SCA Name & title: Meesteres Odriana Vander Brugghe, OL
Years in the SCA: 34 total at varying levels of participation.
How did you find out about the SCA? I went to High School with someone that was very active in our local group and then after High School, I dated someone that was also active in the local group and they introduced me to Adriana Ramstar, who was my SCA mom.
Where did you start, what was your first event? Barony Marche of the Debatable Lands. I don’t remember the name of my first event, and I basically spent the whole event in the kitchen. It was a Royal Progress event (Randal and Katherine) and my boyfriend got his Award of Arms.
What is your persona? Odriana exists in the late 16th century and lives in Brugge, near the town center. She has an adult daughter who has taken up orders in the Beguinage (the only Roman Catholic institution permitted to still exist in Brugge at that time) and her husband is a ship builder who lives most of the year in Antwerp as there’s no work for him in Brugge. They are nearing retirement and are looking forward to spending their remaining years together enjoying the fruits of their labors.
Selfie from Crown Tournament some time in 2014.
Why did you pick this persona? I originally was focusing my work on a 14th century Scottish persona as that felt the most meaningful to me at the time. I started studying Netherlandish cookbooks and fell in love with the culture. Particularly in Brugge. It reminded me of Pittsburgh in the 1980’s, not quite dead but dying and work moving out of the city to elsewhere. My name means “Odriana of the bridge” and was another nod to Pittsburgh.
Do you have any group or household affiliations? I’ve been in the Debatable Lands my entire time in the SCA, and my household is Huis Witschoof, which I founded after I was elevated to the Order of the Laurel. It includes members from Æthelmearc and the East.
Cooking Ian’s Inn (2013)
What SCA activities do you or have you participated in? Cooking (obviously), sewing, pattern making, illumination, heraldry (name heraldry), and knitting. I do a lot of service as well.
Tell us a little bit about your SCA experience (jobs, offices, duties, etc.) In the Debatable Lands I’ve been the Seneschal, Signet, Web minister, Historian, Steward, and Room Reservationist when I
worked for CMU. I’ve also served at the Kingdom level most recently as Kingdom MOL and Deputy Authorization Clerk, but I’ve also been the Deputy A&S Minister, Provost of the Æcademy, Chancellor of the Æcademy, and Clerk of the Fleur.
When you started in the SCA what goals did you have? Absolutely none. I was 18 and enjoying myself.
What are your goals now? I want to serve my Kingdom and mentor my apprentices so that they can reach their goals.
At my elevation with my Laurel, Master Huen Dambrygge.
What was the most intimidating thing you encountered in the SCA? I didn’t feel that anything was intimidating as such. Mostly I had the normal concerns that one has when stepping up to do something, the judgement of others. When I was younger, that had more weight. As I’ve aged and had more time in, I’ve learned to listen to those who matter in that regard and understand that you can’t please everyone.
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? My biggest advice is to find the things that you’re passionate about and that make you happy and focus on those. If you aren’t enjoying what you’re doing, you need to take a step back to understand why and if it’s correctable, then do that. If not, then don’t. Move on. You aren’t here to build a career; you are here to enjoy a hobby.
Interested in participating in Populace in Focus? Find out how below:
Greetings!! THL 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 anymore, but still call Æthelmearc 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.
How did you find out about the SCA? In Middle School, by my teacher who was in the SCA who hosted the school’s annual History Faire. As a 7th Grader I created my own chainmail for my medieval “Garb”, and that was when He recommended me the SCA.
Where did you start, what was your first event? February 2014, Barony of Calafia, Kingdom of Caid (San Diego, CA). First event was a Sunday Fighter Practice where I was able to suit up and fight.
What is your persona? 14th Century Timurid Empire “Gurkaniyan-u-Turan” (Medieval Uzbekistan). A Islamic Mongol Successor State founded by Emir Timur Gurkani “Tamerlane”, 6 generations after Genghis Khan.
