Duke Maynard von dem Steine sends the following announcement:
Greetings Æthelmearc,
I am pleased to announce, by the grace of Their Majesties, the following members of the kingdom 10-man unbelted team. These individuals will represent Æthelmearc in the 10-man unbelted melee tournament at Pennsic War on Monday August 8th at 5pm on the battlefield. Please come out to support the team and the kingdom. I would like to thank the members of the chivalry for their help in the selection of the team as well as every unbelted fighter in the kingdom for pushing hard every year and making these decisions harder each time we do it.
Baron Tadhg Sotal O’Neil – Captain
THL Tegrinus de Rhina
Baron Dominic MacMorland
THL Darian Inn Valski
THL Ruslan Ygorovich Voronov
THL Guillaume le Noir
THL Ulrick von Schwarzbrug
THL Bran Ó Labhradha
THL Eckhart von Insterburg
THL Nicholas the Bastard
Alternates:
THL Edward of Blackthorn
Baron William Freskyn Murray
Lord Ardenn Cot of Clan Scot
Lord Oliver Sutton
Lord Bulvi Davidson
Picture courtesy of Lady Aine ny Allane and Oriography Photography
On March 5, A.S. L, the Shire of Stormsport held its 20th Anniversary Bears event. Gentles from all over western Æthelmearc joined the fun and camaraderie of the day.
The Bears event was originally created to honor the “Three Bears” of Stormsport: Viscount Sir Bear the Wallsbane, Earl Sir Bearengaer hinn Ruadi, and Mistress Berengaria of Hainault. Mistress Berengaria no longer participates in the SCA, and Earl Bearengaer sadly passed away in 2007, but Viscount Bear was present and enjoyed the fighting.
The event featured tournaments in fencing, heavy weapons, and youth combat, as well as a silent auction and history display, not to mention lots of excellent food.
Sir Vladisla Nikulich organized a double-elimination rattan tournament which was won by Sir Aengus MacBain in a final round of combat against Prince Byron.
Prince Byron and Sir Aengus in the finals of the double elimination tournament.
New fighter Benjamin was applauded for his enthusiasm and endurance.
As fighters were defeated in the double-elim tournament, they moved on to a bear pit tourney in which fighters were awarded one point for a loss and two points for a win. Duke Marcus Eisenwald won by a fairly wide margin, but Sir Vlad called out the amazing feat of new fighter, Benjamin, who accumulated 76 points despite only winning six bouts.
The only unhappy note of the day occurred before the tournaments began, when Eisen Brehm of Blackwater slipped and fell after a warmup bout, painfully injuring his knee. He was sent by ambulance to the hospital in the company of Baroness Rynea, and fortunately the injury was just a sprain. Duke Marcus noted that all of the fighters were rooting for Eisen’s recovery and hope he returns to the tourney field soon. Eisen later said he plans to be back in armor by Ice Dragon in April.
In between bear pit tourney bouts, fighters had the opportunity to fight at a barrier provided by Sir Aengus.
THLord Kieran MacRae and THLord Jussie Laplein fighting at the barrier while Sir Aengus looks on.
Fencers also had two tournaments in which to compete, both organized by Duchess Dorinda Courtenay. Master Caleb Reynolds won the round robin tournament, while Lord Alexander du Lac was victorious in the subsequent bear pit.
THLady Minamoto Kumamoto Sakuraku vs. Baron Caleb Reynolds. Photo by Baron Magnus de Lyons.
The victors received chocolate as their prizes, because that’s what Duchess Dorinda said she would want if she was the winner. She also gave the winners “northern long-eared bears” (aka stuffed rabbits, because she was unable to find teddy bears), though 10-year-old Willa wheedled Baron Caleb’s “bear” away from him.
After the bear pit, Master Diego Muñoz took over marshaling duties so that Duchess Dorinda could hold the field against the other fencers.
Master Caleb and Lord Alexander, fencing tourney winners.
Youth combatants had the opportunity to fight against adult sparring marshals including Sir Arnþorr inn sterki, THLord Rouland of Willowbrooke, and Prince Byron, and then compete against each other in a triple round robin tournament organized by Mistress Jenna McPherson of Lion’s Tower and won by Ulfr. In addition to winning the tournament, Ulfr was commended for his chivalry, receiving tokens from the marshals and Prince Byron.
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Through all these tournaments, the List officers, Baroness Anna Eisenkopf, Baroness Aemelia Soteria, and Lord Cionaodh mac Éamoinn kept things organized and moving.
A silent auction with many desirable items was held throughout the course of the day, netting the shire a goodly sum of money.
Many desirable items were donated to the Silent Auction.
There was also a display of photos and other memorabilia of past Bears events, including many pictures of the late Earl Bearengaer hinn Raudi, one of the other “Bears” (along with Sir Bear the Wallsbane) for whom the event was named.
Baroness Aemelia Soteria peruses photos from the Bears event history display.
Lady Ottilige von Rappoltsweiler supervised the Kids’ Kitchen, which had numerous children as young as 8 years old assisting in creating the sideboard lunch of spanikopita, fruits, veggies, bread, honey butter, and cold meats. This is the second year that lunch has been prepared by the children at Bears Event and, as last year, the children had a great time and did a fantastic job. The children also helped with the creation of a Bear Subtlety that was displayed during dinner At a brief court held by Prince Byron before the feast, the autocrat, Lady Leah Janette, gave each participating child a wooden spoon in thanks for their kitchen help.
Kids who helped cook the lunch sideboard are recognized by the autocrat for their service.
The event was capped off by a feast cooked by Lady Ottilige and her kitchen crew. The theme of the feast was “greatest hits” from past Bears events and featured foods that had been served at past versions of the event, rather than focusing on how medieval they might be. The dishes included baked chicken that had particular meaning to the cook as it was her first exposure to medieval food. Each dish was a wonderful memory of the past, which made it tastier. Of particular note were the “eggs” served with dessert which were cleaned and washed eggshells filled with whipped cream and a marzipan “yolk” that you ate with a tiny spoon. While this was a new addition to the menu, it was reminiscent of medieval illusion food and was a wonderfully creative way to end the meal.
Thank you to Meesteress Odriana vander Brugghe for information about the feast. All photos not otherwise credited are by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.
The summer Æthelmearc Æcademy, hosted by the Shire of Stormsport on July 4, featured martial activities of all kinds plus classes on topics from scribal and music to equestrian and metalcasting. Though somewhat lightly attended, no doubt due to many people having family conflicts on the holiday weekend, it was an enjoyable event. Here’s an overview of what you missed!
The day was sunny and pleasantly warm with an occasional light breeze; perfect weather in a beautiful site. The all-day sideboard created by THL Ottilige Von Rappoltsweter consisted of light fare of fruit, vegetables, eggs, and cheese, combined with meats including grilled chicken and meatballs. Classes sponsored by the Æcademy ran from 11am to 5pm, as did every kind of martial activity one could want, provided by the War College.
At the brief morning court, Their Majesties sent THLady Zoe Akropolitina on vigil for the Order of the Pelican, and Baroness Oddkatla Jonsdottir announced the revival of the Æthelmearc Artisans’ Exchange, in which artisans craft items which they give to other artisans, and receive handcrafted items from other Æthelmearc artisans in return. After court, gentles scattered to the classes and martial activities of the day.
Heavy Combat
After some warmups, the rattan list held an Atlantian Speed Tournament which was won by Baron Vladisla Nikulich. That evening at court, after receiving his prize of a length of rattan and a basket hilt, he announced that he wished to pass it along to the fighter who most inspired him that day. Baron Vlad called Lord Robert MacEwin of Thornhill and praised his ferocity in the melees, especially since Lord Robert is a youth who only recently authorized to fight as an adult.
There was also a Warlord Tourney won by His Majesty, King Timothy.
Photo by Mikus Magellus.
Following the tourneys there was melee practice, including both field and woods battles. Sir Steffan Ulfkellson, Kingdom Warlord, had the fighters work in a variety of configurations, including spears vs. shields.
Photo by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope
Rapier
Mistress Dorinda Courtenay oversaw the Rapier list with assistance from Countess Elena d’Artois, Master Donnan MacDubhsidhe, Lord Markus Skapr Grimmson, and Lord Jacob of Dunmore. It included a classes taught by Master Donnan and Mistress Fredeburg, single combat practice, and small unit melees.
In addition, three new fencers received their first authorizations: Lord Padraig O’Branduibh, THLord Ian Kennovan, and Lord Thorfinnr y Elsfiord.
Photo by Mikus Magellus.
Archery
The archery tournament run by Lord Alrekr Bergsson was won by Master Jacopo di Niccolo. He passed along the prize to Linette of Arindale, the only youth archer who participated, for her determination and enthusiasm.
Lord Ru Cavorst and Master Jacopo di Niccolo at the archery range, offering training on shooting form. Photo by Mikus Magellus.
There was also Atlatl practice run by THLady Anlaith ingen Trena.
Wilhelm Isenhart throwing an atlatl. Photo by Mikus Magellus.
Equestrian
The Kingdom Equestrian Championships were held in the morning; horses and riders were all glad the weather was so cooperative, and THL Meadhbh inghean ui Bhaoighill set up a challenging course based on the Devonshire Hunting Tapestries. Several riders from the Midrealm were in attendance, one of whom brought word that their King would happily take home all horses at the end of the day. Our good King Timothy replied that His Majesty of the Midrealm was welcome to any horses that He, Timothy, was himself able to ride. As His last riding experience was on one of the war steeds of Morgan Elandris – an occasion that did not end well and involved low hanging tree branches – the Midrealm riders left with no equine booty.
Photo by Mistress Arianna.
All of the riders competed together in friendship, and the ground crew, headed by THL Rhiannon Elandris, made sure that the course was re-set and all weapons were handed up with speed.
Mistress Shishido Tora Gozen won the King’s Equestrian Championship, while THLord Morien MacBain was named Queen’s Equestrian Champion.
Mistress Gozen is named King’s Equestrian Champion. Photo by Mikus Magellus.
THLord Morien is named Queen’s Equestrian Champion. Photo by Mikus Magellus.
Photo credit: THL Morien MacBain
In the afternoon, several participants tried using weapons, including thrown spears, from the back of a cart pulled by the doughty Red.
In court that evening, Mistress Gozen took Lady Maeve ni Siurtain as her Equerry, after which Lady Maeve was admitted to the Golden Alce.
Youth Combat
Four youth fighters participated in sparring matches at the Æcademy. Ulf, the current Division 2/3 Kingdom Youth Champion, authorized up from Division 2 to Division 3, while Karl, the son of Don Clewin Kupferhelbelinc and Mistress Fredeburg von Katzenellenbogen, authorized as a new Division 1 fighter. Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope wishes to thank Mistress Fredeburg and THLord Bluestar for their assistance in marshaling the youth list.
Division 1 fighters. Photo by Mikus Magellus.
Thrown Weapons
Lord Edward of Freeholt oversaw the thrown weapons range, which had about 10 gentles visit to fling metal at tree stump targets over the course of the day.
Classes
Classes for this summer’s Æcademy were enhanced by the site’s unique space. Large, covered outdoor pavilions with plenty of tables and benches allowed for some loud and messy offerings. As Mistress Alicia Langland, Chancellor of Æthelmearc Æcademy, said, there were a: “…fabulous array of classes, taught by some of the best teachers in the Knowne World, offered for … enlightenment and entertainment.”
Lady Aaliz de Gant, Groundcrewing at equestrian events;
Countess Aidan ni Leir, Viking Age Womens Beads and Paternosters, Rosaries and Payres of Beades;
Lord Alessandro Devereaux, Basics of the Japanese Sword;
THL Anlaith ingen Trena, Atlatl practicum;
Mistress Antoinette de la Croix, Painting white flowers and Scribal Arts: Shading/Drapery;
Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope, Pennsic Choir Sneak Peek and Fixing Mistakes on Scrolls;
THL Beatrice de Winter, Hangmen, Headsmen, and other Fun Ways to Die and Everybody Dies;
Lady Brigette de Sainte Mere-Eglise, Hammered Dulcimer;
Don Donnan MacDubhsidhe, Meisterhau in practical use;
Lady Edana the Red, Baby Steps for Beginner Illumination and Beginning Pewter;
Students in Lady Edana’s Beginning Pewter class (Photo credit: Mistress Hilderun)
Pewter coins from Lady Edana’s class… just need a little clean-up! (Photo credit: Mistress Hilderun)
Baroness Elisabeth Johanna von der Flossenburg, The Cranach Gown;
Meisterin Fredeburg von Katzenellenbogen, German Sword and Buckler;
Meisterin Fredeburg’s German Sword & Buckler class (Photo credit: Mistress Hilderun)
Master Gille MacDhnouill, Introduction to Green Woodworking and Islamic Science;
Lord Ian Campbell of Glen Mor, Inlaid Floor Tiles;
Lord Ian teaches his Inlaid Floor Tiles class (Photo credit: Mistress Hilderun)
THL Kieran MacRae, Knotwork for Knovices and Developing a Flourished Hand by Bocskay;
THL Kieran MacRae shows THL Anlaith a Flourished Hand by Bocskay (Photo credit: Mistress Hilderun)
Baron Langdon of Greymorne, Chests, Boxes, straps and locks;
Baron Langdon assisting with Lady Edana’s Pewter class (Photo credit: Mistress Hilderun)
Lady Maeve Ni Siurtain, Fashion Parade—A Trip through the History of Horse Barding;
Horse Barding Fashion Show (Photo credit: Mistress Hilderun)
Lady Margaret of Enniscorthy, Period Card Games: Losing Loadem;
THL Meadhbh inghean ui Bhaoighill, Heraldry for Horses;
Baroness Oddkatla Jonsdottir, How to Look Like You Have Stepped Out of a Renaissance Painting;
Lady Ottilige van Rappoltsweiler, Roman Food and Dining: A Roman Picnic;
Lounging on Lady Ottilige’s Triclinium from her Roman Picnic Class (Photo credit: Mistress Hilderun)
Master Remus Fletcher, Shawm and Rauschpiefe, and The Cornett and the Serpent: Renaissance Brass?;
THL Rhiannon Elandris of Glyndrvdwy;
Lord Rycharde Kempe, The Elizabethan Stage Jig;
Mistress Shishido Tora (Gozen), Riding to the obstacle;
THL Sionn, the Lost, European dance in the 15th and 16th centuries; and
Baron Torvaldr Torgarson, The Skalds.
Court
Photo by Mikus Magellus.
Master Langdon. Photo by Lady Edana the Red,
The pageantry of Their Majesties’ processional into court was greatly enhanced by the generosity of the equestrian community, which loaned several of their horses to the cause. THLord Kieran MacRae trumpeted King Timothy and Queen Gabrielle in, while Master Remus Fletcher provided additional music throughout court.
Mistress Alicia Langland, Chancellor of the Æcademy, was joined by the Kingdom A&S Officers, Master Fridrikr Tomasson and Mistress Orianna Fridrikskona, in thanking all of the teachers. She then called forth Master Langdon Greymorne, acknowledging him asa Fellow of the Æcademy for his support of teaching and the arts.
Mistress Tiercelin is made a Court Baroness for her work on the Gazette. Photo by Mistress Arianna.
After recognizing Their Equestrian Champions as noted above, Their Majesties called forward Mistress Ysabeau Tiercelin. Queen Gabrielle praised the work of the Æthelmearc Gazette and bestowed a Court Barony on Mistress Tiercelin as its founder and managing editor. She was presented with a coronet made by her “apprentige” Lord Magnus de Lyon and a box for the coronet made by her equerry THLord Rhiannon Elandris.
After bestowing a number of other awards on deserving gentles, King Timothy and Queen Gabrielle called forth gentles who were present at the event who They had chosen as Champions for the Heavy Unbelted, Rapier, and A&S Champions’ War Points at Pennsic. Their Majesties emphasized that these are partial lists of Champions, and more will be named soon.
Unbelted Heavy Weapons Champions will include THLord Bluestar, Baron Vladisla Nikulich, THLord Jussi Laplein, Baron William Freskyn Murray, THLord Ian Kennovan, Lord Markus Skalpr Grimsson, Baron Friderich Schwartzwalder, THLord Morien MacBain, and Stefan (Guilford) Einarson.
Some of the Unbelted Champions: THLord Bluestar, Baron Vlad, Baron Will, Lord Markus, Stefan, Baron Friderich, and THLord Morien. Photo by Mikus Magellus.
Rapier Champions will include Don Clewin Kupferhelbelinc, Mistress Fredeburg von Katzenellenbogen, Sir Kadan Chákhilgan Ger on Echen, Countess Elena d’Artois, and Mistress Dorinda Courtenay.
Some of the Rapier Champions: Don Clewin, Mistress Fredeburg, Sir Kadan, and Duchess Dorinda. Photo by Mikus Magellus.
A&S Champions will include THLord Kieran MacRae and Lady Sumayya al Ghaziyah.
Lady Sumayya and THLord Kieran, two of the A&S Champions. Photo by Arianna.
Their Majesties also recognized THLady Zoe Akropolitina as a companion of the Order of the Pelican, with Sir Sextus Plinius Callidus speaking for the Chivalry, Duchess Tessa the Huntress speaking as a Royal Peer, Mistress Dorinda de Courtenay speaking as a Mistress of Defense, Mistress Fredeburg von Katzenellenbogen speaking for the Order of the Laurel, and Sir Alonzio of the Peacemakers speaking for the Order of the Pelican. Master Tigernach mac Cathail placed the ancestral Pelican medallion around her neck, and Sir Alonzio with his wife, Mistress Alexandra dei Campagnella, placed a Pelican cloak around her shoulders. After Mistress Zoe swore her fealty on the sword of state, she was greeted with hugs from the Order of the Pelican and cheers from the populace.
Mistress Zoe Akropolitina. Photo by Mistress Arianna.
This event report was a collaboration by the Æthelmearc Gazette staff.
