Upcoming In & Around Østgarðr: June, July, August 2019

June 19, 2019 By Østgarðr Webminister Calendar

The summer is the busiest time for combat-focused events – I hope you’re as excited as I am!

Weekly/monthly reoccurrences

Armored combat is running, weather permitting, in McCarren Park in Brooklyn, 7pm Tuesday nights; for updates, see the Facebook group “Fighter Practice in New York City.”

Rapier fencing is also running, weather permitting, in Central Park (the corner of the park by 59 – Columbus Circle), 7pm Wednesday nights; for updates, see the Facebook group “Historical Arts Rapier Training.” When the weather is good, bardic circle is at the same place/time.

Updates to both armored combat practice and rapier practice, as well as possibly other practices and events, may be found at the Facebook group “SCA NYC: Crown Province of Østgarðr“.

Northpass dance practice information may also be found at the Facebook group for the Canton of Northpass.

Østgarðr Commons meetings, which are open to the populace, are always on the third Friday of the month, and rotate location through the province — check the prior Commons agenda for the latest on locations, or Facebook! For those in Manhattan, Whyt Whey Commons tend to be on the first Thursday, colocated with their monthly arts&sciences Evening in the Solar (note that this is pushed back a week on July 4 week). In Brooklyn, Brokenbridge Commons are on weekends to be announced.

June

Friday, June 21: Østgarðr Commons, Astoria Park, north side

June 21-23: Meridies: KW Costume & Fiber Arts Symposium (Carrollton, GA, 14 hrs SW)
Activities: classes
EK Calendar Link: https://eastkingdom.org/EventDetails.php?eid=3476

Sunday, June 23: Brokenbridge Commons, Brandr’s place – see Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/86917178171/permalink/10156761776728172/

Sunday, June 23: Armored combat practice: https://www.facebook.com/events/455258328382064/

Saturday, June 29: Blood & Axes the Third
Host: Canton of Northpass
Location: Putnam County Veteran Memorial Park
Focus activity(s): armored combat, fencing, thrown weapons, archery, youth combat
EK Calendar Link: https://eastkingdom.org/EventDetails.php?eid=3488
Event Steward: Wilhelm Larrson

July

July 5-8: Glenn Linn: Great Northern Thyng (Greenwich NY, 3 hours N)
Activities: melees, tournaments
EK Calendar Link: https://eastkingdom.org/EventDetails.php?eid=3446

July 5-7: Calontir: KW Heraldic & Scribal (Urbandale, IA, 17 hrs. W)
EK Calendar Link: https://eastkingdom.org/EventDetails.php?eid=3502

Thursday, July 11: Whyt Whey Commons, at Solar location https://whytwhey.eastkingdom.org/directions-to-our-as-gathering-an-evening-in-the-solar/

Saturday, July 20: Rusted Woodlands: EK Novice Day (Tappan NY, 30 min. N)
Activities: good place to authorize for Pennsic
EK Calendar Link: https://eastkingdom.org/EventDetails.php?eid=345S

July 26-August 11: Æthelmarc: Pennsic (Coopers Lake PA, 6 hours W)
Activities: Peace, War
Link: http://www.pennsicwar.org/penn48/

August

Aug. 30 – Sept. 2: Anglespur: Harper’s Retreat (Richmond, NH, 4.5 hrs. N)
Activities: bardic
EK Calendar Link: https://eastkingdom.org/EventDetails.php?eid=3465

Aug. 29 – Sept. 2: Middle: KW Cooks & Bards (Wood River, IL, 15 hrs. W)
Activities: camping, classes
EK Calendar Link: https://eastkingdom.org/EventDetails.php?eid=3477

Aug. 30 – Sept. 2: Atlantia: KW Ag. & Forestry (Booneville, NC, 9.5 hrs. SW)
Activities: classes & exhibits on period agriculture, land use, livestock.
EK Calendar Link: https://eastkingdom.org/EventDetails.php?eid=3478

Historian’s Report – April 2019

April 21, 2019 By Østgarðr Webminister History

Mudthaw, March 30^th Barony of Settmour Swamp

On March 30^th their Majesties Wilhelm and Vienna traveled to the Barony of Settmour Swamp where the King’s and Queen’s Arts and Sciences Champions were to be chosen. At the being of Their Court, Lady Vika Grigina z Prahy was sent on vigil by the King and Queen to contemplate acceptance to the Order of the Laurel. After sitting vigil Lady Vika was called forth again and accepted elevation to the Order of the Laurel.

