Tag Archives: Order of Defense

5 Questions for a MoD: Master Illadore de Bedagrayne

04 Monday Jan 2021

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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.

Questions for a MoD: Master Fredeburg von Katzenellenbogen

30 Monday Nov 2020

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Master Fredeburg von Katzenellenbogen

Our series of 5 questions for members of the Æthelmearc Order of Defense continues with Master Fredeburg von Katzenellenbogen:

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

I joined the society because I enjoyed archery and arts. My husband said fencing looked interesting, so we decided to try that out. Physical limitations made it much more appealing than rattan fighting and when we moved to Æthelmearc we found a great community of friends.

2. Why do you still fence?

Honestly, right now I don’t feel like I do. I hope to have time and a conducive environment to do so again. Before that, I kept fighting because sparring with a friend is fun. Fighting my spouse is one of our favorite couple’s activities.

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

“New” me could give “now” me a lot of advice. Advice I would give is take advantage of all that time and resources you have, but that is pretty much what “new” me did.

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

Winning Seven Pearls. It was the first time all of that advice really made sense and I put it into practice. “Fight the fight in front of you.” “Don’t play with your food.” “Winning IS fun.”

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

 No.

5 Questions for a MOD: Master Eric Grenier de Labarre

16 Monday Nov 2020

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This week starts a new interview series courtesy of Master Quinn Kerr:

“The past year has left many of us with a lot of time on our hands. Time to finish those projects we have meaning to get to, finally try some of those drills or pell work we have been avoiding etc. It is also a great time to reflect on why we do what we do. And why do we love it so much. Recently some questions were posed to the members of the Order of Defense (the rapier peerage). Their answers are both fun and enlightening. So, we begin a series called “5 Questions for a Member of the Order of Defense”  Enjoy!”

Master Eric Grenier de Labarre, with his wife Baroness Katja Davidova Orlova Khazarina, after his elevation ceremony to the Order of Defense, 2017.

This week’s answers are from Baron Master Eric Grenier de Labarre, nicknamed Grendel.

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

When I first got involved in the SCA, back in the middle 90s, I tried out a bunch of different activities, but fencing was what really clicked for me.

Partly, I just really enjoyed the activity of fencing right from the start; but also, I really felt comfortable in the fencing community. I found the standard “peerage track” SCA activities unwelcoming of a casual new person, but the fencing community really opened up and welcomed me, and I quickly made a small army of really good friends, many of whom I am still close to today. Fencing wasn’t a peerage track activity in those days, so there was kind of a “band of misfits and ne’er-do-wells” atmosphere when a bunch of SCA fencers got together to eat and drink and talk.

2. Why do you still fence?

I still enjoy the activity of fencing itself, although I’m reaching the age where I think my best fights may be behind me. But I’m still determined to holding up the “fencing banner” here in the Barony of Thescorre where I live, until someone comes along to take over from me.

As a White Scarf and member of the Order of Defense, I feel a responsibility to stay active and aware of what is going on in fencing, to provide whatever teaching and service I can offer, and to try to preserve the ultra-inclusive culture that drew me into the fencing community in the first place. Now that we are a peerage activity, there is the danger that we could start to become exclusive, in ways that I have observed a lot of peerage communities in many kingdoms do. I think that anyone who wants to participate in fencing should be welcomed and supported, regardless of their skill level, gender, age, body type, physical capability, persona, SCA affiliations, awards, etc.

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

Hmmm. I guess I would just tell Past Me that he’s on the right track. There is not too many things from that time I regret greatly. Maybe just tell him not to sell that Apple stock.

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

It’s probably a three-way tie: the first time I won Queen’s Rapier Championship, my elevation to the White Scarf, and my elevation to the MOD. Each one was a surprise at that moment. I also cherish my memory of seeing the Order of the White Scarf of AEthelmearc opened by King Yngvar and Queen Caryl at Harvest Raids; it inspired everything that came after for me.

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

Not anything important.

More News from Pennsic

09 Wednesday Aug 2017

Posted by in Awards, Event Announcements & Updates, Pennsic

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THL Ulrick

This has been a War of many writs, vigils, and elevations, as well as other joyous accolades.

THLord Tegrinus. Photo by Ursus.

THL Ulrick von Schwarzburg is on vigil tonight (Wednesday) in Sable Maul Camp, then will be elevated to the Order of Chivalry on the Battlefield Friday morning before the Armored Wall Battle.

THL Tegrinus de Rhina also will be elevated to the Order of Chivalry, but the ceremony will be tomorrow (Thursday) morning on the Battlefield before the Allied Champions Battle.

Baron Master Eric Grenier de Labarre, called Grendel. Photo by Baroness Katja

Baron Master Eric Grenier de Labarre was elevated to the Order of Defense Tuesday morning on the Battlefield before the Rapier Field Battle.

Baroness Mistress Anna Eisenkopf was elevated to the Order of the Pelican in AEthelmearc Court Tuesday night.

Mistress Anna. Photo by Lady Amalie Reinhardt.

THL Rynea Ingen of Stormsport received her writ for the Order of the Pelican on Tuesday afternoon on the Battlefield and will be on vigil Thursday night at Runestone Watch camp. Her elevation will be at Coronation.

Baroness Constance Glyn Dwr was given a writ in AEthelmearc Court on Tuesday for the Order of the Pelican. Her vigil and elevation will be during Their Highnesses’ reign.

THL Thorsol Solinauga, who received his writ at Bog 3 Day/Investiture, will be elevated to the Order of the Chivalry at Harvest Raid.

Baroness Mistress Elisabeth Johanna von Flossenburg, who received her writ at Pax Interruptus, will be elevated to the Order of the Pelican at Æthelmearc 20 Year.

Viscountess Eleanor and Sir Haakon. Photo by Baroness Katja

In addition, Their Majesties presented Augmentations of Arms to Sir Haakon Oaktall and Viscountess Eleanor of Waldren at his bardic night last week in AE Royal.

Reporting by Baroness Katja Davidova Orlova Khazarina (Chris Adler-France)

 

 

 

 

 

The Birth of a New Peerage in Æthelmearc

10 Sunday May 2015

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On May 1, Anno Societatis 50, Æthelmearc saw the birth of a new peerage as Duchess Dorinda Courtenay was made the first Æthelmearc Mistress of Defense.

Photo by Steffan Wolfgang von Ravensburg

Photo by Steffan Wolfgang von Ravensburg

At an event beginning in the early afternoon, she met all challengers to prove herself worthy, as commanded by Their Majesties:

“BE IT KNOWN to all that profess arms that We, Timothy and Gabrielle, by right of Arms, King and Queen of Sylvan Æthelmearc,  do honor and invite all to whom these words come – that We commend Dorinda Courtenay, Member of the Order of the White Scarf, Duchess of the Kingdom of Æthelmearc, and Vigilant for the Society’s Order of Defense to play her Master’s Prize against all who might wield the Rapier in its subtile mysterie at these weapons, viz:

Duchess Dorinda playing the tossing game. photo by Ysabeau Tiercelin

Duchess Dorinda playing the tossing game.
photo by Ysabeau Tiercelin

rapier, rapier and dagger, rapier and parry item, case of rapier or longsword. Each Gentle being offered three passes of their choice. We would also provide gaming challenges for those who are not able to meet Her Grace on the rapier listfield. These words are to give notice that Our said Vigilant will be present beginning at 3:00 p.m. on the First day of May, at the appropriately entitled ‘Celebration of the Art of the Rapier’ to perform and do her utter most for the achievement and bearing away of the prize.”

Duchess Dorinda did indeed meet all comers, to the satisfaction of Their Majesties. There was much fencing, and then the populace repaired to a wondrous sideboard prepared by THL Ian dor3Kennoven, with the centerpiece being a sugar paste rapier with escarbuncle guard.

Their Majesties processed into court and addressed the populace. King Timothy proclaimed, “From the day We won Crown, We had hoped the Board would make this decision, the right decision, and We are thrilled to be able to do this today.”

A video of the entire elevation can be seen here:

The oath, based on the London School of Defense Masters Oaths:

I, Dorinda Courtenay, do swear to be true to my Kingdom, to be a loyal subject to my Crown, and to serve my Queen with life and property.

I pledge to work with other Masters to further the rapier community, and to refrain from teaching suspect peoples including murderers, thieves, drunkards and quarrelers.

I promise that in any game, prize or play at weapons to give true judgement without favor or hatred, and to be merciful when I have the upper hand except in self-defense or in service to the Crown.

I pledge to give aid, strength and help to all masters, provosts and scholars, and to consult all Masters to advance others so that this Order, the fencing community, and the Kingdom may prosper.

Thus I do swear.

The cheers that rose in Court were soon to be echoed around the Known World as many Kingdoms created their first Masters and Mistresses of Defense and a new peerage was born in the Society.

dorindascroll

Duchess Dorinda with her scroll. photo by Ysabeau Tiercelin

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Above, THL Fiora d’Artusio, Don William Parris (Gazette Fencing Editor) and Mistress Irene von Schmetterling at the event. Don William said “In a historic time, with worthies being chosen all over the Society, Æthelmearc set a high bar with Her Grace, Dorinda.”

The scroll was illuminated by Mistress Ysabeau Tiercelin and calligraphed by Duchess Liadain ni Dheirdre Chaomhanaigh with wordsmithing by THL Ursula of Rouen, Duchess Liadain and Kameshima Zentaro Umakai.

dor5

 

First Æthelmearc Mistress of Defense Elevated

01 Friday May 2015

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dorindascrollThis day of May the First ushered in a glorious new tradition as Duchess Dorinda Courtenay was elevated as the first Æthelmearc Mistress of Defense (and what could well be the first in the Known World since we believe the Lochac Masters were made on May 2, being far ahead of us in hours).

The Gazette will post a full story later this weekend, but suffice it to say that it was a day filled with fencing followed by a most moving elevation ceremony.

Vivat to Duchess Dorinda!

Dorinda’s Song

01 Friday May 2015

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Submitted by Baroness Gwendolyn the Graceful, Sylvan Bard of Æthelmearc.

Baroness Gwendolyn the Graceful

Baroness Gwendolyn the Graceful

Happy A.S. L, Everyone!

I’m a little behind on my article series — the next one will be out soon — but in the meantime, I could not let the occasion of our inaugural Order of Defense peerage go unmarked.

Years ago, I took a commission to write a piece in honour of Her Grace, Dorinda Courtenay. At the time, I neglected to put in a verse about fencing, an activity which she had only very recently taken up.

I had to rectify that!

Here is the song I wrote then, with a little added something to comemmorate her historic elevation. The music is by Guillaume de Machaut, a 14th-Century composer.

Duchess Dorinda Courtenay

Duchess Dorinda Courtenay, photo by Duchess Anna Blackleaf.

Missive From Their Majesties

22 Wednesday Apr 2015

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TN-KingdomArmsAll pay heed to these words from Their Majesties, Timothy and Gabrielle:

BE IT KNOWN to all that profess arms that We, Timothy and Gabrielle, by right of Arms, King and Queen of Sylvan Æthelmearc,  do honor and invite all to whom these words come – that We commend Dorinda Courtenay, Member of the Order of the White Scarf, Duchess of the Kingdom of Æthelmearc, and Vigilant for the Society’s Order of Defense to play her Master’s Prize against all who might wield the Rapier in its subtile mysterie at these weapons, viz: rapier, rapier and dagger, rapier and parry item, case of rapier or longsword.  Each Gentle being offered three passes of their choice.  We would also provide gaming challenges for those who are not able to meet Her Grace on the rapier listfield. These words are to give notice that Our said Vigilant will be present beginning at 3:00 p.m. on the First day of May, at the appropriately entitled “Celebration of the Art of the Rapier” to perform and do her utter most for the achievement and bearing away of the prize.

Credits to Don Po Silvertop based on the writings from
http://iceweasel.org/lmod.html