An Interview with Their Highnesses Magnus Tindal & Alberic von Rostock
While the Gazette tries to publish an interview with The Heirs shortly after Crown Tourney, we are living in unusual times. So, without further delay…
How did you get involved in the SCA?
Tindal: My local comic book store owner got me to go to a fighter practice. That was my start, then a move to North Carolina got me truly involved as the easiest way to make new friends was to attend local SCA meetings. That pattern has held true with my subsequent moves to AEthelmearc and the East.
Alberic: A friend of mine suggested the SCA to me in High School. It wasn’t until college (1989), that I followed a girl, that started to participate. I was mostly going to Northern Outpost events at time.
Do you have a particular passion in the game?
Tindal: I love the way the SCA comes together as a community. Events truly are times when I see people set aside differences and enjoy our common interests to build a better society. Also, fighting is fun.
Alberic: My passion for the game has morphed over the years as I got interested in different activities. I started out with dancing and fencing. As time went on, I met Mistress eLeri of Nefyn and Master G Emerson True. They got me involved in making events happen and helping out wherever I could. You can see how well that went (Order of the Pelican). My current passion is to help others achieve their goals and find their passion.
Why did you decide to fight for each other in Crown Tourney?
Alberic: The idea came about after Ducal challenge. We were having dinner in a pub and Duke Tindal turns to me and asked what are your thoughts about us entering crown. I said I liked the idea and said we should fight for each other. Tindal agreed and we fought her Majesty Margarita’s crown tournament.
Tindal: We have been traveling together to events in the East over the past several years and found that we had a similar view of what was important to the SCA. Also with HRH Alberic’s years of service to the East and my experience having had two successful reigns, we make an excellent and complementary team.
What are your goals for your reign?
Tindal and Alberic: There are three goals for this reign; to bring joy to the kingdom, to continue to grow the inclusive environment within the East Kingdom, and facilitate opportunities to showcase the talent and dedication of Our Eastern subjects.
What challenges do you believe the East, or the SCA is facing today?
Tindal: The SCA and the East are both looking at aging populations with high expectations of participation and travel from newer and younger members. I think we need to look at ways to stay fun and interesting for families and make sure we have an accessible bar for entry by new members. There are so many choices available, being difficult often ends up being discouraging.
Alberic: I believe the challenge is what direction do we want, as a society, for the Kingdom to go in. The immediate challenge now is how do we keep things going through this pandemic.
Has there been a particular person who has been influential to you during your time in the SCA?
Tindal: There have been numerous people who have had a significant influence on me during my time in the SCA. Having moved around between kingdoms it is often those individuals that embody the culture of their Kingdom that shape my vision of the SCA.
Alberic: It would be a very long list. If I had to pick just one it would have to be Mistress eLeri of Nefyn. She is the one that helped me find my passion and direction.
Do you have any advice to give to newcomers? Old-timers?
Alberic: Newcomers, please try everything you are interested in. There is plenty, the Society has to offer. The Old-Timers, thank you very much for all that you have contributed, please help the newcomers find their passion as you have found yours.
Tindal: Advice for newcomers, is ask questions! So many members of the SCA love to talk about their passion; get them going. Sample from lots of sources, you may find something surprising that you really enjoy. For the old-timers, and I count myself as an old-timer, be gentle when you share what you love. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you are starting out, and our excitement to share can often become a torrent of information.
Since you were previously King in AEthelmarc, you know what it is like to sit on the throne. Do you expect it to be similar or different in the East? What are you most looking forward to during your reign?
I expect this reign to be very different. The East has a culture uniquely its own. Plus, with a new partner at my side, almost everything about this reign will be new. I was most looking forward to seeing the accomplishments of the Eastern Tygers at Pennsic this year. But the resiliency of the Eastern population in the face of unique challenges has exceeded the expectations of any bar I had set in my mind.
Alberic: In addition, I’m looking forward to meeting new people and seeing the look on the face of the gentle getting an award.
Are there any other thoughts you would like to share?
Tindal: I started answering these questions when life was what we expected; times have changed. Right now, the empathy and resiliency of the East is inspiring me to be better and commit my full effort to the opportunities to stay connected, grow together and hopefully soon see each other in person again.
Alberic: Thank you so much for asking these questions. I would like to say to the EAST, stay strong and vigilant in these turbulent times. We will all rejoice when we are able to congregate and socialize in person again.