Picture of the actual Copernicus,. For reference only.
ExCom has decided, for some utterly bizarre, ineffable reason, that this year, Copernicus is to be the person entrusted with the construction of the Effigy for Kiwiburn 2021.
Like many people, Copernicus is quite puzzled by this.
Tell us a little about yourself
Firstly, what does the Effigy Lead role involve?
For Copernicus, the role of Effigy Lead entails coming up with a number of entirely unworkable ideas, and using them to cause dismay in the hearts of of the skilled engineers, builders and artisans that he has gathered to turn these ideas into extravagant, yet impractical effects. He’s fairly certain that some of them will work. Copernicus wholeheartedly denies the rumours that the Effigy is to be used as part of a powerful eldritch incantation, intended to summon the unknown from the place whence the creatures of myth retreated to, aeons ago, and assures everyone that this years Effigy is entirely the result of harmless crackpottery.
How do you spend your time when you are not doing things related to Kiwiburn?
In an effort to remain polite and retain some sense of decorum within the community, Copernicus feels that the weekday activities of Copernicus J. Drake should not be presented here.
A potterer by nature, always with a new idea for something to build, Copernicus spends Sunday afternoons in the shed, brewing something that is … probably beer. That thing over there could be a coffee machine in the process of being rebuilt, though the arcane symbolism engraved lovingly upon its side suggests that it’s not, nor that the coffee will be remarkable.
The shed of Copernicus in no way resembles the dank lair of a deranged genius currently engaged in seventeen different projects, five of which may or may not stand an outside chance of tearing barriers between this plane of existence and somewhere else.
Copernicus resents any implication to the contrary thank you very much.
Being involved with Kiwiburn can take a lot of energy. How do you re-energise?
It depends on the time of day. Ether:
1 part gin
1 part sweet vermouth,
1 part Campari
Build over ice, garnish with a slice of orange.
Or:
3 parts whisky,
2 parts fresh lemon juice,
1 part sugar syrup,
1 egg white,
Shaken before and after adding ice, strained and garnished with a maraschino cherry.
Or:
Whisky. Preferably from Campbeltown.
Do you have a favourite burn outfit?
Copernicus finds that tough, tested leather workwear, burned and scarred by years of fire, and ash, a variety of acids, paints that leave scars on the soul, and clays that bind one to the earth, is generally best.
What skills have you learned by being involved with Kiwiburn?
Patience. Slow, painstaking attention to detail. Accidentally releasing, then having to defeat and confine one or many Draegloths and the occasional Balor before unimaginable damage is wrought on the local neighborhood, possibly damaging your favourite pub, will do that to a chap.
What has been your favourite moment at a Burn?
[redacted]
What are you most excited about for Kiwiburn 2021?
Copernicus finds that excitement is … inconvenient. It leads to distractions, dirigibles wandering off course, people not monitoring the immortal foot soldiers of Raskhasa from ages past, dread manacles not being fastened properly and innocent bystanders accidentally stepping into what most definitely is not a portal to the City of Brass, current home of the Potentate Incandescent, Fraz-Urb’luu, the Prince of Deception, Lord of Illusion and Flame.
Anticipation and fear, however, when kept in check, are much more useful.
