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The Æthelmearc Gazette

~ Covering the Kingdom of Æthelmearc of the SCA

The Æthelmearc Gazette

Tag Archives: Pax

Court Report: Pax Interruptus AS 54

26 Friday Jul 2019

Posted by Krista in Court Reports

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Pax, Pax Interruptus, Pax Interuptus

The report for the Court Their Sylvan Majesties, Gareth and Juliana,  held on July 6, AS 54 (2019) at Pax Interruptus in the Barony of Thescorre.  Reported by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova, with the assistance of THL Zofia Kowalewska, White Horn Herald, and Mistress Gytha Oggsdottir, Silver Sycamore Herald.

Morning Court:
Their Majesties gave leave to Their Excellencies Thescorre to open their court.  It was announced in Baronial Court that all new people should seek out the Chatelaine to receive a welcome gift.

Their Majesties then called for THL Alina Marie de Valenciennes before them.  They spoke of how Their Beloved ancestor Anna Leigh had requested that Her Ladyship sit vigil for contemplation to be elevated to the Peerage and asked if she was still willing to do so.  When Her Ladyship said yes, Their Majesties summoned the Noble Order of the Pelican.  The Order agreed that they too wished for her to sit vigil.   Her Excellency, Viscountess Eleanore of Waldren came forward and then took back her belt from Her Ladyship so that she was free of obligations. Their Majesties agreed this was right and asked that the Order and Her Ladyship wait a moment.

Alina gives belt back

Viscountess Eleanor receives Lady Alina’s protege belt back. Photo by Baron Steffan Wolfgang von Ravensburg.

Baron Padraig O’Branduibh was then called forth.  Their Majesties asked if he was prepared to sit vigil as They had requested of him.  He said yes.  His Majesty then said that His Excellency could not properly contemplate the weight of the Peerage as he had obligations to Crown and Barony as sitting Baron of the Rhydderich Hael and asked that His Excellency return the Coronet of the Hael, to be held in trust by Their Majesties, until after the evening Court.

Padraig to vigil

Baron Padraig processes into court. Photo by Baron Steffan.

Both candidates were taken by the Order of the Pelican to sit vigil and Court of Their Majesties was suspended.

Evening Court
Upon reopening Their Court, Their Majesties called for the children of the Realm and invited them to follow Drurar to the back of the hall to select a toy from the Kingdom Toy Box.

Children

The children receive royal largesse. Photo by Baron Steffan.

Their Majesties then gave leave to Their Excellencies Thescorre to resume their court.

Upon completion of Baronial Court, Their Majesties invited all gentles for whom this was their first event or Royal Court, to join them.  They welcomed all who came forward and gave them a mug as a token of welcome and hopes that those mugs would be filled with refreshment and friendship.

Gaelan of Myrkfaelinn came before Their Majesties.  It was remarked that this young  man is always found on the Thrown Weapons and Archery fields.  For this he was inducted into the Order of the Silver Alce.  Scroll by Lady Murdia Drusilla Vettia Portia.

Their Majesties then demanded the presence of Gwen Cooke.  Their Majesties spoke of this good lady’s service as Autocrat and scribe.  How she is active with the Thrown Weapons community and was just named Arts and Sciences Champion for the Barony of Thescorre.  For all this she was Awarded Arms.  Scroll by THL Abigail Kelhoge and THL Shirin al Sussiyya.

Gwen Cook

Gwen receives an AoA. Photo by Baron Steffan.

Amelot Noiset was summoned into Court where Their Majesties said that word had reached them about her activities promoting the bardic arts.  This brought joy to Their hearts and the did Award her Arms.   Scroll was calligraphed by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova, device painted by Gabriella Francesca dela Rosa, the illumination was unsigned.

Amelot AoA

Amelot receives an AoA. Photo by Baron Steffan.

Next Eleanor McMorland was called for as her embroidery, quiet service and inspiration was something to be recognized.  Thus did Their Majesties Award her Arms.  Scroll by Mistress Roberta McMorland.

Eleanor McMoreland

Eleanor receives an AoA. Photo by Baron Steffan.

For his service to the Barony of Delftwood as historian, herald, set up and tear down guy and most recently as sitting Baron, Their Majesties did induct Baron Ixac ben Simone into the Order of the Keystone.  Scroll forthcoming.

Ixac Keystone

Baron Ixac receives a Keystone. Photo by Baron Steffan.

Their Majesties then requested that Lady Simonetta d’Alfassi present herself.  This good lady can always be found marshalling and running archery ranges, helping in the kitchens of the Rhydderich Hael, retaining and much more.  For this she was inducted into the Order of the Keystone.  Scroll by Lady Sebastienne la Rousse.

Simonetta Keystone

Lady Simonetta receives a Keystone. Photo by Baron Steffan.

Lord Rikarder in blakki Bjarn was then presented his scroll for induction into the Order of the Keystone that had not been present at a previous event.  (Herald apologizes that the name of the scribe was not noted.)

Their Majesties then spoke of one who greets everyone with a smile, welcomes new people into the Society and helps to run the tent that makes Æthelmearc so hospitable at Pennsic.  For all this was THL Lasairfhiona inghean Aindraias inducted into the Order of the Cornelian.  Scroll by THL Felice de Thornton.

Lasairfhiona Cornelian

THLady Lasairfhiona receives a Cornelian. Photo by Baron Steffan.

Next Sir Aquila d’Athos was summoned.  Their Majesties said that their predecessor had wished to recognize him but that she had been unable to connect and thus is was Their honor to induct him into The Order of the Millrind and present him with a scroll by Lady Nichola Beese.

Aquila Millrind

Sir Aquila receives a Millrind. Photo by Baron Steffan.

While the Order of the Millrind was still in court, Their Majesties noted that it was still lacking.  Therefore the called for THL Moniczka Elzbietka Poznanska.  For her years of service to the Shire of Angels Keep, largess and sitting at the tolner’s table, she was added to the rolls of the Order.  Scroll by Lady Genevote Nau d’Anjou.

Moniczka Millrind

THLady Moniczka receives a Millrind. Photo by Baron Steffan.

Next, Their Majesties then requested Mistress Rowena ni Dhonnchaidh to present herself before Them.  His Majesty said that it had been noted that the Kingdom would be lacking in Presence without the hard work of this lady.  She had made and donated sunshades and pavilions, has made and donated banners as well.  She sits at the Hospitality tables and works demos to bring new members into the Society.  His Majesty then presented her with a coronet made by His Hands and named her a Baroness of the Court.  Scroll by Lady Gwen Cooke.

Rowena Court Barony

Mistress Rowena receives a Court Barony. Photo by Baron Steffan.

THL Alina Marie de Valenciennes then came forward.  Their Majesties asked if she had sat vigil and if she was willing to continue and become a member of the Order of the Pelican.  When she said she was, the Order of the Pelican was summoned.  Their Majesties then asked for witnesses to THL Alina’s worthiness.  Sir Aquila d’Athos spoke on behalf of the Order of the Chivalry.  Master Fridrikr Tomasson av Knusslig Hamn’s words were read by Mistress Matilda Bosville de Bella Aqua for the Order of the Laurel.  The Royal Peers were spoken for by Duchess Branwen ferch Gwythyr.  Lord SIgurdr Isolfsson brought words from Sir Haakon Oaktall, Premiere Jewel of Æthelmearc.  The Order of the Pelican was represented by Viscountess Eleanore of Waldren.  Their Majesties found themselves satisfied with the words spoken in favor of Her Ladyship and called for a cloak to designate her new station.  Viscountess Eleanore presented the cloak that she was gifted with upon her elevation and placed it about Her Ladyship’s shoulders.  Mistress Roberta McMorland brought forth the ancestral pelican medallion of the order, which their Majesties entrusted to Her Ladyship.  A gift of a personal medallion was gifted from House Highrafters. Their Majesties accepted her oath of fealty and presented her as the newest member of the Order of the Pelican as the scroll by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova was read.   Mistress Alina Marie de Valenciennes was asked to join the other members as there was further business with the Order of the Pelican.

Alina Pelican

THLady Alina swears fealty as a Pelican. Photo by Baron Steffan.

Their Majesties then called for Baron Padraig O’Branduibh to come forth.  He confirmed that he too had sat vigil during the day, hearing the words of the people, and if Their Majesties so agreed, would join the Order of the Pelican.  Witnesses were called for to speak to the virtues of the man.  Count Andreas Morgan sent words through Sir Dominic McMorland and told of the virtue of Courage that His Excellency shows.  His wisdom was spoken of by Robert of Sugargrove, Master of the Laurel, whose words were read by His Highness Timothy.  Master Jacob Dunmore read the words of Master Illadore de Bedagrayne, Premiere Master of Defense for the Kingdom of the West, who confirmed that His Excellency displayed the virtue of Justice in all his actions.  Duchess Meirwen uerch Owein, Lady of the Rose, spoke of the Temperance of His Excellency.  The Order of the Pelican was represented by His Excellency’s wife, Mistress Juliana Rosalia Dolce di Sienna, who spoke of his kindness.  Baroness Ekaterina Volkova, 37th Jewel of Æthelmearc spoke on his dedication to the Society and its people.  Finding no fault with the candidate, Their Majesties called for a cloak, which was presented by His Excellency’s Protégé sisters.  Duchess Rowan de la Garnisson presented him with a Cap of Maintenance. Mistress Alina Marie de Valenciennes presented the ancestral pelican medallion to His Excellency, and Baroness Ekaterina Volkova passed to him a medallion she was gifted with upon her elevation.  His Excellency then gave his oath of fealty.  After accepting his oath, Their Majesties reinstated him as the Territorial Baron of the Rhydderich Hael.  Promissory scroll by Mistress Sthurrim Caithness, words by Lord Evan Quicktongue.

Padraig Pelican

Master Padraig with his Pelican promissory scroll. Photo by Baron Steffan.

THL Abigail Kelhoge was the asked to present herself.  His Majesty asked if she knew why she had been summoned.  Her Ladyship said she did not.  Their Majesties said there was a group of people who wished to have some words with her and called forth the Order of the Laurel.  Her Ladyship was then instructed to go with the Order and sit vigil at a mutually agreed upon time and place.

Abigail Laurel Writ

Lady Abigail receives a Writ for the Laurel. Photo by Baron Steffan.

Her Majesty then called for Lord Snorri skyti Bjarnarson and named him Queen’s Inspiration for the day.

Snorri Queen's Inspiration

Lord Snorri is named Queen’s Inspiration. Photo by Baron Steffan.

Those scribes that had scrolls presented in court this day were asked to stand and were thanked for their work and donations.

As the weather and site conditions made the day a bit difficult, Their Majesties called forth those gentles that retained and guarded them and gave them tokens of thanks.

His Majesty then addressed the populace and spoke that massive armies were approaching and asked that all who could attend the great Pennsic War in August to please help where they could, upon the fields of battle, volunteering for event locations or at Kingdom Hospitality to show the Known World the glory that is Æthelmearc.

There being no further business, the court of Gareth and Juliana was closed.

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Event Announcement: Pax Interruptus

24 Sunday Jun 2018

Posted by aethgazette in Archery, Camping, Event Announcements & Updates, Feast, Fencing, Food, Heavy List, Thrown Weapons

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Investiture, Pax, Thescorre

The drums of war call all warriors to join the Barony of Thescorre as we prepare for battle at our annual Pax Interruptus camping event.

Join us as we celebrate the investituture of our 9th Baroness and Baron, Lady Dubheasa inghean Dubgaill and Lord Eldjarn the Thoughtful, by their Sylan Majesties, July 6 to 8, 2018, at Genesee Country Campground, 40 Flint Hill Rd., Caledonia, NY 14423. The site opens at 3 pm Friday and closes at noon on Sunday.

We will have both heavy weapons and fencing melees, archery, and thrown weapons during Saturday to show the martial prowess of our Kingdom as we get ready for War. A revelry of song and storytelling at night will complete the celebrations. In addition, on Friday, a torchlight tourney will be held at dusk.

Day visitors are encouraged to bring pavilions for shade. Merchants are welcome at no additional charge, but must bring their own setup.

Open flames are also allowed, and fires can be built in the designated areas of the campground. Please be advised that fires are permitted only within existing fire rings. This site is discreetly damp.

The field and camping area do not have water; please plan to bring enough water to meet your needs.

Dogs are permitted on leash with proof of license and vaccinations, to be presented upon check in, and must be cleaned up after. Trash must be disposed of in the dumpster by the camp store before leaving site; bins for recycling are also available. The camp store carries some groceries, ice, and wood. It is located in the same building as the flush toilets and showers.

A light sideboard lunch will be provided by proficient hands of Robert of Thescorre and Lady Fauna. Lunch is limited to 100 gentles and is PRE-REGISTER ONLY, so please pre-register soon to reserve your lunch.

The menu is a Roman travelers repast:

  • Antipasti (with cheese, dried dates and apricots, raisins and olives)
  • Stuffed eggs
  • Pickles
  • Homemade Lucanicae smoked sausages
  • Bread, both gluten filled and gluten free

Ingredients lists available soon. (Menu and Ingredients are subject to change do to price and availability at time of purchase).

There will be no feast at night. Please plan accordingly. Please alert the head cook, Robert of Thescorre of any allergies or food restrictions.

Fees:

  • Adult Event Registration is $15
  • Adult Member Discount Event Registration is $10
  • Youth 6-17 Event Registration is $5
  • Children 5 and younger are free.
  • Lunch will be available for an additional $4, but you must register in advance.

Pre-registration for this event is encouraged; please make checks payable to SCA-NY Inc., Barony of Thescorre and send to: Andrew Patton, 512 Plank Rd Webster NY 14580.

Camping is available both Friday and Saturday nights. We will have space for tents with ample port-a-castles scattered throughout, as well as room for RV camping with hookups. The site offers a limited number of cabins up by the camp store, within an easy walk of full bathroom facilities. RV camping and cabins are additional, both to be reserved with the site 1-585-538-4200, or http://www. geneseecountrycampground.com/

For any questions for the event, please contact the autocrat,  Lord Andrew of Thescorre (Andrew Patton), 585-747-6915 (no calls after 9 pm).

All marshal questions may be sent to the MIC, Baron Sir Aquila d’Athos.

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A Scribal Journey to A Medieval Monastery

25 Friday Aug 2017

Posted by aethgazette in Arts & Sciences

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Abbey Trip, Pax

A Class at Pax Interruptus, by THL Mairghread Stoibheard inghean ui Choinne


A solemn large bell tolls the monks, dressed in clothing unchanged since the 11th century, in from the wheat and rye fields to the handcrafted field stone abbey church. The monastery is called the Abbey of the Genesee, home to the famous “Monk’s Bread” bakery and is located in somewhat of a time warp on a beautiful hilltop above the Genesee River a mere 14 miles from the event site for Pax Interruptus in the Barony of Thescorre.

Gemlike windows of colored glass, icons in the Russian period style, and libraries with an assortment of references on iconography, calligraphy and illumination are a few of the aspects of the monastery eagerly observed by a group of seven gentles attending Pax Interruptus on July 8, A.S. 52.

The Schedule
The schedule for the excursion led by THL Mairghread Stoibheard inghean ui Choinne included:

10: 40 am (after morning court) Depart for Abbey – meet at cook’s tent

11:00 Brother Anthony to give a short talk on the hand sign language still in use at the Abbey for communicating during the “Grand Silence” (omitted due to a later departure)

11:15  Attend Sext (optional) – this is a service where Gregorian Chant is sung by the monks in antiphonal/response mode with the congregation using a psalter that is a copy of hand calligraphed original.  The psalter is for sale at the Abbey book store. (omitted due to a later departure)

11:30 View life sized icon in reception room

11:30 Visit gift ship including the book store and calligraphy and illuminations on display and sold there (you can also purchase Monk’s Bread made at the Abbey for cost and many other baked goods made at the Abbey and products of various Trappist abbeys as well. (Credit cards and checks are accepted)

12:15 View illuminated heraldry in the narthex, review the use of the psalter, view stained glass, solid limestone altar and additional icon in the Abbey church

12:30 lunch – Eat in front of the abbey residence wing – by the pond or in the shade.

1:00 View the life size high-quality reproductions of the medieval manuscripts such as “The Crusaders’ Bible” or ”Morgan Picture Bible” or the “Maciejowski Bible” or the “Shah ‘Abbas Bible” at Bethlehem House

Many thanks to the autocrat, Lady Marguerite III de Neufchâtel, and the Cooks’ Co-ordinator, Baroness  Katja Davidova Orlova Khazarina, and her staff for preparing lunches ahead for the side trip.

The Icons and Illumination References
In the reception area, we were greeted by a stunning, larger than life icon of a saint. The abbey has several icons including one in the church near the tabernacle depicting Mary with the infant Jesus comforting her face with his hand. It is in the style of the icon shown at left named “The Comfort and Consolation of the Theotokos“  from the monastery on Mt. Athos in Greece.

During our last stop at Bethlehem Retreat House in the west library, we were able to view the book “The Treasures of the Monastery of St. Catherine’s“ that included many icons and mosaics as wells as ornate gold mitres (clerical hats) and chalices.

In addition, there were folios of several life size, very high quality reproductions from the “The Crusaders’ Bible” with faux gold gilding. This bible is also known as the ”Morgan Picture Bible” or the “Maciejowski Bible” or the “Shah ‘Abbas Bible”. Several full size folios from “The Book of Kells” were also viewed. The Kells images show how parchment was stitched onto damaged corners to repair certain pages. One of our participants, Mistress Rhiannon y Bwa, explained that these are printers’ samples.

The library includes many historical and some period and primary source references about the monastic movements of St. Bernard and associated art and practices.

The Garb or Habit
It was interesting to observe the garb or “habit” of the porter. The porter is the monk who is permitted to interact with visitors in the reception area since this is a cloistered abbey. The white wool T-Tunic and brown wool tabard with leather belt and sandals are unchanged from the 11th century as shown in this painting Life of St. Bernard of Clairvaux by Joerg Breu the Elder from 1500 C.B.E.

It is common to see the habits worn by the monks mended with darning. Belts and sandals are apt to be quite worn as the Trappists take a lifelong vow of poverty.

The Heraldry
In the narthex leading to the abbey church, the abbey heraldry hangs on the stone wall accompanied by the following description:

“The abbey is signified by the crozier [at top]. The blue and white Marian [signifying Mary] colors indicate that the abbey is dedicated to Mary as is the entire Cistercian of the Strict [or Trappist] Order.

In heraldry, a river is symbolized by a wavy silver band. Here it symbolizes the Genesee River Valley where the abbey is located. The golden wavy lines on each side express golden banks, derived from the Seneca Indian name for the Genesee River Valley.

Three Indian arrowheads on the river recall the Seneca Indians who made the Genesee River Valley their home. They call themselves Tshotinondawage, people of the mountains. The arrowhead are red to further represent  the Seneca Indians and are turned upwards in the militant position to signify defense of their homeland. Above and below is the crescent, a symbol of Our Lady [Mary].                         “

Note that heraldically, a bend from upper left to lower right symbolizes an unmarried male.

The Psalter Calligraphy
The psalter, which is for sale in the shop was copied out by hand at the Abbey. The original was done using India ink with a #2.5 or #3 pen in an unclassified hand, taking four hundred hours over a period of ten months starting in February 1974. It suggests the individual character and is appropriate to the meditative recital in Gregorian Chant of some of the 150 psalms each day in seven different short services (the Divine Office) and underlines the peace and silence the monks seek in prayer.

Meredith Parsons Lillich, Department of Fine Arts, Syracuse University, wrote ”This handsome, austere, Cistercian Psalter was written by one monk over a period of nearly a year. In that time his letter forms gradually and imperceptibly changed, by slight and unconscious refinements. A comparison of his opening pages with his final verses of Psalm 150 would lead a professional paleographer, without hesitation, to attribute the hand to two different scribes. All the rules of the paleographic analysis are broken, since even the most distinctive letters (g, a) have changed in their shapes.  The script of this Cistercian Psalter is thus, in itself, a creation which is orderly, disciplined and unified, yet intricate, complex and growing.”

Calligraphy, Illumination, Baked Goods and Other Shop Wares
Many of the gentles of Thescorre, Delftwood, and the Hael have eaten “Monk’s Bread” baked at this monastery their entire life. Originally all Mink’s Bread was produced here, but due to expansion, now only locally distributed and on-line sales are baked at the abbey bakery on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings. The cost of the bread at the abbey store is reduced by almost 40 percent from grocery store prices. Other Trappist wares are offered including cookies and fruit cakes prepared at the abbey bakery. Micro greens from the cloister garden were also available the day of our visit.

In addition to the extensive book store, illuminations/icons, and calligraphed and illuminated cards and prints of icons are for sale. These artworks were created by a SUNY Geneseo alumni and artist, Minhhang K. Huynh. Minhhang was raised in Vietnam in the Buddhist tradition. She began studying tempera techniques such as fresco and wood panel and crucifix painting in Sienna, Italy in 1994.  Through her work on sacred paintings in the medieval tradition, she became a spiritual student of Rev. Father John Eudes Bamberger, who was abbot of the monastery at the time (He is now one of the handful of brothers who live in hermitages on the west side of River Rd.)

The Architechure and Site
The abbey buildings were begun in 1951 when several monks were sent from the motherhouse, Gethsemani, near Louisville, Ky. to establish the foundation on one-thousand acres of land donated to the Order. The buildings are of post and beam construction with walls of fieldstones mined from the land.

Even the stained glass windows are re-purposed glass.The main door faces east as in the tradition in Western and many Eastern monasteries.

Many of the charter members were WWII veterans who sought the solitude of a simpler lifestyle and opportunity to better the world through their works after their harrowing combat experiences. The bread made at the abbey is donated to many local charities.  Local hunters can be given permission to hunt on the land on the east side of River Rd. which includes part of the Genesee Greenway trail leading to the Genesee River.

Members of our party observed the simple wooden crosses of the cemetery and heard the peals of the great outdoor bell that tolls the times for “Office” in the cloistered enclosure as cars pulled in and out of the parking lot. Similar to the SCA, the abbey is a blend of the modern and mundane with the charm and authenticity of medieval culture carefully preserved and practiced.

This class was not able to get to the abbey in time to hear a talk on the hand sign language still in use at the abbey, or hear the Gregorian chant of a service, but there is interest from Delftwood and Thescorre in a repeat excursion. Anyone can visit the abbey between 2:00 am and 7:00 pm each day of the year.

Although our group ranged from those reared in the Catholic and various protestant and new age traditions, and agnostics, as well as those who have merely been on a personal spiritual journey, all agreed that we left more peaceful, enriched and inspired.

 

 

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Court Report: Pax Interruptus

20 Wednesday Jul 2016

Posted by aethgazette in Court Reports

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Pax, Thescorre

Documented from the Rolls and Files of the Coram Regibus of Thomas Byron et Ariella, Rex et Regina Æthelmearc: Being a True Record of the Business of Their Majesties’ Royal Court at Pax Interruptus, 9 July, Anno Societatis LI, in the Barony of Thescorre, accompanied by Their Heirs, Prince Marcus and Princess Margerite, and Her Avian Excellency Sadira. As recorded by Gwendolyn the Graceful, Brehyres, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald, with the assistance of the Honorable Lady Gytha Oggesdottir, silent herald, and the Honorable Lady Solveig Throndardottir, Keystone Herald.

In the morning, Their Majesties received Sir Murdoch Bayne. Upon confirming that it was indeed his wish to proceed, They brought forward Their Order of the Pelican to conduct him to the place of his Vigil, where he could entertain counsel from any and all who wished to see him throughout the day. Court was suspended.

Court resumed in the afternoon. Their Majesties asked the children forward and invited them to amuse themselves with activities provided by Khalekin Erbekei.

Their Majesties gave leave to Her Excellency Sadira to conduct the business of her Court.

Sadira court

Baroness Sadira’s court. Photo by Arianna of Wynthrope.

Next did Their Majesties invite Her Grace, Rowan de la Garnison, to receive Their decree that Ewa of Coppertree be raised to the nobility and Awarded Arms. Scroll by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova.

Ewa

Lady Ewa’s AoA scroll. Photo by Brehyres Gwendolyn the Graceful.

Their Majesties called Ragna Feilan before them, and praised her cooking and research, as well as her dedication to her Barony and the thrown weapons ranges. In recognition of her efforts, They Awarded her Arms. Scroll by Lady Felice de Thornton.

Lady Ragna receives her AoA. Photo by Arianna.
Lady Ragna receives her AoA. Photo by Arianna.
Ragna

Their Majesties then summoned Kalishka Peredslava into Their presence. Mindful of this gentle’s skill as a glass-blower and the impressive creations of her hand, They were moved to Award her Arms. Scroll by THL Máirghréad Stíobhard inghean uí Choinne and Baroness Daedez of the Moritu.

Kalishka receives an AoA. Photo by Arianna.
Kalishka receives an AoA. Photo by Arianna.
Kalishka

Their Majesties next brought before them Quentin Lawless. Well pleased were Their Majesties to encounter this individual, for They had attempted once before to reward him for his service and dedication to the fencing field. So impressed were They by both Their own experience of his skill with the blade, and the report of others, that They deemed it proper to name him a Companion of the Golden Alce, and thereby to Award him Arms. Scroll by Mistress Maria Cristina de Cordoba.

Lord Quentin Lawless receives a Golden Alce. Photo by Baron Steffan Wolfgang von Ravensburg.
Lord Quentin Lawless receives a Golden Alce. Photo by Baron Steffan Wolfgang von Ravensburg.
Quentin

Next did Their Majesties invite the Honorable Lord Juan Miguel Cezar to address the populace. His Lordship announced that one of Their Majesties’ subjects had attained the rank of Master Bowman. Thus was Lord Alrekr Bergsson brought forward to receive the token and badge of this estate. Before releasing Lord Alrekr, Their Majesties did proclaim it right that he take with him further recognition of his achievement, and named him a Companion of the Order of the Golden Alce. Two scrolls were presented: the first illuminated by Ana Ianka Lisitsina with calligraphy and wording by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova; the second by THL Eleanor Godwin.

Lord Akrekr receives a Golden Alce. Photo by Arianna.
Lord Akrekr receives a Golden Alce. Photo by Arianna.
Alrekr 2
Alrekr 1

Their Majesties desired next to speak with the Honorable Lady Zofia Kowaleska. Well pleased were Their Majesties with report and direct experience of this lady’s cooking, scribal efforts, and other accomplishments, and They did affirm that others, also, have been impressed with her works. As an outward symbol of Their regard, They did call for the Order of the Fleur D’Æthelmearc to convene and witness as They named her a Companion of that Order. Scroll calligraphed by Mistress Antoinette de la Croix, on wording by Mistress Gillian Llewellyn, with gilding and paint by Shirin of Susa.

Kingdom court Zosia

Lady Zofia receives a Fleur. Photo by Baron Steffan

While the Order was assembled, Their Majesties bestowed upon THL Máirghréad Stíobhard inghean uí Choinne the scroll that had been absent when she was inducted into the Order of the Fleur D’Æthelmearc (illumination by Lady Felice de Thornton; calligraphy by Master Jon Blaecstan). However, before allowing her to depart, They noted with pleasure all her other service, in addition to creating works of scribal art: autocratting, cooking, and service to her Barony and her Kingdom. For all this, They were minded to invite forward Their Order of the Millrind, so that They might name her also its Companion. Scroll by Lady Abigail Kelhoge.

Mairghead Millrind
Mairghead Fleur
THL Mairghead receives her Fleur scroll and a Millrind. Photo by Baron Steffan.
THL Mairghead receives her Fleur scroll and a Millrind. Photo by Baron Steffan.

Their Majesties next requested the presence of The Honorable Lord Cynwulf Rendell. Mindful of his long and meritorious conduct and skill on the archery range, Their Majesties invited before Them the Order of the Scarlet Guard, and named him one of its Companions, presenting him with the medallion and tassel provided by THL Juan Miguel Cezar. Scroll by Baron Caleb Reynolds.

Lord Cynwulf Rendell is inducted into the Scarlet Guard. Photo by Arianna.
Lord Cynwulf Rendell is inducted into the Scarlet Guard. Photo by Arianna.
Rendell

Then Their Majesties invited Sir Murdoch Bayne to present himself and give answer whether he would join the Most Noble Order of the Pelican. Upon his affirmation, the Order came before the throne. Earl Yngvar and Countess Caryl offered their endorsement as Royal Peers. Her Excellency faced a rare moment of speechlessness, finally reiterating again that, as she said at his knighting, to call herself his peer would require much more work on her part. Words from Duke Christopher Rawlyns were conveyed by Kómes tou stáblou Magnus Tindal, who added his own ringing attestation to Sir Murdoch’s unfailing Chivalry. Duke Christopher named him the epitome of the knightly virtues, while Duke Tindal noted that spurs, used well, can bring out the best of a steed, and so Murdoch brings out the best in those around him. Baroness Ekaterina Volkova, while not herself a Companion of the Laurel, was asked to convey the words of Sir Aengus MacBain on behalf of that Order, including a memory of seeing Murdoch after a significant weight loss, and thinking that it must have been difficult, since he is such a good cook. Duchess Dorinda Courtenay, as a representative of the Order of Defense. spoke of the generosity required by those who make the Society possible for others, especially scribes, who give their work away, and cooks, who spend their day in the kitchen, away from the pleasures and pastimes of our activities. Her Grace noted that Sir Murdoch is in both of  these communities, and that it speaks to his generosity of spirit. Dame Kateryna ty Isaf told of first meeting Sir Murdoch in Endless Hills, where he was sweeping floors at the end of an event, and her next meetng was at the first Crown Tournament of Æthelmearc, where he was hard at work in the kitchen making pies. In the more than fifteen years of her acquaintance with him, she said, she has always held him up as an example of all that a Peer should be. Moved by the testimony of these Noble Worthies, Their Majesties bid that Sir Murdoch receive the ancestral medallion of the Pelicans. Countess Caryl also presented him with her own Pelican medallion to keep once the other must be passed on, and with a hood adorned with the badge of the Order, as a further symbol of his estate. Sir Murdoch chose to offer a second Oath, one that emphasized his commitment to serve others, to serve the Crown, and to encourage others in their service. Thereupon was he named a Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Pelican. Promissory scroll text by Sir Aengus MacBain and Maistresse Yviane de Castel D’Avignon.

Murdoch Pelican

Sir Murdoch is elevated to the Order of the Pelican. Photo by Arianna.

Before releasing Sir Murdoch to his new Order, Their Majesties recalled His Lordship, Juan Miguel Cezar. Taking good note of his dedicated and tireless service to the archery community, They commanded His Lordship to sit vigil at St. Swithin’s Bog’s 3-day event, there to contemplate his elevation into the Order of the Pelican. Scroll by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova.

Juan Writ

THL Juan Miguel Cezar receives a Writ for a Pelican. Photo by Arianna.

Her Majesty then asked Lord Corwin Alexander Templeton to come forward and be recognized as Her inspiration for the day. Her Majesty spoke of his creative targets for the days’ ranges and gave him Her token in appreciation for his efforts to provide an entertaining and challenging range.

Corwin Queen Inspiration

Lord Corwin is recognized as the Queen’s inspiration. Photo by Arianna.

Their Majesties recognized all those scribes who contributed scrolls, medallions, and regalia for the day’s honorees. They further thanked all the staff who had worked to make the event enjoyable and successful.

There being no further business, the Coram Regibus was closed.

Faithfully Submitted,

Gwendolyn the Graceful, Brehyres
Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald

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Event Report: Pax Interruptus 40

18 Monday Jul 2016

Posted by aethgazette in Archery, Arts & Sciences, Camping, Combat Archery, Event Reports, Fiber Arts, Food, Heavy List, Pennsic, Scribal, Thrown Weapons

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Pax, Thescorre

By THL Mairghread Stoibheard inghean ui Choinne, with additional reporting by Baroness Katja Davidova Orlova Khazarina.

Sir Athos in one of many rattan melees. Photo by Baroness Katja.

Pax Interruptus XL began Friday evening with the Thescorre camping event’s annual heavy weapons torchlight tournament.

Despite it being “late at night, very hot, very sweaty, and very tough,” according to Duke Sir Khalek Shuurag Od, THL Thorsol Solinauga was victorious after fighting with great skill and grace.

Prince Marcus in battle. Photo by Lady Jinx.

The threat of rain on Saturday, July 9, held off for most of the day as gentles faced instead brisk winds.

The cooling breezes were a balm to the marshals and the heavy fighters, fencers, archers, throwers, combat archers, and gentles watching, working, or otherwise enjoying the event at the Genesee Country Campground… but everything had to be taped or tied down to avoid flying across away! Several tents, including the Tollner table, had walls or tops nearly blown off and stakes pulled out of the ground by the nigh-constant buffeting.

Martial Preparation for Pennsic

Rattan melee. Photo by Lady Jinx.

His Grace Magnus Tindal, Pennsic Warlord, started the heavy fighters off with some pickups, then ran them through melees – no tournaments — for the whole day until court. “We’re building off of last year, and will continue to build an army that functions at the upper levels of effectiveness at Pennsic,” he said.

With War just three weeks away, he explained, he wanted fighters to focus on small unit communication. “At the end of the day, with the helmets on, people don’t always hear the actual commands. So, with practice, they more effectively guess what the commanders want them to do.”

“My objective is for everyone to have as much fun as possible with their friends,” said  Lord Corbinus de Cuvis, marshal-in-charge of the event, while watching the melee lines begin to form upon the battlefield. He, too, expressed hope that the concentrated melee practice would help the army “hone our skills today so that we can obliterate our opponents at Pennsic.”

Lord Padraig, right, the winner of the day’s baronial rapier championship, faces Lord Hrolf as Lord Heero marshals. Photo by Baroness Katja.

Lord Quintin defends himself against THL Gytha in the rapier tourney. Photo by Lady Jinx.

Over on the fencing field, Lord Michael Gladwyne and Lord Heero Himoura were two of several out-of-barony marshals who kindly agreed to run competitions so that Thescorreans could enter rather than run them. After allowing  everyone (including Her Majesty Ariella) to warm up with pickups, the annual baronial rapier champion tournament was opened to all fencers present at the event, although only Thescorreans were eligible to be named the local champion.

Of the four Thescorreans who entered the 13-person single-elimination tree, Lord Padraig Ua Céileachair won the baronial title, while Lord Jacob Martinson, the current kingdom champion, won the overall tourney.

After the champion tourney ended, Master Benedict Fergus atte Mede ran those present through several melees, including a warlord tourney. He chose that specific format, he said, because it improves situational awareness and team forming on the fly. “Our warlord tourney ended up with three teams facing each other, which help fencers to be aware of attacks from more than one angle. At Pennsic, your kill is very rarely directly in front of you. This forces you to work the sides.”

Lord Heero noted at the end of the day that “despite the heat and intense wind, everyone did a phenomenal job. Several people did better here today than they did at recent events.”

DSCN0158

THL Rendell on the throwing range. Photo by Baroness Katja.

Princess Margerite, watching the melee, agreed. “I’m really impressed with the comportment and skill of our armies, fencers, archers, and throwers. And I appreciate the opportunity to shoot and throw today!”

Far back on the throwing range, Sir Aquila d’Athos and THL Govindi dera Carr offered a fun competition for axe, knife, and atlatl at 10- and 15-foot ranges, with three normal royal round targets and one target with negative points. Her goal for the day, she said, was to offer everyone lots of throwing practice with all three weapon forms, especially for gentles who had thrown for a while.

Master Jacapo, Baron Edward, and other archers enjoying the day’s shoots. Photo by Baroness Katja.

The archers nearby, meanwhile, faced numerous whimsical targets and challenges. Lord Corwin Alexander Templeton offered a standard five-color target at 20 yards for warm ups, then guided archers through a timed window shoot with a target behind the window, a wand shoot with a markings on a three-inch-thick pole (which included a special 10-point bonus if you hit the blue dinosaur head on the wand), and another window shoot aiming at a foam “Saracen head.” He also included two special targets at 30 and 40 yards: the first, a “money shoot,” invited archers to hit specific denominations of paper money;  the second included head photographs of various villains from A Game of Thrones. (Yes, Joffrey was the most popular target on that board.)

“You never know what kind of competition you’ll face at Pennsic, so my goal today is to offer a variety of shoots at different ranges, different types, different targets, beyond just lots of royal round shoots, to help our archers get ready,” Lord Corwin explained.

He announced later that afternoon in court that 10 entrants broke the 100-point barrier for the day and one broke the 200-point barrier – Master Jacopo di Niccolo, who eliminated himself from winning. Second-highest-scoring archer and thus winner for the day – and the only one to hit the dinosaur head – was Master Caleb Reynolds with 185 points.

Lunch and the Gentle Arts

Lord Andrew, right, and his brother Robert, left, grill the mini meatloaves for lunch. Photo by Baroness Katja.

At noon, Lord Andrew of Thescorre and members of the Cauldron Bleu Cooks Guild served grab-and-go bag lunches to those who preregistered for the meal. In addition to individual spiced meatloaf “hedgehogs” hot off the grill,  gentles enjoyed a portable, neat repast of personal-sized Ember Day tarts, plus gingerbrede, savory fried chickpeas, carrot sticks, and pickles, all tied inside a cloth napkin.

In the A&S area, next to several merchants, the Thescorre Scribes and Clan Blackheart both set up garage sales that symbiotically fueled each other.  The scribes, led by Mistress Roberta McMorland, raised $236.75 for the kingdom scribal coffers; the goal had been $150!

All photos by THL Mairghread.



The Barony also hosted an arts & sciences display at the event, with about dozen participants showing off their completed and in-progress projects: Viking/Norman threadwork (including hooded capelets with striking embroidered trims), embroidered liturgical shoes from later-period France, a  Japanese cookery text in Old Japanese translated to modern Japanese and then to English, later-period German aprons, a carved horn vessel, hand-wrought pins, scrolls both gilded and gessoed (one based on the Codex Manesse and the second on The Visconti Book of Hours), and an icon of the Archangel Gabriel.

THL Otelia d’Alsace created the icon, based on the 1408 work of Andrei Rublyev, which won the populace choice.   This lovely first attempt at iconography was painted on wood using tempera and period pigments (except for the white and blue).

Storm clouds moving rapidly over Court as it begins. Photo by Baron Steffan.

Courts

Baroness Sadira holding one of the original seven hand-sewn favors she embroidered three decades ago for the Thescorreans who fought that year at Pennsic. Photo by Baroness Katja.

In an emotional highlight of the Baronial Court — while the wind picked up harder and storm clouds began covering the sky overhead — Baroness Sadira bint Wassouf shared that this event, on this day, marked 30 years since she was first invested Baroness of Thescorre.

She remarked with a wry smile that she and her late husband, Master Saleem, did not name Bob (the third raven in Thescorre’s heraldry) but were responsible for several other baronial traditions, such as the policies & procedures, the Mathom, and the baronage creating Pennsic favors to hand out to baronial members at Pax.

She and Saleem were also responsible, she continued, for creating a repeatable barony award, the Raven’s Egg, which is given at the whim of the baronage for anything that furthers The Dream.

“So this year, for the first and only time, I decided to give every single person in the Barony of Thescorre a Raven’s Egg because it is my deep and abiding belief that EVERY SINGLE PERSON has done something to build the Dream, and that those contributions are worthy of notice. Everyone, at one time or another, has done something worthy of notice that has gone unremarked and unrecognized, so for this one moment, this one time, I am saying, ‘You have been noticed; you are worthy; you are appreciated; you have been recognized… There is no Dream or SCA without you’.”

Queen Ariella and King Byron induct Lord Quintin into the Golden Alce. Photo by Baron Steffan.

The gathering clouds darkened and rain started falling as Kingdom Court began; after a brief consideration, Their Majesties decided to continue without moving to another location and proceeded to hand out several awards of arms and other recognitions.  Lord Quintin Lawless, who had just stepped down as baronial rapier champion and praised by Baroness Sadira for his graceful dance-like fencing as she inducted him into the baronial martial order, the Black Talon, was inducted by Their Majesties in the Order of the Golden Alce.

THL Zofia is moved to tears by her Fleur scroll. Photo by Baroness Katja.

You join not one grant order, but two! Queen Ariella hands THL Mairghread her Millrind as Princess Margerite watches. Photo by Baroness Katja.

Their Majesties called THL Mairghread into court to receive her backlog Fleur scroll and called in the Order to greet her, then promptly grinned and inducted her into the Order of the Millrind, calling in that Order as well, which caused a merry mob as both orders wetly swirled and hugged. In addition, They welcomed THL Zofia Kowaleska into the Fleur and THL Cynwulf Rendell into the Scarlet Guard.

Sir Murdoch Bayne, who had sat vigil for consideration of the Order of the Pelican all day, presented himself and listened in the rain to effusive praise of his decades of service by Earl Yngvar and Countess
Caryl as Royal Peers, Duke Christopher Rawlyns of the Chivalry (conveyed by Duke Sir Magnus Tindal), Sir Aengus MacBain of the Laurel (conveyed by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova), Duchess Dorinda Courtenay of the Order of Defense, and Dame Kateryna ty Isaf of the Pelican. Sir Murdoch was elevated with Countess Caryl’s Pelican medallion and a hood adorned with the badge of the order.

Sir Murdoch listens to the Worthies’ praise… Photo by Baroness Katja.

…And receives a kiss from his wife, THL Rioghnach, before his elevation. Photo by Baron Steffan.

 

Their Majesties issue a Pelican writ to THL Juan. Photo by Lady Jinx.

Before allowing the Order to welcome Sir Murdoch, Their Majesties presented a writ to THL Juan Miguel Cezar, commanding him to prepare to sit vigil at St. Swithin’s Bog’s 3-day the following weekend for consideration of elevation to the Pelican.

Lady Marguerite de Neufchastau, event steward, was tired but thrilled at the end of the long day. “I want to thank everyone who helped with this, I was very lucky with that my staff was so willing to help pull off this great event, because only with teamwork will this Dream work.”

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Gold Chain Tournament at Pax Interruptus

02 Thursday Jul 2015

Posted by aethgazette in Event Reports, Heavy List

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Gold Chain Tourney, Pax

Knight's chain from quietpress.com.

Knight’s chain from quietpress.com.

Unto the Populace of Æthelmearc do Sir Byron and Sir Ariella send Greetings!

In the Barony of Thescorre was held a tournament of heavy weapons, where the Chivalry of Æthelmearc bore witness to feats of prowess from amongst our unbelted fighters. The Chivalry present were His Majesty Timothy, His Highness Tindal, Their Graces Maynard, Marcus, and Khalek, His Excellency Yngvar, and ourselves. The unbelted fighters who met us on the field to test their mettle were Athos, Lothar, Bjorn, Bluestar, Beatrix, Thorsol, John, Esmar, Fridrich, Sittius, and Tadgh.

The Knights met in conference to select the two gentles who had most impressed them, and thus were the finalists, Bluestar and Thorsol, brought before the assembled crowd. In a finals match that saw 5 double-kills, Bluestar emerged victorious.

We salute all of the noble fighters who came to the listfield for this Gold Chain Tournament. We extend our thanks to the Marshall in Charge, Ciaran, who allowed us to fight on this day. We would also thank Master John, who provided a large tent for the fighters.

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