Court Report, Deck The Halls of Valhalla

On the thirteenth day of January, Anno Societatis 52, their excellencies Suuder Saran and Lada Monguligin, Il-Kha’an and Il-Khatun of the Il-Khanate of Østgarđr, did progress to Deck The Halls of Valhalla, held in the Old Stone House in their canton of Brokenbridge, and therein did they hold court.

Firstly his excellency Suuder addressed the populace and thanked them for their attendance in that hall.

Then the newcomers were called into court, being those for whom this was their first, second, or third event, and their excellencies did gift them each with candles in the form of the province’s badge, and bid them return again soon.

Their excellencies next did hear from the stewards of the event, Brandr Aronsson and Arnora Ketilsdottir, who thanked those who had taught classes, granting them tokens of the canton’s leporine emblem, and did give two bottles of mead to Cedar the Barefoot in appreciation of their entertainment on that day.

Lady Arnora was then seated but their excellencies did demand Lord Brandr return to their presence, speaking highly of all he had done there in Brokenbridge, teaching at his forge, laboring in the kitchens, and assisting all those who needed aid. In recognition of this work, they did summon the members of their Order of the Sea-Dog and bid they welcome Brandr into their ranks. A scroll was read and presented which did attest to his skills and generosity, written and illuminated with signs of meat and metal by Lady Beatrice della Rocca, who served the court that day as her Excellency’s retainer.

Their excellencies opined that the order was not yet complete and did call before them Lady Godiva de la Mer, thanking her for her service as Minister of Arts and Sciences in their canton of Whyt Whey, and bid her also join the Order there assembled. The flowery scroll which documented her success in arranging monthly classes in the canton had been prepared by Hlæfdige Alienor Salton, lately the Seneschal of said canton and well acquainted with those efforts.

The populace did then give cheer for Lord Brandr and Lady Godiva as they were welcomed by the members of the order they had joined.

Mistress Sofya Gianetta di Trieste then addressed the populace, asking for their assistance with preparations for the kingdom’s upcoming bardic and arts championships, and for the kingdom’s fiftieth anniversary celebrations.

Next Cedar the bard approached, bare of foot and fleet of tongue, and did graciously swear fealty to their excellencies, remembering days past spent together in Østgarđr’s feast halls, and bravely binding themself to stand ready at all times to taste for poison in their mead-cups. Lada and Suuder accepted their oath, promising that in Østgarđr they would always find a roof over their head and plenty of drink in need of testing.

Finally, their excellencies invited Lady Arnora Ketilsdottir to return to their court, which she did though burdened by her cherubic offspring. Suuder spoke of her years of service to Østgarđr, including her recent service as webminister of the province, and her willingness to increment their populace by the most miraculous of means, and for all of these reasons did induct her into the Order of the Seahorse. The order was called forth and Lord Brandr did present Lady Arnora with a medalion of of storied lineage. A beautiful scroll was presented with illumination and words by Anneke Walmarsdottir featuring calligraphy by Brian Smiley, and the populace did cheer thrice for Lady Arnora.

As the hour grew late, their Excellencies did thereupon declare their court to be closed, and passed thence with the approbation of all.

These were the events of the day as recorded by their servant,

— Mathghamhain Ua Ruadháin
Seahorse Pursuivant

Declaration of fealty by Cedar the Barefoot.
Sea Dog scroll for Lord Brandr Aronsson. Words, calligraphy, and illumination by Lady Beatrice della Rocca.
Sea Dog scroll for Lady Godiva de la Mer. Words, calligraphy, and illumination by Hlæfdige Alienor Salton.
Seahorse scroll for Lady Arnora Ketilsdottir. Words and illumination by Lady Anneke Walmarsdottir; calligraphy by Brian Smiley.

Recording Østgarđr’s History

To the populace of Østgarđr, greetings!

As we approach the fiftieth anniversary of Østgarđr and the East, we’re looking back over our history and gathering tales of days gone by.

We’ll be showcasing a lot of this material at the EK50 event this summer, and we’d like to make a good presentation — as the birthplace of the East Kingdom and home to so many talented individuals, we have a lot of history to celebrate, and we’d like to ensure it doesn’t vanish in the mists of time.

Over the next few months, I’ll be sending out excerpts from several years of the Annals collected by Richard the Poor, along with corresponding links to the blog, and asking that folks who remember details from those years share their stories, either in responses here, as comments on the blog, or in whatever way is convenient for you.

For this first round, cast your mind’s eye back 40 years, and 30, and 20, and 10…

A.S. XII (May ’77 – April ’78)
Demos were held at the Huntington Renaissance Fair on May 28 & 29, the Cloisters Ren Fair in early August (no date was specified), as part of a “Lighthouse Fund Raiser” on October 9, and at the Adelphi U. Ren Fair. A Solstice Fair was held on June 19, a Middle East Feast and Belly Dance Contest on July 23, a Herald’s Picnic on September 17 & 18 (which was actually held in New Jersey), and the Royal Heirs Birthday Party on February 18.

A.S XXII (May ’87 – April ’88)
At Pennsic on August 8, Katherine Gillesfleur received her Silver Crescent. On March 5 of that year she would also be inducted into the Order of the Laurel for her costume work. Mordred Mjodvitner also earned a Tygers Combattant on March 5. In February, the Canton of Lions End formed in Nassau County with Reyna of Crystaldale as its Seneschal. Seahorses were given to Garlon Dragonheart ap Rheged and Roen Dentilliere de la Voile Rouge on April 16.

A.S. XXXII (May ’97 – April ’98)
At Southern Region War Camp in Eisental on July 26, Gideanus Tacitus Adamantius was made a Laurel for his cooking skills by Hanse and Moruadh… That fall, a canton in Brooklyn (Brokenbridge) was organized, with Ben of Brokenbridge as its Seneschal… Lucan & Caitlin held their Twelfth Night at the Garden City Cathedral in Lions End on January 3. At the Valentine’s Revel on February 14, Anabel Ravaya de Guzman became the first Provincial Bard… (45 more words)

A.S. XLII (May ’07 – April ’08)
At Pennsic this year, Ana Ravaya de Guzman was inducted into the Order of the Laurel for her skills in poetry. In May, John the Bear became the Knight Marshal; in September, Judith Fitzhenry the Uncertain took over as Minister of Arts and Yeh-Liu Targai became the Captain of Fence… The Warrior’s Nadaam event was held on October 15. Agincourt was held on November 3… The Province hosted the Coronation of Konrad and Brenwen on April 12… (177 more words)

Please help us fill out the details, tell us what we’re missing, and add some color to these summaries, so that the world will not soon forget the rich history of our province and its people.

In service to the dream,

— Mathghamhain Ua Ruadháin
Seahorse Pursuivant, Crown Province of Østgarđr

Commons Minutes for December 2017

Herein are contained the minutes for the December 15, 2017 Commons and Officers Council meetings, as recorded by John Elys.

Attending

Francesco Gaetano Greco d’Edessa, Seneschal
Sofya Gianetta di Trieste, Minister of Arts & Sciences
Ervald LaCoudre, Knight Marshal
Marion of York, Fencing Marshal
Alec MacLachlan, Deputy Fencing Marshal
Mathghamhain Ua Ruadháin, Youth Combat Marshal
Ian of Clan Mitchell, Chamberlain
Rufina Cambrensis, Chronicler
John Elys, Deputy Chronicler
Richard the Poor of Ely, Historian
Brekke Franksdottir, Lions End Seneschal

Absent Officers

Suuder Saran, Viceroy
Lada Monguligin, Vicereine
Angelica di Nova Lipa, Exchequer
Mongu Chinua, Herald
Beatrice della Rocca, Chatelaine
Arnbjorg Helga Niálsdóttir, Archery Marshal
Erich Guter Muth, Minister of Lists
Arnora Ketilsdottir, Webminister
Alienor Salton, Whyt Whey Seneschal
Wilhelm of Northpass, Northpass Seneschal
Brandr Aronsson, Brokenbridge Seneschal

 Officers Reports

Seneschal (Francesco): K&Q want to move Pennsic Court from Weds. to either Tues. or Thurs. (to avoid conflict w/Midnight Madness); they want feedback from the Populace.  Discussion.

Historian (Richard the Poor): None.

Fencing (Marion): Not running for another term.  We may have a practice space on Sunday afternoons in Levittown.

Lions End (Brekke): Working on June 2 demo; will need a bunch of Ostgardr help, especially hands-on child-friendly stuff.  Discuss fighting, G&W vs. pop-ups, etc.  There’s a $ stipend.  Brekke stepping down as Seneschal in June.

Fighting (Ervald): Outdoor practice over for the season.  Still negotiating insurance with potential practice site at Sussman Automatic.  Seamus has mostly finished making 5 suits of loaner armor.  Will invite fighters to June 2 demo.

Stuff (Ian): Cooking gear in Northpass.  Green & white pavilion is still in Whyt Whey.

Chatelaine (report via Sofya): Gold Key is in good shape, at Sofya’s place.  If you need Gold Key, contact Chatelaine well in advance, and make sure you return it.

MoAS (Sofya): Preparing for K&Q A&S & Bardic Championship.  Participate!

Youth Combat (Mathghamhain): Not much happening, as kids are in high-school-admission flurry.

Chronicler (Rufina): Recap from Nov Commons: considering supplying some old Seahorses for display at EK/Og 50Y, and also creating a “Best Of the Seahorse” handout.

Upcoming Events

A&S Bardic (Sofya): We’re hosting.  Preregister if possible: we want to minimize lines at the door because it’ll be cold.  Help out, wherever you are.

EK/Og 50Y (Sofya): 27-30 June.  Want to look good.  Judith will organize recorded music; would also like live performances of music, mumming, drama, etc.  Artifacts by some time in April.

Upcoming meetings: January at Alienor’s.  February possibly at Sofya’s. March undecided.

Officer Elections

We have nine officers present and ten proxies.

Non-Contested Offices

Web: unanimous Alienor
Herald: unanimous Mathghamhain
Chronicler: unanimous Rufina
Fencing: unanimous Alec

Seneschal

Brief discussion of voting procedure: secret written ballots with one name on each.  No decision in advance on whether the plurality wins, or there’s a second round omitting the last place finisher, or what.

Fortunately, there was a majority on the first ballot: Alienor is the new Seneschal.

Officer Appointments

To the populace of the Crown Province of Østgarðr, on behalf of their Viceroy and Vicereine, does Mathghamhain Ua Ruadháin send his greetings.

Following this evening’s Commons meeting, the Provincial Officers Council gathered to review the candidates for those offices whose terms expire this month.

Herein are recorded the result of that session as I recall them.

Baronè Francesco Gaetano Grèco d’Edessa has stepped down as Seneschal. Please join me in thanking him for his service.

Hlæfdige Alienor Salton, called Piglet, has been selected as the new Provincial Seneschal by a vote of the Officers Council.

Alienor has also been appointed to be the province’s Webminister. The former occupant of that office, Lady Arnora Ketilsdottir, stepped down earlier this year to care for her newborn — our thanks and congratulations to her and her family.

Alienor is stepping down from her positions in the Canton of Whyt Whey, ceding those offices to her deputies; Lady Vika Grigina z Prahy will serve as the Seneschal of Whyt Whey, and Lady Anneke Valmarsdotter will become the Whyt Whey webminister.

Lord Mongu Chinua has stepped down as Herald. He has the province’s appreciation for his efforts in this office in recent years.

Your humble correspondent, Mathghamhain Ua Ruadháin, has been appointed to be the new provincial Herald. I have asked Chinua to stay on and assist me as deputy herald, for I shall have need of his knowledge.

I am stepping down from my position as Herald of Whyt Whey, and passing that office to my deputy, Lord Erich Guter Muth, who served in that position before me.

Lady Marion of York has stepped down as provincial Fencing Marshal. She has ably led the rapier corps, and we look forward to seeing her on the field again in the coming year.

Alexander MacLachlan has been appointed to serve as the Fencing Marshal. In recent months he has been actively working to energize the fencing program and we eagerly anticipate his continued success. Alienor has also asked him to assist her as deputy Seneschal, where his experience will be much appreciated.

Magistra Rufina Cambrensis has been re-appointed to her position as provincial Chronicler. Her reliable publication of our monthly newsletter, the E-Horse, is a valuable service to all members of the populace.

For the outgoing and incoming officers of the province — Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!

By my hand at Straus Park on the feast day of St. Florentius, I remain yours in service,

— Mathghamhain Ua Ruadháin
Seahorse Pursuivant

Secunda Epistula, Sententiae Viceregalis

Sententiae Viceregalis

Secunda Epistula, Dec AS XLI

by Alexandre Lerot d’Avigne and Eularia Trewe,
Viceroy and Vicereine of Østgarðr

Greetings again to the people of the Crown Province of Østgarðr from Alexandre and Eularia, Viceroy and Vicereine of Østgarðr. Our thanks go out this time to those who made Agincourt such a pleasure this year: the autocrat, head cook, and the many, many people whose hands make light (or lighter at least) work. Which brings us to this month’s topic. In the Prima Epistula, we spoke of the officers who keep the groups functioning. This month We shall speak of event staff, those who make events happen.

Unlike the Officer Corp, Event staff can vary quite a bit depending on the kind of event. Typically, an event will require some or all of:

  • an autocrat, the main organizer of the event
  • a co-autocrat, often a less experienced person learning the ropes
  • a head cook, if food is to be served
  • cooking crew, if more than a little bit of food is to be served
  • marshals, if there’s martial activity
  • merchant wranglers, if there is space for merchants
  • set-up crew, to get the hall or space into shape for the event
  • clean up crew, to return the site to good shape for site owner

Event staff are not required to be officers. In many cases it is better if they are not, since the officers have regular duties which take up their time, and running events takes up a lot of time, although over a shorter period. However, there is sometimes overlap, particularly among the various marshallates.

What this means is that anyone can run an event or help in running an event. It all starts with an idea and a proposed autocrat. From there, a bid is prepared and the event is on its way to becoming reality.

The Provincial Officer Corp is developing guidelines to clarify what is needed to put together an event bid, but in essence a bid is a proposal put to the officers of the Province or a Canton for an event. It should include some discussion of what staff will be needed and who will fill those positions, when and where the event will be, what activities are planned, and some budgetary information. The bid allows the group to decide if they will sanction the event; without that sanction it can not be an official SCA event.

With traditional events, some of those steps are often taken care of: there may be a traditional date or site, or both, for instance. With traditional events, an autocrat is sometimes drafted if no one has volunteered, but if someone wants to autocrat one of the traditional events, We and the officers are delighted to hear from them, and will do our best to provide the new autocrat with the tools needed to succeed. It is usually a good idea to volunteer as co-autocrat first, since events often represent a substantial investment of group funds and energy.

If autocratting is a bit daunting, try volunteering to help out in some other way with the event. Autocrats are almost always looking for people to fill out their staff and it’s a good way to get your feet wet.

Baron Alexandre Baroness Eularia
Viceroy of Østgarðr Vicereine of Østgarðr

Prima Epistula, Sententiae Viceregalis

Sententiae Viceregalis

Prima Epistula, Nov AS XLI

by Alexandre Lerot d’Avigne and Eularia Trewe,
Viceroy and Vicereine of Østgarðr

Greetings to the people of the Crown Province of Østgarðr from Alexandre and Eularia, Viceroy and Vicereine of Østgarðr. First we wish to express Our thanks to everyone who was involved in Our investiture at John Barleycorn this year, and with the event in general. We are pleased and honoured to be Viceregents of a group so rich in history, talent, skill and knowledge as Østgarðr. We shall serve the Province to the best of Our ability.

However, a group as large and diverse as Østgarðr requires a great many people to function effectively. Broadly speaking, there are two sets of people who do the work that keep a local group such as this one strong: the Officers and the Event Staff, who are sometimes the same people. We shall talk about Events and Event Staff in an upcoming epistle, writing about the officers now.

The Crown Province is required by East Kingdom Law to have the following officers:

  1. Seneschal
  2. Herald
  3. Knight Marshal
  4. Chancellor of the Exchequer
  5. Chronicler
  6. Minister of Arts and Sciences
  7. Minister of Lists
  8. Chatelaine

The Cantons must have:

  1. Seneschal
  2. Chancellor of the Exchequer
  3. Herald and/or Knight Marshal and/or Minister of Arts and Sciences

Serving as an officer is a good way to get more involved in the SCA, in this great hobby which exists only because those involved give of their time, energy and talents to make it exist. Each of the officers listed above, at both the Cantonal and Provincial level, may and should have deputies. Deputies help their principal, learn the duties of their principal and sometimes take on specific duties as their own bailiwick. The main requirements to be an officer are an interest in the job and in helping the group, and the willingness to do the work. On-the-job training is available for deputies!

We urge any and all of you, new to the SCA or long-time member, to consider serving your Province or, where applicable, your Canton as an Officer. Speak to the Officers and find out what they do and if they’d like a deputy. Get involved behind the scenes and help keep the Province strong.

Baron Alexandre Baroness Eularia
Viceroy of Østgarðr Vicereine of Østgarðr