Our Monarchs Marcus and Margerite will be travelling to foreign lands and would like examples of the bounty and excellence of their people.
They are looking to put together gift baskets for TRMs to take to Market Day at Birka (East) and Gulf Wars (Meridies). Needed are artisans to contribute to these baskets. Needed are items that Their noble cousins can give to their populace as well as supporting their own Reigns. Suggestions include awards of excellence, or personal tokens that can be given out. Their Majesties are also hoping for someone to step forward to coordinate collection of these items over the next two months.
Their Majesties are also looking to commission an artisan or artisans to create personal tokens of their own to hand out while travelling. These would be given to individuals that inspire TRMs as well as thank you gifts for those that perform acts of personal service to Æthelmearc citizens abroad.
If you think you might be interested to add your talent to the pool, or wish to serve the Kingdom with your skills of organization, you are encouraged to contact TRMs’ majordomo Mester Janos. They are looking to have this position filled before the holiday break.
Their Majesties thank you for your continuing support and look forward to seeing many of you at Their 12th Night Celebrations this winter.
Documented from the Scrolls of the Reign of Magnus Tindal and Etain II, basileos kai basilissa Æthelmearc: the Business of Their Court at Gulf Wars, 13-20 March Anno Societatis L, in the Kingdom of Gleann Abhann, accompanied by Their Highnesses Byron and Ariella, Prince and Princess of Æthelmearc. As recorded by Countess Caryl Olesdattir and Baron Robert O’Connor, Sycamore Herald, with the assistance of Maestro Orlando di Bene del Vinta.
17 March, following the Champions Tournament:
The Imperatori presented the Sigil of Æthelmearc to the following gentles for their assistance in Royal camp and to the Imperatori during Gulf Wars: Countess Elena d’Artois le Tailleur, Mistress Illadore de Bedegrayne, THL Marek Viacheldrago and Lady Verica ingean Domnaill.
Sigils given at Gulf Wars. Photo by Lady Silence de Cherbourg.
The Imperatori established the Award of the Golden Escarbuncle, a non-armigerous award given at the whim of the Crown for any particularly impressive achievement regardless of discipline, and which may be given multiple times to the same recipient if they so earn the recognition, and awarded the first Golden Escarbuncle to THL Beatrix Krieger for her prowess during the Champions tournament, in which her victory over a Knight from An Tir was so impressive that Duke Cuan of Atlantia was moved to gift her with his sword.
THLady Beatrix Krieger fighting in the Diamond Tourney. Photo by Lady Silence.
The Imperatori thanked all present for making the long trip to Gulf Wars to represent Æthelmearc.
18 March, in the Kingdom encampment:
THL Marek Viacheldrago was summoned before the Imperatori, who spoke of his martial prowess and his many chivalric qualities. They then convened their Council of Chivalry, and presented Marek with a Writ of Summons that he might return to Them at a time and place of his choosing and answer whether he would accept elevation to the Peerage and induction into that Council.
THL Marek receives a Writ for the Chivalry. Photo by Lady Silence.
Don Annanias Fenne was then called before Them, for not only had his prowess upon the fencing field won him great renown, but he was also well known and respected for his teaching of others, and the Empress spoke particularly of the many times that his conduct upon the list had inspired Her. They then convened their Council of Defense, and presented Annanias with a Writ of Summons, that he also might return to Them at a time and place of his choosing and answer whether he would accept elevation to the Peerage and induction into that Council.
Don Anias receives a Writ for the Order of Defense. Photo by Lady Elaine Fairchild.
The Imperatori then called for Baron Robert O’Connor and spoke of the service they had seen him display at Gulf Wars this year and of his effort during the bad weather that had plagued the event. For this service they awarded him a Golden Escarbuncle.
Baron Robert “Bob the Herald” receiving a Golden Escarbuncle. Photo by Lady Silence.
The Imperatori once again thanked all who had traveled to Gulf Wars this year for all of the support They had received, and wished everyone safe travels on their way home.
There being no further business, the Imperial Court was closed.
Following Court, THL Marek and Don Annanias both informed the Imperatori that they would answer their Writs of Summons at the Festival of the Passing of the Ice Dragon, 2 April in the Barony of the Rhydderich Hael.
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
Lady Silence de Cherbourg, Sir Maghnus de Cnoc an Iora, Master Urho Waltterinen, Maistir Brandubh O Donnghaille, and other attendees provided this information on the happenings at Gulf Wars XXV.
Packing the truck to head out to Gulf Wars. Photo by Lady Elaine Fairchild.
Saturday
Many people from Æthelmearc sent their armor and camping gear with Master Alastar Scott McCrummin in his bakery truck, as has been the case for several years. Master Alastar and Maistir Brandubh drove the truck to Mississippi, with Maistres Myfanwy ferch Rhiannon following along behind by car. The trip began with what might be seen as a bad omen when the truck broke down near Cincinnati, delaying their arrival on site by most of a day. Fortunately the rental company was able to get them a replacement truck, and after unpacking and repacking, they were able to continue on their way. There had been a great deal of rain at the site in the week before Gulf Wars, and there was some concern that people would be setting up in the rain, but the skies had cleared by the time people began arriving on Sunday.
Sunday
Most non-merchants from Æthelmearc arrived on Sunday and began setting up camp, including the kitchen. Æthelmearc’s Kingdom camp at Gulf Wars is located in an area at the bottom of a hill that is sheltered from the wind. Later this proved a good thing… Many in the camp were looking forward to the week’s meals as Mistress Illadore had prepared period dinners for each evening, sourcing from a single lesser-used cookbook (when possible) and providing a theme every night. Approximately 40 people from Æthelmearc ultimately attended Gulf Wars, though not all camped with the kingdom – some were merchants who camped at their booths, and a few people camped with friends from other Kingdoms.
Dinner menu by Mistress Illadore de Bedegrayne. Photo by Lady Silence de Cherbourg.
Monday
On Monday their Royal Highnesses, Byron and Ariella, arrived in camp to much rejoicing. Much shopping was done by Gulf War attendees trying to get a jump on “the good stuff.” The ballista was assembled by a crew including Bryheres Gwendolyn the Graceful, Lady Elaine Fairchilde, and Sir Magariki Katsuichi no Koredono. Monday’s dinner, led by Mistress Illadore and prepared by many hands, was a Roman feast, based on the Apicius cookbook. Kitchen helpers worked for 3 hours to produce grilled chicken, a nut and custard pie, made-on-site flatbread, sauced peaches, grilled asparagus, and various period dips and spreads. Their Majesties, Tindal and Etain, who stayed in royalty cabin, joined the camp for the impressive spread.
Tuesday
The heavy weapons Town Battle was held on Tuesday, and consisted of two 45 min resurrection battles. One side held the fort while the other attacked, and then they switched sides for the second battle. There was a “river” that only the Chivalry could walk through; the rest of the fighters had to go over one of the bridges. During the battle many of the Chivalry in the “river” were fencing with spear against people on shore. The weather was “ridiculously hot;” Sir Maghnus reports that after only 15 minutes of fighting, fighters had to take a break for water.
Opening ceremonies saw our full set of Royals looking magnificent on their horses. Æthelmearc declared its allegiance with Trimaris, against Ansteorra. Throughout the War, sides were mostly even, and when they looked likely to become unbalanced, some groups changed sides to make the fighting more fun.
Their Majesties and Their Highnesses process into Opening Ceremonies to declare for Trimaris. Photo by Master Urho Waltterinen.
The plushie red ballista at home. Photo by Brehyres Gwendolyn the Graceful.
At last year’s Gulf Wars, it was noted that Sir Maghnus loves his ballista so much, he would sleep with it if he could. In recognition of this, THLady Pippi Ulfsdottir decided to aid this desire by creating a (functional) plushie ballista for Sir Maghnus to sleep with. Mistress Illadore and Lady Beatrix Krieger fought as a team in the Diamond Tourney, which pairs a heavy and a rapier fighter. Lady Beatrix in particular fought well and with great courtesy. Tuesday evening’s feast was 14th c Dutch with grilled sausages, split pea soup, rice with almond milk, apples in port, and berry pie as the daily pie.
Dona Illadore competing in the Diamond Tourney. Photo by Lady Silence.
THLady Beatrix Krieger (left) fighting in the Diamond Tourney. Photo by Lady Silence.
Wednesday
The Rapier Field Battle was held on Wednesday. The Trimarian side, which included Æthelmearc fought well, but was victorious in only one of the three battles. Prince Byron and Princess Ariella were part of the Æthelmearc rapier unit, in their first rapier battle since authorizing.
Æthelmearc’s rapier unit, including Prince Byron and Princess Ariella. Photo by Lady Silence.
That day’s heavy War Point was the Ravine Battle, also known as the “Everyone gets shot by Archers” battle. It was a timed resurrection battle with three flags, ownership of the flags being checked at intervals. It included combat archery but not siege and is famed for its sea of arrows. The Trimarian side won this battle by a small margin. There was a total 90 minutes with points determined by flag control, and Trimaris won by only a minute and a half of possession time.
Don Anais Fenne (right) competing in a tournament at Gulf Wars. Photo by Lady Silence.
Mistress Illadore ran a Ladies’ rapier tournament and received many words of appreciation from the entrants for her work. Don Anias and THL Marek fought in the Meridian Rose Tourney for Countess Elena D’Artois and Countess Anna Leigh, respectively.
THLady Pippi Ulfsdottir on the archery range with son Anders in his backpack. Photo by Lady Silence.
Master Urho, Master Tofi Kerthjalfadsson, and THLady Pippi Ulfsdottir all represented Æthelmearc on the archery range for the populace War Point shoot, with THL Pippi amusing some people by shooting with her 7-month-old son Anders in a pack on her back. Master Urho noted that there was more space than in past years, with a clout shoot that was almost 100 yards vs. 75-80 yards at previous Gulf Wars. The grand invitational archery competition was canceled due to the weather.
Dinner that night was described as Portuguese sloppy joes, from MS I.E. 33 – Livro de Cozinha da Infant’a D. Maria, a 16th century Portuguese cookbook likely written for the Portuguese Infanta Maria of Guimarães (granddaughter of King Manuel I of Portugal) who traveled to Italy when she married the Duke of Parma in November 1565. The nightly pie was pear with whipped cream. Midnight Madness was not as crowded as expected, despite the weather holding up.
Thursday
Thursday morning the Allied Champions tournaments were held. Don Anias and Lady Ciara Eilis were Æthelmearc’s champions for rapier, while THLady Beatrix Krieger was our champion for heavy weapons. There was also a champion’s tournament called the “Pokemon” Tourney. Each Kingdom designated a set of champions, and then each side send out one or more champions, to which the other side responded with their own champions. This tournament ended up running over into the time frame for the field battles, of which five were planned. The ballista came out for the first field battle and did pretty well. At one point it was almost overrun by the other side but Sir Maghnus grabbed his spear and helped fight the attackers off.
Sir Maghnus waiting for the field battle to begin. Photo by Lady Elaine.
The second field battle did not include siege engines. By the third field battle, the marshals were concerned about the weather so it started quickly. Trimaris won and then it began to rain heavily, resulting in cancellation of the remaining field battles. The rapier woods battle was also cancelled at that point.
Æthelmearc fighters in Thursday’s rain. Photo by Duchess Siobhán inghean uí Liatháin.
That evening’s dinner was going to be steak, potatoes, and of course another pie, but the weather had other plans. As Don Anias grilled steaks and THL Marek stirred potatoes, the storm hit with its full force. Marek soldiered on with his cooking duty while holding the kitchen fly poles. The entire camp banded together to hold onto tent poles to successfully keep the main pavilion and personal tents upright as the rain quickly doused the grill fire, leaving only a few of the steaks cooked properly. All of the flies went down in the wind, many of them suffering damage. Fortunately, every personal tent weathered the storm, though several had water inside. Several people, including Baron Robert O’Connor, trenched around the camp to keep as much water out as possible. The Kingdom camp’s location downhill from the main areas of the site worked both for it (by reducing the wind) and against it (by increasing the flow of water through the camp). Some folks evacuated site for safety, with the 7-month-old infant and his mother being the first out, while others stayed behind to keep an eye on the camp.
Pies by Mistress Illadore. Photos by Lady Silence.
Those who stayed were rewarded with the pieces of steak that had been prepared prior to the downpour, along with apple pies that were dubbed “Tornado Pie” and declared legendary. The pie had finished cooking and had been kept safe in the oven, even after the kitchen tent was brought down by the winds. Other Kingdoms were not so fortunate; in particular, Meridies and Trimaris’ camps, which were in the most open sections of the site, were flattened by the wind and driving rain. Many gentles took shelter in the main hall or the Green Dragon Tavern. There are differing accounts as to whether there was an actual tornado on site, but either way, much devastation ensued. As we always do, Scadians banded together to provide assistance to those in need. There were few serious injuries; one possible concussion and a broken collarbone, but no worse has been reported. Master Alastar’s bakery operated throughout the event, though their four-ft deep sump filled up in only 20 minutes. Maistir Brandubh says the bakery tent held up well despite having some of its 3′ stakes pulled up during the wind, and ended up giving shelter to other merchants whose tents went down.
The rain and wind died down late Thursday night.
Friday
Although Friday dawned bright and sunny, all official activities were canceled as many camps were in ruins after the Thursday night’s storm. Even those whose tents came through the storm ok still had a lot of wet gear.
Clothing drying on tent poles after the “Gulfnado.” Photo by Lady Silence.
Many in the Æthelmearc camp had started packing up to go when Their Majesties came down to conduct their final court of the war. THL Marek was first given a Writ to contemplate elevation to the Order of Chivalry, to give his reply at Ice Dragon. Next, Don Anias was summoned and given a Writ to join the Masters of Defense. He shall also play the prize and be elevated at Ice Dragon. In addition, Baron Robert O’Connor (aka Bob the Herald) was given one of the new awards intended to recognize specific acts of service, a Golden Escarbuncle, for his service during Gulf Wars, transporting people and equipment and providing assistance to all during a very trying event.
Baron Robert “Bob the Herald” receiving a Golden Escarbuncle. Photo by Lady Silence.
Gulf War ended too early and left many with a feeling of loss, being denied those last couple of days of the event, particularly after the amount of travel our Kingdom denizens must undertake to get there. Alas, Mother Nature offers no do-overs, but we hope that next year’s Gulf Wars will be better. In the mean time, here are more photos from the “Gulfnado,” which will no doubt be the source of stories for many years to come.
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Thank you to Lady Silence de Cherbourg, Master Urho Waltterinen, Lady Elaine Fairchild, Mistress Elashava bas Riva, and Duchess Siobhán inghean uí Liatháin for their wonderful photos.
On Friday, March 19 at Gulf Wars, the Imperatori, Magnus Tindal and Etain, called forth two gentles and gave each of them Writs for elevation to peerage.
Don Anias Fenne received a Writ for the Order of Defense.
THLord Marek Viacheldrago was given a Writ for the Order of Chivalry.
Both of these worthy gentlemen will reportedly sit vigil at the Festival of the Ice Dragon on April 2 in the Barony of the Rhydderich Hael, to consider elevation at Court that evening.
Her Majesty presents Don Anias with a Writ for the Order of Defense. Photo by Lady Elaine Fairchild.
THLord Marek is called to consider elevation to the Chivalry. Photo by THLady Phelippe (Pippi) Ulfsdottir.
Last night, Thursday March 17th, a severe storm ripped through Gulf Wars in Gleann Abhann. Official word from the staff is that there was a severe thunderstorm with straight line winds. A couple announcements:
All activities for Friday are cancelled. Things will be reevaluated Friday afternoon.
Troll is still open. Cars are still allowed to enter site. All traffic is one way such as on opening day.
If you need a warm place to sleep, please contact watch. There are available options.
A collapsed tent at Midrealm encampment, Gulf Wars. Photo by Count Cellach MacChormach.
Æthelmearc folks are well and accounted for, some leaving site for hotels, some remaining. There was some damage in the Kingdom camp, but they fared better than others, and the Kingdom pavilion is still standing, thanks to efforts by all in camp.
Reports from Scadians on site via social media are that the storm arrived Thursday afternoon during a rattan battle, and developed into heavy rains, high winds, and dime-sized hail by early evening. Only one serious injury has been reported so far: a lady from the Midrealm was sent to the hospital with a possible concussion but is reported to be recovering. As always, people banded together to help each other out: royal cabins and merchants with large tents or buildings took in refugees, food vendors and large households offered hot drinks and soup, gentles gave extra blankets, cloaks, and coats to those in need, and numerous people braved the weather to check on their friends. We’re told that Imperator Tindal personally made sure that all of His subjects were safe, as did the Kings of Atlantia and Trimaris. Some people retreated to hotels for the night after their tents went down or were flooded, while others remained on site to try to prevent further damage to tents and pavilions. The rain stopped late Thursday night, but another band of storms is predicted to arrive on Friday night and continue into Saturday.
UPDATE FROM THE AUTOCRATS, ~2:00 PM MARCH 18:
Site is open! We have beautiful skies and neighbors helping neighbors today. We will not be closing until Sunday as normal.
Gulf Wars will remain open. All activities except Known World Party are postponed including classes. More details on Known World Party will follow. Site will close Sunday (3/20/2016) at normal time.
Known World Party will be in the Main Hall at 7:00 PM. Food and beverage donations will be accepted at the party. Come in whatever you have dry (including mundane) to celebrate.
Fighters in the rain on Thursday afternoon at Gulf Wars. Photo by Mistress Elashava bas Riva.
A small but mighty contingent of gentles from Æthelmearc have made their way to Gulf Wars in the Kingdom of Gleann Abhann. We hope to provide occasional updates on the doings there.
Thank you to Mistress Elashava bas Riva of the Kingdom of Northshield for providing these photos of Opening Ceremonies, which were held on Tuesday morning.
The following was just passed along to me by the Seneschal of Meridies. If you are driving to Gulf Wars you should pay attention to this as this
closure does effect one of the major routes south from some parts of Æthelmearc. The report notes that the road could be closed for up to three weeks.
In Service,
Duke Christopher
Seneschal
I wanted to inform the populace of your Great and Fair Kingdom about the
Road Closure of I75 South in Tennessee. As you may already know this, I
just wanted to touch base with you so that those headed south for Gulf Wars
can choose another route to war besides I75.
Please post this information in those places you deem appropriate to
relieve your citizens from being stuck for hours in slow and standing
traffic on the way to Gulf Wars using I75.
For all of you who from Æthelmearc planning to attend this Gulf Wars
this year, this is a reminder that mail-in pre-registrations are due by January 31, and the Gulf Wars staff has recently updated the event information, announcing that the online electronic deadline for pre-registration is February 15. Much like Pennsic, how much land the kingdom encampment is allocated is determined by how many pre-registrations we have, and as such, if you do not pre-register, we cannot guarantee that there will be a space for your tent.
Further details are available on the Gulf Wars Registration web site. When you do pre-register, the camp name is “Aethelmearc”; please also email me at koredono@gmail.com, so I can include you in the camp GoogleGroup, which is where and how all camp-specific details will be posted and discussed (including things like the meal plan, being coordinated once again this year by Mistress Illadore).
I hope to see many of you there.
In Service,
Magariki Katsuichi no Koredono, KSCA
曲水 勝一 の 兵殿
Æthelmearc Gulf Wars Land Agent
The Sylvan Army at Gulf Wars. Photo credit: Erin Kelly
For those of you who haven’t heard, I’ve been asked by Their Majesties and Highnesses to be the Land Liaison (Land Agent, using Pennsic terms) for the Æthelmearc encampment at Gulf Wars this year. If you are planning on going, but have never been there, it’s a lot easier (at least for us) than Pennsic in terms if preparation and set-up, and there are many old hands to help you along.
There are two deadlines for pre-registration: the USPS mail-in deadline with a Jan 31 postmark, and the online PayPal deadline, which has not yet been announced, but is expected to be some time between Feb 15 and Mar 01. Land allotment for camping at GW is almost the same as camping at Pennsic, so if you put the same number of people in your tent at GW as you do at Pennsic, that shouldn’t be an issue. More information can be found on the Gulf Wars website.
We will be having a camp meal plan, details TBA, but it will be coordinated by Mistress Illadore, giving her a full three months after moving back from The West to get ready for it. 🙂
GW Land staff will be sending all official information via email, and so to minimize steps, and to accommodate a number of gentles who are going to Gulf Wars (some of whom are on royalty staff and need to be in the know), I will be conducting all official GW Æthelmearc encampment business and information dissemination using a GoogleGroup (it just sends all posts to it to members’ email, just like the
kingdom distribution list), so anyone interested in going who wants to camp with Æthelmearc, please send me your email address and both SCA and mundane names (for checking the pre-reg list I’ll get from GW Land) either via PM on Facebook, or directly to koredono@gmail.com
Thank you, and I look forward to seeing you all there with us.
In Service,
Magariki Katsuichi no Koredono, KSCA
曲水 勝一 の 兵殿
Æthelmearc Gulf Wars Land Liaison
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