East Kingdom Gazette

Missive from Brigantia Principal Herald

January 4, 2014 by East Kingdom Gazette

To the populace of the East Kingdom, Greetings.

Here on the eve of 12^th Night, as I complete my first year as Brigantia Principal Herald, I needed to thank a bunch of people.

First and foremost, I MUST extend my personal thanks to all the members of the East Kingdom’s College of Heralds for their support and hard work over the last year. In all the Known World the East’s College leads the way in research, in performance, and in hard work. In 2013 the east processed FIVE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE submissions. That is the most of ANY KINGDOM IN THE SCA! Caid, in second place, processed 419. The East was responsible for fourteen percent of ALL submissions processed across the entire SCA. (more…)

How Web Pollings and Recommendations Work

January 3, 2014 by East Kingdom Gazette

As a follow up to Her Majesty Avelina’s article on the awards process, Raffaella, the EK Web Minister, has shared some information about how web pollings and recommendations work behind the scenes.

Recommendations

Recommendations are submitted via an online recommendation form. When a recommendation is submitted, the “Thank You” page is a confirmation that the submission has been received, and my e-mail contact information is provided if you would like me to verify the submission. If you have any concerns, questions, or inquiries, please contact me through that e-mail address, and I will respond to you within 24 hours. (more…)

How To Prepare Documentation

January 1, 2014 by East Kingdom Gazette

The following article was written by Lady Ose Silverhair as part of the Gazette’s ongoing “How to…” series.

Here in the East Kingdom we are lucky enough to have several events each year that celebrate the skills of our artisans and scientists. Are you thinking about participating in an Arts & Sciences event but are wary of those two words in the announcement “documentation required”? Here are a few tips on how to prepare. (more…)

Embroiderers’ Schola in February

December 29, 2013 by East Kingdom Gazette

The Shire of Quintavia and the Keepers of Athena’s Thimble will be holding an Embroiderers’ Schola on February 15. The event will be on a donation basis. There will be a potluck day board, so attendees are encouraged to bring contributions of food or beverages. There will be several tracks of classes, a display, and …

Combat at Estrella War

December 25, 2013 by East Kingdom Gazette

The Estrella War has shared information about the heavy list and rapier fighting to be offered at the event, which will be held 2 months from now (February 25 to March 3, 2013) in Arizona. The War is fought between the armies of Atenveldt and Outlands with guests and allies as equalizers for numbers. For …

Saying Goodbye to The Higgins Armory Museum

December 23, 2013 by East Kingdom Gazette

On December 21, 2013, sixty or so SCA folk visited the Higgins Armory Museum in Worcester, Massachusetts. With most dressed in armor or garb, they gathered to say goodbye to the historic facility before it closes at the end of the month. Throughout its 83 years, the museum’s extensive collection of arms and armor has …

Q and A with the New East Kingdom Seneschal

December 23, 2013 by East Kingdom Gazette

The Gazette had the pleasure of chatting with Dueña Mercedes Vera de Calafia, the new East Kingdom Seneschal, about her new job, her life in the SCA, and her favorite cheeses.

Who are you?
My name is Mercedes de Vera de Calafia.

What does the Kingdom Seneschal do?
The Kingdom Seneschal does all kinds of things behind the scenes to make the business side of the Kingdom run more smoothly. Technically the Kingdom Seneschal is regional vice president of operations for SCA, Inc. The most visible part of job is to advise the Crown on Law & Policy and to manage the regional and local seneschals. In practice I find myself making a lot of lists & spreadsheets, and answering a lot of emails. Mistress Katherine Barr gave a wonderful interview about being Kingdom Seneschal, so if you are interested in learning more about the subject, you can read about it here: eastkingdomgazette.org/2013/05/21/so-you-want-to-be-the-kingdom-seneschal-thoughts-from-a-prior-east-kingdom-seneschal/#more-2791

(more…)

Why You Should Thank A Scribe!

December 23, 2013 by EK Gazette (Ygraine)

Scroll - Sagittarius for Ahtor Lys MacDavit by Ygraine of Kellswood - 2002 — Wording, layout, calligraphy and gilding done.

Here, in the East, we are lucky to receive original works of art to commemorate our awards and honors, with the artwork, lettering and words created specifically for each recipient. (Please browse the Signet Gallery for some outstanding examples.) This is not true in every kingdom. In some parts of the Known World, mass-produced documents are personalized to some degree, or recipients receive nothing from the Crown and commission their own documents, or in a number of areas individual scrolls are created but the text is the same for every recipient of a given award.

A lot of effort goes into the process that results in the presentations and proclamations you see in Court – (more…)

Period or Not… Names

December 18, 2013 by East Kingdom Gazette

This is a recurring series by Mistress Alys Mackyntoich on whether certain names currently can be documented to period based on existing evidence.. There are a lot of names that people think are medieval, but actually aren’t, and others which people think are modern, but in fact are found in the SCA’s period. If you …

Q&A: Registering Names and Devices with Mistress Alys Mackyntoich

December 16, 2013 by East Kingdom Gazette

Why would I want to register my name in the SCA?
Having a correct medieval name adds to the ambiance of events. In addition, you must have a registered name in order to register a device. Unique medieval heraldry can be used for banners, penons, shields, livery, etc. Your SCA name and heraldry provide you a unique opportunity to redefine yourself.

What are the requirements for picking an official name?
An SCA name must have two elements. The elements should be from the same language, or from two closely related languages. There is a table in the Standards for Evaluation of Names and Armory (SENA) that tell us which languages can be combined. (more…)