[Moo] Peer Fear joke

[Julie Bright]

::ROTFL::
Morgaine (giggle, choke)
**********************************

> Peer Fear
> >By Her Excellency, Dame Eleanor Cadfan, Baroness
> Skraeling Althing,
> >Ealdormere
> >
> >Peer Fear is a terrible affliction in this club and
> so unnecessary!
> >Getting to know Peers in their natural habitat, like
> on the list
> field,
> >is fine, but there are other ways. Peers can be
> anywhere and
> >everywhere, so when approaching an unfamiliar Peer it
> is best to keep
> a few
> >general rules in mind. Remember they may be more
> afraid of you than
> you are of
> >them! Although frightening from a distance, these
> magnificent
> >creatures domesticate easily and can make very
> rewarding companions.
> >
> >1) When approaching a Peer, do so from the front.
> Walk slowly. Peers
> >startle easily, particularly Roses, and you don't
> want to set them to
> flight.
> >
> >2) Distract them. It may help more skittish Peers,
> like Laurels, if
> >you begin by letting them examine a sleeve hem or a
> work in progress.
> Show
> >a Knight a new weapon or anything shiny.
> >
> >3) Speak softly and use encouraging language and
> flattery. They may
> >not understand everything you say, but they will
> respond to the tone
> of
> >your voice. Avoid excessive bragging or arm waving.
> Rarer Peers, like
> >Pelicans, can be easily intimidated by overt displays
> of passion.
> >Laurels or Knights can become competitive or agitated
> and may charge.
> >
> >4) Offer them food or drink. Many Peers can become
> cranky when sitting
> >through long meetings, Courts or performing arduous
> tasks of A&S or
> >service. Food or alcoholic beverages will often make
> them more placid
> >and with a little work many Peers can become tame
> enough to take food
> >directly from your hand. Remember to keep the food
> soft and easy to
> >chew. Many Peers are old and dependant on Squires or
> Apprentices to
> >cut their meat.
> >
> >5) Approach them in groups. Peers tend to travel in
> clusters and can
> >become anxious when cut from their herd. When
> approaching a flock of
> >Pelicans or a pride of Knights, be careful to include
> all the Peers
> >generally. Avoid singling out one Peer with direct
> eye contact and
> >never turn your back on the rest of the group. While
> not meant
> maliciously,
> >many separated and started Peers can accidentally
> trample you in an
> >effort to rejoin their fellows.
> >
> >6) Wear your Apprentice, Protégé or Squires belt. Let
> the Peer examine
> >the belt or touch it. Many Peers feel more
> comfortable knowing another
> >Peer has been there before them.
> >
> >If you follow all these guidelines, anyone can form a
> lasting and
> >meaningful relationship with a Peer. With proper
> maintenance, a Peer
> >can be a faithful and loving companion and friend.
> >
> >Fight the fear. Hug a Peer!
>