The time flies and we are approaching the end of our first term as Kingdom Minister and Deputy Minister of Arts & Sciences. It is our pleasure and intention to request a second term, but we encourage anyone interested to also consider applying for this position. Therefore, we are calling for letters of intent for the position of Æthelmearc’s Kingdom Minister of Arts and Sciences, to begin at the end of our first term on January 12th, 2022.
Applicants would preferably have some knowledge of scoring rubrics and about the format, setup and running of the Kingdom Arts & Sciences Championship, the Queen’s Prize Tourney, and Arts & Sciences Faire. Please don’t hesitate to contact either of us for more information, we are more than happy to answer any questions you may have!
As you have likely seen, the SCA is allowing Kingdoms to adopt their new COVID Policy. In consultation with Their Majesties and Duke Christopher (our Deputy Kingdom Seneschal for Pandemics), Æthelmearc *will* be adopting that policy and it will go into effect next Monday, October 4th.
We want to give the Kingdom a week to come up with their questions and get prepared. The policy requires that everyone over the age of 11 (so 12 and up) to either show their proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test within the past 72 hours.
The Board of Directors has also clarified that by “events”, they are using the Corpora definition. This means any event, practice, gathering, meeting or anything else we do in physical spaces is covered by this policy. (Obviously, you do not have to show your vaccine card to attend a Zoom.)
We know this is going to be a burden for some and others will choose not to attend. I understand your feelings and I sincerely hoped we would not be in this position at this time. Unfortunately, the pandemic is continuing and we still have widespread community transmission in every county in Æthelmearc. It is our assessment this policy will make those attending AE events safer for more people. We feel this is the way towards getting back to a “more normal.”
This also means our first actual “event event” that will require the policy will be the Æthelmearc October 9th Crown Tourney. There will be no exceptions to the policy for that event. Everyone who attends who is 12 and up must be vaccinated or show proof of a negative test within 72 hours of the event.
This is going to require a change in how we do a few things – first and foremost, we will have to check-in first at an event. This will likely slow down trolling in, so you may have to add time into your plans.
We know you have many questions. I will be doing more updates in the near future (including a summary of all the policy rules for Æthelmearc) and His Grace Duke Christopher and I will be holding a Zoom town hall next Tuesday.
COVIDSafe Proof of Fully Vaccinated Status or Negative COVID Test Policy Resolution
The SCA Board of Directors aims to balance getting Society participants back to doing the things we love with measures that support Kingdoms in protecting all that people have worked so hard for. Our COVIDSafe Resolutions provide a flexible, risk based framework that allows Kingdoms in the United States and Canada to put in place a core set of requirements that event organizers and individuals must adhere to, based on their current environment and public health directions and advice.
As more information becomes available, the Board reviews and updates its resolutions where necessary in line with its responsibility to act diligently, with due care and in good faith. This is never more important than with issues related to the health and safety of our participants.
In line with this approach, based on changing circumstances and updated expert advice, on September 25, 2021, the Board has resolved the following:
Proof of Fully Vaccinated Status or Negative COVID Test
In addition to the existing policy allowing Kingdoms to establish a mask policy, Kingdom Seneschals in consultation with the Crown shall have the discretion to implement the following policy requiring proof of COVID vaccination or a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of an event start time from all event attendees:
Events are any activities defined in Corpora II.A, Society Events Defined
Proof of being fully vaccinated must be in the form of a government issued card (original or photograph) or an electronic record.
Proof of negative COVID test must be issued from a licensed medical provider and presented in such paper form or electronic form that the event staff can verify its authenticity. Letterhead from a medical provider or an email address clearly identifying the medical provider as the sender of an electronic record shall constitute authentic proof.
All persons over the age of 18 must present government issued photo identification along with the proof of being fully vaccinated or a negative COVID test. Parents and guardians of minors must present their own identification along with proof of being fully vaccinated or a negative COVID test for all minors attending an event in their care.
Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test shall not be required for children under 12. Children that are aged 3-11 shall wear a mask.
In addition to the normal sanctions process, anyone challenging event staff regarding the enforcement of this COVID policy shall be denied entry to or be immediately removed from the event.
The Kingdom must have one person at a time checking the proof of being fully vaccinated or a negative COVID test at an event. The event organizer, or their designee, shall maintain a list of names and times of the person(s) conducting the check at the entrance. Once the entrance is closed at the event, said person(s) will sign a statement at the bottom of the list of names and times, which reads:
“I have monitored the event entrance at the times noted above, and I have verified that each person entering the event during that time has shown me proper identification, along with either proof of being fully vaccinated or a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of the start of the event.”
Kingdom Seneschals shall notify the Society Seneschal where local, state, provincial, or national law supersedes this policy.
This policy shall not apply to Lochac and Drachenwald.
