29 days until we return HOME! I hope all your Pennsic projects are underway and nearing completion. Here is your July reminder for Pennsic 49 and again, this missive will be longer than what I usually put out.
*IMPORTANT UPDATES* Message from the Deputy Mayor of Event Safety regarding the Covid Policy for Pennsic 49.
“Pennsic 49 Covid policy: Covid policies of the SCA and Kingdom of Æthelmearc apply to Pennsic and will therefore require some changes from what you’ve seen in the past. Some of these may or may not impact you and some of these are critical for everyone attending to know.
EVERYONE ATTENDING MUST SHOW PROOF OF VACCINATION OR A NEGATIVE TEST FROM A MEDICAL FACILITY WITHIN 72 HOURS OF TROLLING IN.
It’s critical to understand the details here as we really don’t want to turn anyone away at troll because someone didn’t understand what they needed to get in the gate. This applies to anyone 5 years or older, so it includes your kids as well. This only applies to anyone trolling into the event for the first time. Once you’ve received your medallion you can leave and enter the site as normal.
A physical copy of your vaccination card or a photo of it are both acceptable. You will need a form of ID as usual.
If you bring documentation of a negative test remember that it has to be from a medical facility and it has to be within 72 hours of when you arrive at the troll desk so please plan your timing accordingly as sometimes lines can be as long on the weekends. Home test results are not acceptable.
There are no exceptions so if you don’t have what you need you will not be allowed into the event.
Æthelmearc requires masking indoors, but due to the large openings of our facilities places like the Great Hall, and tent spaces are considered outdoor spaces. The upper level of the cooper shower house next to the Cooper Store will be closed and locked for Pennsic 49. The upper bathrooms will still be accessible from the deck.
Camps, individual classes, and merchant spaces may set their own rules for requiring masks in their space, so we recommend all attendees have a mask available and respect the rules for their space. The First Aid pavilion will be treated like a medical facility and masks will be required if you are admitted in to see doctors or EMTs.
The event will not be providing water containers. Attendees are requested to bring their own water containers and we will have filtered water available at various locations around the site. That includes the battlefield and public service areas.
As with things like sunscreen and bug spray, attendees should plan to provide their own masks and hand sanitizer.”
Specific questions on implementation of the Covid Policy at Pennsic can be directed to the email below:
Reminder: If you have need of a Handicap Port-a-John, please fill out the form for yourself only. Do not submit a form that says “we have a bunch of people in camp who need one” as this will not be a valid submission and will not be counted. We do not have the same amount of Handicap Port-a-Johns as regular ones and we need to place them where they will help the most. Requests will be accepted until July 25th.
The Great Hall and N-Block Charging Stations are full for all time slots. This means we have NO availability at those locations. We currently have availability at the Disability Camp, B-Block for all time slots and limited for the Runestone Hill Charging Station. If you need access to power, please submit your request as soon as possible. These are first come first served so request early. If possible, you may want to consider investing in the newer Solar Panel options that are available now that are not expensive as our population is growing and the supply struggles to keep up. Requests will be accepted until July 25th. After that point, you can come to Disability Point to request charging once you are on site.
Also, only Service Animals and Service Animals-in-Training will be allowed on site. I cannot stress this enough. If you bring an emotional support or comfort support animal, it will be turned away. Please spread the word about this.
Emotional Support/Comfort Support animals do NOT qualify as a service animal and a doctor’s note / downloaded certificate from a website does not make your dog a service animal.
Please make alternate arrangements for those animals who do not meet ADA and the PHRA rules. If you bring an animal that does not meet the ADA or PHRA definition of a Service Animal or Service Animal-in-Training, it will NOT be allowed on site. You will be provided with a list of kennels in the area in which to take your animal.
Please be sure to bring a certificate of current rabies vaccination with you. If you do not bring one, your service animal will be refused entry to the event.
Please do not bring your pet or ESA / CSA as this will just cause more distress to you as you will be required to remove said animal off site immediately.
We are also offering Signing services for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing community as well. If you need this service, you can go to the web site and click on the link below. We need Signing Service Volunteers. If you can assist, please let me know.
Please note, site rules state that only electric scooters/wheelchairs (power or manual) are allowed on site. Electric Carts will not be allowed. You may NOT tow anything behind your scooter/wheelchair at any time.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at this email and we will be happy to assist you.
Greetings! Let it be known throughout our Sylvan Kingdom and beyond that the Barony of St. Swithin’s Bog 3-Day event is again on the horizon!
The Barony of St. Swithin’s Bog would like to invite the Known World to join them for 3 days of martial activities, arts, friendship, and celebration as the Great Pennsic War looms ever closer. Not only will there be an abundance of activities to inspire and excite but it will also be the Investiture of our new Baron and Baroness! A weekend of true festivity and revelry!
This year, all are welcome to a weekend at the Viking Townhall! There will be a full day of Viking themed martial activities including Heavy Weapons, Youth fighting, Rapier, Thrown Weapons, and Archery! There will be an A&S display and Competition for both finished and in-progress work. And Yes! We will once again be hosting the 13th Annual Iron Scribe Competition! And this year I am excited to announce there will also be a Brewing Competition! There are also children’s activities planned for a day of merriment for all!
Our Head Cook is preparing a fine hearty feast and after an exciting day of activities invites all to don your finest Viking garb and join us in the longhouse for an illuminating and enchanting evening of feasting and friendship. We encourage all to bring their banners to hang, and candles and lanterns, to add to the aesthetic of the evening.
Depending on COVID Protocol at the time of the event, the feast and all activities may take place outside. The event will follow all SCA Covid protocols. Please check the event Facebook Page for updates and announcements as the event draws closer.
Our site is the New Germany Grove Hall 1635 New Germany Road, Summerhill, PA15958. Site will open on Friday, July 15th at 5 pm and close on Sunday, July 17th, at 12 noon. There is plenty of space for camping. No shower facilities are available but place feel free to being our own amenities. There will be sanitizing stations throughout the event. The site is discreetly wet and above ground fires are permitted. Adult Event Registration is $25 per adult. Adult Member Discount Event Registration is $20 per adult member. Children ages 17 and under are free. Breakfast and lunch sideboard are included with your event registration.
Our Head Cook is her Excellency Rosheen O Fayh (Tracey Zimmerman) email: tzimmerman125@gmail.com. Dietary/allergy concerns may be sent to her email. Co-Feastocrat is Lord Biorn inn Digri (Chris Fedelia). Feast is $10 per person. Children ages 5 and under are free for feast. The feast is limited to 64, so reservations are highly encouraged.
Our Reservation Clerk will be Lord Battista (Paul Tedeski) email ptedeski@outlook.com. This year Pre-registration will be available online through SCARS and all those who preregister online will receive a $5 discounted registration fee. Please check the event page for information on when pre-registration will open and close. Cash and checks will still be accepted at the gate. Make checks payable to SCA-PA, Inc. Barony of St. Swithin’s Bog. Our Royalty Liaison is Dame Ursula of Rouen (Danielle Duvall, PO Box 661, Shepherdstown, WV. 25443), 540-287-1748 or Ursula.of.rouen@gmail.com.
Questions regarding the event may be directed to the Autocrat, Lady Niamh bean Bran O’Labhradha (Diana Lowry, 3735 Baytree Street. Pittsburgh, PA 15214), 724-550-5352 or dclsw05@gmail.com.
Although the SCA complies with all applicable laws to try and ensure the health and safety of our event participants, we cannot eliminate the risk of exposure to infectious diseases during in person events. By participating in the in-person events of the SCA, you acknowledge and accept the potential risks. You agree to take any additional steps to protect your own health and safety and those under your control as you believe necessary.
Directions available at the event announcement here.
‹From the event steward for Iris Festival and Kingdom Equestrian Champs, With Iron Comet Challenge, THL Hara Kikumatsu.
The Barony Marche of the Debatable Lands Iron Comet Challenge, Japanese Iris Festival, and Kingdom Equestrian Champs event is only a few days away, on June 4th. We hope for a beautiful, fun-filled day.
Last minute reminders:
1. SCA Covid protocols as of the event date will be enforced. Please be prepared to show your vaccination record or proof of a negative Covid test upon arrival at the event or at event setup Friday evening.
2. No food will be served, so bring food and drink. No glass bottles please.
3. Remember sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, a chair to sit on and, if you have one, a pop-up for shade.
4. There is handicap accessible parking, next to handicap restrooms, and an all gender changing tent. There are also separate Lords & Ladies changing tents.
5. Service animals only (other than the horses). They must be on a leash.
Iron Comet Challenge Rules:
1. For adults to be eligible for the iron comet challenge, you must enter the A&S competition, and have fought in at least 3 of the four non-equestrian martial tournaments.
2. Scoring will be done by tournament winner get 10 points, second 9 points, etc for each of the tournaments. The scores are added.
3. Youth iron comet winner will be determined by a combined archery, thrown weapons, and arts and sciences tournaments score.
4. Youth scores are tallied for only the youth, not as part of adult scores.
A Little More on the Event:
Here is the event page: http://debatablelands.org/events/2022-06-04%20Japanese%20Iris%20Festival.php. The event will have fencing, thrown weapons, heavy fighting, and archery tournaments. In addition there is kingdom equestrian champion tournament for horses and riders. There is also a arts and sciences competition with no theme. There is an equestrian arts and sciences competition. In addition to the arts and sciences competition, there is a arts and sciences display with an Asian theme.
The combined iron comet challenge is combination of the results from all the non-equestrian competitions.
The event will be held in the horse arena at Brady’s Run, 121 Brady’s Run Rd, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Preregistration is closed, but you can pay at the door with cash or check.
Cost:
Adult Event Registration: $12
Adult Member Discount Event Registration: $7
Youth 17 and under are free.
This Saturday, June 4th, The Debatable Lands welcomes Their Majesties and Highnesses to our Japanese Iris Festival as Their Majesties hold The Kingdom Equestrian Championship! This event has something for everyone – martial activities of all types, and A&S. And yes, even jousting! Check out the event announcement.
The site is in Southwestern PA (courtesy of the Shire of Steltonwald) at Brady’s Run Park in Beaver Falls. You can pre-register online until TOMORROW, MAY 30th through SCARS: https://members.sca.org/apps/#MtgDetail/00001314 .
Cost for the event is super affordable and family-friendly: Adult registration (non-member) is $12. Adult member registration is $7. People age 17 and under are FREE.
This event also features the IRON COMET CHALLEGE (see below) and of course, Royal and Baronial Courts. Here’s the schedule for the day (tentative):
Site opens – 9 am
Part 1 Equestrian Champs – 10:30 am
Fencing tournament – 11 am
Thrown Weapons tournament – 12 noon
Arts and Sciences Competition – 1 pm
Part 2 Equestrian Champs – 1:30 pm
Heavy tournament – 2 pm
Archery tournament – 3 pm
Jousting (weather permitting) – 4 pm
Court – 5:30 pm
Tear-down after court
Have questions? Check out these FAQs:
Q. What’s the Iron Comet Challenge?
All are welcome to participate in the separate fighting, fencing, archery, and thrown weapons tournaments, as well as an A&S competition (no theme).
But for those elite few who want to test their skills as well-rounded medievalists, you can enter the Iron Comet Challenge – enter at least 3 out of the 4 martial competitions, and the A&S competition (required, all levels welcome), and be an Iron Comet Challenger competing for the highest composite score. Who will prove to be the best of the best?
You welcome to come and enjoy the competitions separately without competing in the Iron Comet Challenge, of course.
Q. Tell me more about the Arts and Sciences activities.
The competition has no theme, and all are welcome to enter it.
We are lucky enough to also have an A&S display – if you choose, there is a theme of Asian Arts and Sciences to celebrate the Japanese Iris Festival! Displays not adhering to the theme are also welcome.
There will also be a poetry competition for Japanese forms of poetry, including haiku, tanka, and if we feel brave, collaborative forms such as renga and renku.
Q. Will there be event-provided food?
Not this time, no, due to the pandemic. The event will not provide food. But please do bring your own and enjoy a picnic! (No glass bottles)
Q. What else should I know to prepare for the day?
The event is outside, but the weather forecast looks beautiful! There are a couple of shelters but you may want to bring chairs and maybe a pop-up for a place to relax.
There are three public changing tents – lords, ladies, and all gender. The all gender changing tent is next to accessible parking and accessible restrooms.
All COVID protocols will be enforced, so please remember your vaccination card (or picture of it) and ID (membership card is fine) or else your proof of negative COVID test.
Other than horses, only service animals allowed.
Q. Tell me a little about the Equestrian stuff.
The event is only open on Saturday, but those with horses are welcome to arrive Friday night. Contact THL Gesa for details.
For the Equestrian Champs, there are games and riding before prince activities hosted by Aethelmearc current Kingdom Equestrian Champion Gozen. There is also an A&S element. Contact Mistress Gozen for details, or check out the Aethelmearc Equestrian Facebook page. Activities are part of the kingdom equestrian championship, but it is open to all riders. There is also a jousting tournament!!
Feast is FULL!! Please contact me if you want to be put on the waitlist!
There will be a fire both Friday and Sat night that everyone is welcome to join.
The camp installed new soffits in the bathhouse so no more birds nest in the bathrooms and they installed on-demand hot water!! Hot showers for everyone!!
We are following Æthelmearc’s current COVID policy – found here. You must stop at COVID check in FIRST!!! you can not unload first. If you are coming on Friday evening after 10 pm you MUST notify us beforehand!
It’s time to prepare for War – plus have a handfasting! Please join the Dominion of Myrkfaelinn for our annual War practice June 3rd-5th and help celebrate Gytha Oggsdottir and Sanada Nobukatsu’s handfasting. There will be heavy fighting, fencing, thrown weapons, children’s activities and a Feast!
The site is the beautiful Camp Barton Boy Scout Camp right on the shore of Cayuga Lake 9640 S Frontenac Rd., Trumansburg NY 14886. Site opens at Friday at 5pm and closes Sunday morning at 11am. Sideboard will be prepared by THL Cristina inghean Ghriogair. Please contact her at donnamac123@hotmail.com, 607 591-0999 with any questions or dietary restrictions.
There will be an amazing feast prepared by THL Lasairfhiona inghean Aindriasa. Please contact her via Facebook Messenger (Vicki Presler) or email at ravenheart.vp@gmail.com with any question or dietary restrictions. Not only will it be tasty but is free – donations are accepted. Feast is capped at 48.
Lady Meadbh ni Clerigh is preparing a whole range of children’s activities for our youth, so please bring them with you and keep her busy!
The Co -Autocrats are Gytha Oggsdottir (Lori Drake 101 Uptown Rd. #33, Ithaca NY 14850 607-351-8433 gythaoggs@gmail.com) and Cristina inghean Ghriogair, (Donna Ankrum donnamac123@hotmail.com 607 591-0999, 107 Oak Hill Rd., Ithaca NY 14850)
Adult Event Registration is $20
Adult Member Discount Event Registration is $15
Child age 0-17 are free!!!
Feast FREE – donations are accepted. Feast is capped at 48.
Event registration includes Saturday sideboard lunch and Saturday night camping. Camping Friday night is an additional $4 per adult.
Pre-registration is always appreciated, please send reservations to Master Hrólfr á Fjárfelli (Rolf Verberg), (607) 272-2996, at 680 Sheffield Road, Ithaca NY 14850. Make checks payable to SCA NY, Inc. – Dominion of Myrkfaelinn. Please include modern name, SCAdian name and membership number for each person covered by your payment. Also, indicate if any are minors. Include contact info for confirmation of receipt and to receive last minute notifications..
There are two Arts and Sciences activities being run at next month’s Japanese Iris Festival event (June 4, 2022 – 121 Brady’s Run Rd, Beaver Falls, PA 15010).
The first is the Iron Comet A&S Competition. The competition has no theme, and accepts all types of projects. The competition is mandatory for anyone in the Iron Comet Challenge, but it is open to everyone. Anyone can win, but only those participating in the martial competitions
will receive tournament points.
The second is the Festival A&S Display. The display is also open to any type of project, but projects displaying arts of Eastern Asia are encouraged. There are no points awarded, no judging, and no winner. Please bring all your most interesting, most useful, most attractive, and most intense projects to show. Research and instruction are not required, but we would love to see any supporting documentation if you have it, and enjoy having you answer questions about your work if you’re not busy elsewhere. You can display as many items as you wish, but if you need a lot of room please consider bringing your own tables and possibly your own shelter.
Both activities will be under shelter, but this event is primarily outdoors so please be prepared to protect your entries from stray raindrops and errant breezes. By site policy, no glass bottles are allowed.
You do not need to register your entries or display items ahead of time,
but if you want to send email to let event staff know what you are
bringing or if you have any questions, please contact “ansminister (at)
debatablelands.org”.
Who is ready for some learning? Many amazing teachers have heeded my call for classes at this years War Practice! We have decided to go paperless so no class handouts will be available. However, if you need a printed copy, please email me to request one. Did you know that there is an App for War Practice this year? Here is the link: https://eventee.co/event/16244 The event schedule is listed there as well.
Yours in service,
Lady Vika Vyborskaia
Friday Classes
9:00 AM
Tent 1 – How to Write Poetry Like a Well-Mannered Brute – A poetry workshop for the aspiring heart! An introduction to various period-specific forms, devices, figurative language, the mysteries of enjambment, and the acrostic! Come with longing, leave with poems of your own devising! (2 Hours) – Morien MacBain – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
Tent 3 – How to Open Up a Can of Worms Without Making Too Much of a Mess: Starting an SCA Research Project – Does research and documentation seem overwhelming? Are you interested in doing an A&S project but don’t know where to start? This class will teach you how to find, evaluate, and document the sources you need to research and complete an A&S project in any category. (1 Hour) – Rosie Dubroc – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
10:00 AM
Tent 2 – Introduction to Fingerloop Braiding – Learn some basic fingerloop braiding patterns you can use to create necklaces, bracelets, lacing, medallion cords, etc. (1 Hour) – Forveleth Dunde – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
Tent 3 – Cofia y Tranzado: The Omnipresent Spanish Headwear – In 1500s Spain, the cofia y tranzado (cap and braid case) was all the rage. Worn by women of virtually every rank, it could dress up, dress down, and be styled in a wide variety of ways. This class will survey the many different examples we have of the garment in use, and will include a pattern and all details needed to make and wear your own (it’s easy!) (1 Hour) – Baroness Elena de la Palma – (Adults)
11:00 AM
Tent 2 – Castle Knitting for Children – Children will use a very basic knitting-style skill to create a rope/snake/cord to be used as imagination dictates! Best for ages 7 and up, though many 6-year-olds can manage fine with parental assistance. – Limit 10 kids per class. No materials fee. (1 Hour) – Elsa Taliard – (Kids 6 and up with Adult)
Tent 3 – Voice Heralding 101 – From SCA.org: “Voice heralds” are used for “crying out announcements, announcing the fighters entering the list field, as well as acting as the voice of the nobility in court, reading the scrolls that accompany the awards being given out.” “Book heralds”: helping members of the SCA to research period names and design devices (armory), as well as registering them with the SCA College of Heralds. “Protocol heralds”: recording the awards and honors that are given in court, drafting period-style ceremonies for use in court, determining the precedence of award holders, as well as other legal niceties in all sorts of situations. This class deals with Voice Heralds. Learn how to project your voice, how to present yourself, what to say, and how to say it! (1 Hour) – Baron Snorri skyti Bjarnarsson – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
12:00 PM
Tent 1 – The Song of Breath: Troubadour Poetry and Lore – A survey of the history and stories of the troubadour poets, rich in anecdote, and with reference to particular motifs and forms of their art. Special attention will be paid to the sestina form! (2 Hours) – Morien MacBain – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
Tent 2 – MOL What’s that? – Learning how to run all types of tournaments. (1 Hour) – Lady Vika Vyborskaia – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
Tent 3 – How to be an SCA Assassin – An Introduction to having a persona that is nefarious and not getting into trouble; includes accoutrements, A&S ideas, and other suggestions. (1 Hour) – THL Maggie Rue – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
1:00 PM
Tent 2 – En Espanol: Defining Characteristics of Women’s Fashion in Spain from 1500 – 1600 – What makes Spanish fashion distinct from, well, anywhere else? That’s a big question, but we’ll try to answer it for one particular segment: women’s fashion from 1500-1600. We’ll look at everything from materials, cut, and construction to embellishments, undergarments, and accessories, reviewing commonalities from image and inventory sources of the time. – Baroness Elena de la Palma – (Adult)
Tent 3 – Mushroom Foraging Safety 101 – Wild Mushrooms are sexy. Gastrointestinal distress is not. Let’s get you out there foraging safely! Wild mushroom petting zoo last 1/2 hour of class, appx. Class Limit 15 (2 Hours) – Elsa Taliard – (Adults Only, NO ONE UNDER 18)
2:00 PM
Tent 1 – Night’s Black Agents: Elizabethan Espionage – A survey of Elizabeth’s intelligence service, spymasters, codes, and night’s black agents, as well as the litany of conspiracies and plots they faced! (1.5 Hours) – Morien MacBain – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
3:00 PM
Tent 2 – Risqué Pompeii: Art Under the Volcano – Upon the discovery of Pompeii, and its neighbor Herculaneum, Victorian explorers were both surprised and horrified by what they found. The sexually explicit artwork they uncovered would forever change their view of Ancient Rome and eventually lead to our modern concept of pornography. Come have a look at the artwork that caused such an uproar that it was hidden away for nearly two centuries. Ages 18+ (1 Hour) – Rosie Dubroc – (Adults)
Tent 3 – The Guzheng, The Chinese Zither – This is a basic informational class on the guzheng, a Chinese stringed instrument. I will give an overview of the history and evolution of the instrument in the relevant time frame of the SCA and weather permitting, will bring the instrument out to demonstrate basic techniques of how it was played. (1 Hour) – Brigette de Sainte Mere-Eglise – (Adults)
4:00 PM
Tent 2 – Introduction to Combat Archery – Have you ever wanted to be a part of the action on the battlefield, but didn’t want to swing a sword? Have you ever wanted to shoot back at that pesky archer who keeps killing you? Give combat archery a try. The class will cover the basics of combat archery: what equipment you need, the rules, and basic tactics. (1 Hour) – Freiherr Friderich Swartzwalder – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
Tent 3 – Cooking the Books – a Review of Period Cookbooks – The class will look at almost 60 period cookbooks. The teacher will give her opinion on the usability of each book. A handout will be provided listing all the books and a table will be included listing the features of each book. (2 Hours) – Baroness Oddkatla Jonsdottir – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
5:00 PM
Tent 2 – Jakob Fugger, The Richest Person Who Ever Lived – A look at the life of Augsburg banker Jakob Fugger. He financed Popes, Kings, and Emperors. Learn about the person who redefined banking and established modern capitalism. A person who was despised by many, including those who needed his services. (1 Hour) – Freiherr Friderich Swartzwalder – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
Saturday Classes
9:00 AM
Tent 1 – Roman Wire and Bead Jewelry – Examine Roman jewelry artifacts that can be recreated using simple materials and tools. Kits and handouts available. Students encouraged to bring round needle nose pliers, wire cutters, and bead mats. Students must be able to safely use wire cutters. Limit 15 Cost $10 for supplies for a full necklace and earrings (2 Hours) – Dame Elizabethe Alles – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
Tent 2 – Medallion making – This make and take class will teach you how to make a painted medallion with a glass cabochon. These are ideal for largesse, heraldic display, or award medallions. All supplies provided, including real lambskin vellum. Limit 12 Cost $5 (1.5 Hour) – Nichola Beese – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
Tent 3 – Pasamanos: A Survey of Spanish Needlework – Spain has a rich tradition of needlework dating back hundreds of years into period. This class will trace the development of this tradition, starting with some of the earliest examples and extending to lacemaking, drawnwork, and the other highly complex styles found decorating ruffs, camisas, and more during the Spanish Golden Age. Focus is on exposure to styles, not on learning the techniques involved. (1 Hour) – Baroness Elena de la Palma – (Adult)
10:00 AM
Tent 2 – Bayeux Stitch Embroidery – Cone learn Bayeux stitch! This historically accurate technique combines outline or stem stitch and couching and laid work techniques, allowing you to cover large areas with ease and stitch non-geometric and pectoral designs. Limit 12 Cost $5 (1.5 Hours) – Renata Rouge & Nichola Beese – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
Tent 3 – Fabric and Embellishment in Late Period Spanish Clothing: Evidence from the Inventories – What fabrics would a Spanish queen wear? How would her garments be decorated? This class explores some answers to these questions by surveying recorded inventories of Isabel of Portugal, Juana of Castile, and other contemporary Spanish royal women from 1530 – 1600. (1 Hour) – Baroness Elena de la Palma – (Adult)
A&S Pavilion – Tent 1 – Weedwalk – Walk through the campground to appreciate and identify wild plants and learn some of their uses and dangers. Please wear sturdy shoes. Rain or shine. Limit 20 – Baroness Sadira bint Wassouf – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
11:00 AM
Tent 1 – So, you want to be an Apothecary in the SCA – This class is an introduction to Apothecaries throughout different eras and cultures and how best to portray one in reenactment, LARP-ing, or any fictional setting. In addition, discussion will be provided on how to create research papers and projects, as well as gifts and largesse that are persona oriented. (1 Hour) – THL Maggie Rue – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
Tent 3 – Mushroom Foraging Safety 101 – Wild Mushrooms are sexy. Gastrointestinal distress is not. Let’s get you out there foraging safely! Wild mushroom petting zoo last 1/2 hour of class, appx. Class Limit 15 (2 Hours) – Elsa Taliard – (Adults Only, NO ONE UNDER 18)
12:00 PM
Tent 2 – Tips for Teaching a Better A&S Class – Whether you are planning your first class or have been teaching for a while, A&S classes can be a lot of work to develop and present. This class aims to provide some helpful tips to make it simpler and more efficient to turn your ideas into classes that are both easy for you to teach and easy for your students to understand. (1 Hour) – Rosie Dubroc – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
Campsite – Forester Flint and Steel Firemaking – The House Sable Maul Camp – This class will involve a variety of skills involved in creating a fire quickly and reliably with flint and steel. A variety of char materials, tinder, and kindling will be considered, as well as the ability to locate ort make such materials in the wilderness. All class materials will be provided, enough for ten students will be on hand. (2 Hours) – Rikardr Vid-Bjorn – Limit 10 – (Any, Youth with Adult supervision)
1:00 PM
Tent 1 – Art Analysis For Living History – As more and more Medieval and Renaissance art becomes accessible, there are more and more exciting opportunities to create and appreciate art across cultures and time periods. Join us for a fun, interactive workshop to explore a way to analyze extant scroll illumination or paintings to identify specific details for creating realistically period art, to assess your own illuminations, or just for an additional level of enjoyment. This class is appropriate for any age or level of ability and interest, especially beginners in illumination. (1 Hour) – Baroness Sadira bint Wassouf – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
Tent 3 – Newcomers Meet & Greet – (1 hour)
2:00 PM
Tent 2 – Castle Knitting for Children – Children will use a very basic knitting-style skill to create a rope/snake/cord to be used as imagination dictates! Best for ages 7 and up, though many 6-year-olds can manage fine with parental assistance. – Limit 10 kids per class. No materials fee. (1 Hour) – Elsa Taliard – (Kids 6 and up with Adult)
Tent 3 – Turkish Hat Making – Make and take class where you get to make an Ottoman Tarpus hat. Some knowledge of hand sewing required, materials provided – though if you have a specific fabric you’d like to use, please bring it. – Limit 10 hat makers (2 Hours) – THL Sumayya Ghaziyya – (Adult)
3:00 PM
Tent 1 – The Way of Saint James: Pilgrims to Santiago – We will examine the legends, history, and lore of the *Camino de Santiago*, with special emphasis on the nature of medieval pilgrimage, sites of special historic, religious, and cultural importance along the route, plus advice for planning and completing the pilgrimage today. Taught by former pilgrims. *¡Buen camino!* (2 Hours) – Morien MacBain – (Any, Youth with Adult Supervision)
Tent 2 – “Kingdom MOL Meet & Greet” – As I’ve recently taken office, I would like to be able to meet personally with as many MOLs from around the kingdom as possible. If you are an MOL, interested in becoming an MOL, or just are curious about what it is that a Minster of the List does, please come and visit. (2 Hours) – Odriana – (Adult)
4:00 PM
Tent 2 – “Authorization Clerk Demo and Q&A” – Join Odriana, Deputy Authorization Clerk for the Kingdom, for a demonstration of the new online authorization form. This is also an opportunity for any Marshals that have not had the opportunity to give permission to be included on the online form so that your local fighters can use the form. There will also be time for Q&A in case you have any questions about the authorization process. (2 Hours) – Odriana – (Adult)
After discussions with his Grace, Duke Christopher, Deputy Kingdom Seneschal for Pandemics, and with Roane County, WV going back into Moderate (thank you Universe!!), folks are allowed back in the cabins to sleep inside. Masks are no longer required inside for those who are vaccinated. (Unvaccinated folks are required to wear masks at all times at events.)
Again, all groups who are in the cabins had to submit safety plans to the Autocrat and are still *required* to keep to those plans.
From the Kingdom Seneschale regarding Blackstone Raid:
Greetings from Illadore,
After discussion with SCA Corporate, it has been decided that *UNLESS* the county makes it back to Moderate or Low transmission (as determined by the CDC Covid County Tracker for Transmission), folks **will not** be allowed to sleep inside in cabins (unless they are single families and already living together.)
Individuals can bring tents and put them up on the property. Please contact the local Autocrat if you need more information. There are also local hotels still available within a half hour of the site as well.
I know this is not ideal. It is our hope that Roane County, WV’s numbers will improve by Thursday.
Thank you,
Illadore de Bedegrayne
Kingdom Seneschal
Gentles traveling this weekend to Ice Dragon (or, really any other upcoming event in the near future) using the NYS Thruway, please note that every other rest area (i.e., food and bathrooms) is closed due to rebuilding. Gasoline *is* available at each area, however.
These are the current ones AFAIK:
Clarence (confirmed under construction)
Pembroke (confirmed under construction)
Clifton Springs (confirmed under construction)
Junius Ponds (confirmed under construction)
Chittenango
Iroquois
Indian Castle
New Baltimore
Plattekill
Ardsley
EZ-Pass
Also note, in case you haven’t traveled the Thruway in the past year-ish (or so), it is now cashless tolls.
So, if you do not have an EZ-Pass, make sure you watch your for the toll bill that will come in the mail. (From the EZ-Pass website – Tolls by Mail customers will pay 30% above the NY E-ZPass toll rate, in addition to a $2 administrative surcharge per billing statement.)
There is a phone number you can call to pay the bill — **826 from a cell phone — as well as a website http://www.tollsbymailny.com/ (or download their app from there) where you can search for your bill by license plate number.
Who is ready for some learning? Many amazing teachers have heeded my call for classes at this years War Practice! We have decided to go paperless so no class handouts will be available. However, if you need a printed copy, please 
