Category Archives: Fencing

Court Report: St. Swithin’s Day

02 Monday Aug 2021

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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.

Court Closed.

Seneschal Announcement on Fighting & Fencing

10 Monday May 2021

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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:

  1. Everyone must wear a mask. (This means over the mouth and nose, not over the helm.)
  2. You can only take your mask off to eat or drink – and you must be stationary AND follow social distancing guidelines.
  3. You must bring your own food and water.
  4. 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.

Illadore de Bedegrayne, Kingdom Seneschal

Event Announcement: Feast of the Seven Deadly Sins, Feb 20th

03 Wednesday Feb 2021

Posted by in Arts & Sciences, Event Announcements & Updates, Feast, Fencing, Gaming & Fun

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The Barony of Delftwood invites you to our Virtual Feast of the Seven Deadly Sins on February 20th beginning at 9:30 AM!

Detail of people drinking, from a treatise on the Seven Vices, Add MS 27695, f. 14r

The Main Room will be a virtual Troll where you can get help with Zoom and put your name in the hat for door prizes (yes, everything is free)!

Three breakout rooms will be open from 9:30 AM to 4 PM for a variety of activities:

A Fencing room with classes and roundtables, including:
-Intro to Fabris and Italian Rapier with Don Brendan Firebow of the East Kingdom
-Providing the Unexpected: the use of untraditional parry items, misdirection, and other mind games on the listfield, a roundtable led by Master Po Silvertop
-Solo Training Schola hosted by Aethelmearc Defense Academy
-An Introduction to Japanese Swordsmanship in SCA Rapier with Master Benedict Fergus atte Mede
-And more!!

An A&S room with:
-Classes on Roman Cosmetics with Alexis of Drachenwald
-A Cook Along with Lady Keara Caitlin MacLeod
-A Virtual Feast with Their Excellencies Baron Ixac ben Simone and Baroness Amalie Reinhardt (yes, the site is wet!)
-An A&S Show & Tell led by Lady Glenna Cholmondeley – You can enter ahead of time and we’ll post your work, or bring it the day of and tell us all about it, no documentation required! Details here: http://delftwood.org/events/seven-deadly-sins-2021/7-deadlies-as-demo/
-A Fashion Show with Lord Justin Lymner, with fun largesse prizes!
-And more!!

And a Room of Sloth for open-ended socializing and hanging out!

Baronial Court will be held at 4 PM, with a Bardic led by our Baronial Bardic Champion Lady Ania Mhoireach to finish out the evening.

Link to main schedule: https://rb.gy/dlhljb

Baronial Event page: http://delftwood.org/events/seven-deadly-sins-2021/

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/2889497124605140

To attend: Zoom links will be sent out to the Aethelmearc Announcements and Delftwood mailing lists. You can also get the zoom links by emailing autocrat@delftwood.org.

5 Questions for a MoD: Master Illadore de Bedagrayne

04 Monday Jan 2021

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Master Illadore de Bedagrayne

Our series of 5 questions for members of the Æthelmearc Order of Defense continues this week with Master Illadore de Bedagrayne.

1. Of all the things you could have done in the Society , why did you choose fencing?

I had been in the SCA for about 13 years when I first started and was a cook and did other A&S activities. However, I decided I wanted to try some more physical activity. At first, I was vaguely interested in fencing – a number of friends of mine had started fencing, and I thought it looked like fun. So, I went to a practice in the BMDL.

The first time I went, it was okay and I did some drills with the marshals because they didn’t have loaner equipment that fit me. The next week, I came back and they had found a doublet my size – and I got to actually stab someone for the first time. Then, they did melee practice, and I was *hooked* from that moment on.

2.  Why do you still fence?

I deeply love it. I love the people, I love the history of it, I love that there is always something new to learn, and I deeply love competition. All of Æthelmearc is amazing and its rapier community doubly so. I also love the game of fencing. It is a physical game, sure, but it is also a deeply mental one. I also greatly enjoy talking about the mental aspect of fencing with people too.

3. If you could go back in time and give the “new” you advice what would it be?

Don’t buy your first sword just because it’s pretty. I still have it. It’s practically a piece of rebar and I never use it.

4. What is your most memorable moment as a fencer?

One of the best pieces of advice I was ever given was “fight the fight in front of you.”  Not only was it the perfect advice in the moment (i.e., don’t worry about winning the tourney, just focus on winning against your current opponent), it was great life advice too. I used it, practically daily, as a mantra when I was working on my master’s thesis.

5. If you were to start all over again would you do anything different?

No. Other than win the lottery so I could go fence more. Even the dumb things I have done were good learning experiences for me.

5 Questions for a MOD: Master Po Silvertop

29 Tuesday Dec 2020

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Master Po Silvertop

Our series of 5 questions for members of the Æthelmearc Order of Defense continues this week with Master Po Silvertop.

1. Of all the things you could have done in the Society, why did you choose fencing?

For me it was the other way around, the SCA didn’t lead me to fencing, fencing led me to the SCA.

I first held a fencing blade (an Olympic sabre) at a performing arts camp before I was even in my teens. I was already an avid science fiction and fantasy reader, in addition to loving Dumas, Scaramouche, and other swashbuckling novels and movies. I started sport sabre and stage combat that summer and continued them for years, adding foil and epee along the way. Years later, I encountered local SCAdian fencers while I was choreographing the Scottish Tragedy. They invited me to the local practice after they joined the theatrical production.

2.  Why do you still fence?

I still very much enjoy it. It makes my heart sing. Not just the ‘tactical chess’ aspect, but the ‘poetry in motion’ aspect, and the ‘zen mindset’ aspect.  Plus I’ve always loved the camaraderie of the community.

3. If you could go back in time and give the “new” you advice what would it be? 

Hmmm…  “Enjoy the moment” more… Overthink less.

4. What is your most memorable moment as a fencer?

Oh my…   I’ve been blessed with a staggering number of personally memorable moments both on and adjacent to the rapier field… Great bouts at practices and events, fun tourney finishes, wonderful teachers and students, unexpected court ambushes, the Pennsic tourneys… Even being the “Susan Lucci of the fencing community”… How can I narrow it down to one?

5. If you were to start all over again would you do anything different?

No, I don’t think so… Even the missteps were educational (and entertaining) – and helped me to become the SCAdian I am today.

Important News from the Kingdom Webminister

12 Saturday Dec 2020

Posted by in Announcements, Fencing, Heavy List, Heraldry, Officer Announcements

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THIS CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT KINGDOM EMAIL AND DOC SERVER. PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO PEOPLE WHO WILL NEED THIS INFORMATION. (Frankly, it is all important!!)

Good afternoon, Æthelmearc Royalty, Kingdom Officers, Guild Heads, Group Seneschals, and all who currently have groups that reside on the Kingdom Web Server, and the Kingdom’s Populace.

This is a VERY exciting time for the Kingdom’s Webministry!! With this said, there is much housekeeping to keep all aware of recent and upcoming changes.

We have been in the midst of setting up our Kingdom’s Google Account. I am very thankful for our team of Google Deputies who have helped brainstorm, write policies, and worked on creating specific Kingdom accounts on the backend of our Google Server.

New Kingdom Email Accounts

Soon we will have our first wave of Kingdom accounts set up. These accounts will be for all Royalty, Kingdom Officers, Guild Heads, Group Seneschals, and all who currently have groups that reside on the Kingdom Web Server. If you have had a forwarder in the past on the Kingdom server, it will now be an official email account on the Kingdom Google server. The Kingdom will no longer be forwarding emails and you will need to log in to check your email account. You will be receiving credentials to log in to your Kingdom Google account at the address you have been receiving your Kingdom email. If you are unsure of what email that is, please contact us at ae.google@aethelmearc.org (until the switch, then remove the “ae.”) and one of us will respond with information in a timely manner.

Groups and positions that will have automatic creation of accounts from this move include:

– All Kingdom Officers (that are listed on the AEthelmearc.org website. We will talk about this in a moment.)
– All Group Seneschals
– AEANS
-AELeads
– Chatelaine
– Coins (Moneyers Guild)
– Coppertree
– Heraldry (We will talk about this in a moment)
– Hunters Home
– Kings Crossing
– Marshal (Earl Marshal — We will talk about this in a moment)
– Myrkfaelinn
– Webminister
– Kingdom Announcement and Discussion Lists (We will talk about this in a moment)

Additionally, the “ae.” section of emails will be going away with this move to Google. For example, in the past to reach the King you would type the following email: ae.king@aethelmearc.org. After the move, this will become king@aethelmearc.org. All Kingdom hosted email addresses (as listed above) will follow suit. If an email is sent to ae.****@aethelmearc.org, after the switch, it will bounce. We update all information on the Kingdom Website as quickly as possible after the changeover to reflect accurate information.

Rapier Email Addresses

In addition, all email addresses that had fencing noted in the address (specifically for aethelmearc.org, NOT for marshal.aethelmearc.net) will be updated to rapier. If an email is sent to ae.region1fencing@aethelmearc.org, after the switch, it will bounce. Everyone will be notified before the switch occurs [which is slated for December 12, but will be reposted next week] and after the switch has taken place.

Heraldry Website and Email Addresses

The AEHeralds site will be joining the Kingdom server and AEHeralds.net will be switched to heraldry.aethelmearc.org. All emails that are associated with aeheralds.net will be changed to reflect the new ending once this change takes place. Please note, after this change if an email is sent to ****@aeheralds.net it will bounce. Everyone will be notified before the switch occurs and after the switch has taken place.
Marshal: The Marshal site will be switching domain endings from marshal.aethelmearc.net to marshal.aethelmearc.org. All emails that are associated with marshal.aethelmearc.net will be changed to reflect the new ending once this change takes place. Please note, after this change if an email is sent to ****@marshal.aethelmearc.net it will bounce. Everyone will be notified before the switch occurs and after the switch has taken place.

Kingdom Announcement and Discussion Lists

These lists are being retired from our longtime host at CMU and will open as Google Groups. We are attempting to move all the email addresses over to the new groups for those who are already members or either or both of the Kingdom lists. The new addresses for sending to these lists will be announcements@aethelmearc.org and discussion@aethelmearc.org. If you are not currently on either or both of these lists and would like to be, please let us know at ae.google@aethelmearc.org (until the switch, then remove the “ae.”), and we will gladly add you to either or both of these lists. You do not need to have an aethelmearc.org email address in order to be on these lists.

People with Multiple Accounts

For any position that has 2 related positions, which have corresponding emails in 2 separate subdomains: In these cases, we are creating aliases so you can use the same account for either email account. For an example of this, after changes go into effect, region1rapier@aethelmearc.org and region1rapier@marshal.aethelmearc.org will feed to the same account.

For any person that has 2 (or more) unrelated positions: Please note that you will have a separate Google account for each of these positions and will need to log in/out of these accounts to access specific information.
A few quick Q&As:

Q & A

What if my Group/Order would like email addresses with an AEthelmearc subdomain?
We can do this! Please have your seneschal email ae.google@aethelmearc.org (until the switch, then remove the “ae.”) and we can talk about specifics and work on this.

What about me? Can I get an aethelmearc.org Google Account/email address?
At some point in January we will be opening up our thelmearc Google Account Request Form for all paid members in Æthelmearc to create an Google account on our server. This will allow you to have an email address ending in aethelmearc.org and space in Google Docs. Please stay tuned for more specific information.

What if I don’t know how to use Google?
Please know we have documentation available and we will have online trainings available on Zoom. Please stay tuned for more information.

Can I easily log in and out of “unrelated” accounts?
Yes! We will have documentation available for logging into and switching between multiple Google accounts.

Can I be logged into my personal Google account and an AEthelmearc Google account simultaneously?
Yes! We will have documentation available for logging into and switching between multiple Google accounts.

Æthelmearc Documents Moving to Google Docs

The second subject of note — the Kingdom Doc Server has been moved to Æthelmearc’s Google Docs account. All Kingdom-hosted documents on the Kingdom website should reflect this change. Please let me know (ae.webminister@aethelmearc.org — until the switch, then remove the “ae.”) if something is not correct so it can be remedied.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at ae.webminister@aethelemearc.org (or during the downtime next week at ae.webminister@apospirit.net).

Thank you and in service to the Kingdom,

Baroness Amalie
AE Webminister

 

Questions for a MoD: Master Fredeburg von Katzenellenbogen

30 Monday Nov 2020

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Master Fredeburg von Katzenellenbogen

Our series of 5 questions for members of the Æthelmearc Order of Defense continues with Master Fredeburg von Katzenellenbogen:

1. Of all the things you could have done in the Society, why did you choose fencing?

I joined the society because I enjoyed archery and arts. My husband said fencing looked interesting, so we decided to try that out. Physical limitations made it much more appealing than rattan fighting and when we moved to Æthelmearc we found a great community of friends.

2. Why do you still fence?

Honestly, right now I don’t feel like I do. I hope to have time and a conducive environment to do so again. Before that, I kept fighting because sparring with a friend is fun. Fighting my spouse is one of our favorite couple’s activities.

3. If you could go back in time and give the “new” you advice what would it be? 

“New” me could give “now” me a lot of advice. Advice I would give is take advantage of all that time and resources you have, but that is pretty much what “new” me did.

4. What is your most memorable moment as a fencer?

Winning Seven Pearls. It was the first time all of that advice really made sense and I put it into practice. “Fight the fight in front of you.” “Don’t play with your food.” “Winning IS fun.”

5. If you were to start all over again would you do anything different?

 No.

5 Questions for a MOD: Master Eric Grenier de Labarre

16 Monday Nov 2020

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This week starts a new interview series courtesy of Master Quinn Kerr:

“The past year has left many of us with a lot of time on our hands. Time to finish those projects we have meaning to get to, finally try some of those drills or pell work we have been avoiding etc. It is also a great time to reflect on why we do what we do. And why do we love it so much. Recently some questions were posed to the members of the Order of Defense (the rapier peerage). Their answers are both fun and enlightening. So, we begin a series called “5 Questions for a Member of the Order of Defense”  Enjoy!”

Master Eric Grenier de Labarre, with his wife Baroness Katja Davidova Orlova Khazarina, after his elevation ceremony to the Order of Defense, 2017.

This week’s answers are from Baron Master Eric Grenier de Labarre, nicknamed Grendel.

1. Of all the things you could have done in the Society, why did you choose fencing?

When I first got involved in the SCA, back in the middle 90s, I tried out a bunch of different activities, but fencing was what really clicked for me.

Partly, I just really enjoyed the activity of fencing right from the start; but also, I really felt comfortable in the fencing community. I found the standard “peerage track” SCA activities unwelcoming of a casual new person, but the fencing community really opened up and welcomed me, and I quickly made a small army of really good friends, many of whom I am still close to today. Fencing wasn’t a peerage track activity in those days, so there was kind of a “band of misfits and ne’er-do-wells” atmosphere when a bunch of SCA fencers got together to eat and drink and talk.

2. Why do you still fence?

I still enjoy the activity of fencing itself, although I’m reaching the age where I think my best fights may be behind me. But I’m still determined to holding up the “fencing banner” here in the Barony of Thescorre where I live, until someone comes along to take over from me.

As a White Scarf and member of the Order of Defense, I feel a responsibility to stay active and aware of what is going on in fencing, to provide whatever teaching and service I can offer, and to try to preserve the ultra-inclusive culture that drew me into the fencing community in the first place. Now that we are a peerage activity, there is the danger that we could start to become exclusive, in ways that I have observed a lot of peerage communities in many kingdoms do. I think that anyone who wants to participate in fencing should be welcomed and supported, regardless of their skill level, gender, age, body type, physical capability, persona, SCA affiliations, awards, etc.

3. If you could go back in time and give the “new” you advice what would it be?

Hmmm. I guess I would just tell Past Me that he’s on the right track. There is not too many things from that time I regret greatly. Maybe just tell him not to sell that Apple stock.

4. What is your most memorable moment as a fencer?

It’s probably a three-way tie: the first time I won Queen’s Rapier Championship, my elevation to the White Scarf, and my elevation to the MOD. Each one was a surprise at that moment. I also cherish my memory of seeing the Order of the White Scarf of AEthelmearc opened by King Yngvar and Queen Caryl at Harvest Raids; it inspired everything that came after for me.

5. If you were to start all over again would you do anything different?

Not anything important.

Heavy and Rapier Combat on Pause Until At Least January 31st, 2021

30 Wednesday Sep 2020

Posted by in Announcements, Fencing, Heavy List, Officer Announcements

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Greetings AEthelmearc,

Their Royal Majesties have agreed, in consultation with myself, the Deputy Kingdom Seneschal for Pandemics (Duke Christopher), and Master Morien, the Kingdom Earl Marshal, we are continuing the pause on heavy fighting and rapier fighting until at least January 31, 2021.

I know this is not what we want. However, his Grace has indicated that they have been seeing an increase in cases from schools and from sports. That does not bode well for our fighting activities. It is best that we be prudent and do our best to stay healthy.

Please wear your masks, wash your hands, and socially distance when at all possible.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.

Illadore

Kingdom Seneschal

 

Heavy and Rapier Combat on Pause Until At Least October 1

25 Tuesday Aug 2020

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seneschal_badgeGreetings Æthelmearc,

As announced on ÆLive by Their Majesties, in consultation with myself, the Deputy Kingdom Seneschal for Pandemics (Duke Christopher), and Master Morien, the Kingdom Earl Marshal, we are continuing the pause on heavy fighting and rapier fighting until at least October 1st.

I know this is disappointing. I once again recommend pell work, footwork drills, zoom practices, and in general doing what you can to stay safe and sane in these times.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.

Illadore
Kingdom Seneschal