Clyde's Travel Log - Castle Wars 2018 and Staying Relevant

Went to Castle Wars this weekend. A very good event. Lots of SCAdians. Lots of stuff to do. Lots of fun.

For me, the event is starting to become a 'benchmark' on my timeline of various nagging injuries. Love the event, but almost dread it because of that.

Last year, I arrived at the event nursing a patella tendon problem that I had been carrying the whole year before. I fought with spear the first time ever and injured my right elbow (tendon issues). My knee got better, the elbow didn’t. So, I spent most of 2018 fighting left handed with sword and shield. About a month back, fighting left handed, I strained my left elbow (similar to the tendon issues in my right). Sigh. This led me to put down the shield and have a go at polearm at Castle Wars. I also brought my crossbow in case my arms needed a break.

What did I learn? Pole arm isn't too bad. I liked it and it isn't as hard on me as shield work in the wall is. CA arrows and bolts are attracted to you. There are some things that I couldn't do (like overhead work). But, most of the normal, low position stuff was doable.

During the field engagement and capture the flag engagements, I fought with my 7'3" slashing spear. It seemed to be a decent weapon for the engagements. Though I admit that I didn’t know a whole lot about what I was doing, I had seen people use them so had a some idea. After the first couple of engagements, I started figuring out where I needed to be and what I should be doing. I had a little success and much fun. Arm pain did creep up toward the end of the second engagement. I think it was related to the length and tip weight of the weapon held in a forward guard.

So, I took a break on the bridge and castle fights and got the cross bow out. This was the first time I had ever shot in a melee with it. Shame, I have been authorized with it for over 15 years. But, it provided a good low impact alternative to the pain I was having. CA is fun. It requires a little more attentiveness to your environment and 'what is down range'. I caught myself in the wrong a couple of times and had to correct my firing position lest I put something into the pavilions. Lots of challenge in that activity and I can see the appeal. I used all of my ammo and grabbed my split-rattan glaive for the last engagement of the castle battle.

It was in this engagement that I learned that overhead work was a no-go for my injury. Trying to work over the heads of the shield men and around the corners of the walls was strenuous. I really didn't get feel for the glaive. Will have to revisit it later.

Lucky enough for me, I made my overhead pain discovery as time ran out so I was successful in making it through all of the engagements of the day. I wasn’t up for pickup fights though. I feel the plan was a definite 'win' for me.

Later in the day, I had some folks comment on what I was doing. I made a comment about 'staying relevant'.  I think that came across weird. I thought on it on the way home from the event.

It's tough working through an injury. At this point in my SCA fighting lifespan, I don't know how many more opportunities I will have to be in kit on the field. Add to that, the idea that I am a squire. Being a squire means a lot of things, but most of all it means being on the field in kit. And all of that leads to this idea of 'prowess' that is so important when travelling the path of chivalry.

Prowess must be earned through effort and determination. I cannot affect my prowess if I am not in kit. My prowess is measured by those that surround me when I am in kit in the fray. My prowess is measured by my success at being a good fighter. As prowess improves, so does  my 'Franchise' and name-fame.

I guess my comment of 'staying relevant' was short-sighted. It is more about prowess and being there on the field and doing what I can to stay on my chosen path. I'm not advocating 'fighting hurt' If you are hurt, you are hurt. What I am advocating is asking yourself 'What can I do?' and doing it. It’s a fine line I am toeing. That line is on the fence between hurting myself worse and making a complete fool of myself. It hasn't been a picnic. It's been downright hard and discouraging at times.

So far, I feel like I am winning in some ways and losing in others. I now have a healthy appreciation of left handed fighting but have soreness in my left elbow. I finally got to do some combat archery, but know that it cannot carry me down the path. CA can provide me respite though when the nagging injuries become burdensome. I carried a polearm into melee for the first time and found that it is fairly enjoyable and may be more so if I actually get some people that know about such things to show me some pointers. All of these things came possible through self-inflicted injuries. And through the aches and pains, I have learned.

Picked up sword and board in my normal right-handed mode today at fighter practice. What did I find? I have learned some really good blocking technique from fighting left handed. I've learned some sword strikes that are effective, but don’t 'hurt' me. Fought at Castle Wars and found that I kind of like fighting with a pole arm and combat archery is cool. These little things, made possible through a willingness to try new things outside because I couldn’t do what I was used to doing.

Relevance…not quite a virtue. But, it is of value. At least, it is to me.

Well met friends. Safe journey to thee!

THL Eoin Mac Cana called 'Clyde', CACM, CKP2, CAS
Warden of the Northern Plateau
Squire to Earl Benen Mac Tire, KSCA, OL, OP
Knight Marshal, Shire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies

What is Crown List?

This past weekend, Meridies held the fall iteration of our semi-annual event, Crown List. I attended the event and as I usually do, spent some time thinking on my journey there and back about what it is all about anyway. My views here are my own perception of what a Crown List is to me, what I think it aspires to be, and maybe, if I'm not completely off my gourd, I will have some truths here that will be of some use or import to those who take time to read them.

Since the founding of the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism), we have been somewhat fixated on the idea of 'tournament'. In my mind's eye, this is exhibited as combatants in heraldic finery dueling for the honor of the person who's favor they wear. This concept is strong in our society. The idea of Crown List finds its footing in the original founding of the SCA in the Grand Tournament of 1966.

The idea of becoming royalty by right of arms is a bit of a twist of history (i.e. - 'anachronism') that we SCAdians put into play. The concept itself derives from some late medieval ideas of 'king for a day' or from battles fought where the outcome determines who will rule (i.e.- the battles in England during the year 1066 for example). I would also suspect some fictional concepts are involved (i.e. Ivanhoe). Probably a little of all of these ideas were added to the mixing bowl to get our concept of Crown List. Regardless of its origins, becoming ruler of a kingdom by right of arms if a very, very SCAdian thing to do.

The Crown List is a kingdom event that recognized groups within a kingdoms borders can 'bid' on to host. Traditionally, the currently reigning royalty, Kingdom Seneschal and Kingdom Earl Marshal consult on the bids and make a determination on who 'wins' the bid. The hosting group provides the location, food, and support for the Kingdom to run the list. The Kingdom Earl Marshal runs the field along with the support of the order of Chivalry. On paper, it is a fairly simple event considering that it has a very focused objective to find the next heir. In Meridies, we also can have a 'Rose Ball' to celebrate and welcome the new heirs. So, it’s a tournament followed by a party. That’s it.

Crown List is a heavy combat activity. So, in order to become the ruling monarch of a kingdom, you must be authorized in SCA heavy combat. Heavy Combat is a foundation of the SCA. It is, as they say, part of our DNA. From time to time, I hear of people discussing the use other methods to determine who will rule. For my own part, I don't see a problem embellishing the Heavy Combat requirement with other activities, but the tournament itself should always be the focus. It's what we, as a society, came together to do. Its who we are. Supplementing this base requirement should never become a burden or limiting factor of the capability to hold a successful, honorable tournament. Anything that detracts from this goal should be discouraged.

All fighters recognized by a kingdom can apply to fight in Crown List. The keyword is 'apply'. There are laws set forth in each SCA kingdom that governs who is eligible to apply. Meeting these requirements is only the first 'hurdle' for an applicant. After application, each candidate it reviewed by the kingdoms current royalty in consultation with the Kingdom Seneschal and Earl Marshal. The monarch can then accept or decline an applicant. It’s a royal prerogative.

I have never been a royal, but I have known a few. The process of approving applicants for Crown List is a weighty burden to bear in my opinion. I could argue that it is one of the most important tasks a reigning monarch is given. Every entrant in the list has a chance to be the next ruler of the kingdom. Every one of them. Therefore, decisions made on who participates in Crown List contributes to a ruling monarch's legacy.

Think on that. Every person that fight's for crown has a chance to be the next heir to the throne. That is a heavy concept.  If you put yourself forward to vie for ruling the kingdom, you have to be prepared to rule the kingdom. The decision to fight for crown boils down to time, ability, support and finance as I see it. Can you commit a majority of your 'free time' to doing nothing by SCA activities for the next 12 months? Are you fit enough to handle the mental and physical stresses of being the leader of a kingdom? Do you have the people in your corner that you can rely on to help you be a monarch? Can you afford, out of your own pocket, to travel constantly across the lands of your kingdom without going broke in the effort? If you cannot answer these questions in the affirmative, then you probably shouldn't be applying to fight in Crown List.

So, as the reigning monarch looks at the applicant, they have to assume that the person is prepared for the role and that they have asked and answered the satisfactorily the questions above. They also must know that the applicant has met the requirements by Kingdom law. After those factors, now comes a simple question. Is this applicant a good representative of this kingdom? It is my hope at least, that this question is part of the decision process. As I see it, every person that enters Crown List must be a good presentation of who we are as a kingdom. When I look at the list and see who has been accepted, I want to feel good about everyone on the list and think to myself, they would be a good king or queen.

After the deliberations have been completed, applicants that have been approved are invited to attend Crown List. From this point forward, the individual participant controls the fate of the kingdom. On their ability and virtue rests the hopes of the populace. Our expectation, as a populace, is for a Crown List that draws the spectators into the drama as a well fought contest of skill unfolds before us that will lift the kingdom with floods of joy and pride in its royalty and all of the combatants that vied for the honor to lead. Our hope, as a populace, is that the new heir to the throne is molded though the process of competition on the field to become the leader we need them to be.

So, back to my initial question…What is Crown List? Crown List is a right we have as SCAdians. It is protected by laws. It is overseen by trusted leaders. It is made possible by the will of a kingdom's people. This culmination in action and subtle nod to our history is who we are as SCAdians. It deserves our attention, care and commitment each time it occurs. It should never be taken lightly or for granted. As a leader, it should be considered with diligence and forethought. As a participant, it must be dealt with dedication, honor and chivalry. As a populace, it is who we are and wish to be. For all of us, it is a piece of the Dream that we share.

Well met friends. Safe journey to thee!

THL Eoin Mac Cana called 'Clyde', CACM, CKP2, CAS
Warden of the Northern Plateau
Squire to Earl Benen Mac Tire, KSCA, OL, OP
Knight Marshal, Shire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies

Clyde's Travel Log - UNCHAINED Service of DOOM

Unchained Service of DoomThe Shire of An Dun TheineCamp Helen Harvest, AL03 November 2018

Credit Lady Asa Kolbrun

In the predawn light of November 3rd, AS 53, I took to the king’s highway to visit a Shire to our southwest called An Dun Theine. Accompanying me on the journey was a Lord Ronan of Easaraigh. We made good time over the southern highways as we descended from the plateau.

Our goal was the event 'Unchained Service of Doom'. The event was returning after several years of hiatus and of which, I had many fond memories from years past.

Ronan and I arrived at Camp Helen as the sun came over the treetops after an uneventful passage. Camp Helen was an excellent, well-kept facility that seemed ideal for the day's activities.

After warm, friendly greetings, Ronan and I trolled in and made our way to the field where we would spent most of our day. The weather was splendid for a fall day with regal blue skies filled with the warmth of autumn sunshine. 

There were three lists planned. The first, the 'Doom Tourney' to decide the newest member of the Legion of Doom. The Second, a List Class Mock Tournament to teach how to run and herald a list. And the last, The Service List. The Service List was a William Marshall tournament where entrants where canned goods were the entry fee. Each participant received 1 bead for 1 can. All proceeds when to the St Vincent de Paul Thanksgiving and Christmas Food Drive.

There were around 15 heavy combatants on the field, including Ronan and I. Most were familiar faces from our region of the Kingdom from all levels - novice to Knight.

The Doom Tourney was organized as a speed tournament. Each fighter was allowed 2 losses before leaving the field. Initially, we formed a line and paired from each end of the line until all combatants had an opponent. The first round was started and all combatants fought at the same lay on. Victors moved to one side of the field defeated to the other side. The pairing process was repeated for each side for each round until only two were left. In the end, Sir Randver won the day. At lunch, he was added to the rolls of the Legion of Doom and presented with the Doom regalia as was tradition - a Cloak of Doom (signified by the argent chain motif on purpure), the heirloom Chain of Doom (that carries tokens from each bearer from past Doom Tournaments), and the Sword of Doom (a relic gifted to the Legion by Duke John the Mad Celt). The tourney format was something new for me and was refreshing. I think I came out of it with a 2 and 2 record.

After some fun and energetic pickup fights, the List Class Mock Tournament was held. Several perspective list masters and mistresses as well as field heralds came to the field and ran an excellent and efficient double elimination list. Sir Erick Griffin was the winner of the affair. I don’t remember how well I did, but I do remember having a lot of fun.

After lunch, the 'Service List' was held. Through donations and entry fees, we all had more than enough tokens to stay on the field for a looooong time without concern of being ousted early. The field was open for 45 minutes. In the end Sir Caius won the day. I fought a lot, pushing myself to go as long as I could. Many of those engagements were against Sir Caius, he was a consistently stout foe the entire time. I did take one break, but was there at the end when time ran out. I was spent, happy and content. I fine time was had by all.

Lunch consisted of a stew along with some cabbage and sausage as well as some fruits and dessert. It was a hearty and warm meal was filling and sat well with me. It was very well done.

While I did not get to attend, there were many service classes held through the day on many subjects related to event and group planning and management as well as open discussions with kingdom officers, some of the service orders and peers. Lady Asa from our Shire of Easaraigh attended many of the classes and had good things to say.

Ronan and I had a ton of fun and were well spent as we retired from the field. I am glad for the return of Unchained Doom to the kingdom calendar. It was always a favorite event mine in years past. The Shire of An Dun Theine is an excellent host and gave us an enjoyable experience to remember. It was well worth the trip.

As the fall sun shadowed the sky, Ronan and I returned to the quiet, dark of the northern plateau to family, home and hearth with a joyful memory to share.

Well met friends. Safe journey to thee!

THL Eoin Mac Cana called 'Clyde', CACM, CKP2, CAS
Warden of the Northern Plateau
Squire to Earl Benen Mac Tire, KSCA, OL, OP
Knight Marshal, Shire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies