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The Æthelmearc Gazette

~ Covering the Kingdom of Æthelmearc of the SCA

The Æthelmearc Gazette

Tag Archives: Order of Defence

5 Questions for a MoD: Master Illadore de Bedagrayne

04 Monday Jan 2021

Posted by aethgazette in Fencing, Interviews

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MoD, MoD interviews, Order of Defence, Order of Defense, rapier

Master Illadore de Bedagrayne

Our series of 5 questions for members of the Æthelmearc Order of Defense continues this week with Master Illadore de Bedagrayne.

1. Of all the things you could have done in the Society , why did you choose fencing?

I had been in the SCA for about 13 years when I first started and was a cook and did other A&S activities. However, I decided I wanted to try some more physical activity. At first, I was vaguely interested in fencing – a number of friends of mine had started fencing, and I thought it looked like fun. So, I went to a practice in the BMDL.

The first time I went, it was okay and I did some drills with the marshals because they didn’t have loaner equipment that fit me. The next week, I came back and they had found a doublet my size – and I got to actually stab someone for the first time. Then, they did melee practice, and I was *hooked* from that moment on.

2.  Why do you still fence?

I deeply love it. I love the people, I love the history of it, I love that there is always something new to learn, and I deeply love competition. All of Æthelmearc is amazing and its rapier community doubly so. I also love the game of fencing. It is a physical game, sure, but it is also a deeply mental one. I also greatly enjoy talking about the mental aspect of fencing with people too.

3. If you could go back in time and give the “new” you advice what would it be?

Don’t buy your first sword just because it’s pretty. I still have it. It’s practically a piece of rebar and I never use it.

4. What is your most memorable moment as a fencer?

One of the best pieces of advice I was ever given was “fight the fight in front of you.”  Not only was it the perfect advice in the moment (i.e., don’t worry about winning the tourney, just focus on winning against your current opponent), it was great life advice too. I used it, practically daily, as a mantra when I was working on my master’s thesis.

5. If you were to start all over again would you do anything different?

No. Other than win the lottery so I could go fence more. Even the dumb things I have done were good learning experiences for me.

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Peers with Swords: Master Aedan Aylwyn

08 Wednesday Jul 2015

Posted by aethgazette in Fencing

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fencing, Interviews, Order of Defence

By Don William Parris

This is the third in a series of interviews with peers of the rapier world, throughout the Society. I have spoken with representatives of the Order of the Laurel and the Order of Defense, digging into their experiences and perspectives on the evolution of the fencing world. While there is an admirable company of these respected individuals in our Kingdom of Ӕthelmearc, I have approached several more from our neighbors in the Midrealm, Atlantia, and the East. I hope these interviews offer an interesting look through the eyes of rapier fighters that have risen to the prestigious rank of Peer of the Realm.

Master Aedan Aylwyn

A Premier member of Atlantia's Order of Defence. Photo by Aine Ruadh Inghean Neill

A Premier member of Atlantia’s Order of Defence. Photo by Aine Ruadh Inghean Neill

Credentials and History: Who are you, what do you do, and who elevated you?

My name is Aedan Aylwyn. I first started in the SCA back in ’80 or so in high school and for my first two years of college. This was back in Calontir while it was still a principality. Life came up, then more life and then a trip overseas for Uncle Sam to an active war zone. When I came back, one of the life changes I wanted to make was to get back into the SCA. I was living in the Washington DC area in northern Atlantia. So I really consider my SCA time to start in ’92 in Atlantia. I had some college sabre fencing experience that started me into rapier. I was mostly self-taught, having quickly moved to a city where there were no other rapier fighters.  I must have done pretty well and I definitely kept very busy as I was recognized with Atlantia’s top rapier award in ’95 as the 12th Provost of Atlantia by TRM Cuan and Bridget. Half a year later, Atlantia signed the White Scarf treaty and grandfathered all of the Provosts (closing that order).

I’ve served as Baronial Seneschal and solo Landed Baron (no Baroness). I was the 4th Society Rapier Marshal where I overhauled that office, instituted online information, reporting forms and deadlines and the first comprehensive rewrite of the SCA rapier rules, adding the third form of Cut & Thrust combat at that time. I have kept very busy for the past 20+ years, being recognized by numerous Kings and Queens with their personal awards, six times with the Sharks Tooth for ferocity in combat (on both the armored and rapier fields, both melee and tournament) and Atlantia’s Orders of High Merit for service (Golden Dolphin) and combat teaching (Sea Stag). I was greatly honored by TRM Amalric and Caia in ’00 with them making me the 6th Companion of the Nonpareil, an Atlantian award given out at most once per reign for “showing excellence, honor, courtesy or chivalry above and beyond any duty and exemplifying what it means to be an Atlantian”. TRM Ragnarr and Anneke inducted me into the Order of the Pelican in ’06. Most recently, I was honored to become one of Atlantia’s three premier members of Order of Defense by TRM Logan and Esa.

What is your focus of study/training? How do you like to fence?

I am a very process focused person. This is probably the only reason I was able to do as well as I did with no direct teachers, instead going to events and working with anyone that would hold still. For a long time, I essentially developed my own style, graduating from light rapier to heavy rapier as that came into existence. It wasn’t until Dante di Pietro, a former rapier student of mine that had become a peer in the WS, started studying Capoferro in depth in ’05 that I had a good vehicle to reinvent my fighting for probably the fourth time in my SCA career. I started by learning Italian rapier from/with him and specifically Capoferro and later going back to my roots of finding commonality and underlying concepts in what and how this stuff worked. Since then I have become a big fan of Giganti for the theory and philosophy of fighting rapier. For the past couple of years, I have taught classes on tempo, measure, Italian blade work concepts and Giganti’s philosophy of counter-guarding.

I enjoy fencing in all its forms, both tournament and melee.

Competing in the prestigious Ruby Joust Tournament. Photo by Courtney Pachis.

Competing in the prestigious Ruby Joust Tournament. Photo by Courtney Pachis.


What draws you to fencing, inspiring your dedication towards excellence?

At first, it was the easy analog to the little bit of Olympic style fencing that I knew. Since then, it was the community of people involved and the joy of executing clean technique successfully over slop or sheer athleticism.

What goals do you set for yourself as a fencer, teacher, peer, and citiczen of the kingdom?

My first reaction was that you listed those in reverse order. One of the best things about Atlantia (in my opinion) was that the early rapier leaders (of which I quickly become one) set the tone that you were an Atlantian first and did whatever you did second. I described this as “being an Atlantian who fights rapier, not a rapier fighter that lives in Atlantia”. My goal is to continue finding people that are dedicated to improving Atlantia and rapier and helping them succeed. If I can teach someone to the point where they beat me straight up in a tournament, I made my goal. Ditto for helping someone that becomes a senior marshal, succeeds in HMA studies or steps up for a major office of any sort.

What challenges have you face as you became the fencer you are and as you become the fencer you wish to be?

As stated previously, I started in the Barony of Storvik and learned the basics of rapier fighting but quickly moved down to Caer Mear which had no other rapier fighters at the time (and for many years after). My initial learning was all done by attending events, analyzing my tournament fights and doing pickup fights/training with anyone that would hold still at an event.  It helps that I didn’t start really fighting rapier until I was almost 30 years old so I never had a chance to rely on being young and fast. I have always been an analytical person and fighting styles were just one more thing to break down and figure out. As historical studies come into prominence, I was mentally set to once again reinvent how I fought to now “do it right” the way I had always wanted.

What were your thoughts and feelings as the Order of Defence was announced and approved?

On the one hand, I was always for it. I thought that providing a way to recognize prowess in rapier would always be a good thing and was previously lacking to a degree in the SCA in general. On the other hand, Atlantia has always had a well-integrated fighting community. Some of what I saw in other Kingdoms was a feeling of “if we only had X, we would be respected and listened to”. That’s never been the case in Atlantia so while I thought the recognition would be a good thing all around, it never stopped me from doing what I was doing and enjoying it while I did.

How did you feel when you were asked to be a Master of Defence?
What did you think being a Master would mean?

I had one of those “angry young man” moments before I became a Provost  A good friend confronted me with my poor attitude and it made a big difference. Since that point, I have been very careful to not anticipate any type of recognition or award and focused on doing what I did because I enjoyed it and thought it made a positive difference. I was very honored to be one of the premiers of the Order but I really did try to not care about it if and until it happened. As to meaning, I just see it as an extension of all of the leadership I am currently providing for rapier.  It will take some time for the OD to truly separate from the Atlantian White Scarf order so I still think of myself as part of that larger ~60 person group. Until that time, I have the added responsibility of setting the correct tone for those member of the OD order that will follow me to make sure we do the best we can for Atlantia.

A serious competitor...but not too serious. Photo by Victoria Dye.

A serious competitor…but not too serious. Photo by Victoria Dye.


The Order of Defence is new, allowing for new traditions to be formed. How was working with vigilants from around the Society to give birth to the new order?

Interesting but frustrating at times. The culture of rapier in Atlantia made for very easy adoption of this new Peerage. It just fit right into what we’re already doing. I’m a big fan of being knowledgeable about other Kingdoms and their culture but there were still times where I just shook my head at some of the aspects that others were stressing about and determined that “we need to fix this and all do it the same way”.

How do you see your views on training and study changing? Your role in the Kingdom? Society?

No changes at all. I’ll keep doing what I have been. I don’t really see the OD peerage impacting that. I suppose it might affect how others perceive me but I am not too worried about that and will deal with it when it crops oup.

What advice would you give newer fencers aspiring to improve themselves as fencers and citizens of the Society?

Have goals in mind, both short term and long term. Find teachers and styles that work for you.  If you ask for help, listen to it and question your reasons for both following it and for ignoring it. Do something besides just rapier and be active in your local group and your Kingdom. Understand that there is no “one true way” for anything but make sure you have a good reason for what you do and what you don’t do. I think winning is lots of fun but don’t be a d*ck about it. If you find yourself feeling apologetic about something after a win, you probably did something you shouldn’t have. Always set your goals against yourself, not against anyone else. Did you fight above your normal? Make something work that you’ve been practicing? Do something stupid that you knew better about? Don’t beat yourself up because X is better or Y looks nicer. Compete against yourself.

How do you expect working with the Orders of High Merit, such as the White Scarf, to evolve as the Order of Defence grows into greater responsibility for the community?

I really don’t see much changing. As a Pelican, I don’t think anything about someone with a Golden Dolphin (High Order of Merit – Service) taking on a job or getting something done. Other than joking with close friends, I hope I never see or hear “you’re only a WS, you should listen to me or do what I say because I’m a Master of Defense”.  If you make it to the White Scarf or equivalent level, I expect you to lead the community just as much as I do.

A champion and servant of his kingdom, Atlantia. Photo by Elashava Bas Riva.

A champion and servant of his kingdom, Atlantia. Photo by Elashava Bas Riva.

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Peers with Swords: Mistress Illadore de Bedagrayne

29 Monday Jun 2015

Posted by aethgazette in Fencing, Interviews

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Tags

fencing, Interviews, Order of Defence

By Don William Parris.

This is the second in a series of interviews with peers of the rapier world, throughout the Society. I have spoken with representatives of the Order of the Laurel and the Order of Defense, digging into their experiences and perspectives on the evolution of the fencing world. While there is an admirable company of these respected individuals in our Kingdom of Ӕthelmearc, I have approached several more from our neighbors in the Midrealm, Atlantia, and the East. I hope these interviews offer an interesting look through the eyes of rapier fighters that have risen to the prestigious rank of Peer of the Realm.

Illadore3

Photo by Mistress Tsvia bas Zipporah Levi of Granada

Mistress Illadore de Bedagrayne

Credentials and History: Who are you, what do you do, and who elevated you?

I am Illadore de Bedegrayne, Premiere Member of the Order of Defense of the West Kingdom, elevated on May 1st, A.S. L, by Queen Aesa and King Miles. I am also the 29th White Scarf of Æthelmearc and a cooking Laurel. I have been in the SCA since I was 18 and have loved just about every minute of it. I started fighting rapier in 2001, after watching several of my friends get involved with fencing. I fell in love with it the second that (now Master) Michael Alewright put a sword in my hand at a fencing practice in the BMDL – and knew I was completely hooked after my first melee game of “Paranoia” at my second practice.

What draws you to fencing, inspiring your dedication towards excellence?

So many things. My dad taught me to love sports at a young age (including how to throw an elbow when I was nine) and my mom taught me that “a thing worth doing is worth doing well.”  I grew up playing sports and with the understanding that practice makes perfect and is worth doing because of the both of them. What brought me to fencing were my friends; what kept me was the camaraderie of the rapier community as well as the historic nature of our sport. I love the history and the research being done by the rapier community. It is just utterly fascinating that we can trace what we do back to the 15th century (and further back) – and use books and manuals written in that time to help train and hone our skills.

I was also inspired (and continue to be inspired) by so many rapier fighters in both the West Kingdom and Aethelmearc – and the rest of the Knowne World. The list is long and I’m afraid to write it all out as I may miss someone. I also take inspiration from many members of the Chivalry and how dedicated they are to their Art as well.

Serving as a Pennsic Champion. Photo by Lady Saskia van Ouwater

Serving as a Pennsic Champion. Photo by Lady Saskia van Ouwater


What goals do you set for yourself as a fencer, teacher, peer, and 
citizen of the kingdom?

My goal has always been the same – become the best fencer in the Universe. I am, obviously, still working on that one.

What challenges have you face as you became the fencer you are and as you become the fencer you wish to be?

While injuries have been one of my main challenges, I would have to say that the rapier community gaining acceptance in the Society has been the biggest challenge we have all had to face. It has been tough. Back in January, when the Board of Directors had first voted against the Order of Defense proposal and then reversed the decision, hearing the backlash against the rapier community on social media truly stung. The outcry really rocked me as I had thought we were past that – fighting is fighting. It should not matter what type of weapon you have in your hand, as it is the journey and the discovery that matters. I am grateful for all of the outpouring of joy for the new Peerage that has happened since then; however, I still think some bridge building is going to be needed to mend some of those rifts.

Illadore1

On the day of her elevation to the Order of Defence. Photo by Sandra Linehan

How did you feel when you were asked to be a Master of Defense? What did you think being a Master would mean?

This will be a surprise to no one who knows me – but – I was back in Court (actually, off to the side as Queen Aesa and King Miles were holding court on the field), blathering on about fencing with other fighters when I was called into Court, rather than paying attention. So, I was quite shocked when I was called and saw now-Master Joseph Blayde kneeling in front of Their Majesties.

As to what being a Master of Defense means – I think it means being a leader for the rapier community at the Society level. I feel my experiences as a White Scarf have given me a great foundation for this “new job” as well as my experience as a Laurel. As a Peer (and as a White Scarf), I know that it is no longer “all about me.” I have been given a job to do – to make the rapier community and the Society a better place, to help train newcomers, to be an inspiration, to make a path for those who come behind me. It is going to be a tough job and I am sure that I will not always be perfect at it. I will; however, get back up more times than I fall down. I also know that I cannot do this alone, either, and I will need help from all of you on this new path. Yes. All of you. 🙂

The Order of Defence is new, allowing for new traditions to be formed. How was  working with vigilants from around the Society to give birth to the new order?

Difficult. There are many strong voices and many strong opinions. The one thing that brings us together, however, is the idea that we are trying to do what is best for the Society and the rapier community. In that I think we all agree, we are trying to do what is best. How we get there, however, is the challenge.

My personal hope for starting a tradition – white garters. They are easy to spot on the field and most of us wear boots of some sort. Plus, I’m a knitter so it’s easy for me to produce those. 🙂

What advice would you give newer fencers aspiring to improve themselves as fencers and citizens of the Society?

There are some tried and true methods for becoming a better rapier fighter – practice all the time, travel and fight more people, read books, thinking about fighting – every day. The one other suggestion I have is to keep a fighting journal. It helps to go back and see how far you have come – and putting ones thoughts to paper often helps organize those thoughts and gain insight.  As to how to improve as a citizen of the Society – understand that both Service and Art are the backbones of our Society as well as fighting – so go get involved! Help out at events, become a marshal, run practices, be an officer, be the Iron Key keeper, etc. And make Art! Do research, make hats, sew a tunic, learn embroidery, build catapults, etc. The SCA is an amazing group – go out and explore.

How do you expect working with the Orders of High Merit, such as the White Scarf, to evolve as the Order of Defence grows into greater responsibility for the community?

First off, the White Scarf has always held a special place in my heart. Until a few months ago, the White Scarf was the highest award one could receive for rapier combat in both the West and in Æthelmearc. In the West, Duke Uther Schiemann der Hunt, as King, opened the Western White Scarf Order with the intent of helping the West get ready for a rapier peerage. With that understanding in mind, I see the White Scarves of both the West Kingdom and of Æthelmearc as my fellows, my compatriots, and as my brothers and sisters. I expect to work closely with them in the future – closed or open orders – they were given a job to do for the rapier community when they were made White Scarves, just as I was. I will also admit that I do not see the Masters of Defense as the “best of the best of the best White Scarves” either. I feel that the skill level of a White Scarf should be the equivalent of a Master of Defense and vice versa.

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Æthelmearc Expat to be Western Master of Defence

29 Sunday Mar 2015

Posted by aethgazette in Fencing

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Order of Defence

Photo by Mistress Illadore

Photo by Mistress Illadore

Mistress Illadore de Bedagrayne has been summoned by the Crown of the West to be put on vigil as one of their premiere members of the Order of Defence. Her elevation will occur on May 1st.

Mistress Illadore originally hails from the Barony-Marche of the Debatable Lands, which she once served as seneschale. She received her White Scarf from Malcolm and Tessa at Pennsic XXXV and a Court Barony from Christopher and Morgen in 2007. She was elevated to the Order of the Laurel for her cooking by Isenwulf and Rosalinda in 2011. She served as 12th and 27th Queen’s Rapier Champion of Æthelmearc, as well as commander of the Southern Watch. She is also a past Rapier Champion in the West Kingdom.

Due to her real-life work, Mistress Illadore has moved around a lot since 2007, living in Atlantia and the West Kingdom (twice) where she was instrumental in bringing Rapier to prominence. However, she has always called Æthelmearc home, in proof of which she served as camp cook for the Æthelmearc royalty and entourage at Gulf Wars two weeks ago.

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Second Æthelmearc Writ Given for the Order of Defence Today at Gulf Wars

18 Wednesday Mar 2015

Posted by aethgazette in Event Announcements & Updates, Fencing

≈ 1 Comment

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Gulf Wars, Order of Defence, rapier

Photo by Lady Arianna del Vallone

Photo by Lady Arianna dal Vallone

At Æthelmearc court today at Gulf Wars, Their Majesties Titus and Anna Leigh gave the second Æthelmearc writ for the Order of Defence to Don Orlando di Bene del Vinta. Their Majesties asked that all those from various Kingdoms who had been given a writ so far come to the front to witness the presentation, creating a stirring moment for the new Order of Defence peerage.

The ceremony can be viewed here.

The wording of the writ:
The King, Titus Scipio Germanicus, and the Queen, Anna Leigh, to Orlando di Bene del Vinta, by the Hands of Timothy and Gabrielle, Don of the Order of the White Scarf, greeting. As a most just law, established by the careful providence of sacred council decrees with the coming New Year of the Society, a new Order shall be created. You know sufficiently well, and it is now, as We believe, divulged through all regions of the world, the study and practice of the art of Rapier. Now, however, not satisfied with the before-mentioned induction into the Order of the White Scarf, We have consulted with Our Heirs. Because, therefore, of your skill and  interest We command you, strictly enjoining you in the fidelity and love in which you are bound to Us, the Kingdom of Æthelmearc and the Society as a whole, that you consult with Our Heirs and, you be present in person on a mutually agreed upon date and place; there to sit vigil to hear and contemplate the words of the people of this Realm and further, to be present along with you, those members of the Peerages and other inhabitants of Our Kingdom who would speak for you, to deliver your answer as to whether or not you would join the ranks of the newly created Order of Defence. Witness the King and Queen at Gulf Wars in the month of March, A.S. 49 in the Kingdom of Glenn Abhainn.
Based upon the Summons of a Bishop to Parliament (1295)

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Around the Society, the Order of Defence Grows

01 Sunday Mar 2015

Posted by aethgazette in Fencing

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fencing, Order of Defence

by William Parris.

Only just recently did Their Royal Majesties announce the premier member of the Æthelmearc Order of Defence, Duchess Dorinda Courtenay. Now, around the Society, new members are being announced and placed on vigil.

Three were named at Estrella War for the Atenveldt Order of Defence: THL Takago, Master Malise, and Duchess Elzbieta. All shall stand vigil at Atenveldt’s Coronation on May 2nd.

Atenvedlt

Photo by The Virtual Herald

In Northshield, three were also chosen to serve as the premier members; Don Niccolo, Don Ambrose, and Don Piero.

Northshield

Photo by Wesley Adama

As May 1st draws near, other Kingdoms may reveal their choices as the newest peerage takes firm rooting in the Society.

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