Answer 8: Retinue

"What do you see as the role of retinue? What do you see is a reasonable retinue number? Who would you include in retinue? (This is a general question, not "who" specifically. ie, someone to do this, or someone to do that, etc.)"

The role of the retinue is to support the Crown, and to make sure everything runs smoothly. This could be from keeping the Crown's schedule and making sure they are where they need to be on time to hauling, setting up, and keeping track of the Regalia. Plus the retinue are the ones who stand with you in court as Champions, guards, ladies-in-waiting, heralds, etc. Basically, your entourage. :)

I would want someone in my retinue who is interested in seeing how things are done and who will give me their best. I would want people who have never been on retinue to get a chance if they want it. Of course, I'd prefer the Chamberlaine or someone who has done it before, so we are not all completely lost.

I would prefer people I knew, but it would not be a requirement. It would be a good chance to get to know someone. Someone who I think is cool, or shows promise, or someone I just want to get to know and think will do a good job, and most importantly, enjoy it.

There has been discussion on the amount of people in the retinue. You want a large enough number so that it does not tax people to travel every weekend. But you don't want too large a number that it's a hassle to keep people and things organized. I would think around ten or so would be efficient, depending on their activity. But I will have to feel that out more as the time gets closer. Things change, and people's lives change.