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.
Here begins the Report of the Court of Gareth and Juliana, King and Queen of Æthelmearc at Their Crown Tournament, held in the Barony of Thescorre, October 9, AS 56, Jorundr hinn Rotinn, Silver Buccle Herald, reporting, with the assistance of Silent Herald Mistress Gytha Oggsdottir, Silver Sycamore Herald.
In the morning.
Their Majesties summoned Baroness Amalie Rinehardt before Them to answer a question posed by Their predecessors. Their Majesties called for The Order of the Pelican to attend Them, and take Baroness Amalie to Vigil that she might contemplate joining that order. Baroness Amalie asked Their Majesties to hold the Coronet of the Baroness of Delftwood in trust while she contemplated.
On the field.
Their Majesties summoned before Them Earl Thomas Byron of Haverford and Countess Ariella of Thornbury. King Gareth placed the Heir’s Coronet on Byron’s head, crowning him Prince of Æthelmearc. King Gareth then handed the Consort’s Coronet to Prince Byron who placed the Coronet on Ariella’s head, crowning her Princess of Æthelmearc.
In the evening, joined by Their Heirs Prince Byron and Princess Ariella, and Baron Eldjarn of Thescorre.
Their Majesties invited Master Eric Grenier de Labarre, the autocrat of the day, to address the populace. Master Eric spoke of the two-year adventure in planning this event that was originally intended for AS 54, and the impressive support given by his event staff.
Their Majesties then called for all newcomers to attend Them. As is Their Majesties’ tradition, They gave gifts of mugs to those newcomers to welcome them to the society.
Their Majesties next sought the presence of one Baron Christian Goldenlok, who was instructed to carry the toy chest and deliver gifts to all the youth assembled.
Their Majesties invited the Ladies of the Rose and Garnet present to join them. The Ladies of the Rose spoke of the honor and Chivalry displayed on the field during the day. They invited Lord Gregory Hillson, the current holder of the Shield of Chivalry, and thanked him for his service, and then called upon Posadnik Zvonimir Zadodchikov to attend them. His Chivalry particularly impressed the Ladies of the Rose, so they instructed him to take up the Shield of Chivalry and join the Royal Court. They further wished to give tokens to some of the combatants that impressed them this day and called on THLord Hrafn inn Trausti, Sir Arden Scot, and Lord Tiberious Hostilous Mallous.
Their Majesties summoned Baron Gunther and Baroness Rois of Saint Swithin’s Bog, who renewed their oaths of service and stewardship for their Barony.
Their Majesties next invited Their Chronicler Dame Aine O’Muirghesan who having served a full two terms and an extra bonus year beyond that wished to be allowed to step down. Their Majesties called for Baron Maghnus de Lyons to attend Them. Upon confirming his desire to serve as Chronicler and hearing his oath, they did invest him as Kingdom Chronicler.
Their Majesties next invited Laird Kenneth MacAnleigh, King’s Arts and Sciences Champion, and the Queen’s Arts and Sciences Champion Lady Ilaria Rosati to attend them. Laird Kenneth passed on the regalia and Book of Champions to Lady Alaria so that she might complete her entry before the Kingdom Arts and Sciences Championship to be held at Tavern Brawl in King’s Crossing on October 30.
Their Majesties called The Order of the Chivalry to appear before Them. His Majesty had been delivered the newly finished box of the Chivalry created by Baron Robert of Sugargrove and the accompanying Book of Chivalry by the hands of many of the Kingdom’s scribes. He passed these items to Sir Murdoch Bayne so that they might be passed to Sir Tigernach and then to all new members of the Order of Chivalry as they are created.
Their Majesties summoned Finley to attend Them. Finley assisted Their Graces Maynard and Liadain in bringing much joy and merriment to the Kingdom during a dark time, and for this Their Majesties felt it only right that he join the Sylvan Pack. Scroll by Amalie Rinehardt. Collar by Duchess Runa EikBrandrskon.
Their Majesties spoke to Lord Daven M’Kinnay and commended him on his service as chatelaine in the Barony of Endless Hills.
Their Majesties next called Ascillia Attebroke. Her fighting prowess on the heavy field as well as her assistance water bearing and sewing has been spoken of by many. Thus Their Majesties did Award her Arms. Scroll by Riobard O’Suilleabhain.
Next, Their Majesties called on Torsteinn Olfuss. This gentle also impressed Their Majesties and thus They Awarded him Arms. Scroll illuminated by Anastasie de Lamour with calligraphy by Wat Tuttle.
Their Majesties next sought Lord Torbjörn Sigurdson. Lord Torbjörn is known for assisting with autocratting events and being staff at events, and marshaling on Thrown Weapons ranges in the Barony of Thescorre. For this, Their Majesties did induct him into The Order of the Keystone. Scroll by Gwen Cooke.
Lady Eadaoin Gaelach Rua was next added to the rolls of the Order of the Keystone in absentia for her service as a bard, and as event staff, often being the last to leave the event. Scroll by Caleb Reynolds.
Lady Margareta le Sayre was also added to the Order of the Keystone in absentia for her long service as a cook, retainer, and setting up Æthelmearc Royal encampment at Pennsic. Scroll by Caleb Reynolds.
Their Majesties did next seek Lady Gwen Cooke. They wished to talk of her skill in the scribal arts, which included scrolls that were part of this very Court, and her further skill in embroidery and sewing. For this, They did have her join the Order of the Sycamore. Scroll by Ekaterina Volkova.
Their Majesties demanded the presence of The Thorsol. Sir Thorsol Solinauga does good art. His Majesty spoke of a cup that Sir Thorsol made that he uses regularly, and his further skill in woodworking. For this Their Majesties did induct Sir Thorsol into the Order of the Sycamore. Scroll by Renata Rouge.
Their Majesties next wished to talk of the garb worn by THLady Muireann ingen uí Muirchertaig, who looks like she stepped out of a tapestry or portrait, to join us at events. For this, Their Majesties were pleased to induct her as the third recipient of The Order of the Golden Mirror. The scroll is a work in progress by Guisah al-Zakiyya.
Their Majesties next summoned Shaykha Jan al-Tha’lab, known as Fox. Shaykha Jan is known for her work in creating and organizing SASS, which is greatly of service to the martial communities at Pennsic. For this, Their Majesties felt it only right that Shaykha Jan answer to a certain group of people. They summoned Their Order of the Millrind and upon ascertaining that it is indeed their wish that Shaykha Jan join them, Their Majesites did induct her into the Order. Scroll by Mairghead Stoibheard inggean ui Choinne.
Their Majesties did next invite Their Predecessors, Duke Maynard and Duchess Liadain to join Them that They might finish some business initiated by Their Graces. They then called for Baroness Amalie Rinehardt to present herself before Them. After being guided in by a special extra live AELive featuring Maestro Filippo de Sancto Martino and Dame Zofia Kowalewska, guest starring Baron Caleb Reynolds as Pelican IT, words were spoken on Baroness Amalie’s behalf by a member of the populace, THNoble Rhys Penbras ap Dafydd, a member of the Order of the Chivalry, Duke Magnus Tindal, a Master of Defense, Master Benedict Fergus atte Mede, a member of the Order of the Laurel, Mistress Nuzha bint Saleem, a Royal Peer, Duke Timothy of Arindale, a Jewel of Æthelmearc, Countess Caryl Olesdatter, a member of the Order of the Pelican, Kameshima-kyo Zentarou Umakai, and former mentor, Master Alaxandair Ó Conchobhair. Hearing these words, Their Majesties decided to continue, and returned Baroness Amalie’s Coronet as Baroness of Delftwood to her. They heard her Oath as a Meisterin of the Pelican, and presented to her the regalia befitting a Pelican. The ancestral Pelican medallion of Æthelmearc was presented by Dame Zofia Kowalewska for Master Rhion Elandris of Glyndyfrdwy, a family medallion was presented by Mistress Gytha Oggsdottir, a personal medallion was presented by Baintighearna Ania Mhoireach, a cloak was presented by the Shire of Angel’s Keep, and a Cap of Maintenance was presented by Freiherrin Helena Mützhazenin and Posadnitsa Zaritsa Zavodchikovna. Upon reading a scroll by Master Jonathan Blaecstan with words by Master Po Silvertop Their Majesties did declare Meisterin Amalie a Companion of the Pelican and bid her to join her new order.
Their Majesties called for Mistress Alina Marie de Valenciennes to appear before Them. The scroll commemorating her induction to the Order of the Pelican during Their last reign had been delivered so They wished to deliver it to her. Scroll by the hands of Ekaterina Volkova.
Her Majesty wished to speak to Mistress Rioghnach ni Rose. Mistress Rioghnach was Her Majesty’s inspiration this day and so Her Majesty wished to award her a Golden Escarbuncle.
His Majesty wished all who attended this day safe travels and thanked the staff and the Barony of Thescorre for hosting. He further wished to invite any members of the Kingdom that are interested to join Him as he plans to attend Gulf Wars in the spring.
Agincourt, the Debatable Lands’ Premiere autumn event, makes its triumphant return this weekend, on October 23rd.
Event steward Meesteres Odriana vander Brugge provides some details for event goers:
Online Registration Available!
You can register online using the SCA’s online registration system (SCARS) HERE. You can pay for the feast here, too, It’s open til Friday! (Registrations will also be taken at the door.)
9:30am – Site Opens
10am through 4pm – Martial Fields and Ranges are open
11am – Heavy Tournament Begins
11am & 2pm – Newcomers’ Tours by Baroness Hilda
12 noon through 3pm – Baroness’ Bower with Baroness Constance
1pm – Melee and Tavern Brawl (Heavy)
2pm – Kingdom Thrown Weapons Champions
3pm – Kingdom Archery Champions
5pm – Kingdom and Baronial Courts
6pm – Feast!
8pm – Site Cleanup
9pm – Site Closes
The Food!
Eventgoers are asked to provide their own lunches and snacks, as the event will not be providing lunch. BUT… the Debatable Lands is proud to provide the Kingdom’s first FEASTin more than a year!
Our experienced and talented feast cook, Signora Benedicta di Venetia (formerly Lady Alethea Cowle) is cooking her final event in the Debatable Lands before sojourning to University. This feast is 2 years in the making, and promises to be spectacular!
We will be feasting outside under canopies (due to Covid protocols), so dress warmly. But you will not want to miss this! Pre-register today! We will likely sell out!
The Kingdom Activities!
Their Majesties Gareth and Juliana have honored us by holding these at Agincourt:
– Kingdom Thrown Weapons Championship
– Kingdom Archery Championship
– Kingdom Court
Volunteers to retain for Their Majesties are welcome (contact Baroness Aine ny Allane by Facebook Messenger (Lori McKinney) or by email (ladyaine1971@gmail.com).
The Fighting!
Heavy Fighters, in addition to the Agincourt melees you’ve come to enjoy, there will also be our traditional tavern brawl and a tournament! Sir Oliver and THL Guillaume invite all fighters present to participate in a Pas de Arms at the barrier in a warlord style tournament. See the event announcement for more details.
Fencers! While there are no scheduled tourneys, we hear that the rapier community is coming out in style, from all corners of the Kingdom, for some epic bouts and other fun.
And More!
Event Tour for Newcomers with Baroness Hilda – Join our local Baroness at 11am and 2pm as she shows you the find things to do at the event, and what we do in the Barony, Kingdom and the SCA! Meet at the gate (troll).
