted shortly after Kellan receives the results.)
9 people got every question right or 53 percent of those who participated.
Clan Beauchamp had 77 percent or 7 of 9 members participate, earning 69 points
Clan Fraser had 22 percent or 2 of 9 members participate, earning 18 points
Clan Mackenzie had 44 percent or 4 of 9 members participate, earning 45 points
Clan Murray had 44 percent or 4 of 9 members participate, earning 46 points

Reminder: Highland Games Round 7 is due at Midnight Tuesday, Nov.4. Kellan will post answers by Friday, Nov. 7

~Kellan

Highland Games Round 6 Answers

1. What is Jamie’s clan motto? Je Suis Prest What does it mean? I am ready.

2. What is the most revolting thing Claire finds in David Beaton’s medical “clinic” in Castle Leoch? Of all of the icky things in there – from the skull to wood lice – but the most revolting items are the bloody bone saws and other amputation devices. Not only is the concept revolting, but the filth disturbed every fiber of the nurse/doctor inside Claire.

3. Who is Murtagh? Jamie’s godfather, who was very fond of Ellen Mackenzie Fraser, but was a Fraser. Why does Jamie trust him with his life? Murtagh swore an oath to protect Jamie when he was a tiny infant. You either needed to include the fact Murtagh was Jamie’s godfather or he had sworn an oath to Jamie’s parents when he was born to protect the child to get credit.

4. Why does Jamie cross himself when the Plover flies off? Plovers have the souls of mothers who have died young in childbirth. They cry and run about their nests because they don't believe the young are safely hatched. They are always mourning for the lost one or looking for the child left behind. Jamie first heard the story when he was a child, most likely shortly after his mother died.

5. How old was Jamie when his mother died? Eight. He remarks that he was at least weaned, but of course that doesn’t make it any easier.

6. How does Jamie describe intimate contact with Claire? Other women were “verra pleasant” his heart would pound and breath would come short, but with Claire “suddenly it’s as though I’ve a living flame in my arms. And I want only to throw myself into it and be consumed.” Morgana Fraser also included this tidbit that comes while they are living at the abbey, which is incredibly descriptive and a correct answer to the question: “I thought of those small tender sounds ye make when I love you. I could feel ye there next to me in the dark breathing soft and then faster, and the little grunt that ye give when I first take you as though you were settling yourself to your job. . . Even better . . . when I come to ye fierce and wanting, and you whimper under me and struggle as though you wanted to get away and I know it’s only that you are struggling to come closer and I’m fighting the same fight. . . or when I come to you needing and ye take me into you with a sigh and that quiet hum like a hive of bees in the sun and ye carry me wi’ you into peace with a little moaning sound.”

7. Who is Hugh Munro and why is he given special consideration among the area parishes? A friend of Jamie. He was captured by the Turks at sea and spent years in the galley of a ship. They cut out his tongue, broke his leg and his feet were burned in boiling oil in hopes of converting him to Islam. He is considered a martyr.

8. What is a gaberlunzie? A license to beg.

9. When did Claire discover that Rupert’s advice on stabbing a man with a dirk was highly accurate? Briefly describe the situation. Claire and Jamie left to “fetch water” which is almost like going to make-out point and “admiring the view.” Two redcoat deserters showed up and held a gun to Jamie’s head and then attempted to rape Claire. Claire attempted to stab him in the back, up into the kidneys, but hit a rib the first shot, and killed the dude the second time. Jamie took out the other guy.

10. What is a changeling? What the Wee Folk or Fairies leave behind when they steal a child. It’s distinguishable because it cries and fusses all the time and doesn’t thrive or grow. It is a sickly child. What do parents do with a changeling? Parents leave the changeling out side on a Fairy Hill or some other special spot in hopes the fairies will return the right child to the parents. Most of the time the child dies of exposure. It’s probably good that most states have safe haven laws to accommodate the changelings out there, today.

There were fewer 100 percent responses this round, but then there were fewer entries overall.
Remember Round 7 of the games is not due until Midnight Nov. 4. If we are lucky we'll know who the next U.S. President is by our deadline.
~Kellan

Highland Games Round 7

Remember to Put Highland Games Round 7 in the subject of your e-mail to outlandishswap@yahoo.com and include your swap name, clan and answers in the body of the e-mail.

1. Who technically runs and keeps everything in order at Castle Leoch?
2. Who turned Jamie into the Watch after returning to Lallybroch with Claire?
3. How did men of Lallybroch handle the situation?
4. Besides giving Claire the promise of keeping her fed, Jamie also told her she was safe. What specifically examples of how he’d protect Claire?
5. What were the pagan wedding vows Claire and Jamie recite after formally marrying in the church?
6. What is the gossip of who Leticia slept with and is Hamish’s father? Hint: It isn’t Dougal.
7. Why did Jamie offer to take the punishment for Laoghaire during Hall?
8. Who is supposed to have information regarding the murder Jamie is accused of?
9. What is the key to tickling trout?
10. What happened when Jamie first met the Duke of Sandringham that made him leery of going on an extended hunting expedition with the man?

Good Luck Clans! Contest ends at midnight Eastern Time, Tuesday, Nov 7. Note the extended time. Results will be posted Friday, Nov. 7.


~Kellan

Highland Games Round 6 Over

Thanks for playing the sixth round of the Outlandish Swap Highland Games. Answers and results will be posted sometime on Friday, Oct. 24. Be sure to check back.

Back by popular demand: Round 7 of the Highland Games will be posted in a couple of minutes. This round will be slightly different. The format will be the same as previous games. The time frame will be expanded to accommodate clanswomen finishing sporrans, starting Christmas knitting and oogling the goodies everyone else is getting.

That being said. Round 7 will begin at midnight Wednesday Oct. 24. It will end Tuesday Nov. 4, (Election day for the Americans). Results will be posted on Friday, Nov. 7.

~Kellan

Chieftess Challenge Round V

Good sisters of our clan gathering, We should be proud of our chieftesses - they are doing a braw job on these challenges.

Results:
Chief Eilis of Clan Beauchamp who got 9 correct. 18 points.
Chief Fiona of Clan Fraser who got all correct. 20 + 1 = 21 points
Chief Kellan of Clan MacKenzie who has early bird (again!) with 9 correct 18 + 1 = 19 points.

Chieftess Standings to date:
Eilis Beauchamp 53 + 18 = 71
Fiona Fraser 49 + 21 = 70
Kellan MacKenzie 55 + 19 = 74
Jenny Murray 49

Their next challenge has been posted and they are busy working on it. Our next challenge is due tomorrow, so if you haven't finished it, there is still time to turn it in. Our new challenge will be posted soon, so please check back.
~Mordag Elsbeth McLean

Higland Games Round 5 Winners

We have lots of names in the hand-knit felted cloche drawing. this week! A total of 19, to be exact.

Those included in the drawing:
Siusan (knittingalone), Nemetoma (tandemsandy), Shaylee (soniacollen), Elspeth (Georgethegirl), Morven (BessE) and Murron (lovestoknit) of Clan Beauchamp; Sassenach (Sassenach), Jocasta Walkley (Anne) and Morgana (cluxewe) of Clan Fraser; Catrionia (Neila), Mordag Elsbeth McLean (abitknottie) Fenella (knitpickins), Rhona (Rahrini) and Kinley (Rehnbo) of Clan Mackenzie; Joan (Vivian5), Ros (Margeco), Latharna (cabrita) and Marsali (mommaowie) of Clan Murray.

I was running a bit behind tonight so that’s the reason why Ian drew the name out of the cloche in the between pages of “Cinderella.” He picked Ros (Margeco) of Clan Murray. She earns an additional 5 points for her clan.

Round 5 Clan Standings:
Beauchamp: 81
Fraser: 36
Mackenzie: 69
Murray: 82

Total Clan Standings After 5 Rounds:

Beauchamp: 390
Fraser: 257
Mackenzie: 309
Murray: 370

Additional awards: (for bragging rights)

Early Bird Award: Siusan of Clan Beauchamp. She submitted her answers first. Her e-mail was dated 1:54 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9.

Sneaker Award: Elspeth Beauchamp and Joan of Clan Murray tied for this honor. They submitted their answers last. Their e-mail was dated at 10:07 p.m. Oct. 14, that means they had 53 minutes to spare.

Statistics:
23 of 36 participated in Highland Games Round 3, that’s 64 percent (Remember the clan chieftans are excluded from playing. We organize, you play. Except for the Chieftess Challenge, which will be posted shortly after Kellan receives the results.)
19 people got every question right or 83 percent of those who participated.
Clan Beauchamp had 77 percent or 7 of 9 members participate, earning 81 points
Clan Fraser had 33 percent or 3 of 9 members participate, earning 36 points
Clan Mackenzie had 66 percent or 6 of 9 members participate, earning 69 points
Clan Murray had 77 percent or 7 of 9 members participate, earning 82 points

Leave a comment:

Round 6 is the last round we’ve got scheduled in the Highland Games. If you like to play another four rounds (which takes us right to the end of the swap), or if you want to end it now, tell me in the comments.

~Kellan

Highland Games Round 5 Answers

Everyone provided such interesting commentary with their answers this week, so I’ve included it in the answers post – in a lot of ways it’s more interesting than what I would have said. ~Kellan

1. On Claire and Jamie’s wedding night, how did Jamie believe humans made love/mated? Like horses or other mammals, just like any other innocent farm boy might experience.

Suisan Beauchamp said “like horses, please don’t make me elaborate.”

Muirne Beauchamp said “Male from behind, like horses – possibly with biting!”

2. What is peculiar about the way Jamie sleeps? With a dagger/knife in his hand, that is until he marries Claire and discovers the benefits of a “softer” weapon. However, I also accepted on his back like a body laid out for viewing. As a self confessed “bed wonker” sleeping perfectly still on your back is peculiar, says Kellan. I also gave credit for his unique ability to smile while sleeping, if he was touched by Claire. Jenny theorized that he was happy, since he did it as a child.

3. Describe the incident that prompts Jamie and Mackenzies to teach Claire how to use a knife? Jamie, Claire and the Mackenzies were camped on the southern end of Mackenzie lands. They were sitting around the fire telling stories when they were attacked by Malcom Grant and his boys on a raid He’s apparently still sour about the whole Ellen Mackenzie thing. Jamie dumped her in a outcropping of rocks and under a bush – during the raid where she was pretty much defenseless. The next day Ned Gowan found the knife Jamie had given Claire and she said she basically didn’t know what to do with it if the time came.

4. What does Rupert tell Claire to do when she strikes a bone when attempting to stab someone? Shoot ’em with your pistol. Our multi-lingual friend Morven found her answer: “Draw your pistol with your left hand and shoot the bastard (or something alike, translated from my Norwegian copy of the book.)

5. Describe the two best ways to stab someone with a dirk

A. Just under the breast bone – if ye are killin’ face-to-face. Aim straight up and in as hard as ye can. It goes to the heart and kills wi’in a minute or two.

B. In the back, under the lower rib on the right. Try to slip the knife between the ribs, that’s one under the last rib, ye stab upward into the kidney. Get him straight up and he’ll drop like a stone.

6. What is Claire’s favorite “colorful expression” to use? Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ
Others noted that sometimes she adds a “F*@#king” in there. Later in the series she is reported to exclaim “Jesus Christ on a Piece of Toast.”

7. How did lowlander Ned Gowan end up being a solicitor for Colum Mackenzie?
Ned left Edinburgh to journey into the Highlands for adventure. He met Jacob Mackenzie, Colum’s father, when Jacob tried to rob him. He insisted on accompanying him as Jacob tried to take off with his horse and other belongs.

8. Who is Hamish Mackenzie’s real father (aka sperm donor)? Dougal Mackenzie – The disease Colum suffers from renders him impotent. Dougal, obviously, is quite virile. Muire Beauchamp notes “He got around, didn’t he?”Nemetoma said “He does put it about doesn’t he !!”

9. Why does Jamie beat Claire? When Claire wandered off when Jamie had instructed her to stay in a protected copse until he returned for her. She tried to escape, and was caught by two English soldiers. Claire’s actions could have gotten all of them killed. Jamie wanted to fully understand that actions can have dire consequences of life and death. A man who did what Claire had done and endangered everyone would have flogged, had his ears cropped if not outright killed. Plus it was also a matter of justice. The Mackenzie’s had been wronged and Claire needed to pay for that. As her husband, Jamie had to do the duty or lose respect.

10. Describe Jamie’s brooch he uses to attach his plaid. I accepted running stag brooch or circular silver brooch. Frank describes the spirit that he encounters in Inverness wearing a “beautiful” running stag brooch. Ros questioned the organization of the words: “A running stag brooch, that would a brooch with a running stag on it. Or a stag that is running or . . .”

Edited to add an additional answer to question 2. I accepted three answers, but only included two in the original version of the post.

~Kellan

Highland Game Quiz Round 6

Remember to Put Highland Games Round 6 in the subject of your e-mail to outlandishswap@yahoo.com and include your swap name, clan and answers in the body of the e-mail.

1. What is Jamie’s clan motto? What does it mean?
2. What is the most revolting thing Claire finds in David Beaton’s medical “clinic” in Castle Leoch?
3. Who is Murtagh? Why does Jamie trust him with his life?
4. Why does Jamie cross himself when the Plover flies off?
5. How old was Jamie when his mother died?
6. How does Jamie describe intimate contact with Claire?
7. Who is Hugh Munro and why is he given special consideration among the area parishes?
8. What is a gaberlunzie?
9. When did Claire discover that Rupert’s advice on stabbing a man with a dirk was highly accurate? Briefly describe the situation.
10. What is a changeling? What do parents do with a changeling?

Good Luck Clans! Contest ends at midnight Eastern time, Tuesday, Oct. 21. Results will be posted Friday, Oct. 24.

~Kellan

Edited to fix dates and change a typo.

Higland Game Quiz Round 5 Over

Thanks for playing the fifth round of the Outlandish Swap Highland Games. Answers and results will be posted sometime on Friday, Oct. 17. Be sure to check back.
~Kellan

Highland Games Round 4 Results

We have lots of names in the hand-knit felted cloche drawing. this week! A total of 13, to be exact.

Those included in the drawing:
Siusan (knittingalone), Eslpeth (Georgethegirl) and Murron (lovestoknit) of Clan Beauchamp; Jocasta Walkley (Anne), Frannsaidh Muir (CarmaFrancie) and Eilidh MacAlister (HelenKOsings) of Clan Fraser; Mrs. FitzGibbons (jules 1960), Kinley (Rehnbo) and Mordag Elsbeth McLean (abitknottie) of Clan Mackenzie; and Senga (robyn), Ros (Margeco), Marsali (mommaowie) and Latharna (cabrita) of Clan Murray.

Edie's got this down she pulled out the name of Eilidh MacAlister (HelenKOSings) of Clan Fraser. She earns an additional 5 points for her clan.

Round 4 Clan Standings:
Beauchamp: 81
Fraser: 56
Mackenzie: 63
Murray: 57

Total Clan Standings After 4 Rounds: Beauchamp: 309
Fraser: 221
Mackenzie: 240
Murray: 289

Additional awards: (for bragging rights)

Early Bird Award: Shaylee of Clan Beauchamp. She submitted her answers first. Her e-mail was dated 5:34 a.m. Oct. 1. My friends, that is just 4 ½ hours after it was posted. What are you doing at that time of day?

Sneaker Award: Joan (Vivian5) of Clan Murray. She submitted her answers last. Her e-mail was dated 11:27 p.m. Oct. 7 That means she had a half hour to spare.

Statistics:
24 of 36 participated in Highland Games Round 3, that’s 67 percent (Remember the clan chieftans are excluded from playing. We organize, you play. Except for the Chieftess Challenge, which will be posted shortly after Kellan receives the results.)
13 people got every question right or 54 percent of those who participated.
Clan Beauchamp had 89 percent or 8 of 9 members participate, earning 81 points
Clan Fraser had 56 percent or 5 of 9 members participate, earning 56 points
Clan Mackenzie had 67 percent or 6 of 9 members participate, earning 63 points
Clan Murray had 56 percent or 5 of 9 members participate, earning 57 points

Highland Games Round 4 Answers

1. Where does Claire and Murtagh take Jamie after breaking him out of Wentworth Prison? [Where Claire dresses Jamie's wounds and where they spend the night] Eldridge Manor or Sir Marcus MacRannoch’s house. Murtagh and Claire take Jamie to the abbey the next morning, after his wounds have been dressed.

2.Outline the basic plan for breaking Jamie out of Wentworth Prison. When I wrote this question I was thinking of the plan to Run MacRannoch’s stolen cattle through the door Claire escaped from. MacRannoch would go in and yell at Sir Fletcher, the warden, about his men stealing cattle. In the scuttle, Murtagh and Claire would rescue Jamie and take him back to MacRannoch’s home. I had forgotten about the original plan of Murtagh and Claire getting into the prison. Claire would charm Sir Fletcher, work with Murtagh to get the keys and release Jamie from the cell block. This probably would have worked if Black Jack Randall hadn’t gotten his greasy little hands on our favorite red head. The plan has to be revised to get Jamie out of the dungeon where Randall was “caring” for him. In the process, they released about 40 prisoners which probably kept the guards busy, and really allowed for Plan B to work well.

3. How do Murtagh and Claire let people know they are looking for word about what's happened to Jamie after he's been taken by the Watch? They travel around, Murtagh sings, Claire works as a healer and tells fortunes. In addition they talk about the large red-headed man they are looking for. They also share which direction they are moving, in hopes that someone will catch up with them with news.

4. Who was Sawny? Who gave him the nickname? Jamie, his brother Willie gave it to him

5. What were Jamie’s requirements before he agreed to marry Claire? He had three. A proper gown for her to wear, the ceremony would take place in a church/kirk or otherwise before God, and a honeymoon. Jamie didn’t want to consummate his marriage under a bush with 20 clan members offering advice.

6. Why did Jamie think it was prudent to hide during the oath taking during the Mackenzie Gathering? If he took the oath meant Jamie would be willing to take over as laird and would be assassinated before the night is over. To refuse the oath would be an insult to the Mackenzies and the result would be the same. Jamie thought it would be better to hide in the stable, that was, of course, until Claire thought to try to escape.

7. How did Jamie save his skin during the oath taking? Since Jamie didn’t feel safe sending Claire back to the Castle without an escort to protect her from the drunk, celebratory Mackenzies, he got caught and dressed in a snowy white sark and a Mackenzie tartan. Then when he got to Colum for the oath taking it was like time stopped (OK it seemed that way when I read this section) and Jamie says: I can’t swear an oath and fore swear family, but I will promise to obey the Mackenzie chief when on their lands. He specifically says: “Colum Mackenzie, I come to you as a kinsman and ally. I give ye no vow, for my oath is pledged to the name that I bear. But I give ye freely the things that I have: my help and my goodwill, whenever ye should find a need of them. I give ye my obedience, as kinsman and as laird, and I hold myself bound by your word, so long as my feet rest on the lands of Clan Mackenzie.” Then Colum takes a drink and offers it to Jamie who polishes it off with great fanfare and a bawdy comment.

8. Who is the father of Geilie Duncan’s child? Dougal Mackenzie

9.What message does Dougal pass on from Geilie to Claire? This happened when Claire and Dougal were in the cave, at the same time Claire finds out that Jamie will be executed. “I don’t know if it is possible, but I think so.” And the numbers: one, nine, six, seven OR eight. I accepted both answers because depending on the version of the book or source, both answers are technically correct.

10.What is contained in the box that Wentworth Prison Warden gives Claire to deliver to Jamie’s family? The contents of his sporran, or specifically, like most of you answered, with a portion of this quote from the book: “The box measured about eight inches by six, and was four or five inches deep. It contained Jamie’s personal effects.” Claire didn’t have to look to know it contained: three fishing lines, neatly coiled; a cork stuck with fishhooks; a flint and steel; a small piece of broken glass, edges blunt with wear; various small stones that looked interesting or had a good feel between the fingers; a dried mole’s foot. Perhaps a Bible, or maybe they had let him keep that. Maybe a ruby ring if it hadn’t been stolen and a small wooden snake, carved out of cherrywood with the name Sawny scratched on the underside.

Everyone did well in thegames. There were 24 participants and 13 people who earned a perfect score. Edie and Ian will be drawing the winning name tonight and I'll be posting sometime on Friday, Oct. 10.
~Kellan

Highland Games Round 5

Remember to Put Highland Games Round 5 in the subject of your e-mail to outlandishswap@yahoo.com and include your swap name, clan and answers in the body of the e-mail.

1. On Claire and Jamie’s wedding night, how did Jamie believe humans make love/mate?
2. What is peculiar about the way Jamie sleeps?
3. Describe the incident that prompts Jamie and Mackenzies to teach Claire how to use a knife?
4. What is Rupert's response when Claire asks what to do when she strikes bone when attempting to stab someone?
5. Describe the two best ways to stab someone with a dirk
6. What is Claire’s favorite “colorful expression” to use?
7. How did lowlander Ned Gowan end up being a solicitor for Colum Mackenzie?
8. Who is Hamish Mackenzie’s real father?
9. Why does Jamie beat Claire?
10. Describe Jamie’s brooch he uses to attach his plaid.

Good Luck Clans! Contest ends at midnight Eastern time, Tuesday, Oct. 14. Results will be posted Friday, Oct. 17.

Highland Game Quiz Round 4 Over

Thanks for playing the fourth round of the Outlandish Swap Highland Games. Answers and results will be posted sometime on Friday, Oct. 10. Be sure to check back.

~Kellan

Chieftess Challenge IV

This week we had 100% participation and I am finding out that not everybody loves a crypto quiz the way I do.

Results:
Clan Beauchamp: 42
Clan Fraser: 100% correct = 45 points + 1 point for 100% = 46
Clan MacKenzie:42 - 2 hints = 40 +1 (Early Bird), +1 [Glorianna correct w/ wrong clue] = 42
Clan Murray: 42 - 3 hints = 39

Standings to date:
Beauchamp:11 + 42 = 53
Fraser:3 + 46 = 49
MacKenzie:13 + 42 = 55
Murray:10 + 39 = 49

Nice job ladies!

Our next challenge will be posted Monday morning, 9:00 Eastern Daylight Time on Ravelry at the Chieftess Challenge thread. Hope to see you then!
~Mordag Elsbeth McLean

Highland Games Round 3 Results

A total of 15 individuals were included in the hand-knit felted cloche drawing. We’re on a steady upward trend here. I’ve also modified the quizzes to they focus on one area of the book so it should save some time on everyone’s part.

Those included in the drawing:

Nemetona (tandemsandy), Elspeth (georgethegirl), Murron (lovestoknit), Brighde (Rumplestiltskin), and Moven of Clan Beauchamp; Jocasta Walkley (Anne) and Eilidh MacAlister (HelenKOsings) of Clan Fraser; Mrs. FitzGibbons (jules 1960), Rhona (Rahrini) and Mordag Elsbeth McLean (abitknottie) of Clan Mackenzie; and Joan (Vivian5), Senga (robyn), Ros (Margeco), Marsali (mommaowie) and Latharna (cabrita) of Clan Murray.

Winner: Mordag Elsbeth McLean (abitknottie) of Clan Mackenzie. She earns an additional 5 points for her clan.

Clan Standings: For Round 3

Beauchamp: 84
Fraser: 55
Mackenzie: 62
Murray: 82

Total Clan Standings After 3 Rounds:

Beauchamp: 228
Fraser: 157
Mackenzie: 177
Murray: 232

Additional awards: (for bragging rights)

Early Bird Award: Jocasta Walkley of Clan Fraser. She submitted her answers first. Her e-mail was dated 7:56 p.m Sept. 24.

Sneaker Award: Joan (Vivian5) of Clan Mackenzie. She submitted her answers last. Her e-mail was dated 11:05 p.m. Sept. 30. That’s 45 minutes before deadline.

Teacher award: Providing insight to what the 18^th Century would have been like: Eileen of Clan Murray (justajenjen) offers this history lesson about what would be appropriate for women to wear in the 18^th Century:

“Women at that time wore long dresses. Showing ankles and elbows was forbidden and hair was supposed to be pinned up and usually covered. Proper women wore about six or seven layers of clothing. (My own set of clothing for my re-enactment activities includes a chemise, a set of stays, stockings, a petticoat of muslin, a skirt with another petticoat sewn in made of satin and then the actual skirt made of a heavier cotton, then a blouse with big billowing sleeves that fall to my wrists, a shawl, and then I pull up my hair and cover it with a linen kertch and a straw hat. I'm dressed as the wife of a modestly successful French merchant, played by my husband. The girls dressed as members of the French court are the ones that really impress me, if only for the ten pound wigs.) Of course, the style of dress changed according to culture and social status, but she Claire would have been seen to be running around in her underwear at best, which would have indicted to most people that she was a prostitute.”

Thanks for that lesson. I think we often forget the volume of clothing women were expected to wear. The impressive part, to me, is that it all was hand sewn. Thinking of that just makes me cringe every time Claire’s clothing gets ripped off.

~Kellan

Statistics:

24 of 36 participated in Highland Games Round 3, that’s 67 percent (Remember the clan chieftans are excluded from playing. We organize, you play. Except for the Chieftess Challenge, which will be posted shortly after Kellan receives the results.)

15 people got every question right or 63 percent of those who participated.

Clan Beauchamp had 89 percent or 8 of 9 members participate, earning 84x points

Clan Fraser had 67 percent or 6 of 9 members participate, earning 55 points

Clan Mackenzie had 44 percent or 4 of 9 members participate, earning 62 points

Clan Murray had 78 percent or 7 of 9 members participate, earning 82 points

The point totals reflect a correction for a mistake I made in Round 3 regarding Clan Mackenzie. Three additional points have been added on. One point for the answer marked incorrect, but should have been correct and two additional points for then having a perfect score. Unfortunately this individual was not included in the drawing for the 5 bonus points. This time around, I checked answers more carefully and will continue in the future.

The points also reflect a correction for a mistake our friends, the Internet and Yahoo, made. One clan member’s e-mails to Yahoo account weren’t getting along with g-mail. G-mail said they were sent, but never arrived – even in the spam folder. When it was brought to my attention and I received a copy of this individual’s e-mails, I gave credit to this person. I’m exploring possibilities of delivery confirmation. In the mean time, each week I’ll post who I get responses from. If there is a discrepancy, please e-mail me at the swap e-mail or send me a PM on ravelry.

~Kellan

Clan Participation

Since we had a little problem with Highland Game answers lost in the ether, I’m posting the following which shows which people have participated in the games, divided by clan.

A number represents each round you’ve participated in. If you missed a round or it never arrived in the yahoo e-mail inbox, it is marked with a dash. I do check the spam filter to make sure no one is lost that way.

If you completed a quiz round and it isn’t marked here, e-mail me at outlandishswap@yahoo.com and we’ll try to figure it out what happened. Quizzes that come in past deadline are not scored nor are they indicated on this list. See the Round 3 answers post for an explanation of what I’ve done for quizzes that have been lost, but thought to have successfully been sent.

~Kellan


Clan Beauchamp
Siusan (knittingalone) 1,2,3
Imogen (Haze) 1,2,3
Nemetona (tandemsandy) –,2,3
Shaylee (soniacolleen) 1,2,-
Brighde (Rumplestiltskin) 1,2,3
Elspeth (Georgethegirl) 1,2,3
Muirne (bwarnergroup) 1,2,3
Murron (lovestoknit) 1,2,3
Morven (BessE) 1,2,3

Clan Fraser
Sassenach (sasenach) 1,2,3
Jocasta Walkley (Anne) 1,2,3
Caitlin (wit-n-knit) 1,2,3
Meadhbh (HabetrotSpins) -,-,-
Sileana (sassenachlass) 1,-,-,
Frannsaidh Muir (CarmaFrancie) 1,2,3
Seonaid (Crowesgirl) -,-,-
Eilidh MacAlister (HelenKOSings) -,2,3
Morgana (Cluxewe) -,2,3

Clan Mackenzie
Catrionia (Neila) 1,2,3
Mrs. FitzGibbons (jules 1960) 1,2,3
Dearbhail (dbyrne44) -,-,-
Rhona (Rahrini) -,2,3
Mordag Elsbeth McLean (abitknottie) 1,2,3
Kinley (Rehnbo) 1,2,3
Fenella (Knitpickins) 1-,-,
Katharine Robertson (Greydog) -,-,-
Sorka (EDrakeDesigns) -,-,-

Clan Murray
Joan (Vivian5) 1,2,3
Senga (Robyn) 1,2,3
Ros (Margeco) 1,2,3
Moira (UnseelieSuccubus) 1,2,3
Marsali (Mommaowie) 1,2,3
Margaret (GrandmothersWheel) -,2,3
Searlaid (Tagesmom) -,-,-
Eileen (justajenjen) 1,2,3
Latharna (Cabrita) 1,2,3

Chieftess Challenge III

This week we have heard from all of our clans' Chieftesses!

You have all down a braw job again, lasses. There were no wrong answers, literally, so 3 points to each clan.

The Early Bird award goes to Jenny from Clan Murray this week. Answer recieved Sunday evening, 10:42, an hour earlier than the second answer.

Summary:
Beauchamp: 3
Fraser: 3
MacKenzie: 3
Murray: 3 + 1 = 4 Way to go Jenny Murray!

And so happy we are, Fiona, that you were able to join us this week.

Overall standings for the Chieftess Challenge:
Beauchamp: 8 + 3 = 11
Fraser: 3
MacKenzie: 10 + 3 = 13
Murray: 6 + 4 = 10

Remember, Good-sisters, the next Chieftess Challenge will be released Friday evening at 7:30, so please check back then.

Highland Games Round 3 Answers

1. At what fire feast did Claire go through the stones? Beltane, or near Beltane

2. While in Inverness Frank Randall catches up with the Rev. Wakefield who has a penchant for Jacobite history. Wakefield shows Frank a document that reveals what? That Jonathon Wolverton Randall was connected to/in the pocket of the Duke of Sandringham *cue “Secret Agent Man”* Indeed, there was proof, via dispatches that Randall was to dig up Jacobite supporters for Sandringham.I accepted secret agent, spy. I did not accept relative. Frank already knew Randall was his relative.

3. When does Claire realize Geilie is a traveler like she is? When she sees her vaccination scar at the witch trial in Crainsmuir. I think Claire had suspected it earlier, but it wasn’t confirmed until that moment. Claire had known for a while that Geilie really WAS a witch like her.

4. What name did Jamie Fraser use while at Castle Leoch, before he and Claire married? Jamie MacTavish

5. Name two possible reasons (of several) why Dougal wanted to see Jamie married? It was a way to keep Claire out of the hands of the English. Marrying a Scot made her nominally Scots and made it so he didn’t have to hand her over. A guaranteed way to make sure Jamie would never be the cheiftan of Clan Mackenzie – while a potential alternative after Column and Dougal before Hamish would be old enough. Clan members would never accept Jamie as chieftan if he married a Sassenach wench. A possible way to get Lallybroch back from the Frasers. Lallybroch sat on one of a few mountain passes, one that the Mackenzies didn’t want to give up, if Jamie died before having children, the land would go to Claire, and then Dougal, (he hoped) or another Mackenzie could marry her and keep the land. Otherwise it would go back to the Frasers. A test to see if Claire was a spy for the English. She’d likely run away rather than marry a young Scots.

6. Why did Claire panic when she went up to the church to marry Jamie Fraser? They were to be married at the same church that she and Frank were/would be married at.

7. Why do many members of Clan Mackenzie consider Jaime’s father, Brian, a silkie? No one knew who he was, and the woman who saw him in the back passage the night that Ellen Mackenzie ran away said he looked like a silkie, because of his Black Hair. As it turns out Fraser lands border near where the silkies, or seals live. Legend has it that silkies put aside their skins when they come ashore and walk like men. If you find a silkie’s skin and hid it, he or she cannot go back into the sea again, but must stay with you on land. Wisdom say’s it’s good to take a seal-wife because they are very good cooks, and devoted mothers. No word on the husbands, other than they have black shiny hair.

8. Why was Jamie afraid to go back to Lallybroch after he came back from the abby in France. He was ashamed that he wasn’t able to protect his sister Jenny. When he left, he was under the impression she had been raped by Randall and had a child by him. A fact enhanced by something Dougal told him. In truth it wasn’t the case. He was a wanted man and he didn’t want to risk his home place.

9. How does Geilie Duncan kill her husband? She tried to slowly poisoning him by “doctoring” his elixir with white arsenic, but it wasn’t killing him fast enough so she gave him a big dose of a “quick and deadly” poison, probably cyanide while eating at the feast for the Duke of Sandringhamp at Castle Leoch. While poison is correct, I need more specifics. In reality Mr. Duncan thought she was poisoning him so he wouldn’t eat anything she ate, but she added arsenic to his elixir but it wasn’t doing the job fast enough. When she was getting to the point she couldn’t hide the pregnancy (Dougal’s spawn) any longer she hurried the job up.

10. How would Claire describe her wardrobe when she walked through the stones the first time? How did the Mackenzie’s who rescued her from the English dragoons describe her clothes? (I’m looking for two answers) Claire describes her outfit as a thin peony sprigged spring dress and walking shoes. She also described it as “Something pretty and springy and bright after the dreariness of the war. The Mackenzie’s described her as wearing her shift Randall agreed she was in her shift, or otherwise dressed as a whore, but her shoes were too nice. Any self-respecting Beauchamp would have gotten this one right.


FYI:
Some clan members have been having problems with their e-mails arriving in the swap inbox. I'm working on a solution. Until I come up with one, I'm going to post who's participated in each contest. So today, I'll let you know who's played the Highland Games to date. If you think there's a problem, let me know, either by swap e-mail or Ravelry PM (I'm knitmo). Eventually, I intend on posting the spreadsheet I've been using, in pdf format.

I have decided in the cases where the e-mail doesn't show up in the inbox, and if you can forward a copy of the e-mail from the "sent item" folder from your e-mail accounty proving correct e-mail address and time stamp, I'll give points for correct answers. I don't know how wide-spread of an issue this is.

When points are posted tomorrow, there will be some small modifications to make up for the errors.
~Kellan/knitmo

Highland Game Quiz Round 4

Remember to Put Highland Games Round 4 in the subject of your e-mail to outlandishswap@yahoo.com and include your swap name, clan and answers in the body of the e-mail.

1. Where does Claire and Murtagh take Jamie after breaking him out of Wentworth Prison? [Where Claire dresses Jamie's wounds and where they spend the night]
2. Outline the basic plan for breaking Jamie out of Wentworth Prison.
3. How do Murtagh and Claire let people know they are looking for word about what's happened to Jamie after he's been taken by the Watch?
4. Who was Sawny? Who gave him the nickname?
5. What were Jamie’s requirements before he agreed to marry Claire?
6. Why did Jamie think it was prudent to hide during the oath taking during the Mackenzie Gathering?
7. How did Jamie save his skin during the oath taking?
8. Who is the father of Geilie Duncan’s child?
9. What message does Dougal pass on from Geilie to Claire? This happened when Claire and Dougal were in the cave, at the same time Claire finds out that Jamie will be executed.
10. What is contained in the box that Wentworth Prison Warden gives Claire to deliver to Jamie’s family?

Good Luck Clans! Contest ends at midnight Eastern time, Tuesday, Oct. 7. Results will be posted Friday, Oct. 10.
~Kellan

Highland Game Quiz Round 3 Over

Thanks for playing the third round of the Outlandish Swap Highland Games. Answers and results will be posted sometime on Friday, Oct. 3. Be sure to check back.
~Kellan

Chieftess Challenge 2

My Good Sisters,You have done a braw job with your fancy words.

This challenge had two parts so I will reprint the challenge here: A Wee Tease ~ Scotland’s most famous Bard has written these words. 1) Can you rewrite them into something English and 2) let us know what the subject of the poem is?

Wee sleekit, cow’rin, tim’rous beastie,
O, what a panic’s in thy breastie!
Thou need na start awa sae hasty,
Wi bickering brattle!
I wad be laith to rin an chase thee,
Wi murdering pattle!

Again, I recieved poems from 3 clans and I will share them here.

Clan Beauchamp:
1) Literal:
Small, sleek, scared, timid creature,
Oh, what a fear you have in your heart!
You don’t have to go away so fast With such a scamper!
I would be relunctant to run and chase after you
With my murderous plough!

Contemporary:
Oh, itty-bitty little thing,
How afraid you are!
You don’t have to scurry away so fast!
It’s not in me to chase after you,
With my killing machine!

2) Robert Burns is trying to assure this terrified little creature that he has no intention of causing it any harm. A mouse.

Clan Mackenzie
1) Oh, sly sneaky timid beastie
Why such a panic in your breast-y?
There's no need to run so hasty
With a flickering scamper.
I'm too bashful to go and chase thee
With my deadly plow

2) In English what is the subject: A farmer digs up a mouse's nest with his plow and he's talking to her.

Clan Murray:
1) Little sleek, cowering, fearful beast
Oh, how worries you are! (or: how the panic shows in your breast! I can't decide which is better)
You don't need to run away so fast
With a quivering run!
I would be loath to run and chase you,
with my murdering paddle.

2) it is about highland cattle

Scoring:
2 points for each of the poems.
2 points for the mouse (clan MacKenzie & Beauchamp)
Early bird: Clan MacKenzie 1 point ( 9/26 2:31 pm - 5 hours before the second one came in) 100% correct 1 point (MacKenzie, Beauchamp)

Summary:
Beauchamp: 5 points
MacKenzie: 6 points
Murray: 2 points

Standings:
Beauchamp: 3 + 5 = 8
MacKenzie: 4 + 6 = 10
Murray: 4 + 2 = 6
Way to go Kellan MacKenzie! Clan Fraser should be back on Tuesday and ready to partake of the Chieftess Challenges.

~Mordag Elsbeth McLean (abitknottie) of Clan Mackenzie

Chieftess Challenge I

Three clans were represented here, Beauchamp, MacKenzie and Murray.

There were no wrong answers and I did have a few giggles over these answers. 3 points each for perfect scores.

Early bird goes to: Kellan of clan MacKenzie. Her answer was submitted first: 5:46 pm Several answers were the same, some quite creative.

My personal favorite from each of the sets of answers: Kellan writes: 1.) Colum http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/thigh-high-leg-warmers [Colum's legs are twisted, like cables, from his weird disease that has yet to be named]

Eilis writes: 11.) Donas - post 107069http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/loopy-groupies/127224/107051-107075#107069,

Jenny Murray writes:
St. Ninians spring: this one was hard. So you had to tell the truth after drinking from the spring, so I found the "sword of truth" group!

A special Accolade award will go to Jenny Murray of Clan Murray. The Last item found in everyone's hunt was a reference to one of her posts.

POINTS:
Beauchamp: 3
MacKenzie: 4
Murray: 4


~Mordag Elsbeth McLean (abitknottie) of Clan Mackenzie

Round 2 Results Post

My hand knit cloche getting more of a workout now than ever before! There were 12 individuals included in the hand-knit felted cloche drawing.





Joan (Vivian 5), Marsali (mommaowie), Eileen (justajenjen) and Latharna (cabrita) of Clan Murray; Mrs. FitzGibbons (jules 1960), Rhona (Rahrini), Mordag Elsbeth McLean (abitknottie) and Kinley (Rehnbo) of Clan Mackenzie; Sassenach (Sassenach), Frannsaidh Muir (CarmaFrancie) and Morgana (cluxewe) of Clan Fraser and Murron (lovestoknit) of Clan Beauchamp. Each one earned two additional points for their clan. These participants had perfect scores and earned 2 points for their individual Clan.

Edie enjoyed loading the cloche.



She also enjoyed picking the name.



Here's the winner.

Winner: Marsali of Clan Murray. She earns an additional 5 points for her clan.

Clan Standings: For Round 2

Beauchamp: 65
Fraser: 62
Mackenzie: 60
Murray: 78

Total Clan Standings:

Beauchamp: 137
Fraser: 102
Mackenzie: 112
Murray: 150

Additional awards: (for bragging rights)

Early Bird Award: Senga of Clan Murray. She submitted her answers first. Her e-mail was dated 2:11 p.m. Sept. 17.

Sneaker Award: Kinley of Clan Mackenzie. She submitted her answers last. Her e-mail was dated 8:45 p.m. Sept. 23.

Reminds me of . . . award: Eileen of Clan Murray’s comment on Question No. 4.

“Herring in many shapes and forms, and Claire launches into a description of the menu, which rather reminds me of the part in Forrest Gump where Bubba lists all the uses for shrimp.”

Statistics:

27 of 36 participated in Highland Games Round 1, that’s 75 percent (Remember the clan chieftans are excluded from playing. We organize, you play. Except for the Chieftan Challenge, which will be posted Sunday.)

12 people got every question right or 45 percent of those who participated.

Clan Beauchamp had 89 percent or 8 of 9 members participate, earning 65 points

Clan Fraser had 67 percent or 6 of 9 members participate, earning 62 points

Clan Mackenzie had 67 percent or 6 of 9 members participate, earning 60 points

Clan Murray had 78 percent or 7 of 9 members participate, earning 78 points

~Kellan

Highland Games Answers: Round 2

Answers have been tallied. I finished checking them well after the kids went to bed. They'll draw the winning name tonight. I'll post winner on Friday
~Kellan

1. Throws a rosary made of Jet beads around her neck. Jett is supposed to burn a witch’s skin and obviously it didn’t burn her skin. This is one scene where Claire realizes Jamie’s showmanship.
2. Not to fight/do anything and not talk about it the next day. “You want me. Let the woman go, and ye can have me. Do what you wish to me. I’ll not struggle, though I’ll allow you to bind me, if you think it needful. And I’ll not speak of it come tomorrow. But first you’ll see the woman safe from the prison.”
3. Collecting plants or botany. And I also accepted “herbology” from an obvious Harry Potter fan.
4. Herring, in many forms
5. 23
6. Loaghaire
7. The basics: She’d been attacked by English soldiers, including Randall, she then told them that she was a widow from Oxfordshire traveling to distant relatives in France when she was attacked. She lost everything. Here are additional details: Dougal kidnapped her. She went on to tell Colum that she had been attacked by English soldiers, specifically a man name Randall. She explained the confrontation w/ Dougal and Randall’s men. She shared the facts of the conversation with Randall. She embellished the part about being a widowed lady from Oxfordshire traveling with a manservant en route to distant relatives in France. They were set upon by highwaymen; her servant killed or ran off. She went into the woods and was captured where she had to abandon all property and her horse. She ran into Randall while wandering in the woods.
8. Died in a car accident when she was 5
9. Ellen refused the man her brother had picked for her and ran away with Brian Fraser. The jilted suitor, Malcom Grant, left the Gathering quickly and quietly. The same way Ellen and Brian left. They hid in a crofter’s cottage until she was violently pregnant and came back for her brother to approve of the marriage. The family Bible lists their marriage and Brian wrote “Marrit for love” next to it. I also accepted details of how the marriage contract was written that property, Lallybroch, would pass on to her children or in the case of no children, back to Lord Lovat after the death of Brian Fraser, regardless if he married again or if he had more children.
10. Uncle Lamb was a scholar of antiquities. I also accepted answers that provided similar job descriptions of archeologist. How did it help her? She lived rough, dug latrines and other unseemly activities for a girl/woman of gentle birth.

Woo hoo!

Hey all,

I just wanted to pass on a comment that I got about our swap. I left a comment on Diana Gabaldon's blog last night telling her about what we are up to, and got a response today! You can check it out for yourself or you can just read it here. We have her approval!

Meaghan said...
Hi, I don't know if this will interest you at all, but a group of people have started a knitting based yarn swap based on Outlander! We have started a blog at outlandishswap.blogspot.com We are doing trivia based on the book and have all picked names inspired by Scotland. Stop by and check it out if you are interested to see how you have inspired us!
September 24, 2008 8:18 PM
Diana Gabaldon said...
Dear meaghan--Haha! That's great! [g]
September 25, 2008 1:19 AM

Highland Games Round 3

Remember to Put Highland Games Round 3 in the subject of your e-mail to outlandishswap@yahoo.com and include your swap name, clan and answers in the body of the e-mail.

1. At what feast did Claire go through the stones the first time?
2. While in Inverness Frank Randall catches up with the Rev. Wakefield who has a penchant for Jacobite history. Wakefield shows Frank a document that reveals what?
3. When does Claire realize Geilie is a traveler like she is?
4. What name did Jamie Fraser use while at Castle Leoch, before he and Claire married?
5. Name at least two possible reasons why Dougal wanted to see Jamie married?
6. Why did Claire panic when she went up to the church to marry Jamie Fraser?
7. Why do many members of Clan Mackenzie consider Jaime’s father, Brian, a silkie?
8. Name the primary reason why Jamie was afraid to go back to Lallybroch after he came back from the abby in France? [Note: This was before he met Claire]
9. How does Geilie Duncan kill her husband?
10. How would Claire describe her wardrobe when she walked through the stones the first time? How did the Mackenzies’ who rescued her from the English dragoons describe her clothes? (I’m looking for two answers)

Good Luck Clans! Contest ends at midnight Eastern time, Tuesday, Sept. 30. Results will be posted Friday, Oct. 3.

