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.
Our series of 5 questions for members of the Æthelmearc Order of Defense continues this week with Master Po Silvertop.
1. Of all the things you could have done in the Society, why did you choose fencing?
For me it was the other way around, the SCA didn’t lead me to fencing, fencing led me to the SCA.
I first held a fencing blade (an Olympic sabre) at a performing arts camp before I was even in my teens. I was already an avid science fiction and fantasy reader, in addition to loving Dumas, Scaramouche, and other swashbuckling novels and movies. I started sport sabre and stage combat that summer and continued them for years, adding foil and epee along the way. Years later, I encountered local SCAdian fencers while I was choreographing the Scottish Tragedy. They invited me to the local practice after they joined the theatrical production.
2. Why do you still fence?
I still very much enjoy it. It makes my heart sing. Not just the ‘tactical chess’ aspect, but the ‘poetry in motion’ aspect, and the ‘zen mindset’ aspect. Plus I’ve always loved the camaraderie of the community.
3. If you could go back in time and give the “new” you advice what would it be?
Hmmm… “Enjoy the moment” more… Overthink less.
4. What is your most memorable moment as a fencer?
Oh my… I’ve been blessed with a staggering number of personally memorable moments both on and adjacent to the rapier field… Great bouts at practices and events, fun tourney finishes, wonderful teachers and students, unexpected court ambushes, the Pennsic tourneys… Even being the “Susan Lucci of the fencing community”… How can I narrow it down to one?
5. If you were to start all over again would you do anything different?
No, I don’t think so… Even the missteps were educational (and entertaining) – and helped me to become the SCAdian I am today.
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?
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?
Once we can resume fencing, I will be running our internal experiment regarding the use of rubber tipped fencing spears.
I scheduled an open Q&A meeting so that anyone that is interested in either joining the experiment, or just learning about what we will be doing can log in and find out what we are doing.
If anyone has any questions that they would like to ask ahead of time, please feel free to direct them to me directly at shinigamikirin@gmail.com. Otherwise the marshals that are my regional point people and I will be available during the meeting to answer any questions as they are asked.
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Due to the extenuating circumstances at this time, the Known World Rapier and Costuming Symposium has been postponed indefinitely. We would like to thank everyone who has shared their time and talents to bring us this far and also, please know we will certainly be hosting a Known World event in the future. Until then, please take care and stay safe!
As a reminder: This is a dry site and there will be some boy scouts on site, so violating that rule will get us in real trouble.
There are a few spaces left in one of the cabins. The cabin rate is $55 for up to eight people (in addition to the site fee for each individual). Right now, I have four people confirmed that are willing to share the cost. So there is room for four more and it will get cheaper with each person added.
We’ve added even more classes this year! Here is the most recent list of classes for the event this weekend. As always, a full list of classes with descriptions will be available on our website, www.angelskeep.net.
Hoping to see lots of you on March 17, 2018!
All classes are one hour long unless otherwise noted.
Understanding tournament trees – Baroness Ekatarina Volkvolva
Parchment 101 – THL Abigail Kelhoge (2 hours)
WWDD – What Would Durer Do? An Intro to Fine Line Pen Work – Lady Gillian McGill
WWDD Studio – Lady Gillian McGill
Chain Stitch Bookbinding: How to Make a Simple Book – Lady Ulfgrimma Tannadottir
At a Loss for Words – Baroness Ekaterina Volkvolva
Faux Fonts and the Technique of Their Development – Master Jon Blaecston
Making a Quill Pen – THL Robert l’Etourdi 2 Hours
Demystifying the Ames Lettering Guide, or How to Line a Scroll the Easy Way – THL Juliana Stafford
A Beginner’s Introduction to the Swetnam Style of Fence – Don Michael Gladwyne
Building Better Scroll Blanks – THL Abigail Kelhoge
Here continues the Record of the Reign of Gareth and Juliana, King and Queen of Sylvan Æthelmearc at Queen’s Rapier Championship, December 9, AS 52, in Their College of Silva Vulcani; as recorded by Lord Arias Beltran del Valle, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald, with the assistance of Nichola Beese.
As has been Their tradition, Their Majesties first invited those attending their first event in the society to come forward and receive a drinking vessel to take with them as they continue their journey in the Society.
Their Majesties gift people at their first event with a drinking vessel.
The children of the kingdom were then sent in pursuit of the toy chest to provide them entertainment during Their Majesties’ Court.
Their Majesties then invited before them Countess Elena d’Artois, and introduced her as the Rapier Warlord for Their Army at Gulf Wars in the coming spring.
Doña Elena d’Artois is named Rapier Warlord for Gulf Wars.
Her Majesty then stood before the populace and thanked the competitors to be named Her rapier championship early in that day. During the preceding tournament, Don Jacob Martinson emerged victorious, and so did She name him to be Her Champion and invite him to take his place in Their retinue. Scroll marking his victory was by Thea de Nes.
Don Jacob Martinson is named Queen’s Rapier Champion.
Deianeira Aella was then summoned to Their Majesties’ presence. They spoke of her efforts to develop her skills in fighting, both in armored combat and with a rapier, and so did They Award her Arms and name her a Lady of Their Court. Scroll by Lady Shirin of Susa.
Deianeira receives her AoA.
Next Their Majesties requested the presence of Donnchadh Ruiadh mac Griogair. For his skill in fencing, They bestowed upon him an Award of Arms. Scroll illuminated by Marcia Melia of House Sable Maul, with calligraphy by Baroness Graidhne ni Ruaidh.
Donnchadh receives his AoA.
Their Majesties summoned Gregory the Bearded before them. Word had reached Their Majesties of his regular attendance at fighting and fencing practices, and his generosity in supporting other new fighters. Pleased at this work, they were moved to Award him Arms. Scroll by Lady Shirin of Susa.
Gregory receives his AoA.
Petronia Alexandra was next called before Their Majesties. As webminister, she has improved the College’s website and fixed many extant issues there. She also follows a passion for archery, and assists her local chatelaine. For this did Their Majesties name her a Lady of their Court and Award her Arms. Scroll by Lady Felice de Thornton.
Petronia receives her AoA
Before Their Majesties’ Court could continue, Master Kieran MacRae, seemingly seized by madness, ran into Court. Her Majesty demanded he share what spirit caused him to interrupt so blatantly. Master Kieran then declared it was a spirit of celebration that gripped him so, marking the day of birth of His Majesty Gareth, that so happened to be that very day. With Her Majesty’s blessing, he then led the populace in song wishing His Majesty well. His Majesty was then presented with a cake for the occasion, minus the slice His Majesty had earlier indulged in.
Master Kieran trumpets the news of the King’s birthday.
Lady Charlotte Stark’s presence was then demanded before Their Majesties. Word had reached Their ears of her skill in making garb for herself and for others, as well as contributing a beautiful buckler to be given as a prize in the Wold Hunt. For this was she named to Their Majesties’ Order of the Sycamore. Scroll by THL Julianna Stafford.
Lady Charlotte receives a Sycamore.
Their Majesties then called for Lord Mathias al Tabai, whose efforts on the fencing field and the archery range had been made known to Their Majesties with great praise. They thanked him for his tireless defense of Their Sylvan lands, and so made him a member of Their Order of the Golden Alce. Scroll by Baron Caleb Reynolds, with calligraphy and wording by Baroness Graidhne ni Ruaidh.
Lord Mathias receives a Golden Alce.
Their Majesties summon Sorcha McKenzie before them. They spoke well of her skills in presenting, cooking, and serving culinary art for many. Many of the populace had expressed similar admiration, and so were Their Majesties of a mind to name her to the Order of the Sycamore. Scroll by THL Vivienne of Yardley.
Lord Robert Hawksworth and Doña Gabrielle de Winter were then asked to present themselves before Their Majesties as stewards of the event that day. After speaking about the event, Lord Robert was bid to remain before Their Majesties. They had noticed his continued growth on the fencing fields, even once shouting out his presence from behind enemy lines. Despite protestations to contrary, Their Majesties determined it appropriate that he SHOULD indeed be there, and did name him to Their Order of the Golden Alce. Scroll by Baron Caleb Reynolds, with calligraphy and wording by Baroness Graidhne ni Ruaidh.
Lord Robert receives a Golden Alce.
Their Majesties, not having completed Their business with the stewards, then demanded Doña Gabrielle present herself before Them. Her skill on the fencing lists and her service to the Kingdom have long been recognized, but less acknowledged was her work in embroidery and the crafting of Tudor grab. Their Majesties no longer wished that to stand, and so named her to Their Order of the Sycamore. Scroll by Mistress Fredeburg von Katzenellenbogen.
Mistress Gabrielle receives a Sycamore.
Her Majesty then stood and spoke again of the honor and prowess displayed in the tournament that day. She noted one combatant who, though they did not win, comported himself well and honorably, and named Sanada Genjirou Masasaku Her inspiration for the day and awarded him a Golden Escarbuncle.
Lord Genjirou is named Queen’s Inspiration.
There being no further business before Them, the Court of Their Majesties was then concluded.
Each reign, a celebration is held, the celebration of the Queen’s Rapier Championship. Through our efforts on the field, by bringing our best training and fighting wholly with our hearts, we praise the Queen through our actions, knowing full well at the end of they day one of us will be given the important duties of being the Queen’s rapier champion until another is chosen with the following reign. While we admire the excellence of the skills of those on the field, the praise of the tournament is rightly only for the Queen. Some may ask why the fencers have such a cult of worship built around the Queen and from whence did it originate.
The inspiration of documented history demonstrates the cult of the Queen being foremost in Elizabethan England during the reign of that illustrious and world-shaping woman. Notable heroes of the day such as Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh credited their renown to efforts on behalf of Queen Elizabeth, and their examples were not isolated but were instead forefront of those common of many men contemporary to them. A culture grew with this as instinct for soldiers of the realm with echoes continuing through England’s history with successive queens, most notably with Queen Victoria and again in the modern day with Elizabeth II.
Historical fiction enhances the importance of fighting for the Queen in the works of Dumas both in the original literary forms and further pursued in representations in film. Echoes of the same devoted fascination are brought forth in Rostrand’s writings as well. In the wake of D’Artagnan and his companions and Cyrano de Bergerac, the hopeful ambition of everyone who lifts a rapier is to serve the Queen.
In the culture of the Society, these inspirations took root throughout the Known World, but in Ansteorra, they were formative in the foundations of a Kingdom remarkable in its history as a leader of progress for Society fencing. The enthusiastic vigor for the cult of the Queen sparked imitation and competition in other kingdoms new and old with each developing a unique approach for their own pursuit of devotion to their respective Crowns.
In Æthelmearc, the Queen is first and foremost for fencers in our own unique fashion. With the first reign, the King and Queen established the Order of the White Scarf to grant a firmament for their fencers, but discussion of who would claim the fencers of the kingdom was silenced by Queen Caryl when she firmly stated, “They are mine.” Having been so lovingly adopted by our Queen, we have returned that love tenfold perpetually. The Order of the White Scarf invited the Queen to be an honorary member of the Order and upon stepping down as a Lady of the Rose has been welcomed to advise and guide the Order with noble wisdom beyond our ken, and this tradition has and will continue.
The love of the Queen for the fencers and the fencers for the Queens has been circular and brought forth great things. Impressed with the friendship, service, and honor given her by the fencers of her guard, Queen Dorinda joined her friends on the field and led them when she returned as Princess on a following reign. This inspiration brought forth great works by many, the volley of which was returned by Her Grace Dorinda who showed the power of a Rose with steel thorns by winning the day repeatedly as Warlord, White Scarf, and Principal of the Æthelmearc Order of Defence. The garden of Roses with steel thorns continues to bloom in Æthelmearc as we are joined, inspired, challenged, and humbled again and again on the field by Elena, Rosalinda, Kallista, Branwyn, Ariella, and more.
As much as we respect the skill and tenacity of Roses as compatriots on the field, we are ever in awe of the constant gentle guidance and protection they have all given us, exerting their influence to shape the world to allow us to prosper, speaking kind words of encouragement when we need it or stern words of reprimand when we need it more, and setting an example of nobility, grace, and honor we ever strive to mirror within ourselves.
In this cultural phenomenon, we have our Cult of the Queen. We take joy in it and seek to preserve it. For all of those who have had the good fortune to serve a Queen closely, whether as a retainer, a guard, or a Champion, we are left with an indelible imprint and continuing devotion to them, a devotion that brings us to the feet of each new Queen hoping to serve again. The Crown of our Kingdom grant us the gift of the illusion of us recreating history serving them, and in our devotion to them, we are given the chance to allow them to experience the greatness and reality of Their Reign. It is a circular gift made more enduring and mighty the more we give.
Set forth for Queen’s Rapier Championship, and carry in your thoughts something greater to fight for than winning. You will be with the Queen, and you will have the opportunity to sing for Her in an opera of steel in harmony with your friends, glorifying She who makes our fight meaningful. Fight well. Fight with honor. Fight with courtesy. Fight to praise the Queen.
Long live the Queen.
Ad gloriam Æthelmearc!
The event announcement for the Queen’s Rapier Tourney can be found here.
From Don Jorundr hinn rotinn:
