Keep Calm and Ferment has been the running theme of the Æthelmearc brewers throughout the plague years – which should have resulted in copious brews to sample, right?! Figuring the fermentations outpaced the trying-to-stay-sane self-sampling… the Æthelmearc Brewers Guild is proud to announce the Kingdom Brewers Championship!
This years’ Kingdom Brewers Championship will follow the round table format, as pioneered by former Brewers Guild Head Madoc Arundel. Both tasters as well as each entrant will judge each entry, including their own! Not to worry, experience has taught us entrants are most critical… with their own entries! The judging criteria will be the 60-point rubric which can be found on the Æthelmearc Brewers Guild website here. Together with the rubric, each participant will also have a score sheet, which includes a very handy tally of various flavors and off-flavors and the causes, to help the tasters in providing feedback to the entrant.
Æthelbrewers roundtable and competition at the Feast of the Seven Deadly Sins in 2020.
Are you wondering what else the Kingdom Brewers Guild is up to this spring?
Our awesome Royals consented to a Bards & Brews Night around the Æthelmearc Royal fire pit during War Practice Royal Camp at Runestone Hill, Friday May 19th. This will be preceded by a heavy fighting torchlight Beer Pit, organized by Halfdan Bones (Daniel Bones Meerschaert on the Book of Faces) where the fighters have to buy in with a 6-pack of beer!
And by special request of the Baron and Baroness, who coincidentally are also brewers, and the Guild Equipment Team (applause, please!), Bog 3-Day will once again have a Brewing Competition. This year will be organized by Maddoc (Brian Strenko on the Book of Faces), and we all hope the entrants will donate their entries to the Guild Bar for the evening Bardic Circle, like the previous year!
And there will be even more in store – as Pennsic 50 is coming soon…
Thus: keep calm, brew more, and bring those bottles to share.
One of the things that can be puzzling to new SCA members in Æthelmearc is the way we cheer in courts or when someone does something admirable.
“Vivat? What the heck IS that?”
Vivat is a Latin word meaning “Long may he/she/they live.”
If we are cheering for multiple people, then the proper form is Vivant for “Long may they live.”
But why?
Let me tell you a story….
Back in the mists of time, there was only one Kingdom, and it was located in Berkeley, California. They cheered using “Hip Hip Hooray” or sometimes “Huzzah.”
When a member of the SCA from the west coast moved to New York City, they formed a new Kingdom. It was called the East Kingdom, and the SCA in California became known as the West Kingdom.
The East Kingdom continued to use “Hip Hip Hooray” to cheer until the reign of Gyrth (of blessed memory) and Melisande in A.S. XIII.
Their Majesties noted that this cheer may have its roots in anti-Semitism. Per Wikipedia, “It has been suggested that the word “hip” stems from a medieval Latin acronym, “Hierosolyma Est Perdita”, meaning “Jerusalem is lost”,[11][12] a term that gained notoriety in the German Hep hep riots of August to October 1819.” These riots occurred as a result of pogroms to oust Jews from Bavaria.
King Gyrth and Queen Melisande proposed the switch to “Vivat” as a more positive cheer without the racist overtones, and it was enthusiastically embraced by the populace.
At the time, Atlantia was a Principality of the East, and Drachenwald and Æthelmearc did not yet exist, but all three carried on the tradition of cheering with “Vivat” once they became their own Kingdoms.
Some Kingdoms still use “Hip Hip Hooray,” others use “Huzzah,” Ealdormere uses “Wassail,” and the Middle Kingdom inexplicably uses “Hoobah” because, over 50 years ago, a Midrealm King felt that “Hubba Hubba” being used to cheer on some belly dancers was too crude and suggested “Hoobah” instead.
But here in Æthemearc, remember it’s Vivat for one person, and Vivant for multiple people.
Here begins the report of the Court of Arnthor and Ceirech, King and Queen of Æthelmearc at the Æthelmearc Holiday Shoot in the Shire of Hunter’s Home, December 10 AS 57, jorundr hinn rotinn, Silver Buccle Herald, reporting.
Their Majesties thanked everyone who attended the event and the Shire of Hunter’s Home for the first indoor unmasked event with the Corsi Rosenthal boxes.
Their Majesties called for all the newcomers to Æthelmearc to join Them. They welcomed them and gifted them with mugs.
Their Majesties invited the autocrats Baron Snorri skyti Bjarnarson and THLord Alrekr Bergsson. They recognized the winners of the day’s tournaments and competitions Best Crossbow Master Seamus McRay, Best Handbow Mistress Elska a Fjarfelli, and Best Period Shooter Lord Godzimir the Golden. They further thanked all the marshals of the day.
Baron Snorri skyti Bjarnarson, the Kingdom archery champion was invited to talk about the tournament for his successor held this day. Mistress Elska a Fjarfelli won the day significantly ahead of her competition.
Her Majesty recalled Mistress Elska a Fjarfelli and presented her a token, naming her performance in the competition as Queen’s Inspiration.
Their Majesties called Lord Gnaeus Iulius Celsus and spoke of his skill in archery and fencing. They inducted him into the Order of the Golden Alce. Scroll by Amalie Reinhardt.
Mary of Hartford was next called before Their Majesties. Her long tenure in society has been marked by many classes and a love of archery. For this Their Majesties Awarded her Arms. Scroll by Rachel Dalicieux.Their Majesties summoned Lord Yakub al-Musafir. His skill at archery impressed Their Majesties. Thus, they inducted him into the Order of the Golden Alce. Scroll by Robaird Michael Patrick Timothy James O’Suilleabhainn.
Their Majesties called Lord Godzimir the Golden. It was noted that Godzimir has achieved the rank of Master Bowman. They presented him with a medallion and a scroll by Mei Lan Hua.Their Majesties called all the scribes, wordsmiths, and regalia wrights to join them and choose a gift from the scribal box.
Their Majesties spoke of the impressive shots They saw that day and thanked everyone for coming out.
Here begins the report of the court of Arnthor and Ceirech, King and Queen of Æthelmearc at the Rhydderich Hael Investiture, December 17, AS 57, with the attendance of Her Highness Margerite of Ealdormere. jorundr hinn rotinn, Silver Buccle Herald, reporting.
In the morning.
Their Majesties called Ledy Genevieve O’Connor, the Baronial election steward to attend Them. Their Majesties confirmed that the election results followed all applicable laws and policies, and that it was the Barony’s wish to continue.
Their Majesties called for Baron Padraig and Baroness Juliana to present themselves. Their Majesties confirmed that it was Their Excellencies’ wish to step down, and allowed them leave to conduct Their final Baronial Court.
Upon the completion of Their final Baronial Court, Their Majesties once again called for Baron Padraig and Baroness Juliana to attend Them. They divested Them of the Rhydderich Hael coronets, and thanked them for their service to the Rhydderich Hael and Æthelmearc.
Magnus and Thalia offer their oaths of fealty.
Their Majesties called for Baron Maghnus de Lyons and THLady Thalia Papillion. Their Majesties allowed Baron Caleb Reynolds a brief moment in court to release Thalia as his protege. After confirming that it was still their wish to take up the mantle of Baronage of the Rhydderich Hael, Their Majesties heard their oath and Crowned Them 13th Baron and Baroness of the Rhydderich Hael.
Their Majesties gave leave to Their Excellencies to hold Their first Baronial Court.
Padraig and Juliana’s Court Baronies.
Their Majesties called for Baron Padraig O’Branduibh and Baroness Juliana Rosalia Dolce di Siena to once again present themselves. Their Majesties once again thanked them for their service as Baronage of the Rhydderich Hael, and named Padraig a Baron of Their Court, and reaffirmed that Julana was still a Baroness of the Court. Padraig’s scroll by Kieran MacRae, Juliana’s scroll with words by Padraig O’ Branduibh, Calligraphy by Jon Blaecstan, with Illumination by Melisande of the Gryphon Wood.
Their Majesties summoned Mistress Rowena ni Dhonnchaidh. They confirmed that it was her wish to sit vigil to contemplate entry into the Order of the Laurel, so They called for that Order to escort her out and give her council.
Mistress Rowena is sent to vigil for the Laurel.
In the Evening, with the assistance of Lady Magdalena Txoperena.
Their Majesites invited Her Highness Margerite of Ealdormere to join Them. Her Highness presented Their Majesties with a gift basket as thanks for the hospitality and as a sign of friendship between the Kingdoms. Their Majesties also presented Her Highness with a gift basket.
Their Majesties gave leave to Their Excellencies of the Rhyderich Hael to conduct Their Baronial Court.
Their Majesties called for Marcos Baltanas. They have heard much of the fencing that Marcos does, and his skill on that field. Thus They were pleased to Award him Arms. Scroll by the Ætt Skyti Scribal Guild.
Their Majesties summoned THLord Abdul Ishkhan al-Rashid to present himself before Them. Abdul has spent much time in learning the art of Turkish coffee. He strives to ever improve his brew and present it in as period a fashion as possible. This pleased Their Majesties, so They inducted him into the Order of the Sycamore. Scroll by Gesa von Wellenstein.
Lord William FitzWilliam was called to attend Their Majesties. His long support of the rattan fighting community, and his skill on the field caused Their Majesties to induct him into the Order of the Golden Alce. Scroll by Mei Lan Hua with words by Jehan Leblanc.
Their Majesties having heard of Maestro Filippo de Sancto Martino‘s skill in the bardic arts called him forward, They felt moved to induct him into Their Order of the Sycamore for his performances. Scroll Illuminated by Caleb Reynolds with Illumination by Ekaterina Volkova.
Their Majesties once again called for THLord Abdul Ishkhan al-Rashid. His service to the Kingdom is wide reaching, he marshals, and assists with events among other tasks. For this Their Majesties created him a Companion of the Millrind. Scroll by Katherine Kiersey.
Lord Abdul is inducted into the Order of the Millrind.
Their Majesties called for Mistress Rowena ni Dhonnchaidh. They confirmed that she wished to continue, and called the Order of the Laurel. Three Laurels gave testimony on her behalf. Mistress Brid of the East, Mistress Aine of Atlantia, and Duchess Thorkatla of Meridies Finally Duchess Rowan de la Garnisongave her testimony on Rowena’s behalf. Their Majesties then invested Rowena with medallions to mark her new station, a cloak, and a wreath. They heard her oath and named her a Member of the Order of the Laurel. Scroll by Renata Rouge.
Mistress Rowena is elevated to the Order of the Laurel.
Her Majesty named Lord Aodain Ruiadh as her inspiration for the day for his lute playing.
Their Majesties called the scribes, wordsmiths, and regalia wrights to attend Them and take a gift from the scribal goodie basket.
Their Majesties thanked everyone for attending, and remarked on how amazing the site was.
Court Closed.
Photos from the event are by Baron Steffan Wolfgang von Ravensburg. Scroll photos are by Drottin Jorundr hinn Rotinn.
Siege People! I am AE Siege Commander this year at Pennsic, and I’m collecting contact information and working on estimates of how much firepower we’ll have. If you are planning to do siege at Pennsic, could you message me with:
a name for your squad, so I don’t double-count
how many engines you plan to bring, and of what type
how much ammunition you have
how many siege engineers you have for your engines
your rate of fire. For example, “each of our ballistas fires about two shots per minute”
Thank you, and pass it on! This will also help us to help you in getting engines and ammo together.
Here begins the Report of the Court of Arnthor and Ceirech, King and Queen of Æthelmearc at Fall Æcademy in the Shire of Abhainn Ciach Ghlais, November 12 AS 57. jorundr hinn rotinn, Silver Buccle Herald reporting with the assistance of Magdalena Txoperena de Guerra, Kettlinger, and Gytha Oggsdottir, Silver Sycamore Herald.
Their Majesties thanked all who attended and remarked on all the great classes offered that day.
Their Majesties called for THLord Angus the Bull and gave him the kingdom toy chest that he might assist the youth in choosing a prize.
They gifted mugs to all the newcomers to Æthelmearc.
