Greetings from the Performing Arts of this years Gulf Wars XXII. We are proud to announce that we will conducting the 6th Annual Gulf Wars War Bard Competion on Wednesday evening at 6 p.m.

read more

Magdalen, Victoria and Tigra, Estrella War Mains 2013, are requesting volunteers to help with Early Set Up at the War.

read more

Who Will Speak for the Sheep?
by Myra Hope Eskridge
(performing as Lucien de Pontivy)

When dispute threatens the great Leven Loch
And good Saint Robert cries, “och, Meggie, och!”
Lords and Ladies, let noblesse oblige be your teacher
As you gaze on the weakest, the meekest, the sweetest of creatures…
Tell me…

Who will speak for the sheep?
When great houses battle, who speaks for the cattle?
Who will speak for the sheep?
Their little hearts break for the beating,
And their voices expire for the bleating,
Tell me, who will speak for the sheep?

Sheep don’t know the terrors of war
They don’t read history… (well, who does anymore?)
Wooly ears hanging low trotting in to their beds
Getting stuffed into cannons? No! Losing their heads!
Tell me, who will speak for the sheep?

Who will…?

Longing for the taste of tender green grasses
The cool breeze is the balm for the brands on their… delicate hindquarters
Who will speak for the sheep?

Who will…?

Words and music (c) 2013 Myra Hope Eskridge
Released under the Creative Commons
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

Photo by Lady Katherine O’Brien
Video by Lady Arlyana van Wyck

Filed under: Arts and Sciences Tagged: Bardic, King and Queen's Champions

“Bold Lord Robert of Lochleven”
by Martyn de Halliwell to the tune of “Edi Beo”

Verse 1
Bold Lord Robert of Lochleven,
was riding along on his best riding sheep.
Through the woods he did travel,
carrying pigs for the smoker that night.

All the bacon he would provide,
All his pulled pork goes right to our thighs.

Then Lord Robert he did arrive,
at court without taxes to pay for his Styes

Verse 2
Then the mighty Baron roared
The headsman’s axe swung with a terrible fright.
Good Lord Robert’s head flew by
A look of shock as it took flight.
All the bacon he did provide,
All his pulled pork went right to our thighs.

Then Lord Robert he was no more
Though now a saint as declared by our King.

Verse 3
Saint Lord Robert came along
On Saint Robert’s Day he still traveled on
Upon a Herald he came by
And said, “hello I am Lord Saint Ro-“
STOP!

“What are you trying to do?”
“There’s no title stacking ever!”

So Saint Robert a Lord no more
He traveled along looking for boar.

Verse 4
Then Saint Robert he happened upon
A dastardly black knight with treacherous heart.
“Why the face and the heart so long?”
“I’ve not any clue I’m just really ticked off!”

“All the bacon can heal the soul”
“All the pulled pork goes right to your thighs.”

So go off and eat some now,
And know that the kings tax is due tomorrow.

Verse 5
So we’ve learned two important things,
To eat all the bacon and not title stack.
Thank you Saint Robert for not who without
We’d pray for bacon and pulled pork.

All the bacon your sainthood provides,
All the pulled pork goes right to our thighs.

So to him on his holy day,
We raise up a pork chop and shout “Amen.”

Photo by Lady Katherine O’Brien
Video by Lady Arlyana van Wyck

Filed under: Arts and Sciences Tagged: Bardic, Kings and Queens Champions

Time of taxes came to
trusty Carolingia –
brash Baron demanded
bah-bah calling livestock.
Righteously then Robert
roared against this sheep-toll;
painful price was made to
pay that day of horror.

Youthful hero had a
heady plan that day and
stealthy stole wool bearers
straight from tax-years prior.
Fast a brand was fashioned
fine sheep back were gifted –
Alas too late to save the
lord who spoke so bravely.

Remember good Robert!
Raise a glass to toast him –
Great his gift of courage,
gave his life for household.

-Grim the Skald
(also known as Matthew Grymm)

Photo by Lady Katherine O’Brien
Video by Lady Arlyana van Wyck

Filed under: Arts and Sciences Tagged: Bardic, Kings and Queens Champions

“This piece was adapted from a story in ”(Merry) Tales and Quick Answers”, (printed c. 1535) based on the notes I used in the competition,” reports Lady Judith. “The words may differ slightly from what I said in the video.”

The Resurrection of St. Robert

You have all heard of Saint Robert, how he defied his Baron…how he was martyred, how Lochleven mourned the loss of bacon–er, of HIM.

What you may not have heard was the tale of St. Robert’s resurrection. For, I tell you that he was Not dead as he did seem to be. When he was brought back home to lie in state, he remained lying down as if dead, to see what his wife would do (for she had not seen him die). When she entered the house, she had some bacon in hand, meaning to cook it over the fire. She saw her husband, lying as if dead, and stopped, unable to decide what to do, for she was very hungry. ”Call for help…cook the bacon….call for help…cook the bacon…” Finally she decided to cook the bacon and call for help after she had eaten. This she did, cooking the bbacon and eating her fill, until the saltiness of the bacon made her thirsty, then parched.

She began to cough, and choke, louder and louder. When other people from the household came to see what was happening, she quickly began instead to cry, and wail, and make great lamentation, crying, ”Oh, what shall I do?” Hearing this, her husband sat up, and said, ”Go quickly and drink, before your bacon chokes you!”

Photo by Lady Katherine O’Brien
Video by Lady Arlyana van Wyck

Filed under: Arts and Sciences Tagged: Bardic, Kings and Queens Champions

Crumbs
By Chatricam Meghanta
(also known as Marguerite ingen Lachlainn in the SCA)

Crumbs

Memories of my love
have lifted me up out of my body
and sat me next to him in a remembered
place of honor.

With his own hand he has fed me
the tenderest of morsels.
I taste wine from the cup
where his lips have rested.

All night the melodies the musicians
play for him goes into me,
leaving me wild with passion.
His scent is all around me,

the shuddery perfume of amber and musk.
His voice is in my ear, murmuring
the most erotic verses of those midnight songs
until I loose the last shreds of my restraint

and beg him to take me,
take me!

In the morning, when I awake alone
and thirsty for more wine,
I pluck these word crumbs
from the sheets where he no longer lays

and I write.

Photo by Lady Katherine O’Brien
Video by Lady Arlyana van Wyck

Filed under: Archery Tagged: Bardic, Kings and Queens Champions

After a full day of outstanding performances the field of contestants in the King’s and Queen’s Bardic Championship came down to five superlative performers.  Their Majesties then announced the theme of the last round of competition.  Each of the artists was charged to write a new composition in honor of Saint Robert’s Day, a festival of indeterminate period whose origins are shrouded in mirth, sheep and bacon.  (The text and video of each performance is available if you click on the individual’s name.)

The entrants were given some time to prepare and then their names were drawn in random order to perform.  First was Chatricam Meghanta (Countess Marguerite), who performed a stirring piece evoking the image of her lost husband.  A tribute so moving that many swore they saw the ghost of St. Robert inhabit that very room.

The next to perform was Lady Judith FitzHenry whose wry and witty story was about St Robert’s wife and how she dealt with his death… and resurrection.

Followed by Master Matthew Grymm whose stirring poem recounted the events that lead to the canonization of the dearly departed Saint.

The penultimate performer was Lord Martyn de Halliwell whose catchy words to a period tune about Bold Lord Robert had the crowd singing along with him between fits of giggles.

Last to take the stage was Lord Lucien de Pontivy who played the harp while singing a plaintive tune about the plight of the sheep.

Their Majesties and Her Highness adjourned with their advisory council to deliberate and determine the new champions and when all was said and done it was Master Grymm who was named new King’s Bardic Champion and Lord de Pontivy who will serve for the coming year as Queen’s champion.

Photo by Lady Katherine O’Brien

Filed under: Arts and Sciences, Events Tagged: Bardic, Kings and Queens Champions

Greetings unto all ye gentles of the knowne world. Please join the Barony of Carillion in a magnificent celebration in honor of the coronation of Gregor IV and Kiena II. Come and rejoice in the reign of Edward II and Thyra I as they pass on the crown to their heirs. The event will take place at the Horse park of New Jersey (Allentown, NJ) on April 6 where we will be celebrating with a Joust and a Sumptuous all day day board provided by Baroness Alesone Gray of Cranleigh.

There will be a Fighting, Fencing, and Archery tournament pitting the King’s and Queens champions with their respective teams In a duel at their Highnesses request in the main show ring for all to marvel at. More information to follow regarding martial activities.

And then, as if that wasn’t enough to whet your appetite to make your way to the fabled lands of Jersey. We will be having a Grand Joust !!

Much much more info to follow !!

If you wish to bring your horse or horses to this event, please contact the equestrian marshal-in-charge and the autocrat prior to the event.  All horses attending the event must have a current Coggins test, and horses traveling from outside New Jersey must have a current 30-day interstate health certificate, per SCA Equestrian regulations.  Equine health paperwork can be transmitted to the marshal-in-charge in advance via fax or email, or produced at the event prior to unloading the horse from the trailer.

Reservations: Site fees: 12.00 for SCA members adults and children
17.00 for non-members adults and children
Children under 5 are free
Family cap at $40.00 (5 or more gentles, Pre-reg only for discount)
Fees include Day board

Horse fee’s:
Unboarded horse 15.00 per day
Boarded horse   45.00 per weekend

Merchants are Welcome. Merchants must be Pre-registered no later than 2 weeks prior to the event. (March 23,2013)

For more information, see the event announcement on the East Kingdom website.

Filed under: Court, Events Tagged: coronation

Greetings unto the people of the East,

With many facing the beginning of Winter Storm Nemo, there has been some question about Kings and Queen’s Rapier this weekend in Montreal.  I can confirm that we will be holding the event as planned.  Please be safe in your travels and we look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday.

In Service,
Tadea Isabetta di Bruno
Baroness of L’Ile du Dragon Dormant
Autocrat of Kings and Queens Rapier

Filed under: Events, Fencing Tagged: King and Queen's Champions

Over 80 additional artifacts found in the area of the Staffordshire Hoard have been declared treasure. The gold and silver items were discovered near the original site when a field was ploughed. (photo)

read more

Greetings unto the Fencers of the East.

As you are no doubt aware, Kings and Queens Champions of Fence is being held this weekend in Montreal, Canada. At the same time there is a Noreaster coming our way. In light of that we all have concerns over travel and safety. So the question that has been posed is whether we will be having the event. At this time, there is no plan to cancel the tourney.

I will remain in contact with the Autocrat, our Royalty and our Champions to remain abreast of any decisions. IF there is any decisions made the will alter the time, date or location of the event, I will get that to you as soon as I hear.

YIS,

Don Caine Ramsey
KMOF

Filed under: Events

 

The Board of Directors has granted a one-time variance to the following Society Financial Policy, Section XII, B to allow the Barony of Gyldenholt, Caid to test the PayPal system for accepting credit cards at the Gyldenhold – Calafia Friendship Tournament on

March 9, 2013. The Society Exchequer is currently evaluating the feasibility of PayPal for future SCA usage at events using this event as a test. Please direct any questions to the Society Exchequer at exchequer@sca.org.

Comments are strongly encouraged and can be sent to:
SCA Inc.
Box 360789
Milpitas, CA 95036

You may also email comments@lists.sca.org.

This announcement is an official informational release by the Society for Creative Anachronism , Inc. Permission is granted to reproduce this announcement in its entirety in newsletters, websites and electronic mailing lists.

Filed under: Official Notices

The Board of Directors of the SCA, Inc. would like to announce the launch of a new Office of SCA Staffing (OSS) as a Special Deputy under the President of the Society.

The purpose of this office is to address the growing need to improve the ability of the Society to fill Society Level Officer and Board positions of the SCA. The Office of SCA Staffing is intended to help the organization more effectively fill open positions, and eventually allow individuals to continuously submit themselves for potential openings and to improve their ability to access and apply for open positions. It is designed to better find and attract those members with strongly-related real world skills as well as needed SCA experience, so that they might best be able to put that experience and expertise to work making the Society a first class non-profit organization.

There are no immediate changes to the existing process for publication of open SCA positions or the need to submit applications to the Corporate office by the closing date for the position.

Hank Salvacion (Sir Tanaka Raiko, KSCA, OP) has been tasked with developing the Office and to serve as the lead to identify and recruit candidates for open key roles within the Society. Hank has over 25 years of experience as a professional recruiter and staffing agent, including recruitment of top executives and professionals across a wide range of industries including Engineering, Information Technology, Aerospace, Military, Telecom, Pharmaceuticals, Financial Services, and Wireless Technology.

Tanaka Raiko, is a 25 year veteran of the Society. He is a member of the Order of the Chivalry, and the Order of the Pelican, and has served as East Kingdom Earl Marshal, Pennsic War Marshal and has held several Regional and local posts within the SCA.

He can officially be reached at staffing@sca.org

Comments are strongly encouraged and can be sent to:
SCA Inc.
Box 360789
Milpitas, CA 95036

You may also email comments@lists.sca.org.

This announcement is an official informational release by the Society for Creative Anachronism , Inc. Permission is granted to reproduce this announcement in its entirety in newsletters, websites and electronic mailing lists.

Filed under: Official Notices

“To assume that Viking men were ranked above women is to impose modern values on the past, which would be misleading,” cautions Marianne Moen one of the organizers of the Viking Worlds Conference, to be held in March 2013.

read more

The decoration of "leaves" on what was thought to be a medieval pilgrim badge of St Blaise was actually something else!

read more

His remains are believed to lie in an unmarked grave in Winchester and a team is reportedly applying for permission to dig up the spot at St Bartholomew’s Church. It is thought Alfred’s skeleton could be found among a collection of bones there.

But the job is expected to be much harder than the analysis on Richard III, as finding a living relative to provide a DNA sample would involve searching a much older family tree.

Katie Tucker, an archaeologist from Winchester University, told The Times: “As far as we’re aware there are five skulls plus other bones. The most simple part will be to work out ages, sexes, and put the bones back together. The problem is, where would we get a comparative sample from? It’s a hell of a lot further to go back to trace a living descendant.”

Click here to read this article from The Telegraph

For a thousand years, the Byzantine port city of Bathonea lay hidden and forgotten beneath farmland, but a recent drought revealed the town's seawall, leading to the discovery of a "well-connected, wealthy, fully outfitted harbor city that thrived from the fourth to 11th century." (photos)

read more

Senor Santiago Ruiz de Zaragoza reports that, at Their Midwinter's Revel, Their Royal Majesties, Vladimir and Kalisa of the Kingdom of Atlantia offered elevation to the Order of the Pelican to Baroness Elizabeth Hardyn.

read more

The historic costuming pattern site Old Time Patterns is currently holding an Historical Costume Contest for costumes created from the time periods 1500-1630 Tudor, Elizabethan, Early Settler through 1910-1940 Vintage, Titanic, WW1, Flapper.

read more