Wednesday 14 December 2022

Mistress Rachael Catherine McLellan

Was Redhaven of Dorylaeum


Laurel, Order of the Laurel, 2008-03-01

Baroness, Baroness of the Court, 2003-01-18

OC, Order of the Crucible, 2006-10-18

AMH, Award of the Maiden's Heart, 2002-01-19

AO, Award of the Orion, 2003-11-22

AOA, Award of Arms, 1997-06-21 , Kingdom of the Middle

SOH, Scroll of Honour, 1999-10-09, for timeliness regarding HRM's pregnacy

SOH, Scroll of Honour, 2001-10-13, Scribal service

AQF, Award of the Queen's Favour, 2002-05-25

AUG, Augmentation of Arms, 2002-09-28, Royal augmentation of Sarnac and Jolicia

SOH, Scroll of Honour, 2004-10-23, Providing gifts of art to the Kingdom of Norths...

AQF, Award of the Queen's Favour, 2005-04-23

SOH, Scroll of Honour, 2009-09-19, Scribal Contributions throughout the Reign of R...

OB, Order of the Bee, 1998-05-30, Principality of Ealdormere

ACC, Award of the Chalice's Crystal, 1997-05-10, Barony of Rising Waters

AS, Award of the Spider, 1999-05-29, Barony of Rising Waters

ACC, Award of the Chalice's Crystal, 2004-01-24, Barony of Rising Waters

AS, Award of the Spider, 2005-01-15, Barony of Rising Waters

OGCRW, Order of the Golden Chalice, 2005-11-26, Barony of Rising Waters

OGS, Order of the Golden Spider, 2006-05-13, Barony of Rising Waters 


LINDA KALUSIK OBITUARY

Born in the city of Toronto, on May 31, 1947, Linda passed peacefully at Toronto General Hospital, surrounded by her family on December 9th, 2022.
Survived by her husband and partner of 54 years, Ron, their daughters, Laurie and Sue-Ellen, grandchildren Ryan, Evan, Mia, and Alex, great granddaughter, Hannah, and sister-in-law, Linda Cottrell.
Predeceased by her brother John Cottrell, mother Gladys Cottrell, and in-laws Len and Kay Kalusik.
A tireless worker, she strived continuously to better herself. Beginning her career as a "secretary" and moving through numerous purchasing and HR positions, serving a term as President of the Personnel Association of Ontario, and retired from the City of Brampton as the HR Systems Coordinator.
Linda enjoyed life to the fullest. Interests included gardening, baking, cooking, baseball, golf and, medieval history.
She played ladies' fastball in Rexdale and Orangeville. Later, ladies and mixed Slo-Pitch and 3 pitch in Orangeville and in tournaments throughout southern Ontario. Linda's love of medieval period history led her to membership in the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). Known to her peers as the Honourable Mistress Baroness Rachael Catherine McClellan. A title earned through service, mastery of illumination, and calligraphy. In addition to those achievements, early on she participated in mock "Battles" full armor and all. That was tempered by her full commitment to maintaining period dress (Elizabethan) at all SCA functions.
A private funeral and internment have been held. A Celebration of Life is planned for the spring, Linda's favorite time of year. Donations may be made to the Toronto General Hospital Ajmera Transplant Centre, https://uhnfoundation.ca/programs/transplant/

Tuesday 15 November 2022

Gerhard of Caldrithig

 

Ottawa Citizen

AO, Award of the Orion, 2013-09-28

 AOA, Award of Arms, 1997-02-22, Middle Kingdom

SOH, Scroll of Honour, 2017-04-29, The Caldrithig Choir and Instrumental Group for...

OBHSA, Order of the Black Hare, 2015-11-07, Barony of Skraeling Althing

Obituary

Peacefully, at the Ottawa General Hospital, having met the challenges of kidney disease and diabetes for many years with good spirit. Predeceased by his father, Thomas, Steve will be missed by his mother Joan and his brother Christopher, and by his many friends. Memorial to be held in Ottawa, Spring of 2023. In lieu of flowers, donations to Diabetes Canada or to the Kidney Foundation would be appreciated. 

[Ottawa Citizen, Published on October 21, 2022

Friday 9 September 2022

Duchess Caitlin Stuart


Duchess 1997-03-01 Kingdom of the Middle
Countess 1981-10-03 Kingdom of the Middle
Order of the Laurel 1982-05-30 Kingdom of the Middle
ODH Order of the Dragon's Heart 1996-04-20 Kingdom of the Middle
GOA Grant of Arms 1999-08-19 Kingdom of the Middle
OWMK Order of the Willow 1979-01-13 Kingdom of the Middle
APF Award of the Purple Fret 1980-10-15 Kingdom of the Middle
OTCK Order of the Torse 1981-09-26 Kingdom of Calontir
ADG Award of the Doe's Grace 1994-05-14 Kingdom of the Middle
AQFMK Award of the Queen's Favour 2000-04-29 Kingdom of the Middle, Queen Tamara
AOA Award of Arms 1978-01-14 Kingdom of the Middle
Order of the Rose 1997-03-01 Kingdom of the Middle
AQF Award of the Queen's Favour 2000-04-29 Queen Josephine
OGO Order of the Golden Otter 1995-03-25 Principality of Ealdormere
OB Order of the Bee 1996-04-20 Principality of Ealdormere
FT Fellowship of the Trillium 1998-10-17 Principality of Ealdormere
AG Award of the Guidon d'Sang 1997-04-10 Barony of Ramshaven
(Resigned) (Honour Resigned) 1995-09-01 Resigned Rose originally awarded 1992-04-04 Kin...
(Retired) (Honour Retired) 1999-09-18 Retired Queen originally awarded 1999-04-10

For Duchess Caitlin
Written for the close of the reign of Thorbjorn Osis Brandsson and Caitlin Stuart, 01 March AS XXXI
Master Hector of the Black Height

And what more need be done?
I need no crown to strive and serve,
I need no throne to speak my mind.
I know my path, I shall not swerve,
And right shall not leave me behind.
And where can I best be?
I stand beside a grand, proud man
And where he stands I there shall stay.
The true and best our only plan:
There's glory left for other days.

In memory of Duchess Caitlin Stuart, here are all entries that mention her from Baron Colyne Stuart's The Wolf, the Wilds and the Wild.

[In Nov AS 11] Caitlin Stuart was first sighted in Eoforwic. Aedan na Kincora and Caffa Muirath were seen in December. Much more is written of these three good gentles elsewhere in this chronicle.

***

On the 30th day of May [AS 16], Caitlin Stuart was elevated to the Order of the Laurel for embroidery.

***

The first king of the Middle Kingdom to hail from the lands of Septentria was Sir Hugo von Feuerklippe, who reigned with Caitlin Stuart I from May until October. (Though Sir Finnvarr also held that same Crown, he had not been born in the Northlands). Caitlin Stuart then made history as she became the first Queen of the Middle to swear an oath upon accepting her crown. No other Queen of the Middle had done this before. Baron Torbin was named as the Royal Chamberlain and Caffa Muirath was made the King’s Champion.

At the coronation the people of Rising Waters made themselves first known. They were led by Aaron of the Black Mountain, who in later years would become a Master of the Laurel. Aaron had heard of the Society via a copy of the Pale which had been sent to him along with a number of volumes having to do with dungeons and monstrous serpents. Rising Waters would soon after be founded as a canton with Aaron as its first seneschal.

Hugo and Caitlin would later have the honour of crowning the first Prince and Princess of Calontir.

***

At this time Her Excellency Gillian d’Uriel relinquished the Ursine Thrones in favour of Aedan na Kincora and Caffa Muirath. This occurred in Afon Araf, in June at the Pacification of the North Woods. Earlier that day the armies of Septentria and North Woods had met to do battle but found a band of mercenaries in wait that threatened them both. Only together did the two armies defeat the mercenaries, and then only barely. When the battle was over peace was declared, and at court that night Gillian surrendered Septentria to the Crown. King Hugo and Queen Caitlin then invested Aedan and Caffa as Baron and Baroness.


During the winter of Anno Societatis XXV two good gentles traveled from Ben Dunfirth to attend a university within the borders of Septentria. This was Osric Caertinn na Conchullain and his lady, Cualgne, and they rediscovered the ruins of Noerlanda. Perhaps not knowing that winter is not the best time of year for construction they nevertheless began to rebuild this long-dead canton. To aid them they found Ursula na Clan na Rath, now a Baroness of the Court, and a surviving member of doomed Noerlanda. When the construction was complete around November, they stood back and looked at their work and they knew it to be good. Rather than again calling the canton Noerlanda, the populace called it the College of Skeldergate (though now it is a canton). Since they could find no documentation to prove they did not fall within the Citie of Eoforwic’s domains, by calling themselves a college, they avoided any geographical disputes with their neighbours. This land of owls would become known for the strength of its fighters, and would give birth to the Hrogn fra Osis, the personal household of Duke Sir Thorbjorn Osis Brandson and Duchess Mistress Caitlin Stuart. At the time I scribe these words, one Midrealm, one Drachenwald and four Ealdormerean kings have come from the canton of Skeldergate. The first (of the Middle) was Osis, who ruled too briefly, and whose Queen, Caitlin Stuart reigned on alone; the second was BerusWolfsson Jarl who ruled twice with Countess Marion FitzWilliam; the third was Duke Aaron Preslee (now Worgonsson) and Rustique du Sorde (who reigned four times). The fourth was Duke Etain au Naval and Duchess Valfreya Greenspeare (who reigned twice). The fifth was Duke Quilliam and Duchess Dagmar Halvdan (who reigned twice). In far off Drachenwald, Duke Leif reigned twice with Duchess Morrigan.

***

On April 4th [AS 26] the Coronet Tourney was again held, this time in Greyfells. On this day Killdare Silverwolf Thorkillsen of Ben Dunfirth and his consort Catherine Dupres became the new Prince and Princess of Ealdormere. Also at this event, Duke Finnvarr begged a boon from King Comar and Queen Lisa of the Middle Kingdom, namely, to induct Countess Caitlin Stuart into the Order of the Rose, an honour that had been denied her in the past. Comar and Lisa agreed to this, and Caitlin was finally a Lady of the Rose.

***

The first Guild day was held in March [AS 30]. The Argent Wolf Fian (now known as the White Wolf Fian) was founded by Princess AElflaeda. This group was conceived by Dame Elizabeth Cadfan, and then realized by Dame Elizabeth with the input and assistance of Moria the Black, Caitlin Stuart and other Laurels whom Dame Elizabeth had recruited. It was for artisans of Ealdormere, and could only be entered through an A&S challenge.

***

From October [AS 31] until March another kingdom found itself under the rule of Ealdormereans for Sir Thorbjorn Osis Brandson won the Crown of the Middle Kingdom for himself and his lady Caitlin Stuart.

***

Near the end of this year [AS 33], in April, Thorbjorn Osis Brandson and Caitlin Stuart succeeded their parents David and Elina to the Lupine thrones.

***

Tragedy then struck the Kingdom [in AS 34], as word came that two Ealdormereans had died in a terrible accident. Lady Bernadette of Lauren (also called Laureen of Der Welfengeu) and His Majesty Sir Thorbjorn Osis Brandson of Skeldergate, had died, leaving our lands bereft of two truly noble gentles. Luckily, the third individual involved in the accident, Worgan McGregor, now a Master-of-Arms, and also of Skeldergate, survived. The three had been returning from Baron Wars in the Middle Kingdom when their vehicle rolled over on the highway.

This left our lands without a King, but his Queen, the indomitable Caitlin Stuart, continued the reign in his memory. Osis had been king for but a month.

To commemorate these two gentles, an award was instituted in each of their memories. The Award of the Maiden’s Heart, an award for service, was dedicated to Bernadette while Osis was named patron of the martial Order of Thornbjorn’s Hammer. Osis was buried with, amongst other things, the token Queen Eislinn of the Middle had given him twelve years before.

Friday 23 October 2020

Bjorn of Nidaros

 Passed October 2020.

Awards of Rank (Foreign)1990-06-16 MK Award of the Purple Fret
Award of Arms1988-11-26 MK
Award of the Chalice's Crystal1990-04-14 

What is the White Bear Fian?


By Maister Colyne Stewart, OP.

Many people ask just what the White Bear Fian is. The answer, not surprisingly, has changed over time.

In the olden days, when Ealdormere was a Principality of the Middle Kingdom, when very few knights or masters-of-arms called our fair land home, a group of fighters banded together to prove their worth off and on the field. Aedan o Kincora and Kaffa Muirath—the first Baron and second Baroness of Septentria—founded the order, though entry into it was not theirs to grant.

To become a fianna, a challenger must present themselves to Their Excellencies Septentria, and make a formal challenge. They must be found worthy by being courteous and well rounded in pursuits. Candidates were (and are) to be able to handle a bow, show some proficiency at either song, story, dance or chess, and must also show some skill in at least one art or science.

If the baron and baroness deem the challenger worthy, then a time and place will be set for the challenger to face a fianna in combat. To gain entry the challenger must defeat a member of the Fian (chosen by the fianna) in two out of three rounds of armoured combat. If the challenger should fail, they are free to challenge again and again. If they succeed, they are inducted into the Fian and made a fianna.

Originally, the Fian was a way for the fighters of our barony to show their worth. To quote Ceallach Cu Meallain, one of the first fianna:

The Fian came into being by the will of many, and finally expressed by Baron Aedan and Baroness Kaffa that honour and dignity on the field and off, should be recognized and fostered. The political mechanism that chooses higher "Society Awards" like the Dragon's Tooth and even the accolade of Chivalry was not adequately recognizing the talents and qualities of Septentrian fighters, archers and scouts. Something was done to counteract this problem. A group based on the Irish Fiana was born. (Ursus #143)

The first round of challenges was held on a summer day in Eoforwic in either AS 24 (1989) or AS 26 (1991). Sources vary on the subject. The first original five members of the Fian were: Sir David Martin Failsworth, Ceallach Cu Meallain, Duke Sir Finnvarr de Taahe, Alasdair of Raasey and Tai Chin Wu.

The Fian was pledged to uphold the honour of the barony, and of combat in general. Ties to the Fian were to come before any other affiliation. Over time this demand for ultimate loyalty to the barony was to loosen, for several reasons. Some members of the Fian moved out of the barony. Indeed, for some, they had no choice but to leave the barony when part of it became the Barony of Ramshaven in AS 29 (1994). Entry to the Fian was eventually opened to anyone who wanted to challenge for entry, as long as they were still found acceptable by the current Baron and Baroness of Septentria. Indeed, during the reign of Baroness Adrielle Kerrec some members of the Kingdom of Calontir successfully gained entry into the Fian. In AS 32 or 33 (1998) Cynred Broccan and Evander MacLachlan would be the last to gain entry for many years.

The fian faded from view, and was almost forgotten. However, in November AS 38 (2003) at the barony’s 25th Anniversary event, Hlaford Streonwald Wulfesbanna became the first new fianna in six years. He was soon followed by four others who were successful in challenging into the Fian.

It is not easy to spot a member of the White Bear Fian, as there is no badge for the order. Rather, each fianna is encouraged to design their own badge incorporating a white bear as one of the charges.

The Fian still strives for excellence both on the field and off, and is always looking for those who wish to test their mettle. The Fian currently will hold the field at any Septentrian event at which they are given the opportunity, to face any and all who would wish to engage in honourable combat, be it to attempt entry into the Fian, or simply to enjoy the battle.

Sources
“White Bear Fian Draws New Challengers,” Ursus #134, March XXV (1991), likely written by Finngiall en Face of Wyre.

“A Tradition of Excellence,” Ursus #143, Dec AS XXVI (1991), Ceallach Cu Meallain & Aeden o Kincora.

“The Fian Awakens at Feast of the Bear,” Ursus Vol. 8. No. 10 October 2003, Colyne Stewart.

“The Fian Roars Again,” Ursus Vol 9 No 1 Jan 2004, Colyne Stewart.

“The Fian Roars and Baron Fights Fifty,” The Chronicles of Colyne Stewart 2001-2005(2006), Colyne Stewart.

[Source: White Bear Fian]

The Story of Ramshaven

By Mistress Alyce de Sheppey and THL Dietrich von Sachsen

This is a living document and is current up to mid-October 2020.

…And the Prince looked out across his wide lands.
He saw how the Skrael held fast ‘gainst the East,
How Ben Dunfirth guarded the Inland Sea,
And Rising Waters kept the southern strand.
In the north ran free the wind and wild beast
And Septentria was the heartland’s key;
But the west lay open and free.

“We have no shield to stand guard in the west,”
The Prince said has he gathered his council.
“And so we must therefore send someone forth.
The foe must not see what’s weak from the rest.
We need a strong hand and strong force of will.”
One voice rose there, a voice of noble worth:
“To the west I shall set my berth.”

“I am Cordigan d’Arnot and I will go,
I will take on the unknown and wild.
I and mine will be your strong western hand.”
The Prince said: “Declare this so that all may know,
If they be a man or woman or child,
If you can tame and settle this wild land
You and yours will it ‘ere command.”

And so it was the Company set out:
Cordigan and his Diane by his side.
Fairer was she than new fallen snow,
Like the soft beauty of spring all about.
Well-tempered was she in fairness and pride
To leave old comforts of home and to go
For a future her lord would sow.

The land was fair rich with forest and stream,
And vast pasture for the cattle to graze.
Yet, to tame a land unbroken before
Called for brow’s sweat and for vision and dream.
Land yielded and a strong keep they did raise.
They had two well guiding hands to the fore:
Diane, and Cordigan her lord.

The years passed and the land settled and grew.
In time of gentle peace it prospered well.
But when to war the horns called they rode forth
With shield, with bow, and with ranks of spears true.
It mattered not death, nor heaven, nor hell,
For whenever the prince fought on this earth,
Cordigan the bold proved his worth.

Came the time at last, though none thought it could,
When age finally catches up on the youth.
Cordigan did speak how through peace and war,
A great land was built, well, noble, and good.
Of a strong people with honour and truth
Who stood with pride in their true service sure,
Who kept the west border secure.

“You are Ramshaven! You built this fine land!
Through your brave courage and by your strong arm
You are Ealdormere’s strength, her western shield.
None can break her while you stalwart do stand!
We know you will keep her safe from all harm!
We know you will make her enemies yield!
Only we shall not be her shield.”

So passed on Diane and her Cordigan
Of strong Ramshaven stock they were the first.
Vali and Heithr stood up next to lead.
In peacetimes or when the wars came again,
Through time that saw both, the better and worst
Justice and valour did temper each deed.
Strong they stood in Ealdormere’s need.

The land grew stronger still, crops bountiful.
The ewe lambs frolicked upon fields of green.
The people flourished in richness untold.
Season slipped by, years of linen and wool
And halls rang with the laughter of children,
Wealth in worth more precious even than gold
Until the dark horizon cold.

Vali and Heithr sat within their hall
When came the word from far ice-crusted shore,
Blood imperiled called for strong kindred aid.
Kin cannot be denied when voices call.
Choices came hard when for land love hearts tore.
Deeper roots had duty which must be paid
And choices no longer delayed.

Rising from night fires glowing soft light
Came Martya, child of the strong born new blood.
Amber haired and eyes of gypsy fire bright
Whose words were like wind born of petals of white
By her stood Davin, blades of steel and wood.
Too soon passed they both into the twilight;
Fealty of land passed into the night.

The land then fell silent, its loss to mourn,
For it could not live without one to lead.
The call went out: “Who will lead in their stead?”
Wise council sought far for new leaders born,
The Ram cried out loud for action and deed.
For the love of the land did many feet tread,
Came low-born and came noble bred.

Konrad stood forth, born of the elder time,
Of the old blood, true son of Cordigan.
Strong warrior, and wise, to lead the land.
By his side, though once from far distant clime,
Stood Alyce. Deep for the land her love ran.
Two, bound together by vows, hand in hand.
Two, together, bound to the land.

Fealty of land passed again into light
As grief, past bound, began slowly to heal,
In the fullness of days the land found bright life
And its people remembered of days bright
And in such mem’ry did the old wounds seal
And brought peace to child, to husband and wife
Ramshaven once more was secure and safe.

For many years lead Konrad and Alyce.
They drew strength from the wisdom of the past,
Drew hope from the shining future ahead.
Again the land knew the fullness of peace,
A part of a rich history to last
The tale of those who followed, those who led
And those who would rise in their stead.
In time the mantle they wore grew weighty,
Once more the call for new blood was sent forth.
With heavy hearts were their words then spoken,
A call to come forth, those who were worthy.
In their wisdom they knew growth came from birth,
That the chain forged of old stay unbroken.
The land chose again among men.

One stood forth, a norseman of wide renown.
Land bound he, by bonds of blood and honour.
Sword-strong, world-wise, never standing alone;
Wencendl stood near with golden crown.
They sat and heard words of what came before.
They stood, and would do that which must be done.
For Kolbjorn had the high seat won.

The circlet was passed from father to son,
The land prospered in the slumber of peace.
With birthright secure, Kolbjorn went to the sea,
Raiding far shores as his fathers had done.
Fearful towns’ Danegeld his coffers increased,
Yet generous and giving with spoils was he;
Sharing with kinsmen was his decree.

Their hall was adorned with treasures bright:
Silver and gold and beauteous garments.
The wealth of Ramshaven was well-renowned
No less famed their skill when called forth to fight.
Wencendl watched from the battlements,
Inspiring her lord and her men on the ground,
Whenever the war-horns did sound.

The passage of time marched slowly onwards,
And both lady and lord were themselves bound:
Loyal to the land, yet to their house sworn.
Thus they resolved to seek out from their lords
New stewards of Ramshaven to be found,
Who’d honour the land whose circlet they’d worn:
And responsibility had borne.

From the vastness of the great northern wood -
Land of stony shores where the wolf still bayed wild –
Came two weapon-thanes from their small bright hall,
As bright as their honour, and will to do good
To serve land and people; man, woman, and child,
Spake Penda and Sybilla: “We have answered this call,
And we pledge to serve one and all.”

The lords of the land deliberated for days
The worth of their claim to the barony’s high seats,
In the end they accepted, for these two had impressed.
In promise for that circlet and their people’s praise,
Did the new rulers agree to perform mighty feats.
Thus Sybilla and Penda would set out on quest,
And so grow the shield o’er the West.

“The lands in the south have grown mighty and well,
Bryniau and Der Welfengau are stoutly defended,
But northwards we see but an empty domain.
A wild expanse where honest men fear to dwell,
Let us turn all our labours to this task most splendid:
To construct mighty holds, and plant well the grain,
And we shall raise up worthy thanes.

To that end did the rulers return to their hall,
And Northgaetham grew wealthy, and joyful and bright,
A beacon of welcome and safety for guests;
And good ladies and lords had cause to stand tall
They brought order and peace to the north, as was right,
The sovereigns saw reason that Northgaetham be blessed,
That in their great hall hang its crest.

The people rejoiced – Penda’s quest was at end,
And Sybilla’s as well; for through war and through peace,
Had strengthened the land, and brought all great honour
That was sung by the bards and borne by each friend.
But that cruel mistress Time in her path does not cease.
Sybilla and Penda called the folk to their manor,
For new leaders to take up their banner.

Now the line of brave Cordigan is well-known and famed,
For lords of martial skill, known for courage and daring.
Six generations grasped tightly the warrior’s blade,
But now the seventh bellicose nature constrained.
The newest of stewards were kindly and sharing:
Lucia and Penn through the hall’s grand arcades
Approached; and to the high seats they were bade.

Do not mistake this appellation for one of reproach;
Nor assume that on whose brows the coronets rested
Were lacking in courage or other noble virtues.
Merely the new lords took the peaceful approach,
And to see the land flourish, challenged their people to be tested.
Grand were the tourneys, and new champions came to
The high seats in their fealty due.

The first year they held sway the two did command
Tales of adventures from far and from near;
Traveller’s stories did the bardic muse inspire,
And next year saw poems read and songs sung in the land.
These patrons of bards, Penn and Lucia spread great cheer
And by their example brought new friends to sit by the fire,
To pass the mead-horn round. Much laughter was heard,
For now was hospitality their word.

Ramshaven eagerly embraced the Baronial will,
The western lands unto travellers were kind;
But in the year by her own hand Kaylah was Queen
Did the great plague descend over valley and hill
Fierce and terrible; and thundering blew a mighty wind,
The sickness was sore in the land: felt but unseen.
And once prosperous times now grew lean.

At first the people were afraid, and not without cause
For the shops of the merchants had shelves plain and bare
But their most noble prince and princess lead the way
And they ascended the o thrones without pause
The folk of the Northlands cast out doubt and fear
Connection became Ramshaven’s word; for someday
This pestilence would be driven away.