Clyde's Travels - Fool's War XXXIII: Those Silly Landsknecht

Fool's War XXXIII: Those Silly Landsknecht

The Shire of Tir Briste
Camp Benjamin Hawkins
Byron, GA
12-14 April 2024

In the mid afternoon of Friday, April 12th in the year Anno Societatis LVIII, being 2024 Gregorian, I once again made my trek southward from Cumbrian lands to the plains of Tir Briste for the event, Fool’s War XXXIII: Those Silly Landsknecht. The annual, melee oriented, event has been around a long time. It has gone through many changes over the years. I remember it started as a three kingdom war with Atlantia, Trimaris and Meridies all taking part. These days it is less of an interkingdom war and more of a scenario based melee for all comers, regardless of Kingdom.

I arrived late in the evening, having another uneventful trip through the populous Barony of South Downs. I found Camp Benjamin Hawkins easily off of the main highway, trolled in, and found a place to setup camp. This was my second event using my ‘quick camp’ solution with my truck camper. The setup was a little faster this time. Learning what you need and were it needs to be in the vehicle for use is an important part of the ‘quick camp’. Setting up in the dark again was a non-factor. The one thing that was new this time was that I failed to realize I had not parked on a level spot. This led to a slight lean in the bed of the truck. It wasn’t too bad, but I did feel the ‘sliding’ effect for the two nights I was there. Lesson learned.

Photo Credit Az Parris

Friday Night fights were underway when I arrived. The raucous announcer DJ Duke Tim was at the microphone throwing down tunes and announcing the bouts. After setup, I garbed up and went over to hang out a little bit. A good sized crowd was gathered around in the colorful flashing lights of the eric. A bubble machine percolated its creations into the evening breeze. Music played. People danced. Fighters fought. Looked like a good time. I made rounds, greeting familiar faces in the crowd. I departed around midnight. The fun was still going. Not sure when it ended.

The next morning, I was up earlier than necessary. I sat and broke fast as the sun rose to a respectable height in the morning sky. The morning started chilly, but quickly grew comfortable. Appetite sated, I got into kit, loaded my wagon and headed to the fighting field. I found Sir Fiachna already on the field and working (as is usual for him). He was the MIC for the day and had designed several scenarios based on historical battles involving the Landsknecht. I had a few deliveries to make, so parked my cart and ran my errands. 

Photo credit Me.

When I got back to the field, the denizens of the camp had started arriving along with the day travelers visiting the site. I took some warmup passes with the newly dubbed Sir Owen Seis. Then took to hydration in preparation for the day. This time of year is deceptively tough for fighting. Cooler temps masks the sun’s warmth. It’s easy to overheat before you realize it.

As I referenced earlier, Sir Fiachna had designed several historical scenarios for the armored combatants to enjoy. Designing melee scenarios is an often overlooked skill. Basing an SCA melee on an actual historical battle is not an easy task. It takes reviewing the facts of a recorded of a battle and adapting the events of the fight to the rules and capabilities of SCA combat. It's really part art and part skill. For example, we don’t have cavalry. So, you have to adapt and apply dismounted combatants into those roles of a battle. Maybe, you give them more freedom of movement or some other gimmick, like the ability to cross water obstacles, in order to fill that need and keep to the original script of the battle. It takes a lot of thought and outside-the-box imagination to make it work. The end result can be a lot of fun and challenging. You often also find that a group of fighters will find a way to completely mess up your perfectly designed plan in an unexpected way. Melee design is a true art form that should get more attention. As a participant in the historical melee, I feel they are more rewarding than the basic things we do (open field fight, bridge battle, capture the flag, etc.). It gives us context, ties us to history, and sets objectives that we don’t normally encounter. We need more of this. It makes us think and breaks us out of habitual combat.

Sir Fiachna's scenarios.

The fighting was a lot of fun. I ran sword and shield all day. I have to admit that I was not as enthusiastic about it as I usually am. In talking with Hagan, he called it ‘Casual Tourism’ (I think that was the phrase). I was there, but really just kind of walking through the exercises in an abstract kind of way. I don’t think I really ‘engaged’ until maybe the last melee of the day when I really dove into with a full effort. Some days are just like that.

Photo Credit Az Parris.

In the mid afternoon, I had to go and administer an order meeting for the Legio Ursi. I was a substitute Prefect, since Bram could not be at Fool’s War. It was the first time I led an order meeting. It felt awkward to me. But, I did it. The Legion of the Bear (Order of the Legio Ursi) is a grant-level polling order. These orders are the highest, non-peerage orders. The meetings involve discussion unique to the order. In the Bear’s case, the discussion is about armored combat melee and melee activity in general. We are the sergeants of Meridies on the armored combat field. The meetings also involve discussion of candidates we are watching for induction. Each order has its own method of gauging worthiness. Once being added to a polling order, you become a gatekeeper for the order. You become a cog in the machine that determines who and who is not going to be added to the rolls. It’s an odd realization once you grasp it. Those methods for determining worthiness I mentioned change with every person added to the rolls. The only constant to this ‘standard’ is dedication to the thing the order values most. One thing that I do believe is that when you add someone to an order, especially the martial orders, it makes that person better at the thing. The need to ‘represent’ what the order is becomes a motivator to be better at the thing. Is just like that scene from Kingdom of Heaven. The bishop asks, ‘Who do you think you are? Will you alter the world? Does making a man a knight make him a better fighter?’. Balian replies, ‘Yes’. There is a metric butt-ton of truth in there. 

Photo courtesy Me.

After the meeting, I finally got to remove the rest of my kit and rest for a minute. Hydration, a snack, and almost dozed off. Realizing court had started, I threw on a tunic and walked over to watch. I was tired. That sneaky heat of the day got hold of me. I watched court from the back of the field. It was an open court held on the fighting field in the late afternoon sun. Once over, I went to take care of some necessary post-fight hygiene. Once cleaned up, I grabbed my ‘dinner stash’ and a chair. I headed over to the Glynn Rhe camp to sup with friends. It was a good meal shared with joviality. As dusk truly set in, I wandered a bit around the camp listening to laughter and music. Weariness took hold and I turned in early to my bed.

The next morning, I broke camp in predawn light and started my northward journey arriving home in good time.

Fool’s War XXXIII was a really good event. If you like melee combat, you should circle it on your calendar. We had gentles from Meridies and Trimaris in attendance (over 300 in attendance if I heard correctly). The camaraderie was excellent and made the trip worthwhile. Thanks to the Shire of Tir Briste for hosting.

Well met friends. Safe journey to thee!

Baron Eoin Mac Cana called 'Clyde'

Squire to Earl Benen MacTire

Warden of the Northern Plateau
Shire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies

Clyde's Travels - Meridies Spring Coronation

Bert Adams Boy Scout Camp
Shire of Depedale
5-7 April 2024

On the 5th of May, 2024, I travelled to Meridies Spring Coronation at Camp Bert Adams in Covington, GA. The event host was the Shire of Depedale. There, I witnessed the conclusion to the reign of Timothy III and Ysmay III as well as the crowning of their heirs, Sebastianos II and Morgan II.

Photo courtesy of me.

The journey late in the evening that Friday was a uneventful as it can be when travelling through the busy Barony of South Downs to reach my destination.

There are times when I feel my age. This weekend was one of those times. While my exuberance was still there for the fight, I felt the creep of weariness upon me. I confess this as I am not sure that I was my jovial self and it may have impacted some of my interactions during the event. While I have made efforts to be more social at events, breaking away from my more insular tendencies, I think I fell into moments where I just didn’t want to ‘people’ or where I was just numb to polite conversation. So, my mood may not have reflected the best version of me.

Once onsite, I setup my truck to be my sleeping place for the weekend. During the week prior, Ellen and I reviewed options that did not include ‘setup a full camp late on a Friday evening after driving’ for just me. I don’t typically do cabins due to allergies. Setting up a tent or going to a hotel have been my go to for the past bit for these quick trips. We came up with the idea of putting a twin mattress in the back of my truck and I found a ‘tent’ that mounted to the truck over the open camper and tailgate. The end result is a reasonable solution for ‘quick camping’ with a comfortable and dry place to sleep. The setup takes me 10 minutes or so and I’m ready to sleep. Coronation was my first time using this concept and I think it’ll be my go to for quick, overnight event camping going forward. 

Once I had the truck camper setup, I threw on a tunic and went to hangout at Owen Seis’ vigil to socialize a little before bed. My alter ego ‘Don Eoin’ (making it’s way from the Excelsior Camp at Gulf Wars) was a topic of discussion around the fire making for some good fun and improving my mood after the drive. In good spirits, fatigue of the day caught up with me eventually. I made it maybe an hour before I was totally drained and made my way back to the truck for sleep.

A note concerning vigil’s... I don’t normally go to ‘speak’ with the candidate during a peerage vigil. I’ve never felt it is my place. I am not a peer. I am just a guy who has played the game a while. In my mind, the vigil is a place for wise counsel from the peerages and a time of reflection. Me coming in and saying ‘congrats’ seems like a waste of that moment of import. Just my two cents.

The morning of the 6th was focused on the final court of the current reign and the first court of the new. While I failed to sign up for any official royal entourage roles this event, I came into the hall and found that nothing had been setup for the first court. To that end, I jumped in and started setup. Initially by myself, eventually other gentles arrived (including HRM Timothy) to get the stage set for the last court. The work kept me busy and gave me purpose, which is one of my habitual go to’s at events. Finding something that needs to be done and just doing it. No one asked, I just saw a need and had a good idea what needed to be done. It’s not for everyone, it’s really just something for me that fills a need I have. I mention this just as a reminder that you don’t have to have an assigned job to help at an event. Sometimes things just get missed and need to be done. Doing these things may or may not result in recognition. That’s not the point. The play must go on. It takes all of us pitching in to make it happen.

I stood with their Excellencies’ Glaedenfeld during the last court of Timothy III and Ysmay III as entourage. They probably didn’t need me, but it was the best seat in the house. I witnessed three elevations and heard the schtick related to the end of reign ‘offing’ of the current royalty as is custom in Meridies. This iteration of Timothy and Ysmay turned out to be suspected Nosferatu. A crowd people (think pitchforks and torches) ushered them away from the throne to make way for the incoming heirs. There were many awards given out in between the elevations and scenes related the planned schtick with rabble rousers’ claiming that ‘something just wasn’t right’ with the King and Queen…. They don’t like silver… The sun bothers them… they have a taste for blood… etc. It was good fun. The court was long, as they sometimes can be. The last court of the reign is an integral part of the process and a main theme of the coronation event.

The first court of Sebastianos II and Morgan II was short. The crowns were set upon their heads and the days planned activities soon commenced. Their second court would be held during the Hellenistic festval feast later in the afternoon. After the early courts, I made ready for martial activities.

The Order of the Sable Sword and Order of the Legio Ursi were both hosting tournaments. To that end, I got geared up and went to the fighting field to take my place with my orders in support of the effort. There were just three of us representing both orders. There were 12 to 15 in armor participating. Almost half of those there were newer fighters. Almost half of the fighters were left handed. I enjoyed having all the new fighters out there. Got to fight a lot. I was having to scale up and down for the varying levels of experience. I worked with the top caliber of fighter in Duke Boru and the knights, Sir Pietro and Sir Richard, down to fighters with less that a year in armor. We had a couple of 17yr olds in kit. It was a broad range, rarely seen at an event. The fighting was fun. I was able to teach some melee lessons. I got to work a little with some individuals. I think there was something for everyone. It was a pleasant afternoon on the field.

