Magnus’s Pennsic 2017 top ten!

1: Thalia made it again! Last year one of my top ten moments included my girlfriend Vanessa (Lady Thalia Papillon) making it to her first Pennsic. She could only stay a couple days last year, but this year she was able to come for all of War Week. We had a great week and it was a pleasure watching her embrace new paths in the SCA. In addition to repeating many of our activities from last year, Thalia also participated in her first Pennsic fencing melee, the siege and combat archery battle, the rapier novice tourney, the Pennsic archery champs, and retained for Their Majesties. I was seriously proud of her.

2: The Last Charge of the Hael brigade! The fighting highlight of the week for me was during one of the heavy field battles. Our line was charged with smashing into a hard hitting enemy unit, but as we started to move across the battle field the unit read our intention and moved away from us. Seeing the need to react, our line commander called for a charge…and simply put…our line did not move. Inspired by blood lust (or stupidity) I decided to charge forward anyway, running on my own across the battle field calling for others to follow. After a bit I noticed I had failed in my attempt to inspire the charge and figured, “what the hell I’m going for it anyway” and continued my run. What I did not notice at first was that Lord Chebe had decided to follow me into battle. Bravely the two of us ran up to the enemy line. The sight of two screaming short white guys running into a whole army must have confused them because it took several minutes before three skirmishers left the ranks to fight us. Shortly after, and with the rest of the army still well to our rear, Lord Chebe and fell to hail of pain! I am not sure the charge will go down in Pennsic history but I will always remember it, and if one must die it is best to do it with a good friend at your side.

 3: Space Wagon! Last year I was determined to get a wagon to haul all my stuff around in. So the week before Pennsic I bought a little blue wagon with big wheels. It was quickly dubbed “Space Wagon” and accompanied us during our adventures. It seriously made my Pennsic 100% better, plus we got to scream “Space Wagon!” all week.

4: Camping with the Hael (second year in a row): Camp was a ton of fun this year. The camp was well organized and relaxed thanks to the efforts of our Camp Master Govindi as well as the many hands that helped with set up and tear down. Set up was so smooth this year (and happened so quickly) I honestly felt guilty for not helping more. Vivat to all! The Baronial pot luck was another success, with great food, entertainment, and fellowship (did I mention the food?)! The thing that struck me the most this year was the multiple generations of the Hael present at the party. Ranging from veterans to people attending their first Pennsic. It created such a sense of tradition and history I had to stop a couple of times just to take it in.

5: The tokens of adventure! One thing I cherish the most from my time in the SCA are the small tokens I receive and the memories they come with. This year I was proud to receive several. The first three are a pearl and favor from Her Majesty Gabrielle (left), a personal token from Lady Elena de la Palma (the feather). I received the pearl and feather for an impromptu assignment as a court herald...during an elevation of all things (a story best told in person). I also received a token from Duchess Dorinda Courtenay (the ring). Her Grace was handing these out to the fencers prior to battle. Such a nice touch to the atmosphere of the day. Lastly is a wonderful handmade favor from Lady Alexia Cavalieri (the lion). Thank you all for taking the time to make Pennsic special. 

6: Bring on the heat! After the hot house weather last year I have to give a nod to the fantastic weather this year. It was warm, but not too hot, and the nights a “blanket cuddling” level of cool. Bravo weather. I forgive you for last year. 

7: Seven Pearls dinner (see what I did there): This was my third year attending the Seven Pearls Dinner and this year continued to deliver. This year the dinner was hosted by the Barony of Endless Hills and once again it was an act I am glad I won’t have to follow. I reached a point where I thought the food would keep coming forever and on top of all that we received gifts of mead!

8: Hael Yeah! I was extremely proud of all the Hael people I saw making Pennsic happen. Everywhere I went I saw people from the Hael pitching in. Guarding, retaining, security, gate guards, making scrolls for court, marshals, newcomers point, assisting merchants, teaching, and so on. Great job everyone!

9: That first shower when I got home: Who am I kidding? There is nothing better than that first shower with no need for shower shoes and no worry about cold water.

10: Life beyond being Baron: Number ten is a bit of a mixed bag. About mid-week I was reminded that my time as Baron of the Hael is almost half over. It went so quickly. This might seem like a bad memory, but it is just the opposite. Having that quick glimpse of life after the coronet really gave me a sense of how proud I am of my Barony. After that point in my week I really started to look at all the great friends I have made and at the people that might wear the coronet when the time comes. Whoever that is I know the Hael will be in good hands.

Another great Pennsic everyone…and of course Hael Yeah!

Magnus