January 23: Torquemada's Trans-Iberian Winter Tour EVENT CANCELLED
Severna Park, MD (Atlantia)
February 6: Winter University
Kenansville, NC (Atlantia)
February 26-28: Ranger Gathering III
Deland, FL (Trimaris) **NEW STATE**
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Largesse Items
I've been trying to decide what items of largesse to present at each stop of my quest. I've settled on the idea of a pouch decorated with the badge (Argent, an escallop azure within an annulet of ivy vert), with several small items inside. Now, I need ideas for which items to include!
So far, I'm thinking of:
And ... that's all I've got! What else do you think I should include? All suggestions are welcome! I'm hoping to mainly include things I have made with my own hands, as opposed to store-bought gifts.
ETA:
So far, I'm thinking of:
- a Viking wire weave chain in one of the colors of the group
- a fingerloop cord in the colors of the group
- a beeswax escallop (useful for any number of things, and ties in with the badge nicely!)
And ... that's all I've got! What else do you think I should include? All suggestions are welcome! I'm hoping to mainly include things I have made with my own hands, as opposed to store-bought gifts.
ETA:
- an escallop-shaped flacket filled with honey (pending a test to see if the honey will actually pour back out of it...) or some other liquid
- small jars of spices (salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc)
- wire-wrapped rings
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Updates
My 50 States of the SCA quest has hit a delay.
Originally, I planned to knock out Tennessee in October. But with big
plans in motion (we made an offer on a house! It fell through, though) and the resulting reprioritizing of finances, that didn't happen.
Not all progress is lost, though! I submitted the paperwork to register the badge for my quest. And plans are in the works for a special, heraldic gown that will bear the aforementioned badge and be worn at first events in new states. I was given eight yards of red linen at Lochmere's event in September, and I plan to make either a Viking apron dress or this 14th c. dress with it.
I'm actually grateful for this pause in the actual travel. It gives me a chance to collect and plan and prepare. I can build up my supply of largesse for the quest--I've settled on Viking chains and fingerloop cords in group colors, presented in a pouch with my new badge and a small "scroll" explaining the quest.
While trying to determine the status of my new badge submission, I discovered that there is a lady in Atenveldt named Shannon inghaen ui Bhriain--what a coincidence! I hope I will be able to meet her during my quest. It will make for a neat photo opportunity!
Not all progress is lost, though! I submitted the paperwork to register the badge for my quest. And plans are in the works for a special, heraldic gown that will bear the aforementioned badge and be worn at first events in new states. I was given eight yards of red linen at Lochmere's event in September, and I plan to make either a Viking apron dress or this 14th c. dress with it.
I'm actually grateful for this pause in the actual travel. It gives me a chance to collect and plan and prepare. I can build up my supply of largesse for the quest--I've settled on Viking chains and fingerloop cords in group colors, presented in a pouch with my new badge and a small "scroll" explaining the quest.
While trying to determine the status of my new badge submission, I discovered that there is a lady in Atenveldt named Shannon inghaen ui Bhriain--what a coincidence! I hope I will be able to meet her during my quest. It will make for a neat photo opportunity!
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Event Itinerary: October - December 2015
October 3: East Kingdom Coronation
Albany, NY (East)
October 24: Silver Hammer 2015 **TENTATIVE**
Maynardville, TN (Meridies) **NEW STATE**
October 31: Gatalop 32 **TENTATIVE**
Dauphin Island, AL (Meridies) **NEW STATE**
November 19-22: Castle Wars XII **TENTATIVE**
Whitesburg, GA (Meridies) **NEW STATE**
December 5: Bridge Birthday **TENTATIVE**
Coventry, RI (East) **NEW STATE**
Albany, NY (East)
October 24: Silver Hammer 2015 **TENTATIVE**
Maynardville, TN (Meridies) **NEW STATE**
October 31: Gatalop 32 **TENTATIVE**
Dauphin Island, AL (Meridies) **NEW STATE**
November 19-22: Castle Wars XII **TENTATIVE**
Whitesburg, GA (Meridies) **NEW STATE**
December 5: Bridge Birthday **TENTATIVE**
Coventry, RI (East) **NEW STATE**
*Vermont* Lost Tip, August 29, 2015
An archery event in a new state for my challenge?! Yes, please! Wearing my spiffy new hood--a gift from Anna Leigh, recent Queen of Aethelmearc!--I packed up my bow and quiver and drove for three and a half hours into the heart of the Vermont mountains. The weather was in the sixties and the sun was shining brightly as I traveled--it promised to be a beautiful day!
I arrived on-site just after noon and immediately met Alex, who was working Troll. He was very friendly, and upon learning that I am a recent transplant to the East and know no one, he took it upon himself to begin introducing me to people. I met Siobhan, recently raised to the Order of the Laurel and working in the kitchen. I met several others whose name escape me, who graciously allowed me to sit with them for lunch.
After eating, I retrieved my gear from my truck and headed over to the Royal Round range, where I met Estefania (mka Shannon! We became "Shannon Squared" for the rest of the day) and Corwin. I shot a 41 RR (hooray! my official average will go up!) and we took a couple of turns at the Advancing Warrior. I scored 11 points on her. Then she fell from her harness--whoops! So we turned her into a clout shoot. Kill 'em dead, then kill 'em some more!
From there we went to the Roving Range, which turned out to be a series of eight clout shoots. It was different from any shoot I've done so far, and it was immensely fun! I scored 18 out of a possible 40 points. I was pretty proud of that!
It was on this Roving Range that I also witnessed a fine act of chivalry, which bears retelling here. The rules of the range were such that each archer was allowed three arrows per target ... but if you lost one, you could not replenish it and were thusly disadvantaged for the rest of the course. A member of our group lost all three of her arrows by the halfway point and would have had to sit out the rest of the course, but then Corwin, who still had all three of his own arrows, offered to her two of his so that she might continue shooting. He did so freely, despite the disadvantage to his own score *and* the potential loss of his expensive, new ammunition. His actions touched me, and I wanted to be sure to record them.
By the time we finished the Roving Range, it was pretty late in the day and we were all tired, so we didn't do the woods walk-through.
The event was hosted by the Shire of Panther Vale, which meant there was no Baron and Baroness and no court. I therefore didn't bring any largesse--I didn't know who I would even present it to.
There was an awards ceremony at the end of the day, though, and I was surprised to learn that I came in second for RR scores, second in the Roving Range, and tied for third for overall highest score (despite having no score at all for the woods walk-through)! I received a lovely pewter arrow head token as a prize. Now I know what a gift of largesse could be used for!
The people of Panther Vale were very friendly, and the event had a relaxed, homey feel. I am very glad I made the trip--I hope to see them all again soon!
I arrived on-site just after noon and immediately met Alex, who was working Troll. He was very friendly, and upon learning that I am a recent transplant to the East and know no one, he took it upon himself to begin introducing me to people. I met Siobhan, recently raised to the Order of the Laurel and working in the kitchen. I met several others whose name escape me, who graciously allowed me to sit with them for lunch.
After eating, I retrieved my gear from my truck and headed over to the Royal Round range, where I met Estefania (mka Shannon! We became "Shannon Squared" for the rest of the day) and Corwin. I shot a 41 RR (hooray! my official average will go up!) and we took a couple of turns at the Advancing Warrior. I scored 11 points on her. Then she fell from her harness--whoops! So we turned her into a clout shoot. Kill 'em dead, then kill 'em some more!
From there we went to the Roving Range, which turned out to be a series of eight clout shoots. It was different from any shoot I've done so far, and it was immensely fun! I scored 18 out of a possible 40 points. I was pretty proud of that!
It was on this Roving Range that I also witnessed a fine act of chivalry, which bears retelling here. The rules of the range were such that each archer was allowed three arrows per target ... but if you lost one, you could not replenish it and were thusly disadvantaged for the rest of the course. A member of our group lost all three of her arrows by the halfway point and would have had to sit out the rest of the course, but then Corwin, who still had all three of his own arrows, offered to her two of his so that she might continue shooting. He did so freely, despite the disadvantage to his own score *and* the potential loss of his expensive, new ammunition. His actions touched me, and I wanted to be sure to record them.
By the time we finished the Roving Range, it was pretty late in the day and we were all tired, so we didn't do the woods walk-through.
The event was hosted by the Shire of Panther Vale, which meant there was no Baron and Baroness and no court. I therefore didn't bring any largesse--I didn't know who I would even present it to.
There was an awards ceremony at the end of the day, though, and I was surprised to learn that I came in second for RR scores, second in the Roving Range, and tied for third for overall highest score (despite having no score at all for the woods walk-through)! I received a lovely pewter arrow head token as a prize. Now I know what a gift of largesse could be used for!
The people of Panther Vale were very friendly, and the event had a relaxed, homey feel. I am very glad I made the trip--I hope to see them all again soon!
*South Carolina* Collelgium, July 18, 2015
On July 17, I boarded a plane here in Albany. After changing planes in Baltimore, I flew to Charleston, South Carolina. From there, I picked up my rental car and drove two hours west to Columbia to attend Collegium in the Barony of Nottinghill Coill.
Saturday dawned warm and muggy. My hotel suffered a water main break during the night, and so being deprived of breakfast, I ventured out--fully dressed for the event--to engage in one of my favorite passtimes: "Freaking the Mundanes." I located a nearby Denny's and went inside for breakfast.
The mundanes were anything but freaked. Some told me how much the loved my dress. Some told me how much they love the renaissance festival. One and all, they were friendly and polite. I was struck by the difference between these people and those I usually encounter in the north. Southern hospitality and charm, indeed!
After breakfast I headed to the site. It was still very early, and only a few members of the local barony were there setting up. The first person I encountered was Dame Morwenna Trevethan, who I only recognized after catching a glimpse of her personalized license plate (I've never before seen her out of garb!). It was great to finally meet her. I've known *of* her for years (because really, who in Altantia doesn't know our Patron Saint of Hydration?) and I was even at the court where she was raised to the Order of the Pelican, but we had never been introduced.
After checking in at Troll, I went to the classroom for my first class of the day: Heraldic Display - Beyond Shields and Banners. I learned a lot about the shapes and sizes of standards, and the class fulfilled my "continuing education" requirement for my Herald warrant. Hooray!
My second class of the day was Court Heraldry 101: How to be a Court Herald. A lot of this class was review for me, but it has been a *long* time since I've heralded a court, so it was an excellent refresher. In the following class--Guess Who's Coming to Court? SCA Court Protocol and Precedence--I also learned a lot about actually setting up a court--who sits where, who has precedence over who--and yow! Figuring it out can be a headache! I have since also found this article, which will be an excellent resource to refer to if I ever have to set up something!
Court was held during lunch. I didn't know any of the individuals called, of course, but it was still nice to watch as people were recognized for their talents and efforts. I tried to pay attention to the award names and what they were for, so that in the future if I encounter someone wearing one I will know what it represents! A lot of Nottinghill Coill's awards are some type of knot or cord, which I found very clever.
After court, I approached the Baroness. I introduced myself and explained my quest, and made her a promise of future largesse (since I had set the quest for myself only days before and had not had the chance to make anything before I traveled). I hadn't expected to be so nervous talking to her! My hands were shaking and my heart was pounding. Hopefully, that will ease as I make more of these pilgrimages!
After lunch, my class focus switched from Heraldry to A&S, and it was in these classes that I really made some connections with my fellow Atlantians. The first class was Documentation and Presentation of A&S Projects, and was taught by a lord I recognized as one of the award recipients from court, who does All Things Roman. I had never really thought about the presentation of my A&S entries before--I always made sure to have neat, bound documentation, but I'd just lay the items on the table. The class definitely gave me some things to think about!
Following that was Judging Arts and Sciences--a class I badly needed to take, since I've been called upon to judge a couple competitions now. We went over the new judging forms and discussed ways to give effective feedback without demoralizing our artisans. I feel more confident now that when I am next asked to judge, I will be prepared to do so.
The last two classes of the day were Leather Working 101 and 201, which is where I met the instructor, Ian. I enjoyed using some of the tools in his arsenal--tools that I don't have, but will certainly acquire! That swivel knife is a *godsend*--I can't believe I've resisted it for so long! Lord All Things Roman was in these classes, too, so I got to talk to him a bit more as well.
And it turned out he parked beside me, so we chatted in the parking lot for a while before leaving, too! I also exchanged contact info with Ian, so we could correspond and geek out over leather together.
As my first official stop since setting this challenge for myself, I'd say that Collegium was a rousing success all around! And I am pleased to report that I have completed the promised largesse for Her Excellency, and it will be on its way to South Carolina as soon as I have an address to send it!
Saturday dawned warm and muggy. My hotel suffered a water main break during the night, and so being deprived of breakfast, I ventured out--fully dressed for the event--to engage in one of my favorite passtimes: "Freaking the Mundanes." I located a nearby Denny's and went inside for breakfast.
The mundanes were anything but freaked. Some told me how much the loved my dress. Some told me how much they love the renaissance festival. One and all, they were friendly and polite. I was struck by the difference between these people and those I usually encounter in the north. Southern hospitality and charm, indeed!
After breakfast I headed to the site. It was still very early, and only a few members of the local barony were there setting up. The first person I encountered was Dame Morwenna Trevethan, who I only recognized after catching a glimpse of her personalized license plate (I've never before seen her out of garb!). It was great to finally meet her. I've known *of* her for years (because really, who in Altantia doesn't know our Patron Saint of Hydration?) and I was even at the court where she was raised to the Order of the Pelican, but we had never been introduced.
After checking in at Troll, I went to the classroom for my first class of the day: Heraldic Display - Beyond Shields and Banners. I learned a lot about the shapes and sizes of standards, and the class fulfilled my "continuing education" requirement for my Herald warrant. Hooray!
My second class of the day was Court Heraldry 101: How to be a Court Herald. A lot of this class was review for me, but it has been a *long* time since I've heralded a court, so it was an excellent refresher. In the following class--Guess Who's Coming to Court? SCA Court Protocol and Precedence--I also learned a lot about actually setting up a court--who sits where, who has precedence over who--and yow! Figuring it out can be a headache! I have since also found this article, which will be an excellent resource to refer to if I ever have to set up something!
Court was held during lunch. I didn't know any of the individuals called, of course, but it was still nice to watch as people were recognized for their talents and efforts. I tried to pay attention to the award names and what they were for, so that in the future if I encounter someone wearing one I will know what it represents! A lot of Nottinghill Coill's awards are some type of knot or cord, which I found very clever.
After court, I approached the Baroness. I introduced myself and explained my quest, and made her a promise of future largesse (since I had set the quest for myself only days before and had not had the chance to make anything before I traveled). I hadn't expected to be so nervous talking to her! My hands were shaking and my heart was pounding. Hopefully, that will ease as I make more of these pilgrimages!
After lunch, my class focus switched from Heraldry to A&S, and it was in these classes that I really made some connections with my fellow Atlantians. The first class was Documentation and Presentation of A&S Projects, and was taught by a lord I recognized as one of the award recipients from court, who does All Things Roman. I had never really thought about the presentation of my A&S entries before--I always made sure to have neat, bound documentation, but I'd just lay the items on the table. The class definitely gave me some things to think about!
Following that was Judging Arts and Sciences--a class I badly needed to take, since I've been called upon to judge a couple competitions now. We went over the new judging forms and discussed ways to give effective feedback without demoralizing our artisans. I feel more confident now that when I am next asked to judge, I will be prepared to do so.
The last two classes of the day were Leather Working 101 and 201, which is where I met the instructor, Ian. I enjoyed using some of the tools in his arsenal--tools that I don't have, but will certainly acquire! That swivel knife is a *godsend*--I can't believe I've resisted it for so long! Lord All Things Roman was in these classes, too, so I got to talk to him a bit more as well.
And it turned out he parked beside me, so we chatted in the parking lot for a while before leaving, too! I also exchanged contact info with Ian, so we could correspond and geek out over leather together.
As my first official stop since setting this challenge for myself, I'd say that Collegium was a rousing success all around! And I am pleased to report that I have completed the promised largesse for Her Excellency, and it will be on its way to South Carolina as soon as I have an address to send it!
Monday, June 22, 2015
Largesse and Starting Over
Expanding on this idea, I thought it might be a good idea to bring some form of largesse to the landed nobility of each realm I visit! If it's a local event, to the Baron and Baroness. If it's a larger event, to the King and Queen. I can make one of several forms of crafts--chain necklaces, fingerloop cords, leather tokens--but I think they should all have a common thread or symbol, something that says, "This largess is part of the Fifty States of the SCA progress!"
A '50'? An 'L'? My own badge? Perhaps a mug with my badge and an 'L', stuffed full of cords or chains in the Baronial/Kingdom colors. Or a pouch, instead of a mug! That seems more practical. Instead of my badge, a new design to represent my pilgrimage? I shall have to think of one fitting the quest.
If this is the case, though, I should begin my Progress from scratch--the realms I have already visited have received no largesse from my hand. I could present it retroactively, I suppose ... but I think I like the notion of starting over better.
If I am starting over, though, I scant have time to produce largesse before my very first stop: Northern Region War Camp, held in the East Kingdom, which will make New York the first of my fifty states!
An escallop shell heraldically signifies one who has made long journeys or voyages to foreign countries. That seems particularly fitting.
Ivy represents strong and lasting friendship ... that may be appropriate as well.
(Fieldless) An escallop argent within an orle of ivy proper.
I think that would be very pretty! I hope there's no conflict with an already-registered device or badge.
Edited to add: Alas, the badge is not registerable like that. Because it is fieldless, the escallop and the orle must be touching.
I don't like it touching, though.
I guess I could use it unregistered. Or I could move the escallop so it's dependant from the orle, maybe.
Editing again!
I had added a torch behind the ivy and escallop, and I actually REALLY liked the design.
Alas, you can't have two items surmounting the base item ... so it's unregisterable that way. Back to the drawing board yet again...
(Also, that's not an orle of ivy ... it's an annulet of ivy. I've learned something new!)
I can put the original design on an argent field and call it good ... but now I'm kinda attached to the torch! I'm thinking of twining the ivy around the torch and surmounting it all with the escallop.
A '50'? An 'L'? My own badge? Perhaps a mug with my badge and an 'L', stuffed full of cords or chains in the Baronial/Kingdom colors. Or a pouch, instead of a mug! That seems more practical. Instead of my badge, a new design to represent my pilgrimage? I shall have to think of one fitting the quest.
If this is the case, though, I should begin my Progress from scratch--the realms I have already visited have received no largesse from my hand. I could present it retroactively, I suppose ... but I think I like the notion of starting over better.
If I am starting over, though, I scant have time to produce largesse before my very first stop: Northern Region War Camp, held in the East Kingdom, which will make New York the first of my fifty states!
An escallop shell heraldically signifies one who has made long journeys or voyages to foreign countries. That seems particularly fitting.
Ivy represents strong and lasting friendship ... that may be appropriate as well.
(Fieldless) An escallop argent within an orle of ivy proper.
I think that would be very pretty! I hope there's no conflict with an already-registered device or badge.
I guess I could use it unregistered. Or I could move the escallop so it's dependant from the orle, maybe.
Editing again!
I had added a torch behind the ivy and escallop, and I actually REALLY liked the design.
(Also, that's not an orle of ivy ... it's an annulet of ivy. I've learned something new!)
I can put the original design on an argent field and call it good ... but now I'm kinda attached to the torch! I'm thinking of twining the ivy around the torch and surmounting it all with the escallop.
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Event Itinierary: July - September 2015
July 3-4: Northern Region War Camp
Greenwich, NY (East Kingdom)
July 18: Collegium
Columbia, SC (Atlantia) **NEW STATE**
Blog Post
August 29: Lost Tip Archer's Gathering
St. Johnsbury, VT (East Kingdom) **NEW STATE**
Blog Post
September 5: Hunter's Moon
East Greenbush, NY (East Kingdom)
September 12: Battle on the Bay
Upper Marlboro, MD (Atlantia)
Greenwich, NY (East Kingdom)
July 18: Collegium
Columbia, SC (Atlantia) **NEW STATE**
Blog Post
August 29: Lost Tip Archer's Gathering
St. Johnsbury, VT (East Kingdom) **NEW STATE**
Blog Post
September 5: Hunter's Moon
East Greenbush, NY (East Kingdom)
September 12: Battle on the Bay
Upper Marlboro, MD (Atlantia)
The Idea
As I was driving home from an event in Connecticut yesterday, I had time to think about my SCA experiences. I realized that I've had the opportunity to play in many different locations around the country, and since I had just added Connecticut to the list, I thought it would be interesting to tally up how many different states I'd attended events in.
This is my map so far. I've attended events in Alaska, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
Then the idea began to form. A self-assigned quest of sorts: could I attend an SCA event in each of the fifty states? I work for an airline, so this should be more feasible for me than it may be for most other SCAdians. Moreover, I've always been fascinated by inter-kingdom anthropology, and it would be really neat to experience the differences of culture and tradition across our country.
And how fitting, to undertake a 50-state challenge in this, the 50th year of the Society!
Each time I check a new state off the list, I will chronicle the event here. I hope to include photos and stories of the experiences and the people I will meet. And when my quest is complete, I will always have this record of all I have seen and learned.
Come along with me on this journey! =) Come virtually by following my blog, or come in real life by traveling to these events and meeting me! I hope to meet many, many of you wonderful SCAdians out there!
This is my map so far. I've attended events in Alaska, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
Then the idea began to form. A self-assigned quest of sorts: could I attend an SCA event in each of the fifty states? I work for an airline, so this should be more feasible for me than it may be for most other SCAdians. Moreover, I've always been fascinated by inter-kingdom anthropology, and it would be really neat to experience the differences of culture and tradition across our country.
And how fitting, to undertake a 50-state challenge in this, the 50th year of the Society!
Each time I check a new state off the list, I will chronicle the event here. I hope to include photos and stories of the experiences and the people I will meet. And when my quest is complete, I will always have this record of all I have seen and learned.
Come along with me on this journey! =) Come virtually by following my blog, or come in real life by traveling to these events and meeting me! I hope to meet many, many of you wonderful SCAdians out there!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)