Tag Archives: fighting

Seneschal Announcement on Fighting & Fencing

10 Monday May 2021

Posted by in Announcements, Fencing, Heavy List, Officer Announcements

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First and foremost, Their Majesties, the Deputy Kingdom Seneschal for Pandemics (Duke Christopher), the Earl Marshal (Master Morien) and I have determined that Æthelmearc can start fighting and fencing again, starting May 10, 2021.

This change is due to the Board of Directors and Society Seneschal’s clarifications on what is allowed at SCA events and gatherings.

To clarify: fencing and fighting can start May 10, 2021. However, all participants must follow SCA guidelines:

  1. Everyone must wear a mask. (This means over the mouth and nose, not over the helm.)
  2. You can only take your mask off to eat or drink – and you must be stationary AND follow social distancing guidelines.
  3. You must bring your own food and water.
  4. All fencing and fighting must be outside. (This is a change from gatherings.)

The SCA also will not require vaccinations to participate; however, if a site owner (including homeowners) is requiring people to be vaccinated to come to their home, they have the right to do that. Enforcement, however, is on them, not the SCA. It is the homeowner who is responsible for deciding what proof they will accept, for any checking of that proof, and for any enforcement. It needs to be made clear that this is a rule of the homeowner, not the branch of the SCA.

Thank you so much and please contact me if you have any questions.

Addendum

As most of you have heard or seen, we are allowing fighting and fencing as of May 10th and I am so excited to get back out there and stab people. However, I have been asked a few questions about the lifting of the fencing and fighting ban, so I thought I would cover a few of them today.

Here’s what is required by the Board of Directors, the President of the SCA, the Society Seneschal, and AEthelmearc:

For practices: masks must be worn at all times, no food or water will be provided, if you want to consume food or water you must be stationary and follow social distancing guidelines, and all fencing and fighting practices must be outdoors. That last is a change from gatherings like sewing circles and scribal night.  These are for small practices.  If you have a large regional practice, that is an event.

For events, all of the above is required – PLUS pre-registration is required, and maximum of 150 people.

Let’s talk masks because that is where I am getting the most questions. The Society Seneschal’s guidance is that masks must follow CDC guidelines. That means two layers of breathable cloth fabric, or a disposable medical mask, it must completely cover your nose and mouth, no valves, no see through fabric or the like.

The mask MUST be against your face and cover your mouth and nose – not over your helm or fencing mask. That has been clarified by the Society Seneschal specifically. A plastic shield is not sufficient. However, if you have a new design idea, the Board of Directors is interested, particularly if it has already been fabricated.

Masks are, full stop, a requirement. If someone will not wear one, they must be asked to leave by the Marshal in charge, Autocrat, or local seneschal. Now, masks slip now and then or people are forgetful. We should all be kind and remind each other of the rules. However, if someone won’t comply, they cannot stay at the SCA event. Period.  If there is an issue with non-compliance, contact me or your regional seneschal immediately.

Food and water questions: Yes, you can give water to the people you live with and hand a sandwich to your child; however, that’s it. No communal water (and especially no more drinking out of the same tube in a water jug anymore.)  We can give out sealed water bottles; however.  Just please recycle.

Demos: Yes, we can do demos; however, there needs to be a barrier between the SCA and the rest of the public. Think of two sets of list ropes, an inner rope where we can do our activities, and an outer rope where the public can stand.  Also, yes at demos, we must wear masks,  in addition to any other state and local guidelines.

Also, when you first get out there, I recommend bringing more water than you think you’ll need. I also recommend bringing several masks to change out, as it gets hard to breath through masks when they get soaked from sweat and heavy breathing.

Illadore de Bedegrayne, Kingdom Seneschal

Ædult Swim II: Fighting with Social Anxiety

26 Sunday Feb 2017

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By Duke Malcolm Duncan MacEoghainn, originally posted on Facebook

Malcolm

Photo of Duke Malcolm at last year’s AEdult Swim by Ursus.

I have read more than a few comments about anxiety and concerns by folks asking for fights, and I’d like to address that a wee bit. Let’s start with me sharing something that I don’t often share: I suffer from social anxiety. I don’t say that lightly as it’s one of those things that I just don’t talk about, but in this instance I think it’s important as it sets the tone for what I think I plan to say next. Just walking in the door to something like Ædult Swim is a non-minor victory for me. People I do not know intimidate me, and I never feel comfortable initiating a conversation. Ever.

So, I only say that to set the tone for making suggestions, and most of these suggestions apply to any situation, although in an environment like Ædult Swim or practices, even more so.

Primarily, remember why you are there. This is not Crown or a proving ground. Yes, there are times you see some of those Duke-types go at each other like it is, but believe me, they aren’t. They’re having fun, they’re playing, they’re testing each other and themselves. They are Duke-practicing. They are doing the same thing you are, they’re learning new things. It might not be obvious, but that’s what’s happening. It’s the same thing for you: you have nothing to prove except to yourself. Learn. Pick something that you need to know, and work on it. Or, and this is where the anxiety part comes in, ask someone to help you with that.

Fighters go to things like Æ-Swim to learn from resources that are not normally available. You can’t often get to spend time fighting someone from Lochac and the Midrealm and Caid all back to back. That usually only happens at major wars when there are a thousand other things going on. Practice is just that- practice. People expect to fight. The only reason people get turned down is because someone is waiting for someone else to finish arming and come out. And then, they’re likely to be willing to fight you next.

While I can only say this about myself, in conversations with fellow fighters of my level I feel confident that this next bit applies nearly universally: I love all my fights. At Æ-Swim II, I fought all level of fighters, from those fighting their first few months to those who have forgotten more than I will ever learn. I never.. EVER.. had the thought that “Gee, I wish I didn’t fight this person.” I was glad for each and every moment. For me, seeing the eyes light up as a newer fighter starts to see something gel is a thrill. Just as it’s exciting to see that look of “I got ya” in the eyes of the Superduke. At practice, every fight I teach, every fight I learn, every fight I practice. That no-ego, no-worries free exchange of knowledge is the beauty of Æ-Swim and practices.

And, for those of use who do suffer from anxiety, it is an opportunity to practice something else: courage. If you struggle with it, you get to practice enduring. You can practice your public skills and add that to your fight. With every encounter, and every moment, you take yet another step toward controlling the anxiety rather than allowing it to control you. I am not going to tell you to “not be afraid,” because that’s just not possible. I’ll tell you to go ahead and be afraid, be anxious, but do it anyway. That makes you stronger. Trust me on this one.

Lastly, let me give you this: you are a gift. You are a gift to yourself, and you are a gift to those who know you. If you are skilled, then learn more, push more, and share your skill. If you are learning, keep learning, and give the gift of practice to everyone you meet. While you may find some very few who do not accept your gift, they will be few and far between.

When you are at a practice, at a pick-up field, or something like Æ-Swim… grab that opportunity. Be the fighter, and go fight. Go learn. And if you see some chucklehead standing on the field by her- or himself, then go acquaint them with your friendship and ask for a dance. You got this.

 

Teachers Sought for FFF

12 Wednesday Oct 2016

Posted by in Arts & Sciences, Event Announcements & Updates

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Classes are already coming in for Fiber, Fabric, Fighting, etc., etc., etc.!

Won’t you join your compatriots in sharing your knowledge? This is the fourteenth year for this wonderful event, and you too can be part of the long tradition.

If you wish to teach, please email me (Phiala):

  • Your name (SCA and modern), and preferred titles (if any)
  • Home Kingdom
  • A brief biography
  • Title of class
  • Brief description
  • Class length, limits, fees, and special needs (if any)

The full announcement is here.

Phiala O’Ceallaigh

Event Report: Regional Fight Practice in Sterlynge Vayle

20 Sunday Mar 2016

Posted by in Arts & Sciences, Combat Archery, Event Reports, Fencing, Heavy List

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Baroness Katja Davidova Orlova Khazarina reports on the recent regional martial practice. All photos by Katja.

Strike, stab, shoot, simmer, and stitch!  Gentles attending the regional fight practice in the Shire of Sterlynge Vayle on Sunday, March 6 enjoyed rattan fighting and rapier, some combat archery, and a cozy A&S display.

The Imperator participates in the melees.

Fifty-one gentles from the shire, Myrkfaelinn, Endless Hills, Thescorre, Heronter, and elsewhere in the kingdom enjoyed the practice at the Greater Binghamton Health Center, according to Barwnes Nest ferch Rys, the shire’s chatelaine and thrown weapons marshal, who served as tollner for the practice. (“Barwnes”  is Welsh for “Baroness.”)

Of the attendees, she said, 28 gentles signed up for the heavy fighting and 10 for the fencing, although a few combatants switched from rapier to rattan later in the day. There were also about a dozen gentles who served as marshals or spectators, plus two artisans.

Fighting and Combat Archery

Heavy pickups.

Baroness Mariana Maria Pietrosanti, the shire’s knight marshal and archery marshal, acted as autocrat of the practice and also taught a combat archery class in the gymnasium where the heavy fighters began with some personal pickups, then enjoyed several hours of multiple field and bridge melees.

Two combat archers joined in some of the melees, plus Her Excellency began instructing two new marshals-in-training in combat archery, deemed another CA MIT to have completed training, and welcomed five new CA fighters. There were also several heavy and fencing authorizations as well.

“The turnout for this was equal or greater than our traditional schola, actually!” Baroness Nest said with a smile, speaking for her and Baroness Mariana. “ I think I can safely say we were both pleasantly surprised at the high turnout. We really look forward to doing this again — and having even more people come out to play!”

She added that she was thrilled at the number of gentles who came to the practice so soon after they authorized, including one from Heronter.

Although it was a practice and, therefore, free from any site fee charge, Baroness Nest checked membership cards (plus authorization cards) and kept careful tollner/MOL records because the day was listed as an official event on the Æthelmearc webpage.

Why? The Imperatori had scheduled a second Curia to be held at that practice to allow for further discussion, if needed, after Their reign’s first Curia. Since They did not end up having any business that required a second Curia, Imperator Tindal later explained, They canceled the one planned for the regional practice.

I was very happy with the practice overall,” The Imperator noted. “I think everyone displayed a dedication to the continued growth and improvement of the Æthelmearc army and are determined to put a fierce and effect host on the field this summer.

The purpose of the practice was to promote fighting and fencing in the shire, Baroness Mariana  said, “it was good of the fighters and fencers to gear up for Pennsic and work together.” She added that the group hoped to continue holding large regional practices at the Center four times a year.

The shire was inspired by Imperator Tindal’s request for such practices in each region quarterly, she said. The Imperator later replied that he didn’t remember specifically encouraging each region to hold regional practices each quarter, but he definitely liked the idea. “More opportunities to train, travel and improve would be a benefit to the Kingdom martial forces,” he agreed.

Rapier

Lord Hrolfr Fjarfell spars with Don Po before the bearpit.

Baron Eric faces Tiffany.

Baroness Mariana also thanked Baron Gunnar of the Endless Hills, not only for serving as fencing marshal in charge for the day but also for traveling to the shire weekly from his home group to run its fencing practice; the shire, she explained, doesn’t have its own fencing marshal.

The fencers warmed up with a bearpit tourney in the auditorium, in which Baron Eric Grenier de Labarre narrowly beat Don Po Silvertop to win, then they went outside to play Capture the Flag on the back lawn.  Although the day was remarkably sunny and nonwindy for a late-winter day, it was a little too chilly for extended outside combat, so the fencers soon returned indoors to spend the rest of the afternoon chatting and enjoying pickups.

“We wanted to knock off the winter rust and prepare for spring melee season leading into War,” His Excellency Gunnar shared.

Arts & Sciences Display

THL Christine

Her Ladyship Christine inghean Grioghair and Lady Elska Fjarfell, both from Myrkfaelinn, displayed some of their recent projects in the hallway near a table of snacks and drinks offered by the Shire.

THL Christine displayed a lovely beaded blackwork embroidered square with gold work, and chatted about embroidery while leafing through a book of stitch designs for ideas for a new sweet bag she wants to make.

Lady Elska holds a salt-hardened piece of her homemade soap. She used her own drip lye rather than purchased lye.

DSCN2992

The soap in the ladies bathroom.

 

Lady Elska showed gentles some hardened tallow/drip lye/salt soap she’d recently made while sporadically stirring the contents of a slow cooker, where soft olive oil/drip lye soap bubbled away.

Visitors to the ladies bathroom found a delightful surprise: a bowl of Lady Elska’s soft tallow soap on a shelf above the sinks, with a note encouraging them to try the silky, pleasant-smelling creation. (It made one’s hands very clean and soft!)

Event Report: Summer’s End, Canton of Beau Fleuve, September 12, A.S. L

17 Thursday Sep 2015

Posted by in Arts & Sciences, Event Reports, Feast, Fencing, Heavy List, Thrown Weapons

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Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope, Lord Magnus de Lyons, and Lady Miriel du Lac, and Baron Caleb Reynolds report on the happenings at Summer’s End.

The Canton of Beau Fleuve held its annual Summer’s End event on September 12th. It featured the usual fighting, fencing, and thrown weapons, as well as an A&S competition.

The heavy weapons portion of the event began with melees. Sir Aengus MacBain, the autocrat of Summer’s End, recorded the fighting from above.

– Video by Sir Aengus MacBain.

After the melees, the “Beer Pit” tourney began. To enter, each fighter had to supply some quantity of beer, whether alcoholic or non (root beer, ginger beer, etc. were acceptable), and then the combatants fought a standard bear pit with one point for a loss and two points for a win. One observer noted that you could tell the beer contributions came from Scadians, as there wasn’t a “light” beer to be seen.

Sven vs Finn

Sir Finn vs. Duke Sven. Photo by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.

Beer

The beer contributed for the “Beer Pit.” Photo by Mistress Arianna.

The winner of the “Beer Pit” tourney was Duke Sven Gunnarsson, newly arrived in Æthelmearc from Drachenwald this summer. He generously shared the beer with his fellow combatants, taking only a single mixed six-pack as his “loot.” His Majesty, King Timothy, placed second, with Sir Finn Marland O’Shannon third.

Thrown Weapons

Despite the drizzly weather, 15 throwers braved the elements to throw axes, knives, and spears. All competitors threw a Royal Round with axe and knife followed by a left/right target: thrower’s choice of weapon. The thrower had to hit a pair of griffins; first the one on the left, followed by the one on the right. To round out the competition, each thrower then had six spears to make the best poker hand. Throwing four spears at 15 feet, and two spears at 25 feet, throwers had to hit randomly placed playing cards on a sheet: jokers were wild. Madoc got the highest score (20) on this target: with 5 points for sticking five times plus an additional 15 points for getting three of a kind. But the winner of the overall competition with 108 points was Lady Aemelia Soteria of BMDL, who threw like a champ in spite of the weather and the long drive. Vivant to all the throwers!

Thrown weapons competitors. Photo by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.

Thrown weapons competitors. Photo by Mistress Arianna.

Fencing

A challenging fencing tournament was run by Lord Alexander du Lac and was attended by many eager fencers including HRH Prince Magnus Tindal. The tournament was a reverse bear pit, which at least for some of the newer fencers, was a fresh experience. In a reverse bear pit, two fencers enter the list to fight a bout. After the bout, the winner leaves the list and scores a point while the loser remains in the list to fight another bout until either winning a bout or reaching a maximum of three losses (at which time two new fighters entered the list). The format kept the action flowing and the blades flying, lasting a couple hours with only an occasional break. Finally, as sword-arms tired and the list dwindled in number, a final series of bouts was fought between Don Behrend von Elmendorf and Lord Robert MacEwin of Thornhill, with Don Behrend emerging the victor. Aside from all the points, the tournament was a wonderful display of fair play with many fine examples of courtesy and chivalry, showing once again that the Society is more about friends than it is just winning the day.

Don Berhend vs Lady Miriel

Lady Mirel du Lac vs. Don Behrend von Elmendorf. Photo by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.

HRH Tindal vs Robert

HRH Prince Magnus Tindal vs. Lord Robert MacEwin of Thornhill. Photo by Mistress Arianna.

Arts and Sciences Competition

The theme for the A&S competition at Summers End this year was “What I did on my Pennsic Vacation”. All entries had to be a project made at or learned in a class taken at Pennsic 44.  No formal documentation was required, however the entry had to include the name of the class and the instructor. Handouts from the class could be displayed with the entry. Scoring was by a populace bean count. There were five entries this year, and here they are in no particular order.

One was a red pillow embroidered in black, gold, and white based off the class Inlaid Patchwork, Embroidered Work, Embroidered Stitch, Rag Rug or Intarsia taught by Baroness Kaleeb the Green

Summers End 010A second was a set of wire wrapped rings in silver and copper based off the class Quick and Easy Handmade Largess by the Lady Droen O’Rourke.

Summers End 016

A third was an example of a Medieval Mustard based off the class Dijon Vu.

Summers End 013

A Fourth was an example of silk banner painting done in red and black based off the class Silk standard/Banners by Madame Cynthia du Pont.

Summers End 009

In the end the winner by a large number of votes was the red pillow embroidered in black, gold, and white by Lady Alime bint Yorgi.

Kingdom and Baronial Courts 

Their Excellencies, Carolus and Isolda, Baron and Baroness of the Rhydderich Hael, held their baronial court where they recognized the tourney winners, and bestowed awards on numerous deserving gentles. They also thanked the autocrat, Sir Aengus MacBain, for running an excellent event.

Their Excellencies Carolus and Isolde thank the autocrat, Sir Aengus MacBain. Photo by Mistress Arianna.

Their Excellencies Carolus and Isolde thank the autocrat, Sir Aengus MacBain. Photo by Mistress Arianna.

At Royal court, Their Majesties, King Timothy and Queen Gabrielle called forth the Kingdom Seneschale, Mistress Cori Ghora, and thanked her for her years of service in a difficult job. They then summoned Duke Christopher Rawlins and confirmed that he was willing to take the reins of the Kingdom from Mistress Cori, to which he agreed. His Grace swore his fealty to the Kingdom and accepted the key of office. The populace cheered the past service of Mistress Cori and the work to come by Duke Christopher.

Duke Christopher swears fealty as Kingdom Seneschal. Photo by Mistress Arianna.

Duke Christopher swears fealty as Kingdom Seneschal. Photo by Mistress Arianna.

Their Majesties went on to bestow awards on many deserving gentles. A sad moment came when They apologized to one award recipient because her scroll was not there — because it had been assigned to Countess Aidan ni Leir. Their Majesties then bade the populace observe a moment of silence in honor of the passing of this pillar of the Society, and further exhorted them to reach out to friends, as one never knows when they may be taken from us.

The highlight of the court was the bestowing of the Jewel of Æthelmearc on Maestro Jacopo di Niccolo for his many years of service to the Kingdom, most especially to the archery community. The Jewel is given to those gentles who the Crown believe exemplify all that is excellent in their populace. Maestro Jacopo is the 39th Jewel of Æthelmearc.

Maestro Jacopo di Niccolo is made the 39th Jewel of Æthelmearc. Photo by Mistress Arianna.

Maestro Jacopo di Niccolo is made the 39th Jewel of Æthelmearc. Photo by Mistress Arianna.

The Feast

This year’s feast was cooked by Lord Robaird Michael Patrick Timothy James O’Suilleabhainn, better known as Brother Bobby. The feast consisted of two courses and a dessert.

Course 1
Assorted Rolls with Maple & Parmesan Butters
Moroccan Bean & Vegetable Soup
Autumn Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Course 2
Thracian Chicken
Apple Pork Pie
Mushy Peas
Roasted Rice

Dessert
Shortbread Cookies with Lemon Cheesecake Dip

The Populace that had assembled for the feast set heartily to all of the food. At one point little speaking was being done as every mouth was busy enjoying the delicious victuals before them. Much was made of the tasty butters, used to enhance the soft rolls and when the soup arrived more then a few people dunked their bread into the warm vegetable and bean laden soup (and sometimes rice). The salad had cubes of fresh apple, raisins, and crisp lettuce.

When the second course arrived the populace enjoyed the smoky and flavorful Thracian Chicken. The Apple Pork Pie served cold helped to sate the hearty appetites of the people assembled; its tender pork chunks wrapped in flaky crust were devoured almost as soon as they hit the plates. The sides of Mushy Peas and Roasted Rice were a welcome addition to the meal, both flavorful and winning over more then a few people who had stated they were not big fans of “green things”.

Finally the dessert course was served and people happily dipped Shortbread Cookies with and without gluten into the tart Lemon Cheesecake Dip. Some were so enamored with the dip they asked for containers of their own.

The people, now full and happy, declared the feast a success and raised their cups to Brother Bobby in praise of his wonderful meal that day.