Baroness’ Bower – Baroness Constance Glyn Dwr will be hosting her Bower in the hall. Bring your songs and stories to share, or prepare to listen and enjoy.
Moneyers’ Guild Games – the Kingdom Moneyers’ Guild has volunteered to provide some levity with a pop-up full of games, coins and betting (not real money, entertainment only).
For those interested, check out the FB event for reminders!
Don’t forget that we will be following all COVID protocols set by the Kingdom. Remember to bring your proof of vaccination or negative COVID test (taken no more than 72 hours before the event) AND your ID! Additionally, all event goers over the age of 2 must wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status. Unvaccinated folks must wear masks both indoors and outdoors. No eating indoors.
Although the SCA complies with all applicable laws to try to 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 to be necessary.
Tablet weaving by Viscountess Rosalinde Ashworth. Photo by Master Fridrikr Tomasson.
The autocrat of the FFF event in the Shire of Abhainn Ciach Ghlais has made the following announcement. More information about the event is available on the Kingdom website here.
Greetings!
While I was so looking forward to seeing you all, and I am extremely grateful that you were willing to offer your knowledge to FFF, I’m afraid that the hosts of FFF have decided, in light of increasing cases in the hosting county, that FFF should not be held in person this year. We will return to Sieg next year!
Instead, we will return to last year’s virtual format, and to November 20, so we all have time to catch our breath and prepare.
I hope to see you online, and in person next year,
Reauthorization forms are coming in fast and furious. I put about 20 cards in the mail this morning, so some you should be getting them in the mail late this week or early next week.
If you have any questions in regards to your authorization card, please feel free to reach out.
With great joy, the Shire of Misty Highlands bids the populace of Æthelmearc welcome to the Crown Tournament of Maynard and Liadain as we begin to put the time of the plague behind us and slowly reunite with those friends who have been dearly missed for so long.
The Crown tournament will be held on Saturday, August 21 on the grounds of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, 71 Asylum Drive, Weston, WV. The site will open at 9 in the morning and close at 6 in the evening.
A detailed schedule of the day will be determined by Their Royal Majesties closer to the tournament.
Troll fees will be $5 for members and $10 for non-members, with gentles under the age of 18 attending freely with the welcome of the Shire.
Pre-registration is VERY MUCH PREFERRED via SCARS (link to be posted shortly) but may also be sent to the Reservations clerk,Master Otto Boese (Harry Marinakis) at 329 Sycamore Fork Road, Wallace, WV 26448 and received by August 14th. (Make checks payable to SCA WV Inc. – Shire of Misty Highlands.)
First, Crown will of course follow all coronavirus restrictions as laid out by the SCA, and that means that pre-registration will be required for all who wish to attend, although that number is no longer limited. NO ONE without a pre-registration will be allowed to attend the event. Please follow announcements from the Society Board of Directors as to the latest rules.
Second, the current restrictions on food means there will not be any prepared feast or sideboard offered at the event. The shire will plan to have bottled water available on site for the populace as long as restrictions allow.
Any questions on the event can be directed to the Autocrat, Baron Arias Beltrandel Valle (Alex Hines), 301 Arthur Ave. #1, Clarksburg, WV 26301, or at email or by phone at (724) 944-6547 (ABSOLUTELY no calls between 4:45 and 6:15 p.m. weekdays or from 5:45 to 6:45 Fri.-Sun.)
We look forward to welcoming the kingdom to the Shire of Misty Highlands as we once again greet each other in person for a grand tournament and in the fellowship we have long missed!
Maynard and Liadain. Photo by Duchess Anna Blackleaf.
Greetings unto Æthelmearc from Maynard and Liadain, King and Queen of these Sylvan Lands.
We are thrilled that the date for Our Crown Tournament has been announced for August 21, 2021 in Our Shire of Misty Highlands. Our Seneschal, Master Illadore, has provided an excellent video announcement with details here.
Our greatest wish is to host a grand tournament, boasting a large number of combatants and spectators showcasing and witnessing the prowess and chivalry of Æthelmearc.
However, as you may be aware, we are currently limited to 150 attendees. We therefore strongly request that combatants and consorts only submit a letter of intent for entry if they are confident of being present and participating in the tournament in Misty Highlands on August 21, 2021. Should the current attendance restriction by the BoD not be increased or lifted, this may result in those not running the event or participating in the tournament being unable to attend.
Furthermore, we ask that entrants into the tournament seriously consider what victory and being royalty during a pandemic entails. We encourage you to reach out to us with questions.
In order to get back on track as a Kingdom, the preferred date for Coronation is September 25, 2021. Alternate dates may include September 18 or October 1.
This is a very quick turnaround time, and entrants should consider the following prior to Crown Tournament as Our Heirs will be required to advise Us of their preferred option on the day of their victory; given that events and attendance are limited, Our Heirs may choose to have a virtual Coronation, at an event hosted locally or at another event scheduled on the dates above. Should none of these options be viable, Coronation will occur on the morning of October Crown Tournament.
Letters of intent are due to Us by July 21, 2021. We will limit those requirements outside of Kingdom Law to the following:
Prospective consorts must be present at the tournament.
Each combatant and consort must display a banner during the grand procession.
All modern armor and equipment must be covered. This includes modern sports equipment, company logos, bright-colored or blatantly plastic armor, etc. These may be worn but concealed with a heraldic tabard, surcoat, or similar covering. Modern footwear is acceptable if disguised or understated (i.e., black or brown).
Please also review the section of Kingdom law listing requirements included below. Contact us if you have any questions regarding any of these requirements. Be mindful that letters of intent must be postmarked or received by the Crown no later than 30 days prior to Crown Tournament (July 21, 2021). Confirmation of receipt will be provided as received. Please contact us via email if you have any concerns.
(Postal address included in email missive and available upon request.)
Letters of intent must include the following elements for both entrants:
SCA names
Legal names
Postal Addresses
Telephone numbers
E-mail addresses
Proofs of membership
Age (proof to be supplied at Crown Tournament) and
Proof of current authorization for Combatants.
We would also request that the preferred titles of both fighter and consort are included in letters of intent to ensure accuracy and promote pageantry (ex. Noble, Lord, THLady, Baroness, Sir, Mistress, etc.) There is also an online Letter of Intent Form available on the Kingdom Website here.
III-100 Entrants in this section of Law are defined as the combatant and consort entering Crown Tournament.
III-200 All entrants in the Crown Tournament must be members of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.
III-300 All entrants in the Crown Tournament must be 18 years of age or older as of the date of Crown Tournament.
III-400 The withdrawal of either entrant from the Crown Lists shall automatically eliminate both from that Tournament, except as provided below in paragraph III-1100. Either may withdraw at any point in the Tournament by notifying the Minister of the Lists.
III-500 In order to be eligible to fight or be fought for in Crown Tournament, a person must be a subject (as defined in Corpora) of Æthelmearc for one year immediately prior to Crown Tournament and be able to demonstrate a reasonable level of participation in Æthelmearc during that period.
The Crown may waive the above requirements if the entrants are subjects of the Kingdom and able to demonstrate to the Crown’s satisfaction by their own words or by recommendation of peers of the Kingdom that they have sufficient familiarity with Kingdom Law and customs and an acceptable level of participation.
III-600 Letters of intent must be sent to the Crown. They must include the following elements for both entrants: • SCA names • Legal names • Addresses • Telephone numbers • E-mail addresses • Proofs of membership • Age (proof to be supplied at Crown Tournament) • Proof of current authorization for Combatants
To facilitate complete letters of intent, a form is available on the Kingdom website as well as from the Crown and the Seneschal on request. Prospective entrants are encouraged but not required to use this form to ensure a complete letter. Letters of intent must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand-delivered to the Crown no later than 30 days prior to the Crown Tournament. The Kingdom Seneschal shall verify eligibility as defined in the Bylaws and Corpora.
III-700 No person shall enter the Crown Tournament without intending an honorable attempt to compete for the Crown. At the discretion of the Royalty whose Crown it is, the Kingdom Officers who administer Crown may step aside and have their emergency deputy administer the Tourney, so they may enter. In the event a Kingdom Officer should win Crown, the Law regarding Emergency Deputies and office succession will apply.
III-800 The entrants must be acceptable to the Crown or Their representatives.
III-900 No person fighting in or being fought for in Crown Tournament may administer the Crown Tournament.
III-1000 Any two people may champion each other in the Crown Lists (hereinafter referred to as a combatant couple so long as neither is championed by any other person.
III-1100 If one member of a combatant couple is removed from the Crown Lists for marshallate infractions or any infractions of the Rules of the Lists, both members are ineligible to continue in that Crown Tournament. If one member of a combatant couple voluntarily withdraws as a combatant in the Lists, the MOL and Marshal will confer with the withdrawing member to determine if they are also withdrawing as consort or if the other member may continue in the Lists. If the participant withdraws both as fighter and consort, both shall be ineligible to continue in that Crown Tournament.
III-1200 The preferred method of Crown Tournament is a double-elimination format.
III-1300 The winner of the Crown Tournament and the winner’s consort become the new Heirs to the Throne of Æthelmearc. They are each entitled to the Title of Crown Prince or Crown Princess, as appropriate to the individual’s persona.
III-1301 Upon ascending to the Throne, They may rightfully be acknowledged as Monarch and Consort with alternate Titles as appropriate to the dignity of the Throne.
This announcement is from the Kingdom Seneschal, Master Illadore de Bedegrayne.
Greetings to the Populace of Æthelmearc!
SHORT VERSION: Crown to be held in Misty Highlands, August 21st , 2021, letters due to Their Majesties by July 21st, Coronation to be held hopefully in September, with an October Crown following. If you plan on entering this tournament, please listen to this video/read this email in full, as it has specific requirements.
First and foremost, Letters of Intent to Their Majesties must be provided no later than 30 days prior to Crown Tourney- so by July 21, 2021. We highly recommend using the online form on the Kingdom website. The form will be turned on within a few days by our Kingdom Webminister. You may also use email or regular mail but we recommend sending that in quickly.
As we are limited to 150 people who may attend an event, pre-registration to Crown Tourney for those other than Their Majesties, required officers, staff, or entrants will open after July 21st date. Pre-registration will be required. Crown tourney will be live-streamed for those who cannot attend. A more formal event announcement will be forthcoming. Please understand that if the BOD does not lift the 150 person rule, if you are not a combatant couple or staff, you might not be able to attend.
Coronation: The preferred date for Coronation is September 25, 2021. Alternate dates may include September 18 or October 1. New Heirs will have the option of having their Coronation online, at a small local event (say in a park), or another event scheduled in September. Should none of these options be viable, Coronation will occur on the morning of October Crown Tournament. Heirs will need to choose which option they would prefer on the day of their victory. This is not the norm as most Æthelmearc heirs have several months to make Coronation happen. This decision was made due to our desire to get back on track as a Kingdom.
October Crown: It is our intent to have another Crown in October, with letters due to The Heirs 30 days prior to the event. The details for October Crown are still being determined but the preferred date will be October 16th or later. The October Heirs would step up in April 2022.
As you can see, Combatants and Consorts who enter the August 2021 Crown tournament need to consider not only what it means to be Royalty during a pandemic but also the time commitment for the quick turnaround for Coronation and the next Crown Tourney.
I know you may have many questions. Please feel free to contact me at seneschal@aethelmearc.org and I will do my best to answer them.
Illadore de Bedegrayne
Kingdom Seneschal
A video version of this announcement is available here.
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.
