SCA Names & titles:
Konner & Caera (pronounced KEER-uh). If you must, we are technically Master Konner MacPherson & The Honorable Lady Caera Fitzpatrick
Years in the SCA:
Konner: On & off since 1987
Caera: Since 2010
How did you each find out about the SCA?
Konner: Chasing a girl
Caera: I was down a rabbit hole looking for Renn Faires. Pennsic was on someone’s list
Where did you each start, what was your first event?
Konner: First meeting was the dissolution of the Canton of Dragonfly Ridge. First event was Mudthaw (East).
Caera: Pennsic 39. It’s also when Konner and I met.
What are your personas?
Konner: 14th C. Scot
Caera: Celt, kindaaaa 9th Century-ish. I bounce around from the late Iron Age through the Normans. Yeah, really defined, I know
Why did you pick these personas?
Konner: It’s just what appealed to me at the time.
Caera: I have an affinity for Ireland and since my tailoring skills are minimal, I figured earlier was better (knowing nothing of garment construction).
Do you have any group or household affiliations?
Konner: Formerly House Von Holstern and House Full Circle. Founding member of the East’s 404 Fighting Unit. I was squire first to Sir Magnus Bloodaxe and later to my former squire-brother Sir Tanaka Raiko
Caera: I am apprenticed to Padrona Caterina Giaocchini and have taken the field with the 404-fighting unit
Tell us a little bit about your lives outside the SCA.
We are from the East (New Jersey) and have recently moved to the Barony of Delftwood to be near Caera’s family. She grew up in the area. We have a toddler and an infant that keep us busy. Each of us have more hobbies than is necessary. Caera’s tend to be yarn-related though calligraphy and illumination snuck in there somehow. Konner likes making all sorts of things.
What SCA activities do you or have you each participated in?
We were both heavy fighters, have helped run loads of events in varying capacities and held Shire offices. Konner has also been teaching heavy fighting for years and Caera has been part of the A&S community.
When you each started in the SCA what goals did you have?
Konner: I was in my late teens, so Fighting, Feasting, and F…..un.
Caera: No real goals, just looking for something fun to do with my friends.
What are goals that both of you have now?
We don’t have any particular goals, just looking to keep enjoying the experience
What was the most intimidating thing either of you has encountered in the SCA?
Konner: Autocratting my first event; I was told it would be a nice small one. It was K&Q Rattan Champs.
Caera: When I first started, I was overly worried about accidentally not following proper protocol around anyone with a crown/coronet.
After the unexpected shutdown ends, what is one thing you both would like to accomplish in the SCA?
Introduce the boys to the SCA. It will be a totally new experience going to events with kids in tow. Our oldest went to two events by the time he was 3 months old, but then that was it, we’ve been in shutdown since.
As a couple what is the most challenging aspect of the SCA; likewise, what is most enjoyable?
Because of our involvement in the running of events, the answer to both questions have been, spending time with each other!
Having recently moved from another Kingdom, what challenges did you face (if any) integrating into the SCA in another area or can you share some background about your involvement in the other Kingdom?
Konner: I’ve got a group of old-school SCAdian friends and it’s challenging because they aren’t local now.
Caera: It’s been interesting but strange to re-learn “basic” things like what the big events are, Order names & heraldry, names & locations of Shires and Baronies, etc.
If you could each accomplish only one thing in the SCA in the next year, what would it be?
Konner: It would be nice just to get back to events.
Caera: I’d like to continue getting to know people in the Kingdom and… yeah, going to an event with all 4 of us would really be awesome. Fingers crossed.
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?
Konner: Don’t let stuff get in the way of you having fun
Caera: You got to find your fun, what you find interesting and entertaining and engaging. If you don’t know where to start, that’s OK too. Open invite to contact me and I’ll do my best to help.
What motivates both of you to continue to be involved in the SCA, especially during times when it might be tough to do so?
Konner: After 30 years in the SCA, it’s really where my main social life is.
Caera: The amount of knowledge and talent stored in the Society is truly amazing. I get to geek out about the things I am passionate about (Textile arts) and pick up new amusements along the way… C & I’m looking at you.
If either of you magically woke up with an SCA talent you do not already have, what would it be?
Konner: Making really good garb.
Caera: Oh, GOOD one! Yeah, we can both make passable garb, but oh I’d love to make really nice stuff.
If either you had to join the SCA in another “era” (1970, 1980, etc.), what “era” would you pick and why?
Konner: The 70’s because I like beginnings.
Caera: If I HAD to pick a different era, I’d say late 80s. I loved nerdy, medievalesque things like Labyrinth and The Princess Bride. It would have been fun to really play with that when they were coming out.
Don’t be modest, what award or honor would you like to receive above all else and why?
Konner: Maybe a Court Baroncy. I like hats.
Caera: A Laurel would be a delightful token of recognition
Are you concerned that moving to a different area will set back your SCA careers?
Konner: Achievement unlocked; I’m not really chasing anything.
Caera: Recognition is extremely gratifying but my fun is largely teaching and geeking out about textiles. Moving has given me a wider scope in that regard!
If you could each pick one thing you would like to see more of in the SCA, what would it be?
Caera: I hope the virtual events don’t disappear entirely when the world “normalizes”. I’ve been able to attend virtual scholas and witness Courts I would have otherwise missed due to logistics.
Konner: Yeah, I agree with that.
Why we have our honorifics: Konner is a Pelican.
Caera is in the Order of the Maunche which is the East’s equivalent of a Fleur.
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