Their Majesties invited Baron Fridrikr Tomasson av Knusslig Hamn, Baroness Orianna Fridrikskona, and Sir Beatrix Krieger to address the populace as Deans of the Æcademy and War College. They thanked all the teachers. They then called THLady Elena de la Palma, Baroness Amalie Reinhardt, and Sir Marek Viacheldrago and named them Fellows of the Æcademy. Sir Beatrix further announced that the winner of the gold chain tournament was Posadnik Zvonimir Zavodchikov.
The members of the Black Priory presented a gift to Their Majesties.
The members of the Shire of Abhainn Ciach Ghlais came forward to pay their taxes in the form of a gift basket.
Their Majesties called Elinor Walden to present herself before Them. She serves as a retainer and has made her own very impressive garb despite being new to the society. Thus, They Awarded her Arms. Scroll by Lisabetta de Rossi.
Their Majesties summoned THLord Cassiano da Castello to present himself before Them. Cassiano has served as deputy seneschal of Nithgaard, and as a fencing marshal. Thus, They made him a Companion of the Keystone. Scroll by Ætt Skyti Scribal Guild.Their Majesties invited Lisabetta de Rossi before Them. They spoke of her skill with the scribal arts, and thus were moved to induct her into the Order of the Sycamore and Awarded her Arms. Scroll by Forveleth Dunde.THLady Elena de la Palma was called before Their Majesties. Her garb is a stunning example of what garb should be in the Society. Thus, They made her a Companion of the Golden Mirror. Scroll by Megge Gormshuileach.Their Majesties called for Lord Salvadore Maro de Medici. His skill at heavy combat has grown such that the Order of the Gage wished him to join them. Thus, Their Majesties named him a Companion of the Gage. Scroll by Christofano.
Their Majesties summoned Sir Murdoch Bayne to appear before Them. Upon confirming that it was still his wish to continue They summoned Their Order of the Laurel. Benedict Fergus atte Mede spoke as a member of the Order of Defense, Duke Magnus Tindal spoke as a member of the Order of the Chivalry, Earl Yngvar the Dismal and Countess Caryl Olesdatter spoke as Royal Peers, Baroness Ekaterina Volkova spoke as a member of the Order of the Laurel, and Mistress Rioghnach ny Rise spoke as a member of the Order of the Pelican on his behalf. Finding these words good, Their Majesties invested Murdoch with a Hood, a medallion, and a wreath, then They heard his oath, and They declared him a Master of the Laurel. Scroll by Melisande of the Gryphon Wood.
Her Majesty called THLady Mairin O’Cadhla and named her Queen’s Inspiration and gave her a token.
Their Majesties called all the scribes, wordsmiths, and regalia wrights to join them and choose a gift from the scribal box.
Here is the list of couples competing in Our Spring Crown Tournament.
– Magnifico Elena d’Artois for Duke Malcolm MacEoghainn
– Duke Gareth Kincaid for Duchess Juliana Delamere
– Jarl Arnthor Inn Sterki for Jarlskona Ceirech Na Hinsi
– Baron William de Montegilt for Mistress Irene von Schmetterling
– Sir Maghnus de Cnoc an Iora for Brehyres Gwendolyn the Graceful
– Sir Murdoch Bayne for Mistress Rioghnach ni Rose
– Maighster Kieran MacRae for Baroness Ekaterina Volkova
– Posadnik Zvonimir Zavodchikov for Posadnitsa Zaritsa Zavodchikovna
– Lord Gregory Hillson for Dame Kateryna Ty Isaf
– Hersir Marek Viacheldrago for Baroness Sybilla Julianna Detwyller
– Master Jussie Laplein for Baroness Vika Vyborgskaia
– His Lordship Bjarki Rikarðarson for Mistress Gabrielle de Winter
– Sir Thorsol Solinagua and Sir Beatrix Krieger, each for the other
– Master Jacob Martinson for Baroness Wilhelmina Boddenham
– Sir Oliver Sutton for Lady Grainne Shionnach
– Sir Lotharius qui et Segimundus for Lady Birna Hakadottir
– Baron Cunedda Kell for Baroness Alana Horsecroft
– Sir Vladisla Nikulich for Baroness Vlksha Iakovleva
– THLord Gwydeon ap Arden for Lady Myskia nattfari
– THLord Lothar Hugelmann for THLady Sumayya al Ghaziyya
– Baron Rhys of Myles Ende for THLady Astridr Vigaskegg
– THLord Angus the Bull for Lady Agnez von Zwie Bruchen
– THLord Leonardus Hebenstreit for Effie Cruikshank
– Baroness Kara Ivarsdottir for THLady Diedre Scot of the Clann Scot
– THLord Abdullah al-Rashid for Lady Genevieve O’Connor
– Barun Jakob Krahe for Shaykha Jân al-Tha’lab
– THLord Tiberious Hostilous Mallous for Lady Ascilia Attebroke
– THLord Ulfkell Dungallson for THLady Æsa Helgulfsdottir
– Lord Sigfrid Corloys for Edyth Ferriess
– Lord Ulf de Liden for Lady Zafira bint Binyamin ibn Ibrahim
Here begins the Report of the Court of Arnthor and Ceirech, King and Queen of Æthelmearc, at Corn Maze in the Shire of Abhainn Ciach Ghlais, November 5 AS 57. jorundr hinn rotinn, Silver Buccle Herald reporting.
In the morning:
Their Majesties summoned Baron Christian Goldenlock to attend Them. They remarked upon his growing martial prowess on the Heavy Weapons field, and upon conferring with the order inducted him into the Order of the Gage. First scroll by Kathryn MacLuing, second scroll by Forveleth Dunde.
Their Majesties called for Iollan Figge. His growing skill in thrown weapons, including placing as an alternate for the Pennsic Champion’s team, archery, and heavy combat impressed Their Majesties such that They inducted him into Their Order of the Golden Alce. Scroll by Scribal West.
Baron Silvester Burchardt was called by Their Majesties. They had words with Their Order of the Gage, and upon hearing from that order that it was their wish for him to join their number, Their Majesties named him a Companion of the Gage. Plate carved by Silvester Burchardt, and calligraphed by Barbary Rose.
Court suspended.
In the afternoon with the assistance of Magdalena Txoperena de Guerra and Gytha Oggsdottir, Silver Sycamore Herald:
Their Majesties called for Baron Christian Goldenlock, and commended to his care the Kingdom toy chest. They mercifully allowed him a head start before unleashing a torrent of Æthelmearc’s youth upon him.
Their Majesties invited Duke Timothy of Arindale, the Kingdom Earl Marshal to address the populace. He commended the efforts to get the authorization forms online, and stated that anyone who had a problem with it to speak with him directly.
Their Majesties called for all the newcomers to Æthelmearc to join Them. They welcomed them and gifted them with mugs.
Fox Fierlein was called by Their Majesties. Her skill in fencing had been noted, and thus They wished to Award her Arms. Scroll by Kolfinna Jodisardottir with words by Po Silvertop.
Their Majesties summoned Lady Mei Lan Hua. It was noted that her skill in the scribal arts is quite impressive. Their Majesties remarked that They quite happily handed out several of her scrolls in Their Courts. Thus, they inducted her into the Order of the Sycamore. Scroll by Zaritsa Zavodchikovna.
Their Majesties called Lord Davin ap Einion to present himself before Them. They spoke of how well put together his kit is, and how he looks the part every time he takes the field. Thus They inducted him into the Order of the Golden Stirrup. Scroll by Arden Scot.
Their Majesties called for Lady Nycaise d’Ozier la Tailleresse. Her garb is always impeccable and she works to improve it, as well as styling her hair in an appropriate style for a Norman lady. Thus, They made her a Companion of the Golden Mirror. Scroll by Katherine Kiersey.
Their Majesties had not seen enough of Baron Christian Goldenlock this day so once again called him before Them. Christian has very good taste in armor, and other weapons, and strives to always be as close to period as possible. Thus, They inducted him into the Order of the Golden Stirrup. Scroll by Kathryn MacLuing.
Baron Leo Dietrich was called to present himself before Them. His work has not gone unnoticed, as marshal, master of the list, autocratting, and cooking to name but a few. Thus upon consultation with the Order they named him a Companion of the Millrind. Scroll by Gwen Cooke.
Their Majesties called for Master Aelric Ravenshaw. His long service in the multitude of groups founded in the northern panhandle of West Virginia caught Their attention. In celebration of this They named him a Baron of Their Court. Scroll in progress with words by Po Silvertop.
Their Majesties called all the scribes, wordsmiths, and regalia wrights to join them and choose a gift from the scribal box.
Their Majesties spoke of the Corsi Rosenthal boxes and encouraged all groups to read the documentation and work towards unmasked events.
Greetings, Sylvan Æthelmearc. The Crown Tournament of Andreas II and Kallista II is just mere weeks away. The deadline for letters of intent was Thursday, Apr 6, 2023. Please see the event announcement below regarding an important change in staffing. Sylvan Glen is looking forward to seeing you there on Sat, May 6, 2023.
Crown Tournament Event Announcement:
The Shire of Sylvan Glen cordially invites you to the Spring Crown Tourney of Andreas II and Kallista II to witness the continuation of our Royal Lineage. Join us amidst the historic landscapes and natural beauty of the small hamlet of Harpers Ferry, WV at the Mason Pavilion in the lovely Sam Michaels Park on Saturday, May 6, 2023. The site will open at 9:30 am and close at 5:30 pm. A dayboard prepared by Lady Arianna del Vallone will be included in your site fee for the day and will include gluten free options.
Autocrat:SCA Name: Dame Hrefna Ulfvarinnsdottir, Modern Name: Tammy Pritt, 52 Brandewine Cir., Martinsburg, WV 25404, 304-886-1234. No calls after 9 pm.
Reservationist: Lady Eleanor of Pembroke, Modern Name: Carolyn Barrett. 66 Rock Hall Dr., Charles Town, WV 25414. 304-261-7832. Please leave a message if I do not answer. No calls after 9:30pm.
**Update** Pavilion Coordinator: Dame Hrefna Ulfvarinnsdottir, Modern Name: Tammy Pritt, 52 Brandewine Cir., Martinsburg, WV 25404, 304-886-1234. No calls after 9 pm. Please send your request for pavilion space to Dame Hrefna by Thursday, April 20, 2023. Include your SCA names, pavilion size (including ropes), and indicate if you are a combatant or a spectator.
Location:
Sam Michaels Park
Mason Pavilion
235 Sam Michael Lane,
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
Pre-registration will open on February 22, 2023, and will close on April 22, 2022
Make checks or money orders payable to: SCA-WV Inc. Shire of Sylvan Glen.
The CDC Transmission Map updates weekly on Thursday evenings at approximately 8 pm.
If Additional info is required contact our Reservationist or Autocrat
Site Fees and Deadlines:
Pre-registration (February 22 – April 22, 2023)
Adult (non-member) Pre-registration price: $20
Adult (member) Pre-registration Price: $15
At the gate price Adult (non-member): $25
At the gate price Adult (member): $20
17 and under are free.
After April 29th and on-site:
Adult (non-member): $25
Adult (member): $20
17 and under free
The Holiday Inn Express located at 681 Flowing Springs Road, Ranson, WV 25438 has set aside a block of 20 rooms for attendees at a reduced rate. Phone: 304.725.1330, Fax: 304.725.1331. You may book these rooms by following this link:
Change dates to what you need (must be either 05/05/23 or 05/06/23 or both)
Important Note: Be sure to TAB out of the reservation date box before going to the next step.
Click search, pick your room. If none come up, then the block may be full.
A list of other hotels, bed and breakfast inns, pubs, taverns, restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores, and gas stations is available upon request. Contact the autocrat if interested.
This years’ Æthelmearc Arts & Sciences Faire and Queen’s Prize Tourney will be hosted by the Shire of Nithgaard (event details) Saturday, April 29, 2023. The format will be, as has been in the past, to have room for all who choose to display their works as well as enter in the Queen’s Prize Tourney. This sure will be a day to celebrate the artisans of our Sylvan Æthelmearc!
