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The Æthelmearc Gazette

~ Covering the Kingdom of Æthelmearc of the SCA

The Æthelmearc Gazette

Tag Archives: War Practice

Event Report: Æthelmearc War Practice XXVI, Canton of Steltonwald, May 14-17, A.S. 50

22 Friday May 2015

Posted by aethgazette in Archery, Arts & Sciences, Event Reports, Fencing, Heavy List, Thrown Weapons, Youth Activities

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archery, arts & sciences, Courts, fencing, Heavy List, thrown weapons, War Practice, War Practice Classes, Youth combat

Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope reports on the multitude of goings-on that took place at Æthelmearc War Practice.

This year’s Æthelmearc War Practice, hosted by the Canton of Steltonwald on May 14 – 17, was slightly dryer and much warmer than last year, leading to good fighting and fun. As always, the event was packed with both martial and peaceful activities.

Heavy Fighting

Christian G vs Sir Olaf Gage Meet Oriography

Lord Christian Goldenlok vs. Sir Óláfr Þorvarðarson. Photo by Lady Àine ny Allane.

Heavy combat kicked off Friday with the Gage Meet ‘n’ Beat, which saw participants testing their mettle against the members of the Kingdom’s Grant level award for fighting. The weather was warm but pleasant and fighters enjoyed the opportunity to learn from some of the best unbelted fighters in the Kingdom.

On Saturday morning, the 10-man unbelted melee tournament had six teams fight a round-robin competition that was won by members of the household of Woodland Watch, who were undefeated. Afterward, Woodland Watch’s 10-man team fought a melee against the Chivalry.

Video courtesy of Baron Richard Larmer 

Later there were bridge battles and open field battles with the Kingdom Warlord, Sir Steffan Ulfkellson, devising training scenarios for the fighters. About 150-175 fighters participated in the day’s combat, which ended with pickup fights just before the afternoon rainstorm hit.

Photo by Lady Valentina de la Volpe.

Photo by Lady Àine.

On Sunday morning a group of about 20 fighters braved the rain to compete in the Kingdom Rattan Champion’s Tourney. Once two simultaneous round robin tournaments were done, there were two semi-finalists from each list: Sir Thomas Byron of Haverford, Baron Vladisla Nikulich, THLord Tegrinus de Rhina, and Sir Ariella of Thornbury. After defeating Baron Vlad, Sir Byron ended up facing his wife, Sir Ariella, in the finals, since she had bested Lord Tegrinus. This led to much amusement by the populace, including a few slightly ribald jokes, but the finals were fiercely fought.

Video by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope 

Sir Byron ended up the winner and was proclaimed Kingdom Champion, accepting the regalia from the outgoing Champion, Sir Arnthor, who had been knighted the previous morning.

Rapier

Friday night offered a rapier tournament called “There Can Be Only One.” This Highlander-themed tournament debuted at Ian’s Inn in the Shire of Ballachlagan two years ago. At War Practice, six teams of two fought a round-robin style tournament. As the sun faded over the hills, one team remained undefeated: Master Lodovick of Grays Inn and his cadet, Lord Jacob of Dunmore – but there could be only one! These two then had to fight each other in two out of three passes with the only killing blow being a cut to the neck. Master Lodovick won the tournament.

Saturday had roughly 40 fencers from four different kingdoms participate in various melee scenarios that were loosely based upon battles and skirmishes of the Great Pilgrimage, later to be known as the First Crusade. The warm up scenarios consisted of last man standing open field battles which represented the advancement to Constantinople and Emperor Alexius’ forces attempting to slow them down. This was then followed by a regicide battle where opposing forces had unlimited resurrections to attack and defend the unarmed “kings.” Later the Siege of Nicea, a dispute over the Orontes River, made for an interesting tower and bridge battle where the fencers attacked and defended bridges full of choke points and kill pockets.

Photo by Zyla of Sebastion's Place.

Photo by Zyla of Sebastion’s Place.

After lunch, the fencers reconvened with some capture the flag scenarios. After six hours of rapier battles the fencers dropped with smiles on their faces. The marshal in charge, THLord AElric Ravenshaw, reports, “There were no major issues in calibration and all kingdoms involved celebrated with great camaraderie.”

Many fencers also attended the vigil for Don Orlando di Bene del Vinta, where he “Played the Prize” for his Master of Defense.

Another item of note on the rapier field: Lord Durante de Caravaggio challenged Don Mark le Gabler for the Sylvan Iron Ring and won the fight along with possession of the ring. The Iron Ring passes from fencer to fencer; the current holder may be challenged by another fencer at any time, and if he or she loses, the ring passes to the winner. Don Mark held the ring from July of A.S. 49 until Lord Durante won it from him this past weekend. The Iron Ring Challenge was created in 2006; you can see a list of the holders here.

Youth Fighting

The Kingdom Youth Champion’s tournament drew a dozen enthusiastic and energetic fighters ranging in age from 6 to 14. Thanks to King Timothy, the youth fighters had the honor of fighting within the same list barriers as had been used at Crown Tournament two weeks earlier. The youth fighters were the second group to ever use these new list railings and flags, which were made by members of the Shire of Hartstone as a gift to the Kingdom.

His Majesty addresses the youth fighters before the tourney. Photo by Mistress Arianna.

His Majesty addresses the youth fighters before the tourney. Photo by Mistress Arianna.

After round robin tournaments for division 1 and divisions 2 and 3 combined were completed, the finalists were Ian and Henry in the division 1 list and El Tigre and Ulf in the division 2/3 list. The finals were fought best two of three, with Henry and Ulf proving victorious.

Henry vs. Ian in the Division 1 Finals. Photo by Arianna.

Ian vs. Henry in the Division 1 Finals, which were won by Henry. Photo by Arianna.

El Tigre fighting Ulf in the Division 2/3 finals. Photo by Arianna.

El Tigre fighting Ulf in the Division 2/3 finals, which were won by Ulf. Photo by Arianna.

After the tournament, Her Majesty Queen Gabrielle gave each fighter a token, and recognized El Tigre for his chivalry with a ring from her finger, while the marshal in charge, Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope, bestowed her token for chivalry on Aodhan. All of the populace observing the tournament marveled at the courtesy and camaraderie of the youth list. Youth fighting was capped with melees that included throwing axes and javelins.

Mistress Arianna wishes to thank all of the marshals and MoLs who assisted with the youth tournament: Sir Thorgrim, Lord Peregrine, Lady Ceindrech, Lord Aodhan, Lord Weasel, Lord Brillo, THLady Zoe, Baroness Elizabeth, and Baron Rodrigo, as well as the list runners, Lady Ida and the young girl whose name was, alas, not recorded.

Thrown Weapons

Photo by Lady Valentina.

Photo by Lady Valentina.

Thrown weapons marshal Lord Aidan Gunn reports that the thrown weapons range was pretty laid back this year, with about 20 to 25 throwers over the course of the event, of which 8 were new people who came to the range for the first time. There were 2 spear targets and 7 wood butts available for throwers. One of the wood targets met its demise at the edge of a heavy axe, cracking down the middle with the first throw and finally splitting in half.

Lord Aidan wishes to thank Lord Haldor Bildrr, Lord Robert Bakere, Master Charles of Alden, and Leo and Collin from the East Kingdom for their help on the range.

Archery

The Archery range, run by Maistir Brandubh O Donghaile, offered several challenges at which the winners got their choice from the cooler of delicious things. The range was open Thursday afternoon and all day Friday and Saturday.

Photo by Master Alaxandair.

Photo by Master Alaxandair.

Around 80 archers participated across the weekend. The afternoon rains did scare many archers away, but youth archer Bijon of Sylvan Glen stayed through the rain to complete his challenge for the opportunity to raid the goody box.  The grass was short but still ate up arrows, so many sad archers left the range with quivers much lighter than when they arrived.

Arts & Sciences

The event also featured over 40 classes on topics as diverse as fiber arts, blacksmithing, music, illumination, costuming, and equestrian arts. Some of the more interesting class titles included “Poisons! Assassins!,” “So You Think You’re Japanese in Court,” and “20 Songs That Should Be in Your Bard Book.”

On Saturday afternoon, numerous gentles displayed their creations in the Great Hall, including the entries shown below. Those who could do so stayed to educate the populace on their arts; perhaps the most interesting was THLord Ambros Kyrielle, who taught those stopping by his display how to draw the labyrinths that he famously creates in chalk all over the pavement of Cooper’s Lake at Pennsic.

Armor by Lord Enzo de Pazzi. Photo by Master Fridrikr av Knusslig Hamn.

Armor by Lord Enzo de Pazzi. Photo by Master Fridrikr Tomasson av Knusslig Hamn.

Metal casting by Lady Edana the Red. Photo by Master Fridrikr.

Loom by Lady Alfrun ketta. Photo by Master Fridrikr.

Lady Edana the Red's metal casting. Photo by Master Fridrikr.

Lady Edana the Red’s metal casting. Photo by Master Fridrikr.

County scroll for HRH Magnus Tindal by THLady Ismay Ponde. Photo by Master Fridrikr.

County scroll for HRH Magnus Tindal by THLady Ismay Ponde. Photo by Master Fridrikr.

Embroidered slippers by Mistress Gillian Llewellyn. Photo by Master Fridrikr.

Embroidered slippers by Mistress Gillian Llewellyn. Photo by Master Fridrikr.

Ceramic tiles made by Lord Ian Campbell. Photo by Master Fridrikr.

Ceramic tiles made by Lord Ian Campbell. Photo by Master Fridrikr.

Lord Otto Boese' leatherworking. Photo by Master Fridrikr.

Lord Otto Boese’ leatherworking. Photo by Master Fridrikr.

Courts

In a short court Friday evening, King Timothy and Queen Gabrielle sent Baron Robert of Sugargrove on vigil for the Laurel and THLord Arnthor inn Sterki on vigil for Knighthood.

Saturday began with a brief morning court where Don Orlando di Bene del Vinta was sent to “Play the Prize” for his Master of Defense, while Their Majesties bestowed Æthelmearc’s fourth Writ for the Order of Defense upon the Kingdom’s Rapier Marshal, Baron Benedict Fergus atte Mede.

As the final piece of business at morning court, THL Arnthor was knighted on the field to the acclaim of the populace.

King Timothy dubs Sir Arnthor. Photo by Lady Valentina.

King Timothy dubs Sir Arnthor. Photo by Lady Àine.

At Saturday evening court, Their Majesties welcomed Brennan, the newly invested Crown Prince of the East, who presented gifts to the King and Queen. Prince Brennan also warmly greeted Prince Tindal, as they had become friends during their last reigns. Their Majesties bestowed Golden Alces and Sycamores on numerous deserving gentles, and invested Their new Youth Combat Champions, Henry and Ulf, thanking Their outgoing Champions, Stephen and Otto, for their service.

Henry and Ulf are invested as Youth Champions. Photo by Master Alaxandair O'Conchobhair.

Henry and Ulf are invested as Youth Champions. Photo by Master Alaxandair O’Conchobhair.

Baron Robert of Sugargrove was elevated to the Order of the Laurel for his skill in woodworking, making the Kingdom thrones, and Don Orlando di Bene del Vinta was inducted as Æthelmearc’s second member of the Order of Defense.

Baron Robert of Sugargrove is made a Laurel. Photo by Lady Valentina.

Baron Robert of Sugargrove is made a Laurel. Photo by Lady Valentina.

Don Orlando is made Æthelmearc's second Master of Defense. Photo by THLady Sophie Davenport.

Don Orlando is made Æthelmearc’s second Master of Defense. Photo by THLady Sophie Davenport.

The surprise of the night was when Their Majesties called forward Mistress Cunen Beornhelm and presented her with a Writ of Summons to the Chivalry, which his Majesty remarked that he had wanted to do for many years. Once elevated, Mistress Cunen will become Æthelmearc’s third female knight.

Mistress Cunen Beornhelm receives a Writ for the Chivalry. Photo by Master Alaxandair.

Mistress Cunen Beornhelm receives a Writ for the Chivalry. Photo by Master Alaxandair.

After Kingdom Court, the Baron and Baroness of the Debatable Lands, Liam and Constance, held a brief baronial court where they inducted several deserving gentles into baronial orders, and then announced to their populace’s sadness that they will be stepping down as Baron and Baroness next winter. The baronial election process will begin with nominations in June.

Event Wrap-up

As always, Sunday featured the Pick-a-Prize Raffle run by House Tuatha Fieran with proceeds to benefit the kingdom, and breakfast was served both Saturday and Sunday mornings in the Great Hall by members of the Shire of Gryffyn’s Keep.

Sunday morning’s rain gave way to sun so event-goers were able to pack their tents in reasonable comfort, happy to have experienced a fun event courtesy of the Autocrat, Lady Cionaodh Gunn, and her enormous staff of volunteers.

This report was compiled with assistance from a great many people, including THLord AElric Ravenshaw, Maistir Brandubh O Donnghaile, Master Fridrikr av Knusslig Hamn, Lord Aidan Gunn, and all of the photographers credited above.

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War Practice Meetings

04 Monday May 2015

Posted by aethgazette in Arts & Sciences, Event Announcements & Updates

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Polling orders, War Practice

annualmeetingcallThe following meetings and other activities have been scheduled at War Practice 26 as of 1 May.
Hope to see you all there,
-Aidan ni Leir

The Court of TRM Timothy and Gabrielle will be held on Saturday, starting at 7 pm in the Great Hall.

ARTS ACTIVITIES:
Artisans’ Challenge

Saturday, 12 pm – 4 pm, Great Hall
Artisans’ Display
Saturday, 12 pm – 4 pm, Great Hall
Artisans’ Playtime
Saturday, 12 pm – 4 pm, Great Hall

ÆTHELMEARC ORDER MEETINGS:
Order of the Fleur

Saturday, 11 am – 12 noon, A&S Tent #2
Order of the Gage
Friday evening, after the Meet’n’Beat, on the field
Order of the Laurel
Saturday, 1 pm – 3 pm, A&S Tent #1
Order of the Millrind
Saturday, 9 am – 10 am, A&S Tent #2
Order of the Pelican
Saturday, 4 pm – 5:30 pm, A&S Tent #1

OFFICER MEETINGS:
Arts & Sciences Meeting

Friday, 3 pm – 4 pm, Upper Bathhouse
Chatelaines’ Meeting
Saturday, 9 am -10 am, A&S Tent #1

OTHER MEETINGS AND ACTIVITIES:
Heralds’ Consult Table

Friday, 3 pm – 8 pm, Great Hall
Tribe Auction Display
Friday, 12 pm – 6 pm, Great Hall
Heralds’ Consult Table
Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm, Great Hall
Tribe Auction Display
Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm, Great Hall
Equestrians’ Meeting
Saturday, 5 pm – 6 pm, Upper Bathhouse
Royal Guild of Assassins Meeting
Saturday, 5 pm – 6 pm, A&S Tent #3

Sunday, starting at 9:30 am, Great Hall

Brunch will be available to all on both Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 11 am in the Great Hall.

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Last Chance to Book Your Classes & Meetings for War Practice!

27 Monday Apr 2015

Posted by aethgazette in Arts & Sciences, Event Announcements & Updates

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War Practice

Students learning Book Binding from Master Michael Alewright  photo by Mistress Rowena ni Dhonnchaidh

Students learning Book Binding from Master Michael Alewright
photo by Mistress Rowena ni Dhonnchaidh

War Practice Meetings:The deadline to have your meeting announced in the on-site booklet is this Thursday, 30 April. I can still book a space for your meeting after that, but it will only be listed on the website and on the information boards at War Practice. Spaces are still available all day Friday and some times on Saturday. Please send the following:

Name of order/office/guild/group
SCA and legal name of the clerk/officer/representative
E-mail address of the clerk/officer/representative
Preferred day and time requested
Amount of time requested

War Practice Classes:

First, thanks to all the good gentles who have volunteered to teach a class at this year’s War Practice. While this was a good start, there is still room for more.  If you have a class you would like to offer, in order to make it into the on-site booklet, I will need to have the information below by 30 April (this Thursday). I will still be able to book classes after that date, but your class will only be listed on the website and the information boards at War Practice.

Please send me:

Name of Teacher
Title of Class
Description of Class (brief, please, 75 words or less)
Class Length
Maximum Number of Students
Age Limit of Students
Fee, if any

Please include your legal name and e-mail address, and your preferred time for your class, as well as any special requirements you may have.  The schedule will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so the earlier you volunteer, the more likely it will be that I can accomodate you.

There are still some spaces open on Saturday, and all day Friday.
Please send your request to me by 30 April:

E-mail:  helen.pinto (at) comcast (dot) net
Thanks in advance for you generous offers, and feel free to cross-post this announcement anywhere you think there may be interest.

-Aidan ni Leir

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Æthelmearc Youth Combat Champions’ Tourney at War Practice

22 Wednesday Apr 2015

Posted by aethgazette in Youth Activities

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War Practice, Youth combat

Photo by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.

Photo by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.

Youth Fighters, it’s time to spiff up your armor and put fresh duct tape on your swords! The Æthelmearc Youth Combat Champions’ Tourney will be held on May 16 at Æthelmearc War Practice in the Canton of Steltonwald. Anywhere from one to three Champions will be chosen by Their Majesties, Timothy and Gabrielle, based on their prowess and chivalry. Champions will receive the regalia from the current champions, Otto Brandulfarson (Division 1) and Stephen of Æthelmearc (Division 3), and serve as Kingdom Champions until the next tourney is held by Their Majesties’ successors.

Schedule for youth fighting at War Practice:

Friday night:
  • 6:30 pm to dark – authorizations and a “Try it” session, with loaner armor available. We encourage all youth fighters who are not yet authorized to attend this session if possible. This will give you a little extra practice before fighting in the tourney and help us get things started quickly Saturday morning.
Saturday morning:
  • 8:00 am – list opens for inspections
  • 9:00 – Authorizations
  • 9:30 – Youth Champion’s Tourney begins
  • 10:30-11:30 – Melees

The Youth Combat list will be on the main battlefield, to the east of the thrown weapons range and alongside Currie Road. Look for a blue pop-up canopy.

For more information on Æthelmearc War Practice, see the Steltonwald website.

If you have any questions about youth combat at Æthelmearc War Practice, please contact the Marshal-in-Charge, Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.

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Scheduling Classes and Meetings at Æthelmearc War Practice

16 Thursday Apr 2015

Posted by aethgazette in Arts & Sciences, Event Announcements & Updates

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A&S, Steltonwald, War Practice

Photo by Lord Darter the Chronicler.

Photo by Lord Darter the Chronicler.

The Æthelmearc Gazette is pleased to share this missive from Aidan ni Leir, the Class Coordinator for Æthelmearc War Practice.

The event is only four weeks away; the deadline for the on-site booklet is just over two weeks out (30 April).

SCHEDULING CLASSES

I am very sad to report that as of today, I have only FIVE offers so far. While it is traditional to wait until the last minute to volunteer, these numbers are way below what I have had on the schedule at this point for the last several years. Surely, at an event which has an average attendance of over 1200 gentles, there are more than FIVE volunteers? I know there are many capable teachers with much to offer in this Kingdom, so if you available, please send the following information for the website and booklet:

  • Name of Teacher
  • Title of Class
  • Description of Class (brief, please, 75 words or less)
  • Class Length
  • Maximum Number of Students
  • Age Limit of Students
  • Fee, if any

Please include your legal name and e-mail address, and your preferred time for your class, as well as any special requirements you may have. The schedule will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so the earlier you volunteer, the more likely it will be that I can accommodate you.

Space is available from 9am-8pm on Friday and 9am-6pm on Saturday in one of three large tents (with tables and chairs), the upper bathhouse (also with tables and chairs, plus electricity and access to water), and the Great Hall.

SCHEDULING MEETINGS

If you are an officer who would like to hold a staff meeting, or you represent an order or a guild who would like to hold a meeting, you will need to send me the following  information so I can book you a space:

  • Name of order/office/guild/group
  • SCA and legal name of the clerk/officer/representative
  • E-mail address of the clerk/officer/representative
  • Preferred day and time requested
  • Amount of time requested

Space is available from 9am to 8pm on Friday and from 9am to 6pm on Saturday in one of three large tents (with tables and chairs) or the upper bathhouse (also with tables and chairs, plus electricity). Please be flexible; classes will have priority on the space.


Please send your class or meeting request to me by 30 April:

E-mail: helen.pinto@comcast.net
Phone: 724-203-4014
Mail: Helen Pinto
1936 Crestmont Dr
Aliquippa, PA 15001

Thanks in advance for your generous offers, and feel free to cross-post this announcement anywhere you think there may be interest.

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War Practice Meeting Scheduling

22 Sunday Mar 2015

Posted by aethgazette in Tidings

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War Practice

Photo by Darter the Chronicler.

Photo by Darter the Chronicler.

Need to schedule a meeting at War Practice?

War Practice will be here in less than two months. If you are an officer who would like to hold a staff meeting, or you represent an order or a guild who would like to hold a meeting, you will need to send me the following information so I can book you a space:

Name of group/order/guild

SCA and legal name of the officer/representative

E-mail address of the officer/representative

Preferred day and time requested

Amount of time requested

Space is available from 9am to 8 pm on Friday and from 9 am to
6 pm on Saturday in one of three large tents (with tables and chairs)
or the upper bathhouse (also with tables and chairs, plus electricity).
Please be flexible; classes will have priority on the space.

Please send your request to me by 30 April:

E-mail:  Helen.pinto (at) Comcast (dot) net

Thanks for your co-operation and feel free to cross-post this
announcement anywhere you think there may be interest.

-Aidan ni Leir

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Æthelmearc Gazette

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