The Barony-Marche of the Debatable Lands – the Barony of bridges… We have so many bridges in our great lands that connect our populace. We have many little villages with vast cultural diversity. There is another saying in our lands. Some people have never ever left their village because they will not cross a bridge. This was NOT the case when it came to a recent demonstration at the Carnegie Science Center for a Science After Dark Over 21 Event.
The Carnegie Science Center of Pittsburgh, PA (photo courtesy of the Center’s Press Photos)
One of our residents reached out to our Chatelaine with the option to be involved in an evening demo that wanted to showcase what Pittsburgh had to offer in regards to all things medieval. There was a small little catch to this offer – it was only 20 days away! That is really not a lot of days to figure out the details for an event and a venue that you have not been in before. I accepted the challenge when asked to organize the demo. I figured – alright – I can get enough people and display items to man a table at this event. I should be able to do this no problem.
First step: Meet with the main coordinator for the details. He is with the local HEMA branch and found out that he was trying to pull everyone in that he could – he wanted armored combat, role playing, Ren Faire, SCA, and anyone else that we could think of to fill the Science Center. I only had one question at the end of the meeting – How much can I bring? His answer – Bring it all! And we did!
The Display even included a ballista! (Photo courtesy of Baron Friderich Swartzwalder)
Step Two: Put the call out for volunteers. Talk it up at the event we had that weekend. Spread the word! At that event I had both merchants commit to the demo! I had several people say, “put me on the list.” I made a Facebook event and started using the Barony’s social media outlets. I went to the Barony’s business meeting to make sure everyone was aware of the demo.
Step three: Be humbled by the overwhelming out-pouring of interest. One post – one email – one message – over and over people wanted to be there and bring “all of the things.” People that I did not know – people that did not know me – offered to work together. Not only was this within our Barony, it was with neighboring lands – up to four hours away! There were a total of 111 people representing the SCA at this event! Working with other local interest groups was amazing. Although we had similar interests and cross over with our members, working together for events was not that common. We worked on building those bridges. We want to keep the bridges strong.
The bonds were growing – but there were many logistical questions to be answered. Who was going to be doing what? Where would be the best places for everyone to be at the Science Center? Did everyone have what they were going to need? We shared resources – we shared ideas – we worked together even up to the last few hours figuring out where a new interest group could fit in. There was no competition for space or times. We made it work. I personally had not worked with the Science Center before. A few of the other interest groups had – and they took us right into the fold. We were just all one giant family working together to put on a great event.
The day of the event was glorious! Every person from every group united to engage the 1500 people in attendance – more than the venue had ever provided before. We hung banners – we shared radios – we shared dollies and helped everyone that needed help. The attendees were provided with so many options, confronted with choices such as, “Do I fight or do I talk about swords? Do I talk about A&S classes or thrown weapons?” I saw people moving from area to area talking to guests. There may have been 12 different groups at the event – but we melded into one. We shared our passion and our talents to guests that now have been given the tools to build the bridge from their village to ours.
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As Banners of Scarlet rang out from all four floors at the end of the evening, I couldn’t have been more proud of the Barony-Marche of the Debatable Lands, of Æthelmearc, and of the SCA. We crossed and built new bridges – we strengthened new and old bonds – we united as one voice. We are Æthelmearc!
Article written and submitted to the Gazette by Lady Zianna.
(The Photographs used in the slideshow were taken by Baron Friderich Swartzwalder, Luceta di Cosimo and Lady Isabel Johnston.)
Unto the populace of Aethelmearc do Byron and Ariella, King and Queen, send Greetings.
We wish to extend Our most sincere thanks to the Baron, Baroness, and populace of the Barony of Rhydderich Hael for their hospitality and goods works when We traveled to their lands to choose Our equestrian champions at the Palfreys and Polearms event.
Because of the heat, the ratio of Palfreys to Polearms was quite high, but everyone seemed to be doing what they loved. His Majesty had just noted in Curia a week earlier that smaller niche events were often the most enjoyable, and this event show
ed the truth of that remark.
