We are looking for volunteers to act as Zoom classroom moderators. You do not necessarily need Zoom experience as we can show you what to do, but mostly keep an eye on the time for the instructors, monitor the chat for questions, etc.
If you are interested and willing to help, please contact Lady Genevieve O’Connor, AEcademy Provost and coordinator for the virtual AEcademy at jenconner65@gmail.com.
Another amazing Spring Æthelmearc Æcademy and War College transpired this weekend, perfectly hosted by the Shire of Coppertree at a well-equipped Scouting Campground. As part of the War College track, several classes covering different types of martial arts were on the menu, like throwing the Ancient Roman plumbata, throwing axes side arm, as well as fencing, but with a German longsword. Two classes especially stood out this weekend: martial classes who did not only taught how to do the thing, but also discussed the why. Hersir Marek Viachedrago discussed visual calibration during Heavy fights – why did this fighter take the shot, but that fighter did not? – for the non-fighting observer, adding context to fights otherwise mostly only appreciated by those who have done so themselves.
Bjarki instructing Master Robert of Ferness on where and why to anchor your string-hand.
Another martial class I am particularly excited about, and was very happy to be able to take myself, is the “Olympic Archery Fundamentals for Medieval Archery” taught by THLord Bjarki Rikarðarson. After being foiled not once, but twice, in the finals of the Kingdom Archery Championship against Baron Snorri skyti Bjarnarson, our newest member of the Scarlet Guard, I figured I need to up my game! I came away with several tips to work on, but especially, with a number of insights into the mechanics of how bow and body work together I had not previously been aware of, or ever heard being put into visuals and words. I found the class extremely beneficial, and feel any aspiring archer should check it out – I know I will again. Even our teenage archer Simon has practiced at home what he learned in class, wanting to retake it again when he can – and that is quite the compliment!
I asked THLord Bjarki if he could tell us a little more about his ideas behind this class and his SCAdian and mundane experiences teaching archery.
Ælfric the Kestrel from Ealdormere instructing youth Simon á Fjárfelli to line up properly with the target.
Bjarki shared his archery class is a pretty standard class used for introducing people to archery and onto the path of competition shooting (known as Olympic archery style). He was certified as an USA Archery coach/teacher about three years ago. He says: “Some of the local traditional guys mentioned coaching for the YMCA as a side gig and I followed up on that. They put me through the training for it and I spent a handful of my Saturday mornings teaching kids to shoot. Pretty fulfilling to see how excited a 6 to 10 year old gets when they hit the target.
Before that, I’ve been using a bow my entire life. Everything from traditional to compound shooting. I’ve been successfully bow hunting since I was 13.
Ælfric the Kestrel came down from the Kingdom of Ealdormere. He has taken the equivalent course for certification in Canada. Originally, he wanted to come shoot and to see Snorri get inducted into the Scarlet Guard but since the event was all classes, I asked him to assist me with my class. His input was nice because he shoots very differently than I do and shoots well that way.
I would like to teach this “class” again, but really, anytime I’m on the range I can coach and assist with the knowledge I have. Unofficially, I’ve been giving this class and coaching people in the SCA my entire SCA career. It really makes me happy to give someone advice, see them process it, and then successfully use it to accomplish a goal.”
THLord Bjarki has won archery tournaments, is an archery marshal, and the current Shire of Coppertree’s Captain of the Archers. When you see him on the range, feel free to ask your pointy questions as he clearly loves to enable others into the arts of archery!
We are very excited by the first in-person Æthelmearc Æcademy since 2019! The Shire of Coppertree is graciously hosting us at Camp Kingsley in Ava, NY on June 18th 2022. We have a wide array of classes ready for you, so come out and learn new things!
PLEASE NOTE some classes require additional fees for materials or that you bring your own supplies, so be prepared if you are interested in taking those classes.
Schedule for the day is as follows:
Site opens at 9:00am
Their Majesties will be holding a short court at 9:30am
Classes will run 10:00am to noon
Lunch break from noon to 1:00pm (bag lunches provided by Duchess Rowan and the Coppertree cooks, and you must preregister for the lunch)
The site is a boy scout camp so the classes are spread out through various buildings and grounds. If you need assistance finding your classroom let us know! All of the classroom buildings have electricity, and all of the classrooms will have bottled water for general use. The tap water in the camp is from a well-regulated spring-fed lake so it is also quite potable.
Current COVID policy for the Kingdom of Æthelmearc (and we do not expect this to change anytime soon) is that everyone over the age of 2, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask indoors.
All of the classrooms with the exception of the War College are indoors and, therefore, EVERYONE over the age of 2 INCLUDING TEACHERS MUST BE MASKED FOR THE DURATION OF EACH CLASS. The classrooms will have signs reminding attendees of this fact.
We know this might be difficult to manage but we are the SCA and courtesy dictates that we follow policy, and that we are patient with the difficulties this may present. We would recommend that you each bring one or more masks, and a straw to allow you to drink out of a bottle or mug without needing to remove your mask.
You must also eat out of doors, but the autocrat has assured us that there are plenty of tables in the various open structures and porches to allow for this.
Teachers are allowed to move classes outside if permitted by the weather and class structure.
Please feel free to contact either the Æcademy staff or the autocrat, Baron Snorri skyti Bjarnarsson, if you have any questions.
We look forward to seeing all of you on the 18th!
Fridrikr, Orianna, and Beatrix
Chancellors of the Æcademy and War College
As summer’s heat gives way to the chill of autumn and we bundle up against the coming cold… it is time for Fall Æcademy! Come brewers and weavers, come fencers and seamstresses, come swordsmen and scribes – come all ye with knowledge to share and a desire to learn to the virtual Fall Æthelmearc Æcademy and War College of AS 56.
Due to the ongoing plague, instead of postponing another year, this years’ Æcademy will be virtual. Open to any and all, we shall gather December 11th from 10am to 5pm in the fantastical many-chambered realm of Zoom.
We are seeking teachers in all disciplines to fill our many virtual classroom slots, as well as Zoom moderators. We especially welcome all first-time virtual teachers, as well as prerecorded classes, and classes hosted by out of Kingdom teachers, as space allows. Not sure how to work the Realm of Zoom? The Kingdom will have the Spider Squire Squad TM ready for any eventual mechanical needs. The KMOAS Æcademy webpages has virtual teaching as well as Zoomerator FAQs (have a question not listed? Contact us!).
And remember… with Ice Dragon around the corner (in-person, March 26, 2022, website update in progress), I am sure many of you are busy researching, making, and perfecting your entries. So much work goes into an Ice Dragon entry… wouldn’t it be nice to have all that work transcend a single event? Why not have your future (or past) Pent entry do double-duty by using what you’ve done so far as the basis for a class?
The research you are doing for your entry provides you with the historical background and practices needed to understand who, when, where, why and how someone in the Middle Ages would have crafted your item. This information would also be of interest to students in a class. Sharing this information will speed your students on their way toward creating their own versions.
In a Historical Background class based on your research, you might include information about:
The item’s time period, culture, or geographical area
The artifact, illustration or painting, historical document, or website that inspired your work
How your item would have been produced in the Middle Ages or Renaissance
Additional books, websites, and other sources you used for researching your project
Chances are, as you create your item, you have to make decisions along the way. A class in which you describe, in detail, the decisions you’ve made — about tools, materials, and procedures — would be of immense help to someone who’s always wanted to try doing what you’ve accomplished. Especially helpful — in addition to your finished project, of course — would be any practice pieces or missteps. Sharing problems to avoid or solutions that worked for you would give your students confidence that they, too, can be successful.
In a How-I-Did-It class based on your entry, you might include information about:
What tools and materials you used to make your item, why you chose them
Where you obtained them (If you made the tools you used, include how you did that as well!)
What techniques you used and why you used them
Any particular steps you would change if you were to do this project again
With the knowledge and skills gained by creating your entry, you can also help others make their own, perhaps simplified, great thing. By providing tried-and-tested materials and demonstrating recommended techniques, you can help your students avoid time-consuming and costly mistakes. If you take progress photos of your entry as you work on it, these would not only provide you with a step-by-step format to follow in your class – it would also provide you with a perfect photo journal to add to your competition entry.
In a How-I-Should-Have-done-It (formerly known as a Make-and-Take-It) class based on your entry, you could discuss:
Where to procure supplies and materials needed to make the item
Loaner tools needed to make the item
Step-by-step instructions needed to make the item
As is custom, the Æthelmearc Æcademy will be using a Book of Faces “Event” page (still in progress, our apologies) to keep folks informed with event info and updates. Once it is online, please let us know if you’re “Going” or “Interested”, and please share with your Friends!
Want to know what is already on offer? Check out our online class listing, courtesy of our ever-industrious KMOAS webminister Master Robert of Ferness. This class list will be updated as we continue to approve new class submissions over the coming weeks, so check back on a regular basis. We also intend to add class handouts to the class listings (as available) for future reference, and those boring, dark winter nights…
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Yours in Service,
Elska & Hrolfr, KMOAS and Elena de la Palma, Chancellor
The Report of the Æthereal Court of Maynard and Liadain, King and Queen of Æthelmearc, held on the 11th day of July Anno Societatis 55 at the Æthelmearc Æcademy, Baron Brandubh O’Donnghaile, Jewel Herald.
Their Majesties Maynard and Liadain opened Their Court and welcomed all who had attended the Æthelmearc Æcademy.
Baroness Elena de la Palma, Dean of the Æthelmearc Æcademy was invited to speak.
She spoke of her appreciation for all of the Teachers, Zoomerators, Class attendees, and Baroness Amalie Reinhardt for technical assistance. Their Majesties in turn thanked Baroness Elena and all her staff for hosting the Virtual Æthelmearc Æcademy.
Their Majesties invited the Kingdom Ministers of Arts and Sciences Master Hrolfr a Fjarfelli and Mistress Elska a Fjarfelli into court.
Hrolfr and Elska spoke about the Virtual Queen’s Prize Tournament which had just concluded.
They were truly in awe of the response.
In the Wake of Ice Dragon and Artisans Faire events being cancelled, Hrolfr and Elska wanted to give the artisans of Æthelmearc a forum to display the Arts and Sciences.
To this end, they opened the Virtual Queen’s Prize Tourney for artists to publicly share their work and documentation openly to all the Known World, and receive feedback on their work.
18 artisans had presented 23 separate entries into the virtual Tournament.
Master Hrolfr and Mistress Elska then presented the prize for best documentation and overall winner of the tournament to Lady Ilaria of Delftwood for her entry of Three Early 15th Century Bourrelet Headdresses. Scroll is a work in progress.
His Majesty Maynard awarded the King’s Choice honor to THL Gesa van Wellenstein for her entry of a White scarf Scroll award scroll. Scroll is a work in progress
Her Majesty Liadain presented the Queen’s Choice award to Baroness Aranwen Ap Rhys Verch Gwalter for her entry of a Pagan Lady of the Isle of Man Necklace from Late 900AD Recreation . Scroll a work in progress
Lady Fede di Fiore was then called into Their Majesties’ Court. Before all witnesses here assembled, Their Majesties inducted Lady Fede into the Order of the Fleur d’Æthelmearc for her outstanding and continuing work in tailoring garments, clothing and teaching the art of the seamstress. Scroll Border limning by Lady Serena Milani, scrivened and medallions painted by Lady Magdalena Txoperena, parchment prepared by Lady Niccola Beese, upon a text by Don Jehan le Blanc.
Her Majesty Liadain then spoke of her inspiration for the day, and spoke of Baroness Amalie Reinhardt for all of her support of the online efforts to hold the Virtual Æthelmearc Æcademy and Court. So Her Majesty presented her a personal token.
Their Majesties thanked everyone for attending Æcademy and Their Court. They are exploring some possible options for non-traditional courts, so please submit award recommendations.
Their Majesties thanked Baroness Elena de la Palma and Baroness Amalie Reinhardt and all their staff for their efforts in bringing the event to everyone this day.
They thanked scribes and medallion makers who had work to create the beautiful works of art that were given in Their Court, and reminded the populace to watch AE Live online.
Come one, come all to the Virtual Spring Æthelmearc Æcademy! Enjoy a day of digital teaching and learning through our kingdom Zoom account.
We’ve got plenty of space for classes. We’ve got great opportunities to teach in new ways. And for those who might be wary of the digital space, we’ve got experienced folks to help make your class vision a reality.
When: July 11th, 2020 classes begin at 10 AM
Where: Your computer!
How? Sign up to be a student or a teacher. See the links below.
Please note – you do *have to sign up* to attend so we can make sure you have classroom access. However, registration is no obligation – if you sign up to be a student now and choose not to attend once the full class list is available, that’s just fine.
Being the Chronicle of the Courts of Timothy and Gabrielle, King and Queen of Sylvan Æthelmearc, held on the sixteenth day of November, AS 54 (2019), at Their Kingdom Arts & Sciences Championship, in Their Dominion of Myrkfaelinn. Submitted by Lord Snorri skyti Bjarnarson, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald.
After a fine day of food, fellowship, and fantastic arts and sciences, Their Majesties Timothy and Gabrielle bade their court be opened and the populace to seek their comfort.
Their Majesties first summoned forward all children there present. His Majesty, feeling the hall a bit too small to allow the children to safely engage in the traditional chase of the kingdom toybox, bade them go find it instead, saying only that it was already hidden somewhere within the hall. The assembled children scampered forth, seeking to and fro… but without success. Eventually, the box was spotted, cleverly being quietly sat upon by young Ivan Snorrison in a back corner of the hall, accompanied by Timothy of Arindale the Younger, with great mirth on both their faces. The various and sundry other children of the realm soon saw through these shenanigans, and toys were dutifully and gladly distributed to all and happily received.
It was then Her Majesty’s pleasure to invite forward Her Excellency Amalie Reinhardt to speak to all assembled about the AE Leads tokens, to be given by anyone for acts of kindness and service they witnessed.
Next, an announcement that, by Royal Writs duly signed by TRM Æthelmearc and Middle, that Lady Catherine Lumhaghs is a subject of the Crown of Æthelmearc.
Their Majesties then rose and spoke of the spectacular arts and sciences on display that day and noted that there was actually a tie for first place. It being so, Their Majesties then exercised a bit of Royal prerogative and decided that They would choose both a King’s Champion and a Queen’s Champion. To that end, Baron Jasper Longshanks and THL Máirghréad Stíobhard inghean uí Choinne were called before the court and made King’s A&S Champion, and Queen’s A&S Champion, respectively, and they received the regalia of their new offices from His Lordship Robert of Ferness, the outgoing Champion.
Their Majesties then bade them both remain a moment more and told Baron Jasper that they were not yet done with the business They had with him that day, then bade Their herald call forth Their Most Noble Order of the Fleur d’Æthelmearc and made Baron Jasper a member of that order, with a scroll by THL Vivienne of Yardley.
Baron Jasper and THL Máirghréad. Photo by Elska.
Baron Jasper and THL Máirghréad as the new King and Queen’s A&S Champion (Photograph by Elska á Fjárfelli)Their Majesties saw need to name one further champion that day: a Kingdom Youth Champion of Arts & Sciences, so They had summoned before them Cornelia of Harford. They spoke glowingly of her display of handmade rabbit fur mittens, noting that she had received a score on the same rubric as the adults and would have scored very well were she an adult. In addition, They were also quite impressed with her comportment and speaking about her project, and so named her Their Youth A&S Champion.
His Lordship Matteo presenting Lady Eadgytha and Lord Simon their AOA scrolls during Myrkfaelinn’s weekly practice. Photo by Elska.
At that time, Their Majesties called for Eadgytha and Simon of Myrkfaelinn, or one who could speak for them. His Lordship Matteo Pesci came forward and avowed that he could so speak, and so Eadgytha and Simon were made Lady and Lord, members of the Nobility of Æthelmearc, with Awards of Arms.
Lady Kitty. Photograph by Baroness Amalie Reinhart
Next, Kitty Maclure was called forward, and with much emotion received
her Award of Arms and was made Lady Kitty of the Nobility of Æthelmearc,
with a scroll by Lady Drucilla.
Soon after, Their Majesties called again for Their Most Noble order of the Fleur d’Æthelmearc and spoke to them of an omission from their ranks that should then be rectified. The Order being in agreement, Lady Finuola Fenris McGill was called forward and added to their ranks, with a scroll by Master Jonathan Blaecstan.
After that, Their Majesties called for their Most Noble Order of the Pelican to attend Them. Once assembled, Their Majesties stated that an addition needed to be made to their Order and sent for Baroness Aine O’Muirghesan to be brought before them. She was presented with a Writ to contemplate elevation, with a scroll illuminated by Lady Nicola Beese with words from Mistress Cori Ghora, and sent forth to consider her answer with seriousness and thoughtfulness, her reply to be received at a later date.
That happy business being accomplished, Their Majesties saw it right and fit to summon Their Most Noble Order of the Laurel to attend Them. When asked if they wished to add to their number they responded aye, and so the presence of His Lordship Robert of Ferness was demanded. King Timothy spake that, as His Lordship now had extra time (no longer being the kingdom’s Arts and Sciences Champion) he should use such time as was now available to consider elevation, and sent him forth with a Writ commanding the same.
Robert of Ferness
Cornelia of Harford
Queen Gabrielle then rose and spoke with great admiration of the work of Cornelia of Harford, noting that, when her A&S display was unattended between judging times, there was a card left there advising any seeking her that she should most probably be found helping in the kitchens, and that she would return from there to speak upon her project if desired. Her Majesty named Cornelia as Her Inspiration that day, and awarded unto her a Golden Escarbuncle, tinted green for arts & sciences achievement.
Finally, Their Majesties called up all scribes there present who had contributed a scroll to the day’s courts, and each was given a token of appreciation from Their hands.
There being no further business, court was closed.
Respectfully,
Lord Snorri skyti Bjarnarson
Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald
Report of the Court of Timothy and Gabrielle, King and Queen of Æthelmearc, at Æthelmearc Æcademy held on the 2nd day of November Anno Societatis 54 in the College of Silva Vulcani, Baron Brandubh O’Donnghaile, Tabor Herald, with the assistance of Baron Arias Beltran del Valle.
Noon Court at Troll.
Their Majesties summoned forth Liesl Wundrilc from the troll table. They had heard many reports of her good works water bearing, teaching dance, helping at events and doing fiber arts. For these things did They Award her Arms. Scroll by Lord Snorri skyti Bjarnarson, upon a text by Baroness Gabrielle de Winter.
Court at the conclusion of the Commedia Performance.
Timothy and Gabrielle summoned the Capitano to attend Them. They tasked the Capitano with bringing Them a worthy actor. The Capitano scanned the crowd and found Lady Cael O’Conail the Leafy Green. He brought her forth and presented her to Their Majesties. The King and Queen spoke to her that they had enjoyed her performance, but others had noted her Commedia performances, directing and coordinating theatre arts at Pennsic. Their Majesties then called forth Their Order of the Fleur d’Æthelmearc, and Granted Cael Arms, naming her the newest companion of the Fleur. Scroll Limned by Baroness Cecily of Whitehaven, scrivened by Baroness Ekaterina
Volkova.
Lady Cael is inducted into the Fleur.
Evening Court.
Timothy and Gabrielle summoned Lord Tassin Tresseul to attend Them. They then called for all children present to come forth and tasked Lord Tassin with the kingdom toy box, and set the youths present loose upon him.
Their Majesties invited all newcomers to come forth, and presented each with a cup handmade by the artisans of Æthelmearc to encourage them to return.
Newcomers are welcomed to Æthelmearc.
The Autocrats of the event were then invited to come into court, Baron Robert Hawksworth and Baroness Gabrielle de Winter came forth and thanked Their Majesties for attending the event, Baroness Elena de la Palma the Dean of the Æcademy for organizing the classes, Lady Lucia Augur the fencing marshal, Ulf of the Wee Horn the Heavy Weapons Marshal, all of the populace for attending and finally thanking each other for all their hard work to make the event happen.
The Autocrats address the populace.
Their Majesties then invited Baroness Elena de la Palma to come forward as the Dean of the Æcademy. Baroness Elena thanked all of the teachers at the Æcademy and further recognized all the first time teachers, and thanked all of those who attended the classes.
The Dean of the Æcademy addresses the populace.
The Inter-Kingdom Scribal Guild was then invited into court, and Members of the INKS Guild Mistress Ursula of Rouen, Lord Angellino the Bookmaker and Lady Ylaire Sainte Claire presented 24 scroll blanks to Their Majesties that had been prepared to donate to other kingdoms.
The INKS Guild donates scroll blanks as largesse.
Their Majesties then summoned Ulf of the Wee Horn from Their Guard. They had witnessed his service there, and as a marshal, and heavy weapons teacher, a fencer, gathering armor so that others can participate in marshal activities, and so They Awarded him Arms. Scroll illuminated by Baroness Edana the Red, Calligraphy by Baroness Graidhne ni Ruaidh, upon a text by Master Po Silvertop.
Ulf receives an AoA.
Lady Dienara Aella was next called into Their Majesties’ Court, They spoke to her of her prowess upon the rapier list, and her service as a marshal, and so They inducted her into the Order of the Golden Alce. Scroll by Baron Caleb Reynolds.
Lady Dienara receives a Golden Alce.
Their Majesties called for Lord Mathias al Tabai to attend Them. Lord Mathias is a well-known fencer, but today They inducted him into the Order of the Sycamore for his work in metal casting, creating award medallions and contributing to the kingdom’s largesse, and making knives and armor. Scroll by THLady Vivienne of Yardley upon a text by Duchess Anna Leigh.
Lord Matthias receives a Sycamore.
Timothy and Gabrielle then invited Baroness Racheldis of Swansmere into Their Court and inducted her into the Order of the Cornelian for being the epitome of kindness, and the saint of helpful support of the College of Silva Vulcani. Scroll Drawn by Katharine of Twin Moons, Painted by THLady Vivienne of Yardley, Text by Master Po Silvertop, Calligraphy by Mistress Antoinette de la Coix.
Baroness Richeldis receives a Cornelian.
Their Majesties then invited Viscountess Lucilla Theresa de Courtenay to attend Them, and thanked her for her service as Ministress of the Lists, in good weather and in bad weather, and on short notice she had run the tournament lists so that the fights could go on. Their Majesties then summoned Their Order of the Millrind and named Viscountess Lucilla to their number. Scroll a work in progress by Lady Aurelia Argentia Prima, upon a poem text by Master Madoc Arundel.
Viscountess Lucilla is inducted into the Millrind.
King Timothy and Queen Gabrielle then summoned the Capitanos of the Commedia to come forth as they had further business with actors. They tasked the Capitanos with bringing forth a knowledgeable actor, and so they brought forth the Dottore, played by Lord Pavel Dudoladov. Their Majesties then called for the Order of the Fleur d’Æthelmearc to come forth and bear witness as Their Majesties praised him for his instrumental music, choral music, composition, dance, and commedia performance, and inducted him into the Order of the Fleur and Granted him Arms. Scroll by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.
Lord Pavel is inducted into the Fleur.
THLord Otto Boese was then called before Their Majesties. They spoke to him of his work with Leather and Wood, and then invited the Order of the Laurel to come forth and have further words with His Lordship Otto. They then delivered unto a Writ of Summons for him to prepare a date to sit vigil in order to contemplate elevation into the Order of the Laurel. Scroll by Lady Nicola Beese with assistance by Reinhard Regenbogen, upon a text by Master Po Silvertop.
THLord Otto receives a Writ for the Laurel.
Her Majesty Gabrielle then spoke of the generosity of the Scribes, and the new INKS Guild that formed for the purpose of donating scrolls to other kingdoms, and for the Academy Lord Angellino the Bookmaker had reserved a scriptorium room and organized scribes to create works of art to donate. For this Her Majesty named Lord Angellino her Inspiration and awarded him a Golden Escarbuncle.
Lord Angellino is named Queen’s Inspiration and receives a Golden Escarbuncle.
Their Majesties then called for all scribes and wordsmiths who had contributed to Their Court and to the INKS Guild Scriptorium and presented all with tokens of appreciation made by the hand of Baroness Aranwen verch Rhys ap Gwalter.
His Majesty thanked all who had attended the Æcademy for being a refuge from the divisiveness of the outside world. Their Majesties further thanked all who gave of themselves to freely share their knowledge and all who would seek to listen.
Court Closed.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lord Snorri skyti Bjarnarson
Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald