Difference between revisions of "The Freemasons"
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== Origins == | == Origins == | ||
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Of the various clandestine rites of Freemasonry this musical ritual, which dates back to the very earliest lodges, has been guarded with perhaps the greatest secrecy - until now ! Although game-like in structure, there are no winners, only the emanation of an exotic music which has been said to be reminiscent of that heard in the ancient temple of Solomon itself. | Of the various clandestine rites of Freemasonry this musical ritual, which dates back to the very earliest lodges, has been guarded with perhaps the greatest secrecy - until now ! Although game-like in structure, there are no winners, only the emanation of an exotic music which has been said to be reminiscent of that heard in the ancient temple of Solomon itself. | ||
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== Game Play == | == Game Play == | ||
The game is played out on a court with players holding one of the three roles of masters, serfs, and freemen. On each of the Grand High Wizard’s regularly occurring gong-downbeats, players change roles in concurrence with the Masonic Code and move between sections of the court accordingly. The Grand High Wizard will decide upon a certain number of masters and serfs to begin the game by using the Ancient Table of Players and will signal the start using special gong-downbeat which also signals the end of game play. | The game is played out on a court with players holding one of the three roles of masters, serfs, and freemen. On each of the Grand High Wizard’s regularly occurring gong-downbeats, players change roles in concurrence with the Masonic Code and move between sections of the court accordingly. The Grand High Wizard will decide upon a certain number of masters and serfs to begin the game by using the Ancient Table of Players and will signal the start using special gong-downbeat which also signals the end of game play. | ||
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== Roles == | == Roles == | ||
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'''Masters''' - Conduct the serfs. Keep conducting even if no serfs are following you! Don’t make any sounds. | '''Masters''' - Conduct the serfs. Keep conducting even if no serfs are following you! Don’t make any sounds. | ||
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For the use of the Grand High Wizard only | For the use of the Grand High Wizard only | ||
| − | + | ||
| − | + | * 6 players - start with 2 masters, 4 serfs | |
| − | 6 2 masters, 4 serfs | + | * 7 players - start with 3 masters, 4 serfs |
| − | 7 3 masters, 4 serfs | + | * 8 players - start with 4 masters, 4 serfs |
| − | 8 4 masters, 4 serfs | + | * 9 players - start with 4 masters, 5 serfs |
| − | 9 4 masters, 5 serfs | + | * 10 players - start with 5 masters, 5 serfs |
| − | 10 5 masters, 5 serfs | + | * 11 players - start with 5 masters, 6 serfs |
| − | 11 5 masters, 6 serfs | + | * 12 players - start with 6 masters, 6 serfs |
| − | 12 6 masters, 6 serfs | ||
== The Masonic Code == | == The Masonic Code == | ||
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'''If you’re a master … (conductor)''' | '''If you’re a master … (conductor)''' | ||
| − | if you have 0 serfs then you will become a serf after the next gong-downbeat | + | *if you have 0 serfs then you will become a serf after the next gong-downbeat |
| − | if you have 3 or more serfs then release surplus serfs to leave two remaining (release them using the two finger signal) | + | *if you have 3 or more serfs then release surplus serfs to leave two remaining (release them using the two finger signal) |
| − | otherwise remain a master | + | *otherwise remain a master |
'''If you’re a serf . . . (kazoo player)''' | '''If you’re a serf . . . (kazoo player)''' | ||
| − | if you are the only serf following your master then you will become a freeman after the gong-downbeat. (release yourself using the two finger signal) | + | *if you are the only serf following your master then you will become a freeman after the gong-downbeat. (release yourself using the two finger signal) |
| − | if you are freed by a master then you will become a freeman after the gong. | + | *if you are freed by a master then you will become a freeman after the gong. |
| − | otherwise remain a serf | + | *otherwise remain a serf |
'''If you’re a freeman . . . (rattles + other instruments)''' | '''If you’re a freeman . . . (rattles + other instruments)''' | ||
| − | if there are less than 2 masters then you will become a master after the next gong-downbeat. | + | *if there are less than 2 masters then you will become a master after the next gong-downbeat. |
| − | otherwise remain a free man. | + | *otherwise remain a free man. |
Revision as of 12:06, 13 August 2008
Origins
Of the various clandestine rites of Freemasonry this musical ritual, which dates back to the very earliest lodges, has been guarded with perhaps the greatest secrecy - until now ! Although game-like in structure, there are no winners, only the emanation of an exotic music which has been said to be reminiscent of that heard in the ancient temple of Solomon itself.
Game Play
The game is played out on a court with players holding one of the three roles of masters, serfs, and freemen. On each of the Grand High Wizard’s regularly occurring gong-downbeats, players change roles in concurrence with the Masonic Code and move between sections of the court accordingly. The Grand High Wizard will decide upon a certain number of masters and serfs to begin the game by using the Ancient Table of Players and will signal the start using special gong-downbeat which also signals the end of game play.
Roles
Masters - Conduct the serfs. Keep conducting even if no serfs are following you! Don’t make any sounds.
Serfs - Obey a master using a kazoo. You must keep the same master until the next gong- downbeat but can change masters then if you wish. If there are no masters then remain silent.
Freemen - Play freely on the selection of fine instruments.
The Ancient Table of Players
For the use of the Grand High Wizard only
- 6 players - start with 2 masters, 4 serfs
- 7 players - start with 3 masters, 4 serfs
- 8 players - start with 4 masters, 4 serfs
- 9 players - start with 4 masters, 5 serfs
- 10 players - start with 5 masters, 5 serfs
- 11 players - start with 5 masters, 6 serfs
- 12 players - start with 6 masters, 6 serfs
The Masonic Code
If you’re a master … (conductor)
- if you have 0 serfs then you will become a serf after the next gong-downbeat
- if you have 3 or more serfs then release surplus serfs to leave two remaining (release them using the two finger signal)
- otherwise remain a master
If you’re a serf . . . (kazoo player)
- if you are the only serf following your master then you will become a freeman after the gong-downbeat. (release yourself using the two finger signal)
- if you are freed by a master then you will become a freeman after the gong.
- otherwise remain a serf
If you’re a freeman . . . (rattles + other instruments)
- if there are less than 2 masters then you will become a master after the next gong-downbeat.
- otherwise remain a free man.
