Real Name: Bill Moore
SCA Name & title: Baron Edward Harbinger
Years in the SCA: 15 years, we started going to events in September of 2004. We had attended several business meetings before that to see how things worked, but did not opt to participate until after our wedding.
How did you find out about the SCA?
One of my wife’s co-workers was in the SCA. She attended our wedding and she and a couple of her friends convinced us to try it.
Where did you start, what was your first event?
Our first event was in September of 2004 at the Tournament by the Sea event in the Barony of Delftwood.
What is your persona?
My persona is that of a 14th Century English archer. Having served for many years in the King’s army, I now train the up and coming archers to serve His Majesty.
Why did you pick this persona?
While I originally picked the name because it was easy to say and spell, I believe the persona more or less picked me. I fell in love with archery and the dress style of the 14th Century, not to mention having found out that harbinger was an archery occupation, being the advance unit of the army.
Do you have any group or household affiliations?
I am squired to Duke Malcolm and a proud member of his household, Pryde’s Keep. I also belong to the Society wide household of Rolling Thunder, as well as having a small household of my own, House Woolf and Thymble.
Tell us a little bit about your life outside the SCA.
I am a retired construction worker. I enjoy woodworking, candle making, leather carving and quite a bit of cooking from scratch.
What SCA activities do you or have you participated in?
I am currently and authorized fencer. I have also been known to dabble in archery and thrown weapons from time to time. I enjoy doing leather work, cooking, and the occasional filk.
Tell us a little bit about your SCA experience (jobs, offices, duties, etc.)
I served the Barony of Delftwood as Captain of Archers for several years as well as being Regional Archery Marshal. I stepped down as Captain when my wife and I became the 9th Baron and Baroness of Delftwood. After stepping down as landed Baron, I became the AEthelmerc Archer General and held that position for 5 years. I stepped down from that position to take on the mantle of Deputy Earl Marshal for Archery and Thrown Weapons for the Society. I still hold that position. I was a Youth Heavy and Fencing marshal for about 10 years and served as the group marshal for three years as well as the Regional Marshal for that discipline for three years. I have also been the Exchequer for the College of Heralds for the past several years.
When you started in the SCA what goals did you have?
I don’t know that I really had any goals when we started, I just wanted to have an activity that our whole family could enjoy together, and we did for many years. I always dreamed of becoming a member of the Scarlet Guard once I knew what they were, having always had an interest in archery.
What are your goals now?
To help newcomers have fun and to help them find their passion in the SCA. I would like to use the offices that I now hold to try to make the SCA experience better for those who play.
What was the most intimidating thing you encountered in the SCA?
When we first joined the SCA I suffered a little from “peer fear”, but after I got to know several of them I realized that they weren’t much different than me……just different head gear.
If you could accomplish only one thing in the SCA in the next year, what would it be?
I would like to finish revamping the Society rules for both archery and thrown weapons in the next year, we’ll see what happens. Change takes time.
What advice would you give to a new person in the SCA, or if new yourself what question would you ask and who would you ask it of?
My advice to new people is to remember that we were all new people once. Don’t hesitate to come up and ask questions because once you get us started talking on subjects dear to us, it’s hard to get us to stop.
If you magically woke up with an SCA talent you do not already have, what would it be?
If I could wake up with a talent that I don’t already have, I would have to say that it would be sewing. I can’t thread a needle to save my life.
Don’t be modest, what award or honor would you like to receive above all else and why?
I would like to receive the award for authenticity.
If you could pick one thing you would like to see more of in the SCA, what would it be?
I would like to see more pageantry in the SCA. I feel that we are becoming too comfortable using modern items instead of making the effort to be more period.
Any parting thoughts?
It was through a singular act of chivalry, and kindness that my family and I continued in the SCA after our first event. Boris Dragonsbane went out of his way to give us shade, garb and made us feel welcomed. We really didn’t know about making an attempt at garb, or that we needed to bring chairs and shade, etc. Boris saw us sitting there, looking and feeling like total outsiders, and took us under his wing for the day. If anything, I want to be “Boris” to the newcomer. I think that is what this Society is really all about.
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