Overall, they are not drastic, but do include the formal addition of Plumbata and Sling to Thrown Weapons, and the transition of Atlatl over to Archery.
Please note that those of you with Atlatl warrants issued through thrown weapons will need to contact the Kingdom Archer General to discuss carrying them over. This is not an automatic transition.
Kingdom rules reflecting these changes are in the works.
Letters of Interest for Kingdom TW Marshall
While the plague may have robbed us of some of our time together, my term still comes to a close at the end of this year. As such, all those who would have a desire to serve this Kingdom as Thrown Weapons Marshal are asked to submit a letter of interest at this time.
The position oversees and promotes all thrown weapons activities within the Kingdom as well as our compliance with Society Thrown Weapons policies. The position also supports Thrown Weapons on the Pennsic range and will run (or appoint someone to run) those activities at Pennsic 50.
The normal time commitment for this position is an hour or so per week and does require some travel within the Kingdom. During Pennsic, expect to spend 4 to 8 hours per day on the range.
You should include your experience in thrown weapons and the SCA, what things you would like to change or simply improve upon in thrown weapons, and any other relevant information you feel would allow us to make an informed decision.
Letters should be sent to Their Majesties (ae.king@aethelmearc.org) (ae.queen@aethelmearc.org), the Earl Marshal (ae.marshal@aethelmearc.org) and myself (ae.twmarshal@aethelmearc.org).
The office typically transitions at Kingdom 12th Night.
It has been my pleasure to serve in this capacity, and I look forward to the continued growth with in our little community.
In service to Æthelmearc and Thrown Weapons,
Maestro Antonio de Luna
Every year, in the beginning of December, the Shire of Coppertree gathers at Warrior Archery in Sherrill, NY, to hold their annual Holiday Shoot for the archery community. Consisting of a dozen targets downstairs, and a “wild game hunt” of 3D animal targets upstairs, the shoot runs from a bit before lunch to about 3 PM, with a hearty dayboard served all afternoon. For non-shooting attendees, they offer an A&S salon, where people can gather and work on projects, teach impromptu classes and demos, and enjoy fellowship with other artisans.
The “Save Christmas!” range, developed by Lord Snorri – photo by Baroness Amalie Reinhardt
Each year’s shoot has a theme, and this year’s was “Save Christmas!”. A dozen hand-painted targets were made, each with a classic Dungeons & Dragons monster trying to make off with a piece of holiday loot: presents, candy canes, even Christmas trees! Each one was a friend-or-foe target – you needed to hit the monster without hitting the holiday swag, or you’d lose points. Four of the twelve targets were also timed ends; archers had 30 seconds to shoot as many shots as they could.
Photo by Robert of Ferness
One of the hallmarks of the Coppertree Holiday Shoot are the lovely prizes: scrolls (by Lady Vedis Aradottir) and trophy arrows for the winners, and a table of prizes for the runners-up, with donations by several well-known SCAdian artists, including THL Robert of Ferness, Mistress Elska a Fjarfelli, and Lord Snorri skyti Bjarnarson, as well as garb accessories from Sister Marykate at LARP Essentials. Even the Marshals are well-rewarded, this year receiving hand-woven trim pieces and bolts of red brocade cloth for their hard work.
This year’s Holiday Shoot was also the Kingdom Archery Championship tournament. The outgoing Champion, Lord Snorri, chose to use the shoot itself as the qualifier, and the top twelve finishers (who were subjects of Æthelmearc and desired to compete for the championship) got to continue to shoot for the pleasure of Their Royal Majesties Timothy and Gabrielle, who were in attendance and shooting!
First, Second and Third place trophies, plus a special Championship trophy; courtesey of Lord Snorri and his fabulous woodworking father.
The first round of eliminations was grueling, and took nearly two hours of competitive, cut-throat shooting to winnow the field of hopefuls down to eight, and ended with a high-stakes, one arrow shootout between young Mary of Harford, and Celsus of Delftwood. Mary emerged victorious, and after that, things went quickly. The next round had all eight of the archers shooting together in a 40 second timed round, at six 3D animal targets. Each one needed to be hit once in order to advance to the final round. Three of the eight archers advanced: Lord Ronan a Conaill, THL Robert of Ferness, and Baron Edward Harbinger – His Lordship Robert’s advancement was particularly noteworthy, as he was shooting period equipment (a sixty pound longbow) and in full archer kit: helmet, gambeson, etc.
Those three worthies then engaged in another timed contest, this time 30 seconds, at three paper targets, 20 yards away. One of these was a standard 24” Royal Round target, but the other two were period target faces from the Luttrell Psalter. As an added wrinkle, all three targets must receive a scoring arrow from an archer if that archer’s scores are to count at all. All three archers shot well, but in the end, Lord Ronan was victorious, and was chosen by Their Majesties as Their new Archery Champion.
Lord Ronan chosen as the Æthelmearc Archery Champion – photo by Baroness Amalie Reinhardt
Hello, dear citizens of Æthelmearc. Today, the KEM of the Midrealm made a sensible call which impressed me. In the interest of the fighters of Æthelmearc, I will do the same–
Marshals of all disciplines:
We have a serious heat problem across our land at this time. Extreme temperatures combined with high humidity are quite dangerous, and can lead to a variety of heat injuries. In the interest of the safety of all participants across our many fields, now hear this:
For the remainder of the 2019 outdoor activity season in Æthelmearc, all official martial and marshal-controlled activities will cease at the Heat Index of 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
This measurement can be obtained by using the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool App (which is free and crazy easy to use), handheld wet bulb thermometer, or handheld temperature/humidity meter, (which are not free). The Heat Index measurement must be taken onsite at the time of the practice, event, formal training session, tournament, range, ring, or list field activity. And, this measurement should be rechecked during the activity.
No official Marshal or Martial activity is to be allowed to continue if the local heat index is 103 degrees Fahrenheit or greater.
Local Marshals and MIC’s may decide to stop activities sooner than this if the environment is seen to be inherently unsafe.
Please don’t harass your local marshals over this, feel free to direct all issues and concerns to me.
Pennsic has its own rule set for heat control, and similar decisions of this type will be made by Duke Sir Vissevald (Pennsic Marshal One) in accordance with these policies.
This is a temporary policy and will be strictly enforced.
In Service to All the Warriors of Æthelmearc, I remain:
I would like to take a few minutes of your time to talk about strange noises that could occur while shooting your bow. Most bows make noise when you shoot them, but sometimes they start making strange noises which could mean a problem. I am not saying that every strange noise means your bow is going to fail and that you should throw it away like a grenade with the pin removed. Some noises can be linked to simple issues that can be fixed easily.
Again, not every noise means that your bow is dying. Some bows are just noisy. If your bow suddenly starts clicking, buzzing, whistling, slapping, creaking, rattling, or making any strange noise that you have never heard coming out of your bow before, stop shooting and look at your bow or have a marshal take a look, for you.
A “thwack” is most likely the string hitting your sleeve. If you are wearing new garb to an event, garb that you’ve never worn on the range before, this can be an issue. If you have floppy sleeves, and don’t have an arm guard to keep the fabric out of the way, take a wide hair scrunchy and wear it on your arm. You might have to borrow one if you don’t have long hair.
A high-pitch “ripping” noise could mean that you loaded your arrow on the string wrong, and that the cock-feather is catching on the edge of the bow’s riser. If you keep doing this, you could have your cock-feathers stripped off of your arrows. I have seen/heard this on arrows that were fletched wrong.
A “scraping” noise can occur on bows without a separate arrow rest. The noise is coming from the arrow’s shaft rubbing against the bow shelf. A layer of bow shelf material (moleskin, bear or calf hair, or silicone) will make this noise go away.
A “whistle” could mean that your string got un-twisted and it is too loose. The whistle is the air rushing through the strands. Un-string the bow, completely, and twist the string back up. Re-string the bow and apply some bow wax to the entire string.
Or it could mean that the nock-point is loose and is spinning on the serving. The nock-point should be crimped firmly to the serving. This is an easy fix, crimp it down either with a pair of nock pliers, or a leatherman tool.
A “slapping” noise could mean that the string isn’t correctly seated. Check both ends of the bow and make sure that the string is not only seated properly around the horns, but that it is sitting in the grooves on both of the limbs. Check down the length of the bow and make sure that the limbs aren’t twisted. Twisted limbs can also cause a slapping noise.
A “bang” could mean a couple of things. If you hear a “bang” and the arrow goes a few feet down range, then it wasn’t nocked fully onto the string. If you hear a “bang” and the arrow goes all the way down range, but ends up higher than what you were expecting, then your string is either twisted way too tight, or you put on a string that it too short for your bow. This can happen if you carry a couple of bows in the same bag.
“Clicking” can be a major issue. One click at the same point of the draw could mean that an air pocket has developed within one of the limbs’s laminates. If it only happens once, at the same point, and never gets any louder, it could just mean an annoyance that might never get worse. It it gets louder, or if you hear multiple clicks, the limb could be slowly de-laminating (pealing apart).
A single “click” on a take-down bow could be either a limb isn’t fully seated in it’s socket. Or, it could mean that you didn’t tighten the thumb screws enough before you strung the bow. Finger tight is fine, but you have to tighten them before you string the bow. Or, it could mean that there is something in the socket, under the limb. Like dirt, or a wadded up sticker. Take the bow apart, check both sockets and limbs, then put it back together, string it, and see if it makes the same noise. Take-down bows can de-laminate just like one-piece bows.
Sudden creaking and groaning, when drawing the bow, could also mean de-lamination. Creaking noise when you draw the bow followed by the bow shaking in your hand, when you release, means that you should un-string the bow, ASAP.
I bring up the issue of noises, because I encountered a strange noise that I could not identify, with my take-down recurve, the other day. The bow started making a loud “click” at the 2 inch mark of the draw, but not when I backed off. It didn’t make the noise the week before. I was unable to figure out where on the bow the “click” came from and it persisted after I took the bow apart and put it back together. The bow was about 35 years old and I didn’t think that it was worth trying to fix. Oh, don’t worry; it’s not dead, I just sent the bow upstate to a farm so that it can run free. As nice as that bow was, I didn’t want to risk a catastrophic de-lamination while at full draw.
A sudden, new noise, accompanied by a radical change to where the arrow is going, could mean a bigger problem than just an annoying noise. It is your bow, and if you shoot it on a regular basis, you should be aware of any changes to how the bow feels in your hand and how it sounds. If you detect any changes, to the sound, feel, or how it shoots, please remember, your archery marshals are here to help.
Documented from the Scrolls of the Reign of Anna Leigh, Queen of Æthelmearc: The Business of Rhydderich Hael 40th Anniversary and Baronial Investiture, December 1, Anno Societatis LIII, in the Barony of the Rhydderich Hael, accompanied this day by Her Heirs, Gareth and Juliana. As recorded by Maestro Orlando di Bene del Vinta, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald, with assistance from Lord Salvadore de la Torres.
Baron Magnus. All photos by Michael Matlock except as otherwise noted.
In the morning, Her Majesty gave leave to Their Excellencies to conduct their last baronial court.
At the conclusion of their baronial court, Her Majesty then called Baron Magnus de Lyons and Baroness Miriel du Lac into Her court. She thanked them for their service and duty to their barony, and did divest them of their baronial coronets and release them from their duties as the 11th baron and baroness of the Rhydderich Hael.
Juliana and Padraig
Next, Her Majesty summoned Padraig O’Branduibh and Juliana Rosalia Dolce di Siena to hear their claim to the baronial thrones of the Rhydderich Hael. Her Majesty then heard words from the baronial officers confirming that an election was held in accordance with established laws and policies and that it was the will of the populace that Padraig and Juliana serve as the next baronage. Having heard testimony, Her Majesty did then invest Padraig and Juliana as the 12th Baron and Baroness of the Rhydderich Hael and did receive their oath of fealty.
Her Majesty then gave leave to Their Excellencies to hold their first baronial court.
Magnus and Miriel are made Court Baron and Baroness. Photo by Baron Steffan Wolfgang von Ravensburg.
Magnus de Lyons and Miriel du Lac were then summoned before the Sylvan Throne, where Her Majesty spoke of Her gratitude for their fine service as landed baron and baroness of the Rhydderich Hael and did create them a Baron and Baroness of the Court. Scroll for Baron Magnus by Sthurrim Caithnes. Scroll for Baroness Miriel by Rosemund von Glinde.
Reign Artisan Jasper Longshanks then approached Her Majesty and presented Her with scribal desks and 10th century pan pipes to be given as gifts as Her Majesty sees fit.
Lord Jasper. Photo by Baron Steffan.
The royal emissary, Countess Gwen A’Brooke from the Kingdom of Calontir, next presented Her Majesty with kind words and a basket of gifts from Their Majesties Calontir.
Her Majesty then heard words from Ambrosius MacDaibhidh, who spoke of how his attention to fun sometimes overshadows his attention to accuracy and did acknowledge an error in scoring at the Kingdom Archery Championship, in which THL Cynwulf Rendell was declared the winner when, in fact, Lord Ronan O’Conall had carried the day. Her Majesty then called for Her archery champion, Cynwulf Rendell, thanked him for the time he did serve as archery champion, and did divest him of his regalia and relieve him of his station. She next called for Lord Ronan O’Conall and did invest him as the Æthelmearc Archery Champion and bid him take his place in Her court. Scroll by THL Eleanore Godwin.
Lord Ronan is named archery champion. Photo by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.
Her Majesty then had words for THL Cynwulf Rendell and thanked him for his service as Her champion and for his graciousness, and so did present him with a Cornelian. Scroll by THL Eleanore Godwin.
THL Rendell
THL Lodthinn Vikarsson and Lady Isabella were next presented each with a Golden Escarbuncle for their work as autocrats for Coronation.
Lord Lodthinn. Photo by Baron Steffan.
Duke Sigenoth the Blissful was next received by Her Majesty and acknowledged that it was his intention to answer Her writ of summons later this day as to whether or not he would join the Order of the Pelican.
Duke Sigenoth (Cygnus) is sent to vigil. Photo by Baron Steffan.
Court was then suspended.
Upon the rapier field in the afternoon Her Majesty called for Lord Cyrus Augur. Acknowledging his prowess, teaching, and service to the art of rapier, she did induct him into the Order of the White Scarf. Scroll by Ekaterina Volkova.
Don Cyrus. Photo by Baron Steffan.
Court was suspended.
Comtesse Elena. Photo by Arianna
At the conclusion of the Queen’s Rapier Tournament Her Majesty called for Her rapier champion, Master Illadore de Bedagrayne, and released her from her service. Her majesty called for Countess Elena d’Artois, the victor of the tournament, and named her as Her Majesty’s Rapier Champion.
Her Majesty then presented Master Donnan MacDubhsidhe with a pin recognizing his service as a former rapier champion to Queen Elena.
Court was suspended.
In the evening, Her Majesty called forward the children and allowed them to select a toy from the kingdom toy chest.
Next, Her Majesty gave leave to hold baronial court.
Lady Thalia. Photo by Baron Steffan.
Her Majesty then received Lady Thalia Papillon, who presented Her Majesty with toys to be included in the kingdom toy box for the children. The Queen then bid Lady Thalia to tarry a bit longer and spoke not only of this act of service, but of the many other acts of service she does for her barony, and so did induct her in the Order of the Keystone. Scroll by Mistress Gillian Llywelyn.
Annika Iosefova was then called to attend Her Majesty, who spoke of her contributions to her shire and so did Award Arms to Annika. Scroll by Alita of Hartstone.
Lady Annika. Photo by Baron Steffan.
Rashid
Lord Abdul Ishkhan Al-Rashid next appeared, and Her Majesty spoke highly of his skill in the martial arts as a fencer, fighter, and archer, and so did induct him into the Order of the Golden Alce. Illumination by Anlaith Ingen Trena, calligraphy by Graidhne ni Ruadh.
Her Majesty then sought the attendance of Lord Chebe of the Rhydderich Hael, where she recounted his service to the martial community in the Hael, particularly his contributions to siege weaponry, and so did create him a companion of the Order of the Keystone. Scroll by Lady Eilionora inghean an Bhaird.
Lord Chebe
Next, Syele Pfeifferin was addressed by Her Majesty, who spoke of the many deeds of service given to the Crown, particularly in her acts in creating garb; and for this service did Her Majesty create Syele a Baroness of the Court. Scroll forthcoming.
Baroness Syele. Photo by Baron Steffan.
Her Majesty sought audience with Her Order of the Millrind and, stating that she has heard their words, did call forward Duke Maynard von dem Steine and induct him into the Order for his years of service to the kingdom and the martial community. Scroll by Phelippe Pippi Ulfsdotter.
Duke Maynard
Duke Sigenoth the Blissful next appeared before Her Majesty, whereupon he stated he was willing to receive the accolade, and so Her Majesty called for the Order of the Pelican. In testimony, Duke Maynard von dem Steine rose for the Order of Chivalry and spoke of how Sigenoth is someone who is looked up to, who inspires others to grow, and is a standard of excellence. For the Order of the Laurel, Sir Ian Kennoven spoke of Sigenoth’s dedication to the arts. For the Order of Defense, Master Jacob of Dunmore spoke of the ways in which Sigenoth had a personal influence on his own growth in the Society. As a royal peer, Duchess Dorinda Courtenay told of how Sigenoth is an inspiration to all of us, noting that he is the voice that says, “it can be done.” And for the Order of the Pelican, Duke Matthew Blackleaf spoke of the decades of Sigenoth’s amazing breadth of service. Having been satisfied by these words of the peers of the realm, Her Majesty then called for Sigenoth to be arrayed in the regalia of the Order of the Pelican and did receive his oath, and did induct him into the Order of the Pelican. Scroll forthcoming.
My first colonial ale — called Dear Old Mum, a spiced wheat — at Chowning’s Tavern in Colonial Williamsburg. (Photo R. Mazza)
The 8th annual Reconstructive and Experimental Archaeology Conference, hosted by the experimental archaeology group EXARC (https://exarc.net), drew speakers and participants from many parts of the world. The REARC conference once again took place in Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia from October 18 to 20. Mistress Chrestienne deWaterdene and I drove down together to check out the event.
Friday was reserved for the presentation of papers by students and researchers alike, demonstrating the wealth of information and practical skills available within the EXARC community. Saturday was filled with numerous demonstrations in which the conference attendees could participate and museum visitors could watch and learn.
Elska presenting her very first academic paper, which started life as an uncooperative Ice Dragon brewing entry. (Photo S. Stull, occasional SCAdian and a conference presenter)
The presentations ranged from practical recreations like making flutes from bird bones and weaving with captive reed beads to duplicate pottery impressions to the use of recreated objects such as determining if Ötzis’ tools were for hunting or for warfare, and the function of experimental archaeology within different types of classrooms. Some researchers presented a follow-up on previous papers, such as Neil Peterson with his ongoing Viking bead furnace project.
Some might look for resources not yet found; the joy of Caitlin Gaffney after finding a possible source for a reproduction medieval knife to carve her bone flutes was absolutely contagious. And some were looking to network: David Spence asked for additional projects for his experimental archaeology in high school plan and left with numerous contacts and suggestions.
Each and every paper had some unique view, some unusual bit of information; since the practical aspects of experimental archaeology requires a more interdisciplinary approach than traditional academics, conferences like REARC are essential. You just never know from what discipline, from which subject, the answer to the question you did not even realize you had could come from. I personally was amazed to find that the gist of my paper — to not take words at their literal modern definition — was independently repeated in another paper… to have my initial interpretation validated via an independent source right then and there.
The work stations, surrounded by assorted Colonial-era garments being altered or repaired.
During the lunch break, Chrestienne and I quietly excused ourselves and took a quick look at the Annual Open House at the nearby Colonial Williamsburg Costume Design Center. Here, the staff fits, designs, creates, and dresses the area’s costumed interpreters.
The clothes range from silk gowns and caps for the ladies, to cotton and linen wear for the middling sort, to handmade leather gloves and embroidered coats for the male gentry. Ordinarily, the Center is only open by appointment, except one day a year, when it opens the doors for all to show and tell. And we made sure to be there! It was a cornucopia of fabrics and embellishments, and the workstations were to die for…
Talon Silverhorn showing his beaded belt made using Fingerweaving. He also told about how his tribe uses this technique to record and tell stories right up to our modern period.
I also learned that the colonial interpreters do not make nor own their costumes. It is this department that researches, designs, fits, and creates for everyone on the payroll. Except for the Native Americans, it seems. We did not see any Native American wardrobes out in storage or on display, and from talking with Native interpreter Talon Silverhorn we learned that most make their own as part of their tribal community and heritage.
Bill Schindler, experimental archaeologist and co-host of the National Geographic show The Great Human Race. I enjoyed our conversation over a craft beer at the hotel, and even taught him a thing or two about historic mead brewing.
The keynote speaker for this year was Bill Schindler, an experimental archaeologist with Washington College and part of the Eastern Shore Food Labs. His quite-engaging presentation on Fusion: ancestral diets, modern culinary techniques, and experimental archaeology was well received and left the audience with a number of questions to think about.
This paper was perfect for the younger generations now growing up in an environment that might be more hostile to them than they would surmise, and this area of research, experimental archaeology, could help shed light on where to go from here. The connection between human biology and our diet, and the impact industrialization has had on our health to the point where humans and our pets can be both obese and malnourished, is not only fascinating from an academic point of view but relevant to the survival of our species.
This year’s demonstrations were two part: the practice of throwing atlatl and observing and shooting early bows, combined with the technique of smelting and casting bronze and making Viking era glass beads.
Unfortunately, while the weather was absolutely gorgeous on Friday, by the time Saturday came around it had changed to intermittent drizzle and rain. But that did not stop us from having a go at each of the stations and appreciate the added value of tent coverings at the metallurgy and flamework areas. While I would have loved to try the Ötzi replica bow as initially intended, Manuel Lizarralde did not feel comfortable to have it out in soaking rain as it was not yet waterproof.
I did get to shoot a fire-hardened black locust Native American self bow, weatherproofed with bear grease, and even hit the target center. Conference host Tim Messner enjoyed the primitive tattoo kit and extant stone tools that Talon Silverhorn, Native American interpreter, brought to share – and almost talked him into a tattoo demo on the spot!
Fergus Milton, with help from David Spence, melting bronze to do a lost-wax mold casting later in the afternoon.
At the station near the blacksmith area, we enjoyed Fergus Milton’s bronze casting demonstrations — with help on the bellows by David Spence — using a small furnace constructed on site from local clay and aerated with a primitive leather-bag bellows.
He began the day by smelting the bronze and preparing two molds, and poured the molds mid-afternoon. Several museum guests returned specifically to witness the casting, after stopping by periodically to keep an eye on the proceedings.
Chrestienne making her first Viking glass bead over a charcoal bead furnace under the expert supervision of Neil Peterson (a SCAdian of old). She’s wearing the loaner sweater Neil provided (available to those wearing flammable man-made fiber fabrics). Wool is a safer fabric to protect against sparks and burning embers.
At the same time Neil Peterson had his coal-fed bead furnace up and running for conference attendees to try their hand at making a Viking glass bead. His station was in continuous use throughout the day and many of the attendees left with a precious homemade bead in their pocket. Surprisingly, participants often had more trouble with the coordination required to operate the bellows effectively, me included, than they had creating a simple bead.
Pouring molten tin into a cuttlefish mold encased in fresh clay as support.
The mold is only able to be used once, becoming burned during use. Although tin is used to demonstrate, it is a softer metal than the master used for the impression.
Finally, before packing up, Fergus Milton did a quick demonstration of cuttlefish casting for David Spence to consider showing to his high school students. He used some tin he had on hand, and as it had a lower melting temperature than the bronze, it quickly became molten and he was able to show how the porous nature of the cuttlefish bone lends itself well to making a quick mold. It takes in a good amount of detail from the master used to press into the material and feels a bit like a dense, fine Styrofoam when pushing a metal object in to make an impression.
To cap off this wonderful experience, the resident founders at Williamsburg had invited Fergus Milton (burgundy shirt) for a special bronze casting demonstration at their shop on Sunday morning. To experience the prehistoric process, so closely followed by the much more refined methods of the 18th century Geddy Foundry, was an appropriate ending to an otherwise perfect immersive weekend of reconstructive and experimental archaeology. We are ready to come back for more next year!
Insistent cow, with bull calf, determined to charm snacks from us! (Photo: R. Mazza)
All photos credited to S. Verberg, unless otherwise stated.
For details on the presented papers, see the EXARC site.
Saturday’s Crown Tournament Event also held our Kingdom Archery and Thrown Weapons Championships!
Vivant to THL Cynwulf Rendell of the Rhydderich Hael, named Kingdom Archery Champion by the Queen; and also to the winner of the shoot, Lord Ronan O’Conall, of the Debatable Lands.
Vivat to Lord Meinulf, also of the Debatable Lands, who won the Championship Throw, and was named Kingdom Thrown Weapons Champion!
THL Lijsbet and Sir Rowan at the 2015 competition. Photo by JJ Art Photography.
The drums of War may have been stilled for another year, but in the Barony of Delftwood there is still a fire burning around which to gather in fellowship – and FOOD!
Join us on Sunday, September 2, 2018 at A Shoot in the Wildwood for the 4th Annual Cast Iron Chef Cooking Tournament!
Cooks of all ages and stages are encouraged to test their mettle by preparing a multi-course, period-plausible meal, while creatively adapting to the twists set up as part of the unique competition format selected each year. We are excited to reveal several new and fun challenges for this year’s tournament:
THE TECHNICAL CHALLENGE
This year, all cooking teams will be required to complete a technical challenge as part of their final entry evaluation. Teams will receive a recipe from a period resource that they must redact and recreate to the best of their abilities. The outcome of this challenge will then provide the framework around which the remaining dishes should be planned.
PANTRY PRICE HIKES
As always, the pantry will be stocked with a bounty of ingredients for our cooks to use in the creation of their entry meals. This year, however, everything comes with a price that must be paid to obtain them. All registered teams will receive a purse containing a standard sized “allowance,” that they use to purchase items for their entries. No ingredients will be available without payment, so cooks will need to budget wisely.
MO’ MONEY, MO’ FUN
While every team will get the same amount of coin to begin with, they will also have the chance to increase their budget in this year’s Cast Iron Chef archery shoot. Archers who have been recruited by tournament cooks will have the opportunity to shoot on behalf of their teams. While the details of the shoot will be announced at a later date, what is certain is that each team’s allowance will increase based on the results.
All teams will still be expected to follow the rules that have been established as the core of the Cast Iron Chef Cooking Tournament:
All dishes presented as part of an entry must be made on site using the communal cooking fire,
during the scheduled cooking time,
and use only ingredients provided by the tournament.
Cooks should plan to supply their own cookware appropriate for use over an open fire, and their own knives.
At the end of the tournament cooking time, you will be able to present your meal to our judges for the chance for your team to win some amazing prizes!
We hope you will join us for a fun day of fire, friendship, and food at this year’s Cast Iron Chef! If there are any questions, please contact the tournament coordinator, Edelvrouw Lijsbet de Keukere.
DONATIONS AND EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Cast Iron Chef is always looking for food donations to help the tournament run smoothly! See the wishlist here for a comprehensive list of items for our pantry that are welcome contributions in any amount.
In addition, we need to borrow for the competition:
3 to 4 pop-ups (10×10 or 12×12; intended to be used as the sign-in/hospitality area, judges’ lounge, dishwashing area, and kitchen equipment area)
5 chest coolers (intended to hold the pantry items that need to stay on ice; medium and large sizes preferred)
Easy-up/easy-down shelving (any number – intended for use in the pantry to organize ingredients, or in the equipment area to organize cooking tools and essentials)
Cast iron cookware to have on hand for cooks who need it
If you’d like to donate or loan something, contact THL Lijsbet privately to arrange a drop-off or mailing address.
FACEBOOK GROUP
Competitors and judges are welcome to join the Facebook group here.
Anyone who enjoys medieval food and finds fun in a good challenge, join us!
The drums of war call all warriors to join the Barony of Thescorre as we prepare for battle at our annual Pax Interruptus camping event.
Join us as we celebrate the investituture of our 9th Baroness and Baron, Lady Dubheasa inghean Dubgaill and Lord Eldjarn the Thoughtful, by their Sylan Majesties, July 6 to 8, 2018, at Genesee Country Campground, 40 Flint Hill Rd., Caledonia, NY 14423. The site opens at 3 pm Friday and closes at noon on Sunday.
We will have both heavy weapons and fencing melees, archery, and thrown weapons during Saturday to show the martial prowess of our Kingdom as we get ready for War. A revelry of song and storytelling at night will complete the celebrations. In addition, on Friday, a torchlight tourney will be held at dusk.
Day visitors are encouraged to bring pavilions for shade. Merchants are welcome at no additional charge, but must bring their own setup.
Open flames are also allowed, and fires can be built in the designated areas of the campground. Please be advised that fires are permitted only within existing fire rings. This site is discreetly damp.
The field and camping area do not have water; pleaseplan to bring enough water to meet your needs.
Dogs are permitted on leash with proof of license and vaccinations, to be presented upon check in, and must be cleaned up after. Trash must be disposed of in the dumpster by the camp store before leaving site; bins for recycling are also available. The camp store carries some groceries, ice, and wood. It is located in the same building as the flush toilets and showers.
A light sideboard lunch will be provided by proficient hands of Robert of Thescorre and Lady Fauna. Lunch is limited to 100 gentles and is PRE-REGISTER ONLY, so please pre-register soon to reserve your lunch.
The menu is a Roman travelers repast:
Antipasti (with cheese, dried dates and apricots, raisins and olives)
Stuffed eggs
Pickles
Homemade Lucanicae smoked sausages
Bread, both gluten filled and gluten free
Ingredients lists available soon. (Menu and Ingredients are subject to change do to price and availability at time of purchase).
There will be no feast at night. Please plan accordingly. Please alert the head cook, Robert of Thescorre of any allergies or food restrictions.
Fees:
Adult Event Registration is $15
Adult Member Discount Event Registration is $10
Youth 6-17 Event Registration is $5
Children 5 and younger are free.
Lunch will be available for an additional $4, but you must register in advance.
Pre-registration for this event is encouraged; please make checks payable to SCA-NY Inc., Barony of Thescorre and send to: Andrew Patton, 512 Plank Rd Webster NY 14580.
Camping is available both Friday and Saturday nights. We will have space for tents with ample port-a-castles scattered throughout, as well as room for RV camping with hookups. The site offers a limited number of cabins up by the camp store, within an easy walk of full bathroom facilities. RV camping and cabins are additional, both to be reserved with the site 1-585-538-4200, or http://www. geneseecountrycampground.com/
For any questions for the event, please contact the autocrat, Lord Andrew of Thescorre (Andrew Patton), 585-747-6915 (no calls after 9 pm).
However, the Iron Comet Challenge is designed to discover the most well-rounded gentle with the greatest prowess in the martial and gentle arts. To be a “Challenger”, you will participate the 4 martial tournaments, and also the A&S Competition. The lowest martial score will be dropped (meaning you can choose not to participate in one), and each Challenger will be ranked in each form.
We also choose a Youth Iron Comet Champion! Same rules, except there are 3 martial tournaments (fighting, archery, and thrown weapons) and the A&S, and the competitors may drop one martial form if they desire.
Iron Comet Champions’ regalia (Adult and Youth) by Lady Gesa
This prestigious day of competitions is only run once every two years. The winner will be known throughout the land as the Iron Comet Champion! And has the right to wear and keep Iron Comet Champion regalia. Come and see who is the best of the best! Is it you?
Also, those who participate in ALL the forms will receive recognition. In the entire history of the event, only 3 adults have ever done so: Master Annais, Don Marcus, and Lord Robert MacEwin. Will you be counted among them?
The Debatable Lands will also be running the martial Baronial Championships in conjunction with the Iron Comet Challenge this year. Read more HERE.
Schedule
9:00 AM Site Opens
10:00 AM Fencing Tournament
11:30 Archery Tournament Youth Archery Tournament to happen during adult qualifiers
12:30 Performance A&S also deadline to drop off non performance A&S entries
1:30 Heavy Weapons Tournament
3:00 Thrown Weapons Tournament
4:00 Youth Combat Tournament
6:00 Court
Sideboard Menu
prepared by Sorcha MacKenzie
Remove #1, Mediterranean theme: – kabobs: chicken and a veggie option – hard boiled eggs –Tabouli
Remove #2, French theme: – chilled ham – cucumbers is a light dairy based sauce – fresh peas with parsley and mint (Italy/France, 15th century)
Unto the people of Æthelmearc, greetings from the Kingdom Thrown Weapons
For the remainder of the 2019 outdoor activity season in Æthelmearc, all official martial and marshal-controlled activities will cease at the Heat Index of 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
Vivant to THL Cynwulf Rendell of the Rhydderich Hael, named Kingdom Archery Champion by the Queen; and also to the winner of the shoot, Lord Ronan O’Conall, of the Debatable Lands.
