25 Sunday Sep 2022
Æthelmearc Æcademy and War College is coming! We have some wonderful classes already registered for both the in-person and the virtual classes, but we have room for LOTS MORE!
Register your class and join us in a 2-day learning event on November 12th and 13th!
Teacher registration form can be found here
Event information can be found here.
28 Sunday Aug 2022
Fall 2022 Æcademy and War College will be held in 2 parts:
The Shire of Abhain Caich Ghlais is hosting an in-person Æcademy and War College on November 12, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church and the Hughesville Fire Hall in Hughesville, PA.
Please visit website here for more information
A virtual Æcademy will be held on November 13, 2022.
Please visit website here for more information.
TEACHER REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR BOTH IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL AECADEMIES!
Please visit website here for more information!!
05 Tuesday Jul 2022
Posted in Æthelmeac Æcademy, Court Reports
Tags
Documented from the Rolls and Files of the Coram Regibus of Thomas Byron II Rex and Ariella II Regina, King and Queen of Æthelmearc: Being a True Record of the Business of Their Royal Court at the Spring Æthelmearc Æcademy, 18 June, Anno Societatis LVII, in the Shire of Coppertree. As recorded by Gwendolyn the Graceful, Brehyres, Meistr-y-gân, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald, assisted by The Honorable Lady Nichola Beese.
In the morning, Their Majesties inquired of The Honorable Lady Beatrice de Winter whether she felt hale enough to sit in contemplation whether she might accept elevation to the Most Noble Order of the Laurel. Her Ladyship replied that she did feel a touch light-headed but that it was indeed her intention to comply. Upon this answer, Their Majesties invited Master Cerian Cantwr of the Midrealm to come forward and receive back Her Ladyship’s belt of apprenticeship. Court was suspended.
In the evening, Their Majesties sent the youth of the kingdom in pursuit of Simon á Fjarfelli and the Toybox.
Their Majesties presented drinking vessels to the newcomers at the event.
***THIS COURT REPORT IS BEING INTERRUPTED BY A SPECIAL BULLETIN OF THE ROYAL RETINUE NEWS NETWORK (RRNN): BREAKING NEWS: THE RETAINERS WISH THE POPULACE TO KNOW THAT THIS DAY WAS ALSO THE ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR MAJESTIES’ NUPTIALS. THIS HAS BEEN AN ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE RRNN. WE NOW RETURN YOU TO YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED COURT REPORT.***
Their Majesties received gifts and a message of friendship from representatives from the Barony of Bergental in the East.
Their Majesties gave leave to the Event Steward, Baron Snorri skyti Bjarnarson, to speak to the populace on behalf of the event staff. Their Majesties also invited the Chancellors of the Æcademy, Goði Fridrikr Tomasson and Mistress Orianna Fridrikskona, to thank the teachers who made the event such a success.
Their Majesties then sought Lord Gunnlaud Leifson. Praising his dedication to martial practice and his impressive skills in the art of war, They were moved to name him a Companion of the Order of the
Golden Alce. Scroll by MeiLon upon wording by Master Po Silvertop.
Their Majesties next requested Mistress Elska á Fjarfelli. Lest this good lady find herself in confusion as to the reason for her summons, Their Majesties spoke of her skill in archery, which made Them well pleased to name her a Companion of the Order of the Golden Alce. Scroll illuminated by Maîtresse Melisande of the Gryphon Wood, calligraphy by Master Jonathan Blaecstan.
Their Majesties also sought the presence of Baroness Clarice Roan. Noting that Her Excellency has also achieved consistent skill with thrown weapons, and that she enthusiastically assists others in their pursuit of thrown weapons prowess, They were moved to add Her Excellency as well to the Order of the Golden Alce. Scroll by Baroness Amalie Reinhardt.
Their Majesties then desired that Baroness Annika Iosafova present herself before the throne. Their Majesties spoke of Her Excellency’s generosity and kind spirit, always making others feel welcomed and at ease. As outward proof of Her Excellency’s unfailing courtesy, They were moved to name her a Companion of the Cornelian. Scroll by Baron Caleb Reynolds.