Their Majesties spoke of all the amazing Arts & Sciences on display and proceeded to choose their new A&S champions. Þórfinnr Hróðgeirsson was called forth and named Kings Champion. The Queen selected Astridr Musi.

Master Philip White was called forth and thanked by the Queen for helping everyone understand the way decision making happens at A&S competitions and for his service as Arts & Science Minister for the past two years.

Their Majesties called forth Lady Zilla al Sighira al Hurra and was made a companion of the Order of the Silver Brooch for her fine cordials and spirits.

Coronation, April 6th

On April 6^th A.S. LIII, the Crown Province of Ostgardr and the Barony of An Dubhaigeainn hosted the Coronation of Ozurr the Boot-Giver and Fortune Sancte Keyne in the Canton of Lions End.

On this day, Their Majesties Wilhelm and Vienna held their Final Court bestowing final awards and accolades. Their Majesties addressed the people of the East and announced that they needed to take some time off and rest. Prince Ozurr the Boot-Giver was called forth and crowned King of the East. Long live the King! There was confusion as Princess Fortune was nowhere to be seen. In the distance appeared Princess Fortune riding her gondola to the shores of the East where she was met by King Ozurr and crowned Queen. Long live the Queen of the East!

Their newly crowned Majesties called into court Ervald the Optimistic inducting him into the Order of the Silver Crescent. Anne of Ostgardr was also called forth and awarded Arms by Their Majesties and there was much rejoicing.

The evening ended with an amazing feast, music and song.

This report was written by Mistress Sofya Gianetta di Trieste.

Upcoming In & Around Østgarðr: March, April, May 2019

March 15, 2019 By Østgarðr Webminister Calendar

Spring is here and our outdoor practices and events are beginning!

Armored combat has already begun in McCarren Park in Brooklyn, 7pm Tuesday nights; for updates, see the Facebook group “Fighter Practice in New York City.”

Rapier fencing will likely begin in mid-April in Central Park (the corner of the park by 59 – Columbus Circle), 7pm Wednesday nights; for updates, see the Facebook group “Historical Arts Rapier Training.”

Updates to both armored combat practice and rapier practice, as well as possibly other practices and events (for example, bardic circle is colocated with rapier fencing every other Wednesday), may be found at the Facebook group “SCA NYC: Crown Province of Østgarðr“.

Northpass dance practice information may also be found at the Facebook group for the Canton of Northpass.

Commons meetings, which are open to the populace, are always on the third Friday of the month, and rotate location through the province — check the prior Commons agenda for the latest on locations, or Facebook!

For information on upcoming nearby East Kingdom events, read on!

The rest of March

Mudthaw, Barony of Settmour Swamp (Roseland NJ, <1 hour W)
Date: March 30
Activities: K&Q A&S Championship

April

Coronation of Ôzurr & Fortune, Crown Province of Østgarðr and Barony of An Dubhaigeainn (Wantagh NY)
Date: April 6
Focus activity(s): court, court, court

Resurrection of Mangia Borgia, Shire of Coill Tuar (Poughkeepsie NY, 1.5 hours N)
Date: April 13
Activities: Italian Renaissance, gaming, assassinations

Festival of Passing of Ice Dragon, Kingdom of Æthelmearc (Hamburg, NY, 6.5 hours NW)
Date: April 13
Activities: A&S Pentathlon

East Kingdom Brewers Collegium, Barony of Stonemarche (Plymouth, NH, 5.5 hours N)
Date: April 19-21
Activities: classes, brewing guild panels

A Day of the Decameron, Crown Province of Østgarðr (Mount Kisco, NY)
Date: April 27th
Focus activity(s): Period bardic, music, and food.

Balfar’s Challenge, Barony of Dragonship Haven (Southwestern CT, 2 hours NE)
Date: April 27th
Activities: fighting

May

Return of the Lions, Canton of Lions End (Locust Valley, NY)
Date: May 4th
Focus activity(s): provincial bardic championship

Spring Crown, Shire of Caer Adamant (Harrington, DE, 3.5 hours S)
Date: May 4
Activities: crown tournament

Siege of Granada, Crown Province of Østgarðr (Carmel, NY)
Date: May 11
Focus activity(s): rattan, fencing, A&S, provincial A&S championship

May-Be (I’ll Try Something New), Barony of Iron Bog (Moorestown, NJ, 2 hours SW)
Date: May 11
Activities: classes, baronial heavy fighting & fencing championship tourneys

Quest for Wit and Wisdom, Barony of Settmour Swamp (Pittstown, NJ, 1 hour W)
Date: May 24-27
Activities: quest (scavenger hunt, obstacle course, mystery adventure), baronial championships, brewing competition, bardic circle, artisan’s row

(Note that the travel times shown for events outside of the Crown Province are given as approximate driving times from Central Park; your milage may vary.)

Historian’s Report – March 2019

March 15, 2019 By Østgarðr Webminister History

There was much to report this month in the history of Ostgardr:

In the Barony of Dragonship Haven, on the 23rd of February, anno societatis LIII, Their Majesties Wilhelm and Vienna called into court our own Il-Khatun, Lada Monguligin. Much to her surprise, she was sent off by Their Majesties to contemplate the question of joining the Order of the Laurel.

Later in the evening Her Majesty’s Bardic Champion, Geoffrey of Exeter, was called into court, praised for his performance and released him as her Bardic Champion. At this time the herald called Laila al-Sanna’ al Andalusiyya forward and named her Queens Bardic Champion. There was much rejoicing in the audience.

After a number of court awards and recognitions, Lada Monguligin was called into court to answer the question put upon her that morning. Lada Monguligin answered yes, swore her fealty and Their Majesties gave Their own. Before the Laurels could sweep her away, her beloved Il-Khan, Suuder Saran presented her with a ring and asked her to build a family with him. She said yes!! Then she was taken away to be welcomed by the Laurels and celebrate with family and friends.

Upcoming In & Around Østgarðr: January – February 2019

January 19, 2019 By Østgarðr Webminister Calendar

Most of our outdoor practices are canceled until spring, but there’s still plenty to do this winter!

The rest of January

Garb workshop for Day of the Decameron, January 20 (Astoria, NY; contact Mistress Sofya for information)

Knight Fight Screening, January 23 (Brooklyn, NY) https://www.facebook.com/events/290209135028914/

Stonemarche: Birka (Manchester NH, 5 hours NE)
Date: January 25-27
Activities: shopping, fashion show
EK Calendar Link: https://www.eastkingdom.org/EventDetails.php?eid=3349

Northpass Dance Practice, January 27 (Port Chester, NY) https://www.facebook.com/events/2255838904683056/

February

Nordenhalle: Sign of the Dancing Fox (Kingston NY, 2 hours N)
Date: February 2
Activities: dancing
EK Calendar Link: https://www.eastkingdom.org/EventDetails.php?eid=3405

Evening in the Solar, February 7 in Canton of Whyt Whey (Manhattan, NY)

Lions End Commons, February 8 in Lions End (Greenvale, NY)

Østgarðr Commons, February 15 in Østgarðr proper (Long Island City, NY)

Æthelmarc: Æ Swim (Milton PA, 3 hours W)
Date: February 16-17
EK Calendar Link: https://www.eastkingdom.org/EventDetails.php?eid=3407

Dragonship Haven: Baronial Investiture (New Haven CT, 1.5 hours NE)
Date: February 23
Activities: K&Q Bardic Championship
EK Calendar Link: https://www.eastkingdom.org/EventDetails.php?eid=3342

Event update: Musicians’ Day 2018 cancelled

November 17, 2018 By Østgarðr Webminister Event

More information at East Kingdom event page: https://eastkingdom.org/EventDetails.php?eid=3339

Upcoming In & Around Østgarðr: November – December 2018

November 10, 2018 By Østgarðr Webminister Calendar

Recurring practices

Outdoor weekly practices will probably start wrapping up until spring in November, as the weather gets colder and snow begins to fall – keep an eye on our mailing list or Facebook page for the latest news!

Outdoor weekly practices include:

Central Park dance practice, Tuesdays 6:30pm (already ended for winter)
Brooklyn Armored Fighting Practice at McCarren Park, Tuesdays 7:30pm
Central Park rapier practice and bardic circle, Wednesdays 7pm (bardic has ended for winter, rapier has not yet as of November 10)
Lions End archery practice, Sundays 9am, Cedar Creek Park (already ended for winter)
Staten Island archery practice, Sundays 12pm, Willowbrook Park (already ended for winter)

Note also that Northpass is starting a monthly indoor dance practice in Port Chester. Email dance@northpass.eastkingdom.org to be added to the mailing list for Northpass dance practices. There was a practice last Sunday the 11th, and there will be another on Tuesday the 27th (see below for link).

As always, weekly events in Østgarðr can be found at our provincial calendar.

The rest of November

Sunday, November 11: BrokenBridge Commons & Lucet (Facebook link)

Friday, November 16 at 7:30pm: Ostgardr Commons, at Greenvale Diner in Lions End.

Friday, November 16 through Sunday, November 18: we are hosting Musicians’ Day in Peekskill, NY

Saturday, November 17: our neighbors in the Shire of Rusted Woodlands are hosting 100 Minutes War in Sparta, NJ

Sunday, November 18: Ostgardr Scribal – Gold leaf (Facebook link)

Saturday, November 24: Metropolitan Museum Trip (Facebook link)

Tuesday, November 27: Indoor dance practice in Northpass (Facebook link)

December

Sunday, December 2: Garb workshop for Day of the Decameron, 12-6pm, Mistress Sofya’s place (Astoria, NY) (contact moas@ostgardr.eastkingdom.org for more info)

Saturday, December 8: our neighbors in the Barony of Bhakail are hosting Bhakail Yule Revel XL in Philadelphia, PA

Tuesday December 11: Northpass dance practice, 6:30-8:30pm, for information contact dance@northpass.eastkingdom.org

Saturday December 15: Yule Revel in Østgarðr (Facebook link)

Sunday December 16: Northpass dance practice, 1-4pm, for information contact dance@northpass.eastkingdom.org

Happy holidays! Hope to see you around at one of these events!

edited, November 12 and December 7, to add Northpass dance information

Upcoming In & Around Østgarðr: September – October 2018

August 25, 2018 By Østgarðr Webminister Calendar

Outdoor weekly practices may be cancelled if the weather isn’t good – keep an eye on our mailing list or Facebook page for the latest news!

As always, weekly events in Østgarðr can be found at our provincial calendar.

September

Saturday the 1^st at 12pm: Archery / Thrown Weapons Practice (Facebook link) in An Dubhaigeainn

Sunday the 2^nd at 9am: Lions End Archery Practice at Cedar Creek Park

Sunday the 2^nd at 12pm: Staten Island Archery Practice at Willowbrook Park

Tuesday the 4^th at 6:30pm: Central Park Dance Practice

Tuesday the 4^th at 7:30pm: Brooklyn Armored Fighting Practice at McCarren Park

Wednesday the 5^th at 7pm-9pm: Central Park Bardic Circle and Rapier Practice

Friday the 7^th through Sunday the 9^th: we are hosting The Feast of John Barleycorn, in the Canton of Northpass – North Salem, NY

Saturday the 8^th (at the same time as Barleycorn, unfortunately) our neighbors in the Barony of Settmour Swamp are hosting Brennan & Caoilfhionn’s Ducal Challenges, in Pittstown, NJ

Tuesday the 11^th at 6:30pm: Central Park Dance Practice

Tuesday the 11^th at 7:30pm: Brooklyn Armored Fighting Practice at McCarren Park

Wednesday the 12^th at 7pm-9pm: Central Park Bardic Circle and Rapier Practice

Thursday the 13^th at 7pm: Whyt Whey Special Commons (in Manhattan), focused on prep for the Cloisters demo at the end of the month

Thursday the 13^th at 7:30pm: Northpass Commons (in Manhattan)

Friday the 14^th at 7pm: Lions End Commons (in Nassau County)

Saturday the 15^th: our neighbors in the Barony of An Dubhaigeainn are hosting Axes, Arrows & Ales at the Feast of Michaelmas, in Middle Island, NY

Sunday the 16^nd at 9am: Lions End Archery Practice at Cedar Creek Park

Sunday the 16^th at 12pm: Østgarðr Commons and BBQ, held concurrently with Archery Practice in Willowbrook Park on Staten Island

Tuesday the 18^th at 6:30pm: Central Park Dance Practice

Tuesday the 18^th at 7:30pm: Brooklyn Armored Fighting Practice at McCarren Park

Wednesday the 19^th at 7pm-9pm: Central Park Bardic Circle and Rapier Practice

Saturday the 22^nd through Sunday the 23^rd: we are hosting a Demo at Queens County Fair

Tuesday the 25^th at 6:30pm: Central Park Dance Practice

Tuesday the 25^that 7:30pm: Brooklyn Armored Fighting Practice at McCarren Park

Wednesday the 26^th at 7pm-9pm: Central Park Bardic Circle and Rapier Practice

Saturday the 29^th: our neighbors in the Barony of Dragonship Haven are hosting the Coronation of Wilhelm von Ostenbrücke and Vienna de la Mer in Middletown, CT

Sunday the 30^th: we are hosting the Cloisters Demo in Fort Tryon Park, NYC, NY

October

Tuesday the 2^nd at 6:30pm: Central Park Dance Practice

Tuesday the 2^nd at 7:30pm: Brooklyn Armored Fighting Practice at McCarren Park

Wednesday the 3^rd at 7pm-9pm: Central Park Bardic Circle and Rapier Practice

Saturday the 6^th: Lions End A&S – Kimchi workshop in Nassau County, NY

Sunday the 7^th: An Dub Archery/Thrown Weapons Practice (Facebook link) in An Dubhaigeainn

Sunday the 7^th at 9am: Lions End Archery Practice at Cedar Creek Park

Sunday the 7^th at 12pm: Staten Island Archery Practice in Willowbrook Park

Tuesday the 9^th at 6:30pm: Central Park Dance Practice

Tuesday the 9^th at 7:30pm: Brooklyn Armored Fighting Practice at McCarren Park

Wednesday the 10^th at 7pm-9pm: Central Park Bardic Circle and Rapier Practice

Thursday the 11^th at 7pm: Whyt Whey Commons/Evening in the Solar

Saturday the 13^th: BrokenBridge Commons & Garb care (Facebook link) in Brooklyn, NY

Sunday the 14^th at 9am: Lions End Archery Practice at Cedar Creek Park

Sunday the 14^th at 12pm: Staten Island Archery Practice in Willowbrook Park

Tuesday the 16^th at 6:30pm: Central Park Dance Practice

Tuesday the 16^th at 7:30pm: Brooklyn Armored Fighting Practice at McCarren Park

Wednesday the 17^th at 7pm-9pm: Central Park Bardic Circle and Rapier Practice

Friday the 19^that 7pm: Østgarðr Commons (in Manhattan)

Saturday the 20^th through Sunday the 21^st: we are hosting Goat’s Tavern III in Northpass

Sunday the 21^stat 9am: Lions End Archery Practice at Cedar Creek Park

Sunday the 21^st at 12pm: Staten Island Archery Practice in Willowbrook Park

Tuesday the 23^rd at 6:30pm: Central Park Dance Practice

Tuesday the 23^rd at 7:30pm: Brooklyn Armored Fighting Practice at McCarren Park

Wednesday the 24^th at 7pm-9pm: Central Park Bardic Circle and Rapier Practice

Sunday the 28^th at 9am: Lions End Archery Practice at Cedar Creek Park

Sunday the 28^th at 12pm: Staten Island Archery Practice in Willowbrook Park

Tuesday the 30^th at 6:30pm: Central Park Dance Practice

Tuesday the 30^th at 7:30pm: Brooklyn Armored Fighting Practice at McCarren Park

Wednesday the 31^st at 7pm-9pm: Central Park Bardic Circle and Rapier Practice

Queen Caoilfhionn is in need of favors!

April 13, 2018 By Østgarðr Webminister Arts & Sciences

We’ve uploaded directions for creating the favors as well as a digitized format for embroidery machines. All interpretations on this design are welcome and encouraged. Favors can be done with embroidery, fabric paint, appliqué beadwork, and any other techniques that showcase your own creativity

Favors can be given to Her Majesty’s Favor Coordinator, Dona Anastasia da Monte, myself, any member of the Royal Staff or they can be mailed to Anastasia: Whitney Sternberg, 54 Shea Dr, Marlborough, MA, 01752.

Please be sure to include a note with your SCA name, modern name, mailing address and email with your completed favors.

Special thanks to Noble Apollodora of Delphi for digitizing the design. If you have any questions, please message me an email to: moas@ostgardr.eastkingdom.org

Mistress Sofya Gianetta di Trieste
Minister of Arts & Science
Crown Province of Ostgardr

The SCA: a view from middle school

April 3, 2018 By Østgarðr Webminister Uncategorized

What if we learned physics through weapons and armour? What if our physical education was through practice fighting with models of the same weapons and armour? What if we learned history from emulating history? I do many activities that other kids don’t do, including a more “full time” renaissance fair. The Society of Creative Anachronism(SCA) is dedicated to informing and teaching others about the world during the medieval era.

One thing I do is Youth combat, which is made to emulate Joust, which was not just about horseback riding and lances, but also just practice fighting in general. The way the base idea works is if you get hit on the head or the body, you’re dead. If you get hit on the arm, you lose that arm, and if you get hit above the knee, you lose that leg. I learned trough that, overtime, as people developed better armour and weapons, people would be given less and less mercy, as if you didn’t kill the other person first, then they would kill you. I also learned about a different way of fighting, hand to hand sarong fighting from indonesia and the philippines which relies on a scarf, belt, or other flexible piece of cloth. My mom learned how to make fabric and cord using 7 medieval techniques. My dad learned how to make a medieval “bender” tent. There are things for anyone who wants to join, if you want to learn how to cook food, fight, build, play games, or more. it’s also a good way to spend time with friends and family, as you can make some cool art, or weapon, or banner, or ring, or whatever you make, if there’s two or more people working on the same thing, together.

I also learned about physics from learning about weapons and armour. Celtic swords were heavy and unbalanced, not very useful for stabbing, but could swing strongly. From Celtic swords, Norman swords were lighter, more balanced, better at stabbing. Katanas were the bane of anyone foolish enough to get close – or not fast enough to get very far away to a samurai when unarmored, due to spreading out the force over the cut, and not one spot. Made as an stop all, end all solution to blades of all kinds, Plate armour was heavy, but good luck trying to kill the person in the armour with a bladed weapon. Due to the plates, you didn’t need a shield, and from that came the greatsword. To stop plates, there were the peasants, wielding mauls – giant hammers for wheat crops, useful for denting the armour. From that came double sided war hammers, half pick, half spiked hammer. It was an arms race, full of science the people using the weapons might not have fully understood, nor the builders. But it worked – and made some of the scariest weapons people had at that time, excluding war chariots. We don’t talk about the chariot, and definitely not the mongolian horses. Those are in their own category of weapons.

There are so many ways that people could use history to learn, not just about the past, but also about physics, languages, architecture, government, the arts, and even medicine.

Alaxandair helmed.