Join us for #15forSCA! The goal is to spend 15 minutes a day doing something Scadian to get ready for when we are able to do in-person activities again.
· Reach out to someone in your Shire, Canton, or Barony
· Cook a medieval recipe SCA Cooks on the Book of Faces
· Find your favorite SCA youtubers! Kingdom of Æthelmearc Virtual Resources, including populace YouTube channels
· Shop or leave a review for an SCA merchant that you like SCA Merchant Relief on the Book of Faces as well as the Æthelmearc Gazette archives for recently published articles on populace merchants
· Write an award recommendation for someone either in at local or Kingdom level Sylvan Kingdom of Æthelmearc Award Recommendation Form
· Reach out to that mundane friend that keeps posting “Cool!” on your SCA pictures and see if they are interested in learning more SCA Newcomer’s Portal
· Participate in one of the local, Kingdom or Society challenges (two birds with one stone on this option) Pandemic Portraits, an SCA photography challenge; also on the Book of Faces (and when you happen to come across one, please share with the Æthelmearc Arts & Sciences Book of Faces page!)
the possibilities are endless…
This 15 minutes is whatever you have the energy for – the only requirement is that you do something, anything! Complete 30 days (does not have to be consecutive) and you will earn a ‘war pay’ against the Plague.
Hashtag #15forSCA to show what you are doing today! (Set your social media settings to global so that your hashtag can be shared.)
Being the Roving court report for Their Excellences Gunther and Rosheen at Kingdom 12 Night held in the Barony of St. Swithin’s Bog on January 11, 2020. Masonic Temple 130 Valley Pike, Johnstown PA 15905.Mistress AElfra Long chief Herald with Dame Vivienne Marie de Beauvais assisting.
So opens the court of Their Excellences Gunther and Rosheen.
Their Excellences found Master Quinn Kerr just where you would expect him to be and calling him forth. His Excellency Gunther having found there to be an egregious omission in the rolls of his order did induct him into the Order of St. Swithin’s for Service. Illumination by Sasson de Santca Victoria, words and calligraphy by Dame Vivienne Marie de Beauvais.
Next They did search out Lord Batista di Lupo Speranza who was taking a much needed break from troll. Having seen his work with the youth of Our Barony and his exceptional skill with the blade They were moved to induct him into Their Order of St. Swithin’s for Marshal Activities. Scroll (pyro scribing) by Lord Arvic Hyttoinen, words by Lady Elizabeth Rosamond, font creation for wood burning by Lady Ragnhilda Manadottir.
Finally tracking down THL Sasson de Santca Victoria They did deem him most worthy to be inducted into Their Order of St. Swithin’s for Arts and Sciences for his scribal works. Illumination by Lady Donatella de Fano, words by Mistress AElfra Long, calligraphy by Mistress Cynthia Loved of Tower.
With not further business, the Court of Their Excellencies Gunther and Rosheen was closed.
We, Padraig and Juliana, Baron and Baroness of the Rhydderich Hael, had the honor and privilege of holding a Regency Court in Their Majesties and Their Highnesses names. They charged us with delivering a Writ to contemplate Elevation to the Order of the Pelican to His Lordship Cynwulf Rendell at His Home Estate. Rendell has served the archery and thrown weapons communities specifically but also the whole of Æthelmearc. His work, mentoring and love for the Society is to be commended and celebrated. His Elevation is planned for Harvest Raid.
The Writ
Their Royal Highnesses, Timothy and Gabrielle, Prince and Princess of Sylvan AEthelmearc under agreement with Their Royal Majesties, Gareth and Juliana, King and Queen, to His Lordship Cynwulf Rendell, our most noble subject from the Barony of the Rhydderich Hael: We have been brought to dwell upon the quality of your service and the nature of your character. Acting always with honor, courtesy, and loyalty toward us and our populace, you are to our minds beyond reproach. Your service to the archery and thrown weapons communities has transcended borders and strengthened the entire realm. Many a shire and barony within our kingdom has experienced your handiwork, and the handiwork of your students. Targets across the kingdom are full of arrows, bolts, axes, and knives because of you. For this we command you, strictly enjoining you in the love and fidelity which binds you to the crown, to consult with trusted members of our populace, and contemplate elevation into the Order of the Pelican. Furthermore, we demand that you meet us in our court to inform us of your decision. So decreed by Prince Timothy and Princess Gabrielle, King Gareth and Queen Juliana. Witnessed and delivered by Baron Padraig and Baroness Juliana at regency court held in the estate of Cynwulf Rendell and Eleanore Godwyn on September 10th, A.S. 54.
Regency Court Report, held in the Rhydderich Hael, September 10, AS 54
Being the report of the Regency Court of Their Majesties, Gareth and Juliana, and Their Royal Highnesses, Timothy and Gabrielle, held by Their Excellencies, Padraig and Juliana of the Rhydderich Hael, at the home of THL Cynwulf Rendell and THL Eleanore Godwyn on September 10th, A.S. 54, reported by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova.
Before those assembled, His Excellency Padraig spoke of how Their Majesties and Highnesses have heard and seen the good work His Lordship Cynwulf Rendell has done to promote the Archery and Thrown Weapons arts throughout the Kingdom of Æthelmearc and her neighbors. That because of his work, ranges have happened, inspections occurred, new marshals trained.
The Order of the Pelican made themselves known and it as announced that Their Highnesses wish for His Lordship to present himself to Their Court at a future date to answer if he will join the Order of the Pelican.
There being no further business, The Regency Court of Their Majesties and Highesses, held by Their Excellencies of the Rhydderich Hael was thereby closed.
Fiona of Hartstone and Superman, photograph by Sidney Green
On Saturday, June 29, the event “A Kingdom for my Horse” was hosted by the Barony-Marche of the Debatable Lands. This event included various activities, including equestrian. The event hosted the Æthelmearc Kingdom Equestrian Championship as well as a challenge/obstacle course and jousting. The Equestrian Marshal in Charge was THL Gesa von Wellenstein and the Championship portion was conducted by Baron Tigernach mac Cathail. Several riders and horses from the Kingdom competed for the Championship and were joined by several out-of Kingdom riders who participated in the day’s various activities. The following report was submitted by the Equestrian Marshal in charge of the event (with some editing).
Thundering hooves under the burning sun, in a land were dragons fly, riders of Æthelmearc showed off their skills of arms throughout the day. The day’s first activity was a challenge/obstacle course. Lord Nohaaj was victorious in his quest to slay the dragons and rescue our dearest Baroness Hilderun. Second place was Victoria, followed by John, Fiona, Katja and Katrina.
Lord Nohaaj receives his lance during the Jousting. Photograph by Eilonora inghean an Bhaird
Their Majesties and Royal Highnesses were impressed with the riding performances in front of the court. This was the start of the Kingdom Championship and consisted of the competition known as “Riding Before the Prince.” Recreating an activity from period, this competition challenges the riders to display their skills and that of their horses to their best abilities in order to impress the court. Mistress Gozen was able to impress everyone the most and received the highest scores. She was followed closely in scores by Lady Gesa, Fiona and Catrina. Next in line were THL Aaliz and Victoria.
Mistress Gozen on Rex, Photograph by Lady Pertolongan Kucingyn
The second phase of the championship was a challenge course called Chivalry in Training. In this phase, riders completed a timed course which involved a variety of obstacles and martial targets. THL Aaliz was the master of all skills at arms. Lady Gesa was second, with Mistress Gozen third followed by Fiona and Lord Nohaaj, on his brave war horse Maple.
Lady Aaliz wowed the crowd, holding the unicorn in her teeth, aboard Thelma. Photograph by Lady Sile inghean chein
Following the Championship competition, the court and populace of Æthelmearc and friends gathered to watch the joust. Trampling horses and shattering lances of 6 competitors kept the crowed well entertained. John, Catrina and Victoria were eliminated during the first round. Lord Nohaaj, Katja and Fiona advanced to the second round of the joust. Horses charged, lances shattered, and the crowd cheered. Lord Nohaaj emerged victorious in the joust.
Katja Borsukska and the young jousting mule Frida the Fearsome. Photograph by Eilonora inghean an Bhaird
Scores were tabulated for the riders who completed all portions of the day’s activities, and the winner of the day, with the highest total score was Fiona.
Fiona on Superman. Photograph by Lady Sile inghean chein.
Our Kingdom was enriched this day by the comradery, chivalry and mounted skills demonstrated by the riders. As the Lady of the Lyst, I would like to thank everyone who traveled to this event and rode with us. I wanted to create a fun equestrian day that provided our populace a small view inside of what we do with our four legged partners. I could not have done it without all of you who participated and helped out on the ground, assisting the riders and marshals.
Until next time, Lady of the Lyst, THL Gesa van Wellenstein
THL Gesa on Daisy. Photograph by Lady Sile inghean chein.
Court was held following a procession of Royalty on horseback which has become customary whenever horses are present. At court several equestrians were called to appear before Their Majesties, Royal Highnesses and the Baron and Baroness. Mistress Gozen was called forward and named the King’s Equestrian Champion. As the regalia was not present at the time, it will be delivered and presented at a later time. Lady Gesa was called forth and named the Queen’s Equestrian Champion and vested with the regalia by Baron Tigernach. Both received scrolls to commemorate the occasion. THL Aaliz was called forward and declared the winner of the Chivalry in Training portion and was presented with a scroll and belt favor. Mistress Gozen was named the winner of the “Ride Before the Prince” portion and also presented with a scroll and belt favor. Lord Nohaaj received recognition for his wins in the Dragon contest and the Joust, receiving scrolls and favors for his accomplishment. Lady Gesa was called back into court and inducted into the Order of the Golden Lance of Æthelmearc. (And hence in the above account, her name was corrected to reflect this new title.) The Barony recognized both THL Gesa and Nohaaj for their skills and inducted them into the Order of the Iron Comet as well.
The equestrians of Æthelmearc invite you to join them at the next event which hosts horses and join us in the pageantry and excitement of these activities.
Greetings unto the Sylvan Kingdom of Æthelmearc from Illadore de Bedegrayne and Amalie Reinhardt!
Margerite Eisenwald, Hilda Hugelmann, Odriana vander Brugghe, Rhys Penbras ap Dafydd, Owen Tegg, and the two us us came together for a discussion in response to a conversation being held by many of our friends in Æthelmearc.
A few gender neutral titles were approved by our Society earlier this calendar year. To follow suit, and to help with inclusion in our Kingdom, we have updated the Gender field on the Award Nomination Form to Gender/Pronouns. This field has always been an optional, free-fill text box.
If you know that a gentle you recommend is desiring of specific pronouns on their scroll, please enter the appropriate pronouns in this field. I don’t know is always an acceptable answer.
Here are a few FAQs to assist you, should they be needed:
Q: Do I need to fill out this field on the form?
A: No, entering information into the Gender/Pronouns field is 100% optional.
Q: Do pronouns entered into the Gender/Pronouns field need to be gender neutral?
A: No, pronouns entered into the form need not be gender neutral.
Q: Why is it necessary to have Pronouns added to the Gender field on the Award Nomination Form?
A: There are 2 reasons for the addition of Pronouns on our Award Nomination Form. The first is to be respectful of people with the pronouns they use. The second is to help our Royalty and scribes be aware as well, for Court and scroll creation.
An account of the court of Sven and Siobhan, King and Queen of Æthelmearc, held at Shoot in the Wildwood on the 1st of September in the 53rd year of the Society in the Barony of Delftwood. Reported by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald, assisted by Mistress Gytha Oggsdottir, Silent Herald.
Morning Court:
Their Majesties called for the Order of the Pelican. It was said that at Pennsic, a writ was issued for one to sit vigil this day. Baron Benedict Fergus atte Mede was then called into court. He agreed that he would sit and hear words. The Order then escorted him to the place set aside for him to contemplate the offer.
Court was then suspended.
Evening Court:
The Court of Their Majesties was resumed.
The Children of Æthelmearc present were invited to partake of the gifts available in the toybox located in the back of court.
Their Majesties gave leave to Their Excellencies, Delftwood, to hold their court.
Upon completion of Baronial Court, Their Majesties spoke of the fun they had in Travels to the North and how Her Majesty renewed her joy of archery and thanked the Barony for giving her the opportunity.
Their Majesties then called for Ania Mhoireach. Her enthusiasm on the rapier field and her ever present question of “how can I help?” had not gone unnoticed. For all this and more she was Awarded Arms. Scroll by THL Mairghread ui Stibhard uu Coinn.
Ania Mhoireach receives her Award of Arms. Photo Credit: JJ Art and Photography
All those for whom this was their first Royal Court were asked to come forth. Their Majesties welcomed those that approached and gifted them with a cup so that they may never know thirst and always be able to enjoy the hospitality of Æthelmearc.
His Majesty then spoke of two members of the Barony who have jumped in head first and become active in the Youth Combat activities, both achieving the position of Marshal of Youth Combat. And while they had to leave early, he wanted the populace to know that Archias Smikriades and Harpalea Archiao were Awared Arms in absentia. Scrolls forthcoming.
Their Majesties then called for Lord Bjarki Rickardsson. His skill as an archer and in thrown weapons had reached Their ears. It was also said that he has become known as a force to be reckoned with upon the heavy field as well. For this he was inducted into the Order of the Golden Alce. Scroll by Lady Rivka bat Daniyel.
Lord Bjarki Rickardsson receives his Golden Alce. Photo Credit: JJ Art and Photography
The Order of the Golden Alce was then asked to stand so that the populace might see who was not a member and for whom a letter of recommendation should be sent in.
Lady Glenna Cholmondeley of Delftwood was then invited into court. Her service as Baronial Arts and Sciences Minister, her help in kitchens and at events has been praised highly. For this she was named a member of the Order of the Keystone. Scroll by Lady Eilionora Inghean an Bhaird.
Lady Glenna Cholmondeley of Delftwood receives her Keystone. Photo Credit: JJ Art and Photography
The Order of the Keystone was then asked to stand.
Her Majesty then asked for the presence of Mary of Harford. This young woman had just turned 13 and thus was shooting the ranges as an adult but had placed highly enough to beat out many adults. Her skill on the range moved Her Majesty and named her Queen’s Inspiration for the day.
Mary of Harford named Queen’s Inspiration for the day. Photo Credit: JJ Art and Photography
Baron Benedict Fergus atte Mede was then summoned into Court. His Majesty, speaking in his native language, spoke. Her Majesty translated and asked if he had sat vigil and heard words of advice. After saying yes, the Order of the Pelican was asked to join the Court. Members of the Order confirmed that he had sat vigil and they welcomed him to join them. Their Majesties then asked for witnesses to his worth to join the Pelicanate.
Duke Magnus Tindal, whose words were read by Sir Murdoch Bayne, represented the Royal Peers. His words told of a man who would never give up, never let down, never run around and desert the Kingdom and Royalty. Sir Thorsol Solinauga, on behalf of the Order of Chivalry, spoke of his dedication of the field. That he held on to what he’s got, it didn’t matter if he made it or not, he would defend the Realm and its people. Mistress Felicitas Flußmüllnerin, as a member of the Order of the Laurel, said she would not speak of his art of shoemaking or of any of his other arts, but instead said that his art of service was one that he would say he is not worthy of and told him that he should accept that the rest of the Kingdom thinks he is worthy. Maestro Orlando di Bene del Vinta spoke on behalf of the Order of Defense. He too spoke of the dedication and service of Baron Fergus to the people, the lands and to the Society through his work as Baron, rapier marshal and many other things. Minamoto-riku-i Kumamoto Sakurako, read the words of Don Corwin Montgomery, whose words were those of a member of the populace. His words told of a man dedicated to encouraging others to achieve excellence. The Order of the Pelican was represented by Mistress Juliana Rosalia Dolce da Siena. Her words told of someone who spends his time quietly serving others, be it as baronial officer, setting up and cleaning up event sites and all those little things that slip through the cracks but get done because of him.
Master Fergus swears fealty. Photo Credit: JJ Art and Photography
After hearing the words of the Orders, Their Majesties agreed that the elevation was a good and right thing. A cloak to mark his station was then presented. He was then given the Ancestral Pelican medallion, followed by a household legacy medallion and a personal one. A cap of maintenance was then given to him. Their Majesties then accepted his oath and presented Master Benedict Fergus atte Mede, newest member of the Order of the Pelican, to the Kingdom. Scroll forthcoming.
Their Majesties again thanked the Barony of Delftwood for their hospitality and hoped that everyone had as much fun as they did.
There being no further business, court was closed.
The account of the court of Sven, King of Æthelmearc, held at Pax Interruptus and Baronial Investiture, July 7, AS 53 (2018) in the Barony of Thescorre, reported by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald.
Morning Court:
After court was opened, His Majesty invited Baroness Sadira bint Wassouf to join him. After joining the court, Her Excellency told a brief story to the assembled and asked that we keep Princess Anna Leigh and the friends and family of Prince Titus, who had unexpectedly passed away, in their thoughts.
Baroness Sadira addresses the populace
His Majesty then gave Her Excellency leave to hold her court.
At the conclusion of her court, Her Excellency asked permission of His Majesty to retire as Baroness of Thescorre. His Majesty, wishing to know the desires of the Barony, called for Mistress Matilda Bosvyle de Bela Acqua, Seneschal of the Barony of Thescorre. She announced that the Barony was aware that Her Excellency wished to retire and had a vote. She then presented a petition signed by the members of the Barony asking that Her Excellency be allowed to retire and that they had selected two to sit the throne of the Barony.
Her Excellency returns the Coronet of Thescorre
Baroness Sadira’s camels arrive
His Majesty, hearing the wishes of the populace, agreed that Her Excellency had served well and long and deserved to return to her Oasis. Her Excellency thanked His Majesty and the good people she had served. She then returned the Coronet of Thescorre into the keeping of the Crown and made way to join the caravan of camels that had appeared. However, His Majesty was not quite ready to send her on her way. He stated that before she took the Coronet of Thescorre, she was a Baroness in her own right and wished it be known that He wished her to retain that rank. The Tale of Sadira was then read to all. Book made, illuminated and calligraphed by THL Abigail Kelhoge, story by Daedez of the Dark Horde Moritu.
His Majesty returns Baroness Sadira her rank in the court and gifts her a book
But his Majesty was not quite done and said he felt that Her Excellency Sadira deserved something more. It was then announced that she was given the right to Augment her Arms. Scroll by THL Mary Elizabeth Clason upon words by Mistress Mahin Banu Tabrizi.
Her Excellency then departed amid a whirl of camels and dancers to the warm lands of her ancestors.
It was then noted that the Lands of Thescorre could not go unprotected. Lord Eldjarn the Thoughtful and Lady Dubheasa inghean Dubgaill were then called before the court. They were informed that the people of the Barony had requested that they be invested as the next Baron and Baroness of Thescorre.
Eldjarn and Dubheasa receive the coronets of Thescorre
His Majesty asked if they agreed to the responsibility, which they did. After accepting their Oaths, His Majesty then invested them as Baron and Baroness of Thescorre. The lineage of the Barony was then read.
Court was then suspended until later in the day.
Evening Court:
Baron Eldjarn and Baroness Dubheasa enter court
After court was resumed, His Majesty spoke of the great hospitality of the Barony of Thescorre and how much he enjoyed running around the field of battle with everyone.
He then spoke of Prince Titus and how the Kingdom had lost someone dear to them. He then asked for a moment of silence in honor of the fallen Prince.
His Majesty speaks of Prince Titus
Their Excellencies were given leave to hold their court.
When Court resumed, the children present at the event were invited forward and invited to go to the toy box at the back of court and select a toy as a reward for sitting through court.
His Majesty then remarked of one who had such great enthusiasm on the fencing field this day that he wanted to make sure all knew her name and instructed people to seek out Ania Mhoireach.
The Order of the Fleur arrives
The members of the Order of the Fleur d’Æthelmearc were then invited into court. His Majesty said that while there were many members of the Order present, he felt that the Order was not complete. Lord Justin Lymner was then called forth and inducted into the order for his knowledge in many diverse arts. Scroll by THL Helena Mutzhasenin.
Justin Lymner is inducted into the Order of the Fleur
His Majesty then spoke of how one of the great joys he has as King is getting to see the work of the artisans of the Kingdom and that the scribes most inspire him as they spend hours on their art, only to give it away. He then asked those that have created a scroll in the last year to stand and be recognized.
His Majesty sends gifts Abroad with Their Excellencies
Baron Fridrikr Tomasson av Knusslig Hamn and Baroness Orianna Fridrikskona were then called into Court. His Majesty said that they would be soon traveling to the Kingdom of Drachenwald in order to study the ancient texts. He gifted them with coins from his hand and wished them well and safe travels and to return with their studies were finished with many great tales.
There being no further business, the court of His Majesty, Sven, was then closed.
Greetings unto the populace of the Sylvan Kingdom of Æthelmearc. As the great Pennsic War approaches Our King and Queen are seeking both medallions and largesse to be given unto the population as recognition and gifts. In order to inspire those who wish to contribute to come forward, two competitions shall be held at upcoming events. One shall be held at PAX Interruptus on July 7 to be judged by His Majesty. The next is to be held at Bog Three Day on July 14 and will be judged by Her Majesty. All are encouraged to participate in the competition, or consider contributing by giving items of largesse and/or medallions to myself or members of the royal staff. In planning entries, perhaps something for the Pennsic gift basket for the Kingdom of Meridies would be nice? More information on both competitions to be forthcoming!
One of the privileges of belonging to the SCA is that anyone may recommend anyone else for any award. As an armiger (someone with an Award of Arms or higher), I believe that it is not only my privilege but my duty to recommend people in whom I find merit. While I have never been royalty, I have been a member of at least one polling order for more than 15 years and have read some sketchy recommendations. I am also married to a royal peer who has shared stories of recommendations that left her with more questions than answers regarding a nominee.
I will preface the remainder of this article by stating that I was an officer in the US Air Force for 25 years. For 14 of those years, I was responsible for writing and processing award packages based on someone’s recommendation. For another 4 of those years, I was part of several consideration boards that determined whether awards were approved. Many of the same factors that go into military awards and decorations apply to organizations such as the SCA. I would like to share some tips for writing awards recommendations that give the royalty/baronage as well as the members of polling orders sufficient information to determine a nominee’s suitability as a potential award recipient.
First of all, royalty cannot possibly know everybody in the kingdom. Therefore, it is important when writing a recommendation to provide enough information to familiarize the royalty with the individual. Local group, persona and time period, number of years in the SCA, if they have lived in other kingdoms, how long they have lived here and in what other kingdoms they may have had an impact: all of this helps paint a picture of the person. This also provides information that can be useful in writing an appropriate scroll. A recommendation may even include a recent event at which the royalty or members of a polling order may have had cause to meet this person. For example, “You may have seen Janice teaching ‘Medieval Muckraking: Not Just For Politicians’ at War Practice in May”; “Peter was one of your retainers at Crown Tournament. He was wearing the purple and green lozengy codpiece.”
Next, while it is important to highlight any relevant offices the individual may hold or have held in the past, as well as any projects on which they worked or activities they may have staffed, this alone is not enough. It’s wonderful to know that Richard has been the herald for the last five years, but all that tells the royalty is that no one else wanted the job. It does not tell us whether Richard was effective in the position. In the mundane world, when writing a performance report or review, a key factor is writing what are called “impact statements” or – in government-speak – “cause and effect statements.” These are statements with 4 very clear and distinct parts.
The first part is identifying the role of the individual: “Richard has been our shire herald for the last five years.”
The next part is identifying something that the individual has done in that role that was of some significance. “When he first took over the job, our shire had not had a submission considered by the Garnet office for almost a year. Richard immediately set to work to clear up the backlog of submissions.”
Next is the actual impact: did the individual succeed and what was the impact on the target community? “As a result, within four months, all of the previous submissions had been processed, and more than half our shire now has registered names and armoury.”
Lastly, has the individual continued the same level or greater over time, or did the project conclude? “Richard now holds quarterly consult meetings at his house, and has not had any quarter go by without at least one submission considered by Garnet.” OR “Although Richard has moved on to become a kingdom herald-at-large, his efforts to organize the shire office made it much easier for his successor to step in with no interruption in service to the local group.”
For lesser awards, such as an AoA or one of the AoA-level orders, one or two impact statements may be enough. For polling orders, several such statements may need to be included to reach the level of activity expected of the higher-level order. Polling orders also like to see impact over a longer period of time, with some consistency and improvement as the individual progresses.
Here are two sample statements. The first is a statement I have seen many times in one form or another in recommendations. The second is one possible example of how it should read.
“Marilyn does wonderful work. She is always so cheerful. She has taught at the last four Æcademies and War Practice, and is always willing to help someone who wants to learn more about her art.”
Obviously, Marilyn is a lovely person … but the recommendation says nothing about her level of performance, her consistency, her improvement over time, or her impact on the community. Let’s try it again with actual impact statements:
“Marilyn does wonderful work. Compared to her entry in the A&S display at Agincourt two years ago, the effects of both her research and practice show massive improvement. At A&S Faire last month, I examined her work and found the quality to be consistent throughout the piece, documented period materials used, and the addition of some flourishes from a related craft in the same location and time period. Her documentation even included examples of how the piece would have been used in her chosen country and time, and included three primary source documents. Although I have not attended any of her classes, I have spoken with some of her former students who have stated that her instruction is clear and concise, and that she has supported each portion of her conjecture with facts from reputable sources. She even took time near the end of the class to do some practical demonstrations of the techniques she had discussed. It seems that she is popular among adherents of her craft because of the number of repeat students she has from one event to the next. This speaks to improvements in both her technique and her research, as each iteration of the class has the students learning something that was not available in previous iterations.”
Wordy? Yup. But guess what – it cites specific achievements, specific improvements over time, and specific benefits to the community.
Finally, it is important that the recommendation be appropriate for the award. For the most part, the SCA has three “tracks”: Martial, A&S, and Service. There is a lot of crossover between these tracks, and within each track there are multiple avenues (e.g., Martial = heavy, fencing, archery, siege, thrown weapons). When choosing justification for an award recommendation, ensure that the justification is appropriate. For example, a heraldic artist may be nominated for an A&S award for doing period research and producing period-appropriate heraldic art. The same artist may be nominated for a service award for using their research and their skills to provide support for heraldic submissions or for the shield tree used at Crown Tournaments. It is important to make the distinction, since it would not be appropriate for the same achievement to be used to justify two different awards.
THL Madoc Arundel is the current Garnet Herald of Æthelmearc and has served in a variety of offices at various levels in ten different kingdoms. He is a member of three polling orders: the Millrind and the Fleur from Æthelmearc and the Silver Hammer from Calontir.
Christopher Miller is a retired US Air Force officer, former small business owner, and current Social Studies teacher. He has twenty years’ experience writing award recommendations for the military and employee performance reports for the government/military and private industry.