Their Highness’s Gareth Kincade and Juliana Delamere are looking for help from the Populace on their Viking Royal Wardrobe. Are you interested in being involved in making our next Royals look fabulous? Do you have ideas, skills, thoughts to share?
Interested? We like everyone to share with us ideas for wardrobe items that fit the time period, but don’t worry, we have quite a few starting ideas as well. And if you don’t have a specific idea, but would like to participate, we will always find something for you to do. Together, we will find a way to contribute your skill.
Join our Facebook group, AE Wardrobe in progress AS53, to see what’s happening, and get a behind the scenes glimpse of all that is involved in the production of a Royal Wardrobe.
Their Highnesses are looking for help from the Populace on their Royal Wardrobe. Are you interested in being involved in making our next Royals look fabulous? Do you have ideas, skills, thoughts to share? Their Highnesses are hoping for outfits inspired by what the travelers of the Nordic countries would have encountered during their trips (raids?) around the years 950 -1050, from Sweden, to Dublin, to Paris, to Iceland and over to Constantinople.
Interested? In the spirit of the Wardrobe Project hosted by Mistress Elisabeth we are hoping to provide more exposure to our wonderful Æthelmearc artisans. Participants would work in groups towards a specific outfit with a predetermined deadline. Historical plausibility is requested. Materials will be provided for or reimbursed. We will again make use of the Wardrobe Project Facebook group to update progress and for the inspiration and enjoyment of all!
We like everyone to share with us ideas for wardrobe items that fit the time period, but don’t worry, we have a few starting ideas as well. Also let us know if you don’t have a specific idea, but would like to participate. Together we will find a way to contribute your skill.
We are looking forward to working with many of you towards another wonderful Royal Wardrobe.
Mistress and Master of the Royal Wardrobe,
Elska á Fjárfelli and Hrólfr á Fjárfelli
We call upon all Lords and Ladies of Æthelmearc to take up the banners of the Kingdom and bring your fighting forces onto the Pennsic fields. Bring your Knights and footmen. Bring your archers and throwers. Bring your fencers and Masters of Defence. Bring your artisans, that we may win victory through displays of artistic prowess. Bring those gentles whose service allows Our army to seize victory and supports the Pennsic event.
At Pennsic, we defend our lands from the aggressive Midrealm armies, and we ally with our parent Kingdom of the East.
We are in need of good gentles, noble of heart and spirit, to stand beside Us as Retainers and Guards. If you would be at our side in this capacity, you would have the thanks of your King and Queen. Contact Our co-head retainers (elss.of.augsburg at gmail dot com or alaricmacconnal at gmail dot com) or Our guard captain (fredeburg at gmail dot com).
Our Court will be held on Tuesday night at 6pm in the new barn; We hope that you will be there to witness as we acknowledge some of the many gentles who make Our Kingdom great. Our Kingdom Party will be held on Monday at 8:30pm in the Royal encampment; the theme is Arthurian Legends.
Their Majesties recently traveled to the Midrealm to celebrate the SCA’s 50 Year Anniversary celebration. They wished for us to share this missive of gratitude with the Kingdom.
Photo by Meisterin Fredeburg von Katzenellenbogen
The once-in-a-lifetime 50th anniversary of the birth of the Society is behind us. But before We turn Our thoughts to the Pennsic War, We would take a moment to thank those gentles who supported Us in this wonderful event.
First and foremost, Our thanks go to Countess Geneveive du Vent Argent. She was Our rock throughout this process, and helped in every stage of planning and execution. We thank our Jewel Herald, Gwendolyn the Graceful, for traveling to far lands with tasks as massive as reminding the Founders that Aethelmearc exists. We thank THL Rosalia for organizing the Aethelmearc camp – We were so glad that the populace and Royal camp were brought together, and we could all be a single Kingdom. We thank Lady Arsalan for her Crown support (literally) and her support of the Crown (figuratively) and for her willingness to play medieval strategy games with His Majesty. There were several gentles who created martial events for the glory of the Kingdom: Master Urho (archery), Master Illadore and Mistress Fredeburg (fencing), Duke Timothy and Don Clewin (heavy), Lady Melodia (thrown weapons), and the entire equestrian community (equestrian). And We would lastly draw the Kingdom’s attention to one who played a critical role for Us, despite not attending the event. Mistress Hrefna Úlfvarinnsdóttir was pivotal to Our success as a Kingdom and as Royals; she is an example of service for all to aspire to.
The hard work of these individuals, and everyone from Aethelmearc who attended the event, made Us look good to everyone in the known world. We thank you all.
Unto the people of Æthelmearc, and all those who read these words, do Byron and Ariella, King and Queen of Sylvan Æthelmearc, Send Greetings.
Words of Thanks and Praise are due to all those gentles who assisted in making Our Coronation the most glorious Day, the most Medieval Day, of our time in the Society.
First, to the Shire of Gryffyn’s Keep: You came together and created a venue that was unparalleled. I think that everyone who sat in that sanctuary will remember the spectacle for years to come. Although the weather wasn’t the most cooperative, everything else seemed perfect. The site, the staff’s courtesy, the food and table setting, the scheduling and communication: they were all we could have hoped for. It was clear that the people of the Shire had put in a wholehearted effort that made the event a success.
But particular Thanks are due to our autocrat, the good and Honorable Lord Thomas LeStrange. We called him to Us, and told him of Our need, and he responded in the most Noble of ways, creating a day that will always be a source of pride and pleasure for Us. Even as Thomas spreads his thanks to those that served, he speaks for Us, and Our thanks go with his.
The site token from the Coronation of Byron and Ariella, designed by Master Duncan Blackwater. It measures ~1.5″ in diameter.
We would note a special Thanks to Master Duncan Blackwater, who designed the site tokens. They were the most amazing, most medieval site tokens that We have ever received at an SCA event. If any gentle has the token of the Day, and has not yet compared it to the original coin of Edward III, take a moment and look at them side by side.
Our Thanks, and the Thanks of all Æthelmearc, are given to Master Steffan ap Kennydd of the East Kingdom, for his knowledge of medieval coronation ceremonies was the cornerstone of Our Coronation. We advise all gentles in Our Kingdom and abroad to receive him with honors, as he is a man of depth and learning. The details of the Coronation ceremony have been freely published online, and we hope to have video soon to match.
Also critical to Our Ceremony was the Choir, led by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope. The singing (in Latin) of the Roll of Kings and Queens was a lovely addition that brought tears to many eyes.
To all those who participated in the Ceremony, as Escorts, Heralds, Order representatives, or Pages, We thank you. Know that 600 years ago, those same words were spoken, and those same steps trod, by those we try to emulate in our Society. To Our reign staff, retainers, and guards, we know that the wonderful Service you rendered Us this Day will continue throughout Our Reign.
And to those who braved the cold and snow to witness Our ascension to the Sylvan Thrones, we thank you as well. We hope that the memory is precious to you, as it is so very much to Us.
Byron, Rex AEthelmearc
Ariella, Regina AEthelmearc
King Byron and Queen Ariella. Photo by Duchess Siobhán inghean uí Liatháin.
The Coronation of Byron and Ariella is less than three weeks away! Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope interviewed the Prince and Princess to help you learn more about them and their plans for their upcoming reign.
Your Highnesses, please tell us something about your SCA careers and your personas.
We joined the SCA in 1996, shortly after moving to Pittsburgh to pursue our careers. We both started immediately into fighting, but Byron also had an interest in period board games (for which he received his AoA), and Ariella tried multiple arts like candle-making, furniture-making, and clothing. We took a step back from the SCA for 6 years when our children were born, but we never stopped going to events. During that time, we also began plans for our dream house, in which we now live. When our youngest child was 2 years old, we began to participate more heavily, and in 2007, we were elected as the 6th Baron and Baroness of the Debatable Lands. We held that position for 5 Pennsic Wars, after which we both began to focus more on our heavy weapon skills. Byron was knighted in 2012, and two years later, Ariella became the second female knight of Æthelmearc. We have 3 children: Joshua (age 17), Leah (15), and Ian (13). While they do not share their parents’ passion for medieval recreation, we enjoy having them with us at events.
Throughout our time in the SCA, we have been focused on the high middle ages in Western Europe. Specifically, we live along the Southern coast of England in the midst of the Hundred Years War. After successful tours in France, we returned home with the spoils and asked young King Richard for permission to crenellate our castle to defend against French pirates. It is now 1385, our castle is complete, and we remain at home telling our children tales of our exploits in the Aquitaine.
Their Highnesses’ castle. Photo by Prince Byron.
We’ve heard that you’re having a special Coronation ceremony written. How is it going to differ from the usual Æthelmearc Coronation?
Our coronation ceremony is based on the Liber Regalis, which details the ceremony for coronations in high medieval England. With the help of Master Steffan ap Kennydd of the East Kingdom, we are specifically trying to re-create the coronation of Richard II (1377). There are several important ways that SCA coronations must differ from medieval coronations. The most obvious is the religious expression; medieval coronations are extensively religious, but that needs to be avoided in the SCA. We have tried to substitute SCA icons and personnel for religious icons and personnel as best we can. The second major difference is the length of ceremony. The original service lasted about a week – we are trying to keep Morning Court under 2 hours. The third, and perhaps most interesting difference is the focus on humility. Medieval kings had known their entire lives that they were likely to ascend the throne, and they had great potential for abuse of power. Medieval ceremony focuses strongly on the virtue of humility, to remind kings that They need to focus on the needs of Their populace. In the SCA, we tend to focus on creating a ceremony that will imbue the new royalty with an aura of Majesty. In this aspect, we are attempting to recreate the medieval feel as closely as possible. We hope that our ceremony will be memorable for everyone who attends. The event (autocratted by THLord Thomas LeStrange and the Shire of Gryffyn’s Keep) will include heavy fighting, fencing, thrown weapons, an arts and science display, and a delicious feast, so we hope that every gentle in the Kingdom will find something to enjoy that day.
Who are the members of your staff, and what do they do?
We are blessed with many able staff members who are making the reign so much easier for us. Our staff is led by Countess Genevieve du vent Argent. Our head retainer position is shared by THL Elss of Augsburg and Master Alaric MacConnal. The Queen’s Guard is led by Doña Fredeburg von Katzenellenbogen. Brehyres Gwendolyn the Graceful will be our Royal Herald. Mistress Chrestienne de Waterdene is coordinating our wardrobe. Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope is coordinating the Queen’s favors, and Countess Alexandra of Clan Donald is coordinating our gift baskets. We welcome any gentle who would volunteer their services to our reign, especially those who do not know us well, as we would like to meet as many members of Our populace as possible. More information is available on Their Highnesses’ website.
You’re going to the SCA 50 Year event in June – do you have any special plans for that event?
Our reign is special in that it includes such a noble and auspicious event as the 50th-Year celebration. Our overarching goal for that event is for Æthelmearc to be seen among the Kingdoms of the Known World as a place of martial prowess and artistic pride. We want our Kingdom’s unique history and customs to be seen by all the peoples of the Known World. We also want our commitment to service to shine throughout the event, so we are sponsoring tournaments in heavy armored combat, fencing, thrown weapons, archery, equestrian, bardic, and period games. Every day of the weeklong celebration, there will be Æthelmearc events to participate in or volunteer to support.
How are negotiations for this Pennsic shaping up? Anything you’d like to share with the populace in the way of new activities or War Points?
There is a lot of pressure on Pennsic monarchs, because we want to ensure that everyone at the event, be they citizens of Æthelmearc or of a visiting Kingdom, has a fun and exciting time. We began negotiations with the Princes and Princesses of the East, the Middle, Atlantia, and Ealdormere back in November, and they are continuing now. A few areas of personal interest to Us are the new Thrown Weapons populace War Point, and the relatively-new A&S War Point, which will include Laurels this year.
For the first time ever, Æthelmearc will have the honor of sponsoring the Queen’s Tea. We want our first entry into this rotation to be fondly remembered for years to come. We hope that members of the populace who enjoy medieval gardening will contribute to the Garden theme in Æthelmearc Royal encampment. There is a Facebook page for those who wish to offer their time and effort. Throughout our reign, you may see red teapots at Troll at various events. This is a donation basket to support the Queen’s Tea, which will not be funded from Kingdom monies since it is an event for Royalty only. We hope that the food and drink served will represent many different regions and talents within Æthelmearc.
What would you most like from your populace in the way of help during your reign?
We want the populace of Æthelmearc to continue in whatever they love about the Society, and whatever inspires them in medieval recreation. For those in the arts and sciences, if that interest includes items that could be used for a gift basket to visiting Royalty, or could be used to make Queen’s favors, or medallions for Court, we would be most grateful. Anyone who is oriented toward service for the Society might contact our Head Retainers or Guard Captain to volunteer time (and get to know us better). Those gentles who are inclined to martial endeavors should find a time to marshal a tournament or battle, especially at inter-kingdom events like Pennsic or the 50-Year Celebration.
We would also make one specific request of all our populace: if there is someone who is in their first year in the Society, we want to meet them personally and welcome them to our hobby. Please point them out to us so that they can say that they have met the King and Queen of Æthelmearc.
Their Highnesses at Gulf Wars Opening Ceremonies. Photo by Lord Ursus.
A small but mighty contingent of gentles from Æthelmearc have made their way to Gulf Wars in the Kingdom of Gleann Abhann. We hope to provide occasional updates on the doings there.
Thank you to Mistress Elashava bas Riva of the Kingdom of Northshield for providing these photos of Opening Ceremonies, which were held on Tuesday morning.
Documented from the Scrolls of the Reign of Timothy & Gabrielle II, King and Queen of Æthelmearc: the Business of Their Majesties’ Court at Pax Interruptus, 27 June Anno Societatis L, in the Barony of Thescorre, accompanied by His Highness, Magnus Tindal, Prince of Æthelmearc, and Their Excellencies, Aquila and Bronwyn, Baron and Baroness of Thescorre. As recorded by Master Dagonell Collingwood, White Horn Herald.
In the morning:
Their Majesties gave leave to Their Excellencies to hold their final baronial court.
Lady Elen Woderose was inducted into the order of the Keystone in recognition of her service to the Barony of Thescorre as event steward and pursuivant, and her service to the Kingdom in all matters heraldic. Her scroll was crafted by Master Caleb Reynolds.
Baron Aquila d’Athos was made a companion of the order of the Sycamore for his work in wood, leather, embroidery and forging. His leather pouches and belts, his forged nails and his feast gear boxes were recognized as works of art. His scroll was crafted by Lady Vivienne.
Lord Marius Sittius was called forward to join the order of the Keystone for his work in support of fencing in the Shire of Hartstone, including organizing practice, recruiting fencers, and helping them obtain gear. The Lady Arsalan Egiseg, who crafted the scroll for Marius, acted as herald, reading forth the words of his recognition first in Latin and then in the common tongue.
Abigail Kelhoge was raised to membership in the order of the Sycamore, and thereby awarded arms, for her lovely calligraphy and illumination as well as her costuming skills. Lady Abigail’s scroll was the work of Mistress Ekaterina Volkova.
Lady Genevote Nau d’Anjou was inducted into the order of the Sycamore for her knowledge and skills in the fibre arts and for her enthusiasm in sharing her knowledge across the Kingdom. HRM Gabrielle has personally expressed appreciation for Lady Genevote’s instruction on the creation of a two coloured lucet cord. The scroll was crafted by Baroness Anastasie.
Lord Andrew of Thescorre was made a member of the order of the Golden Alce (on the fourth of June, A. S. 50) for his martial skills. It was noted that he has recently served his Barony first as heavy weapons champion and then as thrown weapons champion. He was presented a scroll by the hand of Master Caleb Reynolds.
Randal of Berwik was called forward to receive a scroll for his induction into the Order of the Golden Alce dating from December 14, AS XLVIII.
Their Majesties then asked their Excellencies, Aquila d’Athos and Bronwyn nic Gregor, to stand before them and thanked them for their long service and care for the Barony of Thescorre. Athos and Bronwyn were divested of their coronets and given leave to depart. Then did the populace of Thescorre petition their Majesties for Her Excellency Sadira bint Wassouf to be appointed Baroness of Thescorre, and so did their Majesties welcome Sadira with her son, Wassouf, her daughter Nuzhah, and her son-by-marriage, Kevin, together with her retainers. Lady Nuzhah did sing before the King and Queen of her mother Sadira and of Thescorre. Then did Gabrielle and Timothy of Æthelmearc speak and create Sadira once more Baroness of Thescorre, and place upon her head the coronet. And into her hands did they place the coronet of the Baron of Thescorre, to be held in trust for the Barony whilst she is Baroness. Then Baroness Sadira did swear her fealty to their Majesties and take her place on the baronial throne.
Their Majesties then recalled Aquila d’Athos and Bronwyn nic Gregor to appear before them and created them Baron and Baroness of the Court, and did confirm their Arms by Grant.
In the evening:
Their Majesties gave leave to Her Excellency to hold court to transact baronial business.
Then did their Majesties give Sir Byron and Sir Ariella leave to speak of the Golden Chain tourney held that day. And by their witness it was known that two fighters stood above the rest in that tourney and contested long and hard, with many bouts ending in “double kills” until at last THL Bluestar Child emerged the victor over THL Thorsol Solinauga.
Their Majesties summoned Jari Antenson before them and spoke of his service, and that he has always a pair of willing hands to set up pavilions and tents, dig sump holes, and in general provide aid and support in the physical set-up and take-down of events. For this work, and the pleasant mien in which he performs it, was he awarded arms. Lord Jari’s scroll was crafted by Baroness Anastasie de l’Amoure.
Baroness Laurencia of Carlisle was invited into court, as she had business before their Majesties. She did bring them a gift, but before she could present it, the Order of the Fleur was called forth, and Laurencia was, for her great skill in the Fibre Arts, created one of their number. Her scroll was crafted by Meisterin Felicitas Flußmüllnerin.
Baroness Sadira requested leave to reopen her court to award the victors of the tournaments sponsored by her barony that day. This was done, and also was THL Andrew of Thescorre proclaimed victor in the Seven Pearls Thrown Weapons competition.
Their Majesties summoned their Order of the Millrind to appear before them, and pronounced it lacking one. Baroness Helena al Zarqa called forth and—for her long service in many fields of endeavour, including organizing events, acting as chronicler, marshall of fence, minister of arts and sciences, and garbing the populace—made the newest member of the order of the Millrind.
Her Majesty requested that Sir Wulfstan of Hartstone come before her to receive from her hand tokens to convey to all those gentles of the Shire of Hartstone who made the new list ropes that were used at the recent Crown Tourney. She then called forward Lady Venetia Elisabetta to receive a token for being her Majesty’s inspiration at Pax Interruptus that day.
There being no further business, Their Majesties’ Court was closed.
All photos by Baron Steffan Wolfgang von Ravensburg.
Unto the glorious kingdom of Aethelmearc do TRM Timothy and Gabrielle send greetings.
This Saturday, May 23rd, the Shire of ACG is holding a fighter practice and Aethelmearc workshop. We will be working on Champions baldrics for Pennsic, put some of the finishing touches on the glorious new list field as well as a few other projects that We have in mind for the kingdom.
The workshop and practice will run all day in New Berlin PA.
I (Timothy), intend to put my helmet on for the duration of the day. providing competition and instruction to any who desire it. If I can hold my sword, and someone wishes to learn, I will instruct. If I can stand, and someone wishes to spar, I will give it my all.
I invite any and all of my brother Knights to join me.
It is our fondest desire that some of our kingdom’s many elite fencers can make the journey and work with those who desire to better themselves.
Plus, we have the workshop. Come help us take the known world’s breath away. It is our desire for everyone who journeys to Pennsic to know full well that they stand on our Kingdom’s lands, and her colors are Red and White. Bring your consort and any friends who can help with these tasks, make a day of it.
We promise you won’t be disappointed.
Rejoice good populace, for Æthelmearc has Heirs! In a best two out of three final round, Comes Sir Magnus Tindal, fighting for the honor of Countess Etain ingen Dalaig, defeated Sir Murdoch Bayne, who was fighting for the honor of THLady Rioghnach ni Rose.
Tindal and Etain. Photo by Master Alaxandair O’Conchobhair.
The list was comprised of a perfect 32 combatants, and held on a bright sunny day in the Shire of Hartstone. The other semi-finalists were THLord Blue Star, who received his Gage at Coronation a few weeks ago, and Count Andreas Morgan. THLord Blue Star fought for the honor of Mistress Euriol of Lothian, while Count Andreas fought for the honor of Countess Kallista Morgunova.
The Ladies of the Rose awarded the Æthelmearc Shield of Chivalry, given for exemplary courtesy and chivalry in the list at Crown Tournament, to THLord Blue Star.
THLord Blue Star. Photo by Mistress Hilderun Hugelmann.
In other news, Count Brennan mac Fearghus won East Kingdom Crown Tournament today, fighting for Countess Caoilfhionn inghean Fhaolain.
Æthelmearc Seamstresses, Tailors, Weavers, Embroiderers!
Æthelmearc Seamstresses, Weavers, Embroiderers!
