The Donnan Party event was scheduled for March 28 in the Shire of Ballachlagan.
From the autocrat of the Donnan Party to the Known World:
As with other gatherings of large groups of people, the Donnan Party has unfortunately been cancelled. Our host site, West Liberty University, has altered its campus offerings in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and following their suggestion we are going to suspend our activities on their campus. We are sorry for the inconvenience this may have caused you, but look forward to seeing all of you once this crisis has passed.
Their Majesties in Japanese outfits made by Her Ladyship Hara Kikumatsu, and His Lordship Ishiyama Gen’tarou Yori’ie. Photo by THL Ishiyama.
Unto the artisans and scientists of Æthelmearc do Byron and Ariella, King and Queen, send Greetings.
We have returned from Our travels to Our beloved Shire of Ballachlagan (beloved particularly by the cicadas this year). We saw so many good artistic acts and thoughtful, insightful classes at the Æthelmearc. We extend Our thanks to all of the artisans and teachers who made the day so special, and to Mistress Alicia for organizing the Æcademy classes. We were pleased to witness the largest Cut and Thrust tournament ever sponsored in this Kingdom, and Our thanks go to Master Will Parris for organizing the tournament. Vivant to Don Clewin, who will soon become a Master of Defense, for winning the tournament.
THL Aelric and all the members of Ballachlagan should be very proud of the event; it went off beautifully and was an excellent showcase for martial and artistic pursuits. We attended many of the classes (at least in part) and were impressed with the quality and depth of the teaching. We also spent time in the Arts and Sciences display, where all of the entries were exceptional, and it was difficult to choose favorites. Furthermore, We thank everyone who made Ian Aetheling and Princess Leah welcome in their classes.
It is indeed a blessing to have Heirs who work so well with Us, and Our thanks go to Prince Marcus and Princess Margerite for their support in numerous ways.
The Shire of Ballachlagan’s Donnan Party event on March 26 had its usual surfeit of heavy weapons and rapier, along with archery and thrown weapons.
Master Donnan MacDubhsithe, photo by Mistress Ts’vee’a bas Tseepori Levi.
The event began as a way to recognize the birthday of Master Donnan MacDubhsidhe by giving him a venue to receive the traditional fencer’s “birthday smacks.” It has evolved to include a heavy weapons muster for fighter to train for Pennsic.
The day started with the Court of the Imperatori, Tindal and Etain. Lady Julianna Ravenshaw explained the history of the event, and noted that while it was not Master Donnan’s actual birthday, it was the birthday of another gentle – Princess Ariella. Her Highness was presented with a cake, and the populace sang to her. The cake was later distributed with the lunch sideboard. The Imperatori then summoned Master Bastiano di Iacopo and asked if was ready to hold his vigil and play the prize for the Order of Defense, as he had received a Writ at Bog Twelfth Night in January. He answered in the affirmative and was escorted by the Masters of Defense to an area where he could meet with fencers and peers for that purpose. His elevation will take place at Coronation.
Court having ended, gentles scattered to don armor or pick up rapiers, bows, or axes and pursue the martial activities of their choice. The day being warm and sunny, the heavy and youth fighters went outside to the field behind the building, while the fencers took over the gyms to do Cut and Thrust training as well as hold classes on various rapier techniques. Master Benedict Fergus atte Mede, Kingdom Rapier Marshal, oversaw the authorization of about a dozen fencers in the new form of two-handed sword by various regional marshals. At noon the “birthday smacks” for Master Donnan began.
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Slideshow photos by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.
Meanwhile, the heavy fighters outside took advantage of the large field to have pickup fights as well as a round robin novice tournament. The Marshal-in-Charge, Lord Oliver Lengthorn, commented, “The unbelt round robin was a ‘warmup tourney’ thing that occurs at the beginning of each of our Region’s musters. After the round robin was over, many of the Knights in attendance took the field to offer the unbelted fighters a few passes and one-on-one instruction. The rest of the day we worked on small unit maneuvers in field battles and also drilled some tactics for limited front engagements.
We spent the day making our AErmy stronger. Though there is no individual winner to report, the entire Kingdom wins!”
After the tourney and warmups, the heavy fighters held field battles under the watchful eye of Augustus Tindal and Sir Thorgrim Skullsplitter.
Video by Arianna.
The youth fighters also enjoyed the fine weather, with the Kingdom Division 2 Champion, Drake, helping to train two brand new youth fighters. Master Liam macanTsaoire and Lord Rouland of Willowbrooke, both youth sparring marshals, took time out to fight against the youth as well.
Youth Combat photos by Arianna. Click to view as a slideshow.
Lunch was a buffet taco bar that also included fruits, veggies, and the Princess’ birthday cake.
In the afternoon the fencers held a Scholar’s Tourney for fencers who did not possess a White Scarf or Master of Defense. It had about 15 participants, and was won by Lord Markus Skalpr Grimsson.
Photo by Arianna.
As the day wound down, the Imperatori held their afternoon court, where they recognized many worthy gentles as noted in the Court Report. Most notably, THLady Fiora d’Artusio was inducted into the Order of the White Scarf for her skill on the rapier field. She was presented with a scarf from her husband, Master Will Parris, which he said was the first scarf he had received and which he had worn into many battles.
THLady Fiora d’Artusio is admitted to the Order of the White Scarf. Photo by Mistress Ts’vee’a.
Congratulations to the Shire of Ballachlagan on another successful Donnan Party!
Documented from the Scrolls of the Reign of Magnus Tindal and Etain II, basileos kai basilissa Æthelmearc: the Business of Their Court at Donnan Party, 26 March Anno Societatis L, in the Shire of Ballachlagan, accompanied by Her Highness Ariella, Princess of Æthelmearc. As recorded by Their Silver Buccle Herald, Kameshima-kyō Zentarō Umakai, with the assistance of Gwendolyn the Graceful, Brehyres.
In the morning:
Lady Juliana Ravenshaw presented a history of the Donnan Party, being originally a birthday celebration held in honor of Master Donnan.Today, however, was not Donnan’s birthday, but it was Her Highness’s birthday, and so she presented Her Highness with a celebratory cake baked by the Shire. Her Highness was then serenaded by all assembled.
Princess Ariella celebrated her birthday at the Donnan Party. Photo by Mistress Ts’vee’a bas Tseepora Levi.
Master Bastiano di Jacopo. Photo by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.
Maestro Bastiano de Iacopo was invited before the Imperatori and confirmed that it was still his wish to hold the field in contemplation of elevation to the Imperial Council of Defense. The said Council was then convened and voiced their assent. Maestro Bastiano was given into their care to convey him to the field that had been prepared for him.
In the evening:
Sienna Ravenshaw was created a Companion of the Silver Buccle for her service in setup and teardown of events, watching children, and assisting with arts and sciences efforts in the shire. Scroll forthcoming.
Sienna de Ravenshaw receives a Silver Buccle. Photo by Mistress Arianna.
The children of the Kingdom were called forth and, with the assent of their parents, given into the care of Sienna Ravenshaw to keep them amused during Court.
THL Aelric Ravenshaw, the autocrat of the day, was invited forth and gave thanks to the event staff. He also announced that Lord Markus Skalpr Grimsson was the victor in the fencing tournament sponsored by the Æthelmearc Academy of Defense. Markus was presented with a scroll by THL Aelric Ravenshaw.
Lord Markus is named the Fencing Tournament winner. Photo by Mistress Ts’vee’a.
Susannah DeHart was Awarded Arms for her dedication to many arts and sciences, including brewing, crafts, stained glass, cooking and herbs, and for bringing her apothecary knowledge to the aid of her camp at Pennsic. Scroll by Lady Vivienne of Yardley.
Susannah DeHart is awarded Arms. Photo by Mistress Ts’vee’a.
Kaylee of Ballachlagan was Awarded Arms for her service as deputy exchequer and tollner, and her skill in dance and the scribal arts. Scroll by THL Aelric Ravenshaw.
Kaylee of Ballachlagan is awarded Arms. Photo by Mistress Ts’vee’a.
Wilhelm Isenhart was Awarded Arms for his prowess with fencing blades, his skill in woodworking, and his service to his shire in the kitchens, and in the setup and teardown of events. Scroll by THL Aelric Ravenshaw.
Wilhelm Isenhart is awarded Arms. Photo by Mistress Ts’vee’a.
Lord Oliver Sutton was created a Companion of the Keystone for serving as the Knight Marshal for Ballachlagan, teaching new fighters, assisting with the setup and teardown of events, and being part of the burgeoning Ballachlagan scribal guild. Scroll by Lord Tegrinus de Rhina.
Lord Oliver Sutton recieves a Keystone. Photo by Mistress Ts’vee’a.
Lady Dominique von Weissenthurn was inducted into the Order of the Sycamore for her research into period headwear and buttons, her skill in sewing, and her enthusiasm in teaching that knowledge to others. Scroll by THL Aelric Ravenshaw.
Lady Dominique von Weissenthurn receives a Sycamore. Photo by Mistress Ts’vee’a.
Lady Iaroslava Ivanovna was given Their Majesties’ Award of Excellence for her many years of service to the Kingdom. She was then further admitted into the Order of the Sycamore for her diligent research into the arts of Pysanky eggs, ceramics and dance. Scroll by THL Aelric Ravenshaw.
Lady Iaroslava receives the Award of Excellence and a Sycamore. Photo by Mistress Ts’vee’a.
Beatrix of Anglesey was presented with the Sigil of Æthelmearc for her service to the Crown.
Beatrix of Anglesey receives a Sigil. Photo by Mistress Ts’vee’a.
THL Fiora d’Artusio was elevated to the Order of the White Scarf of Æthelmearc for her research into and skill in the art of fencing and those arts associated with it: teaching, garbmaking, the works of the fencing masters, and supporting the fencing community. Scroll illuminated by Meestress Odriana vander Brugghe and calligraphed by THL Kieran MacRae.
Doña Fiora with her White Scarf scroll and the scarf presented by her husband, Master Will Parris. Photo by Mistress Ts’vee’a.
The Imperata presented Mistress Katla ulfheðinn with her token of inspiration, for though many had given of their time and effort to make the day comfortable for Her Majesty, Mistress Katla had, in Her opinion, gone above and beyond the call of duty.
Mistress Katla receives the Augusta’s token of inspiration. Photo by Mistress Ts’vee’a.
The Imperatori thanked all scribes and medallion wrights who had contributed their talents and largesse to enhance the Court’s proceedings.
There being no further business, the Imperial Court was closed.
In Honor and Service,
Kameshima Zentarō Umakai
高貴国境の王国の治部卿
Silver Buccle Principal Herald, Kingdom of Æthelmearc
Documented from the Scrolls of the Reign of Timothy & Gabrielle II, King and Queen of Æthelmearc: the Business of Their Majesties’ Court at Dance in the Sylvan Sun, 22 August Anno Societatis L, in the Shire of Ballachlagan. As recorded by Their Silver Buccle Herald, Kameshima-kyō Zentarō Umakai.
In the afternoon:
On August 22, 2015, Timothy and Gabrielle, Rex and Regina Æthelmearc, in open Court expelled Derek Holton, known in the Society as Blue Star from participation in any aspect of the SCA.
In the evening:
The children of Æthelmearc were called forth and sent to amuse themselves under the guidance of Gisele of Arindale.
Their Majesties invited Mistress Lidia Allen into Their Court so that They might witness her presenting an Apprentice Belt to Lady Cassandra Matis, which she happily accepted.
Mistress Lidia Allen takes Lady Cassandra Matis as her apprentice.
Vasilisa Ivanovna was Awarded Arms for sharing her knowledge at practices and events. Scroll by THL Aelric Ravenshaw.
Vasilisa Ivanovna is awarded Arms.
Catrin Evan was Awarded Arms in absentia for always offering to help wherever necessary, including in the kitchens of the Shire. Scroll illuminated by Lady Juliana Ravenshaw and calligraphed by THL Aelric Ravenshaw.
Caera Chaomhanach was Awarded Arms for assisting at demos and events, and always with a smile. Scroll by THL Aelric Ravenshaw.
Caera Chaomhanach is awarded Arms.
Jarngerd was Awarded Arms for performing miraculous feats of culinary achievement with sparse and limited facilities. Scroll by Countess Aidin ni Leir.
Jarngerd is awarded Arms.
Raginleif Davidsdottir was Awarded Arms for excelling at both heavy weapons and the arts and sciences, and for always being kind, courteous and enthusiastic. Scroll work in progress by Lord Angellino the Bookmaker and Lady Ylaire Sainte Claire.
Raginleif Davidsdottir is awarded Arms.
Lord Rychard Kempe was created a Companion of the Keystone for his service to the dance and cooking communities, including stepping in at the last minute to make sure that Their Majesties’ populace are well fed. Scroll by THL Aelric Ravenshaw.
Lord Rychard Kempe receives a Keystone.
Lord Balint, who created the armor that had been presented in the day’s Arts and Sciences display, was given Her Majesty’s token of inspiration.
Lord Balint inspires the Queen.
The scribes who created the day’s scrolls were recognized.
His Majesty received a troubling missive from his agents within the East and Middle Kingdoms. Æthelmearc’s thwarting of the recent invasion attempt by the Royalty of those lands is not sitting well. Their Majesties Darius and Ragnvaldr have hatched another plot to take the lands of Æthelmearc for their own. The agents have discovered that Their Majesties will bring Their plans to fruition at Summer’s End.
There being no further business, Their Majesties’ Court was closed.
The Donnan Party event was scheduled for March 28 in the Shire of Ballachlagan.
