THUNDER FAQ's We have been asked time and time again Our "Thunder" history. It's sad to say that many still do not know the correct information. I feel that it is highly imprtant to know our lineage, we know that we are all brothers and sisters but do we know how we became that way. Selene, Matriarch of The Greater House of Steel Thunder has extensively researched our lineage. She has posted on The Greater House of Steel Thunder website this FAQ's page at http://groups.msn.com/TheGreaterHouseSteelThunder She has researched the information and written it for us to learn. I believe that this is a very informative page which you will all need to read, review and learn. This way when you are asked Thunder history you know it. Brazen Thunder Clan is responsible for knowing all information regarding the history of THUNDER. WHAT IS THUNDER? WHO IS SIR OLAF BEAR CRUSHER AND DRED LORD SIR STEPHEN? WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A “CLAN” AND A “HOUSE” OR “HOUSEHOLD” WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “ROLLING THUNDER” AND “DREDDED THUDER?” WHO ARE THE “GOVERNING BODIES” OF A THUNDER CLAN AND WHAT DO THEY DO? WHAT ARE THE FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERNTCES BETWEEN “SILVERS,” “BRONZES,” “PROSPECTIVES” AND “GOLDS”? WHAT DOES “BEARING RED” MEAN? WHAT DOES “BEARING WHITE” MEAN WHAT WARS AND EVENTS DOES THUNDER ATTEND: ARE THERE ANY STIPULATIONS ON BECOMING A MEMBER OF THUNDER? WHERE DOES THE WORD “SHIKEN” COME FROM? WHAT DOES IT MEAN? WHERE DOES THE WORD “ROLLING THUNDER” COME FROM? WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION? WHAT IS THUNDER? Rolling Thunder is both a mundane and medieval recreation gaming entity. We must designate that Rolling Thunder (SCA) and Rolling Thunder Inc. National ARE NOT necessarily the same thing. Rolling Thunder Inc. National is an organization that lobbies the government for action concerning prisoners of war (POW’s) and other servicemen, living or deceased, left behind during various military incursions. Rolling Thunder Inc. National is what everyone actually has in mind when you think of the Rolling thunder “motorcycle club.” Rolling Thunder Inc. National has an annual motorcycle rally in Washington DC which draws thousands and some other motorcycle events though it claims that it is “not a motorcycle club.” Rolling Thunder SCA, as we know it personally, was established and is currently operating in mundane New Mexico, SCAdian area of The Outlands, and it is to this group that we are most closely related… We are told through verbal history that we derive our heritage from a military group that was established during the Vietnam War. This verbal history continues that the military group joined together as a motorcycle club following the war and happened to come upon an SCA event while riding one year. The group took to the Society of Creative Anachronism (the world’s premier medical recreation organization) and founded a household within that organization. They naturally named it after themselves-with reference to their motorcycle club. Eventually, the men we know as The Great Sir Olaf Bear Crusher and Dred Lord Sir Stephen of Rolling Thunder SCA created large Thunder followings in Arizona, SCAdian Kingdom of Atenveldt, and this is where our particular lineage in thunder comes from. Interestingly, Rolling Thunder Inc. National shares a similar past--BUT, it is impossible to find any direct similar past between Rolling Thunder Inc. National and Rolling Thunder SCA. Rolling Thunder In National was formed in the 1980’s (Rolling Thunder SCA was formed in the 1970’s) by two veterans of the Vietnam War who had been discussing missing friends in action. Rolling Thunder Inc National has trademarked and copyrighted the Rolling Thunder name and does not appear to acknowledge Rolling Thunder SCA on any official website or in any official publication (insofar as I- The Matriarch of Steel Thunder-have been able to be asses). Rolling Thunder Inc. National does not use a “Shiken” as a logo or symbol. The official logo of Rolling Thunder Inc. National is an eagle flying over Southeast Asia. More information concerning Rolling Thunder Inc. National may be found online at: http://www.rollingthunder1.com/ Rolling Thunder SCA and the groups which arose from Rolling Thunder SCA is what will be discussed on this forum and herewith, all shall be referred to as “Thunder”, unless a specific clan/house or association in otherwise noted. Basically, Thunder is a family mundanely and otherwise. We stick to some fundamental “biker” codes of conduct, but have changed things up a bit over the 30 years or so since the inception to include some of our interests - medieval gaming being the one that brought many of us together. It is important to not e in this conversation of what Thunder is and Thunder history that Grandpa Flynx- a founding member of the group- wrote a many-times-shared-and-passed-on account of how he came to Thunder and hi recollection of how it all began. I have included that writing as a separate Word Document for your perusal. Back to Top WHO IS SIR OLAF BEAR CRUSHER AND DRED LORD SIR STEPHEN? The Great Sir Olaf Bear Crusher was a founding member of Rolling Thunder within the SCA. He is mentioned in Grandpa Flynx’ account as introduced above. Dred Lord Sir Stephen was one of his dearest friends and became his brother in Thunder. Sir Olaf “Oly,” has long since retired from the SCA, though Matriarch of Steel Thunder las known person to have contact with him as was told at that time that he is healthy, happy and teaching elementary school mundanely. Dred Sir Lord Stephen, “Dred,” is the founder and the current Patriarch of The Greater House of Dredded Thunder. Back to Top WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A “CLAN” AND A “HOUSE” OR “HOUSEHOLD” There really isn’t one. The term “household” is used by medieval recreation enthusiasts to refer to the group they “belong” to, feel a connection to or most socialize with. Rollin Thunder groups typically call themselves “Clans” instead. Back to Top WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “ROLLING THUNDER” AND “DREDDED THUDER?” Dredded Thunder can trace it’s lineage back to Rolling Thunder, but they are two different Thunder clans from two different associations of Thunder. An association (for lack of a better word) within Thunder is a large cluster of clans and Thunder members who have fealty ties and relationships with one another on a direct level. All of the clans and the members within an association share the same history and adhere to the same basic customs, traditions, codes of conduct and morals and values. There are three known and distinct associations within Thunder: The Federated Clans (sometimes called “The Federated Clans of Rolling Thunder” or “Federated Thunder”), The Greater House of Dredded Thunder and The Greater House of Steel Thunder--of which you are a part of if you are reviewing this FAQ’s sheet. Dredded Thunder is a clan, but it is also an association. Rolling Thunder SCA is the original Thunder clan and is not an association, though Federated Thunder has sprung up around it. Back to Top WHO ARE THE “GOVERNING BODIES” OF A THUNDER CLAN AND WHAT DO THEY DO? IMPORTANT: This is association specific-- The Greater House of Steel Thunder must answer this question differently that the other Thunder associations, though all answers should be similar. Following is the Steel Thunder “way…” Matriarch, Patriarch or Both: This person or set of people perform the majority of the governing responsibilities. They are the people one seeks out if membership to Thunder is desired. They provide prospective Shikens based on individual clan criteria, observe the prospective through this fundamental period, give bronze Shikens and make “elevations.” The Matriarch, Patriarch or Both also listen to, handle and settle any disputes which many arise within their clan. They conduct and speak at Thunder circles. They uphold Thunder customs, traditions, codes of conduct, ect., and disseminate that information to their clansmen. They strive to keep their clansmen in contact with each other. They organize and attend events (mundane and medieval). They assist with clan matters, issues and donate their money, time, blood, sweat and tears to the clan in every other possible, imaginable way. The Matriarch, Patriarch or Both also make all executive decisions regarding their clans, and may do so without polling their people. All Matriarchs, Patriarchs or Both hold Silver Shikens, and it is highly recommended that they be blooded by the traditions of Thunder before taking up the post. ***If a clan is governed by a single “parent party” and that parent is not blooded, that Matriarch or Patriarch must either make every effort to become so or should assign blooding rights to a blooded member of their silver council. Silver Council: The Silver Council is composed of the Silver members of a clan (there must be at least three Silvers present to conduct an official Silver Council meeting… as some clans start out with fewer than three of these, Silvers may be barrowed from other clans), and they serve to assist the Matriarch or Patriarch or Both (who are also technically members of the Silver Council). Silvers are responsible for adopted newbie’s and teaching them customs , traditions, codes of conduct, ect., with regards to Thunder. Silvers may also be approached to resolve disagreements, settle agreements or to provide information. Silvers are the backbone of medieval events and often volunteer in one fashion or another; they may assist in planning, set up kitchens, run errands, sew until their fingers bleed, host fighter-practices, enforce camp protocols, ect. Back to Top WHAT ARE THE FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERNTCES BETWEEN “SILVERS,” “BRONZES,” “PROSPECTIVES” AND “GOLDS”? In all three associations, prospective are the same thing; these are people who have sought membership into a Thunder clan and have consequently submitted to a “trial” period in which they are permitted to socialize with the clan as if they were a full member (Bronze). During the “trial” period, the clan and the Matriarch, Patriarch or Both, have the opportunity to make sure that this person is someone they feel fits well with the clan overall. The specifics concerning prospective vary by individual clan. The idea of prospective is a “throw back” from our motorcycle club associations. In all three associations, Bronzes are the same thing; these are full members of Thunder, a specific Thunder clan, and usually a specific association. Bronzes are entitled to attend any Thunder circle they wish, so long as it is not “closed” by the Matriarch or Patriarch calling and hosting the circle. Bronzes are afforded all manners of hospitality by other Thunder members. Bronzes are looked after as if they were our own flesh and blood. By the same token, Bronzes must promise to do the same for their brethren. Once a Bronze Shiken is given to a new member, it can NEVER be taken away. In all three associations, Silvers are approximately the same thing- except in Dredded Thunder, where the Silver level Shiken seems to be given and taken as a display or symbol of hierarchy. Silvers are full members of Thunder with all of the rights and responsibilities of Bronzes and they are considered very knowledgeable on matters of Thunder. Anyone desirous of a Silver Shiken shall not get one. Silver level is a tremendous responsibility and comes wit great dedication, hard work and unfailing devotion. Silvers may “sponsor” new prospective, can attend any Thunder circle as noted above, and can also call Thunder circles if they wish. Silvers may attend a Silver Council (Note: This may vary between associations…). Silvers may request the right to start their own clans. ---They may not be awarded that right, but they are welcome to request it. Silver DOES NOT automatically have the right to start a new clan. Gold’s are only recognized within the Greater House of Dredded Thunder. In that association, it is considered the highest award one may be granted. It implies some authority over others, and this is why Gold level is not generally recognized outside of said grouping. However, The Greater House of Steel Thunder has two Gold’s, as appointed by Dred Lord Sir Stephen himself: m’Lord Cy Axton of Hammerfest (Patriarch of Serpent Thunder) and Lady Baronet Selene II (Matriarch of The Greater House of Steel Thunder and Steel Thunder Proper). Neither of these leaders will claim Gold level within The Greater House of Steel Thunder and are known to brethren there as Silvers (both bearing red). For prospective who do not become full members of Thunder-for whatever reason- a Friend of Thunder Favor may be offered. This is open invitation to those persons to attend circles called and hosted by the clan and association that provided the Favor (unless otherwise closed), and to come to parties thrown by anyone in Thunder-dom. Back to Top WHAT DOES “BEARING RED” MEAN? Bearing Red is a tem that is often used like a title (tagged onto one’s name). It is meant to indicate that the person to whom the title is attached has been blooded by Thunder tradition. Being Blooded means that one has vanquished the enemies of Thunder on the battlefield (at a war) and has thus been initiated in the sacred, secret ceremony of Blooding. Uninitiated members (those not yet blooded) are not permitted to know anything about the aforementioned sacred, secret ceremony, and the initiated are sworn to absolute secrecy upon initiation. Steel Thunder has inherited its blooding traditions from Dredded Thunder. That means that the ceremony can only be performed by a blooded Silver, Matriarch, Patriarch or Both (if both are blooded) and/or an original Thunder Shaman. Steel Thunder actually does have an original Thunder Shaman as appointed many years ago (1998) by the Original Thunder Shaman. Steel Thunder’s Shaman is called “Raven”.---Not to be confused with the numerous members of The Greater House of Steel Thunder also calling themselves Raven. Most people do not know who any of the Thunder Shamans are, or how many there are. It is the duty of a Thunder Shaman to keep their true identity secret. Hint-Hint: If I (the Matriarch of Steel Thunder) am ever present at a blooding ceremony, the shaman Raven is also there. Other blooded members of Thunder are generally welcomed to attend blooding ceremonies. Back to Top WHAT DOES “BEARING WHITE” MEAN If you are asking that question, then you likely already know the answer. Each of the associations has its own way of acknowledging special service to the association or to a clan or some important achievement. I (the Matriarch of Steel Thunder) long ago had a habit of saying, “You’re a God!!” whenever someone was extraordinarily helpful. It was my way of saying, “Thanks!” Eventually, this title, tinsy-tiny phrase grew into an enormous pantheon… The Grater House of Steel Thunder has awarded Godhoods for starting fires, bring bottomless coolers of Thunder Punch to war, keeping the clan entertained all night, setting up tents, ect. The pantheon became so full, in fact, that the members (my Gods) had to wear little white cords on their Shikens so that I would know I had recognized them previously for their assistance and service. To this day, I cannot tell you who is the God of what, but they all know-and take their Godhoods very seriously. I.E. The God of Thunder Punch is expected to bring Thunder Punch to every event and does so. This idea of a service pantheon caught on, and last I heard, Dredded Thunder had begun creating Gods too. I encourage my pantheons to sign their names with the words, “Bearing White” just as they would if they were blooded. Back to Top WHAT WARS AND EVENTS DOES THUNDER ATTEND: Thunder is present at most major SCAdian events. There is an estimated 7,000 to 17,000 people in some way involved in Thunder all over the world. The Greater House of Steel Thunder is active in two medieval recreation organizations: The SCA and The Adrian Empire, INC. We attend one favorite event sanctioned by each one of these organizations per year, plus Clan Gathering if it is scheduled. Please see the “Steel Thunder Basics” page for more information. Back to Top ARE THERE ANY STIPULATIONS ON BECOMING A MEMBER OF THUNDER? YES!!! One must either fight, drum or dance in a medieval recreation setting. One must be willing to submit to a prospective period no shorter than three months in duration. One must be willing to assist his clan and listen to the counsel of his Silvers. One must be willing to swear fealty to his clan and make a commitment of respect, honor and protect all of his brethren far and wide. One must be willing to learn forbearance with his brothers and sisters in Thunder and must refuse the temptation to judge them. One must be genuine, sincere and courageous of spirit to join Thunder. One must be willing to give such loyalty as to experience both successes and failures with his Clansmen. Back to Top WHERE DOES THE WORD “SHIKEN” COME FROM? WHAT DOES IT MEAN? The Shiken is the symbol that represents us. It’s a circle with eight points on both the inside and the outside. It resembles a saw-blade, a ring of fire, a lightening bolt turned back on itself, or the ring-shaped around the horse’s head on a Rolling Rock beer bottles-cap. I (the Matriarch of Steel Thunder) found this excellent detail where the term originated (as posted by the Patriarch of Eternal Thunder on his amazing website which I highly recommend to all…): "I know of the opinion of Flynx and many other members of Rolling Thunder on the use of the term “Shiken” for the wheels we all wear as symbols of our membership in Rolling Thunder. I have heard them, time and again referred to as “Thunders”, “Wheels”, “Thunder Wheels”, “fire Wheels”’ ect. Many people have heard the various speculations on the roots of the word “Shiken”, and what it means. Sir Olaf commonly referred to the fire wheel as a Shiken and, to all of His Thunder children, which I am one, the word is branded into our minds as much as is our own names. I will, tat this time, END ALL SPECULATION as to the origins, and the meaning of the word “Shiken” (no, it is NOT a derivative of the word “Shuriken”). Shaken ( A Japanese word) is defined (in the Buddhist tradition) as the sensation and harmony perceived by the sense of hearing and heart. It is transliterated into the English word “Test” or “Trial”. Honestly, I can think of no word that better encompasses what the wheel stands for. Unity, harmony, peace, our sense of hearing falling into place in the drums that our household plays and the rhythmic pulse they create that so many have, metaphorically, called the Heartbeat of Thunder. And what better way to envision our house and our goals as a trial. How we, as a group, test ourselves constantly by blazing new paths and showing the way to others. Flynx, you know that I respect and revere you. You know that, as one of your grandchildren (who you consecrated in moonshine, over the head of Scarface, many many years ago), I could never cast aside your opinions or take lightly you feelings. On this subject, however, I must move on my own. I agree with [Oly] calling the wheel a “Shiken”. As I said, being one of his direct descendants, that word will always be burned into my brain. I love you, brother, but I have to follow my heart on this one. I can only hope that others may see what it was [Oly] was trying to impart by calling our symbol what he did and take his wisdom to heart. In these times, we need all of the harmony we can get." Forever in service to Thunder, Lord Hreodeorht Back to Top WHERE DOES THE WORD “ROLLING THUNDER” COME FROM? When I (the Matriarch of Steel Thunder) was “growing up” and learning about Thunder, I was verbally taught that the term “Rolling Thunder” originates from a Special Forces (Army SF) unit that operated during the Vietnam War. Both my father and my brother served in Vietnam and my brother served in Desert Storm… so I was very eager to believe that this name I had come to know and love so dearly had such a birth place. I was later told by a member of one of The Greater House of Steel Thunder clans, however that the name refers to a series of bombing raids. A few weeks and a bunch of research later, I discovered that this was true. The Godhood of Infinite Wisdom goes to you, Michael of Chained Thunder… Operation Rolling Thunder was the code name for the air (bombing) raids that took place in North Vietnam during said war. The plan was a perfect example of the Sun Tzu; the raids were intended to destroy the morale of the North Vietnamese and, coincidentally, to suppress the flow of supplies and men to the battlefront (figuratively speaking-as there was no real battlefront in Vietnam). Apparently, there was some reconnaissance involved (a specialty often associated with Army SF) but it looks like the majority (if not all) of this reconnaissance was conducted by air. Operation Rolling Thunder was put in motion by President Johnson in 1965 but by 1967, the North Vietnamese had learned how to adapt to the bombing raids and managed to continue the push of supplies and combatants. In 1968, Operation Rolling Thunder was called off (shortly after the Tet Offensive). Operation Rolling Thunder dropped approximately 900,000 tons of bombs on North Vietnam during its three years in action. Rolling Thunder Inc. National, as mentioned at the beginning of this FAQ’s sheet, says that its name derived form Operation Rolling Thunder as described above. The sound of the motorcycles that pour into Washington DC every year is similar to the sound the bombing-planes made overhead in Vietnam… This is not to say that there was not an Army SF unit that was in some way related to Operation Rolling Thunder or itself did have orders of the same or similar nomenclature. The simple fact is that Army SF was controlled by the CIS during Vietnam, and so anything having to do with anything of this nature would be classified by that agency and lost to the public now. Only the original members of the Army SF unit coupled with the term Rolling Thunder (if there was one) would know the truth of the matter. Back to Top WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION? Please also see our “Steel Thunder Basics” page to gain more information about the symbols, principles, customs, traditions, codes of conduct, ect., as particularly concerned with The Greater House of Steel Thunder. You May also contact me the Matriarch of Steel Thunder) at any time: ArchyCat@cox.net or FyreQueen@msn.com Please be aware if you send me a question, I might elect to include your question and the answer here, online. I will not publish your name. We hope that you have found this FAQ’s page to be informative, interesting and helpful. 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