New Award - Companion of the Golden Scale

Earlier this summer Her Excellency and I decided we wanted to create a new award for the Barony. The name of this award is "Companion of the Golden Scale". This award is intended for people who are not only dedicated to the SCA but also regularly support the Barony even though they call other lands home. 

Read the full article about the award here...

We decided to hold a contest to determine the design of the symbol and medallion for the award. We received a handful of  submission, but in the end choose only one. So please give a loud Vivat to THL Rhiannon Elandris the winner of our contest. We hope to award the first Companion of the Golden Scale at Summers End next week and we hope you will join us. 

Summers End 2016 event info...

Part of the contest was to create a symbol for the new award as well as a first medallion. Here are the willing selections.

We also asked that for a fictional story telling the take of why and how the award was created. Please read the words of Rhiannon Elandris: 

TALE OF THE GOLDEN SCALE 

In the distant past when the Rhydderich Hael was not too old but old enough there came a special day in which this tale took place. It was high summer with all the flowers in bloom. In early afternoon a noble your lord from a land to the east was riding along the cliffs that border our great lake.  He rode near the point where the rocky shoreline is blocked by a wall of stone that turns into sandy beach on the other side. Tall and thin, of hair blond, eyes blue, he road with the ease of a trained horseman. He stopped for a moment watching the waves reach the shore. 

“Help me young lord” the voice was low and deep, almost with a smoky feel “help me or I might perish without aid”. “Where are you? I see no one” the lord cried. “I will help if I but know where you are”. 

“To the left lord, on the other side of the stony point. Please hurry. I have been here long already”. Quickly the lord spurred his horse to the left. Once past the stony point he looked down upon the beach, stopped, and stared, for below him was a dragon. A golden dragon. Well to be truthful part of a dragon for only his head and part of his back could be seen above the water.

“Good, can you see me now"? The low voice was coming from the dragon “Please my lord help for I am sinking”. “What? Down there so you may eat me and them my horse? I hope I may tell a trap when I see one” spoke the lord. 

“A trap it is not” rumbled the dragon. “I do not eat people for they taste funny, very sour like bad pickles. I give you my word, the word of a great Dragon” (which we all know is a very truthful word). 

So upon hearing this and knowing it to be true, the young lord dismounted. Tying his horse to a nearby bush he made his way to the beach by the old swimming path. Once there he could see why the dragon was stuck in the water. He was covered by a great fishing net. “What happened to you then”? The young lord said as he unsheathed his sword. 

“Have a care with that toothpick lord” said the Dragon. “I was greedy. I dived in after a great silvery fish I spotted from atop the point. (Yes some dragons do not swim) I forgot today was fishing day and not only that, I forgot about the old shipwreck and have damaged by wing". 

Having finally cut the dragon loose the young lord watched him struggle onto the beach. Now he could see him clearly. The dragon was golden all over, tall as an apple tree, with bright blue eyes which showed pain as he dragged his damaged wing. The elbow joint on the left was cut badly and swollen. 

 “I have nothing to bind it with” said the young lord. 

“The people of the Rhydderich Hael, who I am protector of, will help me. However I cannot fly and the hall is five leagues distant. I have asked much of you I know, but could I trouble you to help me further”? The Dragon seemed so very tired and his bright gold had turned a little gray. 

So the young lord helped the dragon up the path, balancing the left wing on the top of his head. Now you think that dragons stink of brimstone, but truthfully they smell quite spicy. Upon reaching the top the poor horse began to neigh and tried very hard to pull away from the bush. The lord being a well-trained horseman, and the horse being well trained, the lord soon had not only calmed his steed he even convinced the stallion to allow the wing of the dragon to rest balanced across his back. As so in this fashion, discussing chivalry, dragons, and most of all food they walked five leagues to the hall. 

As the hall appeared before them a great trumpet call was heard. The large doors opened wide and of out of them did pour the entire Rhydderich Hael left by the Baron and Baroness. 

“You poor old thing” said the Baroness to the Dragon. “You are hurt. No matter for we shall make you well again. Ladies, to the herb garden with him”. So they did lead him away. “I must thank you for the help you have given our old friend” said the Baron to the young lord. “Not many would do so. Be welcome in the Rhydderich Hael. You may tell of your travels over dinner, but in the meantime whatever we have is yours”. 

So the Baron led the young lord away into the Hael. The noble stallion was groomed, stabled, and well fed. The lord was bathed, presented with new clothes and then brought to the hall for a feast.  

The hall was well lit, with many bright banner hanging. Near the head of the table the young lord was surprised to see what he thought was a wall was actually two large open doors. Within them on soft feather pillows was the dragon, wing bandaged. 

They feasted on venison, boar, and pheasant (and anchovies and armadillos). They did drink of wine, beer, and ale (and Molson’s and Timmy Hortons). When the feasting was done and the lord had told his tale the young Baron stood with a raised glass and spoke. 

“Most noble lord, you have done us great service this day. You have saved our beloved dragon. For this service we give you most humble thanks and give you the freedom of all our lands. We would have you spend time with us, as much as you wish. To come and go whenever you please. We will always be happy to see you”. So saying he did raise his glass and drank a toast. And so likewise did everyone. 

“I too have a gift” said that low smoky voice of the Dragon. The Dragon had enjoyed the feast, loved being fussed over and was feeling much better. “My lord you showed much courage to approach an old dragon like me. Kindness and care too you gave freely. Without your help I might have become lost to these good people and so I give you this”. 

Where upon the dragon handed the young lord a golden scale from his coat (they shed them you know). “Wear this always” The dragon said (as he brushed away a tear). “This will show to all, human and dragon-kind your noble spirit. With this you will be a trusted friend to all in the Hael as we all wish to be your friend". “I would wish the same friendship great dragon” said the young lord as he rested his hand on the great yellow claw. 

“Have it now” stated the Baron. “Our most beloved Saint Morgan did always enjoin her heirs to cherish and hold close all friendships from outside our borders. I will create a great fellowship of these friends, be they man, woman, or child. I therefore state that I and all my heirs to come will call these honored friends companions.  Long may they be known as the Companions of the Golden Scale”. 

Then he made it so. 

The end. 

                                                            

Seven Pearls..."Hael" to the Champions!

On the sunny weekend of August 20th Her Excellency and I had the pleasure of attending the first (now annual) Seven Pearls Championships. This year the event was hosted by the Barony of St. Swithin's Bog. Normally the Seven Pearls competitions are held at separate events during the year, but it was decided recently to combine these into a single event. Running an event (let alone a new event) is no easy task. Adding to that was the challenge of running an event the week after Pennsic. It is easy to think such an event could end in disaster, but not so in this case! The Barony of St. Swithin's Bog stepped up to the task and ran a successful, well organized, and fun event.


The event was designed to showcase each competition individually and the Baronage and populace moved from spot to spot to watch each tournament in turn. Normally at events there is so much going on at once it is easy to miss things, but here each tourney was given its own time and spectators did not have to pick and choose what they watched. Not only was this nice for the spectators, but it gave all the champions the full attention they deserved. The pace was relaxed and allowed for a fair amount of pageantry as each champion was processed and heralded into their tournament.

In addition to the tournaments the day was filled with great food, served both list-side and in the hall during lunch. If you went home hungry it was your own fault. The Barony of St. Swithin's Bog also hand crafted banners (pictured upper right) for each of the Barony's that not only served to decorate the list fields but then was presented as gifts to the Barons and Baronesses. The meal was topped off with a wonderful cake that displayed the heraldry of each Barony done in sugar candy. Both elements created such a personal touch to the pageantry of the day and  a great keepsake.

Even with six competitions to complete all the fun was handily wrapped up (even stopping for a lunch break) in time for court. Court was certainly a treat as each of the Seven Baronies held a small court during which each Barony handed out a scroll for one of the tournaments. I think it is safe to say the tradition of this new event will continue on next year as the hosting duty moved to the Barony of Endless Hills. I am disappointed that I will not be on the throne when the event finally makes it way to the Rhydderich Hael (but honestly I am thinking of autocrating).



A personal note to each of our competing champions: 

Heavy Weapons: Duke Sir Maynard von dem Steine

Magnus: Your Grace it was truly a pleasure to have you represent the Barony in the heavy weapons tournament. As always you conducted yourself with honor and skill, and your words to us at the end I will always remember. Thanking you for taking time out of your busy weekend to do us proud and congratulations on your victory!

Miriel: What really moved me was seeing the joy on your face as you lined up with us as the champions were herald in for the heavy competition, with each victory on the list your heartfelt bow to his Excellency and I, and true passion and excitement in your eyes as you spoke to us when the tourney was complete. Emotion has always been a big part of my experiences in the society and your journey that day will always be a highlight for me.

Bardic: Lady Brigette de Sainte Mere-Église

Magnus: Lady Brigette your performance was powerful and moving as I knew it would be. You delivered your song with not only skill but with passion, and while I am not a bard I know that is not easy to do in front of a crowd. You did the Barony proud that day!

Miriel: Your song took my breath away! When we spoke about what you should chose to sing and you picked the one you did, I read the words and never realized how they would affect me when performed by you. Thank you for the thought and emotion you gave to us in your performance, you made my heart quake for just a few moments and I will never forget it.

Fencing: Minamoto Roku-i Sakurako

Magnus: Saku I know the day did not go the way you wanted it to but you conducted yourself with honor and grace. You may have not won the day, but you won the hearts of the people. This is the second time I have seen you compete and the second time you received recognition for your talent and dedication. We could not have asked for more in a Champion. Vivat!

Miriel: So much was said to you as the day progressed, so I know you have heard all about your strength and determination. I want to speak about how when your were at a low, all of the people who came to your aid. You shine so brightly and have affected so many, they flocked to see that you were cared for, never forget the reach your spirit has to the people around you, it is seen.

Thrown weapons: THL Eleanore Godwin 

Magnus: Eleanore your performance was truly one to behold. Not only did you throw with a high level of skill (tying for second in the tourney) but I could tell you had a great time doing it. Everything about you that day showed your confidence and pride.

Miriel: You joked that You and another thrower were the "oldest" competitors out there, but I think you missed; experience, skilled, dedicated.. etc. I loved watching as you got a good throw and you would swagger to the target knowing that you had thrown your best. You showed how you knew your skill and were never afraid to be proud of it, something I love to see in any female competitor in any martial skill.

Arts & Science: Lord Wolfgang Starcke 

Magnus: I was very happy to see your skill as brewer represented in the Arts and Science competition. I know it is an uphill battle for brewers when it comes to finding venues to display your work. You did not disappoint. It was agreed on during the judging that the skill of each competitor made it hard to make a choice.You should be proud, we are.

Miriel: Wolfgang you listened to your crazed Baroness and submitted a beverage, that alone makes you awesome (and it tasted so good to, I need a bottle). I wanted the brewing arts to have a representative and knew you would be the best one to do it.  However there is more, the fact that you drove so far and were right there to set up our thrones before you even thought to set up your own display was not lost to me, you are always there serving before yourself. Thank you!

Archery: Lady Siobhan Readnait 

Magnus: Lady Siobhan I know you had a a nervous day but you performed wonderfully. I have a personal connection to the archery part of the Seven Pearls having stumbled into being champion not long ago. I was equally nervous but unlike me you displayed a great level of skill (I'm not sure I hit a single target when I did it). I am proud of you and the Barony should be as well.

Miriel: I knew from the moment you declared yourself as wanting to be our archery Champion you would excel. What I loved the most was you being our champion caused you to push yourself, learn more, and shot harder then you ever have. To see a champion grow because they wanted to do us proud, is something I love to see as a Baroness and hope to see more of in the future. The day of Seven Pearls you had nothing to fear because you had already shown how wonderful a Champion and archer you were. Vivat!


Great job everyone and Hael Yeah!

Magnus's Pennsic 2016 top ten!

1: Fighting and fencing in all the major battles. I set a goal to not only fight heavy but also to fence in all the major battles during Pennsic. A bit better planning might have saved me some back and forth trips to camp but in the end I was able to achieve that goal.

2: Hael Camp: I was really looking forward to camping this year. It was not only my first year camping with the Hael but it was also my first year as the Baron of the Hael. Camp was well run, casual, and a ton of fun. We had more than one setback that might have broken the morale of lesser camps, but the Hael stepped up and made it happen. I look forward to camping there again next year.

3: Vanessa made it! My girlfriend Vanessa is new to the SCA and this Pennsic was meant to be her first. Sadly her new job limited her time off and she almost didn't make it. Happily we managed to get her there for a weekend and we enjoyed some archery, some shopping, and some sights.

4: Baronial Pot-Luck: Okay most people who know me know how I feel about pot lucks…that being said the Hael Pot Luck dinner Thursday of war week was one my war favorites. Food was great, company was great, and we even had a wonderful musician perform during dinner.

5: New Guy Troy! In the months
leading up to Pennsic Troy and I excitedly planned to fight side by side wearing Hael colors. Troy had a hell of a Pennsic. His tent leaked, everything he owned got soaked, he threw his shoulder out, and I think his leg armor broke. I mean it was a dog pile of bad news. However it did not keep him down. He helped in camp, helped us in Kingdom court, carried our gear to the Seven Pearls dinner, and still managed to sneak in a last day of fighting.


6:  Fencing with the “Hael Cats”: So this year Her Excellency had the idea of forming a Hael fencing unit and Pennsic was the first time the unit took the field. This was certainly her brain child and was organized under the watchful eye of the unit’s Commander Wolfgang Starke. For my part it was great to see the unit line up and hit the field the first time. I had a blast running around with them, though I suspect I was the undisciplined wild child of the group. One Highlight of the fencing that week was fighting alongside Sean Lapham. It was his first time out in a melee and we had a blast chilling people. Quote of the fencing: “Magnus: Pick a fight that looks good and then we are going to walk in there like we own the joint”…and in we go!

7: That hot steamy weather!...no just kidding f*ck you weather.

8: Seeing so many friends: In my short time in the SCA I have made friends from all over the world and Pennsic is the one time I am guaranteed to see most of them. I know I didn’t get to everyone, which makes me sad. Oddly enough some of people who live closest to home I missed and a couple I didn’t even know made it Pennsic. Such a big and small world simultaneously.  Oh well next year!

9: Seven Pearls dinner: This was my second year attending the Seven Pearls Dinner and this year did not disappoint. This year the dinner was hosted by the Barony of Blackstone Mountain and they pulled off a heck of a shindig. Not sure I had a need to eat for two days. When I finally step down I will miss the Pearls diner and in a way I am sad the Hael will not host it while I reign.

10: That first shower when I got home: Hey why lie? There is nothing better than that first shower with no need for shower shoes and no worry about cold water.

Great Pennsic everyone! See you all next year.

Magnus

More than just a fight with sticks...

On the week of July 20^th 2016 the Barony held a tournament to determine the Baronial Heavy Weapons Champion for the year. The tournament was held on the night of the normal Baronial fighter practice. The tournament consisted of three elements…A fifteen minute bear pit with wounds retained, a Viking cloak battle, and finally a single elimination tournament (this was originally a double elimination, but was reduced for time). Ultimately His Grace Duke Sir Maynard von dem Steine won out over many and was awarded the position of Baronial Heavy Weapons Champion! As the tournament unfolded I watched each of the fighters interact not only as combatants but as friends. Some of the fighters that arrived to practice did not even know a tournament was scheduled, but armored up without hesitation and eagerly joined the list. There was a mix of experience and skill levels, and for some this was among one of the first tournaments they entered if not the first. Every fight was conducted with honor, filled with cheers, and concluded in good spirit.

However this missive is not really about the details of the tournament, it is about the experience. Under all of the normal trappings and sights of the tournament was another element, an experience that I often call “the magic”. That moment when all the little modern anachronisms seem to fade away if even for a second. For me it is sort of a tunnel vision that blocks out the modern gym walls or the odd bit of “sports equipment” armor. You see only the look of determination on the faces of the fighters, the respect given and received, the moment a new fighter earns that story that he will carry for years, and the bond that makes this hobby so much more than a simple fight with sticks. Sometimes this only lasts for a second and can only be experienced in person. It is said that the role of a Baron is to inspire the spirit of the SCA in people. Perhaps that is true, however on this day it was the people who inspired that spirit in me. Thank you all for giving me one more moment of “the magic” to remember and cherish. Vivat to all! 

Special thanks to Lord Horatius for running the tourney and Lady Brigette for acting as MOL. 

Back Row left to right: David, Grim, Gerardo, Bovi, Maximo, Troy, Ed, Alexi, Fearghus. Front Row left to right Wolfgang, Maynard. Fighting but not pictured was His Excellency Baron Richard from Rising Waters. 

Vivat to our New Baronial Heavy Champion!

After a tourney filled with fun moments and outstanding chivalry, our Barony's new Baronial Heavy Champion has stood victorious over all others.

Vivat to Duke Sir Maynard von dem Steine

We can not wait to watch His Grace and all of our other Champions compete in the Baronial 7 Pearls Competition in the Barony of St. Swithin's Bog August 20, 2016.

Stay tuned for more about the tourney in another blog post by His Excellency Magnus. 

Congratulating our new Baronial Bardic Champion!

Please join us in congratulating our new Baronial Bardic Champion Lady Brigette de Sainte Mere-Église. Lady Bridgette made a wonderful showing at our Bardic competition (held on July 17th at the Baronial Hael Storm). It was a tough choice but in the end she prevailed in our eyes.



Make sure to come and support her and all our Champions at the Seven Pearls Event, Hosted by The Barony of St. Swithin's Bog August 19 - August 21 2016.

Seven Pearls Event information - Click Here!

Our final champion, that being Heavy Weapons, will be determined by a tournament to be held on July 20th as part of our normal practice. Please come out and cheer on the fighters. 

Our Baronial Champs So Far!

Last month on May 28th our barony held Palfreys and Polearms which was when His excellency and I named some of our baronial Champions and Award winners, a few of these chosen will represent our barony at the 7 Pearls Competitions coming up August 16th, 2016 in St. Swithin's Bog in Summerhill PA. 

Our Fencing Champion

Minamoto Roku-i Sakurako

Our Thrown Weapons Champion

THL Eleanore Godwin 

Our Arts & Sciences Champion

Lord Wolfgang Starcke

Our First Equestrian Champion

Lord Rhiannon Elandris of Glyndrvdwy

Our Chivalry Champion and Most Improved Fighter of the Year

Lord Tadhg Mag Uidhir

Our Baronial Keystone Holder

Lord Rhys Penbras ap Daffyd

Our Iron Man Champion

Fionnbhar (the horse)

Then because there are were many members of the Barony who could not be present at the event but had declared for Champion positions, we decided that the Titles of Baronial Champions of Heavy Weapons, Bardic and Archery would be announced at a later date.

At Hornwood Scarlet Guard Inn on June 11th, 2016 we had the chance to name our Archery Champion.

Our Archery Champion

Lady Siobhan Readnait 

There will be more info to come on Our Heavy and Bardic Champions, keep your eyes open!!