Highland Game Quiz Round 2 Over

Thanks for playing the second round of the Outlandish Swap Highland Games. Answers and results will be posted sometime on Friday, Sept. 26. Be sure to check back. It looks like at least half of the clan members participated in this round. I'll get everything checked soon. Answers and results will be posted Friday, Sept. 26. So, stop back.

~Kellan

Round 1 Results

As expected I did have to whip out the hand knit, felted cloche to determine the winner of the round. This little gem is a UGH! that has not been added to Ravelry. I apparently have a large head. The kids use it as a purse. However, my 2-year-old daughter, Edie, didn’t mind modeling it.



Participants in the hand-knit felted cloche drawing: Murron (lovestoknit) and Morven (bessE) of the Beauchamps; Frannsaidh Muir (CarmaFrancie) of the Frasers; Mordag Elsbeth McLean (abitknottie), Kinley (Rehnbo) Catrionia Duncan (Neila) of the Mackenzies; and Senga (robyn), Latharna (cabrita), Ros (Margeco) and Marsali (Mommaowie) of the Murrays. These clan members had perfect scores and earned 2 points for their individual clan.

Here's proof I included all of the names in the drawing:




My other 2-year-old, Ian, selected the name from the hat, and felt a need to taste the paper.




Winner: Murrion (lovestoknit) She earns an additional 5 points for Clan Beauchamp.

Clan Standings: After 1 Round
Beauchamp: 72
Fraser: 40
Mackenzie: 52
Murray: 72


Additional awards: (for bragging rights)
Early Bird Award: Senga of Clan Murray. She submitted her answers first. Her e-mail was dated 11:24 a.m. Sept. 10. That my friends, is just under 12 hours after I posted the quiz. Go Senga!
Sneaker Award: Caitlin of Clan Fraser. She submitted her answers last. Her e-mail was dated 9:37 p.m. Sept. 15. That is just about 2 hours before deadline.
The BS Award: Mrs. FitzGibbons of Clan Mackenzie for her most creative response to Question No. 3: “Ah Jamie was the passionate stallion that conquered her desire and Frank was the plow horse--he got the deed done thoroughly but without any fireworks.(ok so I don't know, but I had to put down something!)”

Statistics:
25 of 36 participated in Highland Games Round 1, that’s 69 percent. (Remember the clan chieftains are excluded from playing. We organize, you play.)
10 people got every question right or 27 percent.
10 people were stumped by Question No. 3 – regarding Claire’s description of her lovers, that’s 27 percent. However, many people figured it out, and included the direct quote from the text. Hint, the answer is in the “honeymoon” section.
Clan Beauchamp had 89 percent or 8 of 9 members participate, earning 72 points
Clan Fraser had 56 percent or 5 of 9 members participate, earning 40 points
Clan Mackenzie had 56 percent or 5 of 9 members participate, earning 52 points
Clan Murray had 78 percent or 7 of 9 members participate, earning 72 points

~Kellan

Just a little tease

I've finished tallying every one's answers. We have a winner, but I'm sticking to my plan to not post until Friday. However, I am posting the answers to Highland Games Round 1 today.

~Kellan

The Answers Highland Games Round 1:
1. When Claire Randall stepped through the stones she went back about 200 years. What year did she walk through the stones and what year was it when she stepped outside the stones? 1945 to 1743 Both dates were necessary to earn points.

2. What medical procedure did Claire first perform after walking through the stones and who was her patient? Claire set Jamie’s dislocated shoulder and dressed his wounds. He had been shot, but she did not remove the musket ball, it went clean through. She did, though, dress it with the rayon slip she wore.

3. How did Claire describe the difference between her lovers, (Frank Randall and Jamie Fraser) using athletic terms? Frank was like a tennis player and Jamie was like a warrior "Frank was slender, lithe, dark, where Jamie was large, powerful and fair as a ruddy sunbeam. While both men had compact grace of athletes, Franks’s was the build of a tennis player. Jamie’s the body of a warrior, shaped and battered – by the abrasion of sheer physical adversity."

4. Why were Frank and Claire Randall in Scotland? A second honeymoon to reconnect after World War II. I also accepted vacation before Frank started his position at Oxford. Elspeth Beauchamp (Georgethegirl) added this little commentary: “… On their ‘second honeymoon’ where he could conveniently research his ancestors.”

5. What does Sassenach mean? Outlander or English Usually meant as a derogatory name.

6. What is the formal name of Lallybroch? Broch Tuarach, as an added note, which many of you included means north facing tower.

7. Name three things Jamie typically keeps in his Sporran? A cherry wood snake his brother Willie carved for him; a Bible that belonged to a fellow Fort William prisoner, Alex MacGregor; fish lines and hooks; a dried mole foot – to prevent rheumatism; string for snares; pistol wadding and balls; stones, a snail shell; and a piece of glass. These answers came from the description as Jamie got ready for quarter day at Lallybroch, but apparently Diana Gabaldon also likes to describe the contents of Jamie’s Sporran and it seems as if his sporran is like my purse – a receptacle for anything potentially useful. Other places in “Outlander” Gabaldon describes honey drops, amber, stones, his father’s ruby wedding ring and his mother’s string of purls, which were also accepted as answers to this question.

8. What does Claire tell Jenny when they part after spending three days searching for Jamie after he was taken by the Watch? Plant potatoes, build a priest hole and selling non-profitable land for gold all in preparation for the war. Any of these answers were acceptable. Many people included more than one in their response.

9. Where does Claire disappear from? The standing stones at Craigh na Dun, near Inverness. I accepted standing stones near Inverness and Craigh na Dun. Inverness wasn’t specific enough. I mean, she didn’t disappear by walking into the back room of some pub near the Moray Firth. In retrospect, I should have probably been a little more specific.

10. Describe Claire’s wedding ring from Jaime. Many of you caught me with this. I wasn’t specific enough asking which ring she received. The first, was one of Jamie’s he took off his own hand during the ceremony. It is described as heavy gold circlet, set with a cabochon ruby or his father’s wedding ring. When I wrote the question I was specifically thinking of the one he presented her with after returning to Leoch and the one she wears all the time, which is described as a wide silver band decorated in the highland interlace style, a small delicate Jacobean thistle carved in the center of each link. I accepted both as correct answers, because you all are so smart. Mordag (abitknottie) also noted it took Claire about 800 pages to look inside the ring to see the inscription: “Da Mi Basia Mille.”