Its time to get back to my scribing about the world around me. I’ve been away from my ink (both ethereal and ironic) too long. I have not written since the Spring of 2017. That’s a long time to neglect one’s vocabulary. With practice comes skill. Skill sparks imagination. Imagination and skill fuel The Dream.
Not that I have an audience that missed my musing, but I missed standing on my rock and making my proclamations, sharing my observations and making general comments of dubious value in the dark recesses of the electronic void.
My last commentary of note was my experience as Marshal in Charge of Border Raids in April. Since then, many things have happened. Ellen and I were asked to help with entourage for our current royalty, Tim and Ysmay. I attended several events to include RUM (Royal University of Meridies, 15July2017), Tourney of the Foxes (26August2017), Bacon Bash (20-22October2017), Meridies Fall Crown List (10-12November2017), and Castle Wars (17-19November2017). My wife, Ellen, was accepted as Protégé to Master Sir Griffin. Oh, and through all of this Ive been hamstrung by a nagging knee injury.
The latter half of 2017 has felt much like being marooned on the Isle of Broken Toys. A nagging injury is rough. Its very rough on us that don armor and swing rattan sticks. Even more so for those of us that don armor, swing rattan sticks and sport of belt of red proclaiming our need, desire, want, urge, lust to wear the kit, swing the stick and be in the fray. What is a fighter not in the midst of the joyous struggle of combat. Let’s explore that.
I was injured at Gulf Wars back in March 2017. On the 5th bridge battle engagement, I stepped on a boundary rope and twisted my knee. A minor twist by my estimation, but enough for me to retire from the field for the remainder of the event. My concern for Benen (who had been injured 2 engagements prior by a cowardly, excessive strike to the head) had me not thinking much of my own issue. It wasn't until later on, at home, that I realized that my knee was worse that I initially thought. It wasn’t until late in the year that confidence in the joint returned and I felt somewhat comfortable in armor again. I did go to a doctor only to be told to ‘walk it off’. I was not happy with that. A majority of my first year as Squire to Benen has been on Injured Reserve (both of us I might add). Its a situation that has gnawed at me, but all was not lost as there is always a lot to do in the SCA.
Shortly after Spring Crown, in April, is when Ellen I were asked if we would like to participate in entourage for Timothy and Ysmay. As I said, there's always something to do in the SCA. Serving as entourage for an SCA Royal can be a very rewarding experience. Its a chance to be involved with the operation of your kingdom. Its an opportunity to put your service to a practical need. Its an activity where you meet people and can be seen. If you value the SCA, your kingdom, and the ideals we strive to achieve, serving in entourage is a shot for even the newest lord or lady to be involved, give back, and share in the royal experience.
Naturally, we said yes. We had some experience with entourage with Hadi and Ameraulde, back in 1991. Being from an older SCA generation and having several ‘intermissions’ in my SCA hobby, entourage for a current reign was a great opportunity to meet and get to know this current version of our society, how it operates, meet folks I did not know, and something to do with my down time (remember the knee thing).
As you might surmise, entourage in AS 52 is a lot different that entourage was in AS 26. Back then, entourage was small, the kingdom was twice as large, and a few did a lot of work to make it all work. Now, we have instant messaging, schedules, signups and rotations. Its so much more organized (it seems) now. Don't get me wrong, there are still a small inner circle that does all the organizing, but the pool of support they have to fill the need is more accessible, and larger (it seems to me at least). It’s been a very pleasurable experience thus far. Timothy and Ysmay are most gracious and appreciative of the rendered service. Elizabeth of Rae Fen has been a pleasure to work with as the lead entourage wrangler for Their Majesty’s. If given the opportunity, do it. Don't be scared. It’s been a blast.
Now for some event recap.
Ellen and I trekked from the hills of Easaraigh to RUM on a rainy day to meet the new royals, attended some classes, and ‘hang out’. The day was marked, most notably, by the misfortune of our Shire seneschal, Asa. Asa is also part of the entourage and was making the trip to meet the new royals, as we were. On the way, she had a wreck. She came out OK with some minor injury, but in the rain it was a mess and her vehicle was a loss. Ellen and I rendered what comfort and aid we could, then continued our journey to site after she was secured in the care of her family.
Rum was hosted by the Shire of Crimson River in the border lands to the northwest of Kingdom. The rain subsided as we arrived at site. We settled in to the day, socializing, attending a few classes, and doing our first entourage service in over 25 years. We were both a little nervous I think. We didn't know many of the folks involved. It can be a bit daunting. But, once things needed doing, all the nervousness went to the wayside and we fell right into the routine.
I did manage to sit in on a class Graf Ulric taught on footwork as well as catching part of the class Sir Seamus taught on the throne care and maintenance (a big part of the entourage work). There was fighting at RUM, but not for me. All I was able to do was fend off questions about why I was not fighting. My defense in that area is not good.
All in all, the day was quiet and easy going after that mornings excitement. We met the new heirs. We liked them.
Tourney of the Foxes - 20 August 2017
Still, not fighting. Marek Arturson and I travelled to our neighbors south of Easaraigh, Vulpines Reach, to their very popular annual team tournament, Tourney of the Foxes. It was a nice late summer day. I had an early Saturday entourage shift. Other than that, the day was open for whatever.
As entourage, you see pieces and parts of the life of those serving the kingdom in its highest office. This was my first time on the ‘wake up’ shift with Timothy. Mostly, it was a matter of setting them up for the day. Thrones, sun shades, and general getting things in place was the crux of the effort. Its a small thing, but a burden carried by the entourage is one burden less carried by the royalty. Its all the small things that make the kingdom work. We can all do a small thing.
I once again find myself noting the thoughtfulness and courtesy displayed by Timothy and Ysmay. I cannot say enough how impressed I have been and it is at this event that I get a feeling of how enjoyable this entourage experience is shaping up to be. Its just fun and cool and satisfying sharing in their reign.
On the field, about mid day, I was present to witness some of Timothy’s thoughtfulness. He has made a small rattan backup dagger in the style of a seax. He chose our friend Legio of Crimson River as a recipient of the dagger for his presence and actions on the field that day. It was a cool moment to witness.
As the ache of my knee problem increased, Marek and I departed for home earlier that we would have liked. He and I both had a good day in the sun with our southern friends.
Bacon Bash - 20-22 October 2017
Another event hosted by our brothers and sisters of Crimson River, Bacon Bash would be my first attempt to return to the field in kit.
The weather was ideal. I felt good at the outset, but lost my focus and attempted to push myself harder that I should have. I ended up retiring from the field early when I felt the familiar pang of pain.
The rest of the day was a blur. I took some pain medication. I socialized with familiar faces. and I sat in on a ‘Fighter 101’ class Sir Valdrick taught.
Later in the day, Sir Valdrick was announced for Pelican. The pronouncement was done it a awesome, humorous manor that was very fitting the man and entertaining to the populace.
Bacon Bash feast, as always, was above par. Excellent. Bacon is good. Much bacon is best.
Fall Crown List - 10-12 November 2017
In a solo effort, I traveled deep into the middle of Meridies to witness the spectacle known as Crown List. A chance for those who are worthy, through trial of arms, to test their mettle against the best and mightiest the kingdom has to offer on the heavy field to decide who will lead the kingdom in the future and affect how it that future unfolds.
This was my first time at an event in the style of Gulf Wars that wasn’t Gulf Wars. The event was held in a field. All camping. All facilities were portable. To add to this, it was extremely cold that evening. The experience was OK, but not for everyone. Overall, I liked it. It was nice to be away from mundanities to some extent and added to the immersion we all seek in our hobby.
I had a Friday night shift with TRMs. Tents up, outfitted in garb, off to make rounds. Did I mention the cold. It was still there. Got some quality time chatting with Timothy. Hes a good one to talk with. The big event for that evening was the Rose Ball. Unfortunately, it was under attended, but those that were there made the most of it. After that, I took my charge to his tent for rest (I’m pretty sure he snuck back out... but that's his prerogative).
Saturday, I attended Sir Valdrick during the list as a stand-in man at arms. It was a good day and a well, hard fought list. Next heir was decided. Duke Sir Thorstenn was the victor, defeating Sir Bart. Another royal in the House Excelsior encampment. Party time.
The rest of the day was spent helping with tear down, a nice feast (though it was still cold outside) and some mild socializing. I departed for Easaraigh early on the following morning to get ahead of the weather and run fighter practice at home.
Castle Wars - 17-19 November 2017
My first Castle Wars. I was back in the middle lands not far from the Crown List site. Its site is similar to the last event as well. Minimal mundanities. Portable facilities.
I arrive early on Friday and setup. Not much was happening, so I had time to wander and get a lay of the land. I was able to assist with some setup of the field and spent a little time chatting with Sir Simon and Dame Kat.
I had another Friday shift with HRMs. So when they arrived, we were back at the tent setup routine and off to make rounds. Bitter cold again. It was a theme this fall. There was a night tourney with ‘theme music’ for each combatant. I might have to try that sometime. We visited several campsites before retiring to the tents late in the evening. A tired HRM is tired and I was too.
So, I had this grand plan on Saturday to fight spear and glaive to ease some of my knee stress. It helped some. I spent some time working spear with Legio and then some time with glaive. I have decided that if I was meant to fight with a spear or glaive, I would have been born holding one. I am terrible with both weapons. So, I eventually picked up my shield and fought a couple of engagements before the knee fatigue hit. On top of that, probably because of two weekends in the cold, damp outdoors, Mother Nature gifted me with a cold. iI came on throughout the morning and by mid day I was starting to feel the full affects.
So, I packed up. While packing, I had a good chat with Stilicho and Conall. Good, solid shield brothers there. I got home later that evening feeling the full affect of the cold and spent several days fighting the ailment.
Epilogue
So that was the later half of 2017 in summary for me. As a broken toy on my island, I have been annoyed, agitated and frustrated with my slow heal. Ive had a blast as entourage for Timothy and Ysmay. Ive talked to lots of people, shared good times with many more. At the end of the year my knee seems to be back to a decent fighting health. Bad news is that great idea I had to fight spear at Castle Wars ahs injured my right arm (tennis elbow probably). Not as bad as the knee, but still an annoyance. Regardless, I’m glad to be where I am. back in armor and to be writing again.
Well met friends. Safe journey to thee!
THL Eoin Mac Cana called 'Clyde', CACM, CKP, CAS
Warden of the Northern Plateau
Squire to Earl Benen Mac Tire, KSCA, OL, OP
Knight Marshal, Shire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies
Warden of the Northern Plateau
Squire to Earl Benen Mac Tire, KSCA, OL, OP
Knight Marshal, Shire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies
