Real Name: Shea Transue

SCA Name & title: Baron Tassin Tresseaul

Years in the SCA: 8 years

How did you find out about the SCA? / Where did you start, what was your first event?

I actually found out about the SCA via my 8th grade history teacher. She was a civil war reenactor and since I was interested in more medieval pursuits she told me about the SCA. I did find the SCA at that point but being in Middle School I couldn’t drive yet so it made it hard for me to go to practices, meetings or events. I ended up going to a few meetings in Eisental and went to the East Kingdom War Practice at the Ukrainian Homestead but after that I stopped going since there wasn’t anyone my age and it was so hard to get there. Fast forward to college, I was at Penn State and my friend Sarah Perelli (Lady Serena Milani) invited me to this medieval thing which ended up being an event put on by Nithgaard. I ended up working the second half of that event in the Kitchen washing dishes. That was a pretty good indicator of my path in the SCA.

What is your persona? / Why did you pick this persona?

My persona is currently kind of fluid, when I initially started in the SCA I wanted to be from Northern France in the 1300’s. This is where my family was able to trace our oldest recorded ancestor too so I was very interested in learning more about that place and period. Recently I have become more of a mishmash of times and cultures. I do Viking, Landsknecht, and 1300’s English. It all really depends on who I’m with and how much I need to help out because who wants to get their nice garb all sweaty and gross setting up tents?

Do you have any group or household affiliations?

I am not officially associated with any Shires or Baronies, I am an Expat. I mundanely live in Allentown, PA which some might recognize as the East Kingdom. That being said, my heart still resides in the Shire of Nithgaard because that’s where I really came into the fold and still have many friends. As far as households go I am a part of The Duchy of Arindale.

Tell us a little bit about your life outside the SCA.

I have always been a huge Sci-Fi nerd and lover of everything associated with that. I think that is one of the main reasons I went to school to be an Engineer. In 2017, I graduated from Penn State with a Bachelors in Electro-Mechanical Engineering. I currently work as a Manufacturing Engineer for a Medical Textile company, we make woven, knitted, and braided products that are used in everything from sutures and heart grafts to medical meshes. On a day to day basis I work to design and improve the machinery and implement new and better processes. I troubleshoot and facilitate repairs to electrical and mechanical systems. I also do a lot of work validating the machinery and processes. I own my own home and enjoy playing board games and video games as well as camping and Kayaking. If you looked at my you tube history you’d see a lot of SCP content, how to make this or that, comedy sketches, and currently how to make cocktails.

What SCA activities do you or have you participated in?

Most recently I was honored to be the consort of Cormacc Mac Gilla Brigde at Crown Tournament. A&S wise, I love to do pewter casting, woodworking, and most recently Machine Embroidery. By the way, if anyone wants something embroidered let me know and we can talk. I’m just itching to use my machine! If I had to pick, I’d say my biggest passion is helping however / whoever I can, whether that is being the Autocrat, working in the kitchen, retaining, taking watch shifts at Pennsic, holding Kingdom Offices or just setting up tents. That’s what I really like doing.

Tell us a little bit about your SCA experience (jobs, offices, duties, etc.)

I am currently the Kingdom Chamberlain, Kingdom Events Coordinator, and Kingdom Exchequer Archival Deputy. I have autocrated several events and always want to do more… just sayin in case anyone needs an autocrat.

When you started in the SCA what goals did you have? 

When I first started I knew helping people was going to be a big part of what I wanted to do. I also thought I wanted to do marshal activities like heavy fighting and I was very interested in siege combat.

What are your goals now? 

My current goals are to become more involved at the kingdom level, since I don’t have a home group, find more events that people want me to autocrat, and refine my pewter casting skills. I’m also working on the creation of an online database for the kingdom regalia and the creation / implementation of a new digital submission system for exchequer warrants. I’d also like to get all of the exchequer paperwork Rhys sent me scanned and archived.

What was the most intimidating thing you encountered in the SCA? 

I remember thinking that for my first couple events the “SCA” signs along the road were just so sketchy, it was very intimidating following them to an unknown location.  Now I’ve grown rather fond of playing spot the sketchy SCA sign.

After the unexpected shutdown ends, what is one thing you would like to accomplish in the SCA?

I’d really like to teach more pewter casting classes. I recently did a demo and it went so well that I am excited to spread my knowledge to others.

What advice would you give to a new person in the SCA, or if new yourself what question would you ask and who would you ask it of?

I would say don’t be afraid to ask people about what they’re doing, whether that be A&S, marshal, or service. Usually, if you show the slightest interest in someone’s passion they will bend over backwards to help you get involved.

If you magically woke up with an SCA talent you do not already have, what would it be?

I wish I could be a voice herald or Bard. Being able to think on the fly like that or really be able to sing or play instruments would just be so cool.

If you had to join the SCA in another “era” (1970, 1980, etc.), what “era” would you pick and why?

I would have liked to join the SCA in the late 80’s or early 90’s at the inception of Æthelmearc. It would have been so cool to be able to help build and influence a new kingdom. I also feel like based on the stories I hear that there were a lot more shenanigans. Now 50 some years in, I feel like many of the questions have been answered and the formulas have been set.

Don’t be modest, what award or honor would you like to receive above all else and why?

Since I joined the society I have wanted to become a Pelican. I think at my first event when I was working in the kitchen someone mentioned that I’d be one someday and that notion just kinda stuck in my head. Almost all of the figures that I admire most in the society are Pelicans, and if I am honored with that distinction someday I feel like I will have really made a difference, just knowing the sacrifices and hard work others have done before me to be recognized by that same order.

If you could pick one thing you would like to see more of in the SCA, what would it be?

I’d like to see more people my own age (26) and more time devoted to revels and hanging out. I feel like the time you spend around the fire singing songs and having an adult beverage or two are some of the times that will be remembered most.

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Greetings!! Lady Thalia Papillon here, Gazette editor and proud inhabitant of the Kingdom of Æthelmearc, continuing with the tradition of populace in focus. Our Kingdom is a vast and wonderful place filled with many great people, but how many of these people do you see event after event and have never met, or maybe wondered more about?

This is open to the entire Kingdom and is not limited by rank, position, or time in the SCA. There is no deadline, when I have articles I will post articles. I am also interested in interviewing couples, households, fighting units, or any other element that makes up the Kingdom. Even if you don’t live in the Kingdom any more, but still call Aethelmearc home in your heart? We would love to hear from you too.

If you are interested in being interviewed please contact me (information below) and I will send you a series of questions to answer. When completed return the answers to me. Please include at least three to four photos to use in the article. One should be a good profile picture. Answers with no photos will not be published.

I hope to hear from as many of you as possible and look forward to learning more about everyone

Read previous Populace in Focus articles here

Lady Thalia: email

Facebook: Vanessa Hayes

Greetings!! Lady Thalia Papillon here, Gazette editor and proud inhabitant of the Kingdom of Æthelmearc, continuing with the tradition of populace in focus. Our Kingdom is a vast and wonderful place filled with many great people, but how many of these people do you see event after event and have never met, or maybe wondered more about?

This is open to the entire Kingdom and is not limited by rank, position, or time in the SCA. There is no deadline, when I have articles I will post articles. I am also interested in interviewing couples, households, fighting units, or any other element that makes up the Kingdom. Even if you don’t live in the Kingdom any more, but still call Aethelmearc home in your heart? We would love to hear from you too.

If you are interested in being interviewed please contact me (information below) and I will send you a series of questions to answer. When completed return the answers to me. Please include at least three to four photos to use in the article. One should be a good profile picture. Answers with no photos will not be published.

I hope to hear from as many of you as possible and look forward to learning more about everyone

Read previous Populace in Focus articles here

Lady Thalia: email

Facebook: Vanessa Hayes

Greetings!! Lady Thalia Papillon here, Gazette editor and proud inhabitant of the Kingdom of Æthelmearc, continuing with the tradition of populace in focus. Our Kingdom is a vast and wonderful place filled with many great people, but how many of these people do you see event after event and have never met, or maybe wondered more about?

This is open to the entire Kingdom and is not limited by rank, position, or time in the SCA. There is no deadline, when I have articles I will post articles. I am also interested in interviewing couples, households, fighting units, or any other element that makes up the Kingdom. Even if you don’t live in the Kingdom any more, but still call Aethelmearc home in your heart? We would love to hear from you too.

If you are interested in being interviewed please contact me (information below) and I will send you a series of questions to answer. When completed return the answers to me. Please include at least three to four photos to use in the article. One should be a good profile picture. Answers with no photos will not be published.

I hope to hear from as many of you as possible and look forward to learning more about everyone

Read previous Populace in Focus articles here

Lady Thalia: email

Facebook: Vanessa Hayes

Real Name (optional): Amanda Mulder

SCA Name & title: THL Avelina del Dolce

Years in the SCA: 19

How did you find out about the SCA?

I grew up in Butler, PA and my parents and I always drove past Pennsic. I fantasied and wished I could get involved, it looked so fun! When I was 17 years old, I met someone who knew someone involved with the Shire of Sunderoak. I attended shire meetings and my first Pennsic that same year, and I’ve been active since.

Where did you start, what was your first event?

Good gentles from Sunderoak encouraged me to attend an SCA event called, “The Fool’s Event” around April 27, 2002 so I could experience a small celebration before my first Pennsic War. A chatelaine, the individual who lends garb and helps SCA newbies get started, gave me a beautiful, flattering dress. I asked her to tell me more about the style, and she explained the dress was modeled after 15 c. Italian Renaissance clothing. From the moment of my very first event, I fell in love with Italian gowns, and they are still a garb style I frequently wear in the present day. I still feel the glimmer of adventure from this lovely day. In short, A young fencer named Sir Jeffrose Stiller came over to myself and my group. He bent down on one knee and inquired, “My dear ladies, I travel from afar without a consort. I humbly beseech one of your greatness to be the lovely consort I may fight for during this tournament.” I stepped forward to join the magic! Following that event, I became enthralled with the SCA. I attended a few smaller events, such as a Sylvan Crusade, because I needed my SCA fix. Pennsic couldn’t come soon enough that year but when it did, it was worth the wait!

What is your persona? Lady Avelina del Dolce lives in 16th Century Florence, Italy. She is a well-educated and sophisticated dancer and commedia dell’arte actress and with talent and knowledge in many different arts and sciences. She loves learning new skills too.

Why did you pick this persona? The arts and garb I enjoy in the SCA connect well to my persona as Avelina del Dolce.

Do you have any group or household affiliations?

I don’t belong to a household. I am known in the commedia and dance communities across the known world. I reside in the Shire of Stormsport (Erie, PA).

Tell us a little bit about your life outside the SCA.

I have my bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education with a master’s degree in special education. Outside of the SCA I work as a student support coordinator at a university to help individuals with autism maintain with their academic, social, independent living, and emotion functioning in college. I’m also a licensed Zumba instructor and teach many dance fitness classes for adults and children.

What SCA activities do you or have you participated in?

I teach dance with a focus on the fifteenth and sixteenth-century Italian cascade dances. I also am heavily involved in commedia dell’arte theater with many different groups across the known world. I also sew, play the violin, sing, lucet, and write.

Tell us a little bit about your SCA experience (jobs, offices, duties, etc.):

I’m part of the Pennsic staff and serve as stage manager for the Performing Arts Pavilion. I also actively teach dance and commedia dell’arte theater classes at Pennsic and sca events in and outside of the kingdom. I helped with the planning of Known World Dance and Music Symposium 12 in Timonium, MD, including running the closing ball. I’ve managed commedia dell’arte troupes, I’m former capocomico of Vagando Stolti (Atlantia).

When you started in the SCA what goals did you have?

When I started in the SCA I wanted to learn as much as I could about everything. I started with renaissance dance, storytelling, commedia dell’arte, sewing and I still learn and practice. I learned enough to sew my own garb, which was exciting! Then my goal was to start teaching as much as possible when I lived in Atlantia, so I signed up to teach for many university events and Pennsic.

What are your goals now?

I want to continue to learn about the topics I enjoy above, especially garment construction and techniques. I’d also love to try my hand at illumination too, but with no prior experience, I’m not sure how to begin! An important goal at this stage of my life is my focus on service in the society. I’m delighted about my opportunity to serve right now as a member of the Pennsic Staff. The SCA has given me so much throughout the years, I take joy when I can help the magic happen for others.

What was the most intimidating thing you encountered in the SCA?

The few years before I started teaching classes at Pennsic I had a bout with imposter syndrome. I decided with encouragement of my friends to sign up anyway. I taught at Pennsic for the first time, and I found all my students to be kind, thoughtful, and received a lot of positive feedback. I loved the dialogue we shared and when students contacted me to tell me how my classes inspired them.

After the unexpected shutdown ends, what is one thing you would like to accomplish in the SCA?

I moved back to AEthemearc only two years ago, after spending nine years in Atlantia prior, and I didn’t really have the time to become more involved with AEthemearc when I settled into my house and job. I’m not even sure if everyone knows I’m back (hopefully they do now, after reading this, lol). It’s hard for me to get involved via ZOOM right now, but I am looking forward to attending more in-person events in AEthemearc when the shutdown ends.

What advice would you give to a new person in the SCA, or if new yourself what question would you ask and who would you ask it of?

Beginning as a newbie in the SCA can feel overwhelming. Don’t forget that all of us started somewhere. We have made mistakes but taking the first step is the only way to learn and grow. The SCA has a lot of supportive, nice people willing to help you on your journey.

If you magically woke up with an SCA talent you do not already have, what would it be? I’d like to sing and write beautiful poetry for bardic circles.

Don’t be modest, what award or honor would you like to receive above all else and why?

I’d eventually like to receive a laurel or pelican service award. I work hard and believe fervently in bringing the dream and magic of the SCA to others. If I never receive this opportunity, I will still participate and continue doing what I love in the SCA.

If you could pick one thing you would like to see more of in the SCA, what would it be?

I’d like to see more service opportunities where we reach out to our greater non-sca community. We need to be accessible for schools, artist collectives, living history, festivals, colleges, and events. I started to advise a college club at my university, and it is wonderful to see young adults dive in and discover the love for what we do. We need guest virtual speakers, so if anyone wants to share an art, please contact me at the following email address.

Real Name: Shane Phipps

SCA Name & title: THL Gwydeon ap Arden, Order of the Gage

Years in the SCA: 35 Years

How did you find out about the SCA?

Growing up in Alaska is the last place you would probably think to find the SCA back in the eighties. Originally my mother wanted to go to a renaissance faire when I was very young. After some time, Dad said okay, and we all loaded up in the car and went to my first ever faire. I fixated on everything, the sights, the smells, the acting, and as we walked around the local Barony of Eskalya was doing a fighting demo, which immediately caught my eye. I stood there beside my mom entranced watching Heavy fighters clash each other and fight. The sounds, the movements, the shiny metal helmets, the applause to the victor. I looked at the heraldry on the shields, and then, as my mother and father were talking to one of the Chatelaines, I watched my first fight ever between two Knights, Sir Kylson Skyfire, may he Rest in Peace, and Sir Brendan Shimmeringstar. As I watched something just clicked, and I excitedly began to interrupt my mom and dad. When my mom finally pried my hand from her shirt sleeve she bent down and asked me “What is it?”

And with big dinner plate blue eyes I looked up at my mom and said, “I know what I want to be when I grow up.”

Amused the Chatelaine smirked as I excitedly pointed to the field, “I wanna be a Knight!”

With that being said, my dad looked at the woman and said, “So how do we join?”

And the rest they say, is history

Where did you start, what was your first event?

1980s? Summer Coronet in at the time the Shire of Selviergard, now the Barony of Selviergard.

What is your persona?

Originally Arthurian. When I was younger I was heavily enthralled by the Knights of the Round Table. And I chose Gareth as my name. When I was finally old enough to fight heralds would butcher Gareth, and I was be called Garth. So Gwydeon was born. A Welch bastard child of a Viking raid.

Why did you pick this persona? As I grew older my area of interest changed, from Knights to Vikings

Do you have any group or household affiliations?

Well, a few to be honest, Rolling Thunder, Oldcastle, Prydeskeep, and the list just keeps going.

Tell us a little bit about your life outside the SCA. 

I spent a collective eleven years in military service between two branches. The Marines out of high school, and the Army. After which I went to school to become a high school history teacher, but due to job climate I was unable to secure employment. Shortly after graduation I received my complete disability from the Military, which classed me as unemployable, and I retired five years ago. The majority of my mundane life is spent training and tending to my furry compatriots and being a house elf.

What SCA activities do you or have you participated in?

Fighting, blacksmithing, blade smithing, leatherwork, fighting, fencing, Calligraphy and Illumination, Queens guard, Bardic…. Did I mention fighting?

Tell us a little bit about your SCA experience (jobs, offices, duties, etc.)

I have held various offices in my time in the SCA. Primarily, I am the Knight marshal of the Shire of Sterlynge Vayle, but I have held the offices of Herald, Chatelaine, Constable, Chirurgen, and Baronial Champion.

When you started in the SCA what goals did you have?

Well, I was a kid, I had one goal at the time I wanted to fight, and I wanted to be a knight. But as I grew up I began to understand the path is more than just putting on armor going out into the list field and fighting.

What are your goals now? Oh I still want to be a Knight, that dream has never changed.

What was the most intimidating thing you encountered in the SCA?

Standing in front of people, I play it off well due to past experience, but deep down inside? Quaking in my boots

After the unexpected shutdown ends, what is one thing you would like to accomplish in the SCA?

Find some of my friends, drag them out of hibernation, put on the armor, beat on each other until we can’t lift our arms. Rest. Go to the forge and pound out a blade.

What advice would you give to a new person in the SCA, or if new yourself what question would you ask and who would you ask it of?

There is always someone with an answer to your question, and if I don’t know the answer, I can point you to the person that does.

If you magically woke up with an SCA talent you do not already have, what would it be?  Scrimshaw  (scrollwork, engravings, and carvings done in bone or ivory)

If you had to join the SCA in another “era” (1970, 1980, etc.), what “era” would you pick and why?  I don’t think I would pick a different era, than the one I came into to be honest.

Don’t be modest, what award or honor would you like to receive above all else and why?

Well, who doesn’t want to be King? And in time I may even achieve that station. But my one true goal and dream would be to attain Knighthood. That hasn’t changed from the time I was a little kid. And I wouldn’t mind becoming a Laurel or a Pelican either, but my main focus currently is to achieve Knighthood.

If you could pick one thing you would like to see more of in the SCA, what would it be?  Camaraderie, there is too much darkness in the world for us not to be friends and enjoy this wonderful hobby and dream.

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Real Name (optional): Rolf Verberg

SCA Name & title: Master Hrólfr á Fjárfelli

Years in the SCA: Just over 6 years

How did you find out about the SCA?

Elska was looking for a local place to do archery. She doesn’t quite remember how she got hooked up with our local SCA group, the Dominion of Myrkfaelinn, but she did (eventually) go to a meeting to check it out. I didn’t join her the first few meetings. I had a role-playing thing in my head and I’m not a role-playing game fan. She was a bit intimidated though and convinced me that I may like to try out fencing. I went to my first meeting and I guess we never looked back.

Where did you start, what was your first event?

We started and are still living in the Dominion of Myrkfaelinn, our first event was Æthermearc Æcademy in the Fall of 2014, hosted by the Dominion itself. It was the absolute best way to go to our first event. Our first class was SCA 101 🙂 We met new people, learned more of the enormous scope of the SCA, and were or part of the event organizing effort, which gave us a place to belong and a purpose right away as opposed to maybe feeling kinda lost on our first event.

What is your persona?

Late 10th century Viking. Quite broadly defined, I haven’t narrowed it down to a very specific time frame or location.

Why did you pick this persona?

We used to go to Renaissance Fairs and at one point (pre SCA) we traded Viking garb for airplane tickets for Elska’s sister to visit us here in the US (all of our direct family still lives in The Netherlands). Elska’s sister makes garb that she sells at Viking/Medieval/Renaissance Fairs. She made a full outfit in a Rus Viking style for each of us. We liked it right away and felt “right” wearing it and when we joined Myrkfaelinn and learned about the history of the group it seemed a good choice. Later our interest gravitated more heavily to that culture and period and now we’re pretty firmly set.

Do you have any group or household affiliations?

Elska and I are honorary members of the Hael Hounds and the Rhydderich Hael archery group. We also have household affiliations through my apprenticeship with Master Fridrikr Tomasson and Elska’s apprenticeship with Master Bedwyr Danwyn, but we never engaged much in either.

Tell us a little bit about your life outside the SCA.

I met Elska in 1992, both of us born, raised and living in The Netherlands. After completing my Ph.D in 1998, we got married and moved to the US for my first postdoctoral fellowship. I switched from an experimental and theoretical background in Neutron Scattering research to the computational physics field and quickly discovered that I really like programming and writing code to simulate or model interesting physics or engineering problems. We lived in Gainesville, FL for three years (which was quite long enough…) and then moved for another two-year postdoc to Ithaca, NY. We really liked Ithaca and after a three-year stint at Pitt in Pittsburgh, PA, I accepted a job at a tiny research company near Ithaca. We were very happy to move back to the house that we bought here while I worked at Cornell. Two years later, Simon was born and we decided it was time to settle, having never lived in the same apartment/house for more than two years since I went to college. After about 13 years, just before Covid hit, the company I worked for ran out of money, my boss decided it was a good time to retire and I didn’t feel like doing his job. I like research and programming, I don’t like paperwork, hunting for money and the politics and bureaucracy that goes with it. It wasn’t good timing to look for another local job, but I did find a nice position at a company in Rome, NY. The location isn’t ideal, I don’t feel like moving yet, but I do really like the job. It’s not commutable on a daily bases, so in the near future I will continue to live part-time there and part-time in Ithaca.

What SCA activities do you or have you participated in? 

I started out with fencing and came spring I added target archery. Later in my first year I started dabbling a little in A&S. Initially in some general research and a bit of woodworking (which is a long-term mundane passion of me). Many of you know this story by now, but it started with me making a warp-weighted loom for Elska. She was already heavily involved in a variety of A&S areas and at one point decided she wanted to try weaving and build herself a warp weighted loom. She already was active in a bunch of fields, am me enjoying woodworking myself, joked that she already did enough and that she should leave something for me and that I would build her one as an A&S project. I did a bit of research, went into the woods to cut down a bunch of suitable trees and build a loom to enter in the Ice Dragon Pent. I got a lot of positive feedback and one person particularly, Mistress Rhiannon y Bwa, a fellow Myrkie, convinced me that I should at least try weaving something on it. The rest is history. I have since then completed several weaving projects, started tablet weaving, and have done a lot of research on the history of weaving with a focus on the warp weighted looms. I also built several extra parts and a complete additional loom, because Elska kept complaining that she never got to use “her” loom 🙂

Tell us a little bit about your SCA experience (jobs, offices, duties, etc.)

I am the current Kingdom Minister of Arts & Sciences, the region 5 Chatelaine (since AS 53), as well as the local Myrkfaelinn Exchequer (since AS 51), Chatelaine (since AS 52) and group target archery Marshall (since AS 51). Elska and I were garb coordinators for Their Graces Sven Gunnarsson and Siobhán inghean uí Liatháin (AS 52-53). I had the honor to serve as Kingdom A&S Co-Champion under Their Graces Gareth Kincaid and Juliana Delamere (AS 52), lieutenant of the Guard to Her Grace Gabrielle van Nijenrode (AS 51-52), and Kingdom Archery Champion under Their Graces Magnus Tindal and Etain ingen Dalaig (AS 50). With Myrkfaelinn being a small group where every active member pretty much always pitches in and takes turns to run events, I have tried pretty much everything in our local group. Locally and at other events, I have run dayboards, helped in the kitchen, autocrated events, sat troll, served as Æcademy class coordinator, Marshalled and designed/made archery ranges, served as guard and retained to Their Majesties, served as guard and at hospitality at Royal Camp at Pennsic and taught classes at Æthelmearc events and Pennsic.

When you started in the SCA what goals did you have?

To have fun and enjoy the many aspects of my soon to be main hobby.

What are your goals now?

To keep enjoying my SCAdian live, to keep connected and motivated and help other to stay motivated in these dark Covid times, and to serve my duties to the best of my ability, with my primary current focus on KMoAS. I more or less stopped fencing after a severe bout of tendonitis and with much of my focus shifted to A&S and archery, I haven’t really gotten back much to fencing. I hope to change that and enjoy more time fencing again at events once we can get together again. Finally, I am still planning to write a CA on the history of and weaving on the warp weighted loom.

What was the most intimidating thing you encountered in the SCA?

Probably being called forward in Court at Coronation (Harvest Raid, AS 50) as the new Kingdom Archery Champion. I was still so new to the SCA and didn’t know many people yet. Walking up with all those people watching me and wondering who I was, was scary for someone who is really very uncomfortable in the spotlight in front of people. I owe a huge thank you to Their Graces Magnus Tindal and Etain ingen Dalaig and Their staff for Their support, for making me feel welcome and at home and involving me in Their reign and particularly for introducing me to many people outside my local group. It opened so many doors and formed the basis of many friendships ever since.

After the unexpected shutdown ends, what is one thing you would like to accomplish in the SCA?

I guess that kinda coincides with my goals above, but particularly in Covid context, I am looking forward to reconnect personally with my SCAdian family and especially reach out to new members who faced a very tough time to get started in our hobby.

What advice would you give to a new person in the SCA?

To try as many things out as you are able to, physically and financially. To help out at your local events, it really helps to get to know people and for people to get to know you. Try helping out in the kitchen, it really is lots of fun! Reach out to people and ask, you will be amazed how virtually everybody will try to help you or find someone else to help you better. Help with guarding and retaining, you will quickly become a part of a nice bunch of people that can help you feel at home. Finally, don’t be afraid to bring younger kids. It can be hard at events, but I think there are many events now where a real effort is made to reach out and create activities to keep the younger ones entertained. Being part of the SCA with a younger child has been an incredibly positive experience for me and I am utterly convinced for Simon as well.

If you magically woke up with an SCA talent you do not already have, what would it be?

Scribal, every aspect of it. I am immensely impressed and grateful to our scribal community and their skill in making all those beautiful scrolls time and time again.

If you had to join the SCA in another “era” (1970, 1980, etc.), what “era” would you pick and why?

Probably the late 80s, early 90s. Early enough to be more a part of the earlier history that I hear so much about, young (and fit) enough to enjoy the martial aspect more than I can now and not too busy to make time for it. That being said I think we joined at a very opportune time, we had time, were well settled locally and Simon was old enough to join us and enjoy himself instead of needing babysitting all day.

Don’t be modest, what award or honor would you like to receive above all else and why?

You ask a Dutch guy to not be modest…? I am still recovering from everything that happened at such a quick pace over the past years, that I’m really not thinking much about anything else other than to make sure that I honor and deserve what was awarded to me, that I return the favor and pay it forward. However, what drives me within the society most and what will keep me coming back again and again and involved is the personal relationships built with so many members of my new found family. I love archery for the sake of archery. The skill, the focus, the relaxation that it gives me. I love A&S for the sake of A&S. I love making stuff and doing research. But what really motivates me and stimulates me to keep growing is the sharing of what I do with others. To stand at the line, either as an archer or as a Marshall and enjoy the camaraderie. To sit around the table at an event and chat about our shared passion. To help run events with a bunch of people that are helping out so that others can enjoy a nice day off with friends. To teach others what I love and to learn from other about things I don’t know anything about yet. To see others succeed in what they look for within the SCA. Helping out to make things happen and motivating and stimulating others by doing what I’m doing, is what I enjoy much more than personal accomplishments.

If you could pick one thing you would like to see more of in the SCA, what would it be?

Families with children. Even in my short SCA career, I have seen a positive growth in activities for children and a more welcome and open attitude to children. Myrkfaelinn and other groups already started with waiving troll for children. Lots of things are happening that help making it easier to bring younger children and I hope that that keeps getting better and better.

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