The late afternoon I attended the Hellenistic festival and got myself some feast from ‘below the salt’. The 'feeling old thing' hit me right after this started. The hall (which is a beautiful place) was loud. Too loud for me. For the past several years, I think I have developed a bit of misophonia that rears its head from time to time. Lucky for me the main hall has two big rooms and I was able to retreat to the ‘quiet’ room. It was still noisy, but not as noisy as the main hall. Bram was in charge of the ‘below the salt’ feast. He administered a smoked meat/Asian fusion meal that was very tasty and appetizing. I was able to sit and eat with Brenton and Culom. We had some good discussion over our meal. As the evening drove on, several others came to the ‘quiet’ hall and I was able to get some quality social time on the books. As the evening drew late, I retired to my camper for sleep. The night sky with covered with smoky clouds and twinkle of stars as I closed my eyes.

Photo courtesy of me.

I awoke at the break of dawn and was on the road quickly after due to the ease of my camping solution. I bid farewell to Camp Bert Adams and headed for the northern passes to home. 

My time at coronation was enjoyable. I reflected on how things have changed over the years. I can remember the event being nothing but courts, meetings and revels. Now, the event tries to be what it was and also more like a typical event doing all the things. I almost think the older event style, minus all the meetings, is a better format. Sometimes, I think the populace needs an opportunity to just hang out. Coronation used to kind of be like that, at least for fighters. I think I miss that a little.

Well met friends. Safe journey to thee!

Baron Eoin Mac Cana called 'Clyde'

Squire to Earl Benen MacTire

Warden of the Northern Plateau
Shire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies

Clyde's Travels - Gulf Wars XXXII

Gulf Wars XXXII

King's Arrow Ranch

Lumberton, MS

9-16 MARCH 2023

Gulf Wars XXXII Day 1 - The good Earl Benen and I departed early this morning from our shire homes. A dampness and drizzle badgered us as we came down from the plateau into the lowlands. The trip was uneventful, the wetness changed to cool breeze under an overcast sky as we entered the Kingdom of Gleann Abhann. As is our way, we conversed and shared silence in equal measure. The journey made better for our easy company. We setup camp in a methodical process, familiar and known.  As darkness fell, we found the camp kitchen and supped. Weariness making our meal much more appetizing than it probably was. I spent a little time around the fire at Fox’s Den after I sorted out my tent but the long day has done me in and my cot beckoned. More to do tomorrow. But now, rest.

Gulf Wars XXXII Day 2 - Work day. Most of the day was spent preparing the Renarts booth for public consumption. It’s booth 25, just off Queen’s Highway east of 5 Points. We busied ourselves. Building fixtures. Unpacking boxes. Locating free range screws to replace the domesticated screws that someone worked hard to organize into a semblance of sanity at Pennsic. All was right as rain by early afternoon. The shingle was posted and the wall was opened to allow smiling happy people in. Many worthy and deserving shirts found new forever homes. Was a good, long day. The good Earl taken care of. I’m tired. Tomorrow, the clash of arms awaits.  My role in the army command beckons my presence. For now, I will dream of the fun tomorrow brings. Goodnight, sweethearts.

Gulf Wars XXXII Day 3 - A pretty busy day today in kit. Along with several other Meridian soldiery, I joined the combat archers in the ravine as a shield man for their CA only engagement. It’s literally being a walking shield for them as they shoot at each other. Was a good time and all of our Meridian archers did a great job. I found myself supporting a group of Middle and Atlantean  allies. There were impressed with my ability to swat the occasional arrow from the air in flight and credited their success to my presence. Felt good to help and show them to a good outcome. Next, I went to the town battle. We had 2, 45 minute long, resurrection fights. I can tell you with no reservations that I am gassed. It was a lot of fun. But tired I am. The fighting was friendly for my part and there was a lot of fun had. More fun coming tomorrow after some entourage time for HRM Timothy. Oh, and I was summoned to court later this week. I’m sure I’m not in trouble. Something to else to look forward to. Good night all.

Gulf Wars XXXII Day 4 - Early start today. Entirely an hour earlier than I needed. Set my rooster for the wrong time. But, I made the best of it. Had my coffee and broke fast as the nightly veil was lifted from the sky. Entourage was first on the docket for His RM Timothy. Got to stretch my legs a bit. If you have ever followed him around, you know what I mean. Processed with TRMs and the populace to opening ceremonies. I was then relieved of my duties. I did not stay for the full ceremony. For those of you who don’t know, the opening ceremony is where all the assembled royalty declare their alliances for the wars two major factions, the Kingdom of Ansteorra or the Kingdom of Trimaris. Meridies is allied with Trimaris this year. I made my way back to camp to gear up for today’s armored combat, the bridge and fort battles. We fought one pass in and one pass outside the fort. There were limited resurrections and the pass is timed. Trimaris and her allies won the bout capturing the fort as attacker in less time than Ansteorra. Yay us. Then we ran 4 bridge battles. Standard format across three bridges. Trimaris again came out on top by winning three in a row and sealing the deal. Meridies was awesome today. We were outnumbered most of the time, but our spirit and large number of combat archers won the day. Had dinner with the good Earl late in the day and then to camp for some rest. Was a really fun day.\

Thank you Kungaloosh Photography!!!

Gulf Wars XXXII Day 5 - Up early again this morning to see dawns early light on the horizon. Served as entourage again for His RM. During my shift I was present for Loegaire Mac Lochlainn’s elevation to Pelican. Bearing witness to an elevation is cool. So much joy and happiness. Was a great start to the day. From there a little camp time before going to help Earl Benen prepare the Renaissance Arts & Design shop (Booth 25 just off Queens Hwy east of 5 Points) for Moonlight Madness. Moonlight Madness is an event at Gulf Wars where all the merchants stay open late after dark. It can be magical. The people dress to the nines and there is music and joviality. Everyone turns out and strolls the merchants area. It’s a good time. The temperature was great and the air was cool under clear skies. Duchess Rebecca came in to help also. The three of us had a great time and laughed almost all evening as we served the t-shirt poor public. As the crowds dwindled, we closed the shop for the evening and I bid the good Earl good night. After returning to my tent I could not help but marvel at the beauty of the night sky.

  

So Tuesday, I posted about a court summons without really providing much explanation. Realizing I have some who read it without understanding, I thought I’d dig in a little deeper. 

A court summons in our hobby is just that. It’s an invitation from Their Majesties. Court is were the conduct official business. To that end, a court summons means that Their Majesties have some business that involves me. What that business is is not known. It’s just an invitation to be present. That’s it. So much of what we do in our hobby and our ‘success’ in it is about recognition. A court summons is a form of recognition. For me, it doesn’t matter if my call to court is for an award or some court schtick or just a ‘Hey, how you doing Eoin.’ I am content in the knowledge that my name is known (hopefully in a good way) and I am of enough worth that that TRMs would like to see me. Whatever interaction occurs after I have been called up in court is just gravy. My point is that no matter what happens, getting called up on court is cool and an important experience in our hobby. Regardless of the outcome, it is a recognition in itself and that should not be overlooked. The mystery of what it is about is part of the magic of the dream we are trying to create. Never look past that. Drop any preconceptions about what happens next. Take the invitation at face value and enjoy whatever comes after.

Gulf Wars XXXII Day 6 - I had another early entourage shift this morning for His RM Timothy. I barely got up and around in time due to the late night yesterday from Moonlight Madness. I was greeted at the Southern Consortium camp with some ribbing (instigated by HRM I think) that I walked into the camp like I owned the place. Like I was some sort of mafioso or something. Lots of laughter and more jokes followed. Now I have Iain and Piers running up to kiss my ring like I’m a don. Iain is now my official herald. His northerner accent is on point and he puts just the right amount of inflection in everything to have everyone laughing. Faggedaboudit. Got to see three elevations today for Count Bart and Countess Dalla to Pelican and a surprise elevation of Richard to knight. Good stuff all around. 

During my entourage shift, we were at the royal pavilion on the field when I saw Her RM tap her wrist looking at Timothy like they were late for something. My mind keyed on that and I prepared to fall in behind them as the moved by me. Only, they stopped in front of me. In my mind I thought I was in the way. So, ‘game on’ for a few seconds before I realized they wanted to talk to me and weren’t going anywhere. It was probably a pretty silly looking scene for anyone noticing.  Me trying to get out of the way and them trying to stay in front on me. Once we got past the awkwardness, they gave me a stainless steel bracelet with the kingdom motto ‘Ad Astra’ stamped on it and Roman stamp work. It represents a personal thank you from them to me. It will be a nice keepsake and memory of their reign. I have enjoyed helping them for this reign. They are really good representatives of our hobby and a pleasure to serve. 

The ravine battle was today. We had a Bear meeting before the battle. Our Prefect, Bam, could not fight so we needed to select a new sergeant major for the army in the field. I was nominated and selected to fill that role on the field in Bam’s absence. Was a bit daunting, if I am honest. While the responsibility is not hard, having all those bears look to me and say ‘yes’ was humbling. 

The fighting was hard. The ravine always is. One hour long resurrection battles will test your metel. Whether you make it the distance or not, you will be worn and gasping for air at the end. As if on cue, the air movement stopped and temperature got warmer right before for we started. This created a swealtering environment for our engagement. We took the right side of the line along with Atlantia. We faced off against Calontir again. The contest was a struggle. Our control point objective was significantly closer to their resurrection point than ours. Meridies threw itself against the Calontrii over and over. We were relentless. Headlong charges again and again from both sides to try and find leverage on one another. In the end, the battle was called to an end a little early. Through our efforts and those of the Trimaris Alliance, Trimaris won the day. 

I was bagged. Came close to calling it quits myself about halfway through. But, the faith bestowed on my by the Legio Ursi kept me in the fight. I found a way and stayed. It was not pretty but I was persistent. Dragging my self back to the line. Trying to be the leader they asked me to be. Trying to inspire others. And, I guess it worked. Our General, Count Barthelemy,  recognized me in front of the army and gifted me a ‘ring’ in his role of ‘ring-giver’ for my efforts. I was so happy for the validation. An SCA army is a big unwieldy thing, full of many levels of experience. It often does what it wants after the fight starts. Leading this ‘entity’ is akin to herding cats and a goat-roping clinic, on a good day. This will be another great memory when I look back on the war this year. 

Later at court, I attended, as requested, and was called up by TRMs. Her Majesty, Ysmay, awarded me the Meridian Majesty. It’s a more formal thank you for providing service during their reign. I have much appreciation and respect for them both. The thrones are hard, unforgiving chairs that require good people to sit in them to run the kingdom. They have been good in the role of King and Queen. The conscientious way they have gone about their business is inspiring to see and excellent to witness. I am grateful for them and being able to help them be successful in the exercise. 

I got some pics of me in my new Sable Sword Viking Coat Ellen made for me along with my cool new pouch made by Earl Benen. 

I closed my day with a meal and good conversation with Earl Benen after court. We walked up and down Queens Highway a couple of times before retiring for the night.  The air is heavy and humid, but I am happy and content. I think I will sleep well tonight.

Gulf Wars XXXII Day 7 - Rain delay 😞. The field battle was scheduled for this afternoon, but was cancelled when thunderstorms rolled in over the site. Spent time in camp in the common tent socializing and watching water fall from the heavens. Had some good discussions with Master Lash concerning the use and construction of his glaive (pic for reference). 

Late in the afternoon, I ventured out with Sir John and did a little bit of shopping with the merchants that were still open. Parting ways with John, I stopped in on Earl Benen and shared company over a meal. 

Late in the evening, we inducted Thomas Paumer into the Legio Ursi in a pop up court in the Southern Consortium camp. I socialized a bit, then was called upon to march with Their Majesties to render tribute to the infamous mercenaries, The Shadow Legion,who assisted Meridies in the battles this year. My day done, I returned to my tent for rest. Tomorrow is packing day and will be busy.

Gulf Wars XXXII Day 8 - The Packening, an epilogue. The final day of war. The the good people mounted wagons and departed ways. Travelling to their homes, near and far. Hugs, tears, smiles, sweat and relief, in equal measure, flashed across the collective countenance. 

Fox's Den woke early, its denizens taking advantage of the coolness of the morning. Soon the camp was vacant, very little remained to mark the passing of the week spent in our hollow. Echos of the these fine people could faintly be heard on the slight breeze after their parting. The warmth of comradarie leaving a mark on this place.

I made my farewells and ventured to the Street of Gold. There, I found the Good Earl making his own preparations for departure. A few travellers visited his shop, looking for that fix that only a quality clothier can provide. As he hawked his goods out the front of the Renaissance Arts & Design tent, I made busy dismantling and packing up things in the back. The operation was measured and deliberate, an orchestrated exercise with no conductor, only the commonality of shared experience gained from the several years I have been in his service guided the work. And then, we too were not there. The space, booth 25 on the Street of Gold, just off Queen's Highway east of 5 Points, was vacant. The wagon loaded and mule's stomping with impatience to make the journey back to our Cumbrian home.

Night fell. We talked as we rode. Retelling to each other the events of the week and the discussion ranged over many more topics as the distance grew from the King's Arrow Ranch. Weary, we arrived at our destination. Sleep called. Home again.

Gulf Wars XXXII was memorable. I made new friends. I provided service to my beloved Kingdom of Meridies. The Legio Ursi lifted me up and I made a name for myself in battle. I saw many people I respect elevated to peerage. I shared my days in the dream with the Known World at that camp in Glean Abhann. 

It was a good war.

Well met friends. Safe journey to thee!

Baron Eoin Mac Cana called 'Clyde'

Squire to Earl Benen MacTire

Warden of the Northern Plateau
Shire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies

Clyde's Travels - War College / Fighter’s Collegium

War College / Fighter’s Collegium

Giles County Agri Park
Pulaski, TN

The Barony of Iron Mountain and the Canton of South Reach

January 27, 2024

The air was wet. A true day for amphibians if ever there was one. Fortunately, the chill air was enough to keep any building rain of toads at bay. A cold, wet day in the midlands.

 

This was the stage set before me and my journey from the Cumbrian highlands of Meridies to the southern reaches of the Barony of Glaedenfeld. The journey was uneventful but required vigilance due to the conditions. I arrived unscathed and was greeted warmly by friends, adding a brightness to the gloomy weather.

 

The Meridian Fighter’s Collegium/War College is a kingdom event where we go to learn the tradecraft of martial activities. It used to be two separate events, but has been combined for some time now. Many classes were taught on the arts of war and tournament. The location used this year had ample space, but the frequent and near constant precipitation held the attendance in the vicinities of the sites hall and covered pavilion. There was still plenty of room for everyone that came.

 

The day started with an Iron Rose tournament won by Song Qingzhao. Classes followed soon after for armored and rapier disciplines alike. I joined in for discussion and practical’s on melee with our Meridian General Kikuchi-Sensei and the Northern Warband Leader, Count Barthelemy. The first class covering line breaking and taking an obstacle was a nice warmup to the day. His excellency followed this with a ‘working with spearman’ exercise. There was a lot of good discussion. The drills were well thought and adaptive to our needs.

Photo Credit to Kungaloosh Photography (https://gallery.kungaloosh.photography/)

Lunch break followed. I opted for some pick up fighting during the intermission. I managed 5 or 6 pickups before classes started back up. As classes resumed, I noted that I was having a tendonitis flareup in my sword arm so opted to ground my kit. Apologies to anyone that I had to turn away looking for passes afterward.

 

Sir Seamus lead off the afternoon session with a command and communication class. I was able to assist some which was rewarding. Once done, HL Bram Halfdannarson led some melee drills. I joined in to assist my Ursi Fratris with the exercises. It was good to get some time teaching, even if it was just as an assistant. I don’t do it enough outside of our Shire practices and probably should. I’ve been told that I know stuff worth sharing. 

 

I was able to catch part of one last class before court. It walked in on the end of County Barthelemy’s ‘How to get knighted…’ class. I only caught the last 15 or 20 minutes, but what I heard was excellent and taught with the enthusiasm that is inherent in everything His Excellency does. Hate that I did not catch the entire session.

 

At court, Their Majesties, His Highness, and Their Excellencies Glaedenfeld held our attention as several recognitions were bestowed. As a member of the Legio Ursi, I joined in to help bring Xenos Theodrikes into our order and add his name to the Mantle. As a member of the Order of the Sable Sword, I stood with the order in overwatch of the proceedings, embraced in our cloaked regalia, creating a stir in the throng for the purport our presence. When the Sable Sword appears, it is to bring someone into the fold. This day, Martin de Bernay was added to our rolls and cloaked in an heirloom cloak warn by His Majesty.

 

Thus the day ended and I made farewells and departed for my homestead. Luckily, the rain had ceased for the most part and only the wet highways laid in front of me as I made my way back up onto the plateau.

Photo Credit to Kungaloosh Photography (https://gallery.kungaloosh.photography/)

The idea of Fighters Collegium and War College has always been one of teaching. This year was no different. I think my only regret is having to split time between the two disciplines of melee and single combat. I emphasized melee this time around. Having been selected as a Commander for the North in Meridies, I felt that is where I need to be, to learn, and to become better known to those who do not know me. Last year at Gulf Wars, I was on then Meridian General Sir Seamus’s staff as a line commander. This was my first taste of the idea of command in SCA melee. I learned enough to know that I need to know more. Lol. This year as part of Kikuchi-Sensei’s command I am stepping up a bit higher in the chain. I am trying to learn my responsibilities and what the underlying expectations are for the Commander role I am in. There is much I don’t know. And as they say, that is the first thing we all need to accept as we start to learn. It will be an adventure and I look forward to the lessons to come.

 

That is all I have this time around, friends. Thank you for your time. 

Well met friends. Safe journey to thee!

Baron Eoin Mac Cana called 'Clyde'

Squire to Earl Benen MacTire

Warden of the Northern Plateau
Shire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies

Clyde's Travels - Wing Ding

Wing Ding

Pulaski Rec Center, Pulaski, TN

Canton of South Reach

January 13, 2024

On a brisk morning on the 13^th day of January, Anno Societatis LVIII, my squire brother, Ronan of Axebridge, and I made our way down from the plateau and warm hearths to visit the Southern Reach of the Barony of Glaedenfeld for an event known as Wing Ding.

The event, a small local gathering, was attended by many familiar faces of our area. There were activities of all types, catering to just about any persons interest as well as a sumptuous lunch provided by the hosts, The Canton of South Reach. There were many classes throughout the day. The lunch of poultry, warm from a smoker, with fresh fruits, vegetables and confections was a pleasure. There were armored and rapier martial activities as well.

Ronan and I participated in the armored combat tournament, the Broken Sword Tournament. This was conducted indoors. I think there were 16 or so fighters there. The format was single elimination with each round set as a best two out of three. Additionally, double kills counted against you. There was also a rule established that leg hits would be fatal. This was enacted to prevent damage to the flooring of the facility during the tournament. I made two rounds. First versus Sir Seamus and then a pass with Martin. Count Bart won the tournament. It was fought well. There was good communication and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

After the tournament, we carried the armored activities outdoors. There, Count Bart challenged all in attendance for the right to lead the Northern Warband. Many boasts in challenge and in jest were heard. This was followed by several very challenging contests for His Excellency. His metal put to the fire. It was hammered and tested. After the dust settled, he was found worthy and stood proudly as Jarl and Ring-giver of the Northern Warband.

I had several good discussions throughout the day. Two topics stuck in my head that I think are worth recording in my retelling of the Wing Ding trip.

The first, while not specifically discussed, but definitely acted upon was morale. More specifically, personal morale. As combatants, especially those walking a path to peerage, we often can find ourselves in a down state. Either we feel like we are ‘losing’ too much or seeing some perceived shortcoming in ourselves that we latch onto and allow self pity to overindulge itself with. This is just the worst thing we can torture ourselves with (and this goes for any activity). For myself, the biggest change I have had in my fighting is when I changed my outlook. There is a period most path walkers go through where we are very critical of ourselves. I did it for a long time. My breakthrough was when I started treating each day in kit as a success, a moment of enjoyment. Telling myself, ‘Hey dummy, you get to put on armor and play today.’ was my change. Every day you do the thing you enjoy is a good day. The specifics of wins and loses and other failings tend to fall away once you just embrace enjoying the activity. All the specifics that you picked at previously start to just become experiences that feed your improvement. You cannot win everything. You can lose everything. But, the W’s and L’s should never be the focus to find success, they are just lessons learned on the journey. I am learning that my personal ‘morale’ of enjoying the time in kit also helps to create an atmosphere for others to also find enjoyment. Like with any interaction, bringing a good attitude into it helps make the experience a positive for everyone sharing it. In short, good morale on my part leads to good morale for others. I’ll take it. It makes things better for me and hopefully, those I am around.

The second observation was a discussion I had with a couple of folks around goal setting. I stink at this. But, what I do know is that a goal should always be something you can affect the outcome of. For me, one of my goals is to be a consistent and challenging opponent for everyone I share the field with. I can control my actions. I can improve my attack and defense. These things are mine. ‘I want to be a knight’ is a desire, not a goal. While I would love to achieve the accolade of Chivalry in the SCA, that is not within my control. That is for fate to decide and should never be a goal. What I can do is try to act the part, enjoy what I do, and let the cards play out as they will. Goals need to be about what you can do and not about what you have no control over. 

Our day with the Canton was short. There was a closing court where the good Baronage of Glaedenfeld rewarded several citizens with recognition. Many new faces in the recipients. It was good to see. The Barony is strong and will be so for a long time through the vigor of it citizenry.

Ronan and I departed and made for the Cumbrian lands to the north in the late afternoon hour. Our thoughts turned to home fires and the warmth and comfort we would find on our arrival.

Well met friends. Safe journey to thee!

Baron Eoin Mac Cana called 'Clyde'

Squire to Earl Benen MacTire

Warden of the Northern Plateau
Shire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies

Clyde's Travels - Magna Faire - Medieval Holiday

Magna Faire - Medieval Holiday

Dalwhinnie Fields

Marion, AL

Hosted by the Barony of Iron Mountain

December 2, 2023

On a damp and chilly day in December, Anno Societatis LVIII, I took a trip south from the Cumbrian Plateau of Northern Meridies to the gently rolling plains of the Sanguine lands of the iron folk for a traditional pre-Yule revel called Magna Faire, being held on the grounds of Dalwhinnie by the Barony of Iron Mountain. The trip was quiet and the roads were kind and free of congestion that can sometimes be a challenge this time of year. The weather was overcast for the entire weekend as Old Man Winter battled to take control of the sky from the gentler Madame Autumn who was stubbornly hanging on. The result was a grey bleakness, a minor dampening of the ground and extremely mild, albeit warmer, temperature for the time in the season. Nonetheless, spirits were high for those in attendance and a good time was had.

 

Dalwhinnie Fields was its usual, charming self. Attendance was low, which was a shame. I had never attended a Magna Faire before that I can recall. There were many activities planned by the Barony for those in attendance. There was a King and Queen of Misrule chosen from the youth in attendance. The ‘Mis-Rulers’ influenced many of the planned activities throughout the day. There were armored and rapier tournaments. The Faire itself is focused on an A&S judging with several categories and tracks for review. There were classes for young and old. Both, Their Majesties and Highnesses Meridies were in attendance and there was a changing of the guard  for the Baronial seat of Iron Moutain later in the afternoon prior to a very good feast. Magna Faire had a lot of offerings for those who made the trip. The event was well thought out and executed.

 

I spent the first part of my day in the eric for the Toys for Tots tournament. The entry for the list was a toy and there was a avalanche of toys by the end of the day that made for a very worthy donation to the charity. With the low attendance, there were only 5 combatants in the list. It was declared that we would compete in a bear pit format to a total of 62 total passes (not counting draws). Added to this format was the occasional ‘Misrule’ injection. We had periods of ‘If you lose, you must fall down and roll in the mud’ and ‘You two must fight left handed’ then there was the ‘You can only win by a thrust’. The competition was jovial and very entertaining. Toward the end, we started adding our own silliness by adding the infamous ‘Duke Garick Spin Attack (patent pending)’ as a requisite to our passes. It was a good time. In the end, Baron Richard na Teanga Mhin won the day barely edging past Duke Garick and myself for the most total successful passes. I think we fought for almost 2 hours with only 1 declared water break. Metal was tested, bonds were strengthened and the warrior spirit found sustenance.

 

Photo Credit: Emelina le Norreys

My afternoon was dedicated to socializing and just ‘hanging out’. I was able to watch some of the rapier combatants vie for Baronial Champion. I got to talk ‘shields’ with a few people (my current pastime hobby) as well as just spending some ‘getting to know’ folks time. I had a relaxing time. For court, I paid service as retinue for Their Majesties. I was able to witness honors bestowed from the best ‘back row’ behind the thrones. At feast, I shared table and ‘helped’ with things in the hall. There were 4 removes and many very tasty dishes that sated my hunger after the days earlier fighting. Post feast, I attended a gathering of ‘Smoking Squires’ (note: that was not the name given to the activity, It is just the silly name I remember and that silly name is really misleading without context…) (UPDATE: So, the name is 'Squire Pipes' that I forgot. More fitting.) This was an informal gathering of peers and path walkers themed on ‘Smoking Pipe Tobacco’ (honestly, the name TRM had for the gather was much more catchy that ‘Smoking Squires’) and intellectual discussion.

 

The day ran late and I bid my farewells to the gathering, Dalwhinnie and Iron Mountain. My heart was warm from the attending. The people are good in Iron Mountain. Very good indeed.

 

Discussions through the day and the closing group social had me thinking since I left. My thoughts are a bit of inner reflection and a bit of my current philosophy of how our hobby works. Some themes kept recurring and being reinforced as I socialized during the day.

 

First, a bit of my current philosophy. Share joy. Do that. A smile is infectious. I believe that if this hobby does nothing else (out side of teaching people that history is cool), the best service we can provide each other is a little bit of happiness. How do you do that? It took me a while to figure that out before I stumbled into the answer. The simple answer is to ‘enjoy what you do’. The enjoyment will be seen by others both directly and indirectly. Once seen, human nature helps it spread. A smile breeds a smile. A laugh is contagious (yes, I know not a popular word these days). Just showing up, enjoying the moment and sharing your enjoyment will create magic. More than once in recent memory, I have encountered someone having a bad day at an event and I have been able to turn their day around just by sharing some fun with them. I have noticed this more in the past couple years. I think its something we (as a society) need. To that end, I try hard to show up at an event and just be in the moment. I let my ‘kid’ brain takeover at times and just live in the moment. I try to do things that make me happy (fighting, helping where I see a need, etc). In the doing, I have found the formula for spreading my happiness through the sharing. It took me a long time to figure this out and put in words. But, I like it. This is what I aim to do these days and I have a stronger bond with my hobby now than I have ever had. These are good days.

 

Second, it’s a bit of ‘The Path’ reflection. ‘The Path’ is the idea of the journey we are on toward a peerage. It is of our own creation, influenced by the peer we are bonded to and the community of peers that occasionally nudge us as we move along our merry way. My path is very ‘Me’. I am not ambitious. I am minimally goal oriented. But, I have a strong sense of loyalty. I was asked about ‘My path’ this weekend (where am I, where do I hope to be, what am I doing to get there, etc.). So, what is my path?

 

My path has been a long one. I’ve been on it 35 years now. My earlier years were with Count Hadi, my friend. We hung out. We shared shop time and field time. I don’t see these early years as me moving much on the path. I was mostly just stationary. I had no real concept of ‘The Path’ or that it even existed. Honestly, I didn’t really give moving forward on the path a thought. I was just enjoying the moment with Hadi. Move forward just wasn’t part of what I was doing. For many years, I did nothing to progress and had no thought of progressing in my mind.

 

With his passing in 2015, I spent some time in reflection. That year, I went on the ‘banner tour’. Fighting and in remembrance of the times we had shared. I think I was trying to find the SCA he and I had in those early years. In the searching, I became aware of and found the now weed-choked path I had started with Hadi but never nourished. I had let my path become overgrown and unattended.  It was very hard to see and harder to follow. I was aimless for a bit. I had some good peers within reach in that time. Wise council. I eventually established a new bond with Earl Benen who guides me now.

 

These days, the older me sees ‘The Path’ more clearly. The older me accepts that what I do it important. My path is not about awards and recognition. These things are outside of my control and will never be something I have set as a goal or something to strive for. And yes, I know, ‘But, Eoin, isn’t a squires goal to be a knight?’ Yes. You got me there. That is a big point of taking a red belt. That ‘Knight’ achievement is not the meat of what the path is about though, in my mind at least. Never has been. And, I think never should be the sum of its total parts. The ‘Knight Goal’ is just a weigh station one might get to as you journey forward. It will never be a guaranteed stop though.

 

‘My Path’ is about me and doing right by me. In this, I honor Hadi’s memory and Benen’s belief in me and both of their investments in bonding with me. I honor myself and fulfill my needs. I don’t need to be the best at everything and win all the things. I just need to try be the best version of myself I can be in that activity. In fighting, in service, in arts… its all the same. I just need to be the best version of me in that thing. And most of all, I need to enjoy doing it. In doing that, I win for myself and progress.  My goal, as it is, is to respect the path I have set before me and feed it by trying to be the best I can be at whatever I do. In that effort, I honor a those whose bond I share and I find the ‘knight-like’ version of myself that I can be.

 

Where am I on my path? That is not for me to say. I am no judge of my progress. I am still learning, improving at the things I do and that is enough. I am moving forward, content with what is before me.

 

Where do I hope to be? Where I am. Living in the moment. Contributing to my dream and the dream of others. 

 

What am I doing to get there? Sharing. Sharing a good attitude. Sharing the knowledge I have learned. Sharing a helping hand. Sharing my time.

 

‘You are not what you were born, but what you have within yourself to be.’

-Godfrey of Ibelin, Kingdom of Heaven

Well met friends. Safe journey to thee!

Baron Eoin Mac Cana called 'Clyde'

Squire to Earl Benen MacTire

Warden of the Northern Plateau
Shire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies

Clyde's Travels - Castle Wars 2023: the Festival of St. Martin

Castle Wars 2023: the Festival of St. Martin
McIntosh Reserve Park in Whitesburg, Georgia

Barony of South Downs

November 16-19, 2023

Sigmund and I. Photo bomb courtesy of Duke Bryce.

 

This past weekend, the squires two, Sigmund and Eoin, made the trek southward from the lands of Cumbria into the rolling hills on the outskirts of the Barony of South Downs for the event called Castle Wars. Our passage was uneventful there and back again. We had many discussions of life, the universe and everything on our journey, arriving at the event looking forward to quality melee time and the joy that would bring.

My memories of the day centered on the armored combat field, the order meetings that followed, and the philosophical ideals that the SCA holds dear. I did not find the opportunity to 'do all the things' but the quality of what I did participate in was top shelf.

The combat of the day was excellent. While there were some on the field not of our kingdom (most notably HRH Christopher of Atlantia), this was basically a home scrimmage of Meridian soldiery. From the newest rank in file foots soldier to HRM Timothy, all ranks were well represented. We had somewhere in the ball park of 60 combatants on the field armed with sword/shield, spear, polearm, and bow. Everyone was enjoying the cool weather and sharing in the euphoric happiness of melee combat. Smiles abounded as we tested our metal against each other at the gate, on the bridge and in the field. I played my role as shield man and line breaker in the wall. In the press, I found comfort, laughter and contentment. There was bliss there in the autumn sun with the cool breeze and banners popping to the rhythm of our clashes. We all had really good day in the bright clear sky with friends before the grey winter makes its presence known.

I retired from the field to attend to two of the Meridian grant level polling orders I am a member of, Legio Ursi and Sable Sword, who were having meetings. This took up a chunk of my afternoon.

Recognition to any grant level order, I have learned, is a two-sided coin with each Order having it’s own wants and needs. The first side of the coin shows the prestige and faith bestowed by your peers in who YOU are and what YOU do in regards to that Order’s area of emphasis. The second side reveals an obligation that you take a place within the ranks the Order and to carry the Order forward into the future. Being in three grant level Orders now (Bough, Legio Ursi and Sable Sword), I am amazed at how different each Order operates and conducts it’s business. Finding your voice in grant level polling Order and figuring out ‘how it all works’ within the Order is a challenging aspect that I had not thought about until I sat in my first meeting. Each experience is very much its own. I temper my presence in these Orders with a healthy level of self-doubt on my own worthiness to be included in the membership. This, in my mind, keeps me honest. All Orders will tell you that you earned it, you put yourself in the Order. And, that sentiment is true to an extent. But, a steady dose of humility provides me a foundation from which I can perch myself as I listen to the counsel of my peers in the Orders while I frame my own opinions. Its only from my own experience that I can find my voice and provide sound counsel of my own to these Orders. That very personal experience is the ‘bar’ I have created to gauge others worthiness to join me in the Orders that I am in. That ‘bar’ also can be a very complex thing to put a finger on because an Order is the sum of its parts. Those parts can be all over the scale when it comes to what a standard is for membership. The scale changes over time based on the needs of the Order, the Kingdom and the current events of the Society as a whole. The direction of an Order (read: requirements for admission) is announced through witnessing the newly inducted members in court. Each new member becomes an exemplar of the Orders standard and this drives, in essence, our Kingdoms perception (as a people) of what is ‘the right way’ to excel in the various fields of emphasis each Order oversees.  It’s a complex mix of feelings, ideas, and perceptions that comes together to elevate a person to a new station in the kingdom. My right to vote on the membership of an Order and that individual being an example of the Order’s ideals carries a lot of weight in my mind. Its one of the small ‘democratic’ processes that lie in the heart of our Kingdom and Society. I am in awe that I get to be part of the process, share in the recognition and help, in some small part, guide the direction of our Anachronistic world forward.

Later in the evening, Sigmund and I sat court as the business of the Kingdom moved forward and many fine people were lifted up for all present to see. The event cycled, as they do, and came to a close as the sun set upon us and the firelight held the encroaching darkness at bay.

One of the discussions Sigmund and I had as we traveled, was on the ideal the SCA holds in ‘The Dream’. The Dream can be a vague concept, maybe even hard to grasp for some. It can be in a lot of things, but we SCAdians choose to seek it in recreational historical reenactment. We are weird that way and insistent that our hobby is the place to find it. I share agreement with Sigmund that The Dream is not necessarily a big thing. It can and might be mostly, small things and short moments. The Dream can be a thought, an experience, a sight, or anything really. The conditions can be finicky. We can spoil it by not caretaking it properly. We can promote it by accident. It’s silly. It’s serious. It can save lives. It can change attitudes. It can provide purpose. The Dream is a lot and… it is nothing.

Both of us felt, without doubt, that The Dream was there at Castle Wars for us. There were moments scattered throughout the day where The Dream was tangible. The tithes paid in full. The right mix of attitude, act and environs. You just let it be, there on the edge of your perception. Barely noticeable but fixed in place. A feeling of content satisfaction overwhelms you. A spring finds its way into your step. You grin for no dang reason. You are just happy. Its there. That is The Dream. Im thankful for everyone that was there to share their time in that field by the river in the land of South Downs. You brought your game and the The Dream found us. It was awesome!

Well met friends. Safe journey to thee!

Baron Eoin Mac Cana called 'Clyde'

Squire to Earl Benen MacTire

Warden of the Northern Plateau
Shire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies