Due to the ongoing plague that has troubled our lands, a Regency Court was held on October 17, A.S. 55 in the Shire of Abhainn Ciach Ghlais by Their Graces Timothy of Arindale and Gabrielle van Nigenrode by the leave of Their Sylvan Majesties Maynard von dem Steine and Laidain ni Dheirdre Chaohamnaigh, Recorded by Baroness Antoinette DeLorraine.
It was a beautiful day for a small gathering following all safety guidelines set forth by Kingdom and local statutes.
Their Graces called forth THLady Rhenna de An t’Eilean Dubh, and spoke warmly about all her years of service. While the event was small in attendance, words of praise had been sent from all over the Kingdom. Her Grace Dorinda Courtenay and Maitre Gilles de Beauchamps spoke words of appreciation to name her their peer. Rhenna was then wrapped in a beautifully embroidered cloak emblazoned with a Pelican in her piety, and was inducted into the order of the Pelican (scroll by Mistress Alicia Langland and THL Vivienne of Yardley)
There being no further business the Regency court was closed.
Lady Fina the Huntress (Casey Stamper) and Lord Samuel of Great Oaks (Sam Stamper) recently welcomed their new baby boy, Boden Alan Stamper, into the world, on November 10th. All are doing very well.
Ever wanted to run an online event, meeting or activity, but just didn’t know how? Then join Æthelmearc’s ÆLeads team* at their first monthly Online Resources Schola session: Virtual Events & Activities How-to! Teachers and panelists from Æthelmearc and across the Known World will show you everything from background technical logistics to how to run parties at an online war.
This Schola will be held online via Zoom, on Saturday, August 29th. Join the Facebook Event, or email info@aeleads.aethelmearc.org for Zoom login information.
Schedule (Eastern Time):
10am – Zoom Hosting & Walk-through
11am – Roundtable: Regular Virtual Meetings
12pm – A Logistical Template for a Virtual Event
1pm – Thinking Outside the Box for a Virtual Event
2pm – The Social Side of Virtual Events
3pm – Ask the Experts – An Informal Panel Discussion/Q&A with Virtual Event Stewards From Across the Known World
Class Descriptions:
*Zoom Hosting & Walk-through* (10am EST, Baroness Amalie Reinhardt) – You’ve been asked to Host (be a Zoomerator) for a Zoom class/meeting. How do you start the meeting? How do people join? How do people share screen? What other controls are available to you in the room? Join our session and find out the answers to these questions, and more, from Baroness Amalie.
*Roundtable: Regular Virtual Meetings* (11am EST, Baron Padraig O’Branduibh) – All those who have or are interested in running regular weekly/monthly/other meetings for their SCA activity are encouraged to participate and share experiences, ideas, and best practices.
*A Logistical Template For a Virtual Event* (12pm EST, Baroness Elena de la Palma) – The event steward for Æthelmearc Æcademy shares her template for ensuring a smooth virtual event – what staff you need, what setup and prep work is required, some pitfalls and cautionary tales…and most importantly how to make sure everyone has fun!
*Thinking Outside the Box in the Digital Space* (1pm EST, Baroness Nuzha bint Saleem) – Tips and tricks (and pitfalls) about virtual events and meetings.
*Success in the Social Side of Virtual Events* (2pm EST, Sir Tiberius Finn) – The Event Steward of Caid’s Potrero War discusses his experience running Virtual Potrero (the Known World’s first virtual war), including how to get people engaged and socializing with each other outside of formal event activities.
*Ask the Experts Panel Discussion* (3pm EST) – An informal panel discussion/Q&A with Virtual Event Stewards from across the Knowne World. Bring your questions and topics! Panelists include:
Dame Adriana le Bretonne – Chancellor of the University of Atlantia
Baroness Elena de la Palma – Chancellor of AEthelmearc AEcademy
Lady Marion le Red – Atlantia’s KMoAS, and staff for Pennsic in Your Backyard
Lady Shahzada Isfahani – Lead Admin for Virtual Pennsic (Unofficial)
Baroness Sigríðr Úlfsdóttir de Lacy (aka Sigrid) – Event Steward for Atenveldt’s A&S Collegium and their Martial Collegium
Sir Tiberius Finn – Event Steward for Caid’s Potrero War
See you there!
Interested in a Facebook community of online event stewards? Check out the SCA’s newest Facebook group: SCA Virtual Event Steward Watering Hole: https://www.facebook.com/groups/624791724836583/
* ÆLeads is a group of folks dedicated to fostering the service community and increasing confidence and leadership skills of any Æthelmearcer interested. They’re putting together monthly schola sessions aimed at helping the Kingdom navigate our new online SCA reality. Learn more and join the team at http://aeleads.aethelmearc.org/
Debuted during episode #4 of Æ Live, enjoy the pictures of the new Æthelmearc thrones, and the story of their creation, courtesy of Her Majesty Liadain, and the talented co-designer, craftsman, and creator, Duke Ullr Amaranthson of the Midrealm.
Duke Ullr then shared similar examples of things he’s made, and used them as exemplars to decide on key elements for inclusion, such as the apron and spires.
Early on the design process, some confirmed design elements included: Kingdom Arms as primary art, plus natural themes such as trees, bears, stags, and also awards.
Her Majesty loves how “organic” His Grace’s chair is, and how the components tie into one another. In one message, the Queen stated:
In exploring the idea of “nature” and our Kingdom, the symbols for our Order of Merit awards work nicely as a “theme”: Alces and Sycamore and Keystone… not specifically represented as they are for our awards, but more organically. Examples: stags as armrests, winding sycamore leaves, and keystone shape(s).
The other main design criterion: they must fit into a car!!
Once the design was settled, base construction of the thrones began:
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Duke Ullr was very good about demonstrating what would work and what wouldn’t. For example, in one design that Her Majesty presented, the “sweep” of the armrest would have been too great and therefore uncomfortable.
Of course, there was a lot of fun along the way. Here’s some gratuitous pup pics! The Kingdom’s favorite Royal Pooch Finley says hello to Duke Ullr’s Risa!
Once the basic construction was complete, the decorative carving could begin. Even then, there was lots of communication and adjustments when needed, such as figuring out the arch of the escarbuncles and the details of the stags’ heads.
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The finished product! The Kingdom’s new thrones! Just needs some finish!
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Many thanks to Duke Ullr for his time and exquisite craftsmanship and design, and Queen Liadain her time and care in design.
From Lady Isabetta Orsini, Their Majesties’ Special Project Coordinator:
Greetings unto all who read this,
Their Royal Majesties wish to begin a new, and hopefully fun, activity for the populace of Æthelmearc. As such, I hereby introduce #AERoamingRoyals to all. While unable to be with you in person, They would still like to see what you are up to. The link below will take you to the full directions and your own set of Royalty. Color Them as you’d like, cut the picture out, put it on a stick, and take Them with you on various ventures. Post your pictures on social media using the tag #AERoamingRoyals so that the Kingdom can all enjoy.
Hear the words of the King and Queen:
Although unable to physically gather within Our Sylvan Lands at this time, We still wish to make an appearance wherever you may be. So please take this opportunity to decorate your own set of Royalty and take Us with you on your various undertakings. Snap a picture of Us joining you on a quest, whether it be a simple undertaking, or more involved.
So far They have been to see Glenn Falls, Einstein, braved a beehive, almost been devoured by a ravenous bunny, saved by two subjects in glorious garb, took part in a meeting in New Zealand, looked over the local wares, assisted one of our youths in tree climbing, and ended this set of adventures around the fire pit with friends. Let’s see what these Two can get up to out there next!
As the modern world celebrates Pride month in June, and July marks the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Gazette presents an interview with our Kingdom Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. The DEI Office is new (read more here), and we thank Mistress Gytha for her service and her time.
Welcome! Tell us about yourself.
I am Mistress Gytha Oggsdottir. I am a Pelican and a White Scarf. I have been an active member in the SCA in Æthelmearc for over 15 years. I have been involved in the heavy, fencing, cut & thrust, thrown weapons, and youth fencing/fighting communities. I am the Kingdom Silent Herald and the new Kingdom DEI Officer.
Outside of the SCA, I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. Currently I work as a care manager for families in poverty with children who have mental illnesses. I have three kids, each with their own special needs from chronic migraines to autism/ADHD to being queer and trans.
What is a DEI Officer exactly? What do you do?
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office is committed to promoting the values of inclusion throughout the SCA. Through education, training, and policy review, the DEI Officer will facilitate the necessary conversations and decision making that can lead to a more equitable and inclusive SCA. I will be offering training at events like Æcademy, but I am also available to offer training for baronies, shires, and groups. Also, people can personally reach out to me for assistance.
Our Kingdom seems to be LGBTQ friendly. Are there any areas there we can improve on?
Language is a huge aspect of inclusion, such as using gender-neutral terms like “consort” and “noble.” When addressing the populace as Lord and Ladies, make sure to include the term Nobles. In reality, you can just use Nobles and not use Lord and Ladies at all. Ask pronouns! (Garb does NOT give you clues to which pronoun to use.) This is especially important in the SCA where someone’s persona pronoun might be different than the one they use outside the SCA. Another way we can make events more inclusive is having gender-neutral bathrooms and changing rooms. Also, provide menstrual products in ALL bathrooms.
The SCA in general seems to be welcoming to people of color, but looking around at Pennsic, it doesn’t seem like we’re very diverse in that area. Can you recommend strategies to recruit and retain more people of color?
This is a tough question to answer. There are multiple strategies that might help. One is to look at our policies, which the SCA is currently doing. Encouraging people who are interested in expanding out of European personas to do so. Part of recruitment and retention in general is making sure we have Gold Key at every event and having DECENT loaner garb and armor. Have newcomers meetings/activities. Do demos at more diverse festivals/celebrations. There aren’t very many people of color at Scottish games.
Finding disability-friendly sites is a real challenge, especially since the buildings we often use can be older and not ADA compliant. Do you have any suggestions for types of places that are most likely to be accessible and also suitable for our events?
Another tough question. Start with buildings that are required to be ADA compliant, such as schools. But the big thing is no matter what site you use there are things you can do to make things better. COMMUNICATE – be very clear in any information that goes out what exactly accessibility issues might be. How far away are activities from each other? And if there is an elevator, how far is that from everything else? Where is check-in compared to the accessible entrance to the building? The more information before an event, the more they can plan on what they need. COMMUNICATE on the day of the event: clearly label, and provide tons of arrow signs! Before the event, go take a look at all the bathrooms: is there one where you can get a wheelchair in and close the door? Label it clearly so people can find it!
What are one or two (or more) things on your to-do list as the DEI Officer?
The two major ones I am currently working on are creating a Æthelmearc special harassment and bullying policy and creating a “best practices” for events stewards to make events more inclusive.
Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know, about you or the new DEI officership?
I am not the harassment and bullying police, but I can give you advice on how to deal with situations and am more than willing to mediate conversations. I have a ton of training ideas floating around in my head that I would love to do, so please contact me about a topic!
[Editor’s note: If you or someone you know has been the subject of bullying and harassment in the SCA, contact the Kingdom Seneschal at ae.seneschal@aethelmearc.org, or the President of the SCA, or our Kingdom Ombudsman. ]
Are there other ways that we (seneschals, event stewards, the general populace) can help?
When looking at sites for events or practices, when putting out a missive on email or social media, when speaking to a group of people… take a moment and ask yourself: Is there a way I can make this more inclusive?
Today (6/21/2020) is the LAST DAY to complete the SCA’s census.
Go to https://scacensus2020a.questionpro.com/ and let your voice be heard! It takes about 25 minutes, but the results could be used to inform decisions for years to come! YOUR voice is important!
The 2020 SCA Census was launched on June 7th and we are into our final few days. The Census closes on the 21st.You can access the census here: https://scacensus2020a.questionpro.com/
The current numbers as of Jun 18th are:
Section 1 – Your experience in the SCA, and your thoughts on SCA-relatedissues – 14,168 participants have viewed the section, and 8,205 have completed the section.
Section 2 – Demographic Information – 7,847 participants have viewed this section, and 6,867 have completed this section.
Section 3 – Questions about negative experiences in the SCA – 7,091 participants have viewed this section, and 6,448 have completed this section.
Duke Christopher Rawlins (mka Dr. Chadd Nesbit, System EMS Medical Director at Allegheny Health Network) has kindly offered to be Æthelmearc’s Deputy Kingdom Seneschal for Pandemics (and other duties
as needed.)
For any questions about the pandemic and Æthelmearc, particularly about re-opening up for practices, events, etc, please email him at pandemic@aethelmearc.org
My thanks to Duke Christopher. I am so glad he is here to assist us.
From the Kingdom Webminister, Baroness Amalie, regarding Zoom, the conferencing service used by the Kingdom and its people for online gatherings, meetings, AE Live, and similar:
Please note that there is a Zoom client update (to Zoom 5.0) that *must* be done by May 30th on any laptop/desktop. (Presumably, phones/tablets will ask you to update or do an auto-update depending on your settings.)
If you do not update your client, from what I understand, you will have an interruption in using Zoom. Zoom will attempt to update automatically after the 30th. If it does not update, or you do not want to update, you will be forced to use the browser method of using Zoom.
This update will fix many outstanding security flaws from older client versions and there will be new security features rolled out with this update.
Please, in order to not have to Zoom update at the time of your meeting or the next AELive, go to http://zoom.us and click the orange update now button and update your zoom client. (Direct link to the download page is https://zoom.us/download)