A History of Skraeling Althing: Part I Canton of Septentria, or, When we were very Young

 A History of Skraeling Althing

Part I Canton of Septentria

or

When we were very Young

 

By Viscountess Aelflaeda FitzAlain, 1996.

Second edition, 2020, with a few notes by Colyne Stewart.

 

This work is dedicated with love to Her excellency Dame Enid Aurelia of the Tin Isles, founding Baroness of Skraeling Althing, on the occasion of her retirement Nov 4th Anno Societatus XXX. Without her, history would have been very different.

-          Aelflaeda

 

"LEPVS HODIE GVNVS CRAS"

 

A History of Skraeling Althing

Part 1 Canton of Septentria

 

For many years the vast cold wastelands of the northeastern comer of the Middle Kingdom were inhabited only by barbarians. The Society was founded; the Middle Kingdom was formed; and shires were forming in the lands to the south. All this went unheeded and unheralded by the northern barbarians, who were known to some as skraelings.

     And yet there was one place in the midst of this wasteland where the spark of civilization was waiting to be kindled. In a town where three rivers meet, known as Ottawa, the barbarians of the northern lands met in a permanent council known as a parliament or Althing. Despite this sometimes unruly body, there were signs of culture, for the town possessed two universities, several libraries, and a group of people who were waiting for news of the Society's existence to reach them.

 

The Autocrat's Tempest (Autocrat's Day Off, 1998)

By Lord Duncan Gabh MacLeod

It was a wonderful summer fifteen years past, AnnoSociatas XXIX, Ealdormere was long past the Days of Silence and if memory serves, Prince Gunter and Princess Joleicia were upon our thrones when we, the Skraels did decide that it was time for swimming and songs around a good fire. Thus did a good number of us embark for Murphy’s Point with food and drink and no thought of war or mashial deeds.

            I set out from the Canton of Skraeling Althing (now the Canton of Cauldrithig) with my son of 18 months, who was walking and talking and promised him an adventure. (I have never again promised him an adventure.) I arrived early and set my own tent and aided Lady Susana with setting up the common camp including her fly, chairs and such as we watched more people arrive. My own memory is faulty, but until the mid evening we sat around the campfire and sang and ate and told stories as happens when we gather. As best as I can remember those present were myself, Ivor, Lord Adelhart, Lady Eglantine, their daughters Hermione and Pomona and young son, Philemon, Lady Susanna, Lady Isabella, Lord Cinaeth and Lady Leoff and their young baby in arms, Jenny. A young woman was entrusted to us by her parents, (it was to be her first trip without her parents) and Lady Susana promised to keep a good watch on Grizelda and return her on the Sunday.

            At about sundown, Lady Susanna yielded to a headache and retired to her tent. I attempted to put the young Ivor to bed, but he did not sleep but cried. As the night grew older, the stars to the west were blotted out of the sky by a broad band of cloud that was illuminated from within by flashing lightning, but we were merry around the fire with good food and company and paid this little heed. Finally, with half the sky blotted out from the advancing cloud, we decided that it was time to call it a night, tighten down the lashings securing our tents and go to bed, which was done in some haste for it was then that we got the first sprays of rain and wind. It was at this time that Lady AElfwyn arrived in the company of a young lord, just as the tempest redoubled itself in rain and wind and bolts of lightning that would have made Thor himself proud of a good night’s work.

            AElfwyn and her friend attempted to take shelter in Susanna’s Dining fly, but as it was open on both ends and around the bottom, AND was set up in line with the main direction of the wind AND it was downwind of the now drowning campfire, they were treated to the vision of a mighty torrent of rain blowing horizontally at them mixed with sparks from the fire.

            At this point the door to my tent blew open, allowing the great torrent of rain to invade my tent like Englishmen invading my beloved Scotland, and I decided that my wain in which I had arrived would make sounder shelter for my son and me. I rolled Ivor’s blankets around him, and pulled open the remains of the door and ran for the path that led to the wains. AElfwyn saw that I was abandoning my tent, which was better than the shelter she had and decided to follow me. The short path that led to the wains was already littered with small trees blown down by the wind, but I made my way through them quickly and achieved my wain and dry shelter. Ivor was much distressed by the storm and nothing I could do would bring comfort to him, but he was as safe as I could get him.

            I think it is at this point, mere moments from the edge of the storm that the Great Tempest struck. Lady Susanna had awakened and feeling a more mundane call of nature in the midst of her headache, was making use of her chamber pot when her whole tent lifted and rotated a full quarter! The following events are not what I witnessed, but have been related to me by others who were there. Lord Adelhart and Lady Eglantine’s tent, a rare round pavilion was dearly stressed by the tempest and Eglantine carried Philemon in her arms while her daughters followed screaming and crying in terror at the storm to the shelter of Cinneth and Leoff’s wain, while Cinneth aided Adelhart in dropping the pavilion in the middle of the storm to prevent it from blowing on it’s own back to the Canton. Leoff was already taking shelter in their wain with their daughter. Leoff was very proud of the young girls. When told to run to Leoff’s wain, they did not stop crying- but ran straight there! Corwin des Linkehander was visiting from Myrgan Wood, in the flatter parts of the Kingdom of AnTir, and was therefore accustomed to wind. However, he discovered that the wind was unusual by the fact that his tent was coming down and hitting him in the face, dispite the supporting poles.

            The worst of the storm abated to the level of near continuous lightning, heavy rain and strong gusts of wind when a young woman roused AElfwyn and I saying that we were needed to help, there were people hurt. I quickly dropped off Ivor to what I have ever since thought of as the “Kiddie Car” for safe keeping and found out that all the tents had either been blown down, crushed or taken down by the storm, the tent that was crushed was the handy work of the young lady Grizelda, who was still trapped under the tree, but seemed mostly in good shape and spirits, and a second Lady, who had been hit on the head with a large branch and although alert and talking, was asking the same questions over and over again.

            We needed help, but when one of us started down the road to the outside world, the way was blocked by trees stacked on trees. We gathered what axes that could be found in the storm, and by the light of lanterns, a length of good chain and the slowly diminishing lightning, we fell upon the tangle of trees like Vikings at a monastery. We would chop one end or both of a tree at the edge of the road and then heave the log off to the side, then start on the next. After clearing about 40 feet of the road, I put forth the plan that two of us, Lord Adelheart and myself go forth through the debris and go to the Camp Rangers by foot, and raise help to come at the road also from the outside, and so, forth we went as the remainder of the crew worked toward the outside world.

            Again I diverge from what I saw and relate what was told to me. The young lady Grizelda was still held to the ground by the large tree that came to rest just above her. Using fire wood some people propped up the tree so that it would not roll and then, using a jack from one of the wains, lifted the tree an inch then re-propped the tree to steady it, and then raised it another inch when at last they were able to slide the young lady out from under the tree on the remains of her bedding. She wanted to stand, but was told not to as we did not know what damage the tree may have done her. Shelter was erected over her to provide as much comfort as we could.

            Meanwhile Adelhart and I were trotting down the road towards the ranger post when one of their number came upon us with his wain and we quickly told him of our plight. Riding hard we gathered tools and more people, including those skilled in medicine and after gathering several wains with tools and people, we raced off into the night, intent of blasting our way into the camp when we came around the corner and there stood the stalwart troop of wet heroes, at the end of the road, having cleared the last tree just before we arrived from the outside with help.

            Our injured were taken away to the hospitallers and we who remained were left to make a quick survey in the dark of the ruins of our camp. Grizelda’s tent still lay smashed under the huge tree that had fallen upon it, other tents were torn or just smashed flat. Clothing packed for our stay was soaked through and food spoilt by the rain and mud.

            I retrieved my son, who had been entertained during all the rescue efforts with Fairy Tales, drinks and cookies and went to the only shelter that remained to me, my wain and attempted to find what comfort I may, but Ivor was displeased with this and cried.  After deciding that I was not to get any sleep like this, I decided to return to Skrael proper, and put Ivor in his own bed. When I returned home, my lady wife was just rousing from her sleep to go to work. I put Ivor in his bed and told her “There was a storm.” I pulled off my wet clothes, and fell into bed and slept.

           

The name of the event was Autocrat’s Day Off, and in as much as it was run, was run by Lady Susanna. The approaching storm probably set off her migraine, but when the emergency happened, people migrated to take care of those people or tasks that needed attending to. In the strangest way, we all pulled together in all directions, with nobody actually coordinating the effort. Literally by the time outside help arrived on site, all that was left to do was move the injured to the hospital. While we were very lucky, several other trees fell within inches of people and tents, the rangers at the camp congratulated us all on our self reliance and our self rescue. While the names of the people who come out to this event change with every year, the “I can do it!” attitude that goes though so many people in the SCA has not diminished. In an emergency, we will do what needs to be done, what can be done, what should be done. This event, although a disaster, has been my proudest times in the SCA. Those that were there have long believed that the storm was in fact a tornado, rare in our part to the land, but they do happen. There is no official confimation for this, but when the trees fell, they fell in all directions, with the worst of the damage concentrated in a fairly narrow swath, in which we had the misfortune to camp in the middle of. We have also to remember that there was a group of Boy Scouts camped that weekend closer to the water than us who aided us in our labours with several axes, several of their leaders and the chain that was used to haul the separated logs from the road.

Septentrian-Skraeling Althing Twelfth Night 2009

 By Magistra Nicolaa de Bracton

The border shire of Bastille du Lac hosted a combined Twelfth Night for both Septentria and Skraeling Althing on  January 10.  This meant twice the number of foolish Royalty and  twice the amount of foolish fun.  Septentria offered Their Piscine Majesties Streonwold and Tarian, adorned with sushi coronets and other fishy accoutrements.   The day featured lots of games, including the traditional games of Twister and Tablero (both prominently featuring Baroness Adrielle) as well as “toss the Baron” and guessing games involving gummy bears.

Their Excellencies Septentria interrupted the foolish fun to hold their traditional Twelfth Night Court and collect taxes. This year’s taxes were each canton’s arms for inclusion in a kneeling pillow.  Both Eoforwic and Swan’s Keep had paid early at previous events.  After all remaining cantons (with the exception of Skeldergate) had paid their taxes, Vest Yorvik showed off one of the woven pieces that would become the kneeling pillow.  Wool for the pillow was processed from raw fleece, spun,  hand-dyed a brilliant red, and handwoven by members of the canton.

Their Excellencies also announced this year’s taxes:  Each canton is to provide an armoured fighter for the Baron’s personal guard at Pennsic.  Baron Cynred (for Monadh) and THL Seonag and Lord Streonwold (for Caer Draeth) immediately volunteered as their cantons’ representatives.

The final piece of business was the gifting of the Quaich of Artio, as is traditional at Twelfth Night. Their Excellencies called forward Lord Bjarn Thorolfsson, who had borne the Quaich during the past year, and then announced the Quaich would be carried this year by THL Dafydd ap Sion.  Lord Bjarn filled the Quaich with the new bearer’s drink of choice—Coke—and passed it to him. As stated in their letter this month, their Excellencies remind all Septentrians to keep the Quaich filled and allow the hospitality to be shared throughout the Barony.

Later that evening, the event was enlivened with an appearance by Black Peter, a Skraeling tradition. Black Peter had received letters from various people indicating who had done wrong and should be duly punished.  Much merriment ensued; the photos show how Baron Brand was punished for not displaying the symbols of his rank.

Tor Brant Turns Twenty (Dandelion Festival, 2010)

By Lady Adela of the Fiery Woods

On the 31st of March, A.S. XXV, the Stronghold of Tor Brant held its first official event at St. Mary’s school in Deep River. Present on that occasion were Lord Duncan Gabh MacLeod, Lady Adela of the Fiery Woods (now of Aethelmearc), Lady Anastasia of Tor Brant, and their Excellencies, Raimund Constable and Don net Drynkemylke (who, at that time, were known as Leofflaed and Cinneth). These same gentles participated in this year’s Dandelion event which was held on the fifteenth of May at the Lions’ hall in Chalk River. As expected, there were the usual outdoor combat activities (fighting, fencing, and archery) plus an out door throwing game. Indoor activities included Baronial council, a bad heraldry contest and a raffle to benefit the royal travel fund. A delicious lunch of soup, bread, cheese, vegetables and fruit was available for purchase. Before feast, Baronial and Royal courts were held. The highlight of royal court was, perhaps, the beheading of two royal sock puppet imposters. (They did look remark ably like our monarchs.) After court, a bountiful feast, which included elk, was served. The evening ended with a bit of dancing. Congratulations to the residents of Tor Brant on their twentieth. May this small but enthusiastic group continue to prosper.

The First Days of Tor Brant

By Lord Duncan Gabh MacLeiod

In the very early days of Tor Brant, there were two of us, Lachlan Mc Mallfinn of Egg, and myself. He had been involved in the SCA out in An Tir. I had never heard of the group before meeting Lachlan. He thought there was a group in Ottawa and eventually we made contact and started attending meetings and fight practices. Word started getting around about us and a few friends and acquaintances started to gel. Long before we started on any kind of paper work, we needed a name. In a flash of inspiration, I grabbed the English-Norwegian dictionary and came up with Enfoldig Avgrunn. Please remember we were just on the military base at this time, so I thought that “Mindless Abyss” was quite appropriate. We started having irregular meetings and traveling to a few events. Word came back to us that our original name was a little too self degrading for the Dragon Herald. So some of the people knocked their heads together and came up with (sp?)Dalulian Dubh, or the valley of Black Wolves. This got bounced for being (a) too long and (b) sounds like somebody trying to talk with too much oatmeal in their mouth. The next name that was floated was Dun Claidheamh, but somebody pointed out that our nickname would be Dumb Clam Heads… so Tor Brant was chosen instead. By this time the group had put in the paperwork to become an official group. That is how the present name and arms for Tor Brant came to be. 

To Feast with the Hare (Feast of the Hare, 2002)

Lord Eirik Andersen



As the sun rose on a recent morning did Tarian verch Gadarn, Katerina du nord, Randy of Ardchreag and myself travel to Caldrathig to attend Feast of the Hare. Katerina and myself were tired as we had attended Lina Carville’s welcome back party the night previous.

Merry friends make for quick journeys, and before noon hour we were booked into our lodgings at the Lord Radisson’s Inn. As it turned out, the event site was across the street from where we were staying, which was a nice surprise.

For myself, the day’s activities consisted mainly of gaming with Lord Brian Goodheart (I was soundly defeated at 9 Men’s Morris) and catching up with friends I had not seen in a while

Randy spent most of the day off site catching up with old friends around the city of Ottawa. Tarian and Katerina spent a considerable time dancing, which was given quite some time in the main event hall in between the heavy weapons tournament and the feast.

We retired back to our lodgings for our meal as we had chosen not to sit feast. My meal at the Inn was not at all period for me, but quite good (pasta with sun dried tomatoes sauce, followed by fried ice cream). Tarian and Randy departed to a mundane function at this point, and Katerina and I returned to the event while feast was still being served. From what we gathered, it was quite good.

Kingdom and Skraeling Althing courts were fairly short. Alys de Sheppy and Anne le Gris were inducted unto the Orders of the Pelican and the Order of the Laurel respectively.

The event wound down quickly after court, and Katerina and myself attended the post rev at Sir Mordain and Mistress Aelflada’s home. We found a lift with Baron Valizan, Countess Rustique and Vicountess Morgan.

The party the night before, the long drive that morning and the day at the event caught up with me at the post rev and I started to nod off just before we took our leave, catching a ride back into the city of Caldrathig with Sir Cennidi, who returned us to our lodgings.

Katerina opted to travel back home with Lady Ivanna the Oblivious, as Randy, Tarian and I would be taking our time driving home to the lands on the high cliffs. We stopped in Greyfells so Randy could evaluate a job site. I attempted to attend a Greyfells meeting but alas when I tried the meeting room, no one was present. We ate a meal at a local dockside tavern, and though it was raining, made good time back to our keeps.



Feast of the Hare is one of the events that I have almost continually attended since I joined the SCA almost 11 years ago. I consider it one of the “must go to” events each year. If you have the chance, you should make the journey as well. Fine people reside in the lands to our north and east, and their hospitality is well worth a few hours travel by carriage.

Tournament at Baron’s Howe II (Sep 2 – 5, 2005)

By THLaird Colyne Stewart

In the wake of the storm in Gleann Abhann, the price of feed and hay had risen sharply. As such, Þorfinna and I contacted a local knight and his squire who were planning to attend the Tournament at Baron’s Howe in the northern Canton of Flaming Sky. And so Baron Sir Siegfried Brandbeorn and Lord Eirik Andersen arrived with their wagon early on Friday and we loaded our gear in with theirs and headed on our way.

We took our time and arrived at the Ravenhill farm an hour after gate opened. We went out to the bowl to scout for a place to camp and discovered that there were many prime locations still open around the lip of the bowl. However, we decided to set up our tent away from the bowl this year, camping with Lord Percival deLaroque, Lady Christiana McNamara and various folk from Monadh and Eoforwic. Since space was an issue with four people packing in one wagon we had only brought one two-room tent. Eirik slept in one half, while Þorfinna and I slept on the other. As usual, Siegfried slept in the Ravenhill Manor.

After we had settled in we went to the town of Bonfield for dinner, eating at a local establishment that over charged us and under fed us. They also put this disgusting spiced pickle spread on my meat, though I had asked them expressly not to.

When we returned to the farm we went to the Petrea Thule encampment where we were welcomed warmly and introduced to a drink that Lord Augustyn of Ely called ‘ass-gohol’. It was very strong and tasted like smoke. I learned that Augustyn, another Brandbeorn squire, planned to feed the ass-gohol to my squire-brother Lord Tiberius of Warwickshire. Apparently ass-gohol has the same affect on Tiberius that sugar does.

Lord Janos, who had wandered out of camp, came back and told us to come look at the sky. A few went out at first, then everyone from camp came out to regard the heavens and see why they call this land Flaming Sky. For the sky was aflame with flickering green lights that flowed across the horizon and left us all in awe of nature’s majesty.

Later, leaving Thule’s small village among the trees, we walked over to the Calontir Embassy. As we approached Thane Hereward the Fardweller called us in. I was then reunited with the evil bartender from the Calontir party at Pennsic (whose name, I learned, is the Honorable Lord Jack Banyard). As well I was introduced to Sir Kirk fitz David and Lady Cara. Lord Raudr Ottarson, whom I had met at a previous Bonfield event was also there. They told me that Jack had just read my short history of Pennsic XXXIV, and was then told that Sir Vitas had left a remark regarding me on a spontaneous illumination of myself from that same Pennsic in Lord Eirik’s ethereal collection. Apparently Vitas had said that I looked like “a gallant and preaux¹ squire.” (I was to take much ribbing over this comment during the course of the weekend.) Þorfinna eventually wandered to bed and I stayed at the Calontir tent for a while longer, talking about the Unbelt tournament at Pennsic. Eventually I got up, making my way towards our tent when I heard a familiar voice. Making my way over to it I found Cadogan from Thule, who had I had fought beside at Pennsic, setting up his tent in the dark. I lent him a hand for a few moments and then finally found my bed.

The next morning we both overslept. In fact, we had just gotten up when Eirik called to us and told us that the fighters were just entering the woods for the woods battle. So we sunk back into bed until Eirik, who went into the woods to take pictures, returned and reported that the fort battle would begin in half an hour. So all three of us began to armour up just as the skies opened up. At first it was a sprinkling, so we ignored it and continued to armour. Then it became harder, and we paused and moved our armour bags back into the tent. Then it became a deluge and we despondently hid in our tent, half-armoured until it finally let up for a few moments. We took that opportunity to run over to Thule, where we spent the majority of the rest of the day huddled with them under their awnings and canopies, trying to stay dry. From our vantage point we watched the hardy equestrian riders tromp into the bowl to ride, and soaked archers returning from the range. Eventually, around dinner time, the rain finally stopped. Since Thule was having guests for dinner we slipped away and Eirik, Þorfinna and I laid out a table of cheese, bread, pickles, olives and other such fare beside our tent and tucked in.

That night Baroness Eleanor Cadfan, Her Excellency Skrael, held a baronial court within the mead hall. Not being a member of the barony I did not attend the court, however I do know that Mistress Ragni Dzintari of Amberhall presented Her Excellency with a live unfettered cock. After the court a blazing bonfire was lit and people stood and sat around it telling tales and singing songs. We attended briefly but spent the majority of the early evening with the Vest Yorvik, Monadh, and Eoforwic camp spending time with some delightful people and drinking some very smooth Scotch.

Later, feeling cold, Þorfinna and I got up to walk around and traversed the bowl to Lord Kenric Manning’s pavilion. There we found him talking with Eirik and we spent the rest of our night there.

The next morning I awoke with a cold and with swollen wrists due to the cold and damp. Despondent, for I knew I would not be able to fight that day because of this, I lay in bed for a few more hours. Finally I arose and went down to the bowl to find the first Royal Tournament under way. It was won by Siegfried, while the second Unbelted Tournament was won by Lord Raudr. Since I was watching, and not fighting, I got a lot of “gallant and preaux” cat calls. Ah well. I may not have been able to fight, but my good cousin Richard Stewart got into action.² It was especially fun to watch him team up with Eirik’s cousin Travis Andersen.

After the Royal Tournaments the fighters partook in challenges at the barrier and in a grand melee. The Captains were Sir Nigel MacFarlane and Lord Raudr, and when they finally paused to breath, the Captains each chose one fighter from the opposing side who had inspired and impressed them that day. Ruadr chose THL Wilfred of Sweflingham, and Nigel chose THL Phelan Gann.

There then followed two run-throughs of Mordain’s Rings. The marshals stood in a circle upon the field while around the circle are three rings; all fighters stood in the first ring. If you lost a fight you had to move into the next ring until you were out all together. You can also be pushed out of a ring. Treachery was the name of the game in the ring as alliances sprang up and were broken continuously. The prize: three beers for the holder of the first ring, two beers for holding the second and one for the third. There were two runnings of the rings, the first of which was won by Siegfried by clearing the rings. In the second, Tiberius was in the middle ring, Sir Nigel was in the second and Sir Siegfried was in the third. Sir Nigel tried to persuade Tiberius—who had just fought Nigel to put him in the second ring in the first place—to come out and fight him. Tiberius, saying he was not a selfish man and that he was happy with his three beers, stayed put. So Nigel went out to the third ring and was knocked out Siegfried.

After the fighting my companions and I packed up our wagon, watching Baron Phaidrig McNeill and Mistress Etaoin O'Fearghail run an atl atl battle. Once our gear was stored, we ambled for home. 

(Though I did not see it, I know that many good gentles shoot at the archery range, coursed their hounds and fenced. Even at a small event there are too many things occurring for one person to chronicle it all!)

________________________________________________________________________

1. Thanking, Hereward found a definition for me, as I had no idea what it meant. “Preux: Prowess, courage and success. To be considered ‘preudomme’, a man of prowess, was considered to be one of the highest compliments possible for a medieval knight. ‘Soix Preux!’ was frequently the admonition given to new knights as they were to go out and earn renown in the wake of their new knighthood.”
2. HE Richard Larmer’s helm broke during the fighting, and he had to borrow my helm to continue. As well, Lord Travis Greywolf misplaced his helm, and had to borrow Eirik’s.

Ealdormere’s Eastern Border Secure (Feast of the Hare and Border Spat, Nov 13, 2004)

By THLaird Colyne Stewart

Thorfinna never got her sausage.

On our way to Feast of the Hare, in the Barony of Skraeling Althing, we had stopped at a McDonald’s to pick up some breakfast to go. Thorfinna ordered the big breakfast, which came with eggs (which she doesn’t really like), an English muffin, one hash brown and a sausage patty. When we got back in the truck, she ate the hash brown and gave the muffin to Syr Evander who was driving. When she opened her breakfast container to feast on her sausage she discovered that the store employee had failed to give her one. She managed to swallow one egg, but gave the other to me.

Then we missed our turn and ended up in Ottawa itself, now trying to find our way to the event site by the back route. Thorfinna and I had just read a Dragonspire story that was remarkably similar, which made this hour long detour slightly amusing instead of annoying.

When we arrived at the event site after our four hour drive we found that morning court was just concluding. I’m not sure of what all went down, but I did hear that Dame Sarra Elisabeth Graeham of Birnham had been put on Vigil for the Order of the Pelican.

Since court had either gone long or started later than originally planned, the first armoured tournament had not yet started. So we dragged in our gear and armoured up. The event was a bit of a MacLachlan family reunion for me, as all my squire-brothers but one were in attendance (with their significant others), as was Syr Evander’s former squire-brother, Baron Conrad Connor MacAllyn from the East Kingdom.

Just as the first tournament was about to begin, Their Majesties resumed Their court so they could induct Syr Evander into the noble Order of the Wain for all his service to the kingdom.

In the first tournament we were each given five pewter horses. The object was to win as many horses as possible by hitting your opponent in the head. If you hit them three times on other parts of the body you would win the fight, but not a horse. My squire-brothers did well, coming out even if not a little ahead, while Evander walked away as the over all winner. Me? Well, I never liked riding anyway.

The fighters then moved outside so the fencers could enjoy some warmth. With breath pluming out of our grills we lined up for a Royal Tournament. It was a speed tournament, where the combatants are placed in a line. The line is folded and you fight the person across from you. If you win you go to line A. If you loose, you go to line B. Both lines are then folded and you continue in this matter until you take your second loss, at which time you are out of the tournament. I was out after three fights. Sir Siegfried Brandbeorn was the winner of this tournament.

While we were fighting the fencers of Ealdormere and the East faced off in their annual Border Spat. As I was outside I cannot comment too much on the fencing, though one fencer later told me it had been a very good day in the fencing lists.

Pick-ups then ensued. In the end there were only MacLachlans left on the field as Tiberius and Conrad battled while Evander put me through some lessons. Once, when we were both down to one arm we came at each other and formed a human X. He got me hard across the buttocks while I labeled him flat across his back. Ouch!

Finally stripping our armour we lugged it out to the truck to make way for afternoon court. Unfortunately the acoustics in the hall prevented me from hearing most of what went on, so I can only report on a bit of it. I know that Lord Baldric Leeman of Newcastle Emlyn retired as Champion of Skraeling Althing, but was not allowed to leave the dais until Their Majesties had later given him an Award of the Maiden’s Heart. Lord Geffroi de Montreuil was then named as his successor as Champion. The Chalice of Skraeling Althing was given to Lord Ansfrid van de Muelne.

The autocrats announced the results of the Border Spat. Points had been earned for Ealdormere and the East from the day’s fencing, fighting and A&S activities. This year Ealdormere had earned the most points, so our border was once again secure.

The chairs were then quickly swept away and out came the feast tables. Though Conrad had to leave the rest of the MacLachlans sat together to eat, and it was an excellent feast. Unfortunately most of our dishes reached us a little cool, but the quality and quantity of food was amazing. I doubt anyone went home hungry from Hare. A feast indeed!

During feast we were graced with many fine entertainers including a woman who danced with a lit candelabra on her head, a sword dancer and Ivan the fire-breather! The crowd clapped and made riotious noise as Ivan would ignite flames on his arms and bald head, or placing burning torches in his mouth where he consumed the flames. When feast was over he went outside and performed many acts of fire-breathing for a very appreciative audience. As the flames erupted from his mouth the night was lit as if by the sun.

A Bear Fighting with Hares: A Septentrian on Skraeling Althing's Melee Team (Murder Melee, June 19, 2004)

By THLaird Colyne Stewart

Team Roster: Barony of Skraeling Althing (the Rabid Bunnies) 

Team Captain: Lord Baldric Leeman of Newcastle Emlyn, Champion of Skraeling Althing 

Baron Sir Menken Brechen 

Sir Evander MacLachlan 

Sir Siegfried Brandbeorn 

Count Kildare Silverwolf Thorkillson

Master Tarkatai Bahadur

Lord Wat of Sarum 

Laird Colyne Stewart 

Lord Varenko 

Lord Leod 

Accursius the Bane

Lord Etienne du Naval 

I never thought I'd see the day, I really didn't. But there I was at Melee, wearing a Skraeling Althing favour on my belt. Not that I have anything against Skrael (I have a lot of friends who dwell within our northern-most barony) but I am a staunch Septentrian.

How then, you may ask, did I end up fighting for another barony? Well, the short answer is the winds of war. The more detailed answer is that being a squire, you go where your knight goes. Skraeling Althing, knowing it was going to be short on fighters this year, had asked my knight for assistance months before the event. And so there we were. (In fact, most of Skrael's team this year consisted of imports. It was liking playing on an Italian World Cup hockey team.)

Even though this team had been generally thrown together at the last minute, and that some of us had never fought with each other before, we did very well. Over all we emerged with a 5 - 4 record, with losses to the Hrogn, Ramshaven, a Rozakii team and a Marines team. We had victories over a second Rozakii team, a second Marines team, Septentria, Ben Dunfirth and the Blackswords. The win over the Blackswords was completely unexpected, and was the highlight of our day. (The Blackswords were on their game.)

This year you could only have two Peers made so by their own strength of arms on the field for your team at the same time. This meant that Siegfried, Evander, Menken and Kildare had to keep switching up who was fighting when. Bladric was very good at setting up the line and laying out tactics. Hey, they worked more than half the time, right?

The one I didn't expect to work was against the Blackswords. The Blackswords have a lot of big, tall lads in their shieldwall, complete with wardoors I could use as a bed. Well, Baldric wanted our shields (which included five-and-a-half-foot tall me) to go right through them. I had flashbacks of our battle against Septentria, in which Baron Corwyn and Lord Rhisiart (both over six feet tall) had smashed into me with their wardoors, picking me up off the ground, and laying me out flat on my back. Corwyn then—of course—tripped and fell right on top of me. Imagine being at the base of a redwood as it topples on top of you. So when we were told to rush at the Blacksword wall I thought we were doomed. When we hit I was indeed thrown back, but I managed to keep my back foot grounded, and I pushed back forward and was able to slip between their shields. I don't remember now, in the swirl of battle, what exactly followed, but we ended up with myself, Kildare and Varenko legged, and someone with a great weapon behind us. The Blackswords were down to Lord Lothar and a two-sticker. Our great weapon managed to tag Lothar, and then he fell prey to the two-sticker, so now it was up to us legged fighters to win the day. I'm sure it was a comical sight to see three guys trying to run down a two-sticker on their knees, but eventually we did, and Kildare took him down.

I'm not sure which team Lord Grimroth Skullhammer was fighting for, but I believe it was one of the Marine teams. At the end of our battle with them, he was the only man left alive on their side, legged at one end of the field. Our fighters offered him single combat, and he managed to take out two before falling to Baldric.

I fought in one battle with Septentria was well, along with Evander. It was against the Hrogn and I was dropped right away by Master Worgan's madhu. I wasn't much help to them, I'm afraid. I was hoping to be able to fight with my own baron and baroness more, but they had a plethora of fighters arrive to assist them.

Over all I did pretty good. I got one confirmed kill, helped out on several more, and (in my opinion) should have had at least a second. I also lived through most of our victories. So I did well, though not fantastic.

At the end four teams had tied records, so the Blackswords, one of the Marines, one of the Rozakii and the Hrogn, had to face off in a round robin final. In the end it was the Rozakii who emerged victorious.

After the finals, there was some pick up fighting. At first I did a four man bear pit with Varkeno, Sir Katsu and a fighter I did not know. We fought until two of us had to go for water, whilst the other two had suffered weapon malfunctions. After that I took a nap under my shield, then went out and fought for a while with Siegfried. I did ok, though the good baron still handed me my ass (as the saying goes). After that I joined a second bear pit. This one ended up being done as teams of two, and since we had an odd number of fighters in the line, the teams kept changing. I did decent in the pit, except for one embarrassing moment when I was facing a great sword. I tried to run up the sword, but as I did so he J-shot me and I slipped on some grass and fell on my face. To an onlooker it probably looked like I ran right past him and threw myself on the ground.

Humility's a virtue, right?

At the end of the day I was sore (and that was nothing compared to how I would feel Sunday!), bruised, hungry, sunburned, exhausted and smiling from ear to ear.

Seeing Stars and Laying Foundations (Coronation of Berus II and Marion II, April 23, 2004)

By THLaird Colyne Stewart

No one can predict where fate will steer you. As a boy, labouring for my father as he collected taxes and counted money, I never dreamed my life would turn out as it did. That I would one day leave behind the realm of money and comfort for the hard life of the battle field. My father disinherited me when me found out I was to become a soldier for King David II, and true to his word, he and I are dead to each other. I'll admit, some of the accusations he threw at me were true: that I was a foolish youth, with a head full of tales of glory. However, I also felt the need to fight against the English, and to drive them from Scotland.

I dreamed of glory and honour.

What I found was death and destruction.

Life as a soldier for a war-king on the move was harsh and miserable. Sleeping exposed to the elements, rain soaking your blanket (if you were lucky enough to have one), food scarce. I had few friends in the army, as most resented me for my more affluent past. I did make one friend—a highlander—who tried to teach me the bardic arts. As supportive as he was, even he winced when I tried to sing. He also tried to teach me Gaelic, but in that I also failed.

At Neville’s Cross, we encountered the English forces. King David II was captured; my highland friend—and many others—were killed. Some of us managed to escape, but now found ourselves hunted criminals. In desperation we became a band of gallowglass—

mercenaries—and we sold our services to the highest bidder. With this company I fought in Ireland and France. Finally, some of us found our way to Ealdormere.

For so long I had had nothing to fight for but money. But here...here there were glorious and honourable knights who led by example, who shone with courtesy both on and off the field. Wiping the mud from my brow I watched them in tournaments and felt something begin to beat again in my heart. I followed these knights to war, fought beside them on the fields of Pennsic, drank with them at their camps.

Now, three years after coming to these lands to escape the Black Death, I have found new life.

One of the knights whom I admired so much, had agreed to take me on as a squire. This knight I saw as a paragon of virtue, a bright star amongst a glowing constellation of Ealdormere's chivalry.

And what was more, he was also from Scotland.

At the Coronation of Berus II and Marion II we agreed to publicly announce our new arrangement. That day also seemed so far off, but finally, it was upon us.

In the weeks leading up to the event, my lady spent many long hours tailoring new clothes for me to wear. With the help of our friend Mahault van der Eych, she created a complete set of court garb, such as would be seen in the high courts of Europe, complete from hood to leather shoes. It was a remarkable change from the peasant’s clothing I usually wore. As well, she laboured over fires and benches and produced two belts, adorned with acorns and stars, with pewter cast buckles and belt ends. For our friend Mahault, and her husband Berend, were also to be made squires at Coronation—to Duke Sir Finnvarr de Taahe.

(You may ask what I was doing all this time? As Thorfinna was so occupied, the responsibilities of maintaining our keep fell completely to me. I still think I got off easy.)

Upon the morning of Coronation, we set out from the keep of Sir Evander MacLachlan and THL Melusine de la Rose. Together we traveled to Skraeling Althing to the grand hall where Berus II and Marion II were to be crowned later that day. We arrived just before court was to begin, and we quickly changed. I received many compliments on the clothing Thorfinna had crafted. I was very proud of the work she had done.

Court was called, and Their Majesties Cennedi and Susanna took the dais. They presented many awards, prominent among them in my mind being William Meriic made a Lord, Evander's presentation of a King's Favour, Erick of Longacres and Tesla de Chardon made a Baron and Baroness of the Court, and of course, Baroness Eleanor Cadfan elevated into the Order of the Pelican. Their Majesties then agreed that suitable Heirs to the throne had been found, and that by the oath given at Their coronation, this meant they must now lay aside the crowns. They did so, leaving them and the thrones in the care of the Order of Chivalry.

Marion II then swept regally into the room, followed by four of her sons, and their uncle Lord Etienne du Naval. She confronted the Order of Chivalry, pressed her claim on the throne, and told them that they stood between Her and something that was Hers. The knights quickly made way as Marion approached the throne. She laid a crown upon Her own brow, and was recognized as Her Dread Majesty. A rabble (comprised of many Galbraiths saying "Rabble, rabble") then walked by, with Berus II walking with them. He stopped shocked at seeing His lady wife crowned upon the dais and approached her to ask what transpired. She explained to Him that she had claimed the throne, and that Her need of him was no more. Like a spurned lovesick puppy, Berus turned to go, but Their sons raised such a ruckus that Marion II called Her husband back to Her side, and acknowledged that She could not reign without Him. He then kneeled and She placed the crown upon his head.

When court was suspended until the evening, the fighters headed for a bridge that had been erected in the hall. (This bridge was to become known as Dame Eleanor's bridge, upon Lord Baldric's suggestion, in honour of Her Excellency.) However, before the battle commenced, Sir Finnvarr called together those who wished to witness the squiring of Berend and Mahault van der Eych. They gave their oath of fealty and were presented with the belts Thorfinna had crafted for them. They were also presented with tools with which to take care of their steeds (brushes, etc) and a length of fabric.

A long battle then ensued as thirty fighters took turn upon the bridge to face opponent after opponent. It was a long process, and in the end, Lord Baldric was the last to stand upon the bridge, though Sir Nigel MacFarlane had the longest run of victories.

At the end of the bridge battle, Evander called for witnesses to my own squiring. He asked if it was still my intention to become his squire, and I affirmed that it was. He then presented me with several pieces of regalia. He said that as a squire, it was my duty to ride with him as battle, and therefore he would give me spurs. The spurs given me were crafted by Lord Verenko (my squire-brother), and they were exact duplicates of Evander's (though silver instead of gold). The chain placed about my neck was crafted by Lord Brandt das Lederwerker (another squire-brother). I knew that a belt had been commissioned for me, but I also knew that its construction had been delayed by a fire, so I was not sure if I would receive one at the ceremony. However, my friends surprised me when Evander pulled out a beautiful belt crafted by Berend, Mahault and Brandt. The belt incorporated my oath to Evander (fealty, sword in battle, counsel), as well as elements of my heraldry (a fox) and Evander's (a castle). After my lady had placed it about my waist I knelt, clasped Evander's sword, and swore my oath to him. He then swore an oath to me. At this point, my eldest squire-brother, Tiberius Justus Britannicus, pulled a mount from his belt and gave it to me as a gift. He also told everyone present that I was currently challenging into the White Bear Fian, which is a Septentrian fighting order. (To enter you must defeat a member in a best two out of three trial of arms. You could keep challenging until you succeeded. I had already fought on challenge at Septentria's 25th Anniversary Event, against Baron Konrad Matthias Jaeger von Dubrau, which I had lost.) Tiberius took a knife and cut the belt end from his belt. He presented me with it, saying he would not replace it until I had successfully entered the Fian, as he knew I someday would.

I was very moved by all of this, and generally just kind of stood their grinning like a fool.

I am truly blessed to have friends—and now family—such as this.

The fighting then moved out of doors, but I only fought two individuals before managing to throw out my back. Rushing inside, I collapsed to the floor, where Baldric and Baroness Freya immediately appeared as if by magic. As Baldric quickly removed my kit, Freya toweled my back and had a cloak spread on the ground for me to lie upon. She gave me instructions on exercises to do to relieve the pain, and I am pleased to say that they worked. I would like to take this opportunity to thank both of them for their kind attention.

Feast was a glorious affair, though the hall was crowded. I enjoyed most of the dishes, especially the final desert. During feast, many songs were sung and stories told, and Houses Hrogn and Galbraith presented our new Monarchs with many, many, MANY gifts for them to use during Their reign.

At feast's conclusion Berus II and Marion II continued Their court, and created Cennedi and Susanna as a Count and Countess of Ealdormere. Susanna was also made a Lady of the Rose. This was all met with a standing ovation.

Truly, for many reasons, it will be a day that lives long in this ex-mercenary's memory.

"The Bear and Hare Together Again": Border Yule (Septentria - Skraeling Althing joint 12th Night, January 3, 2004)

By THLaird Colyne Stewart

From the journals of Cap'n Bloodfox:

The ice lay thick on the Trent and me ship was not going anywhere. The ice was only part o' the problem, as me fine vessel had recently taken damage from the arrows of them Thulish archers. Ever since that constable o' Bastille du Lac put a bounty on me an' my crew we've been hunted like common criminals.

But I tells ya, there ain't nothing common about me and mine.

As I said, the Interceptor weren't going no wheres. And the lads and ladies o' me crew were getting a bit of the cabin fever. So when we hears that there's to be a yuletide celebration not too fars off, well, I decide the best way to keep the crew from killing each other off is to let them let of some steam, as it were. Now, this celebration was back in that shire from which we had recently escaped, that Bastille du Lac. Luckily, as this was a 12th Night celebration, we could go in costume. Meself, I went as a grey mare, more commonly known as a Mari Lwyd* where I grewed up. A perfect disguise for I was covered by a white sheet so no one could see me face. In my hand I carried a staff covered with ribbons with the skull of a horse on the top o' it.

We had to be extra careful at this here celebration, as that Constable would not be the only king's man we had to avoid. This here 12th Night was a joint one for both the Baronies o' Septentria and Skraeling Althing. We had to avoid the forces of both sets of Excellencies as well as them Iron Companions. The Petrea Thule Guard were out in force as well.

Knowing the risks we sets out through the wet, 'cause the gods o' the sea were sore at me for some reason and decided to dump rain on us. When we got out o' the rain there was thick rolling fog everywhere. We scared a good number of locals, let me tells ya, as I come lumbering out of the fog, all draped in tattered white carrying that skull-headed staff with me band of costumed ruffians behind me. We looked like spirits o' the dead coming out to haunt the living. Well, this time o' year was a time o' the spirits, or so me old grand dam used ta tell me.

When we gets to the hall we slip in the door and try to shake the damp off. All around us we were surrounded by folk in costume or fancy dress. We could hear people singing carols and could smell fine smells wafting from out o' the kitchen. Along two sides o' the hall there were games set up for all to play. I heard tell that whichever barony could raise the most points playing these games would win the services of the shire for a year. So I sends me crew out to play these games, with a mind to getting a load o' points which I can then 'auction' off to the barony what needs 'em the most. (And I must admit that this here plan was not of my own concoction, for I heard Their Excellencies of Ramshaven doing the same thing.) So we threw blue bean bags at a poor bear with a certain spot of its anatomy cut out, we rolled blue balls at pins shaped like hares, we tossed rings at some bloke's codpiece, we shot crossbows at targets representing the baronies o' Ealdormere and flung little hares at the helm o' his Excellency o' Skrael. None of us had the courage to play Skraeling Twister.

There were other more traditional games played throughout the hall as well, and folks gambled away at Glic and Gluchaus. Many o' my crew lost great sums o' money, but a few walked away with a small treasure or two.

At one point o' the day these two wooden horses is drawn out and Sir Nigel MacFarlane is placed on one to represent Septentria, while Lord Baldric, Champion o' the Skrael, is placed on the other. Several folk then held out rings as targets and these two big lads were pushed about on their horses trying to get the rings on their lances. Poor Baldric's horse threw two of its shoes, so Sir Nigel came out far in the lead.

There was a Lord and Lady o' Misrule that day (or o' Mischief, I never got that straight). The Lady carried a thick walking stick and wore the ears of a hare upon her head. The Lord was dressed in the skin of a tiger and a kilt, with the ears of a bear upon his own head. These two floated throughout the hall, adding what frivolity and jocularity they could to the day. They did so through their edicts o' silliness, which had to be acted out upon their whims. Even my own poor self was targeted and I was forced to sing a ditty (and all me crew knows what a terrible wailing I can send up).

After many hours o' the games it was time to feast. Lady Olga Axehammer (who I swear must be related to that Constable) and Lord Sven (who also looked familiar, like a certain Ardchreag knight) prepared the feast, and all agreed it was delicious. Throughout the day ribbons had begun to pop up on people's clothes, and now the Lord and Lady o' Misrule began to call these folks up to entertain the populace. There were two moments which had tears running out o' me eyes, being Master Hector and Lord Hydro's interpretive dance rendition o' the Bayeaux Tapestry, and Lord Wat o' Sarum's impression of a certain chequey knight.

After feast the Barons and Baronesses held their courts. At Septentria's court the dancers o' Eoforwic performed a dance to one o' Hector's fine songs. Then House van der Eych presented Their Excellencies Septentria with two cases o' mead for use in war negotiations and House Teach Cairidas donated gold and silver trinkets to Bastille du Lac. (At this point me and me hearties almost gave ourselves away as we began to purr with pleasure at the sight o' such booty). Also Lord Berend van der Eych was called in and given a Bear's Claw for using an enemy prince as a shield at the Pennsic War, and Lord Augustyn o' Thule was inducted into the Order of the Bear's Heart. Between courts Lord Hydro brought out a cauldron filled with small buckets which had been painted by good gentles throughout the day. Using fishing gear, all four Excellencies pulled buckets out of the cauldron, and each artist was given a small trinket. Skraeling Althing then opened its court. The Canton o' Ardchreag came forward and presented the Barony with seventy-two scroll blanks, as they had heard the Barony was in need o' some. The Honourable Lady Melusine de la Rosse was recognized as a Friend of the Hare, and the Honourable Lord Robert le Sawyer was brought in and given a token o' esteem.

At the end o' the courts the winner of the Arts and Sciences bean cut was announced, and it was another o' them van der Eychs, this time young Teah. Also, they announced that Septentria had won the services of Bastille du Lac by a large margin.

There was then much discussing and merry making and there was plenty o' distraction, so me and the crew sneaked out without a one o' us gettin' caught. Ar yes, I must say, it was a fine day in Bastille du Lac.

But now I must see to the repairs o' me ship, for as soon as the ice thaws, I see us sailing back into Bastille's waters to try and get us some o' them silver and gold baubles.

* The mari lwyd, or grey mare, was (and still is) a traditional Welsh Christmas oddity. A player would drape themselves in a white sheet, and carry a staff topped by a real or replica horse skull, which was bedecked with ribbons. Either alone or with a company (many of them playing other roles, such as groom) would travel from house to house. They would knock on the door, and when the occupant answered, engage them in a contest of riddles and insults. If the occupant lost (which they usually did) they had to invite the mare and any of its party in for merriment and refreshment. When the mare and its party had had their fill, they moved on to the next house.

The Skraeling Althing Armorial History

The Skraeling Althing Armorial History

[From Enid Aurelia of the Tin Isles, OL, OP, first Baroness Skraeling Althing to Xristina Viaceslavivna, second Baroness Skraeling Althing]

[With some additions (italicized) by TSivia Bas Tamara v'Amberview, OL, founder of Skraeling Althing]

---

Your Excellency,

Some time ago, I received a request from Lord Evan Little about the Skraeling awards. This week I received another query from the current herald about the awards, and I realized that information and memories have gone astray.

Basking in my retirement, my memories of ancient days are of course "perfect" (the joys of senescence) and since the origins of these things predate most of us having personal computers, there is of course no central record, other than the SCA armorial (which I think you find a useful source of information for dates and registration).

In case of cracks in my perfect memory, I am copying a number of people. A few were there at the beginning and can add or amend. The historians and chroniclers may use this file, in whole or in part, as they see fit.

The one thing I ask, is that this information not be lost again, and I trust to the group of you to preserve it.

---

Dame Tsivia founded Skraeling Althing as a canton of Septentria in 1977 when she came to Ottawa. We were registered as an incipient canton of the incipient Barony of Septentria. (Neither were "real" yet...) We were the only group (then) in Septentria which was NEVER a stand-alone shire. In those days it was really important to get name and arms registered fast, for recognition. So the proto-group designed arms that included an Iroquois coup-stick proper, with a gold maple leaf and a silver fleur-de-lis, and the background must have been red. The (thank GOODNESS!) lost arms had the same white and red inverted pile which currently stands on Skraeling's arms. Midrealm was very good at losing submissions in those days, so nothing came of the arms. In 78 the group's character changed a lot. TSivia had to go back to Toronto and look after pressing family needs.

She left as seneschal Thomas of Linlithgow (no relation to Henry), an Atlantean from the shire of Windmaster's Hill. (Thomas was here doing a one-year stint for his MA on the Canadian Navy!) Lucky for me she found Thomas first, because all I ever wanted to be was MoA. I have been MoA in the Shire of Mynydd Seren for a year, then spent a year overseas intermittently researching and pining for the Society.

The current arms were designed on a weekend by Lady Jorunn (our then herald) and myself, based on a legacy of Thomas', which was of course, the bunny frou-frou joke.

Now, note, I say "based on". The animal on the Skraeling banner is NOT a bunny, or a goon, but a hare. This was a deliberate heraldic choice. It is true that the emblazon then looked a lot like a rabbit. But as you heralds know, it is the blazon that counts, not the emblazon. The hare is salient to the sinister because that's the way it was easiest for Jorunn to draw.

We choose white and red as the two principal colours from the previous arms, and as being very suitable for an Ontario group.

I think Aelflaeda must have the herald that followed those arms through the system. They would have been registered some time before April 81, but check the armorial.

We became a Barony in 82, when Lady Thora (Anne Grey) was seneschal, Aedan and Kaffa were baron and baroness Septentria, Ithriliel was Kingdom seneshal, and Moonwulf and Takaya sat on the Thrones of the Midrealm.

It took 15 full members to be a barony then (under grandfather rules). I think we got 18 or 20, and some number of associates. A LOT in the days when membership was $25 US and most of our members were students.

Thora and Enid did the bulk of the paperwork, with substantial input from Lord Durnhardt. We couriered a bunch of copies to Starleaf Gate where a Curia meeting was being held. The final package was fast-tracked: our barony was passed at Board meeting in March, being held the same day as Clancy Day. Duchess Ithriliel phoned her husband, Duke Laurelin, who was in attendance at Clancy Day. When we were back at the hotel changing for dinner, Laurelin came to find me, with a note on hotel stationary in his hand "Skrealing (sic) Althing approved as Barony". (I carried that note around in my wallet until it fell apart.) This was a surprise. We had expected to have to wait until Coronation.

So Moonwulf and Takaya declared us Barony. I was coronetted with my own circlet (Baron Aedan had offered his Coronet but it didnn't fit my, um...large head.)

We had two events shortly after. A local "first baronial" event in May, and an official one June 6. One of the reasons for doing a local event was that we wanted an environment where we could do our own pomp and ceremony without being overshadowed. (We were so FAR from the nearest noblility/royalty in those days.) Another was that Thora would miss the June event, and she had put so much work into the submission it did not seem fair.

It was for this event, in consultation with the officers, that I created two baronial orders, the Order of the Hare Salient (for service by members of the BArony) and the Order of the Friends of the Hare (for service by non-members). Both orders carry equal precedence.

The badge for friends of the Hare was registered while Mistress Grania was Kingdom Herald and Gwilym was Baronial herald. It is Per pale argent and gules, two hares combattant, conjoined at the forepaws, counterchanged.

[Ed: According to the On-line Ordinary and Armorial for the SCA (dated: 991108 by Morsulus), although the Badge for the Friends of the Hare was registered in February 1990, the Order itself was never registered.]

The resubmit (which Grania told me would pass) of the Hare Salient was lost. It is the hare salient to the sinister on the red background of our arms , surrounded by a white clover wreath. There should be copies of this in the files.

[Ed: According to the On-line Ordinary and Armorial for the SCA (dated: 991108 by Morsulus), although the Order of the Hare Salient was registered in March 1989, it has no registered badge as yet.]

The Hare Salient was conceived of as a sort of group-level purple fret. I'm not sure it was ever given to a non-armiger. The first three recipients were Thora, Aelflaeda and Jorunn. The next three were Mordain, Ivy and Yusef. Mordain became baronial champion at our first event (by fiat, not contest of arms, which was unnecessary).

Dame Tsivia received the first Friends of the Hare (she was not a member of the Barony then), followed by Ragni, Torbin and Finnvarr, for hospitality (June event). [TSivia]was named "premier" of the Friends of the Hare, but as she moved BACK to Skraeling about a year after this period, Her Excellency asked her if she would resign her Premiership of that Order and instead, accept a co-premiership of the Hare Salient (now that she lived in-Barony again). It seemed a bit odd to her at that time, but she accepted. So it is her understanding that she doesn't hold a Friends of the Hare, but rather that she is co-premier of the Hare Salient with the above-named ladies. (She doesn't know what that makes the DATE of receiving the award).

At the May event, I also gave the first outside of group bunny tails to Dame Ellen, Searu and Stepan, who had stayed up all night the day before sewing a seneschal and a herald's tabard!

The bunny tails were an invention of Jorunn and Thomas of Linthgow. They were first presented as a good-bye present at the cry-in (Jorunn and Linlithgow were both leaving). Jorunn afterwards stuff the remaining fur into my hands saying "Here, you do it" and the rest is history...

It was an obvious way of saying "You're a valued member of the group", without jumping the gun on an AoA, which were not that easily come by (one wound up going down to the US to collect them), and we felt, signified a more distinct and longer contribution.

Tails were originally conceived of being given after 6-12 months of activity. As the barony grew, this interval, regretfully, sometimes lengthened. I remember at least one member (the then captain of my guard!) receiving his after his AoA!

I don't remember when I started the baronial guard (about a year later?). It was a way of recognizing martial contributions from people like Lord Yusef. Lady Kasia was instrumental and getting the guard open to scouts and archers. Mid was being odd about heraldic submissions again, so the badge of the baronial guard is registered to me. It is gold camp walls around the hare salient to the sinister. The brilliant heraldic insite of Duke Finnvarr and his regional team including Henry came up with a proper blazon for the badge. The camp walls are something like, or, a cross voided and fracted in delft.

The last third baronial order was the Black Hare, for entertainment. This badge is also registered and is a gold lyre supported by two black hares, fieldless.

I believe the first recipients were Lord Galen and Lady Katajan. And TSivia. (It was difficult [to keep track], as no one got scrolls back in those days...) Both the Skraeling (as it was then) and the Greyfells choir hold group black hares. This gives ANY member, when they are performing, the right to wear the black hare badge. (Only individual recipients can wear them all the time.) Baron Henry's players are an example of individuals who all hold individual black hares. Lord Phaeromond is probably one of the only people who holds a black hare neither for singing or dancing!

While I was baroness, I sometimes gave carrots of excellence. They were for cool stuff involving an interface to the non-SCA world, like Romek and Eric's CMS group ice sculpture.

At Pennsic we sometimes gave a "good camping token".

Scrolls

I had good promissories made up for the Hare Salient and Friends of the Hare by Lady Searu, which I used for years. This little Hare Salient and Black Hare [TSivia] never got a scroll for either award..but that's no surprise. She believes she has *THE* oldest promissory for an AoA in all of the Midrealm, too. And she might be the only person to hold supporters to her "achievement of arms", given to her by Her Excellency many Christmases ago: a black hare and a white hare, as supporters to her arms, complete with stationary designed by Lady Searu.Then Mistress Sarra made promissories for the three Orders, in the name of both Henry and I. Finally, as a gift to the incoming barons, Eric and Xristina, we commissioned from Lady Ellen o'Dynbych, a set of three promissories. These were given to them with the other gifts from us when we stepped down.

By my hand,
Enid Aurelia of the Tin Isles, OL, OP
Skraeling Althing
January 18, 2000