The Report of the Court of Their Sylvan Majesties Maynard and Liadain, King and Queen of Æthelmearc, held at Whispering of Wildwood on the fourth day of September Anno Societatis fifty-six, with Their Excellencies Ixac amd Amalie, Baron and Baroness of Delftwood, in attendance, Baron Brandubh O’Donnghaile, Jewel Herald, with the assistance of Lady Gulsah al Zakiyya.
Morning Court
Their Majesties found a private moment to speak with Lord Claude du Vivier and inducted them into the Order of the Cornelian for their generous support of the peoples of Delftwood, delivering items between members during the pandemic and their encouragement of the bardic arts encouraging everyone to enjoy themselves. Scroll scrivened by Lady Murdia Drusilla Vettia Portia, and limned by Lady Aine ingen ui Briain.
Lady Mair the Pavilion Rider was inducted into the Order of the Keystone in absentia for her decades of service to Æthelmearc as retainer, guard, cook, Pennsic services, and at local demos. Scroll Limned by Lady Serena Milani, scrivened by Master Jon Blaecstan, words by Her Majesty Liadain.
Evening Court
Their Majesties welcomed all to Their Court, and His Majesty proclaimed even though he didn’t get to put on armor, he had a wonderful time on Archery Ranges and Thrown Weapons ranges.
On 27 August 2021, Their Royal Majesties, Maynard von dem Steine and Líadain ní Dheirdre Chaomhánaigh, the Crown of Æthelmearc, have issued a Temporary Removal from Participation from the SCA against Amy Simeister, known in the Society as Constantina Warbler.
Their Excellencies Ixac and Amalie, Baron and Baroness of Delftwood, were granted leave to conduct their Baronial Court.
Master Jonathan Blaecstan was called forward and invested as the Sylvan Sygnet upon receipt of his oath of Fealty to Æthelmearc and presented with the kingdom scroll case.
Conchobar na Faesoige was called forth and Awarded Arms for his service at events, rattan weapons skills and repairing the baronial loaner armor. Scroll by Alessandra Serena Renda of Gibellina.
Their Majesties called forth Gemma of Delftwood and Awarded her Arms for her service at events, creating largess, and cheering others on in their projects. Scroll by Baron Caleb Reynolds.
Their Majesties invited all in attendance who were attending their first Royal Court in Æthelmearc to come forward and presented each with a cup in order to remember the day.
Lauren of Delftwood was Awarded Arms for her long support of helping those around her to shine, entering Arts and Sciences Competitions, and being very generous with time in support of those around her. Limned by Lady Triona MacCaskey, scrivened by Lady Gwen Cook upon a text by Baroness Nuzha bint Saleem.
Lady Ewa of Coppertree was inducted into the Order of the Sycamore in absentia for her theatrical and bardic skills especially in bringing troupes together at the most recent Bardic War. Scroll by Mistress Máirghréad Stíobhard inghean uí Choinne.
Their Majesties Awarded Arms to Muirgen of Delftwood in absentia for her donations to the largess items of the Barony and Kingdom from her weaving and sewing. Scroll by Lady Murdia Drusilla Vettia Portia.
Lord Stephen of Delftwood was inducted into the Order of the Keystone in absentia for his support coordinating set up and clean up crews at events, always looking for what needs to be done next. Scroll by Lady Gwen Cook.
Their Majesties then received Lord Dalibor Vilcekovsyn and praised his skills in Thrown Weapons, having just stepped down as Baronial Champion, and achieving the rank of Caster. For this They inducted him into the Order of the Golden Alce. Scroll by Baroness Amalie Reinhart.
Their Majesties announced that earlier in the day that They had inducted Lord Claude du Vivier into the Order of the Cornelian for his generosity and courtesy throughout the time of the Plague.
THLord Justin Lymner was called before Their Majesties and They thanked him for his continuing service to the Barony of Delftwood, serving in various offices, guiding newcomers, and running event activities. For these things Their Majesties presented him with the Æthelmearc Award of Excellence.
Their Majesties called forth Lady Ilaria of Delftwood and inducted her into the Order of the Fleur d’Æthelmearc for her excellent research and production of period head coverings from hats to hoods, veils, wraps, and more she has researched and recreated it. Scroll limned by THLady Vivienne of Yardley and scrivened by Lady Murdia Drusilla Vettia Portia.
The site owners Wolfgang von Wilderwood and Lady Ana Sirena de Valbuena were invited into Their Majesties’ Court. Their Majesties thanked them for inviting the Barony to come and spend the day on their property, and so They presented them with Gratia Coronae tokens.
Their Majesties thanked Baron Ixac and Baroness Amalie for their leadership and guidance in these dark times.
The Scribes who contributed to the Royal Court Dockets were invited forward and presented with tokens of appreciation for their generosity with their skills.
Lord Corwin Alexander Templeton was called forth and named Queen’s inspiration, and Her Majesty presented him a pin from her sleeve for his efforts as archery marshal in charge of the event, designing fun and challenging ranges, encouraging all to shoot and his kindness and words of encouragement on the range.
Their Majesties noted that though the event was small They had seen so many smiles all through the day which cheered Their Hearts. They thanked Their Excellencies Ixac and Amalie and the peoples of Delftwood for their continuing support through the plague to make this day . They wished all present safe travels on their way back home.
This message is from Master Illadore de Bedegrayne, Kingdom Seneschal.
Greetings Æthelmearc,
I have had several questions about feasts in the past few weeks.
Bottomline – masks are required inside, at all times, by all participants (regardless of vaccination status) at events/practices/gatherings – if you
are in an area of high or substantial transmission. As of today, that is all of Æthelmearc. Not a single county in Æ is moderate or low in Covid transmission.
This means people cannot eat inside, and we cannot have feasts inside. If you are having feast outside (under the stars, in an open tent, under an open shelter), that’s fine – but – be mindful as that means that unvaccinated folks (including all kids under 12) have to eat away from others (or away with their families.)
My discussions with Duke Christopher in the past included how Covid-19 transmission has happened while people were eating – and that was pre-Delta, which is even more contagious than the previous strains. I have deep concerns about unvaccinated folks inside, unmasked, with other unvaccinated folks, for extended periods of time. Being together and eating for extended periods of time is pretty much the definition of a normal SCA feast.
I know, I don’t like it either. I deeply want to eat with my friends. This pandemic is terrible – but would be even worse than not having feast is my beloved Æ folks catching COVID and getting sick, passing it on to others, going to the hospital, or dying.
Please contact me or the Deputy Kingdom Seneschal for Pandemics (pandemic@aethelmearc.org) if you have any questions.
Please join me for year 5 of the Æthelmearc Sign a Day!! Monday – Friday I post one SCA specific Sign a day. On Sunday I post the review from the week before. I start buy posting Society wide signs, then move on to Æthelmearc specific signs, then finish up with ASL signs for common words said in Court. Come learn to understand what I am signing in Court or start your journey to become a Silent Herald! https://www.facebook.com/groups/342387622769921
If you are not on Facebook most of the videos of the signs can be accessed on the Æthlemearc Youtube page here:
From the northern reaches of Delftwood comes Whisperings of Wyldwood. Strange on-goings has caused a stirring among archers to take up the bow and throwers to take up the ax within the newly discovered Wyldwood. Nestled among a wooded glade and around a creekside path does the Barony invite our populace and friends to engage in sport, as well as witness the chosen who will become the new Baronial Archery and Thrown Weapons Champions.
This year, to honor the memory of Orm of Loch Mor and the origin of the first Wyldwood, we are going back to the basics for this event. There will be many types of shooting and throwing fun offered including a novelty shoots/throws and other diabolical tests of prowess from the outgoing Champions.
Merchants will be on-hand selling their wares as well as an area set aside for those who just want a fun day out in the sun.
Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, Pies the Limit had to cancel out. At this point, I am not sure if there is time enough to find another food vendor. IF I come up with something I will post immediately. For the time being, the only food for the event will be what you bring in with you.
There will be a court held during the day and afterwards if weather permits, we will invite bards of all skills to entertain with stories, song or music fitting the locale. There will be a dirty half dozen largesse tournament for the artisans among you (rules will be posted on event page).
If space permits and if marshals are present, there may be fencing and heavy pick up practices. More information will be found at our Facebook event page https://www.facebook.com/events/386675732788255.
Site Information
Site opens at 10 am Saturday, September 4. It is located at 393 Fort Leazier Road, Mexico, NY 13114. The site is discreetly damp, please imbibe responsibly. Due to this being a private residence, everything is carry-in and carry-out, plus there are no changing rooms on site. Two (2) Portable toilets will be on site with sinks in them, but we still recommend you bring hand sanitizer if you wish.
The site will be following all SCA COVID rules appropriate to the time of the event so please be prepared to check the announcements frequently. Non-vaccinated people, including children, must wear masks at all times, except when eating/drinking. Social distancing will be observed.
There will be no feast on site so be prepared to bring your own WE WILL HAVE WATER/LEMONADE IN COOLERS ON PREMISE BUT ENCOURAGE PARTICIPANTS TO BRING OVER BEVERAGES OF THEIR CHOICE.
The site is not handicap accessible and the only animals allowed onsite are service ones and THE LANDLORDS TWO DOGS AND THEIR OTHER PETS. There is a site limit of 100 people (EXCLUDING ROYALTY AND THEIR STAFF AS THEIR ATTENDANCE WON’T BE COUNTED AGAINST THE CAP). The site closes promptly at 9 pm.
Merchants
Merchants are welcomed at no additional fee! Contact Master Artemius Andreas Magnus. There is a limit of 10 merchants. No pop-ups/pavilions bigger than 10×10. THERE ARE A FEW SPACES LEFT SO PLEASE RESERVE MERCHANT SPACES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
Marshal and Range Requests
Due to the loss of our previous site, WE ARE IN NEED OF BOTH PORTABLE ARCHERY TARGETS AND THROWN WEAPONS TARGETS. Please contact me if you wish to volunteer your equipment or your time and I will connect you with our marshals. Thank you for your consideration.
Reservations
All registrations are to be pre-registration only – WE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTING PAYMENT AT THE EVENT AND SPACE IS LIMITED. Pre-regsitration by mail ended last week. We are able to take online reservations at https://members.sca.org/apps/#MtgDetail/00001065. DUE TO LIMITED SPACE, PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR PAYMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AS WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A HEAD COUNT ON 8/26.
Site Fees
Adult Registration (age 15+): $15
Adult Registration with member discount: $10
Youth (6-14): $5 – All youths must be accompanied by an adult guardian
Youth (5 and under): Free
Any questions, comments, suggestions, etc. feel free to contact me via Facebook messenger, email or phone.
In service to the Barony of Delftwood, The Sylvan Kingdom of Æthelmearc and the Society I remain,
Claude DuVivier
(Timothy Marsch/Cainnech Obrion)
NOTED CHANGES:
YOUTH COMBAT HAS BEEN CANCELLED. WE ARE SORRY WE HAVEN’T BEEN ABLE TO KEEP THIS ON OUR SCHEDULE AND THE BARONY HOPES TO MAYBE DO THIS AT A LATER EVENT!
WATER AND LEMONADE WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ON SITE AS ALLOWED BY MOST-CURRENT BOD REVISION OF COVID POLICY.
WE STILL NEED PORTABLE TARGETS FOR BOTH DISCIPLINES, PLEASE CONTACT AUTOCRAT FOR DETAILS. WE ALSO WOULDN’T MIND IF ANY MARSHAL WISHES TO CHECK WITH OURS IF THEY NEED ANY ADDITIONAL HELP.
AS PER LANDLORD, IF THERE ARE MARSHALS PRESENT, THE ATTENDEES MAY PRACTICE FENCING AND HEAVY WEAPONS AS SPACE PROVIDES. THERE WILL BE NO ORGANIZATION OF THESE MARTIAL ARTS, IT IS BEING OFFERED IF AVAILABLE.
DUE TO LIMITATIONS OF ATTENDEES AS WELL AS APPROACHING DEADLINES, PLEASE SUBMIT PAYMENT SOON IF YOU WILL BE ATTENDING, THERE WILL BE NO ON SITE PAYMENTS TAKEN AT TROLL! UNFORTUNATELY WE WILL BE NEEDING AN ACCURATE LIST SOON SO WE RECOMMEND IF YOU HAVEN’T SENT YOUR CHECK IN YET THAT YOU USE THE ONLINE REGISTRATION AT https://members.sca.org/apps/#MtgDetail/00001065.
Their Royal Highnesses Gareth & Juliana are calling for those gentles who wish to succeed them in the Sylvan Line to vie for that honor in Their Crown Tournament on October 9th.
As is tradition, all who wish to compete in the tournament must satisfy all requirements in Æthelmearc Kingdom law. In addition, we wish the following from potential heirs:
First, all fighters and their consorts must be present for the entirety of the tournament.
Second, the use and presence of banners displaying both fighters and consorts devices for the procession is highly encouraged.
Third, all fighters should make a thorough effort to hide modern armor and attire. Non-intrusive modern footwear is acceptable.
Finally, those vying to succeed Their Highnesses should have been active in this Kingdom, especially in the time preceding the pandemic.
Letters of intent should be received no later than September 16.
We look forward to a tournament full of honorable combat to determine Our Heirs!
The first Crown Tournament in Æthelmearc in more than a year took place on Saturday, August 21 at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in the Shire of Misty Highlands.
Out of a field of 16 entrants, Duke Sir Gareth Kincaid was victorious over Sir Arnþorr inn sterki.
Their Majesties Maynard and Liadain crown His Highness Gareth while Her Highness Juliana watches. Photo courtesy of Master Alaxandair.
The event was the first usage in kingdom of the SCARS (SCA Online Reservation System) to preregister and pay for events rather than mail checks.
The event also included an Æthelmearc children’s garb exchange, which was quite successful. The exchange will also be available at Summer’s End, Coronation, and Fall Crown.
Fall Crown Tourney will be Saturday, October 9 at the St. Paul Lutheran School in the Barony of Thescorre.
Greetings Æthelmearc!