Why did you pick this persona? Originally my persona was Kievan Rus, but many times people kept commenting how they love my “Samurai / Mongolian Armor”. So out of humor & spite I doubled down to go for a Mongolian persona, “Going full Mongol!” I would say. Over time I settled with the Timurid Empire for its rich & unique history.
Do you have any group or household affiliations? Corvus Warband; from the Barony of Calafia, Kingdom of Caid.
Tell us a little bit about your life outside the SCA: Outside the SCA I like hiking, nature walking, & running. And like many young folks I play video games, watch anime, and paint miniatures.
What SCA activities do you or have you participated in? Heavy Fighting first & foremost, and recently getting invested into Rapier fighting and Archery.
Tell us a little bit about your SCA experience (jobs, offices, duties, etc.): I have been and currently am the Deputy social media Officer for the Barony of Calafia (San Diego, CA) and the Shire of Coppertree (Rome, NY) respectively. I would run and manage the Group Instagram accounts, taking pictures and videos of events and posting them online.
When you started in the SCA what goals did you have? My starting, and still current goal is to achieve Knighthood in the Order of Chivalry.
What are your goals now? To promote the SCA to the younger generation, and to inspire them to join our community and family.
What was the most intimidating thing you encountered in the SCA? Particularly in Heavy Fighting, the most intimidating thing is controlling your emotions, your Ego. Always be humble when you know you have lossed and never express hubris whenever you win. When we all don the Helmet and enter the field; there is always a greater opponent to fight and there is something new to learn.
After the unexpected shutdown ends, what is one thing you would like to accomplish in the SCA? With the shutdown nearly uplifted, I have returned to traveling and fighting again. It has been back-to-back events across New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maine.
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?
“Do not ever think that you are not good enough: You’re fighting was not good enough in the battles, your garb or armor is not of good quality, you are not contributing enough to your group or the SCA at large; and never be afraid to seek assistance. Your presence in attending and your commitment in improving yourself in any capacity at any pace is all that matters. We are reminded of ourselves when we first began, and we would be more than honored to assist you in any way we can.
If you magically woke up with an SCA talent you do not already have, what would it be? Blacksmithing or calligraphy.
If you had to join the SCA in another “era” (1970, 1980, etc.), what “era” would you pick and why? I would say the 1960’s, from A.S. 1-10. It would be interesting to see the origins of the SCA in person and to see its growth.
Don’t be modest, what award or honor would you like to receive above all else and why? The award I seek to achieve is Knighthood into the Order of Chivalry. For many Fighters we walk the Warrior’s Path: the years of training & learning, and the hundreds of opponents we fight in battle. The White Belt of a Knight is not only the symbol of the martial prowess, knowledge, and wisdom that a Fighter has achieved, but it also represents the duty that a Fighter has in aiding and teaching other Fighters along their own journey on the Warrior’s Path.
If you could pick one thing you would like to see more of in the SCA, what would it be? It is always great to see more young individuals joining the SCA, attending events, and volunteering or running positions.
Interested in participating in Populace in Focus? Find out how below:
How did you find out about the SCA? Baron Snorri Skyti Bjarnarson, aka David Haldenwang introduced me to the idea.
Where did you start, what was your first event? War Practice 2016. It was a great time and a wonderful introduction to the game.
What is your persona? Godzimir the Golden is a Rus boyar from 10th century Kyiv. As a boy, he enjoyed watching the archers in his father’s employ. The grace and athleticism of the archers fascinated him. Godzimir wanted nothing more than to be as skilled as them one day. To that end, he picked up his bow and left his home in search of adventure.
Why did you pick this persona? I wanted something more exotic than the usual Viking persona. It also roughly matches the style recurve bow I use.
Do you have any group or household affiliations? I am a proud member of the Barony-Marche of the Debatable Lands, and of my household, Ætt Skyti.
Tell us a little bit about your life outside the SCA… I live in Pittsburgh and work in the steel industry in the steel city, get it? I like reading, lifting weights, playing video games, and, especially, practicing archery. I have a lovely wife, Reilly, and two cats, named Aegon, or ‘Egg’, and another named Possum. They are adorable gremlins.
What SCA activities do you, or have you participated in? Archery and thrown weapons are my favorite activities and the bulk of what I do in the SCA.
Tell us a little bit about your SCA experience (jobs, offices, duties, etc.) I run the Archers Guild in the barony of the BMDL. I also co-lead my household, Ætt Skyti.
When you started in the SCA what goals did you have? I wanted to expand my knowledge beyond that of the Viking age. I wanted to meet new people and see new perspectives. The goal was to really enjoy this goofy hobby of dressing up with my friends in the woods.
What are your goals now? Reach the rank of Master Bowman in archery. I’m very close. I would like to teach a class on spear throwing, having been a javelin coach. Beyond that, I’d like to learn a new skill. I’m thinking woodworking, cooking, or sewing.
What was the most intimidating thing you encountered in the SCA? Going up against such skilled opponents from Æthelmearc and other kingdoms!
After the unexpected shutdown ends, what is one thing you would like to accomplish in the SCA? Oof, this question did not age well. I’d like to get new people involved in archery. I’d especially like to bring more people over to the ‘period’ style of archery. That’s my jam.
What advice would you give to a new person in the SCA, or if new yourself, what question would you ask? Be bold. Be humble. Be kind. Why are some long-time members of the SCA not these things?
If you magically woke up with an SCA talent that you do not have, what would it be? Sewing or cooking. One would save me a lot of money, the other would make me and other folks happy.
If you had to join the SCA in another “era” (1970,1980, etc.) what “era” would you pick and why? None, I like where the SCA is currently.
Don’t be modest, what award or honor would you like to receive above all else and why? It is my wish to join the honorable ranks of the Scarlet Guard, Æthelmearc’s elite group of archers. I would also like to join the Order of the White Horn, for those in Æthelmearc who show great prowess in thrown weapons. An invitation to the Order of the Golden Stirrup would be neat too. Hey, you said not to be modest.
If you could pick one thing you would like to see more of in the SCA, what would it be? (and why)? More advertisement and ease of access for newcomers. This is an expensive hobby, and it’s easy for new folks to be overwhelmed by our excitement for what we do.
Interested in participating in Populace in Focus? Find out how below:
Years in the SCA: 12 active but my first SCA even was in 1997 with a huge gap to 2010 because of life.
How did you find out about the SCA? A local Newspaper, then I was brought to my first SCA activities by my friend Cyndi who I occasionally run into at Pennsic
Where did you start, what was your first event? My first Event was an Endless Hills 12th night.
What is your persona? Early 11th century Irishman who fought at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014 in the Munster army of High King Brian Boru.
Why did you pick this persona? I wanted to do Irish, and it seems like the most interesting time for me.
Do you have any group or household affiliations? Duchy of Arindale as Squire to Duke Timothy
Tell us a little bit about your life outside the SCA – I have two amazing sons and I have worked for Amazon since 2012.
What SCA activities do you or have you participated in? Shenanigans and heavy fighting mostly, but I occasionally fence (mostly at war,) I throw, and shoot archery when there is time. I love work in feast kitchens and do over fire cooking, and I have been known to so some woodworking.
Tell us a little bit about your SCA experience (jobs, offices, duties, etc.) I am currently the Region 3 Heavy Marshal and have been for a while, I am also a Combat Archer and a Fencing Marshal. I have been a knight marshal of Endless Hills, and Zule Herald of Endless Hills. I have been event steward for about a dozen events, and head cook for 4 events. I was also Captain of the Queen’s Guard for Duchess Gabrielle.
When you started in the SCA what goals did you have? To become a knight.
What are your goals now? To be the best fighter I can be, I understand now I can’t control what happens with polling orders, but I can control how I act, and how hard I work. I also want to bring more cooking with period technology to events.
What was the most intimidating thing you encountered in the SCA? Duke Dietrich’s footwork…seriously though I have been lucky in being part of such a great household I learned early not to be intimidated.
After the unexpected shutdown ends, what is one thing you would like to accomplish in the SCA? To help the society build back better. We lost a lot of good people the pandemic, but more importantly we lost a lot of problematic people. I would really like to help replace those people with new people who feel more welcome than they were before. Particularly, I would love to see more younger heavy fighters, more cis female, female presenting and gender fluid heavy fighters as well as more siege engineers and combat archers.
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? The SCA is a long show path, a have fun, meet all the people, try all the things, and take time to decide before you join a household or enter a Student/Teacher relationship.
If you magically woke up with an SCA talent you do not already have, what would it be? Tablet Weaving: I really want more tablet women trim, but I can’t afford to pay fair Price and also don’t want to rip off my friends.
If you had to join the SCA in another “era” (1970, 1980, etc.), what “era” would you pick and why? I would have loved to have been able to afford to stick with it when I joined in 1997, I would be 25 years in the SCA right now.
Don’t be modest, what award or honor would you like to receive above all else and why? Order of the Cornelian. I have 2 grant level awards a Gage and a Millrind. Both of them say I worked hard, and people noticed. The cornelian says people believe I am a good, kind, and courteous person. To me that matter more than being a good fighter or good at service.
If you could pick one thing you would like to see more of in the SCA, what would it be? More events with settings away from cars and modern things. It drives me nuts when you see a great picture of someone that is ruined because there is a car in the background. I would love it if people dropped their stuff and moved there car away. I know this is difficult for some people, and I accept that, but some able-bodied people are just don’t care enough to move their car.
I would also love to see more people get into their persona beyond some clothes and a fighting kit.
Interested in participating in Populace in Focus? Find out how below:
Greetings!! THL 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 anymore, but still call Æthelmearc 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
How did you find out about the SCA? We went to a demo at a mall in Jamestown, New York. It was hosted by members of the Shire of Heronter.
Where did you start, what was your first event? My first event was Harvest Raid II. It was a great experience! We even experienced a wedding! We thought that was normal for every event.
What is your persona? Eleanore Godwin is a 13th century Anglo-Saxon woman who has been widowed twice. She is an heiress in her own right, so owns property that is hers. Edward I is on the throne and fighting a war in Scotland. Since it is expensive, he has raised taxes on us lesser nobles. I provide 5 knights, equipment, and horses to the crown. Edward was looking for more and devised a way to get more money by offering a “widow’s dispensation”. What that means is I can pay him to get a written dispensation that guarantees I cannot be forced to marry against my will. So, I run my manor, and my expenses, and most importantly, my life without interference from any man.
Why did you pick this persona? Well, the last name is my grandmother’s maiden name and in researching it, found it is the name of a very early king of England. Earl Godwinson. The time and place came from garb I saw someone wearing and I thought “it’s a jumper I can make that!” So, I ended up 13th century Anglo-Saxon.
Do you have any group or household affiliations? I am a member of the Barony of the Rhydderich Hael, Clan Blackheart, the Tribe Tuatha Firen, and Otter’s Keep.
Tell us a little bit about your life outside the SCA… I’m getting settled in a new home, I like meeting with friends, and talking about everything! I have a two-year-old grandson who is a busy, chatty, little smarty pants! I’m looking to have a new routine with plenty of things to do! I get to travel some, and that is fun!
What SCA activities do you, or have you participated in? Scribal arts are my first love! I have been a Thrown Weapons marshal, and a 3-time baronial Thrown Weapons Champion. I have been an archer, and target designer! I have been a teacher of many different subjects, from heraldry, scribal arts, to embroidery.
Tell us a little bit about your SCA experience (jobs, offices, duties, etc.) I have held many different offices from chatelaine, to herald, A&S officer, group signet, demo coordinator, chancellor minor (principality). I have autocrated many events, small and large, I have taught classes small and large. I spent many hours running thrown weapons ranges and helping run events.
When you started in the SCA what goals did you have? My goals were to meet people, work at events so people could have fun, help where needed, and possibly receive recognition.
What are your goals now? Teach scribal arts to people who are looking to start making scrolls and scribes who want to improve their skills. I want to meet new people and go to events I haven’t gone to before, or that it’s been a long time since I attended.
What was the most intimidating thing you encountered in the SCA? Speaking in front of court as herald! I was a teacher and could talk to a large class, but in court, Yikes! Not much intimidates me now, I’m a survivor of heart surgery!
After the unexpected shutdown ends, what is one thing you would like to accomplish in the SCA? Encouraging new people to join the SCA and start having fun! Then see them time after time participating more by working at events, holding offices, and bringing their friends to join too!
What advice would you give to a new person in the SCA, or if new yourself, what question would you ask? I would say take your time getting comfortable with what we do. Make yourself familiar with how we function as a group. Do not be afraid to speak to someone you don’t know. Ask a question if there is something you want to know. Don’t try to do it all, be it all. Take your time figuring out your persona, name, and culture. You may change your mind after you “find your place” in the SCA!
If you magically woke up with an SCA talent that you do not have, what would it be? To cook an SCA feast! I know so little about medieval cooking, it would be wonderful to be able to do that!
If you had to join the SCA in another “era” (1970,1980, etc.) what “era” would you pick and why? I might have joined in the early ’80’s. I would have had the energy to learn to fence!
Don’t be modest, what award or honor would you like to receive above all else and why? I would like to be considered for a peerage. I think it is a way to do more to serve my kingdom in a more impactful way.
If you could pick one thing you would like to see more of in the SCA, what would it be? (and why)? I would like to see more people helping run events. It lightens everyone’s burden and gives a sense of pride to those who are getting things done for others! Seeing people have fun is a good goal!
Interested in participating in Populace in Focus? Find out how below:
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 anymore, 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
Populace in Focus today features King’s Bardic Champion Master Morien MacBain and Queen’s Bardic Champion, The Honorable Lady Maggie Rue.
Could you give a little background about how and when you started performing as part of the Bardic Arts community?
Morien: I found the SCA back in ‘86. The very first event I went to, in what is now Ballachlagan, had a bardic circle, like pretty much all events did in those days. Lord, they were fun! Lots of Irish rebel music, Sci-Fi/Fantasy Con filk, dirty puns, blood, and iron stuff. Pure joy! The bards that had the greatest impact on me back then were Donnan the Solitary and Morgan Caer Graeme. I learned a great deal from them and miss those performances and those songs.
Maggie Rue: In the SCA, this was really my first performance. While I have hung out around a few Bardic circles among households and groups, I generally don’t sing; it occurred to me at the onset of this competition that I may not need to. Surprise!
What types of Bardic arts performances do you enjoy doing?What is your most / least favorable type of performance?
Morien: I’m still primarily a bardic circle guy. I like the informality of it, the lack of pressure, the faces in the firelight, the willing audience, and the “renao” (which is a wonderful Mandarin word for the noise, happy chatting, laughter, and activity of life happening that forms a backdrop to a performance). My least favorite would have to be live bardic competitions. You usually only get to do one piece, impostor syndrome kicks in, and my will to compete is safer if the other person is wearing armor! If I’m going to fight to win, I want it to be with weapons, not a bit of my heart.
Maggie Rue: Not a great singer and my improv skills are more action-related than a lot of speech. So, I’d go with memorizing an old poem or writing a new one and reciting it as first and foremost. Least favorite would be improving a song. I could be wrong though—enough immersion into a subject and I might get better. We’ll see.
Have you done any type of performance arts outside of the SCA?
Morien: Sure! I sang in the church choir for years when I was in middle and high school, which was the best vocal training I’ve had. I did the school musical every year, plus summer theater, which were usually musicals. I’ve sung in a few bars, once on a tiny stage where Patsy Cline sang when she was starting out. That felt like a church. No one threw anything. I’ve done poetry slams in clubs a couple times. Now I am a high school English teacher, so a lot of my work is essentially storytelling to a tough audience!
Maggie Rue: Yes, indeed. I performed for a time as a character in Jesus Christ Superstar in Middletown NY for a couple of years, doing chorus parts and dancing. I’ve done a number of high school performances as well. During my years as a Game Designer, I ran the convention circuits and had to talk up game products—spiels, really—and became really good at impromptu game sessions. In addition, my parents were both members of the Philadelphia Folk Song Society and I went to a number of music Festivals in my early years… You’d be surprised as to how many SCA songs I’ve heard before in other places in different interpretations.
How much time do you spend researching bardic performances and practicing in preparation for doing a performance?
Morien: Most of my research for the last few years has been on the poetry side of my bardic practice. I work in a wide variety of forms from different periods and cultures, so there is always more to learn! However, I don’t really practice singing enough. I have a playlist of songs I am working up and sing along with it in the car. I have attempted to learn the hard, and suck quite badly at that. I should learn to drum much better, so I could accompany myself on a bodhran. I think I’ll get to work on that…
Maggie Rue: Given this was my first real SCA-based performance, I took two weeks to prepare.
What SCA events / Bardic competitions have you performed in previously and what types of performance did you do?
Morien: I’ve done bardic circles all over, and I’ve taught classes on writing poetry at SCA Fifty Year, Pennsic, AEthelmearc Academy, and Atlantia University. I’ve done “Music in the Key of D”, a bardic contest hosted by the Chalk Man Pub at Pennsic a few times. I also sing battle hype songs with fighters while we are on our way to the battlefield at Pennsic to get our blood up. On these former occasions, I find you seldom go wrong with Irish or Scottish rebel music, or filthy rugby songs.
Maggie Rue: This is it.
When you chose to participate in the Quest to be Sylvan Bard, did you do a type of performance that you have done before, or did you come up with a completely new performance?
Morien: I broke out two I had written before, “The Green Fields of Pennsic”, and “The Ballad of Big Bad Jehan”. Both are staples of the campfire music I like.
Maggie Rue: So, I took a number of courses in college that were medieval in nature and “Chaucer” was one of them. The teacher insisted we learn a number of lines in Middle English, taking out his personal recordings from the library to learn the lilts and rhythms. Seventeen years later, I still hear his voice. What I performed for the competition was longer than what he had us memorize, though, so I had to go find some recordings on which to base my own performance.
How did it feel to do a performance via the online community versus doing a live performance at an event?
Morien: I loved it! I liked that I got to strike and vanish like Zorro and could just focus on what I was doing. The competitive side with all its nasty thoughts and lust to win did not make an appearance!
Maggie Rue: It was actually pretty comfortable.
Did you face any challenges with performing in the sylvan bard competition?
Morien: Yep! I am a goofball at tech, and my performance of “Big Bad Jehan” kept turning out badly because I didn’t understand how to make my phone work, so I wound up just sending in “Green Fields of Pennsic” by itself.
Maggie Rue: None
Being one of the sylvan bards within the kingdom, can you share your plans / ideas for keeping the bardic arts alive in the kingdom during your tenure?
Morien: Heck yeah! We are looking at maintaining the practice of monthly online bardic hangouts on the first Tuesday of each month of the year starting at 8 in the evenings. Rue will be handling the tech, rest assured, although I will try to learn it as well. We’re also looking at starting a sort of “Bardic Boot Camp”, an ongoing series of classes (both online and in person) on subjects like vocal training, storytelling, playing instruments, poetic composition, and so on. We’ve already started reaching out to teachers from across the kingdom and the known world, and people seem enthusiastic! Also, I plan to start a FB group that should be an ongoing poetry writing workshop combined with a book study circle on various forms and skills from beginner to advanced. I’m working up a syllabus for it, and reaching out to established poets to participate, although the focus will be on bringing new aspiring poets into the field. So, COVID or not, we’ll be helping people along! We will also be working to ensure that live bardic circles and performances happen at in-person events, never fear!
Maggie Rue: So, there’s been talk of having a Novice Day like the one they had in the East Kingdom, which I attended, and one of the biggest beefs was that there was no Novice Bardic competition. So, we’re changing that. In addition, I’m going to incorporate Bardic Arts in my other A&S specialties, researching and performing songs that would also be of interest to the Herbal and Apothecary Guild as well as the Assassins’ Guild. Master Morien and I will continue the Bardic Competitions and we’ve got plans to get the Bardic Arts everywhere.
What advice would you give to other populace who would like to pursue the quest to be involved in bardic arts and perform in bardic arts competitions?
Morien: Come join us for the First Tuesday Onlines! Join in! If you aren’t ready, just listen for a while, and then pipe in! Join the FB groups for “AEthelmearc College of Bards”, “SCA Bardic Arts”, “AEthelmearc Arts & Sciences”, and the FB group for “Bardic Boot Camp” and “AEthelmearc Poetry Workshop”, once I get them running! Perform anywhere you can. Make a playlist of songs you want to learn and sing along with them in the car at high volume! Do NOT worry about what you sound or look like. Don’t listen to the haters. Read, listen, and watch good performances not just as an audience, but as a crafter, see what they are doing, and how they are doing it. Remember that you can learn as much from a bad performance as from a good one. A poet is one on whom NOTHING is wasted. I have a FAT list of books for you to get into if you like! LET’S DO THIS!!
More advice! Remember, your performance begins from the moment you are called, and doesn’t end until you are off the stage. Entrances and exits matter! Also, when in doubt, pretend to be slightly drunk, or more drunk than you in fact are. People like a drunken bard, and if you mess up, they will forgive you and enjoy it. Schadenfreude!
Oh, and one more piece of advice: When composing, even if you aren’t working in a purely alliterative form like Anglos-Saxon or 14th-century Alliterative Revival or something, get that alliteration in there. It’s like salt in cooking. People may not notice it, but they WILL like it!
Maggie Rue: Just do it. Get involved with everything sooner or later. I have been on a tear these past few years of just reaching out and getting involved. Look where it landed me. I don’t care if all you know are nursery rhymes: give it a try. Can’t sing? Me, neither. Let’s go learn stuff together.
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Konner & Caera (pronounced KEER-uh). If you must, we are technically Master Konner MacPherson & The Honorable Lady Caera Fitzpatrick
Years in the SCA:
Konner: On & off since 1987
Caera: Since 2010
How did you each find out about the SCA?
Konner: Chasing a girl
Caera: I was down a rabbit hole looking for Renn Faires. Pennsic was on someone’s list
Where did you each start, what was your first event?
Konner: First meeting was the dissolution of the Canton of Dragonfly Ridge. First event was Mudthaw (East).
Caera: Pennsic 39. It’s also when Konner and I met.
What are your personas?
Konner: 14th C. Scot
Caera: Celt, kindaaaa 9th Century-ish. I bounce around from the late Iron Age through the Normans. Yeah, really defined, I know
Why did you pick these personas?
Konner: It’s just what appealed to me at the time.
Caera: I have an affinity for Ireland and since my tailoring skills are minimal, I figured earlier was better (knowing nothing of garment construction).
Do you have any group or household affiliations?
Konner: Formerly House Von Holstern and House Full Circle. Founding member of the East’s 404 Fighting Unit. I was squire first to Sir Magnus Bloodaxe and later to my former squire-brother Sir Tanaka Raiko
Caera: I am apprenticed to Padrona Caterina Giaocchini and have taken the field with the 404-fighting unit
Tell us a little bit about your lives outside the SCA.
We are from the East (New Jersey) and have recently moved to the Barony of Delftwood to be near Caera’s family. She grew up in the area. We have a toddler and an infant that keep us busy. Each of us have more hobbies than is necessary. Caera’s tend to be yarn-related though calligraphy and illumination snuck in there somehow. Konner likes making all sorts of things.
What SCA activities do you or have you each participated in?
We were both heavy fighters, have helped run loads of events in varying capacities and held Shire offices. Konner has also been teaching heavy fighting for years and Caera has been part of the A&S community.
When you each started in the SCA what goals did you have?
Konner: I was in my late teens, so Fighting, Feasting, and F…..un.
Caera: No real goals, just looking for something fun to do with my friends.
What are goals that both of you have now?
We don’t have any particular goals, just looking to keep enjoying the experience
What was the most intimidating thing either of you has encountered in the SCA?
Konner: Autocratting my first event; I was told it would be a nice small one. It was K&Q Rattan Champs.
Caera: When I first started, I was overly worried about accidentally not following proper protocol around anyone with a crown/coronet.
After the unexpected shutdown ends, what is one thing you both would like to accomplish in the SCA?
Introduce the boys to the SCA. It will be a totally new experience going to events with kids in tow. Our oldest went to two events by the time he was 3 months old, but then that was it, we’ve been in shutdown since.
As a couple what is the most challenging aspect of the SCA; likewise, what is most enjoyable?
Because of our involvement in the running of events, the answer to both questions have been, spending time with each other!
Having recently moved from another Kingdom, what challenges did you face (if any) integrating into the SCA in another area or can you share some background about your involvement in the other Kingdom?
Konner: I’ve got a group of old-school SCAdian friends and it’s challenging because they aren’t local now.
Caera: It’s been interesting but strange to re-learn “basic” things like what the big events are, Order names & heraldry, names & locations of Shires and Baronies, etc.
If you could each accomplish only one thing in the SCA in the next year, what would it be?
Konner: It would be nice just to get back to events.
Caera: I’d like to continue getting to know people in the Kingdom and… yeah, going to an event with all 4 of us would really be awesome. Fingers crossed.
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?
Konner: Don’t let stuff get in the way of you having fun
Caera: You got to find your fun, what you find interesting and entertaining and engaging. If you don’t know where to start, that’s OK too. Open invite to contact me and I’ll do my best to help.
What motivates both of you to continue to be involved in the SCA, especially during times when it might be tough to do so?
Konner: After 30 years in the SCA, it’s really where my main social life is.
Caera: The amount of knowledge and talent stored in the Society is truly amazing. I get to geek out about the things I am passionate about (Textile arts) and pick up new amusements along the way… C & I’m looking at you.
If either of you magically woke up with an SCA talent you do not already have, what would it be?
Konner: Making really good garb.
Caera: Oh, GOOD one! Yeah, we can both make passable garb, but oh I’d love to make really nice stuff.
If either you had to join the SCA in another “era” (1970, 1980, etc.), what “era” would you pick and why?
Konner: The 70’s because I like beginnings.
Caera: If I HAD to pick a different era, I’d say late 80s. I loved nerdy, medievalesque things like Labyrinth and The Princess Bride. It would have been fun to really play with that when they were coming out.
Don’t be modest, what award or honor would you like to receive above all else and why?
Konner: Maybe a Court Baroncy. I like hats.
Caera: A Laurel would be a delightful token of recognition
Are you concerned that moving to a different area will set back your SCA careers?
Konner: Achievement unlocked; I’m not really chasing anything.
Caera: Recognition is extremely gratifying but my fun is largely teaching and geeking out about textiles. Moving has given me a wider scope in that regard!
If you could each pick one thing you would like to see more of in the SCA, what would it be?
Caera: I hope the virtual events don’t disappear entirely when the world “normalizes”. I’ve been able to attend virtual scholas and witness Courts I would have otherwise missed due to logistics.
Konner: Yeah, I agree with that.
Why we have our honorifics: Konner is a Pelican.
Caera is in the Order of the Maunche which is the East’s equivalent of a Fleur.
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How did you find out about the SCA? I went to High School with someone that was very active in our local group and then after High School, I dated someone that was also active in the local group and they introduced me to Adriana Ramstar, who was my SCA mom.