Their Majesties wished next to be attended by Lady Vedis Aradottir. Noting this lady’s diligent service as exchequer, and particularly her work to rehabilitate the shire’s books, They were well-pleased to name her a Companion of the Order of the Keystone. Scroll by Baroness Antoinette de Lorraine.
Their Majesties desired that Master Robert of Ferness come forward. They imparted to Master Robert that word had reached Them of his efforts to maintain the arts community in the ethereal realms, They were moved to name him also a Companion of the Order of the Keystone. Scroll by Lady Murdia Drusilla Vettia Portia.
Their Majesties extended to Master Hrolf á Fjarfelli time in Court to address the populace regarding the upcoming Arts and Sciences War Point at Pennsic. Master Hrolf announced that Master Morien MacBain had been added as an additional representative of the Kingdom, and added that he also needs additional judges for the War Point.
Before he was released, however, Their Majesties commented that he never seemed to come to them to inform them of problems or opportunities, without first having done the work of devising solutions or ways to take advantage. It was noted that others also had observed this trend, and desired that Their Majesties take action to recognize this quality. Thus, Their Majesties summoned Their Noble Order of the Millrind, and named Master Hrolf one of its Companions. Scroll by The Honorable Lady Gesa von Wellenstein.
Their Majesties then required attendance by Lord Bjarki Rikardson. Noting that this gentle’s skill and prowess were incontrovertible, They spoke of how They have come to rely on his sword and look forward to his bouts. Since there were others who had a similar assessment, They called for the members of the Noble Order of the Gage to come forward and witness as They Granted Bjarki Arms and named him a Companion of their number. Scroll forthcoming.
Next, Their Majesties had further business with Baron Snorri skyti Bjarnarson. They remarked on His Excellency’s relentless pursuit of the art of the bow, and his efforts to excel within the community of archers as well as his work to assist others on their path. They then invited Their Noble Order of the Scarlet Guard and the visiting member of the Greenwood Company forward to welcome His Excellency into that Order. Scroll calligraphy by Master Jonathan Blaecstan, illumination unsigned.
Their Majesties then invited Her Grace, Duchess Gabrielle von Nijinrode, to present herself. Her Majesty spoke of Her Grace’s unfailing courtesy, charity, kindness, and benevolence, as well as the thoroughness with which Her Grace and His Grace Timothy embraced the Kingdom of Æthelmearc and have come to embody the spirit of the realm. In recognition of this singular dedication and incomparable quality possessed by Her Grace, They named her Their Jewel of Æthelmearc. Scroll by Master Christofano Vecchione.
At this time, news reached the Court that The Honorable Lady Beatrice, while sitting her vigil earlier that day, had succumbed to the faintness that was overtaking her and she had mysteriously and suddenly expired. Though saddened, Their Majesties agreed that funerary rites must be observed, and called for her cortege to approach, along with the Companions of the Most Noble Order of the Laurel. Master Cerian Cantwr begged Their Majesties to raise Her Ladyship to the rank of the Laurel, that her soul might be sent to rest with the fullest honors. Their Majesties heard words of support from Her Grace, Duchess Gabrielle von Nijinrode, Royal Peer; from Master Dorinda Courtenay, Order of Defense, delivered by Master Diego Miguez Munoz de Castilla; from Duke Christopher Rawlins, Knight, delivered by Sir Otto of Westphalia; from Baron Caleb Reynolds; Master of the Pelican; and from Master Cerian Cantwr, her erstwhile Laurel. While Their Majesties were well satisfied with these endorsements, Mistress Luceta di Cosimo entreated Them to pause for a brief moment to ensure that all things had been done correctly and that Her Ladyship’s spirit would be free to leave its mortal remains and go to its place of rest in
peace. Unfortunately (or fortunately?), items from Mistress Luceta’s list appeared to have been wisely chosen, for in the middle of her inventory, Her Ladyship was revived, whereupon she was able to accept the accolade which the Crown had offered. After receiving her oath of service, They bestowed upon her the regalia of her new station: medallion, wreath, and cape, and conferred upon her by letters Patent the title of Mistress of the Most Noble Order of the Laurel. Scroll illuminated by Mistress Luceta di Cosimo, upon parchment made and calligraphed by The Honorable Lady Nichola Beese, with wording by
Gwendolyn the Graceful, Brehyres (OL).
Before releasing the Order, Their Majesties required The Honorable Lady Renata Rouge to present herself,. They spoke of her skill with the needle, as well as her exemplary, peerlike quality. Finding Her Ladyship in all ways to be a master of her art, They directed her to choose a future date wherein she might also sit vigil to contemplate elevation as a Laurel. Scroll by Baron Padraig O’Branduibh.
Having added Her Ladyship Renata to the ranks of the vigilant, Their Majesties also summoned Master Morien MacBain. With praise for his skill in poetry and the way that he has pushed his art to new heights, They issued him also with a Writ of Summons to choose a mutually agreeable time and place for induction into the Order of the Laurel. Scroll by Master Kieran MacRae.
Her Majesty asked The Honorable Lord Ælfric the Kestrell, of the Order of the Greenwood Company, to come forward. Her Majesty explained that His Lordship had had come from great distance for the sole purpose of greeting Baron Snorri into the Order of the Scarlet Guard. For this act of friendship and generosity, Her Majesty was moved to name him her Inspiration of the Day.
Their Majesties then offered scribal supplies to all those scribes who contributed to the day’s scrolls, in thanks and recompense, and encouraged others to take up the brush and pen to help adorn the Courts of Æthelmearc.
There being no further business, Court was closed.
Faithfully Submitted,
Gwendolyn the Graceful, Brehyres (OL)
Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald
29 Wednesday Jun 2022
Posted in Archery, Æthelmeac Æcademy, Teaching
Another amazing Spring Æthelmearc Æcademy and War College transpired this weekend, perfectly hosted by the Shire of Coppertree at a well-equipped Scouting Campground. As part of the War College track, several classes covering different types of martial arts were on the menu, like throwing the Ancient Roman plumbata, throwing axes side arm, as well as fencing, but with a German longsword. Two classes especially stood out this weekend: martial classes who did not only taught how to do the thing, but also discussed the why. Hersir Marek Viachedrago discussed visual calibration during Heavy fights – why did this fighter take the shot, but that fighter did not? – for the non-fighting observer, adding context to fights otherwise mostly only appreciated by those who have done so themselves.
Bjarki instructing Master Robert of Ferness on where and why to anchor your string-hand.
Another martial class I am particularly excited about, and was very happy to be able to take myself, is the “Olympic Archery Fundamentals for Medieval Archery” taught by THLord Bjarki Rikarðarson. After being foiled not once, but twice, in the finals of the Kingdom Archery Championship against Baron Snorri skyti Bjarnarson, our newest member of the Scarlet Guard, I figured I need to up my game! I came away with several tips to work on, but especially, with a number of insights into the mechanics of how bow and body work together I had not previously been aware of, or ever heard being put into visuals and words. I found the class extremely beneficial, and feel any aspiring archer should check it out – I know I will again. Even our teenage archer Simon has practiced at home what he learned in class, wanting to retake it again when he can – and that is quite the compliment!
I asked THLord Bjarki if he could tell us a little more about his ideas behind this class and his SCAdian and mundane experiences teaching archery.
Ælfric the Kestrel from Ealdormere instructing youth Simon á Fjárfelli to line up properly with the target.
Bjarki shared his archery class is a pretty standard class used for introducing people to archery and onto the path of competition shooting (known as Olympic archery style). He was certified as an USA Archery coach/teacher about three years ago. He says: “Some of the local traditional guys mentioned coaching for the YMCA as a side gig and I followed up on that. They put me through the training for it and I spent a handful of my Saturday mornings teaching kids to shoot. Pretty fulfilling to see how excited a 6 to 10 year old gets when they hit the target.
Before that, I’ve been using a bow my entire life. Everything from traditional to compound shooting. I’ve been successfully bow hunting since I was 13.
Ælfric the Kestrel came down from the Kingdom of Ealdormere. He has taken the equivalent course for certification in Canada. Originally, he wanted to come shoot and to see Snorri get inducted into the Scarlet Guard but since the event was all classes, I asked him to assist me with my class. His input was nice because he shoots very differently than I do and shoots well that way.
Detailed instructions can be found here.
I would like to teach this “class” again, but really, anytime I’m on the range I can coach and assist with the knowledge I have. Unofficially, I’ve been giving this class and coaching people in the SCA my entire SCA career. It really makes me happy to give someone advice, see them process it, and then successfully use it to accomplish a goal.”
THLord Bjarki has won archery tournaments, is an archery marshal, and the current Shire of Coppertree’s Captain of the Archers. When you see him on the range, feel free to ask your pointy questions as he clearly loves to enable others into the arts of archery!
-elska
11 Saturday Jun 2022
Posted in Arts & Sciences, Æthelmeac Æcademy, Teaching
Greetings all!
We are very excited by the first in-person Æthelmearc Æcademy since 2019! The Shire of Coppertree is graciously hosting us at Camp Kingsley in Ava, NY on June 18th 2022. We have a wide array of classes ready for you, so come out and learn new things!
A preliminary schedule and class list are now available on the Æthelmearc Æcademy website
PLEASE NOTE some classes require additional fees for materials or that you bring your own supplies, so be prepared if you are interested in taking those classes.
Schedule for the day is as follows:
Additional event information can be found here.
The site is a boy scout camp so the classes are spread out through various buildings and grounds. If you need assistance finding your classroom let us know! All of the classroom buildings have electricity, and all of the classrooms will have bottled water for general use. The tap water in the camp is from a well-regulated spring-fed lake so it is also quite potable.
Current COVID policy for the Kingdom of Æthelmearc (and we do not expect this to change anytime soon) is that everyone over the age of 2, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask indoors.
All of the classrooms with the exception of the War College are indoors and, therefore, EVERYONE over the age of 2 INCLUDING TEACHERS MUST BE MASKED FOR THE DURATION OF EACH CLASS. The classrooms will have signs reminding attendees of this fact.
We know this might be difficult to manage but we are the SCA and courtesy dictates that we follow policy, and that we are patient with the difficulties this may present. We would recommend that you each bring one or more masks, and a straw to allow you to drink out of a bottle or mug without needing to remove your mask.
You must also eat out of doors, but the autocrat has assured us that there are plenty of tables in the various open structures and porches to allow for this.
Teachers are allowed to move classes outside if permitted by the weather and class structure.
Please feel free to contact either the Æcademy staff or the autocrat, Baron Snorri skyti Bjarnarsson, if you have any questions.
We look forward to seeing all of you on the 18th!
Fridrikr, Orianna, and Beatrix
Chancellors of the Æcademy and War College
30 Wednesday Mar 2022
Posted in Arts & Sciences, Æthelmeac Æcademy, Teaching
We are pleased to announce that Spring Æthelmearc Æcademy and War College is a go!
The Æthelmearc Æcademy and War College provides a forum for the sharing of topics, research, and skills as part of the Kingdom of Æthelmearc. This year, the Shire of Coppertree is hosting the event at Camp Kingsley in Ava, New York. We have lots of space for classes of all varieties including classes in the War College and the campground kitchen!
Have you never taught at Æthelmearc Æcademy before? Check out the Resources page on the Æcademy website for helpful hints on successfully teaching at Æcademy.
Please visit the Æcademy web page for more information and to register your class.
Fridrikr & Orianna
Chancellors of the Æcademy