We were so pleased to see 11 entrants in Our Equestrian Tournament. This speaks to the quality of equestrian work in Our fair Kingdom, and to the maturity and growth of this discipline. We were particularly moved by the openness and warmth shown to Our daughter, Princess Leah, as she was permitted to participate. We also appreciated the opportunity to receive the contestants from horseback. It made a huge difference to the medieval feel of the event.
Our congratulations go out to THL Aaliz de Gant, who emerged victorious to earn the mantle of King’s Champion, on the very day that she was inducted into the Order of the Golden Lance. We also extend congratulations to Maeve ni Siurtain, who impressed His Majesty (well, to be honest, impressed the Princess Royale, who guided His Majesty’s hand) and became the new Queen’s Champion.
Our thanks go to Brother Bobby and his entire crew for creating a spectacular day of fun in numerous martial disciplines. We were pleased that so many gentles came forth in the afternoon to entertain His Majesty with blades and earn 5 points in fencing’s Wild Hunt (everyone who fenced against me has earned 5 points regardless of the outcome — braving the heat for Our benefit has earned you that). We wish to particularly thank Padraig and Juliana and Ekat and Elizabeth for providing Us with shade and food and drink and attention to make Our day go smoothly. We also thank the cooks for the event, as the food from the kitchen was most friendly to Our palate. And We of course thank Our good friend and retainer Elss of Augsburg for staying beside Us throughout the day.
Lastly, We wish to thank Our most trustworthy advisor, Princess Leah, who kept Us from seeming… uninformed… upon the equestrian field.
The Rialto Bridge, inspiration for a generation of online SCAdians.
Forty years ago, we waited eagerly for our Kingdom newsletter to arrive so we could plan our event-going for the next month, and the calendar was full of choices. (I remember a time in Storvik, where I started, when we actually voted to limit ourselves to two events a month in the Barony.) We had collating parties for the local newsletters, and phone trees kept everyone updated with breaking news. Then a new age dawned in the 80s with a revolutionary computer breakthrough – the Rialto – a Usenet Newsgroup found at rec.org.sca. Suddenly you could keep in touch with old friends, make new ones, and share cat pictures (well, not really – we were still a long way from internet graphics) (actually, we were still a long way away from the internet).
Laurelcat wants you to use social media!
Today, we are faced with an SCA media bombardment on everything from garb to armor to upcoming events. We can purchase the kit of our dreams with a few keystrokes, and share memes with SCAdians in Lochac. And we can market our events online. In fact, in today’s world of dwindling event attendance, savvy social media use is a necessity.
Paid membership in Æthelmearc in 2015 ranged from 1703 to 1840 people during 2015. Unpaid participants likely account for at least half that number again. That means there is a potential in-Kingdom audience of around 3000 people for everything we do.
The days when you could depend on a single blurb in the newsletter to populate your event are long gone. Luckily, the days when you can reach thousands in our Kingdom and beyond with event news, items for sale, or crash space requests are here (albeit at times overwhelming). To help you get the word out, here is a list of Æthelmearc-specific media and marketing venues that are generally open to postings by individuals.
THE OFFICIAL VENUES: There are still only two official venues for information in the Kingdom, the Æstel and the Kingdom website.
For an event to be official (an official event is one at which official business such as courts can be held; see Chronicler policy for publication requirements for insurance for local events with no official business), it must appear on both the Kingdom calendar and in the Æstel before the event. To register your event, go here. Æstel deadline is the first of the previous month for the next month’s issue, so make sure you submit your event flier in plenty of time. Make sure your flier contains the necessary 6 points to make it an official event announcement.
Most groups also have an official website, and the event announcement should go up there in great detail and as a matter of course.
THE LARGER UNOFFICIAL VENUES:
The two largest unofficial media venues in Æthelmearc are the Gazette and the AE mailing lists. The Kingdom also maintains a Facebook page, where you can make visitor posts in the left column.
The Æthelmearc Gazette publishes event announcements (and we love to have pictures to go with them!), officer reports, after-event reports, research articles and news in general. The Gazette has become the most-seen unofficial media source in the Kingdom with 3-400 page views on average per day in 2015 and growing. As an autocrat, you are welcome to submit not only your event announcements, but also last-minute changes, menus and more. Go to the Submissions page at the top of this blog, and send us your news! You can also follow us on Facebook.
Information on subscribing to the unofficial Æthelmearc mailing lists can be found here. The lists have just over 600 subscribers, so they are a great way to reach a portion of the populace, especially those who are not on Facebook. Any subscriber may post to both the discussion and the announcement list.
Most of these groups also have several adjunct pages or groups for special interests like fighting or A&S – just do a FB search with the group name to see what comes up – if you have an embroidery event, then a local group’s A&S page might be a good place to market that.
• Æthelmearc Special Interest Facebook Pages
There are many special interest pages where it might be appropriate to market your event or items. Here are a few: Æthelmearc Yard Sale/Swap Meet has for sale and wanted postings from members. Garb, books, supplies, and armor are just some of the things you can find here. There is also a curated list of merchants. Æthelmearc Crash Space is a clearing house for crash space requests and offers for events. Æthelmearc Equestrian is for events and things of interest to the equestrian community. Æthelmearc History is self explanatory. Æthelmearc Scribes is for the scribal community. Æthelmearc Rapier Army is for the fencing community. Æthelmearc Marshals is for the heavy fighting marshal community.
A FB search with the keyword Æthelmearc, and then clicking on groups and pages at the top will bring up many more special interest pages, all of which can act as marketing venues.
EVENT PAGES: Event web pages hosted on an official group website, or independently but acting as an official page, fall under the purview of the Kingdom and local webministers. You can find the Webminister policies here.
Facebook event pages are an extremely effective way to invite friends (and have them invite friends in turn) to your event. The SCA has a good tipsheet on using Facebook to promote your event, which you can find here. Use of a Facebook Event Page has become virtually de rigueur in today’s social media marketing world.
In most cases, Facebook Event Pages will fall under the purview of the SCA social media policies. You can find them, along with other helpful social media guides here.
OTHER ONLINE MARKETING RESOURCES: Most groups still have local yahoo groups and mailing lists. Email the appropriate group seneschal to see if they will post your information on these. Local chroniclers are usually happy to have content for their newsletters as well – you will find that listing in each issue of the Æstel or by contacting the Kingdom Chronicler.
Today’s SCAdian has ways to spread the word we could only have dreamt of when we started this wonderful adventure – go out and use them!
Come One Come All to the Celebration of Saturnalia with our Most August Imperiatori, Tindal and Etain, featuring the renown competition for Sylvan Bard of Æthelmearc.
Keep your strength up for reveling by partaking of the splendid lunch presented by Baron Janos Mezzaros, and after a day full of activities, you may choose to sit Above the Salt or Below the Salt for a Saturnalia Feast also created by Janos and his Company of Cooks.
You may choose your entertainment throughout the day: dancing (Instruction during the day and dance in the evening), an arts contest with roots going back to the the days of Cicero (more info to come), games of chance (including a Kingdom fundraiser) and games of skill.
Come in your most brilliantly-hued haute couture. As did our ancestors, we too will revel in the Roman fashion. There will be a Kings Choice and Queens Choice for best dressed in Saternalia sartorial splendor. And as the Sun turns, so too shall our social order, and as befits our celebration, our Lord and Lady of Misrule too shall make their choices known.
Merchants are welcome. In lieu of a merchant fee, we are asking for donations for the fundraiser. Due to limited space, you must reserve ahead of time. Please contact our Merchant Liaison Baroness Rosemund von Glinde (Wendy Hart, baronessrosemund725@yahoo.com, 716-949-4984)
Other activities and information will be forthcoming on the web and on the Kingdom and Twelfth Night Facebook pages as well as here in the Æstel.
Please send reservations to Edith of Winterton (Caroline Elliott, 38 Chateau Terrace EAST, Amherst, NY 14226, edithofwinterton@gmail.com, 716-574-1354). Please include an email with your reservation for followup. Please include any food allergies when you make your reservation.
The cost for this wondrous affair is:
SITE FEE (includes lunch):
Adult: $14.00
Minor age 13-17: $7.00
Minor age 0-12: Free
Family Cap SITE FEE ONLY: $35.00
BELOW THE SALT (Site Fee + Below the Salt dinner)
Adult: $22.00
Minor age 13-17: $15.00
Minor age 0-12: $8.00
ABOVE THE SALT (Site Fee + Above the Salt dinner):
Adult: $27.00
Minor age 13-17: $20.00
Minor age 0-12: $13.00
For Children age 0-12 there will be an alternate Children’s Feast available at a children’s table in the feast hall for $3.00.
For those whose minor children do not eat event dinners at all, parents may reserve for them with site fee only. We will have a table in the feast hall for kids who are not partaking any feast whose parents are, so that the kids may still be in line of sight without taking a feast seat.
Off board tables will be available for people who wish to stay at the event and bring their own feast.
Please make your checks payable to: SCA NY, Inc- Canton of Beau Fleuve. A $5.00 non-member surcharge will be collected at the door from all non-member adults.
Merchant’s Row near the Mid-East pavilion. Photo credit, Aoife.
Hello, readers! Here in Æthelmearc, we have been attending Pennsic so long that for Pennsic veterans, attending it is a matter of routine. After all, Pennsic was born here, on our home turf, before the Kingdom of Æthelmearc was a twinkle in the eye of Mamma East Kingdom. If someone travels from a great distance or is attending for the first time, or even is hearing about the event for the first time however, Pennsic is a huge and mysterious event fraught with pitfalls, conundrums, and unanticipated needs. If you ever listened to the CB radio chatter off I-79 during Pennsic, you’d understand just how confusing the event is for the uninitiated. Every year, about 10,000 guests from around the world visit our kingdom in search of the ultimate Pennsic War experience, be it martial activities, classes, parties, visiting friends, people watching, pageantry, or the perfect combination of all of these. From the outside, it must look mighty strange.
There is no reason to fret about this odd thing we medieval history buffs do, which we call the Great Pennsic War. Even if you simply need to explain the SCA’s largest event to your friends and family, this Links List is for you. Today’s article will deal with what it is, when it is, what to do to get ready, and what to do while there. As always, we SCAdians are so well documented that all you need for a perfect Pennsic can be found in handy links on the Internet.
Read on, enjoy, and drive safe. I will see you there!
Cheers
Aoife
Dame Aoife Finn
Barony of the Endless Hills, Kingdom of Æthelmearc.
Modernly known as Lisbeth Gelatt
Terrific Gypsy Vardo wagon with beautiful tromp l’oiel horses and dogs, is always a favorite of children. The arrangement is changed every day to make a story of animal life, as Pennsic unfolds. Photo credit, Aoife.
What is this Pennsic thing?
For Glory and Honor: Medieval Reenactors go to Battle (NBC News) This article that appeared on American national news neatly sums up what it is that we do at Pennsic. With terrific footage and picturesque scenes, you mint want to see if you appear in the background before you show it to your friends. You might be (almost) famous!
In It’s Own Light, a Night-Owl’s view of Pennsic War 33, a photographic essay by Rowan. This gorgeous photo essay of Pennsic was caught at the perfect intersection of wispy fog and moonlight, and is incredibly beautiful. If you happen to catch just a moment of such a night at any Pennsic you attend, you are one lucky gentleperson.
This photo appears as the wallpaper to the Facebook Pennsic page, sadly uncredited since it is a great shot. Do you recognize anyone in this picture?
Pennsic Facebook Page This is the place to go to ask general questions about Pennsic. Folks from all over the globe will happily answer. While not an official forum, it is a good resource to have when you need to know if there is a pediatrician onsite or what merchants sell the best raw material, or where to find the coffee houses.
Newcomer’s Pennsic Guide (unofficial) The title says it all. What can you expect if you’ve never been to Pennsic before? Find out here.
Atlas Obscura: Largest Medieval War of Modern Times Includes the Voice of America footage at this link. A couple of years ago, Voice of America did a world-audience piece on Pennsic. It is truly well done, and is a great place to point your mom, when she wants to know what, exactly, you will be doing on your vacation.
Pennsic, explained on Wikipedia. What did Wiki get wrong? I can spot one or two boo-boos, but it is generally a good resource for the uninitiated Pennsic-curious.
Pennsic, the unofficial popular website. Self-billed as an interactive “All things Pennsic,” this site is older than you think, but chock full of good advice, interesting commentary, and terrific photos.
