When arriving at the site for Queen’s Rapier Championship and Equestrian Games this Saturday, April 8, you will be directed as to where to park. Parking is limited, so if it’s possible to carpool, that would be optimal.
Below is a map of where parking is in relation to where you’d be entering the site.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the autocrat, Meesteres Odriana vander Brugghe (Jennifer Bahor), via email at or via Messenger.
“Be honorable yourself if you wish to associate with honorable people.” ~Proverb
Sitting in the front row of every scored Tournament for Heavy Weapons, Fencing, or Equestrian activities is a person with a clipboard making sure that the rules are followed, the scoring is honest, and that everyone that came to fight that day gets onto the field. These are your Ministers of the List, typically referred to as the MOL.
The MOL is a warranted position, like a Marshal, so membership in SCA, Inc. is required to act as an MOL. There is no membership requirement to be in the training (MOLlet) program, but you would need a membership to become warranted. Warrants expire concurrently with your membership, so you would update your warrant information with the Kingdom MOL when you renewed your membership.
The value of having a dedicated group of people to do this is manifold:
Before an event, the Marshal in Charge works with the MOL to review the kind of tournament that they wish to run. The MOL can also assist in planning out a tournament by offering suggestions for format, including alternate plans that can be deployed if the number of anticipated fighters changes.
During the planning phase of the event is also when it is most helpful to the MOL to know just how many people they will need the day of the event so that everyone may arrive prepared and ready to go for the tournament(s) that day.
The day of a tournament, it frees up the Marshals to conduct inspections and run the tournament. It also ensures that the business of reviewing authorization credentials and providing authorization paperwork is conducted enough before the tournament so that the fighters can then focus on their pre-game activities.
What does an MOL do?
Before the tournament, the MOL may work with the Marshal in Charge (MIC) to determine the best format for the estimated number of fighters, if the MIC isn’t sure what kind of format they would like to run. The general preference is for the MOL to be engaged before the event is bid as a regular part of the event staff. Often, though, MOLs will be contacted after the event is bid and the MIC will have an idea of what kind of tournament they would like to run. You would then work with them to see what they are able to provide for you – usually a table, cover of some variety, and a chair – and what time they would like the tournament(s) to happen.
The day of the event, the MOL checks in fighters by viewing/confirming their authorization is current and to score the tournament. Tournament is used very broadly here, it can be anything from a simple bear pit to a double-elimination tournament. It doesn’t have to be Crown to be a tournament.
During the tournament, the primary job of an MOL is to keep score and help keep things moving. The MOL will then provide a list of winners based on what criteria has been determined for winning. The MIC is usually the one that announces the winners in court.
MOL is a job that requires focus and fairness. It’s the MOL’s job to make sure that the score is correct and the correct person is announced as winner. It just takes time to understand how to score a variety of formats. The focus of training is to make sure that you are comfortable with the scoring.
How do I become an MOL?
First, contact your local MOL or the Kingdom MOL to arrange a couple of visits to a table at a tournament. This will give you a better idea of what is involved and what you can expect. If you see that being an MOL is as awesome as it sounds, then you would arrange to become a MOLlet and work with a mentor to learn how to sign fighters in, check authorizations, and score the main tournament formats:
● Round Robin
● Bear Pit
● Single-Elimination
● Double-Elimination
This is done using on-the-job training and, if needed, a mock tournament can be held to run infrequently-used formats like double-elimination. There are also some online resources that you can use to learn/refresh your memory on how to run a variety of tournaments.
If you aren’t sure if this is something that you’d enjoy doing, please contact the Kingdom MOL, Odriana (mol@aethelmearc.org), and she will help you find a table to join so you can see what being an MOL looks like in action and see if it’s the right fit for you.
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!!
Here begins the Report of the Court of Gareth and Juliana, King and Queen of Æthelmearc at the Special Practice in the Debatable Lands 2 April AS 56, joined by Their Heirs Byron and Ariella, jorundr hinn rotinn, Silver Buccle Herald, reporting.
In the morning:
Soon-to-be Sir Boden the Lost returns his squire’s belt to Sir Graedwynn Mab Teyrnon.
Their Majesties summoned Their Archery Champion Yakub al-Musafir. Yakub is a skilled archer who has been increasing his skill with the bow greatly, for this Their Majesties Awarded him Arms. Scroll by Nichola Beese and Scribal West.
Their Majesties called for Sir Graedwynn Mab Teyrnon, who had a squire, whose oath had come to an end. THLord Boden the Lost was summoned, and after confirming that it was still his wish to continue THLord Boden returned his squire’s belt to Sir Graedwynn and was commended to the Order of the Chivalry to sit Vigil and contemplate his entry into that order.
Comtesse Elena d’Artois le Tailleur was next called. Comtesse Elena expressed that she had an outstanding commitment that she needed to conclude before she could sit vigil. Their Majesties invited Master Christian Amaury de Launey to release Comtesse Elena from their student teacher relationship, once concluded The Order of Defense was summoned to take Comtesse Elena and give her their council.
Court Suspended.
In the evening, joined by Their Excellencies Brandubh and Hilderun, Baron and Baroness of the Debatable Lands.
Their Majesties invited His Majesty Ioannes of the East to join Them.
Their Majesties called for Master Alaric MacConnal to attend Them, They asked that he might lead the youth of the Kingdom with the toybox and assist them with choosing gifts.
Their Majesties called for all the newcomers to the Society to join Them, and gifted them mugs made by the hands of artisans from throughout the Kingdom.
Their Majesties gave leave to Their Excellencies to hold Their Baronial Court.
Diana Clare Chandler was Awarded Arms in abstentia for her skill in making garb for herself and others and for her service as a retainer. Scroll by Gesa von Wellenstein.
Lady Lartia Cerva was called into Court that Their Majesties could deliver her Scroll and circlet from when she was Awarded Arms at Agincourt in October.
Lady Tristyn of Gryffyn’s Keep was called before Their Majesties. Her skill with thrown weapons has grown, which pleased Their Majesties so They inducted her into the Order of the Golden Alce. Scroll by Gesa von Wellenstein.
Their Majesties summoned Armiger Sebastian. Their skill in scribal arts and assistance with many scrolls created by Debatable Lands Scribal West caused Their Majesties to name Them a member of the Order of the Sycamore. Scroll by Nichola Beese and Scribal West.
Aranwen verch Rhys ap Gwalter was awarded a Crown’s Treasure in abstentia for her many donations of historically correct glass beads, fibula, and jewelry. Scroll illuminated by Viviene of Yardley, calligraphed by Jonathan Blaecstan, with words by King Gareth.
THLord Boden the Lost was summoned to present himself before Their Majesties. After confirming that it was still his wish to continue, Their Majesties summoned Their Order of the Chivalry. They heard words in support of Boden from a Royal Peer, Countess Ariella of Thornbury, a Laurel, Master Duncan Blackwater, a patent-pending member of the Order of Defense, Comtesse Elena d’Artois, a Pelican, Baron Brandubh O Donnaighlie, a member of the Order of Chivalry, Sir Bors of Rouen, and words from Sir Graedwynn Mab Teyrnon. After hearing THLord Boden’s oath of Fealty They invested him with the regalia of a Knight, the Ancestral Chivalry Chain of Æthelmearc, a personal chain, a white belt, spurs, and a cloak. His Majesty then dubbed Sir Boden a Knight and delivered his last unanswered blow. Scroll by Jonathan Blaecstan with words by Graedwynn Mab Teyrnon.
Soon-to-be Maître Elena d’Artois le Tailleur walks into Court, accompanied by members of the Order of Defense.
Their Majesties invited Comtesse Elena d’Artois le Tailleur was invited. The Order of Defense, and the Ladies of the Rose and Garnet were called. Their Majesties confirmed that it was still Elena’s wish to proceed, and heard the words of her supporters, Countess Kallista Morgunova as a Lady of the Rose, Sir Marek Viacheldrago as a member of the Order of the Chivalry, Mistress Gabrielle de Winter and Master Robert O’Connor as members of the Order of the Pelican, Duke Malcolm Duncan MacEoghainn as a Royal Peer, Duchess Morgen of Rye as a Royal Peer, Mistress Chrestienne of Waterdene as a member of the Order of the Laurel, Duchess Dorinda Courtenay as herself, and Master Christian Amaury de Launey as a member of the Order of Defense. Comtesse Elena gave her Oath, and was presented in the regalia of a cape, garters, the book and box of the Æthelmearc Order of Defense, a lineage collar, a personal collar and the ancestral collar of Æhelmearc. After receiving a final unanswered buffet from Her Majesty Elena was named a the newest Maître of Defense. Scroll by Roberta McMorland with words by Cyrus Augur and Po Silvertop the Rogue.
Their Majesties summoned “Some Guy in a Hat” with much trepidation. Master Po Silvertop the Rogue presented himself.
Here begins the Report of the Court of His Majesty Ioannes of the East, jointly with Their Majesties of Æthelmearc, Gareth and Juiana, at the Special Practice in the Debatable Lands, April 2 AS 56, jorundr hinn rotinn, Silver Buccle Herald, reporting.
His Majesty Ioannes had a query for Po. “Would you like a second chance?” Po confirmed that he would in fact like a second chance. It was then confirmed that upon his elevation to the Order of Defense, the very set of Royalty that Po was currently before had not given Po a final buffet. Master Po presented the six-fingered glove to Her Majesty Juliana, who delivered that buffet, 32 months after Master Po was elevated to the Order of Defense.
That business being done, Their Majesties, Gareth, Juliana, and Ioannes remarked on how Po spreads levity and the joy of fencing wherever he goes. He does not just do this in Æthelmearc, Master Po is also a prolific teacher and supporter of fencing in The East. For this, Their Majesties of Æthelmearc and The East named Po a Baron of the Courts of the East and Æthelmearc. The scroll is unsigned with words by Cyrus Augur.
Here Closes the Court of His Majesty Ioannes.
Their Majesties summoned THLard Shirin of Susa. THLady Shirin served as Co-Signet of Æthelmearc, and has also created many personal works of scribal art of a very high caliber. Her skill in this area has been noted by the Order of the Laurel, and thus she was issued a Writ to contemplate entry into that order. Scroll by Antoinette de la Croix with words by Arias Beltran del Valle.
Her Majesty greatly enjoyed her day, and wished to especially recognize Baroness Hilderun Hügelmann as her inspiration for the day and awarded her a Golden Escarbuncle for all that she did to make this day happen.
His Majesty addressed King Ioannes. It is not right that Royalty from another Kingdom visit Æthelmearc without receiving a gift, so His Majesty delivered Ducal coronets to Ioannes for himself and his lady Honig for When They step down next week.
Their Majesties presented tokens to the scribes and wordsmiths that worked on scrolls for this day’s court.
Attention Fencers! Do you love to talk about fencing? Do you love to inspire other fencers? Have you ever found a subject you are passionate about and wish to share your knowledge?
Have I got an offer for you!
That’s right, if you ever have aspired to teach a class at war or academy or even among your peers we offer a great platform for you!
The Barony of Delftwood is holding its annual Feast of the Seven Deadly Sins this Saturday, February 12 on Zoom. The Barony is still in desperate need for 7 kind souls to lead roundtable discussions of their choice or teach upon their knowledge of a subject of their choice. Duration of discussion is between 20 to 30 minutes and format can be of your choosing. This opportunity is open to anyone in the SCA regardless of kingdom or local area.
We anticipate a good turnout for this event as it will be drawing people for the A&S classes, All Day Bardic, two Æthelmearc Courts (one in the morning to open the event which will be real short), Baronial Court, and more activities (link to the event).
Please consider lending a much needed hand, you may email me or you may private message me @Cainnech Obrion on Facebook Messenger.
Yours in Service to the Dream, Lord Claude DuViver
Baronial Rapier Champion of the Barony of Delftwood in the Sylvan Kingdom of Æthelmearc
Her Majesty Juliana calls those fencers in the kingdom to her home Shire of Misty Highlands to compete for the honor of standing as her champion.
All are invited to come join the galleries as our Kingdom’s fencers display their prowess and skill as the vie to stand with that honor!
The next Queen’s Rapier Championship will be hosted by the Shire of Misty Highlands on March 5, 2022 at Robert C. Byrd High School, 1 Eagle Way, Clarksburg, WV, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This is a royal progress event
Entrants in a past Queen’s Rapier Tournament process before the Queen. Photo by Baroness Aine ny Allane.
. Site is dry, no flames are allowed. The site also is not wheelchair accessible and only service animals are allowed (no pets).
The autocrat for the day is Baron Arias Beltran del Valle. Contact him for any questions.
The site fee for the day is $10 for each gentle, and those 17 and under are welcome as guests of the Shire. Checks can be made payable at the door to SCA WV, Inc. – Shire of Misty Highlands.
QRC and the Shire of Misty Highlands will follow all SCA COVID guidelines in effect on the day of the event.
We look forward to welcoming all to our Shire once again!
See the event page on Facebook here and the official announcement here.
This is a PSA (Po Service Announcement) from Steel Therapy:
New Year’s Eve. You’ve stuffed yourself full. You’ve dealt with family and friends, partied (or drunk, or danced, read, napped, whatever) all the way to midnight, and then snogged anyone within range…
…and now, what you really need is to stab someone.. Or many someones… Luckily, there is an opportunity…
Donnan has a Party… Cyrus has an Academy… Po has … New Year’s Resolutions! “Fence MORE! More fencing is MORE FENCING!”
As has become the tradition, we’ll give the New Year 12 hours head start and then come after it, smiling with rapiers in hand! We’ll have space for fencing and/or rattan, and tables for camaraderie. I’m sure the Endless Voices will be singing in the corner somewhere. There will be time for tourneys and pickups, games and schmoozing, and who knows what else! (Steel Therapy, as always, is already conspiring tourney ideas…)
This is an open, sanctioned event. While there will be no charge, we’ll ask folks to help as we pass the hat.
Due to COVID restrictions, masks will be required. Please be prepared to show proof of vaccination or a negative test within 72 hours of event. We will not be doing a potluck but there will be multiple food options available in the mall adjoining.
We’ll be starting at noon on January 1, 2022 going through 8:00 pm at:
Ovation Theatre Performance Space in the old Sears building in the Wyoming Valley Mall
29 Wyoming Valley Mall
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
Autocrat for this event is Master Po Silvertop, email here.
See Facebook page here and official event announcement here.
The Kingdom Authorization Clerk has introduced a new online option for filing your Authorization paperwork. The paper form will not be going away, this is an enhancement of the current process. There will still be physical Authorization Cards sent to each fighter.
Here is the new process:
You will fill out either the paper authorization form OR go online to fill out the online form.*
You will either tear off the top portion of the paper form to show at the MOL table OR you will need to have your email confirmation available on your phone to show to the MOL.
You will either send in the bottom portion of the paper form to the Authorization Clerk (remembering to include a SASE) OR the Authorization Clerk will pull the online information.
The Authorization Clerk will then issue you an Authorization Card and send it to you via USPS.
At the MOL table you will need to have your authorization card, a picture of your authorization card on your phone, the top portion of the paper form, or the email confirmation you received when filling out the online form.
With electronic delivery of the confirmation, you *must* have the email pulled up on your phone to show at the table. The MOLs will not be able to provide you with a device to log into your email to produce that information. You may want to consider taking screen shots of the email so you have a backup in the event that there is minimal or no bandwidth available at the event site.
If you have any questions contact either the Kingdom MOL, Baroness Amelia Soteria, at mol@aethelmearc.org or the Kingdom Authorization Clerk, THL Deirdre Scot of Clann Scot, at authorization@aethelmearc.org.
The Report of the Court of Their Majesties Maynard and Liadain, King and Queen of Æthelmearc held at Saint Swithin’s Day on the 10th day of July anno societatis 56 in the Baronial of Saint Swithin’s Bog, Brandubh O’Donnghaile, Jewel Herald.
Morning Court.
Their Majesties called for the attendance of THLord Guilaume le Noir and presented him with the Jewel of Æthelmearc as he had been named the 48th Jewel of Æthelmearc by Their Graces Timothy and Gabriel.
Master Tigernach mac Cathail was called into Court and asked if he was prepared to sit Vigil to contemplate elevation to the Order of the Chivalry. Upon his consent Their Majesties summoned all companions of the Order of Chivalry present to take him to his vigil.
Evening Court.
Their Majesties opened Their Court and welcomed all who had traveled to attend. They were thrilled to see so many in attendance at this magnificent day, and conveyed Their thanks to the peoples of the Barony of Saint Swithin’s Bog for hosting the first event post pandemic.
Their Excellencies Gunther and Rosheen were granted leave to hold their Baronial Court.
Their Majesties announced that letters of intent for Crown Tournament are due by July 21. They looked forward to the grand festival of Crown Tournament to be held in the Shire of Misty Highlands in August which is open to all with no attendance limit, and reminded all that the final episode of ÆLive will air on Friday July 16. [That episode may be viewed here.]
The day had featured the Queen’s Rapier Championship, and so Their Majesties called forth the Queen’s Rapier Champion Master Po Silvertop, and asked that he pass the regalia to Master Lodovick of Grays Inn to stand as Her new Champion. Scroll by Mistress Cynthia Love of the Tower upon a text by Master Po Silvertop.
Tessa Lou Ellen Stumps was called into court and added to the Sylvan Pack, much to the delight of her owners Baron Gunther Grunbaum and Baroness Rosheen O’Faye.
Master Ian Campbell of Glen Mor begged for a moment of time in Their Majesties’ Court in order to conduct some personal business. Master Ian then summoned Jason Teague and offered him an apprentice belt and Jason agreed to become Master Ian’s apprentice in front of all witnesses.
Their Majesties invited Christofle Dumont to enter Their Court and inducted him into the Order of the Silver Sycamore for his joy of music recording and sharing his performances, and winning the youth category at the recent Bardic War. Scroll limned by Lord Alene Naughty and THLord Sasson della Sancta Vittoria, with calligraphy by THLady Shirin of Susa.
The Children of Æthelmearc were called into Court, and Duchess Siobhain inghean uí Liatháin led them away with a basket full of toys for their amusement during court.
Lord Maddoc MacRoyri was inducted into the Order of the Keystone in absentia for his service as Baronial Webminister and Herald in Saint Swithins Bog. Scroll Illuminated by Mistress Cynthia Love of the Tower and Master Caoinleán Seanchaidh, scrivened by THLady Shirin of Susa.
Their Majesties invited all newcomers to Their Court to come forth and presented each with a handmade drinking vessel to remember the day.
Lady Ragnhilda Manadottir was called into Court and inducted into the Order of the Keystone. Ragnhilda worked as Media Officer, Chronicler, Cook and CoAutocrat in Saint Swithins Bog. Scroll scrivened by Mistress Antoinette de la Croix upon illumination by Hatun Gulsah al Zakkiya.
Their Majesties summoned THLord Rouland of Willowbrooke into Their Court. They thanked him for his service during the pandemic as he had come to Their home and installed lighting for Their online appearances, and presented him with a Gratia Coronae. The Gratia Coronae is a token inspired by Their Majesties of Trimaris to thank those making extra efforts to keep Our Society together during the pandemic.
Further THLord Rouland of Willowbrooke was inducted into the Order of the Carnelian as he brings a smile wherever he goes, is always courteous, kind and a positive influence. Scroll by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.
Their Majesties summoned Her Majesty’s Bard THLord Bran Ó Labhradha, and presented him with his scroll for winning as Sylvan Bard and a belt favor as the Champion. Scroll by Baron Caleb Reynolds.
THLord Bran Ó Labhradha was asked to stay a moment longer in Their Majesties’ Court and further Inducted into the Order of the Sycamore for his contributions of art to Our Kingdom, his music inspires and entertains as well as reflecting his devotion to the Dream. Scroll by Baron Caleb Reynolds and THLady Shirin of Susa.
Baroness Emilia O’Madigan was invited to attend Their Majesties and inducted into the Order of the Sycamore for her skills as a Seamstress, hand-sewing garb, mixing Gobi for the delight of the populace, cooking, and calligraphy. Scroll scrivened by Mistress Antoinette de la Croix and limned by THLady Vivienne of Yardley.
Their Majesties summoned Lord Meinolf Grimsson into Court and praised his skill and service to Thrown Weapons, winning Baronial, 7 Pearls, and Kingdom Championships, and serving as Marshal. And so Their Majesties invited the Order of the White Horn to come forth and bear witness to the induction of Meinolf into their Order. Scroll by Baroness Rosheen O’Faye And Baron Bunther Grunbaum upon text by THLord Kumagaya Kentarou Masamoto, and Medallion by THLord Kumagaya Kentarou Masamoto.
Master Tigernach mac Cathail was invited to attend Their Majesties, as he had sat in Vigil that day, and Their Majesties asked if he was prepared and was it his wish to proceed to induction into the Order of the Chivalry. Master Tigernach replied that it was his wish to do so, and the Order of Chivalry was invited forward to witness the induction of their newest brother. Their Majesties then heard testimony upon the qualities and virtues of the candidate. Mistress Euriol of Lothian spoke for the Order of the Laurel, Dame Katerina ty Isaf for the Pelican, Duchess Lynette Semere of Atlantia spoke for the Ladies of the Rose, Duke Malcolm MacEoghainn spoke for the Chivalry, and Duke TImothy of Arindale and Duchess Gabrielle van Nijenrode spoke as Royal Peers. Their Majesties then invited Duke TImothy and Duchess Gabriel to join Them in Court and act as the hands of the Crown to see the fruition of the Writ that they had issued to Master Tigernach. With the assistance of Their Graces TImothy and Gabrielle, Their Majesties called for Regalia to invest Tigernach as a Knight, first the Ancestral Chain of the Knights of Aethelmearc presented by Sir Bors of Rouen. Sir Arden Scott presented the Ancestral Chain of the Knights of Old Castle, and Sir Arden also presented Tigernach with a personal chain. Duke Malcolm MacEoghainn presented Spurs and a White belt and strapped the spurs to Tigernach’s Boots, and invited Lady Margareta le Sayre to come forth and tie the belt around Tigernach’s waist. Master TIgernach’s Cloak, now embellished with chains of knighthood by Dame Kateryna ty Isaf was wrapped about his shoulders. Duke Timothy then dubbed Taginernach a Knight, and Tigernach swore his oath of fealty to the Crown and Kingdom of Aethelmearc, and Duke TImothy delivered the last unanswered blow to Sir TIgernach. Scroll by Sir Murdoch Bayne.
Their Majesties then called for Master William de Montgilt to enter Their Court. Their Majesties proclaimed that it is always such a joy to see Master William upon the fighting field. His spirit and enthusiasm on the field, holding the field far longer than those 1/3 his age is an inspiration to all, and so Their Majesties awarded him an Award of Excellence.
Their Majesties then asked Master William to perform one more service to the Crown and retrieve his lady wife Mistress Irene von Schmetterling. Their Majesties thanked Mistress Irene for her decades of service to the society across multiple kingdoms in numerous leadership roles from holding offices to being a pioneer of fencing. Her comportment as a leader and being a go to person inspired Their Majesties to Create her a Baroness of the Court of Æthelmearc. Scroll by Lady Tierrany Rose Orre and Coronet by THLady Sumayya al Ghaziyah.
Their Excellencies, Gunther and Rosheen of Saint Swithin’s Bog were invited to enter the Court and Their Majesties presented them each with Gratia Coronae Tokens for their inspirational leadership during the pandemic shut down.
Their Majesties invited Duchess Anna Leigh to enter Their Court and presented her with a Gratia Coronae Token for her large donation of largess and coordination of many artisans.
Master Illadore de Bedegrayne was summoned into Court, and Their Majesties delivered unto her a writ of summons to appear before Them at a future date to contemplate induction into the Order of the Pelican for her service the Kingdom as Seneschal and cook. Scroll in progress words by Baron Brandubh O’Donnghaile and Baroness Hilderun Hugelmann.
Their Majesties spied Lady Avitoria Vidua amongst the crowd and brought her forward. THeir Majesties showcased the new cushions for the thrones that she had made and presented her with the Golden Escarbuncle which They had awarded her in Their Aethereal Court. Further They presented her with a Gratia Coronae Token for her work seeing to the glory of the Kingdom.
Their Majesties thanked Scribes and Regalia Makers for contributing to the glory of Aethelmearc. Her Majesty then called forward Duke Malcolm MacEoghainn and named him Queen’s inspiration and presented him with a pin from her sleeve for his inspiring leadership. Their Majesties thanked all for attending and the Peoples of Saint Swithins Bog for hosting the first event post pandemic, it was Their joy to see and share so many smiles and laughs as Aethelmearc begins to return to normal.
First and foremost, Their Majesties, the Deputy Kingdom Seneschal for Pandemics (Duke Christopher), the Earl Marshal (Master Morien) and I have determined that Æthelmearc can start fighting and fencing again, starting May 10, 2021.
This change is due to the Board of Directors and Society Seneschal’s clarifications on what is allowed at SCA events and gatherings.
To clarify: fencing and fighting can start May 10, 2021. However, all participants must follow SCA guidelines:
Everyone must wear a mask. (This means over the mouth and nose, not over the helm.)
You can only take your mask off to eat or drink – and you must be stationary AND follow social distancing guidelines.
You must bring your own food and water.
All fencing and fighting must be outside. (This is a change from gatherings.)
The SCA also will not require vaccinations to participate; however, if a site owner (including homeowners) is requiring people to be vaccinated to come to their home, they have the right to do that. Enforcement, however, is on them, not the SCA. It is the homeowner who is responsible for deciding what proof they will accept, for any checking of that proof, and for any enforcement. It needs to be made clear that this is a rule of the homeowner, not the branch of the SCA.
Thank you so much and please contact me if you have any questions.
Addendum
As most of you have heard or seen, we are allowing fighting and fencing as of May 10th and I am so excited to get back out there and stab people. However, I have been asked a few questions about the lifting of the fencing and fighting ban, so I thought I would cover a few of them today.
Here’s what is required by the Board of Directors, the President of the SCA, the Society Seneschal, and AEthelmearc:
For practices: masks must be worn at all times, no food or water will be provided, if you want to consume food or water you must be stationary and follow social distancing guidelines, and all fencing and fighting practices must be outdoors. That last is a change from gatherings like sewing circles and scribal night. These are for small practices. If you have a large regional practice, that is an event.
For events, all of the above is required – PLUS pre-registration is required, and maximum of 150 people.
Let’s talk masks because that is where I am getting the most questions. The Society Seneschal’s guidance is that masks must follow CDC guidelines. That means two layers of breathable cloth fabric, or a disposable medical mask, it must completely cover your nose and mouth, no valves, no see through fabric or the like.
The mask MUST be against your face and cover your mouth and nose – not over your helm or fencing mask. That has been clarified by the Society Seneschal specifically. A plastic shield is not sufficient. However, if you have a new design idea, the Board of Directors is interested, particularly if it has already been fabricated.
Masks are, full stop, a requirement. If someone will not wear one, they must be asked to leave by the Marshal in charge, Autocrat, or local seneschal. Now, masks slip now and then or people are forgetful. We should all be kind and remind each other of the rules. However, if someone won’t comply, they cannot stay at the SCA event. Period. If there is an issue with non-compliance, contact me or your regional seneschal immediately.
Food and water questions: Yes, you can give water to the people you live with and hand a sandwich to your child; however, that’s it. No communal water (and especially no more drinking out of the same tube in a water jug anymore.) We can give out sealed water bottles; however. Just please recycle.
Demos: Yes, we can do demos; however, there needs to be a barrier between the SCA and the rest of the public. Think of two sets of list ropes, an inner rope where we can do our activities, and an outer rope where the public can stand. Also, yes at demos, we must wear masks, in addition to any other state and local guidelines.
Also, when you first get out there, I recommend bringing more water than you think you’ll need. I also recommend bringing several masks to change out, as it gets hard to breath through masks when they get soaked from sweat and heavy breathing.
When arriving at the site for Queen’s Rapier Championship and Equestrian Games this Saturday, April 8, you will be directed as to where to park. Parking is limited, so if it’s possible to carpool, that would be optimal.
