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!

Populace in focus - Lady Malleen Fenella Menzies (AKA Rivin)

A while back Her Excellency and I started a tradition of interviewing members of the populace for the blog. The goal was to slowly introduce members of the Barony, new and old, in an attempt to foster new connections. Normally, when a possible interview candidate was found Her Excellency or myself contacted them with a standard interview form, asked for some pictures, and then made a blog post. This time around is a bit different. As Chronicler it is a constant challenge to find material for the newsletter. However one member of the populace has made that job so much easier for me and that is Lady Malleen Fenella Menzies (AKA Rivin). This quiet kind woman is often seen at practice sitting at the table working on this or that. I was very familiar with her artwork and when she offered to draw things for the newsletter I quickly accepted. Recently she started on a project of creating page boarders in the form of scrolls. The finished product was amazing, but what was shocking is that when other artists started to see her work they could not believe she was sitting on such a hidden talent. So I quickly formed a plan to put her on the spot with a blog post that showcases her talents. To that end please enjoy some of the work she has done for the Barony over the past several months. I thank her for her efforts and I know we will see more from her in the future.

Baronial 12th Night 2018!

Please join us at the Hael for our annual 12th Night celebration at the Elks Lodge! Bring your friends who want to check out the SCA at a more relaxed event. We have food, friendship, fun and fighting all lined up. This will be Our last 12th night as your Baron and Baroness, we hope to have it go wonderfully and for everyone to have an outstanding time.

Event info:

When: Wednesday January 3rd, 2018, starting at 7:00 PM. There will be a quick business meeting (very quick), then it will be time to party! Clean up will start around 9 PM. Site closes at 10:00 PM.

Where: Lancaster Elks Lodge #1478, 33 Legion Parkway, Lancaster, NY, 14086. The party and meeting will be in the meeting hall behind the main Elk’s lodge bar. Practice will be in the normal gym spot. Please see the map provided for directions on how to enter.

Cost: The party and meeting are free to attend. There is the same 5 dollar (suggested) donation for people using the gym for martial activities.

What to bring: Potluck!! Bring your best dishes to share! Soups, casseroles, briskets, and don’t forget desserts. We won’t create a formal list of who is bringing what, but please post what you are bringing to Yahoo or Facebook so people have an idea what is needed. The Baron will be bringing his pot luck survival kit including plates, bowls, silverware, napkins, power strips for crock pots, and so on.

Drinks: All drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) must be purchased at the Elk’s lodge bar. The Barony will be buying an assortment of soft drinks from the bar this year to offer to all of our 12th Night Guests.

Garb: Garb is not expected or required.

Gift giving: There is a long standing tradition of exchanging gifts at Baronial 12th night. Some people will exchange personal gifts between friends and some people may bring something small to hand out to everyone. Gifts are not required or expected. Please don’t feel obligated to bring something and don’t feel bad if you only exchange gifts between friends (or not at all). The greatest gift is fellowship so please come and enjoy the night.

Court: We are not going to promise there won’t be some court, but if there is it will be brief and to the point.

Contests:

Festive outfit contest: Wear your most festive (and family friendly) clothing, costume, hat, shoes, or similar adornment and compete in our second annual “feel the spirit” festive outfit contest. A celebrity judge will be selected to determine who has the best outfit and the winner will be awarded a super cool prize. 

SCA exchange/swap: 

This year in addition to the usual Twelfth Night festivities of food and merriment, there will be an SCA exchange/swap of garb and gear taking place. If you have garb that no longer fits or gear you no longer use then bring it with you to exchange/swap with someone who may be in need of it. Monetary dealings if any will be strictly between those individuals. And area will be set aside for this activity. 

If there are questions about anything please ask otherwise see you all at the party!

Calling All Orders!

Her Excellency and I would like to poll our Orders one last time before the end of our Reign.  Please feel free to make use of e-mail, Facebook, and even texts to contact us. We are not opposed to meeting in person but please don’t let distance or scheduling stop you from participating. We want to hear from as many of you as possible! Not in an Order? Not a problem. Contact us with your aware recommendations anyway. 

Here is what we are looking for: If you are a member of an order please respond to us in person or via e-mail/facebook/etc. and provide the following:

If you have feedback please provide:

1. Your SCA name.
2. What orders you belong to.
3. The SCA names of people you feel should be included in your order (please note which order for which people and why).

If you have no feedback at this time please provide:

1. Your SCA name.
2. Simply state you are checking in and have no feedback at this time.

Not a member of an order? If you are not a member of an order but feel a person(s) you know should be, please contact us and give us your suggestions. If you don't understand what this process is about please contact us and ask questions. We are happy to explain. 

Thank you for your time. We look forward to hearing from you!

The Orders of Hael:

Orders carrying precedence:

The Venerable Order of the Ice Dragon (VOID): This Award recognizes extensive service within or on behalf of the Barony and Canton(s).

The Venerable Order of the Ice Dragon

The Noble Union of Lords and Ladies (NULL): This Award recognizes exemplars of Courtesy and Chivalry.  

The Noble Union of Lords and Ladies

The Order of the Golden Bee: This Award recognizes exemplars of Arts and Sciences.

The Order of the Golden Bee

The Order of the Dragon Combatant (ODC): This Award recognizes exemplars of martial skills. There is no badge for this award. 

Order of the Dragon's Concordium: This award recognizes new members of the Rhydderich Hael who have embraced the fabric of our society and delight in the wonders of the known world, look to help with activities of the Barony whenever they can, display kindness and chivalrous comportment, and seek to learn in the areas of Arts, Martial activities, Event planning, and other areas of Baronial function. There is no badge for this award. 

Orders not carrying precedence:

The Baronial Order for Creative Engineering Submissions: This Award recognizes exemplars of unique engineering projects benefiting the Barony and its members. There is no badge for this award. 

The Order of the Portcullis: This Award recognizes exemplars of a singular act of service to the Barony that went above and beyond all expectations. There is no badge for this award. 

The Tangled Rose: This award that recognizes decades of service to the Rhydderich Hael. There is no badge for this award. 

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. 

Companion of the Golden Scale

Remembering a Lost Friend to the Hael

This month we mourn the loss of Master Augusto Giuseppe da San Donato, simply known as Joe the Just, and mundanely known as Joe Piselli. A passing is always a shock, but to lose such a young and vital person seems to hit home a little more. Joe was a fixture in our Society, constantly working in front of and behind the scenes to make the Society a better place for others. Perhaps it was this singular dedication and drive that makes his passing so hard to imagine. Joe never stopped and no one expected he ever would.
Master Joe had a long and distinguished career in the Society. Among his accomplishments are: Master of the Pelican, Companion of the White Horn, Companion of the Millrind, Court Baron, Companion of the Golden Alce, Companion of the Keystone, Companion of the Sycamore, Companion of the Cornelian, Companion of the Golden Thorn, Sigil of Æthelmearc, Companion of the Amber Crystal (Rising Waters, Ealdormere), Companion of the Ice Dragon (Rhydderich Hael, Service), Companion of the Dragon Combattant, (Rhydderich Hael, Martial), and Companion of the Chalice Crystal (Rising Waters, Ealdormere).

Most recently Master Joe was the Seneschal and web minister for the Canton of Beau Fleuve, the Steward and Captain of Thrown Weapons for the Barony of the Rhydderich Hael, and the Chamberlin for the Kingdom of Æthelmearc. These offices are honestly just a sample of the years of service granted us by Master Joe. 

While not an official office, Joe’s camera never stopped clicking and so much of the rich history of the Society was captured through his lens. Her Excellency Rhydderich Hael recently commented, “Joe I have seen many people share photos that you captured of them, when they felt at their best you caught that for them and showed the world”. 

Master Joe was truly at home on the thrown weapons range, holding numerous Kingdom and Baronial champion positions, as well as winning a mile long list of tournaments. It was often questioned if there was anything he couldn’t throw and stick in a target. His service was represented here as well, freely offering his knowledge as a teacher and his time as a Marshal. Countless students have gone on to their own accomplishment under the guidance of Master Joe. It is truly a legacy he shared with us all.

However the greatest position he held was in the hearts of the people all over the Kingdom and the Society. Stories about Master Giuseppe's generosity, perseverance, kindness, and dedication to others are already filling social media. With pictures and tales people are remembering Joe at his best - the man who made a lasting impression in their lives in one way or another. It is often said that people will “never forget the memory of a lost friend”, but with Joe it is more than that. We won’t just remember him, but instead we will never stop looking for him. Be it on the thrown weapon range (missing his shirt of course), in court, or around the camp fires at Pennsic. Our eyes will stare down the path looking for that big white bus to pull up and Joe to step out ready to start some new project. May you find peace in your journey, Master Joe, and we know wherever you are now you are probably already building a platform for your tent. Keep the torches lit until we meet again.

With love, a grateful Society