Groups in Focus - Hael Cats!

Today's Group in Focus is the barony's new rapier unit known as the "Hael Cats". His Excellency and I have enjoyed fighting as a part of the group for the last two Pennsic's and we are really happy for people to get a chance to learn more about the unit and how it is growing!

Does the group have a device or heraldry?

Not yet, hoping too soon!

Who is the head/leader of your group?

No one officially. I (Miriel du Lac) have been guiding the Main base of the fighting unit for the last 2 years, while Wolfgang Starke had been leading the Cats harrier group.

When was the group started?

About two years ago.

Is the group still active?

Oh yeah and we are hoping to grow even more.

Approximately how many members are in your group?

We have about six primary members and a group of floating fighters from the barony and other areas who join us on the field at times.

What type of group is it (fighting household, A&S, mixed)?

Baronial Rapier Unit

Is the group primarily in the Rhydderich Hael?

Yes. Who do have some fighters from other areas who like to line up with us when they can though.

Please provide a brief history of your group.

The Rapier Warlord for Æthelmearc was asking fencing groups to sound off so they could have a count for Pennsic. After discussing it with the Hael fencers we decided that we wanted to make an actual unit and name for the Rhydderich Hael Rapier fighters on the field. And the Hael Cats were born.

Is your group accepting new members?

Yes! We hope to grow even larger and already have more fighters this year!

Who should interested people contact?

Baroness Miriel du Lac: Sara Joy Herringshaw on Facebook or lertia@yahoo.com 

Groups in Focus - Hael Hounds!

In addition to interviewing people in the Hael, Her Excellency and I wanted to interview groups, units, and households that dwell in or play with the Hael. Some of these groups are directly attached to the Barony and others just have members that live in the Hael. This time around we are taking a look at the Baronial archery unit the "Hael Hounds".

Does the group have a device or heraldry?

We have an unofficial badge that we use: 

Who is the head/leader of your group?

Yes, Cynwulf Rendell is the leader and Eleanore Godwin is the “Den Mother” of the Hounds

When was the group started?

The modern incarnation of the group started when Cynwulf Rendell took over as Captain of the Archers of the Hael in 2014.

Is the group still active?

Hael Yes!  And damn proud of it!

Approximately how many members are in your group?

Twenty four members and growing!

What type of group is it (fighting household, A&S, mixed)?

Archery/Service

Is the group primarily in the Rhydderich Hael?

Yes; the modern incarnation requires members to reside in the Hael.

Please provide a brief history of your group.

It was actually formed by THL Thomas of the Bearwoods and THL Belgrande the Bladegatherer  decades ago.  My understanding is the earlier incarnation was a humorous, loose-knit group of archers. Now, we take being a “Hael Hound” seriously. We serve the Barony proudly, and honorably on the archery field, and our Kingdom when called. You ask what a “Hael Hound” is. A “Hael Hound” is part Dog of War; part Sea Dog of the Barbary Coast, part Cerebus,the three headed Dog of Hell, and part King Charles Spaniel with gentleness and loyalty. That is what it is to be a “Hael Hound'!

Is your group accepting new members?

Yes! The more the merrier!  It's not too hard to become a “Hael Hound”. Be a member of the Barony, attend practice regularly to sharpen your skills, and shoot for the Barony in a tournament or two.

Who should interested people contact?

Cynwulf Rendell/Ralph Spencer, Captain of Archers: archerymarshall@wnysca.org or Eleanore Godwin/Wanda Spencer: wcsteachhistory@yahoo.com

Populace Interview - Lady Hrefna (Willa Wylde)

Real Name:  Willa Ritz

SCA Name and Title: Lady Hrefna, but my AoA is under Willa Wylde I need to get something passed

Years in the SCA: 9+ off and on

Persona: I was trying for something Viking but I am rethinking that now that I could potentially wear something heavier than a t-shirt and not have a heat stroke! Yay for the great north!

Group or Household affiliations if any: Former Apprentice to Misstress Delphina de Champeaux, I was once a ward of the original House Firefall of Anesteorra but that house fell apart and some other house was given the same name, I was never affiliated with them nor do i know much about them.

Tell us a bit about your life outside the SCA: I have been painting, sculpting, sewing and crafting things most of my life, my mom and aunt were both artistic and taught me alot of things.  I have been doing Tech support for various places both Windows and Apple for over 20 years now.  I have also been a life long gamer, role playing, board games, card, computer etc.

What SCA activities do you participate in: Scribal guild, weaving, jewelry making, lace making

Tell us a little bit about your SCA experience (offices, etc): I started back in the late 80's in the Houston area in what was then the Shire of Loch Soillier, now a barony, I finally got my arms passed at Gulf Wars of 2012 but none of my name attempts have ever passed.  I have been the chronicler and webminister for the Loch, autocrated a couple of small events, and tried to make as many friends as possible.

What are your goals in the SCA? Make a lot of friends, learn a lot of things, maybe teach some of the things

If you could accomplish only one thing in the SCA in the year 2018 what would it be? Finally get a name approved?  Not sure that counts as an accomplishment. I would like to get back to painting illumination and branch out into other areas of A&S.

What advice would you give to a new person in the SCA, or if new yourself what question would you ask and who would you ask it of? Don't take it to seriously, there seem to be a lot of rules but most are just guidelines, it takes time to achieve the perfect outfits and gear, and if you give us half a chance we will do our best to help you get there.

If you magically woke up with an SCA talent you do not already have what would it be? Heavy fighting because they seem to be having a lot of fun and I've always wanted to be a knight or paladin even though I'm not lawful good lol.

I have really been enjoying what things I have been able to get to up here in the Hael so far.  Everyone is awesome!