To show her appreciation to the artisans entering the Tourney, Her Royal Majesty Kallista will honor her favorite entry with the Queen’s Prize.
And by special request of our ÆthelBrewers, we were able to find a site that is dripping wet this year! You have no idea how excited and happy I am to accept alcoholic beverage entries on-site at this (any!) event – parking-lot car trunks and off-site hotel rooms are *something* but ideal it’s not!
(Then) Royal Majesties Byron and Ariella showing quite an interest in Lord Snorrie’s metal stamp project (or perhaps it was the coins?) at the A&S Faire and Prize Tourney in Blackstone Raids, 2022.
How does the A&S Faire differ from traditional competitions?
In contrast to the Kingdom A&S Championship as well as regional A&S competitions, the Æthelmearc A&S Faire is not a judged competition. It does not include judging rubrics nor a populace vote. The A&S Faire and Prize Tourney is set up with two components: an A&S display for anyone to share their amazing work with our populace and the Queen’s Prize Tourney, where, in addition, entrants are offered an opportunity to meet face to face with a panel of advisors. The A&S display is open to anyone who likes to showcase their work. No requirements, no theme, no pre-registration required.
The Queen’s Prize Tourney is intended to provide a platform for anybody to receive constructive feedback on their work in a friendly and non-competitive environment and to stimulate enthusiasm and motivation within our A&S community by sharing our art. It is an excellent opportunity for up-and-coming artisans to show their work and get to be known by more experienced artisans, as well as an opportunity for more experienced artisans to gain meaningful feedback about their projects.
Sponsors
The populace enjoying the A&S Faire and Prize Tourney entries, this one the Kievan Rus outfits by Lady Aurelie de la Rose, at Blackstone Raids 2022.
Participants in the Queen’s Prize Tourney must register ahead of time and must be sponsored by a Laurel or Fleur (or the equivalent to the Fleur from another kingdom), who should provide meaningful mentorship to the entrant. This can take many forms, and is dependent on the entrant and their sponsor. Some entrants seek a mentor who is much more engaged, with regular check-ins leading up to the Faire. Some entrants may not feel the need for in-depth engagement. This should be discussed before a sponsor/entrant agree on the sponsorship.
If an artisan wishes to enter but does not know of a sponsor to approach, we are glad to help match them up; likewise, if anyone would like to be a sponsor and is seeking an artisan(s), we will work to pair folks together.
Each sponsor is asked to bring a gift for each entrant they sponsor, so that each entrant receives a prize.
Entrants
Queen’s Prize Tourney entrants are allowed up to three items which should show a cohesive body of work. Entrants will have one or two groups of reviewers, scheduled for one hour each, who will ask questions about the item(s), documentation, the research process, etc. After each review session, the entrant will receive feedback forms from each reviewer. Written documentation is encouraged, but not required. To facilitate multiple advisors per review session, we ask that entrants bring three copies of their documentation. We encourage entrants to sit with their display for most of the day to give Their Majesties and the populace a chance to chat with them as well. We ask you to register via our online entrant form and to securely upload some basic info, some photos, and your documentation.
Youth artisans are highly encouraged to enter the display and/or the Queen’s Prize Tourney! The comment sheets for youth entrants will be different from those for adult entrants, designed with their age group in mind. Ideally, a youth entrant should be able to express how much of the project they did alone and how much they had help with, what the project is, how it works, and what they believe they learned throughout the process.
Advisors
We will need advisors for a successful A&S Faire. Advisors must be Fleurs or Laurels and are expected to spend a good part of the day in face-to-face advising of the entrants. In order to prepare for the day and match advisors with entrants, we ask that advisors preregister. Likewise, we ask sponsors to sign up via our form.
THLady Astridr vigaskeg chatting virtually with advisor and fellow cook Mistress Katja, at the Blackstone Raids A&S Faire and Prize Tourney, 2022.
Feel free to approach us with any questions you may have by email or by finding us online. The registration deadline for in-person entry, advising, and sponsoring is April 27. The registration for online entry, advising, and sponsoring is April 20.
