Great Performances: an SCA Bardic Showcase

[Image source: Great Performances: an SCA Bardic Showcase Facebook event]

The Great Performances: an SCA Bardic Showcase ran from Aug 16 to Aug 29, 2020, and was hosted by the SCA Virtual Classroom and Artisan Display group on Facebook. The event description read:

The Goal: To have a wide variety of Bards across the Knowne World entertain everyone with their best performance.

What: Pick what you feel is your very best performance and share it. No Judges, no stress, just beauty. The performances can be period pieces, filks, SCA Historical Tales, original works, or modern pieces that have an SCA feel to them. Entertaining is the key. The genre is up to you. Single performers as well as ensembles are encouraged to participate.

Each performer will receive a coin (see picture) struck by Magister Arion to commemorate their participation in the Showcase.

The Great Performances: An SCA Bardic Showcase will be hosted as an event on
The SCA Virtual Classroom and Artisan Display Facebook page from August 16 to August 29th. Please post a video of your performance in the event page during this time period.

We are asking each performer will also be asked to fill out a brief sign up questionnaire so that we can mail your coin to you at the end of the Showcase. 

On Sep 2, 2020, one of the event's organizers posted the following message to the Kingdom of Ealdormere group on Facebook:

Hello Everyone,

Great Performances: an SCA Bardic Showcase has completed.

I come now to give word fame to the bards of Ealdormere:

Ines De Freitas, Kráku-hallr Gunnarsson (called Seamus), Maister Colyne Stewart, Rufus of Stamford, and Martin Bildner brought honor and glory to your fair Kingdom with their performances. 

They stood proud among 88 performances shared from 18 Kingdoms. The magnitude of the response far outstripped our expectations, and the stunning variety of performances was amazing. There are some very talented performers throughout the Known World, and they wowed us with performances that made us laugh, cry, smile, and want to stand strong until we can all be together again. 

Magister Arion and I want to thank everyone who took the time to perform and share their art in this event. The success of this is owing all to you. As I said before, your response to this was beyond our wildest imagination. You all are amazing! 

If you haven't had a chance to see the performances, they are still available to view. Please go watch them if you can. They are wonderful. 

Here's a link to the event:
https://facebook.com/events/s/great-performances-an-sca-bard/1578324685650715/?ti=as

Sincerely,
Lady Fina MacGrioghair

War of the Trillium, 2016

By Fáelán Ruadh ua Aodha [See the original post on her blog, complete with pictures.]

I’ve been back a few days from having gone to Trillium War – the biggest event the Kingdom of Ealdormere holds.

That is where I tested the Faux woad and faux lime wash hair with my Pictish persona. I didn’t have Trews (plaid trousers) for my persona so I opted for using a plaid wool blanket I had as a Belted Plaid / Greater Kilt – apparently there are pictish stones that show belted plaids or robes of deeply pleated material (source: ‘Pictish Warrior AD 297-841’, by Paul Wagner, Illustrated by Wayne Reynolds), so I didn’t see a problem using it, let alone it expanding the amount of canvas to test the faux woad.

The day before I had gathered the kids in camp who wanted to try the faux woad (blue coloring pencils with tips soaked in water). They really enjoyed drawing on themselves and eventually ended up having a blast drawing all over me – sorry I don’t have a photo of that (I’m usually the one behind the camera). To keep in theme of my Pictish persona I ended up washing a lot off, though I did enjoy the hearts and dragons that were contributed while I had them

Though this image I had taken of my post faux lime washed and spiked hair didn’t do justice to how white it actually came out. But this following photo taken by Master Eirik Andersen really did show how pale it turned out.

Throughout the days of the event I had several people mention that they thought I looked like Jack Frost from Rise of the Guardians – which I take as a compliment as I am a fan of said Jack Frost

When it came to washing it out it just needed to two washes (I typically use dove soap). I’ll sure be using it again

It was a weekend filled with great activities and comradery to which I’ll share with what photos and videos I’ve captured of the event. Feel free to keep and share, just credit Rua Lupa when you do use it

Hunker Hausen is a game we played at Trillium War in the Kingdom of Ealdormere. It is played by two players, each standing on a log almost two meters apart from one another. They begin by holding onto the end of a rope that is about triple the distance between them. Once ready to begin we counted down 3-2-1 and began to pull the rope until taught. That is when the fun begins. You can either try to pull your opponent off or let off some slack so they fall back. With this in mind it is ideal to avoid being left with the end of the rope, because you are really stuck at that point. That is why you try to pull in as much as possible when you start.

Staff / Pole Wrestling (don’t know the original name) is a two player game – standing side by side with your inner most feet being right against each other and hands placed alternatively with the inner hands in front of your opponent. When ready you try to either have your opponent move their feet (they must stay planted where you began) or let go of the staff / pole.

The Rose Tourney is where teams of unbelted fighters (non-Knights) are sponsored by a member of the Order of the Rose. The Order of the Rose is an order of current and former Royal consorts – the person in the royal couple who did NOT win the crown by right of arms.

In the video that follows the related photos you will see when two members are left standing where they mutually are uncertain who got the last blow and end up fighting one on one. Jóbjorn leðrblaka from the Barony of Ramshaven, the Kingdom of Ealdormere, representing her grace Rylyn Buchanan; and Darius from the Kingdom of the East representing her grace Dagmar Halvdan.

On the Saturday night those in attendance of Trillium War had the honor of witnessing The Legends Party – a bardic circle showcasing our Legendary Bards and our Legendary Songs and Tales

Baron's Howe, 2016

By Fáelán Ruadh ua Aodha [See the original post on her blog, complete with pictures.]

Baron’s Howe – an SCA event in Ealdormere that is near North Bay Ontario, Canada – has recently just passed by during the Labour Day Weekend here in Canada. It was another great event hosted by the Ubershire, BrennisteinVatn.

We had a Bardic Circle that was great fun – particularly when Her Majesty contributed one of her favorites that all present participated in, “Crúiscín Lán“… and Aethelbert had just filled his cup full (in this song you have to down your drink at the end)

There were friendly games of Hunker Hausen and Maide Leisg (pronunciation here);

Here is some better footage of the game that I took during Trillium War this year.

While I played the Hunker Hausen game, my spouse had made a remark that ended up in the Camp’s Notebook of Interesting Things Said at Camp; “This is the first time I’ve told me wife to yank another guy off”.

There was also axe throwing + a night throw (lots of fun hitting the glowsticks on the target and seeing the spurts of glowing ‘blood’ – even though you’re supposed to hit the center and miss the glowstick ring, which makes ‘losing’ a bit more fun); Along with archery, heavy fighting in “the bowl”, and a whole lot of personal crafting among participants that was a nice social in itself.

We also had the pleasure of having their Majesties of Ealdormere present, Queen Adrielle III & King Nigel III. I really enjoyed being able to get to know her majesty and hang out with fellow northern folk from the Shire.

At court Olaf Smeds was awarded the Scarlet Banner.
And there was a bit of a surprise for my spouse and I – we both were awarded Orions!

Thanks to TH Lady Catriona and Master Brand for this lovely scroll – and to those who thought what I was doing was worthy enough to put it to the royal’s ears for this honor!

I am impressed by the amount of attention there is to my persona with this scroll (600 AD [+/-200yrs] and earlier Dal Riata / Pict). Not only is there a beautiful Celtic stag, but the poem style is “Based on the 6th century poem ‘Pangur Pan’, one of the earliest examples of Irish Poetry” Simply Amazing.

This imagery of Aethelbert is well suited – as seen in this following photo of him at the event… as well as in the background of the first photo and the crafting social photo.

On the Saturday Morning I also had a different surprise…[picture of spider]

And one other funny thing happened that weekend. Their excellencies of Ramshaven had some gifted cherries soaked in vodka and orange peels that they cracked open to try and share on the Sunday Night. The verdict was it tasted of pin-sol. So we then decided to try to flambe them, and this is the result.

It was a fun and relaxing weekend with fabulous company (though Skrael was missed) and gorgeous setting – notably completely free of poison ivy. I recommend any in the great Kingdom of Ealdormere who haven’t been to try for next year.

War of the Trillium, 2017

By Fáelán Ruadh ua Aodha [See the original post on her blog, complete with pictures.]

Trillium War, the largest SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) event held in the kingdom of Ealdormere (check out last year’s article here)

This year was hot with waves of rainstorms. But that did not stop the attendees from having a good time.

From my end of things, I mostly hung out at the thrown weapons range. Trying to take advantage of the few times of the year I actually can throw my axes at a target. What was pleasing was to see so many other people at the range and competing. Wanting to keep my competitive edge, I noticed my literal axe edge needed some attention if I wanted them to not bounce off of the target. So I took up a fair bit of the event just sharpening my axes (thank you Kaolin for letting me use your axe file – and since confirmed that I needed to sharpen the blade in a different fashion than what I had been doing. So I must give a nod to someone, whom I did not get the name of, who tried to point that out and I thought my memory served me on what was to be done, which I was mistaken. Axe Filing, It is not like a sharpening Stone!). While I was doing that I had a Thrown Weapons Range attendee check my progress,

Even at the Thrown Weapons Range I managed to learn some Arts & Science. Not many people know this, but SCAdian women love lifting up their skirts – for you to see their seams

It really helped me get a handle on how to accomplish Norse styled clothing stitches. To which I also later attended a class just on Inserting Gores Into Flat Fabric by Dame Helen. It had a great hands on segment that was a miniature example so you know how to apply the theory.

Another class I attended at Trillium War was on Bone Carving. Which had this lovely example showing what you can do with bone,

The following image is not all that great, but it shows the Trillium War Brew Tasting Competition. It included Beer, Cider, Mead, and Cordial, often with various sorts of brew in between. It, as usual, ended up being pretty fun which attracted the Queen who remarked on how loud our tent was with laughter and chatter. Needless to say, there is so much great brewing going on in Ealdormere and as they are almost entirely just home brews I definitely make sure I always am at this competition for the rare taste.

Even though these events typically have open alcohol, do not let that fool you. It has a very family reunion feel and kids are abound enjoying the Medieval camping to the max, as shown in this following image,

And her Majesty is so keen on making the Kids feel like they are a part of Events like this that she arranged a Hobby Horse Children’s Procession,

During this time I was attending a Woad Dying class, which is among the coolest dying methods to watch. The following image is an animated GIF attempt to show how the fiber changes color as it is exposed to oxygen,

Later we went to the garden to see what the Woad herb looked like and gathered some of it’s seeds so we could grow it ourselves.

Now, Trillium War annually falls on the Canada Day weekend, and since this was Canada’s 150th year, there was a special Axe Throwing Tourney to celebrate called “I AM SCANADIAN” hosted by Hexenhaus, to which the winners would be announced at Court.

I competed and at Court, I found out that I won!

Court also revealed the War Banner for that year, and it was themed on bacon – having the Trillium as Bacon strips and the Motto, “Bacon Brings Victory”

I should also mention that this Trillium War’s Theme was “The Silk Road”, and alas, I did not photograph the many wonderful people who were dressed in theme for this event. But the event did hold a wonderful “Silk Road Bazaar” at Merchant’s Row on the Saturday evening where participants were encouraged to bring items to barter.

I managed to bring raw Alpaca Fibers from The Great Whitestone Isle of the Lake Seas (Manitoulin – where I live), fossils I found on the island, the last of my glass stars, a couple of antique glass bottles I fitted with corks, rings – two of which were spinning rings, a bangle, and two bone carved pendants.

And from some of those items, and some cash I got through trade, I obtained two ridge pole hooks, a three legged cooking pot, herbs of Sage and Dill, Red Silk, Wool Tartan, A Children’s Hood, A bronze Pendant, a pair of Bronze Anglo-Saxon Fasteners (Their exact use is a mystery, specially made by Emer ingen Uí Áedán. I hope to do some experimental archaeology with them to find out how they could have been used), Two small cups (one was mysteriously gifted actually – Thank You!), and a large Icelandic styled drinking cup – now a favorite that I use all the time.

My kiddo managed to trade a fossil for a Silk Fan, and my spouse managed to trade a leather drinking vessel of his own making for two knives, and bought some trim.

During the weekend there was also a number of Moots, one of which was the Herald Moot, and the new Trillium Herald (Kingdom Level Herald) had sought out if I were interested in filling in the role of herald for the Ubershire (Shire Brennstein Vatn, that covers Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, and North Bay), and I said I am. So now that is in the works and I hope to be able to do some good service for the great shire of the north.

Next SCA Installment will be Brouhaha!

Baron's Brouhaha, 2017

By Fáelán Ruadh ua Aodha [See the original post on her blog, complete with pictures.]

Baron’s Brouhaha is annually held in the Canton of Northgeatham in the Barony of Ramshaven (see a previous article on this event here).

Brouhaha is one of the smallest events, but that also makes it one of the most relaxed events too. Even so, there is something for everyone. And this year had a special component, The Baron and Baroness of Ramshaven were going to select their Champions of Ramshaven at this event. So there was a Championship Tourney for each skilled art – and this year was the first time an Arts & Science Champion would be named. These champions will not be selected by a straight forward win in their respective tourneys, but “…to find Ambassadors to each of the disciplines, and those come at any and all levels of skill.”

The First Day

The site was opened on Friday and was the quietest and most relaxed day of the event as most were arriving on the Saturday when all the scheduled activities and tourneys would take place. So, I decided that this was the best time to make a traditional pottage with my recently acquired three legged cooking pot from the Silk Road Bazaar at Trillium War. This is because this kind of fireside cooking takes a lot of time – but well worth it.

Now, I am keen on becoming completely able to consistently start a fire with only the items and methods available in my persona’s time period (~600 AD or earlier). So I had brought my flint, Norse styled steel striker, and my gathered fire starters of chard linen, frayed strands of linen, thistle / milkweed fluff, and pine resin.

I was able to get heat and smoke consistently, but it was so windy that the flames never lasted. Eventually we caved and used a bunch of paper to keep the fire going. At least I was able to use this fire to make more charred cloth, which is made by putting your linen into a tin – having some air able to reach the interior but otherwise completely sealed away from the flame – and cook it in the fire until it stops smoking. Take out, let cool, and then you are done!

So with this fire, I took my three legged pot, and followed the instructions given to me from the maker – who had traveled from the Southern Kingdoms (USA) to sell their goods at Trillium War (the biggest SCA Event in Ontario, Canada). I was told that with such pots you Do Not put them directly into the fire, but beside it and drag the coals out and put them under and around the pot. This will bring your pot’s temperature high enough to boil, so add or remove the coals to reach your desired temperature. Once your pottage is satisfactory to your taste, Do Not remove it directly from the coals, but slowly remove the coals from around it and let it cool slowly. This whole process takes at least a couple of hours, but the longer you cook the better your pottage. Some people have it going all day to eat for dinner.

What I had put in this pot was first chopped bacon and leeks. I then let that simmer until all the fat was melted and spread around the pot. Then I added chopped carrots, sage, basil, rutabaga (closest thing to a turnip I could find), parsnip, and rolled oats (as a thickener). Followed by water poured until it was covering all the contents. As it was cooking I had been enjoying some Oat Stout that was made by our local brewery in Gore Bay, Manitoulin, Ontario, “Splitrail Brewing Company“. And promptly decided to liberally add that to the pottage as well.

In the end it came out DELICIOUS!

The Big Day

Throughout Saturday there was Archery, Axe Throwing, Armored Combat, Rapier, some Arts & Science classes, and many people socializing in the Hall while working on their own Arts & Science projects. For each activity you participated in, you were given a Settlers of The Ram card – which you can gather and ‘cash in’ sets of at the ‘gate’ to enter in a draw for a door prize of that set type. The cards were much like the Settlers of Catan resource cards, but a ramshead instead for the sheep. A set of wood cards would give you a draw for the Wood door prizes, a set of Ore cards would give you a draw for Metal themed door prizes, etc.

Like Trillium War, for Brouhaha I mostly hung out around the Axe Throwing Range as that was one of the last times I will have a target to throw at, and I wanted to practice for the Ramshaven Thrown Weapons Champion Tourney. And I definitely needed the practice as it took a little while before I was consistently able to hit the target as desired.

And because of that I did not take many photos of the rest of the event. But Thanks to Mic Cillian and R. M. Ridley, I have photos to fill in some image gaps of what went on.

I did later participate in the Arts & Science Championship Competition where I presented:

– Some Powder Douce (a 14th c. France spice mix) I mixed and had as a free sample jar for attendees to use throughout the event + a small bottle for their excellencies to use as they wished.

– A Diggy Diggy Hole Song Sheet that I did in Futhark (a Norse Alphabet). One side of the sheet was in English with the common Latin Alphabet we are familiar with. And the opposite side of the sheet had maintained the English lyrics but done with the Futhark alphabet. That way those who want to learn how to read Futhark can do so with this song.

– I showed and sang my “Storm At Glyndmere Hall” song

– And an in progress basket woven style hat, which was promptly donned by each of the judges,

There were entries from several others, A great woolen cloak beautifully embroidered for the owner’s geographical time period, a song from the same artisan, lots of tablet woven bands by a highly skilled newcomer to the craft, nalbinded bags and hats, a different song about the hosting land, and probably am forgetting an entry or two with this. It was a good showing regardless and healthy competition.

Shortly thereafter was court with a lot of well deserved acknowledgements of people receiving their Guidon, with silver and gold banded ones given as well. Great honors to be sure. Then the tourneys had their winners announced followed by the announcement of the Champions of Ramshaven:

Rapier Combat Champion: Lady Alienor la Fileuse
Armoured Combat Champion: Lord Bartholomäus Hespeler
Thrown Weapons Champion: The Honourable Lord Daniel of Whitby
Archery Champion: Helga
Arts and Sciences Champion: Lady Fáelán Ruadh ua Aodha

Fáelán Ruadh ua Aodha, That’s Me!

Now the funny thing with this honor is that since it is the very first one of the Barony, I am charged with designing the regalia and/or trophy of that station. And being an Arts & Science enthusiast makes this quite an exciting and daunting task. Primarily because, unlike book heraldry, I do not have easily recognized boundaries to work within and keep me in check.

So I can get crazy creative with this, and am thus mulling things over for a while, letting my mind calm down after all the excitement, and waiting until I can present some of my thoughts with the Baroness after Pennsic (if anybody knows anything about Pennsic, is that contact with attendees there is a write off and when people get back they will need some recuperating time – Pennsic Is A Big Deal). It helped a great deal to speak with many Arts & Science folk while I was at the event afterwards to get their ideas and thoughts on the subject.

So, that is very exciting news, and I look forward to presenting what comes of it here.

Potluck Feast & Door Prizes

Then there was the Potluck feast. As usual, there was plenty for everyone, and for thirds besides. I was pleased that this time I was able to recreate a couple of Norse styled pies,

So many dishes were made with an obvious passion for food, making it surprising that any was left. Everyone ended up feeling stuffed even before dessert.

This is when the door prizes were announced, and I somehow made off like a bandit – getting everything I entered for, and for my kiddo as well who got the shield they wanted that came with a red cap they came to love wearing. I got a clay spindle whorl and a beautifully tablet woven belt.

Funerary Ceremony

After door prizes, and when dusk was nigh, we had, for the first time, a special in-period Norse themed ceremony for remembering those that are no longer with us.

It began with a candle lit procession while carrying a wood and paper Norse ‘viking’ ship to a pyre.

During the procession we all sang “Life Blood” by Wyndreth Bergensdottir,

“Drink, for the wind blows cold and
Drink for The Wolf runs free.
Drink to the ships with sails like wings and
Drink to the storm-tossed seas.

Drink to the lasting nights
and those who warm our beds.
Drink to the mead that warms our hearts
and the cold that clears our head.

Drink to the Allfather’s Eye
for Odin’s sons are we.
Drink to the World-Tree where he hung
and the Runes of Mystery.

Drink to the truth of steel
and blood that falls like rain.
Drink to Valhalla’s golden walls
and to our kinsmen, slain.

Drink to the Glory-field
where a man embraces death, and
thank the gods that we live at all
with our joyous dying breath!

Drink for the wind blows cold and
Drink for the Wolf runs free
Drink to the ships with the sails like wings
for Odin’s sons are we!”

After the procession and song the Ship was laid onto the pyre as a commonly known poem was read aloud by all attending,

Then those attending who have lost and wish to remember someone help lit the fire with their candles while saying the name of their loved one.

Then a moment of silence in remembrance.

After this moment passed one of our talented bards sang Mead & Wine (Dusk & Dawn) that wrapped things up very nicely.

As The Night Went On And The Morning After

The night followed into relax jovial conversation, a goodly fire resulting in a great many s’mores, and a bardic circle where I was requested to sing my song about ‘The Storm At Glyndmere’. That was officially the fourth time I ever sang it, and probably the best I have ever sung it. The fireside singing and conversations lasted well into the night and virtually into dawn.

The next morning had only one scheduled activity for those interested, and that was to play with Smithing in Glyndmere’s Smith Shop.

Since we had a long day of travel ahead of us we did not partake in this activity. But as we were packing up to leave that day, I managed to snap a couple photos of the weather that had ended up lining up with the afternoon sun creating gorgeous rainbows over the grounds.

And during our good byes I saw an interesting critter that I had to at least photo document, whom I will leave you with to consider who this beastie is – seriously, fellow naturalists out there, help me out. I do not know what kind of beetle this bad boy is and would love identify it.

War of the Trillium, 2018

By Fáelán Ruadh ua Aodha [See the original post on her blog, complete with pictures.]

Trillium War, one of the largest SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) events held in the kingdom of Ealdormere (check out last year’s article here, and the year before here)

This year had a record breaking heat wave moving between highs of 31°C on Friday June 29th, 35°C on Saturday June 30th, 34°C on Sunday July 1st, and 32°C on Monday July 2nd. Humidex feeling more like the mid 40s°C throughout.

We arrived earlier this year, the evening of the Thursday and set up camp at the Ramshaven site at the very back of the field. A couple of fellow members were there to greet and host us that day.


That night was relaxed and we chatted for some hours in the dark, and a few of us stayed up into the wee hours before dawn. Going to bed, I was cold, and chilled my early to bed spouse. Wool blankets were actually useful that night.

FRIDAY JUNE 29th

The next day had a lot more scheduled activities than I expected, as this was also the time when the majority of campers were arriving. Not to mention being the first year I did not read, let alone register for, any of the activities before getting there. This ended up feeling a lot less jam packed for me with pressure to run around to do all the things. Instead I mostly mosied around and partook in things that interested me as I went by.

I first walked by The Lads With Lathes, just starting to set up (photos of them later on of the following day).

Then I ended up stumbling upon and getting involved with Rope Making that was organized and run by Duncan McLeod for his White Wolf Fion project. The purpose was to “first, make a machine that could have been built in the Middle ages to make rope and then, second, to use this machine to make a rope 100 ft long to be presented to Their Majesties.”

This is how that went down, [pictures follow]

After this was when most of our camp arrived, so I was mostly helping with camp organizing and setting up so everyone fit into our Ramshaven site. Unfortunately, most people were arriving peak heat of the day, so not only was it hot, but for safety’s sake, there were a lot of breaks taken to prevent Heat Exhaustion. But we got it done! Thank you Beathan for sharing your amazing Sekanjabin drink supplement to enjoy during set up!

It took so much out of everyone that most went to bed a few hours after dusk. Fortunately that night was cool enough to warrant blankets.

SATURDAY JUNE 30th

This day I remembered to take a photo of the Lads with Lathes,

This day was so hot, but that did not stop the children from playing. Fortunately there was a cedar tree line to take advantage of for their imaginations!

But then, to their delight, some creative adults organizing children’s activities developed a wet sponge version of a traditional Norse Game!

I am told that after this photo took place, his Majesty personally investigated this game, to which some children expressed wolfish grins and ambushed his Majesty with wet sponges! In response, some of the kingdom’s wolf cubs decided to protect their king from these Feral Beasts! Needless to say, shenanigans ensued to the delight of everyone involved.

All this unbeknownst to me, I had continued to Arts & Science tents, and saw that even the Fighters decided that they should FIGHT IN THE SHADE…

Well suited for the day, I had attended a class on Historical Refreshing Drinks – where I learned more about the Sekanjabin (10th Century Persian “honeyed vinegar” – honey mint being the most common version) I enjoyed the previous day, as well as more on Hippocras (5th Century BC Greek drink) – including a non-alcoholic version! This handout will be much used, Thank You!

On my way to the axe throwing tourney I had the pleasure of being misted down by the lovely folks at the Piehole food stand – they had a full on pressure tank and everything. It was glorious.

Unfortunately, there was no shade beyond the entry for the Ranged Martial Arts, but fortune favors the bold! I had placed 3rd at the Masked Murder Axe Throwing Tourney hosted by Hexenhaus, which resulted in some lovely beads, and this wonderfully in theme brew! Thank you Hexenhaus and Marshals for braving the heat for this tourney!

Annual Memorial Brewing Competition

Now, one thing I do not ever intend on missing at Trillium War, is the Annual Memorial Brewing Competition! Why? Because the brews you experience here may be the first and last time you will ever get to taste these lovelies, and each year I learn a little more on how I can make my own! I was a bad herald and even skipped the Herald Moot just to go to the brewing competition.

This year, with the heat, there were, understandably, far fewer entrants. I believe that this was because either A) It is very difficult to get motivation to leave camp – especially if your camp has shade, and/or B) The consumption of Alcohol is not ideal if you want to keep hydrated and avoid Heat Exhaustion. We had yet to crack into the beer we brought just for that reason.

With that in mind, I took a drink of water with every sip of brew. No regrets on my end! Though my spouse ended up a little worse for wear and headed to camp to rest.

This year’s brews had some really good meads that I wish I could share outside of this event – but alas, you had to have been there (though, I am told that Brouhaha will have some of brews they had here to share there!).

Congrats to Kaolin and Penda for winning this year! And a worthy mention to Sibylla who came in at a very close second in the meads! Both meads definitely came out as this year’s favorites!

That evening there was a brief court, in which Duke Edward was elevated as a Master of Defense (the equivalent of Knight for Rapier Martial Arts within the SCA). The induction ceremony concluded with all Masters of Defense present raising their swords together and exclaiming “Terminus acutus in illum!” (Pointy end in the other guy!).

Rose Tourney

Every year at Trillium War there is a Rose Tourney. This is a Tourney where teams of unbelted fighters (non-Knights) are sponsored by a member of the Order of the Rose as their Champions.

The Order of the Rose is an order of current and former Royal consorts – the person in the royal couple who did NOT win the crown by right of arms.

Here is a selection of photos I took of that event.

Following the image above, the fighters quickly shifted in my direction, which left me no choice but to back up into the tree line. Which resulted in the following image.

As you saw in the images of the Rose Tourney, there was no barrier between the combatants and spectators. Now, even though I ended up a little too close to the action. There was no serious threat to me the entire time, and the fighters simply moved over and continued in the center of their fighting area. Such things are expected when you attempt to get a great photo shot of the action.

I sincerely felt that this arrangement was far better than roped barriers of the past, since they are encumbersome as they were liable to cause tangles and falls for the fighters, and were a lot of work to set up and take down for the organizers. Given enough space, along with a couple of marshals with poles to direct any encroachment into the crowd or obstacles, both spectators and fighters are able to enjoy the event to the fullest extent.

At the end of this tourney, their majesties awarded Kungen Steinnarson and Wylie with the Scarlet Banner. Congratulations!

Mardi Gras Ball – Bal du Roi

Now, this is where the theme of this year’s Trillium War was to reach it’s climax. The theme being Mardi Gras, the gate tokens were Mardi Gras bead necklaces, and were able to be awarded / gifted, traded, nicked, bribed for etc. the person / krew (you can register teams) who had the most wins a grand prize at the Grand Ball Saturday Night.

This theme was not my kind of thing – especially for my persona, and had honestly refused the gate token as I personally did not want anything to do with modern plastic beads – mundanely, to say I am not a fan of plastic is an understatement.

Yet, I had somehow accumulated a fair number throughout that day via tokens of appreciation of assisting and for participating and placing in the axe tourney. I could not tell you how many that amounted to because as I was counting them in camp, people decided I was the horse to bet on for the Ball Prize and gave me theirs, and each time I went to count, more beads were presented.

In the end I ended up with 34 and was bestowed the representative of the Ramshaven Krew. I then went to the rose tourney with so many beads I did not know what to do with them, then figured out that I could just put them all on my ‘frog’ (mug strap on belt) which was handy in preventing nicking of said bead necklaces. When the ball itself started, I was given more beads in opposition to the other krew present during the ball. I think I had 45 beads by that point.

The ball had a lot of wonderful food to nibble on, a lot of really tasty cupcakes that had crowns hidden in two of them to determine the King and Queen of the Ball; live music, lively dancing, and a cheerful ambiance.

Sadly, the heat had meant that it was a small turnout, leaving a lot of food in want of a hungry mouth, and those that did show, were slowly beginning to show their weariness of the day. I myself had little energy and motivation to do much at that point, and simply wanted to finish with these beads so I could get back to camp where they were having a “Trillies Pairing and Sharing”, and we had brought some food and drink just for that.

The organizers decided that the bead swapping was pretty well completed and called for the entries. To which I promptly lost to Kaolin and her Krew of Septentria who had a whooping 78 bead necklaces!

I ain’t even mad. Their krew had fantastic Papier-mâché full head covering masks, danced about, and had a rousing song about how they loved hairy men (I wish my nice camera’s battery had not died so I could of had a recording of it all!). So I am glad there was a worthy winner of this event, well deserved and a far better representation of the ball than I could be. Cheers!

As I left I was encouraged to take some food with me, and I gratefully did – they were really tasty! And gave them out to my camp mates when I got there. I asked for where my spouse was and discovered that they were fast asleep in the tent. When they roused they were feeling much better and we then presented our Rhubarb Pie for the pairing and sharing. There was so much booze around that we did not even need to open what we brought. Especially since Sibylla had more of her wonderful “Ridiculously Sweet” Mead that filled many a cup. Thank you Beathan and Isabelle for hosting this event – the cheesecake defeated us.

I went to bed full and blanketless that night.

Those who had looked at the schedule I provided in this article may have noticed that I have no images of Court this day – That is because court was to be moved to the following morning due to the heat of when it was originally scheduled.

SUNDAY JULY 1st

Court began with their Royal Majesties (TRM) announcing that they were to begin a custom of presenting medallions to the members of the Wolf’s Cub (Children recognized for their feats and service in the Kingdom of Ealdormere). To which all members of the Wolf’s Cub that were present were called forward and each presented a medallion.

TRM then invited all of the children present to come forward. Sir Gann had then taken the role of carrying a treasure chest, with which he made great haste his escape from court, only to be pursued by the young wolf pack who would catch him to earn the treasures within.

Lady Iolanda, Award of the Maiden’s Heart

Katla the Fiery, Award of Arms

THL Bjarn Aaronsson, aka “Emma’s dad” – Orion (for painting).

TRM called forward the Order of the Crucible, and inducted Lady Emelote of Calais, and John Moran.

TRM then called forward the Order of the Wain, and inducted Alais de Poitiers.

Their Majesties then sought out several who had been missed at earlier events,

Greite von Groenigen was thus given an Award of Orion.

Their Majesties called forward Baron Shahid and Baroness Catherine of Skraeling Althing, whom announced three couples as possible successors.

Their Majesties called forward Magistra Nicolaa de Bracton, who asked that her apprentice Sciath ingen Chaennaig be confirmed as an ollamh and incept within the University as a Companion of the Order of the Laurel.

Their Majesties concluded court with the announcement that all scheduled activities that day were to be cancelled due to the extreme heat, but all were welcome to stay for the rest of the event time period.

Martin, bard and wrangler of children, did Marshal for his planned activity of archery for the children – of which a very unfortunate Dragon Piniata was their target. Not even the royals could save it’s hide.

Back at the camping field, the majority of attendants were packing up and heading home. Many, who had a longer journey ahead, were packing up, but spending the night off site where the future held magic called air conditioning. Some decided to not wait to go to the wonders of the future, and instead brought it to camp, and enjoyed the air conditioning of their modern steel steeds. This was definitely a saving grace for a lot of people, so much so that those who did not have a vehicle with functioning air conditioning, were offered a seat in those that did. This, I am sure, prevented heat exhaustion from a number of our fellow camp mates.

In my case, I was grateful that I packed a large sea sponge that I liberally soaked and squeezed onto myself and others. Linen kerchiefs soaked and snapped a few times now and then and worn around the neck were highly effective for keeping cool. Others enjoyed foot baths in the shade.

Throughout the packing we took breaks in the shade. During these breaks we were able to find delightful treats of the wilderness along the tree line of plumb red Raspberries and Strawberries. Being in fruit at the same time was certainly peculiar to me. But most definitely did not stop me and others from enjoying these refreshments!

At peak heat, we were still helping pack camp. This was when our Baron decided to manifest his true form in this weather, and melted… (do not worry, he was fine – but is best picture depicting how we all felt that weekend)

After everyone who was leaving left, the camp was quite empty. Ramshaven had two tents, Skrael camp had a few personal sleeping tents, the Barbarians where mostly intact, those tenting in the far North Western edge of the field were mostly present, and the most thriving of us all was camp Rubber Boot.

Before dusk and sleeps, I took the time to hang out with Skrael and learned of these redesigned Bog Chairs by… Basketman at Pennsic? (this is liable to be updated later)

Then I learned of John’s Anachronistic Lanterns that used the faux fire LEDs that are becoming popular. He is pictured below holding this Lantern, which is solar powered and activated!

Post Dusk I wandered to where my spouse was, in the company of his Laurel, Lucrece de Montsoreau, and fellow apprentices at Camp Rubber Boot. (whom of which hosted us earlier that day as well, and where they shared bread, cheese, chicken wings (smoked on site!) and this wonderful food called AntiPesto – where have you been all my life?)

That night there was more food, including shenanigan causing sausages, and a whole slew of high end brew that I would not encounter anywhere else but here. Wowzers.

At camp they had this nifty fire box that was a “wood gas” design that burned off extra gas from the wood burning. Periodically there would be swirls of fire from the holes along the edge of the box. A very efficient design that requires a lot less wood for heat and light.

Bagpipes happened, and our hosts sang a number beautiful songs that lulled me to my bed.

MONDAY JULY 2nd

We got up, packed camp quick and scurried home.

We survived. And I would do it again.

When finally settled at home it was still hot (30°C, Humidex 35°C), but compared to that weekend, a lot more bearable. So as I was working on this article I wore a T-shirt, soaked in cold water, trying to catch up on things, and wanting coffee while I work. So I made a Coffee Float.

It is still good to be home.

Baron's Bruhaha, 2018

By Fáelán Ruadh ua Aodha [See the original post on her blog, complete with pictures.]

Baron’s Brouhaha is a weekend of medieval camping, combat, martial arts, drop in classes and festivities.

This year Brouhaha went from Friday July 13th to Sunday, July 15th.

(Here are the accounts of Baron’s Brouhaha the 3rd, and 4th)

‘Baron’s Brouhaha’ is hosted at Glyndmere (a 5 acre farm that is owned by Penda and Sibylla of Glyndmere), organized by the Canton of Northgeatham, in the Barony of Ramshaven, in the Kingdom of Ealdormere.

Martial Arts

The Armoured combat, rapier, and thrown weapons Fields!

I apologize that I have no photos of the Rapier Combatants – Very good bouts on their end too!

Arts & Science Classes

The Great Hall (barn in previous images) on-site is used for artisan activities and shelter from weather – later on for feast and court.

COURT

Their Excellencies had a couple of sheep in their entourage that needed names, which they held a naming competition for and announced the winning names at court. Sibylla of Glyndmere was the winning namer for both Sheep! Gaining the prize of the sheep candle holders.

Their Excellencies then began releasing their champions selected last year, and thanking them for their service with a token – Banners Marking The Champion’s Achievement and Year, made by His Excellency Penn of Ramshaven.

They also thanked their previous Rapier Champion, Lady Alienor la fileuse, and Archery Champion Lady Helga, all of whom could not make it to the event.

Their Excellencies then announced that the word for this year was (and is) “Song”, whether written, performed, requested, or otherwise supported.

As a result, there will be multiple Bardic Champions over the course of this year. With that they called forth Lady Hlaefdige Sibylla of Glyndmere in recognition of her service creating songbooks for their time on the High Seats, to be their first Bardic Champion, who would stand until Coronation.

Their Excellencies of Ramshaven then began to call forth their new Champions to fill in the place left by those before them.

Lord Wulfric of the Blackwoods, Armoured Combat Champion, presented with the tabard and shield.

Their Archery and Thrown Weapons champions had been selected from Tournaments at FOOL: Meistres Wencendl of Rokesburg for Archery, and Ivan syn Irina for Thrown Weapons.

Mic Cillian the Pirate was then called forth. Their Excellencies Penn and Lucia noted that Mic Cillian had been with us for a year now, and in celebrating his contributions to Bardic circles at Trillium War, their Excellencies presented Mic Cillian with his Guidon de Sang, and declared that, as lovely a people as the Norgoth Barbarians are, Mic Cillian the Pirate is claimed by Ramshaven. Huzzah! I mean, Wassail! ahem…

Their Excellencies then thanked their assembled nobility for attending, and closed their court.

Their Royal Highnesses, resuming their court, called forth His Excellency Ramshaven, Baron Penn de Moranza. In recognition of his skill in the arts of cookerie – specifically his “porcine pursuits” in creating sausages and bacon – Their Highnesses, on behalf of Their Majesties, presented him with his Award of the Orion.

Their Highnesses then called forth for the newcomers, and all delighted in four new gentles attending the Thrones. They were presented with gifts of newcomers’ cups, as is our Tradition.

Their Highness then called forth the Event Staff to attend them, and, lavishing praise on their Excellencies Penda and Sibylla for the generosity of opening their home to everyone, presented them with gifts to share amongst their staff – some of which included candles that had gone to Trillium War and were a touch… melty.

Finally, the Marshals of the various Tournaments were called forth. On the armoured combat list, Lord Wulfric reported two tournaments were held. The winner of the All-Day Bear Pit was His Excellency Penda, and the victor of the Speed Tourney was His Grace Sir Edward the Red.

On the Thrown Weapons Tournament, Lord Guoillauc filius Brancu noted that there were a record number of people trying thrown weapons for the first time – at least, in his experience. For the Blackjack Tournament, there were a number of winners, whom he asked to stand and be recognized. The Yeoman of the Wolf tournament was won by none other than himself.

Their Highnesses thanked the assembled nobility of the realm for joining them at the event, and let it be known that, being this their first time in attendance, they look forward to many years of future attendance. All business being complete, Court was then closed.

Thanks to Dietrich von Sachsen, Green Mantle (acting as herald for their Highnesses) for providing this account of court to accompany the images.

FEAST

After court a pot-luck feast was held,

Settlers of the Ram continued again this year – a card based game where you gained a set of cards when you register at Gate, and earned more at each activity you participate in during the event, then use them to enter door prizes that were drawn after Feast.Regretfully I did not take photos of all the prizes available – there were many, the majority being handcrafted goods, from weavings, cups, bowls and beads to metalworkings, bags, lamps and mead, all made by members of the Society. All great prizes to be sure. I managed to win a wonderful trim made by the Blackwood sisters that may find its way onto a certain regalia.

THROW AT WILL

I may not have had photos of axe throwing that I thoroughly enjoyed that day, but I did document the many spear throws at Will after Feast. (The dummy was named Will)

After such fun throwing at Will, I decided it best that I start the fire for Bardic Circle before dark. Notably the day had been very humid, and thus was having trouble starting my charred cloth with my Chert and Steel. His Grace, Sir Edward the Red, noticing my struggle (and being the very person who taught me how to use chert and steel to begin with) came over and taught me a new method that is far easier to start chard cloth. But even then it was not starting. So, mentally tucking away that new trick for a future use, I took out my modern magnesium striker and file – which worked! Once I got the fire a goodly size *Sizes may appear larger if Rua is present* I filled my cup with the drinks that our hosts provided, and took out my djembe – playing out to bring forth the populace for Bardic Circle.

Bardic Circle

Bardic was a lot of fun that evening, and to much of our delight, our new guests were familiar with some of our songs – due to Lady Heather Dale’s prevalence as a modern day singer and song writer who had her beginnings in the SCA.

We also sang Diggy Diggy Hole – there was a large variety of songs.

Get our latest Ramshaven Song book here!

Our new comers were so impressive in their contributions to Bardic Circle – On Their Very First SCA Event! – They were each gifted a ring by our resident bards (as is our custom in Ealdormere in acknowledging those who inspire us in our Society). WASSAIL!

Sunday Smithing

Sunday, our host Penda of Glyndmere, started up his forge and taught smithing to those who were interested. This was our third Baron’s Brouhaha, but our first time being able to stay and participate in the Smithing!

Brouhaha was such a good time, I had to remind myself to make use of my camera to capture it! Thank you to our hosts, Penda and Sibylla for using your farm, and all of Northgeatham for their work in making this event possible. I hope to join you all here for many years to come!

War of the Trillium 2020: The Plague Year

Maister Colyne Stewart