Æthelmearc Royal encampment, a few years past. Photo credit, Aoife
Paying for Pennsic: The Registration Office. If you are reading this article, it is already past deadline for your registration to count towards allocation of land for your group or household. You can still attend Pennsic, but your location will be surprise until you arrive and pick out a space from the areas allocated to individual campers. However, there are other benefits to pre-registration besides knowing your neighborhood in advance. Chief amongst them is the shorter time spent checking in.
The Pennsic War Street Map. This map provides bus-stop locations, and streets are labeled. It is a good idea to print a copy before you leave, so that you can hit the ground running (or bus riding) once your tent is up.
A Pennsic Newcomer’s Packing Guide from Hartshorndale. No guide will have everything you need listed, but this packing list is a great jumping-off point. It covers all the basics.
Once You Are On Site:
Where to go for answers? Information Point! The folks at information point are there to answer questions. No question is too big or too small for their attention. Find them near the Cooper store, in the small grassy island created by the road in front of the old barn. Nearby will also be the post office, the previously mentioned store, and many, many merchants and food vendors. I like to call this area the heart of Pennsic.
First Aid onsite. There are usually trained medical folks right onsite, who can evaluate your condition and take appropriate action, be it writing a prescription, referring you to a specialist (many local doctors such as dentists agree to take emergency visits during Pennsic), or calling the med-evac helicopter unit to life-flight severe cases to the appropriate facility. There is no reason to tough it out if you have a health issue at Pennsic. Please do not expect that your normal doctor visits can be covered here, though. This is strictly a first aid station.
Classes: Pennsic University. If you want to know about historical anything, chances are that someone at Pennsic is teaching a class on the subject. A special area with its own tent classrooms is set aside specifically for these classes, and a master schedule is provided. In addition, there are special classes taught in individual encampments, and a last-minute additions and schedule changes board each day. Learn everything from culture-specific dance to historic cooking to metal smelting to fighting techniques, all neatly arranged and supported by the Pennsic University master schedule and the University Staff.
Youth Activities Schedule. If you attend Pennsic with children, this schedule is your best friend. Seriously. There is no reason for bored children at Pennsic. Your biggest trouble will be deciding what to do, and when. Trust me, a veteran Pennsic Parent whose children thrived, when I tell you to bring rain ponchos and wellies for your kids, because they will still want to go to play practice when it is raining.
Battlefield Schedule. You will need this schedule if you fight or fence, and if you do not, it will help you decide when the best combat photo opportunities will happen. It will also tell you when to witness the many other martial activities, specialty tournaments, fencing activities, and battlefield meetings, and when to get your kit inspected.
Performing Arts Schedule, and Cultural arts by type. There are hundreds of cultural arts activities to attend at Pennsic. Want to see live theatre? Hear the Known World Choir? Watch a display of foolery? A belly-dance exhibition? Find excellent suggestions here, and reap the benefits of the year-round planning and practice of the talented folks of Pennsic.
Known World A&S Display. Our medieval modern world relies on artists to function, because there is almost nothing mass-produced about the history we are trying to emulate. This display, open to everyone from any area of the world, is a showcase for artists and craftsmen of all kinds to show and tell about their works, meet like-minded artist, and to see what aspects of medieval and renaissance life others have chosen to honor. Anyone can enter, and anyone can come see what’s new in the world of re-creation. Pre-registration is strongly suggested for those wishing to show their artwork. Such show and tell activities are widely believed to be the most inspiring and encouraging aspect for hands-on craftspeople in the SCA.
The Legendary Pennsic Parties (A Schedule). While this schedule is unofficial, it is a handy guide to which group is hosting a party, and when. For some folks, Pennsic means parties, so here’s your guide to the colorful Pennsic nightlife. Please note that ID will be required for everyone attending many of these parties to prove you’re over 21, for those parties that serve alcohol.
Cinderella, in a Victorian illustration. Image courtesy Andre Cefalo.
One of the most outstanding and attractive features of SCA life is the knowledge that the Cinderella Story (or the Pauper to Prince Story) can be true for a few lucky individuals. The lure is hard to resist, even for those of us who will never be a Prince or Princess in SCAdian life.
Even if it doesn’t turn out to be true for ourselves, we are often able to witness our closest and dearest friends achieve that dream, or to watch from a short distance as it happens to folks we know. In essence, this is what folk speak of when they relate life in the Society for Creative Anachronism to “The Dream.” It is the heady knowledge that a motorcycle mechanic, convenience store clerk, a legal secretary, a college librarian, a stay-at-home parent or a preschool teacher could achieve a place to belong and a status in the SCA that defies achievement in modern life.
This is The Dream as we know it, and few of us doubt our ability to wing it when we get there. I bet you the reader have a mental checklist just in case the Unknowable Joy happens to you. Here is mine:
The Prince and the Pauper, by Mark Twain, was made into a movie starring Errol Flynn. Image Source: Virtual Virago
Aoife’s Toolkit, in Case of Spontaneous Awesomeness
1. Tremendously spiffy outfit.
2. Spiffy outfit for spouse and/or children.
2a. That pair of incredible shoes I couldn’t justify before now.
3. Bottle of celebratory beverage and cups.
3a. More celebratory beverage because the party will be huge.
4. Upgraded feast gear.
5. Tune up the car because we WILL be traveling.
6. Travel money.
6a. Travel club membership (my car isn’t new).
6b. Hotel money.
6c. Emergency money.
6d. Spare credit cards to spread out any debt.
7. Decide who is allowed to drive my car (I gotta sleep sometime!).
7a. Staff.
8. Chiropractor money—coronets don’t wear themselves. They say that those suckers are heavy!
9. Spending money.
10. Babysitter money.
11. Dog sitters.
12. Case of 12 hour energy drinks. Make it two cases.
If you read my list you will notice that I probably left a few things off, but that is to be expected. No one can think of every instance of need. However, I can be sure if lightening strikes and somebody wins Crown Tourney while fighting for my honor, that I will be somewhat prepared to take on the job. After all, I have people who can advise me. I have a history of participation, so I know how the SCA works. Of course, there’s an entire awesome structure built solely to manage the kingdom for me. I might spend more than I wanted on a reign, but apart from that, what else could I need?
Image source The Swedish Museum, via Flikr.
As real and SCAdian history shows us, there is quite a bit more I will need. None of it is tangible, but it is essential tomy well-being and to that of the Kingdom. Acquiring these things, furthermore, will cost me something in short supply:
Time. You see, I and every person who ever wishes to sit a throne, even every person who doesn’t, will function more amiably and efficiently if we own and use the following items:
Aoife’s Awesomeness Preparation Kit, the Intangibles
1. Problem Solving Techniques.
2. Strategies for Negotiation.
3. Conflict Resolution Skills.
4. Delegation and follow through skills.
5. Humility and thankfulness.
6. Rational thought in times of emotional stress.
7. Forgiveness.
Learning these skills is a task that can be left to experience, but that might be a bad idea. In order to learn from my mistakes, I would first have to make them, right? Lucky for me, that learning can be accomplished by reading online, for free, the many advice columns dedicated to the subjects. Many of them are written by business professionals, but others are by life coaches. It is up to the individual to follow through, to use the tools when the occasion strikes.
If, like me, you find yourself short in training or practice in these skills, I have collected some handy links, below, to save time. After all, if you are going to be sitting the throne, you’ll probably want a refresher course, and have little time to take it. In the end, however, it will probably be my ability to deftly handle these intangible skills more than any other thing I can do to prepare ahead of time, that will determine how I as a fictional future ruler will be remembered. Do I want to go down in History, or do I want to go down in flames? The choice is mine to make, and I will make it based on my actions. Regardless of any mistakes, however, it is the last item on my Intangibles list that will make the difference when problems happen (as they always do). Forgiveness: Moving past strife into a future where hurt feelings are dissolved, where we work together to improve The Dream.
I would like to wish luck to all the combatants in the upcoming Crown Tourney. May you fight well and honorably. If you win, may you rule wisely, with many skills in your toolkit!
Cheers
Aoife
Dame Aoife Finn of Ynos Mon, CL, CP
M/k/a Lis Gelatt
It might seem that ‘problem’ is another term for ‘conflict,’ but that is not always true. What if your problem is that the rain is flooding your sleeping tent, or that there are not enough chairs for the number of feast seats sold? This site will give you a quick process to identify, brainstorm, solve and follow through on a myriad of problems, even if you’ve never dealt with problems like that before.
When you are in a position of authority, you are going to need things, some of which are items, some of which are obstacles to be cleared, and some of which are tasks. With this site, learn how to deal with bullies, how to barter, getting around barricades, and how to avoid poking the sleeping bear.
This well-written resource allows you to read, in simple scenarios, how to work around conflict. It is based on the premise that everyone deserves to win, and a win-win scenario is possible.
Management of an emotional situation can depend entirely on how you respond. Do you know how to answer so that you project understanding? Or will your response engender further anger? Believe it or not, this is a learnable skill. Find out how at this site.
Mistress Ekaterina Volkova steps down as Sylvan Signet. Photo by Lady Christina Mary Lowe, called Jinx.
I look back on my term as Sylvan Signet of the Glorious Kingdom of Æthelmearc in wonder. Through the position I have met and worked with some of the most amazing and talented artists in the Known World.
This started 5 years ago when Duncan von Halstern and Ilish O’Donovan said “Sure, let’s hire her” when my name was presented to them to take over for the Retiring Gillian. They have the first of my thanks. I also give thanks to all the Royalty that I have served under: Christopher and Morgen, Isenwulf and Rosalinda, Andreas and Kallista, Khalek and Branwyn, Maynard and Liadain, Timothy and Gabrielle, Tindal and Etain; and Titus Germanicus and Anna Leigh. I learned a great deal from all of them and hope that they too feel that a friendship has formed.
But I could not have done the job without my various deputies. To Marija Kotok, Giana di Aurelio, and Sthurrim Caithness, who at some point stood as my drop deads, I told you I wouldn’t do it. To my education deputies Giana and Yvianne, thank you for coordinating classes for Heralds and Scribes. To my Pennsic University Coordinator Matilda Bosvyle, you were a godsend, thank you for helping to increase the reputation of the scribes of our Kingdom. To Filippo and Anna Leigh, who were my fund raising deputies – because of your works we were able to host the known world at Pennsic. And to Giana and Juliana Rosalia Dolce di Sienna, my webministers, thank you for the work you did to make our website better.
Also a big thank you to my Heralds, Master Brandubh and Master Kamishima – thank you for being the Yang to my Yin in making court happen smoothly and being a sounding board when I needed.
To Kayleigh MacWhyte, Marguerite Louise Gingraix and Augusta Weyfare – fellow Signets who helped me at times throughout my terms.
A big thank you to Baroness Alexandra dei Campagnella, who agreed to take this job after me. I know I leave the office and its people in good hands.
And finally, a thank you to the ones I could not have done this without… my scribes. I am awe at the skill, talent, dedication and generosity that you have all shared. The scribes of Æthelmearc are the Kingdom’s true jewels. These fine folks have produced 1599 scrolls in the last 4.25 years. They worked under all kinds of pressure, usually short notice being the biggest. They were given an average of 37 days to make unique one of a kind scrolls (more often than not, it was closer to 15 or fewer days) to help make someone’s special moment even more special. These are the unsung heroes that deserve the praise and rewards for my term. No matter how long I am gone from the office I will always think of you as MY scribes. I can only hope that I was able to serve you well.
To the Kingdom of Æthelmearc, my home and the best Kingdom a person could hope to live and work in, I thank you for being you and appreciating the scribal arts as strongly as you do. Don’t forget to thank your scribe.
In your preparations for Blackstone Raids on the weekend of April 24-26, I would like to ask something of you. Every year Baroness Constance and the waterbearing staff make very sure that there is hydration available. The staff of Blackstone Raids provides a budget for water and supplies for the water bearers which goes against the bottom line of running the event.
So here is my challenge to the fighters, fencers, archers and throwers of the kingdom. In your packing, plan to bring something to help the staff.
What is needed?
Gallon jugs of water
Jars of Pickles
Bags of Oranges
Bags or bins of pretzels
Watermelon/Grapes
If you arrive Thursday or Friday you can drop them at the main lodge. If you arrive Saturday you can drop them off at the water bearers tent on the battle field.
Help support the whole army and keep them well-nourished and hydrated!!
Please join the Shire of Heronter in Celebration of the Art of Rapier. On May 1st, come join us as we celebrate the birth of a new peerage.
The site is a merely a deep lunge from Crown Tournament, so no need to miss that either. This event will take place on May 1, 2015 in the Shire of Heronter. Site opens at 3:00pm and the main hall closes at 11:00pm. This event will be held at Camp Timbercrest 11169 Moore Rd; Randolph, New York 14772
Stewards for the Event are Baroness Margerite Eisenwald (Jennifer Stendahl, 523 Winsor Street Jamestown NY 14701, 716-338-8184, projectmeek@gmail.com) and Lady Thora ni Drukkard (ladythora@yahoo.com). Reservations will be conducted online via facebook or electronic mail.
The Shire of Heronter is well aware that there is another Kingdom event the next day and thus will not be charging a site fee for the evening’s activities. As there is no site fee (although donations gladly accepted) there is no NMS.
We will be providing a sideboard for which there is a $5.00 fee. There may also be bunks available for a cost of $5.00 a bunk, for one night only). These fees will be collected on site only.
Once again the Rhydderich Hael invites the Known World to join the Barony for a day of food, fighting, pageantry, and fellowship. All set in the castle like setting of the historical Connecticut street armory! Ice Dragon offers a wide variety of activities and there is no excuse to go home unfulfilled.
Fighting: Ice Dragon offers a day full of heavy combat and fencing. The spacious first floor parade hall offers multiple lists for bear pits, pick up fights, and if time allows the odd melee and team events. With well over a hundred fighters expected it should prove a challenging and exciting day!
Salons: Located on the second floor and overlooking the fighting are the personal salons. Each Salon is a unique display of food, drink, and pageantry hosted by a mix of households, local groups, and individuals. People can enjoy relaxing in their private space all while getting a bird’s eye view of the fighting on the first floor. Salon space will book fast so make sure to reserve space as soon as possible.
Arts and Science: For the artisan’s pleasure Ice Dragon will once again host the “Pent”. This sprawling arts and science contest offers a wide selection of categories as well as youth and master work (Laurels Only) categories. For the brave of heart there is the option of entering multiple categories and winning the coveted title of “Pentathlon Winner”! Spectators are welcome to wander the hall and look at the entries.
Merchants: Save your pennies because Ice Dragon is also host to a wide selection of merchants selling everything from jewelry to clothing. Last year we had over 30 merchants packed into the first floor! If you are interested please reserve your spots as soon as possible. Prime space will go quickly.
Food and entertainment: All this action might leave a person a bit parched and hungry but fear not! The faithful tavern staff has planned a wonderful selection of food for the day and the tavern will once again host local entertainers for your viewing and listening pleasure. People interested in entertaining should contact the entertainment coordinator to book stage time.
The fine print:
When: March 21st, 2015
Times: Site Opens 0900 – Closes at 2100
Location: Connecticut Street Armory, 184 Connecticut St. Buffalo NY 14213
Costs (in US funds):
Adult pre-registration: 15.00
Adult onsite registration: 17.00
Child pre-registration (9-17): 8.00
Child onsite registrations (9-17): 9.00
Child 8 and under: FREE
Please make checks payable to SCA NY, inc – Barony of the Rhydderich Hael
Per Society, a $5 non-member surcharge will be collected at the event from any adults without proof of current membership.
Pre-reg Closes March 13th 2015.
Please note: We will NOT be using the ACCEPS on line payment system this year.
All visitors at the Armory are required to have Photo ID (except minors with their adult guardian)
Autocrat: Lord Magnus de Lyons (Lance Kazmark), 36 Wayne St. Depew NY 14043, 716-432-0763; magnusofnarnia@gmail.com
Reservations Clerk/Head Tollner: Send preregistration to: Wanda Spencer, THL Eleanore Godwin, 1396 Eggert Road, Amherst, NY 14226, 716-837-2431. No calls after 9pm, wcsteachhistory@yahoo.com
For more information and staff contact information please visit the Ice Dragon Website: