As the nights draw longer and the cold sets in it is considered tradition to join among the fire and tell stories. We sing songs, hold hands, and give words to the thoughts within our hearts; all in the hope that the long nights will become shorter and the sunlight will grow hot.
In the middle of these long nights, our imaginations run. We speak of spectres from the past, of myths, legends, and the creatures that walk under the moon and stars. We give voices to the things we see and hear, but cannot reason.
For Deck the Halls of Valhalla, we invite all bards to tell us their best winter themed stories. Speak to us of your own spectres, creatures, myths and legends to entertain us in the long night. Whether you seek to compete, to share your songs and tales or simply to listen and admire the tales of others, come and join us for…
The Østgarðr Provincial Bardic Championships
at Deck the Halls of Valhalla, an ethereal event hosted by the Canton of Broken Bridge
This year our Viceregents and Bardic Champion will be judging on several parameters for the competition. Two winners will be chosen from the competition: best populace performance and the new Østgarðr Bardic Champion.
Storytelling
Those that wish to compete to be the next champion must tell a story. The story can be in spoken word or in song. The story will be defined as: a piece of entertainment with a beginning, middle, and end. Historical documentation is not required, only that the song is appropriate for the theme of the event. Bonus points will be given for those that have short explanations or context for their piece and performance. Explanations/context must stay under 30 seconds to be considered for bonus points.
Contestants will need to keep performances under 5 minutes due to time constraints of the event.
Visual Components
Your camera is your stage! Those that choose to participate will also be judged on the visual components of their entry; this will include backdrop props, outfits, puppets, and everything in between. The quality of your webcam or microphone will not be considered for judging. Bonus points will be given for entrants that coordinate their visual components with the theme of the event.
There are no prerequisites for joining the competition, and participation in the competition is purely optional. There will be a bardic circle afterwards hosted by Nobilis Berakha bat Mira v’Shlomo.
We look forward to seeing you at Deck the Halls of Valhalla!
Catelin Straquihin, Armiger and 2019 Bardic Champion
The Crown Tournament of Ioannes and Honig will be held tomorrow to select the heirs to the Tyger throne. Please join the Crown Province in cheering for the members of our populace who’ve entered the contest, Jarl Valgard and Sir Ryouko’jin — vivant and best of luck!
Images from the unofficial Crown Tourney Field Guide.
On September 27, the Board of Directors announced that Kingdoms of the SCA would now have the option to require proof of Covid vaccination or negative test results to attend events, and the East Kingdom announced that they would be implementing this policy as of October 12.
This policy will apply to all in-person events, including local practices, A&S evenings, and other official gatherings. If you attend any of our full-day events or informal get-togethers here in the Crown Province or in the neighboring branches of the East Kingdom, you will need to show identification at the gate and either proof of a completed Covid vaccination or a negative result on a Covid test that was professionally administered in the previous 72 hours.
The details of how this policy will be implemented are still being ironed out, as in the regularly-updated Society FAQ and the East Kingdom workflow. The Kingdom seneschal is holding information sessions to discuss this via Zoom on Sunday 10/3 and Monday 10/4 at 7:00 Eastern; if you would like to attend, contact your seneschal for a link.
In the long awaited court of John Barleycorn Returns, Their Excellencies did welcome the newly arrived John Barleycorn back with pageantry, fanfare, and merriment. A moment of silence was then held for those lost over the recent years of plague and in acknowledgement of the modern date. Continuing on to standard court business, great words were said for and by the event steward Aurora ffolkes on the successful event, volunteers were recognized with the award of the Sea Star, and newcomers were graced with gifts of functionally beautiful seahorse soap.
Oyez!!! Oyez!!! Pray attend our most recent missive from our Lord John Barleycorn!!!
Join us in a beautiful outdoor space with spacious picnic pavilions to gather and celebrate the return of John Barleycorn.
Greetings Dear Gentles,
As We prepare for our Lord John Barleycorn’s return a day long Celebration with activities and entertainments await you!
For Youth and Families
Lady Kunigunde and Lady Arnora Ketilsdottir bringing you a great slate of youth activities for both older and younger children to enjoy! Please come join us! A & S youth activities, including Bardic, Illumination, Coloring, Basketmaking, Storytelling, and Hula dancing.
Martial Tournaments
We will have Our Provincial Heavy Weapons Tournament, Our Provincial Archery Champions Tournament, and Our Provincial Fencing Champions Tournament. The schedule is forthcoming.
On our Roster is “Sir Edward’s Memorial Challenge” for those Brave enough to take it on!
Other Diverse Activities
In addition, our roster of activities includes most wonderous Demonstration by Lady Astridr Knarrarbringa who will show us her Lampworking skills. This art began in the fifth century B.C.E. and became widely practiced in Murano, Italy in the Fourteenth Century is truly delightful candy for the eyes! Also A number of Surprise Demonstrations to delight the eye and palate.
We have a new addition to our day, our first annual “Bartertown,” for those who like the thrill of the hunt without weapons! For those looking to trade their SCA related goods, this is a excellent swap-meet style opportunity. Carry In, Carry Out. There will be NO money exchange for items, only trade. Items must be all SCA related. Tables are limited, First come-First serve. All others must set up on a blanket or personal table. For additional details, please contact the Bartertown Coordinator, Lady Raymonda the Second by email at rayrayrmartin@gmail.com
We are sorry that no feast will be available, but fear not, as there will be pre-packeged snacks and drinks (both nutritious and not) for we would not want you to expire before the Court Of Viceroy Il-Kha’an Suuder Saran and Vicerine Il-Khatun Lada Monguligin!
Reservations & Fees: SCA Member Discount Adult/Youth reservation fee of $10.00 Non- SCA Members Adult/Youth reservation fee of $15.00 Children under 5 are free reservation deadline September 1, 2021
Send Reservations to:
Lord AEthelstan St.Maur Stan Cohen 85 Pomona Road Suffern, N.Y. 10901-1919 Email for Lord AEthelstan St.Maur is below : scarockland@gmail.com
For Further Information, please contact the Event Steward Lady Aurora ffolkes via cell phone: (914)960-0810( text first) email aroarofolk@gmail.com. Phone/text is best.
Although the SCA complies with all applicable laws to try to ensure the health and safety of our event participants, we cannot eliminate the risk of exposure to infectious diseases during in-person events. By participating in the in-person events of the SCA, you acknowledge and accept the potential risks .You agree to take any additional steps to protect your own health and safety and those under your control as you believe to be necessary.
There is limited electricity at this site. There are handicap bathrooms. There are shaded areas with picnic tables. Set on top of a hill, there is almost always a breeze. In the event of rain , there is an indoor structure.
The official announcement of this event may be found on the East Kingdom Website here.
At the recent Crown Tournament, Ioannes Aurelius Serpentius and Ro Honig von Sommerfeldt were victorious and named the new Crown Prince and Princess of the East. Vivant to their Highnesses and to everyone who entered the tournament.
The Canton of Brokenbridge is inviting you all to our Ethereal Feast of the Fireflies.
As we stand in the dusk of the pandemic, we long for the Pennsic Potluck, that magical night at camp where we get together, bring food, and make merry with our chosen time-traveling family. While a paltry replacement, Brokenbridge wants to make an attempt to recreate that night to hold us out for our final year of solitude. This includes tent backdrops, candle light, party games, and a box of goodies delivered to your door!
WHEN: August 14th starting at 6:00 pm Eastern Time.
WHERE: Online via Zoom. Pre-register to receive the link.
REGISTRATION: https://forms.gle/vDtwXHoHxsku3dhr7 • With kit: Cost is $10. Maximum of 24 kits, first-come first-served. Must register by August 6th. • Without kit: free.
KIT: The package will include a backdrop-making kit, swag, a printed games booklet, and a recipe booklet. If you are opting in for a kit, you MUST pre-register by August 6th.
Going kit-less? Choose an appropriate Zoom virtual background, or create your own Pennsic-themed setting!
POT LUCK: Since we can’t physically bring our own food to the potluck, we’ll be bringing recipes! We will be collecting people’s favorites and you can download your copy soon! If you have a recipe you want to share, please reach out to me or Randve L’il Hammar.
Feel free to prepare something! But bring your food – we shall be feasting together so that we can be asked questions just as we’re putting food in our mouths!
Drinking is encouraged! So don’t forget a bottle of your favorite!
