Spring Crown Letters of Intent

18 Monday Mar 2019

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Greetings unto all those intending to enter Spring Crown Tournament.

Please be aware that both the combatant and the consort must submit a joint letter of intent, either through the following link (preferred): http://surveys.eastkingdom.org/index.php/372252?lang=en or by email to TRH Prince Ozurr the Boot-Giver and Princess Fortune Sancte Keyne with a copy to the Kingdom Seneschal.

The Letters of Intent must be received prior to 11:59 p.m. on April 6, 2019, which is Coronation. If using email, the letters of intent must include all of the following information for both combatant and consort: Society name, legal name, address, telephone number, years of residency, a statement that both the combatant and consort affirm that they do not have knowledge of any legal basis why at least one half of the couple would not be able to legally cross the United States/Canadian international border for the duration of their reign, and be accompanied by proof of membership with membership number & expiration date that is valid at least thirty days after Crown. If both entrants are combatants, then that should be clearly indicated.

Should you wish for Their Highnesses to grant any allowable exception to the requirements, be sure to clearly state your request in your letter of intent.

TRH also request that combatants bring heraldic shields for the list trees.

Mistress Katherine Barr
East Kingdom Seneschal

SCA Corporate Communications – Q&A with the SCA’s President

11 Monday Mar 2019

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The Gazette asked the following questions about communications on the SCA’s corporate level of its President, John Fulton (Duke John the Bearkiller). He wrote back with the following replies. The Gazette thanks him for his time addressing a topic that is near and dear to the Gazette as well as others in the SCA.

1. What is the best way to find out what happens in Board meetings? How can I access that information? Is there a way to know when it is available?

There are several ways to get information. “Like” the Official SCA Facebook page and/or subscribe to the Announcements List on the SCA website. This will get important information delivered directly to your email. Subscribing to Announcements is very easy to do. Go to the SCA website. In the upper right area of the opening page there is a red box. One of the options there is “Subscribe to the Announcements list”. You enter your email address and set a password for your account. You can set it to send you a digest or individual emails. You can also get access to approved Minutes by going to https://members.sca.org/apps/#SignIn. If you’re already a member and have your access ID and password, you can view Minutes there. Call the SCA Member office at (800) 789-7486 for help if you have difficulty logging in.

My office also puts out a Society President’s Report within three weeks or so after each regular Board meeting. Announcements handles telling everyone when it is available on the website. This is also announced on the Official SCA Facebook Page.

2. What are the goals of the Communications Committee? Do they have specific objectives and a timeline for them? Who is on the committee?

The goal of the Communications Committee is to assess communications issues within the administration portion of SCA Inc, create policies/procedures to address these issues, and provide relevant commentary on developing issues. The CC is currently comprised of the Society Communications Deputy, the President, the Society Social Media Deputy, the BoD Ombudsman and 2 members at large.

3. The Society has a Communications Officer and a Social Media Officer. What tasks do they perform? Do they have people who help them?

The role of the Society Communication’s Officer is to help analyze, summarize, write and distribute business communications for the administration of SCA Inc. The officer also monitors all forms of digital communications and tracks any issues that would be of interest to the business side of SCA Inc and communicates these issues to the appropriate officer. The office works in conjunction with the Society Social Media officer (in conjunction with the President and the Board) to ensure that a consistent corporate message is relayed in all communications channels.

The role of the Society Social Media Officer is to monitor all social media platforms that are approved by SCA Inc, and to apply appropriate policies and procedures to ensure communications are timely and consistent with corporate messaging. The position currently has at least one (1) Kingdom Social Media Deputy in each kingdom from whom he receives reports quarterly. Each quarter, the Society Social Media Officer will relay issues of note and provide statistics as to the utilization of all streams of digital social media. The office works in conjunction with the Society Communications Officer, the President, and the Board to ensure that a consistent corporate message is relayed in all social media channels.

4. Why did the Society decide to revamp the website? How will that help members learn about what is happening on the Society level?

The decision to revamp the website was in response to concerns expressed from both the general populace and from Society Officers. While all important announcements and information have always been made available through the current website, many of its features occasionally make that information difficult to access. So, in order to move the digital presence of SCA Inc. into the future and to provide good service to the members, the revamp was deemed necessary.

One of the goals set for the website is to provide a central place for communications including, but not limited to, items such as announcements, position openings, officer reports, etc. Without an upgrade of the site, timely communications are hindered. Additionally, to meet the needs of our mobile audience and to provide users with an excellent user interface and user experience, the new site will be mobile friendly

The website upgrade is planned to be live by the end of 2019.

5. Do you use volunteers to help with communications in roles that are ad hoc (as opposed to ongoing officer or committee roles)? What are they?

At this time, the use of volunteers on an AD HOC basis is dependent upon the issue at hand. If someone is needed for a specific task, volunteers with the required skill set are sought out and asked to help. We certainly appreciate and understand that everyone does not have time to participate in committees at times. Situations often require additional skills and knowledge that can only be garnered from AD HOC volunteers.

6. What kind of volunteers would be helpful to the Society? If someone has relevant experience, how do they volunteer?

Anyone who has an interest in volunteering should feel free to do so. It is not necessary to be a peer or a long time SCA member. The Society needs people, experience and viewpoints from all walks of life. Interested individuals should talk to local officers about opportunities in their home area; watch Announcements,the SCA website and Facebook page for open position postings; and definitely nominate themselves for the SCA’s Board of Directors. The good thing about being a Board nominee is that you do not have to wait for a job opening to have the Directors review your modern and SCA resumes. In fact, it is not uncommon after reviewing a person’s resume, for the Board to request individuals to serve on ad-hoc committees and in other roles.

7. The relationship between the Board and the membership has historically been challenging. Are there plans to try to work on improving that connection?

The Board meetings are open – members who can attend are certainly encouraged to do so. While a certain number of meetings are held in Milpitas (near the home office) as a cost saving measure, others are rotated around the Known World to provide as many people as possible a chance to attend. The schedule of meetings can be found on the SCA website; through Announcements and the SCA Facebook page; and is provided monthly through the Publications staff via the Inter-Kingdom Directory. While these are modern business meetings and do have modern-day requirements, sponsorship by local groups is always open for consideration. If groups are interested in hosting a Board meeting they should contact Renee in the Corporate Office at renee@sca.org for information.

The membership is always welcome to contact the Board about topics important to them. The best way to do this is through comments@sca.org. This email is constantly monitored by the Directors. Just be sure to use a detailed subject line and avoid items that could cause an email to get caught in the spam filter, such as attachments.

Meet and Greets are casual get togethers held at events in which Board members or Society Officers are attending. There are usually three or four such meetings at events throughout the year. There are also meetings of Society Officers at events. All Meet and Greets are open to everyone. If anyone is interesting in hosting such a casual meeting please send questions to ea@sca.org. That is the email of the Executive Assistant to the Board who handles scheduling. The Board members emails addresses, and brief bios, can be found at https://www.sca.org/BOD/directors.html.

8. What other changes are being considered on the Society level to keep the membership informed about activities on the Society level?

Long-range plans include possibly streaming of Board meetings and the creation of a Blog site. There are obviously some logistics issues involved in these projects, so it may be a bit before these plans can come to fruition. In the interim, if anyone has suggestions or ideas about how the Board can better keep the membership up to date on important issues, they should certainly make their thoughts known by sending an email to comments@sca.org. Please use the caption “SCA-Board Information Update Suggestions” in the subject line and remember to avoid attachments or other items that could cause an email to be marked as junk or spam.

Unofficial Court Report: al-Hafla

11 Monday Mar 2019

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On the 9th of March A.S. LIII, known in the Common Era as 2019 a bright and clear day did dawn. Their Majesties East, Wilhelm and Vienna, did send Their Own Herald to the new barony of Buckland Cross, for while They could not personally be in attendance at al-Hafla, They had business that must be attended to there.

Photo by Fionnghuala Chláirseóir

The Baron and Baroness of Buckland Cross, Baron Aurddeilen-ap-Robet and Baroness Sigridh Bengstdotter, did hold their court that day amid the music, dancing and fine foods. And it was with the authority given to them by King Wilhelm and Queen Vienna, that they did bade the herald to open a Royal Court and call forward one Yāsamīn al-Sardaniya called Jaz. She was this great event’s own Steward, and in fact, had been the Event Steward for the Investiture of Buckland Cross – which Their Majesties, Wilhelm and Vienna had attended, and much enjoyed. And so it was that Yāsamīn al-Sardaniya was bestowed a well-deserved Burdened Tyger.

These are the events as I recall them unfolding before me.

Yours In Service,
Theodora Bryennissa, called Treannah
Vox Regis

Eastern Results from the December 2018 LoAR

09 Saturday Mar 2019

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badge HeraldEASTERN RESULTS

FROM THE DECEMBER 2018 LoAR

The Society College of Arms runs on monthly cycles and letters. Each month, the College processes name and armory submissions from all of the Kingdoms. Final decisions on submissions are made at the monthly meetings of the Pelican Queen of Arms (names) and the Wreath King of Arms (armory). Pelican and Wreath then write up their decisions in a Letter of Acceptances and Return (LoAR). After review and proofreading, LoARs generally are released two months after the meeting where the decisions are made.

An “acceptance” indicates that the item(s) listed are now registered with the Society. A “return” indicates that the item is returned to the submitter for additional work. Most items are registered without comments. Sometimes, the LoAR will address specific issues about the name or armory or will praise the submitter/herald on putting together a very nice historically accurate item.

The following results are from the December 2018 Wreath and Pelican meetings.  There were no Eastern items at the November 2018 meetings.

EAST acceptances

Anastasia Antonello. Name and device. Purpure, a winged domestic cat sejant and on a chief argent three lotus blossoms affronty purpure.

Nice 16th century Italian name from Pisa!

Artist’s note: Please provide better contrast in the internal detailing of the lotus blossoms, to aid in identifiability. Please depict the cat’s tail away from the wings, rather than obscured by them.

Beatrice de Warynton. Alternate name Beatrice Weaver.

Nice 16th century English name from London!

Brienne of Buckland. Name and device. Per bend argent and vert, a frog and a weeping willow tree counterchanged.

Submitted as Brienne _ Buckland, the submitter requested the form Brienne of Buckland if it could be documented. Buckland is a place name, with the desired spelling dated to 1610 in Watts. Accordingly, we have made the change requested by the submitter.

Caoilfhionn inghean Ceallachain. Name and device. Argent, a bat-winged domestic cat sejant contourny sable and in canton an increscent azure.

In standard Gaelic grammar, C- lenites after inghean. However, Brían dorcha ua Conaill provided multiple examples in commentary in which late-period Gaelic names beginning in C- did not lenite after inghean. Therefore, per the July 2017 Cover Letter, the name can be registered as submitted.

Artist’s note: Please depict the cat’s tail away from the wings, rather than obscured by them.

Chiaretta di Fiore. Name change from Kataryn Mercer and device change. Or, a fox sejant guardant proper and in chief three pine trees couped sable.

The submitter’s previous name, Kataryn Mercer, is retained as an alternate name.

The submitter’s previous device, Per pale Or and argent, in chief in fess three pine trees couped sable, is retained as a badge.

Chiaretta di Fiore. Badge. (Fieldless) A fox sejant guardant proper maintaining a poppy gules slipped vert all within and conjoined to a four-lobed quadrate cornice sable.

Cinàed an Chairn. Name and device. Per chevron inverted azure and argent, a triquetra inverted argent interlaced with an annulet Or.

Cosmo Solario. Badge. (Fieldless) On a sun argent a Kaun rune sable.

Cosmo Solario. Reblazon of device. Per saltire sable and azure, a sun in its splendor argent.

Originally registered as Per saltire sable and azure, a sun in his splendour argent, the submitter requested the gender-neutral pronoun. As this does not change the interpretation of the emblazon, we see no reason to deny this request.

Cristina Volpina. Alternate name Iulia Crispina.

Nice Roman name for the Imperial era! In fact, this precise name appears in the Heidelberg Epigraphic database as the name of a woman who died between 101-200 C.E.

Cristina Volpina. Alternate name Rúna glóra.

With the release of House of Lucky Stars and the registration of the alternate name Iulia Crispina (both occurring elsewhere on this letter), this is the fifth name item registered to this person. The Administrative Handbook I.B., an individual may register up to six names; she remains within the limit.

Cristina Volpina. Release of Household name House of Lucky Stars.

Cristina Volpina. Device change. Bendy gules and argent, a chief Or.

The submitter’s previous device, Bendy argent and gules, on a chief Or a capital letter V sable, is retained as a badge.

Nice device!

Cristina Volpina. Release of badge. Purpure, three mullets of seven points one and two Or.

Cristina Volpina. Blanket permission to conflict with badge (see RETURNS for blazon change). Gules, on a bezant a sun-cross gules.

The submitter grants permission to conflict for all armory that is at least one countable step (DC) away from her badge.

Eleanor Swyft. Name and device. Azure, a cross patonce argent, overall two arrows in saltire Or.

Nice English name from the 14th century onwards!

Artist’s note: Please draw the arrowheads larger and more prominently.

Katalina Boquet. Name and device. Quarterly vert and azure, a nanny goat statant argent and in chief three wedges of cheese Or.

Since male and female goats show a pronounced sexual dimorphism, blazoning this as a nanny goat is an exception to our general rule of not specifying the genders of heraldic beasts.

Keziah Planchet. Name and device. Azure, a winged tower and in chief a comet fesswise reversed within a bordure invected argent.

Planchet is the registered surname of the submitter’s parent.

Artist’s note: Please draw the tower larger with relatively smaller wings.

Mabyle Baldewyne. Name.

Appearing on the Letter of Intent as Mayble Baldewyne, the spelling of the given name appears to have been a typo; the form and the documentation spell the given name as Mabyle. We have corrected the spelling for registration.

Máel Dúin mac Cába. Name.

Mari Clock van Hoorne. Household name Gameday Taverne.

Gameday is an attested English surname found in the MED s.v. g{a-}me (n.) dated to 1327. Neither the surname nor the concept of a day dedicated to gaming are inherently modern. While this may be to some degree a joke name, it is not a modern joke and thus it can be registered.

Marrin de Scoville. Name and device. Azure, in saltire a rapier and a pen argent, a tierce checky argent and sable.

Nice Anglicized Irish name for circa 1600!

There is a step from period practice for the use of a tierce with other charges.

Meriadoc Gam. Name and device. Per saltire gules and argent, four arming buckles counterchanged.

Appearing on the Letter of Intent as Merrya Dock Gam, the name originally was submitted as Meriadoc Gam but was changed at Kingdom due to the lack of documentation at that level for the given name. In commentary, Alisoun Metron Ariston documented Meriadoc as the name of a Cornish saint venerated in period. Therefore, we are able to restore the name to the originally-submitted Meriadoc Gam.

Vettorio Antonello. Household name Fellowship of the Flame and Quill and badge. (Fieldless) On a flame gules a pen Or.

Submitted as Fellowship of the _ Quill, this household name conflicted with the registered Order of the Quill (Meridies, March 1997). Designators such as Fellowship and Order are transparent for the purposes of conflicts.

At the submitter’s request, we have changed this household name to Fellowship of the Flame and Quill to use the pattern of inn-sign and tournament company names based on two heraldic charges. A flame is a heraldic charge according to the Pictorial Dictionary of Heraldry (https://mistholme.com/dictionary/flame/).

EAST returns

Cristina Volpina. Blazon change. Gules, on a bezant a sun-cross gules.

The petitioner wished to change the blazon of her badge from a sun-cross to a cross within and conjoined to an annulet. The petitioner cited concerns about the use of the sun-cross by white supremacist and Neo-Nazi groups. While we share the concerns of the submitter, the proposed new blazon will not work; because the cross is central and has much greater visual weight, the registered badge would have two tertiary charge groups on the same charge, a practice which was not allowed when the badge was registered, and is not allowed currently.

Beyond style issues, changing the blazon has no effect on the emblazon at all: it is still a sun-cross, a symbol which is used by white supremacist groups. Moreover, the motif of a roundel charged with a sun-cross is used by those same groups (albeit usually with a plate and a sable sun-cross, rather than the gules-on-Or motif registered to the petitioner, though they share a gules field). Just as a swastika is a swastika even if blazoned as a fylfot or a cross gammadion, so too is a sun-cross a sun-cross, and will appear as such to observers regardless of the official blazon.

In the July 2018 Cover Letter, we published the decision not to ban this symbol outright, due in large part to its historical and current usage by several cultures that have nothing to do with white supremacy or the Neo-Nazi movement. Unlike the swastika, which will likely never shake the stigma of the Third Reich, there is hope for the sun-cross and other symbols newly appropriated by hate groups. And that hope is through positive, visible use.

We encourage the petitioner to continue using the registered armory in a way that is beyond reproach, and protect the symbol that means so much to her.

Rudolf Siege. Device. Per pale azure and gules, on a cogwheel Or a dragon sable.

This device must be returned for redraw. While a charge that has internal voiding such as a cogwheel can be charged, care must be taken to maintain contrast. In this submission, the cogwheel is depicted with very thin spokes which are almost entirely obscured by the dragon, with the resulting effect of a sable dragon on a field azure and gules. Upon resubmission, the component parts of the cogwheel should be much bigger and bolder. The wings of the dragon should also be reduced in size so that they do not overwhelm the remainder of the monster.

 

A Missive from the Kingdom Minister of the Lists: Seeking Applicants for Various Positions

08 Friday Mar 2019

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SEEKING APPLICATIONS!

There are several position openings in the Ministry. If you’re interested, please email a letter of interest stating why you make a good applicant as well as your qualifications for the position to mol@eastkingdom.org. Thank you!

**CENTRAL REGION DEPUTY Minister of Lists**
— Job Description: Maintain open communication with Ministers of the List, as well as regional marshals in your region, Coordinate MoL’s for events with martial activities in your region, facilitate reporting compliance, assist with completion of incomplete authorization applications received by the Ministry.
— Skills & requirements: Communication skills are an absolute MUST! Strong organizational skills, and a willingness to take initiative are also necessary. People skills are very helpful as well. Must have access to internet and email at least once/week. Approximate time commitment is 1 hour per week, often less, occasionally more (particularly around large events in your region).

**NORTHERN REGION DEPUTY Minister of Lists**
— Job Description: Maintain open communication with Ministers of the List in your region as well as regional marshals, Coordinate MoL’s for events with martial activities in your region, facilitate reporting compliance, assist with completion of incomplete authorization applications received by the Ministry.
— Skills & requirements: Communication skills are an absolute MUST! Strong organizational skills, and a willingness to take initiative are also necessary. People skills are very helpful as well. Must have access to internet and email at least once/week. Approximate time commitment is 1 hour per week, often less, occasionally more (particularly around large events in your region).

**DATABASE MAINTENANCE DEPUTY**
— Job Description: This is primarily a data-entry position. Log all new and updated information into database from a list provided my the Kingdom Minister. Provide updated lists to regional deputies and marshals.
— Skills & requirements: MUST have a working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. Attention to detail is EXTREMELY important for this position – our martial community depends on it. Must have access to email at least once/week. Approximate time commitment is 3-8 hours per month.

**TRAINING COORDINATOR DEPUTY**
— Job Description: Contact newly appointed or warranted local or at-large Ministers of Lists and coordinate training opportunities for them.
— Skills & Requirements: Communication skills and people skills are necessary. Must have access to internet and email at least once/week. Approximate time commitment is 2-3 hours/month.

Questions and applications can be sent to mol@eastkingdom.org.

Yours in Service,

Lady Olivia Baker
Minister of the Lists

New A&S Research Article Curator and Updated Call for Papers

08 Friday Mar 2019

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Greetings!

We would like to thank Mistress Aildreda de Tamworthe for all of her hard work curating A&S research papers since the Gazette began publishing them in 2015. Mistress Elysabeth Underhill will be taking over this role for Aildreda. An updated Call for Papers is below.

Call for Research Papers

Have you just finished some fascinating original research? Can you tell us about a day in the life of your persona? Do you have a fabulous method of producing something in a medieval style? The East Kingdom is rich in artisans and scientists, and the East Kingdom Gazette provides a platform for their written work to be shared by publishing Arts & Sciences Research Papers. To see topics covered by past papers, you can search for the “research paper” tag on the Gazette website.

If you are interested in submitting a paper, but have questions or are unsure of the suitability of a topic, please ask our Article Curator, Mistress Elysabeth Underhill (137268@members.eastkingdom.org). Lissa is happy to work with authors to help them shape their paper.

– The Gazette reserves the right to fact-check all articles, and also to edit for grammar and clarity. All resulting revisions will be given to the original author for review.

– There is no limit to the number of submissions, but each author will be limited to one posted article per calendar year.

– Articles should focus on arts and sciences topics that exist within the SCA period. Examples include: how to recreate a period X or Y; history lessons; a day in my persona’s life; experimenting with period techniques; and original research.

– Submitted articles are typically between 5-10 pages.

– Please submit all papers as a PDF, MS Word document, or through Google Docs.

– Links to existing personal websites are welcome within an article, but should not replace the article.

– The Society champions courtesy, and properly crediting the work of others is both courteous and required. Images that are not your original photos must be fully cited. Quotations or ideas drawn from other sources must be likewise fully cited. For examples, please see: http://www.wikihow.com/Cite-Sources.

Registration Deadline Saturday, March 9: A&S Championship Competition

04 Monday Mar 2019

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Greetings all from the Kingdom A&S Minister, Master Philip White.

This is your final reminder about Crown’s A&S Championship Competition. Late registrations will not be accepted.

Registration Deadline – Saturday, March 9

(This excludes research paper entries. That deadline has passed.)

We are asking that entrants review all of the material on this website about the competition. Please take your time to review before entering.
https://moas.eastkingdom.org/cms/?page_id=607

If you have questions about the competition format, display, judging, or if you would like assistance preparing for the competition, please contact the Kingdom A&S Minister, Master Philip White (moas@eastkingdom.org).

Arts & Sciences Research Paper #25: The tools of Elizabethan clothing: Sheep to garment

04 Monday Mar 2019

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Our twenty-fifth Research Paper comes to us from Lady Astriðr Musa of the Barony of Concordia of the Snows. Her reconstruction of a late-period garment has led her into a deep look into the tools of Elizabethan clothing, which she is here to share with us! (Prospective future contributors, please check out our original Call for Papers.)

The tools of Elizabethan clothing: Sheep to garment

A riding cloak made in the Spanish style by the author. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Miklacic.

A riding cloak made in the Spanish style by the author. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Miklacic.

Continue reading →

Unofficial Court Report: Kings and Queens Bardic and Dragonship Haven Investiture

04 Monday Mar 2019

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In the Barony of Dragonship Haven, on the 23rd day of February, anno societatis LIII, known in the common era as 2019, Their Majesties Wilhelm and Vienna brought their people together under one roof to witness the competition to determine the new Bardic Champions and the investing of the new Baronesses of the local lands.  Though the day was chilled, the air among the people was warm and camaraderie was had by all.

In the morning, as the bards were warming their voices and citizens milled about, Their Majesties had Their herald call for all to gather and bear pay heed to Their words.  It was early, but They had business which was immediate and required the populace to witness.

Their herald welcomed the current Baron and Baroness of Dragonship Haven, Joseph of the Red Griffin and Bronwen Rose of Greyling, called B’Rose, to join them and permitted them to share words and recognition with their people.

When at last they were done, they were called before Their Majesties.  It was with tears in their eyes, Their Majesties spoke of Baron Joseph and Baroness B’Rose with love and having taken care of Dragonship Haven in a tumultuous time following the illness of the Baron before them.  They were relieved of their duties and gifted a basket of goods to take to Their Majesties’ “farm”.

Words were shared of Baron Joseph’s good works from two scrolls of thanks, one completed by Ellesbeth Donofrey and another by Charis Accipiter.

Similarly, words were read by Their herald of the delight of Bronwen Rose of Greyling, called B’Rose and a scroll presented to her made by Mari Clock van Hoorne with words by Rowen Cloteworthy.  It was then Their Majesties made her a Baroness of Their Court.

Before they were released from Their Majesties’ presence, both swore fealty, promising to continue the Dream.

The next to be called were Mistress Renye Wurm and Lady Rhode Kephalania, for they were to be installed as the new Baronesses of Dragonship Haven.  They were charged to lead with strength and fairness. And by placing the coronets upon their head, Their Majesties did invest them as the new caretakers of the lands.  Baroness Wurm and Baroness Rhode swore fealty, promising to fight in times of war, and build in times of peace. They were also gifted with a basket of goodies, including two bottles of mead, with promise of more where they came from in case things became too stressful.  As is Their Majesties’ custom, they also shared two sets of feast gear with the Barony.

It was then their Majesties suspended Their court to allow the Baronesses to complete necessary business.  Once done, they reopened Their court.

The next to hear their name called, was one Lupold Hass.  Lupold knew this was coming, and declared his travel at Their request to be pleasant and dry, and unlike that of the whispers heard from the Kingdom of Atenveldt and Estrella War.  There was laughter among the people at this comment. Their Majesties beckoned Their Order of Defense and bade them whisk him away to sit vigil, for today, he was to consider elevation.

Lada Monguligin was called before Their Majesties next, and though she looked concerned, she smiled.  Her Majesty shared with the people that Lada had won the Pennsic War Point for the East. It was then They had Their Order of the Laurel brought forth and her Majesty demanded Lada to “go sit and think about what she did”, for she was to consider joining the Order.

Before the Order was permitted to leave, another was called.  Ysabella du Draguinin was swept into court and placed before Their Majesties.  She also was to consider what she had done, for she was her own person, and contemplate her own elevation.  It was then the Laurels swept them both away to prepare them for the day.

Medhbh ignean ui Cheallaigh was called by Their Majesties’ herald, and she was presented before them.  Their Majesties spoke of her faithful service, selfless acts, and could think of no better way to thank her.  Their herald called for the Order of the Pelican to come forward. With delight, they came, and took her away to consider what was to come.

Their Majesties bade Their herald call forth their Minister of the Lists, Mistress Mylisant Grey.  They thanked her for her work over the past few years, and Her Majesty did gift her with Her Award of Esteem.  They relieved her of her duties and called forth her replacement, Olivia Baker. Mylisant did gift the new Minister of Lists with a banner of office, and wished her well.  Olivia swore her fealty as an officer, and Their Majesties then spoke Their promise to her, thanking her for taking on such a duty.

It was then Their Majesties suspended Their court, charging the attendees to enjoy the day and bear witness to great competition.

Shortly thereafter, Their Majesties tracked down one among their populace, and cornering him in a room, They did open their Court.

They called forth Eric von Boulder and His Majesty spoke of great stories told to Him by His Grace Duke Balfar regarding the young man.  It was then Eric turned and looked wide eyed at His Grace, who only chuckled in return. The herald called forth their Order of the Silver Tyger and he was placed among them.  Their Majesties thanked him for his dedication and charged him with seeking out the other martial orders and continue to learn. As They included him in Their Order, they shared the document declaring it so would be forthcoming.

They then suspended Their court again, and joined Their people to enjoy the day.

Later in the day, after competition ended, Their Majesties again bade Their herald to call Their people together.

His Majesty had His herald call forth His Bardic Champion, Juliana Byrd.  She flitted from behind the thrones, and knelt before Him, recorders in her lap.  He thanked her for making His time on the throne joyful. He asked her for her baldric back, and with resignation, she returned it.  He released her from His service, and as she skipped down the aisle it was heard from a member of the populace she was now “a free Byrd”.

It was then His Majesty had Margretha La Fauvelle called before him.  And as she landed on her knees before Him, he grinned and placed the baldric over her shoulder, declaring her His Champion, charging her to learn music of the mythical ABBA.  A scroll created by Juliana Byrd and Audrye Beneyt was read, documenting the day. She joined His Champions behind him.

Her Majesty had her Bardic Champion, Geoffrey of Exeter, called before her.  She spoke of how She had met him around a fireplace, and he had been “instrumental” in Her reign.  With sadness, she requested he relinquish his baldric and released him, though he did not go far, resuming a spot on the edge of the stage and continuing to play his harp throughout the evening.

It was then Her Majesty spoke of a bard who had the voice of an angel.  She had Her herald call one Laila al-Sanna’ al Andalusiyya to the dais. The Queen met her, adorned her with the baldric as a scroll was presented for the occasion, created by Geoffrey of Exeter and Audrye Beneyt.  It was then Laila joined Her Majesty’s Champions.

Her Majesty then spoke of two bards who had stunned her with their performances.  One who completed a flawless performance even when the lights went out, and another who brought Shakespeare to life.  Her herald called Solveig Bjarnardottir and Phillippe LeVigneron, and they were gifted the Golden Lyre for their magnificence.

It was then Their Majesties suspended Their Court so the Baronesses of Dragonship Haven could conduct additional business.  When it was complete, they reopened Their court.

Their Majesties spoke of Their home in Dragonship Haven.  They shared how much love They had for Their family there, and how its people always strive for the best.  The Barony served the Kingdom to the fullest, and as such, Their Majesties saw fit to present them with the Company of Fellowship, an award for a group presented only twice before.

Their Majesties had Baroness Bronwen Rose of Greyling, called B’Rose, called before them once again.  And lest she worry that the people loved her husband more than she, a second scroll was presented to her, crafted by Gundormr Dengir and AEsa Feilinn Jossurdottir.

The next to hear their name called was Katla of Viborg.  Their Majesties spoke of her work on Norse clothing and felt she belonged among the Order of the Silver Brooch.  They presented her with a scroll created by Matthias Gunwold and Marietta Charay to remember the day.

Before they were sent off, another was called to the dais.  Their Majesties’s herald called one Edmund Beneyt. Her Majesty said recognition of wordsmiths doesn’t happen as often as it should, and she was honored to do so, also including him in the Order of Silver Brooch.  He was gifted with a scroll by Aurelia Colleoni a’Buccafurno.

Just as they were about to leave, another herald stepped out and Their Majesties had Audrye Beneyt step from behind the thrones.  They shared that her work on scrolls were what made her belong in the Order of Silver Brooch, and a scroll to commemorate the moment crafted by Katherine Stanhope and Nicol MacDonnachaidh was shared with her.  Finally, the Order of the Silver Brooch was permitted to leave, taking with it their new siblings.

But Audrye Beneyt was made to stay.  Their Majesties spoke of her work on Their Crown Tournament.  The power had gone out and a great storm had rolled in, and yet she still pulled it off.  For this, they included her in the Order of the Burdened Tyger, gifting her a medallion crafted by Her Majesty.

Margretha La Fauvelle was called back before Their Majesties and they spoke of her being instrumental in Coronations, providing music to be enjoyed by all.  It was then a hat she had previously owned was returned to her, only six pearls had been added to it. Their Majesties made her a Baroness of Their court, gifting to her a scroll by Sabine de Kerbriant and Mairi Crawford.

The next to hear their name was one Bartholomew Sharp.  His Majesty spoke of how much effort and care he put in to his dream.  He felt it only just and right to provide him with the Award of Excellence, passing to him a scroll crafted by Eleanor Catlyng so he may remember the moment.

Next, the herald called Ysabella du Draguinin before Their Majesties, for They wished to know the answer to the question put before her.  On her knees before Them, she said she would accept Their offer. Jarl Thorvald Halvarsson and Duke Balfar von Grunwald came forward to speak on her behalf for the Chivalry.  They spoke of the smell of youthful joy and glee she shares and that she was brave to be good at what she wants. Efeilian Gathfach ferch Owain ap Bleddyn, called Parsley, stepped forward to speak for the Pelicans, stating she was filled with good service, including patience and generosity.  Thomas of Effingham rose as a Master of Defence to speak of her grit and perseverance, commending her as a Peer. Her Grace, Duchess Luna Athanwulf stepped down the aisle, stating Ysabella to be filled with undeniable courtesy, therefore recommended by the Roses. Last to speak was Mahin Banu Tabrizi of the Laurels, who spoke of the candidates utter joy in all things including those which pour, making special note of a fountain from which wine flowed.  She was especially interested in that. Hearing the words of the Peers, Their Majesties saw fit to adorn Ysabella in the regalia befitting her Order, including a medallion and hood. A scroll created just for her by Mahin Banu Tabrizi, Musa Thorsonsdottir, Tola Knityr and Leonete d’Angeley was presented to remember the day. Ysabella swore her fealty to Their Majesties, and They swore Their promise to her, and the Order took her away to welcome her.

It was then Their Majesties requested Joel Messerer brought forward.  Their Majesties said he had an answer for everything during the recent concerns about Kingdom finances, and was like a cowboy, shooting answers from the hip.  Her Majesty wanted so much to make him a Saint, but said it was not within her power to do so. Instead, his Cap of Maintenance was returned to him, though it now bore pearls and with a scroll created by Eleanore MacCarthaigh read, They made him a Baron of Their Court.

It was then a family was called before them–Bjorn Hrafnson, Katryne Morgant Telardottier, Brigid Bjornsdottir and Ahri Bjornsdottir.  Their Majesties spoke of the family’s work for the Crown, their dedication, and said that the parents would now be made a Lord and Lady of Their Court, promising them scrolls to come.  Not wanting to leave the young girls out, they called forth their Order of the Tyger’s Cub, including them in it and gifting them with scrolls created by Her Majesty which the girls could color in, much to their delight.

It was then all the children of the East were brought forward, for they had been waiting for this moment all day.  His Majesty hefted the much beloved toybox on His shoulder, stating only one man could run it this day. He called forth the Captain of Her Majesty’s Guard, Klaus Winterhalter and put the box in his arms.  He bade him run, and though he tried to keep the children at bay, they barely made it to a count of three before chasing after the Captain with much glee.

Douglas Doan, Chatelaine of the East Kingdom College of Performers invited in to court to share information and encourage the growth of the bards in the East.  He shared that a new tradition would be formed, and the Travelling Notebook was created, being put first in the hands of Solveig Bjarnardottir. It was then he spoke of two upcoming events for the College of Performers, and encouraged their attendance.

The next to hear their name was Aurora of Dragonship Haven.  Their Majesties had known her a long time, and her service to the Barony had been noticed and as such, she should be made a Lady of Their Court gifting her a scroll created by Jonathan Blaecstan.

It was then Hulda Ahonen was called before Their Majesties.  They spoke of her passion for learning new arts, and her increased involvement.  They could do no less than make her a Lady of Their Court also, and a scroll by Donnchadh mac Eoin was read by the herald to commemorate the moment.

Their Majesties then had Lupold Hass called before Them, for They required an answer to the question posed of him just that morning.  A booming voice brought him in, and Lupold knelt before Them, stating he would join Their Order of Defense. Antonio Patrasso, a member of the Order of Chivalry spoke to Lupold’s bravery, stating he entered every list knowing his life was on the line.  Camille des Jardins, of the Laurels, stepped forward speaking of his dedication to the “art of defense”, studying many forms deeply. Her Grace Avelina Keyes shared words sent from the wilds of Atenveldt where Marguerite Ingen Lachlainn, a member of the Pelicans, waged war at Estrella.  Marguerite shared that Lupold analyzes all things, and breaks actions down to their component parts and that is service. Her Grace Duchess Caoilfhionn inghean Fhaolain, of the Roses, stated she had opinions about courtesy, and about Lupold. She stated Lupold had confidence, courtesy, and heart, and those were important.  Thomas of Effingham rose once again, for he had the right to share words for the Order of Defense. He stated that dwarves were not meant to teach elves how to fence, and yet Lupold was not afraid to do things the hard way. Their Majesties, in agreement with the Peers of the realm, adorned him in a collar, cape and medallion.  Once done, Her Majesty threw a glove at Lupold’s feet, challenging him to accept. He did, and a rock to commemorate the moment was shared with him, crafted by Eva Woderose, Caoilfhionn inghean Fhaolain, Sorcha Dhocair, and Randall Vihari-Farkas. The Order of Defense escorted Lupold from the dais to welcome him.

It was then that all newcomers to their first, second or third event were called before Their Majesties and cups gifted to them as was the new tradition.  It was noted by the herald that most of the newcomers were youth, and that was exciting.

Patrick Michael was the next to hear his name called.  Their Majesties spoke of his dedication to the Dream, volunteering without praise and having joined at a young age.  They felt it only right to have Their Order of the Silver Wheel called forth and he placed among them. They promised a scroll would be coming to him.

It was then Elena Hylton was brought from behind the thrones to kneel before Their Majesties.  The spoke of her dedication to the Crown and acknowledged her work in crafting the clothing they wore that day.  A silver coronet adorned with six pearls was placed upon her brow, and They did make her a Baroness of Their Court.  A scroll crafted by Violet Hughes and Onora ingheann ui Ruairc was displayed and drew much awe from the crowd. His Majesty stated it was in the top five He’d ever seen.

Their Majesties had Medhbh inghean ui Cheallaigh called to the dais, for They sought the answer to The question They asked just that morning.  His Grace Duke Brennan mac Fearghus spoke as a Knight, stating Medbh had faith and her dedication to the people was astounding. Anne of Framingham, speaking words of the Laurels, said she was a noble lady and filled with good sense.  It was then Donovan Shinnock strode down the aisles to speak for the Order of Defence, stating Medhbh was “bonkers for always taking the big jobs” but that she never let the the little things slide. She always stopped to give kind words.  Her Grace, Duchess Caoilfhionn inghean Fhaolain stepped forward as a Rose, telling Their Majesties this woman had “bucketloads of courtesy” and declaring her a “protector of the Dream”. Her Grace Avelina Keyes rose as a Pelican, and said that Medhbh was one of those people who “helps us SCA” and when she needed something while organizing the East Kingdom 50 Year Celebration, Medhbh had it it done within hours.  Hearing the words of Their people, Their Majesties nodded agreement, and placed the regalia of her station upon her–a cloak, hood, and medallion. A scroll crafted by Saerlith ingen Chennetig and Aneleda Falconbridge was shared with her to remember the day. It was then the newest Pelican swore fealty to Their Majesties, and They, in turn, swore their promise. The Order swept her up and carried her away to celebrate.

Now before Their Majesties came Lada Monguligin, for she had been beckoned by the herald to answer the question put upon her in surprise that morning.  Before she knelt, words were spoken to her by her former Laurel Kayleigh McWhyte, declaring she would always be a part of their family. Then, As Lada knelt, the Peers of the Realm spoke words in support.  Edward Gendy, a Simple Country Knight, spoke of her dedication, stating he’d seen her travel through snow to ensure a scroll made it to an event. Ryan Mac Whyte came upon the people, standing as a Pelican, stating she and Kayleigh had been two peas in a pod and that she was a force to be reckoned with, being the Vicerine of Ostgardr.  Donovan Shinnock returned, to speak for the Defense, stating that Lada had persevered when she needed to learn how to learn again, because she was good right out of the gate. Her Grace Thyra Eiriksdottir rose, to share words of Brekke Franksdottir of the Roses, who stated Lada was courteous and a just law giver. It was then that Vettorio Antonello, a member of the Laurels, stood and spoke of Lada’s being a force of teaching and leadership and her passion for her art being one of a kind.  Having heard the words of so many, Their Majesties stood and brought forth the regalia of her station, a medallion, two cloaks (one of great lineage), a collar, hat and bracers. A scroll made with love by Kay Leigh Mac Whyte was gifted to her. She swore her fealty, and Their Majesties gave her Their own.

But before the Laurels were able to take her away, Lada’s beloved Viceroy Suuder Saran stepped up beside her.  He spoke to her of their first conversations in the Society, and how much it meant to them. And dropping to one knee, he asked her to build a family with him, presenting her with a ring.  Through tears of joy, she said yes, and then was taken away to be welcomed by the Laurels.

Their Majesties thanked the staff of the event, and with no further business, thus closed Their Court.

These are the moments throughout the day as remembered by me.

Always In Service,
Audrye Beneyt, Court Herald

Day of the Decameron: Immersion from Literature

28 Thursday Feb 2019

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Day of the Decameron: Immersion from Literature

By Lilie Dubh inghean ui Mordha

When SCAdians talk about ‘time slips’ and ‘losing themselves in the medieval’ they are usually talking about small, short slips where everything comes together and they forget the 21st century exists.

This is getting harder and harder to do, as sites become harder to find that have even a smidgen of atmosphere, and people insist on having their phones with them, using them at will. Even seeing electric lights and hearing the modern world outside (car horns, airplanes) can break a good moment.

A literary immersion event can bring back those moments, and then some. While shutting out the 21st century all together might be impossible, Day of the Decameron is going to try and create as much of the 14th century Florentine atmosphere as it can.

The Event Steward, Mistress Sofya Gianetta di Trieste, is hard at work organizing and creating the site’s atmosphere. Utilizing the Mount Kisco, NY American Legion Hall that has been used in the past for an EK coronation and and EK A&S/Bardic Champions event, she is working on building a 14th century Florentine villa’s salon hall, where flowers, tables lain with white cloths, games such as backgammon and chess, wall hangings and light will bring the modern to bay.

Music features prominently in The Decameron, and newly made Royal Bard and Baroness, Margrethe la Fauvelle, has found several pieces that date from the time, and will be giving event-goers wafting, wonderful melodies. Ably aided by 6 or 7 musicians, Baroness Margrethe will indeed make people smile and sigh. Several stories also feature music, and performers will be incorporating this into their tales. Noble Juliana Bird, recently stepped down as Royal Bard, will be adding in a fun song to their tale, and Mistress Aife in Derthage will be adding music to her tale.

badge Ostgardr seahorseIn the kitchens, Lord Friderich Grimme is laboring to create a menu from a single manuscript that will enhance the feeling of the day. His ideas for recipes such as roast duck, and herbed salat, and roasted new greens, served by liveried staff in the colors of Ostgardr, will give people the flavors of a spring 14th century day. The meals are even being planned as they would have been then – the main meal will be at midday, while a later meal will be lighter, and a last course will be sweets to end the day.

And of course there are the stories themselves, which are the main feature of the day. Performers from the EK College of Performers and from farther afield are rehearsing tales to tell – 18 tales from The Decameron in all. Directing these tales is Lady Lilie Dubh inghean ui Mordha, whose vision for the event began to take shape over 3 years ago. “Wanting to bring something of the 14th Century to life, and the Decameron was right there,” she said.

The Decameron is filled with tales of love, lust, pranks, scares, games of wit between the sexes, and political and social commentary on the time. Written just after the swath of the Black Death swept through Europe, the author was well aware of how people felt and thought. He was also well aware of the social norms of the time – stories of church leaders seducing women abound, and stories of women cuckholding husbands as well. Remembering that these are not modern tales should be any event goers thought. “The Decameron is of its time and place, and event goers should remember that we are not going to be politically correct or socially correct. You will hear adult tales, adult themes. And you will hear how Giovanni Boccaccio saw his world, a world of pleasures, sex, violence, secrets. He knew death – had seen it firsthand. The idea that one could die tomorrow figures hard into his writings,” says the event’s Artistic Director, Lilie Dubh. “Don’t think like a 21st century person here, think like someone from the later 14th century. You’ve seen death, and you want to celebrate life and living.”

Day of the Decameron will be an event to do that. Celebrating life, living and the joy that immersion into a time and place can bring. Turn off the phones, close your eyes. Open them. A 14th century villa in Tuscany awaits!

Day of the Decameron will take place on April 27th. Reservations are going fast! The hall is limited to 125!