Clyde's Travel Log - Black Axe: A Festival of Kings

Black Axe: A Festival of Kings
Dalwhinnie Fields
Marion, AL
7-9 June 2019

My lady, Ellen, and I traveled to Dalwhinnie Fields for Black Axe this year. This was my second try at attending the event (last year did not turn out so well). We made the decision primarily because of the announced BOD meeting to be held there and some hope to enjoy other activities occurring before and after said meeting.

We chose to stay in lodging in nearby Selma for this trip. The weather forecast for the weekend was predicting a deluge in the area so we erred on the side of caution. While the inclement weather never surfaced, having the cool hotel room to return too after the days heat was worth in weight in coin.

I chose to participate in the two heavy tournaments held prior to the meeting. Both of the actions were well attended with high caliber combatants. The first tournament, the 'Black Axe' tournament, was seeded with a series of 6 grand melee engagements where the winner was moved into the final round. I had several good fights but regret that I did not pose much of a threat to any who opposed me. Im not sure what was wrong other than I was not 'tuned in' at all to the challenge. So, I fought my 6 and found a place to watch the final from in the shade.

Heat turned out to be a major issue as the day progressed. The foretold rain never surfaced and only the sun appeared and oppressed all who stood under its majesty with humidity and unmerciful heat.

The finals were found round robin style with rounds proceeding until there were only two left. Sir Lochlan took the day.

The second tournament was the '9 Lives Charity Tournament'. This was a William Marshal style competition with 'lives' driven by donations to the charity, a no-kill shelter for cats. I had several chances on the field so made an effort to cross swords with fighters that I did not get to fight in the previous event. I had several good matches and a few wins, but ultimately left the field before the time limit when the heat became too much to bear. Once again, Sir Lochlan beat out all fighters for the win. Much coin was raised in the effort and Sir Eric will be made to wear a 'cat suit' at Castle wars for the fundraising goal being surpassed. That should be a sight to see.

After some down time, to try and hydrate and recover, I made it to the BOD meeting just as it commenced.

While a full detail of the meeting is forthcoming, I will offer only a summary here. There were 10 BOD members in attendance. Master Lorcan Dracontius presided over the meeting as the Meridian ombudsman for the SCA. A review of how the SCA and Kingdom laws are applied and what has precedence was delivered by Duke John the Bearkiller. Master Lorcan led a Q&A session with the populace.

What was it all about? There has been some infighting in our Kingdom over how business is done. This is largely in regard to awards and peerages. That infighting has gotten ugly both in private and public. Threats were made. Our image tarnished. The BOD came to us to provide an opportunity for a fresh start and a chance to police the trouble as Meridian's with a not-so-subtle 'or else' tone. Recommendations were made for changes in Kingdom law that will be reviewed and announced as they come to the fore. A plea for 'finding middle ground' and 'communicating better' was stated many times by the populace.

My take on the affair is that some folks have been complete dolts. They have been so in public and have made things appear bleak. A select few may have taken one step further and made threats upon others. This lunacy is what the BOD intended to address. It has no place in our world and threatens to ruin it for everyone.

<\soapbox on>

The world according to Clyde says, 'The SCA is a hobby'. It thrives on participation. It only exists because a group of people believe it does and we will it into being. The Dream, as we like to call our hobby, lives within each of us. We have the power to make it good or bad. My choice is that the Dream is good. I will do what I can to make sure that the Dream I share with you is good. I have not the time or care of anything that will make it sour in our hearts and minds. We all bring our variations on the theme that is the Dream to bear for those we share it with. And that, is the danger. The Dream is constantly evolving and we should not be here for any reward other than sharing in the hobby and finding joy in the sharing. If you want to be a knight, then be knightly. Maybe, you will achieve accolades and an invitation to join a peerage someday. But then again, maybe not. Maybe…not. If that defines you, then you are missing the point as I see it. It's OK to have hope for something and even have goals, but you have to temper that in the reality that this shared experience is just that, a shared experience. Seek not the paper trappings suitable for framing and 'flair' adorning your person. Sure, those things are nice, but your personal success (or failure) in this enterprise should be based on who you are and how you share in this hobby we all want to love not in the physical accouterments of the order of precedence.

I have bonds made in this thing with people that I would never trade. People I would gladly share any burden with. I have felt joy in others accomplishments and humility in my own. I have trust in those around me to see and appreciate the acts of service, freely given. I strive to be selfless in act and never ask for reward. I seek a journey that is enough reward in itself and, hopefully, reward enough for those who share it with me. If I receive an accolade, that is awesome. If I don't receive an accolade, then everything is still awesome! This is the Dream I hold on to and try to nourish. Maybe, in some part, some of us need to ask ourselves a question about what our piece of the Dream is and if the reward of sharing in it is enough.

<\soapbox off>

So, after the meeting Ellen and I sat court with Their Majesties, Their Highnesses, and the landed Baronys of Iron Mountain and Glaedenfeld. Many fine gentles were rewarded for arts and service and for work with new comers. The Baron and Baroness of Iron Mountain requested a boon to be relieved of their duties to attend to other matters in their homeland and this was granted (future replacements TBD). But, the highlight of the court was an induction into our most cherished and sacred Order of the Chalice. The inductee was Master Edward of Yarborough and the populace rejoiced loudly. A happy end to a somewhat serious day and, I believe, a guidepost that humility may be the best virtue to seek in the current state of affairs.

Well met friends. Safe journey to thee!

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

Clyde's Travel Log - Iris Faire 2019: All the Things

Iris Faire 2019: All the Things
Montgomery Bell State Park
Burns, TN
20 April 2019

A letter I drafted to my friend, Figimund of Faraway, traveling abroad…

Eoin, Warden of the Northern Plateau, to the venerable and esteemed friend, His Lordship Figimund of Faraway, his most kind greeting.

Because I know that you especially desire to hear and to learn the state of affairs in the Laurel Kingdom of Meridies, I write to share a retelling of my journey to our neighboring Barony of Glaedenfeld and their yearly Iris Faire I attended on the day prior to this writing.

I had the pleasure of good company for the  early journey westward off of the Plateau. His excellency, Earl Sir Benen, my benefactor, made it known that he wished to travel to Baronial lands from his holdings north of the shire. While he had no official business to resolve, as it is early spring here and the king's taxes are not due for some time yet, he expressed a need to 'stretch his legs' and the journey to Iris Faire, being not long or arduous, was  an excellent opportunity to do just that.

The morning started damp but did not persist much after the noon bells. We made good time down the king's highway west into the old Lion's Mountain lands into the Baronial holdings proper. Traffic was light in the early morning hours of our journey. We held good converse on a wide range of topics and the time of the passage flowed by quickly.

We arrived at the site to find a warm hearth waiting in the long hall and much of the attendance arrayed therein, out of the damp and slight drizzle that persisted from the previous day. I found my good wife, Ellen, and many other folk from Easaraigh there. Much of the shire made the trek down, as is becoming our custom, to welcome the spring with our neighbor. Our shire prospers of late with a strong sense of purpose and duty. We genuinely enjoy one another's company and find pride in our accomplishments. Like our neighboring Barony of Glaedenfeld, we have stood our ground and been tempered and honed by time into metal of the best sort.

The Baronial proctors had laid out many activities throughout the weekend. There were tournaments in archery, thrown weapons (axe, knife, spear), heavy and rapier. There were also several levels of arts and sciences competition and instruction overseen by the Laurel peers of the Barony. 

I regret to inform you, Figimund, that the nagging injury I have been struggling with has still not healed completely and that I was not able to present myself as a combatant on the heavy tourney field. Many of my respected comrades-in-arms as well as Chivalry at the event inquired as to my status and how my recovery was progressing. The compassion and concern of my minor, but nagging, issue was heartfelt and received with much gratitude. No person likes to be put out of service to your kingdom and it was good to know that my absence was noticed and even missed.

From my observations from the heavy and rapier field gallery, the combat I witnessed in both venues was well fought and pleasant for spectator and participant. In the heavy list, I saw one of our own, Lacey, newly added to the Fyrd rolls, fight with honor and courage through the early rounds of combat. The heavy list was eventually carried by Duke Sir Seth over Sir Hrothgar in a well fought final.

The afternoon hours revealed a spring sun and returned warmth to the slumbering Baronial lands and much of the populace was able to leave the warmth of the fires that the morning warranted.

That afternoon I spent time attending to my liege and in council with locals whom I had not seen since middle winter. Many topics were discussed. Chief among them was related to an inner turmoil that has taken hold in Meridies that many in the populace find hard to articulate. Rumor, later confirmed by the Meridian Seneschal, Graf Ulric, is that a committee will be coming all the way from Rome to the Barony of Iron Mountain's Black Axe Tournament held in the high summer south of our Shire. To that end, I am considering attending the event and to witness the spectacle, as it is such a rarity to see a delegation from Rome in our part of the world.  As with all things of such gravity and import, most of the people I spoke with have wildly varying degrees of speculation. My Earl, who is wise in such things, says they will most likely provide counsel to the populace and its peers over law and custom. But, what will come of the interaction, none can say for certain.

Late in the day, Their Excellencies Stephanie and Griffon, held court. Not only did they have Baronial concerns to present, but as a pleasant surprise the new Basileus and Basíleia, Sebastianos and Morgan, had their herald, THL Sara al-Garnatiyya, in attendance to present Kingdom business through the baronial court. To that end, several members of our good shire, Easaraigh, received recognitions from the sovereigns for service and Arts and Sciences. Awards of Arms and Order of the Meridian Cross were the presented. Jacob also won a prize for his demonstration of skill on the range. Our shire, Easaraigh, was also recognized with the 'Crown's Favor'. We have a hard working and loyal Meridian shire. This was the second time in recent years the light of the throne has shone upon us. I'm very proud of who and what we are.

Another pleasant surprise was that our own Lacey, through effort and determination, won the Baronial, 'All the Thing's' competition that was held throughout the day. It seems, somehow, she managed to do 'All the Thing's', meaning she participated in just about everything that was offered as an activity at Iris Faire. For her reward, she was gifted a cart that the Barony had commissioned. The wagon will be a big help at harvest time on the plateau later this year.

Iris Faire is a fun event with more activities that most can do, except of course for our Lacey. While my view from the gallery was not my preference, I still enjoyed my time with the people of the northern Kingdom. As dusk came, Earl Sir Benen and I mounted the road east and made the climb back up to the plateau and a warm hearth in Easariagh. Our neighbor's lands are beautiful and it's peoples welcoming, but there is no place like home.

God willing, this missive will find you in good health and fortune. We render to you the gratitude which you deserve for your concern for Easaraigh and for the very great fidelity which you have shown to us. Scribed this 21st day of April, Anno Societatis LIII.

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 - Gulf Wars XXVIII

Gulf Wars XXVIII
Lumberton, MS
9-17 MARCH 2019

"Unto Figimund of Faraway, keeper of peace and honorable citizen of Meridies, from Eoin Mac Cana, Warden of the Northern Plateau, good health and grace.

Your lordship, I have asked the scribes to place this retelling to parchment of my visit to Gleann Abhann and the gathering I attended therein.

As has been customary for some years now, ambassadors of the Ansteorran and Trimarian kingdoms did gather their might to attend council and negotiate at King's Arrow on Hasting Field in Gleann Abhann. Well known foes, the annual 'Gulf War' gathering would once again bring these strong kingdoms to the table to test their willingness for war through massed engagements, tournament and competition. As you know, this activity is more about reaffirmation of peace whether valid complaint exists or not. The event goes on as much out of tradition as anything else.

As part of this annual assemblage, their allies were called to attend. Our King Adhemar, through the knights of the Kingdom, called for our levy. As the shire has been in poor order from the winter, only Marek and I could be spared to answer the call for assembly. Neither of us were in any condition to stand in the shield wall. But, we went regardless and offered what support we could to our Kingdom's effort.

Marek and I made easy work of the journey south. The lands between Easaraigh and the King's Arrow are well patrolled.I did hear a story of the Calontir king running into rogues on his journey though. This did make us a little more vigilant as we passed into Gleann Abhann lands.

We camped and supped with the Foxes Den contingent as is our Fyrd's custom. I stalwart and steadfast group of campmates that anyone would be challenged to find better. The lord smiled upon us with our acceptance to this group that defies description. They have become our brothers and sisters at war, a family of choice and the Den is a home of our making.

The Meridies contingent was allied with Trimaris this year. Unfortunately, the call to arms was responded to with a small outcome and Meridies fielded a much diminished company than in years past. Those there on the field, did represent the sable and argent well and did appear a formidable host from my view in the gallery.

Early in the week, I put myself to an opportunity that the proprietors of the Green Dragon Tavern made known prior. They had asked for memorial shields for SCAdians who have past to be painted for display in the rafters of the noble establishment. During the week, I was able to present 4 of the devices for display. My contributions represented the arms of Count Sir Hadi al Hadad, Count Sir Brendan MacAengus, Master Carlwyn George Ordragoun of Canterbury, and Edmund Cavendish. The heraldry is now on display in the Green Dragon for all to see, toast and if god wills it, tell tales of their deeds for all to hear.

Marek and I ran into Sir Bartholomew Hightower one day near the Green Dragon. Marek and he have some history from the old days of our shire, Easaraigh. He has had a very successful SCA career since moving from our lands. We were additionally blessed to hear him sing in the Green Dragon later that evening along with his sons playing instruments in improvised accompaniment. Very entertaining.

On that same evening, we attended a wake for Sir Stuart MacDonald who had left this realm some weeks prior. Sir Stuart was a close friend to Hadi; he served with me on Hadi and Ameraulde's entourage; he worked with Hadi to create 'Stuart's Experiment' (a fighting unit assembled to demonstrate 'tactics' in Meridies); and many other things. He was always a friendly face to me and on a few occasions offered me sound council over the years. Many were in attendance at the St Michael's Camp that evening. A person's wealth can be measured in the bonds they forge in life. Sir Stuart was a wealthy man.

Through the week, it seems that an outbreak of plague had struck the camp causing many in attendance to fall ill. Of these, my liege lord Earl Sir Benen and his lady, Countess Rosebelle, where struck. I did some small service, as I was healthy, to gather supplies from nearby apothecaries. The remedies I returned with helped to relieve some of the suffering and for that I am thankful.

As luck would have it, I was fortunate to happen upon James Thomas, formerly of Easaraigh. He beckoned me to attend a ceremony he had some part in. As it turns out, Syr Teric Gwynedd took our James as a squire that afternoon. I am so happy for him. I know he will be excellent on the path to knighthood.

Toward the end of the week, I was able to provide some support to my Kingdom by marshalling for the Bridge and Fort battles. The fights were mostly well mannered, but as such things are, there was some mischief and unchivalrous behavior to be found. Luckily, no major incident occurred and the only minor injury resulted from the forays.

I must confess that this was the only service I rendered my Kingdom this year. I feel somewhat ashamed at this admission. I did not attend our court or any other official function. At times, I felt a bit lost as I wandered the camp. While I am Meridian to the bone, the current air of discontent I feel in the populace has rattled me. While I don't have enough information to form a good opinion of the state of things, I know things are not well. From all outward appearances, Meridies is strong and proud as ever, but there is an underlying agitation that I see permeating much of what I have known to be sacrosanct. There are divisions in the kingdom. While I am sure these divisions have always been there on some level, they are more visible now. Those divisions seem to be fluid in opinion and sometimes may border on hypocrisy in action. My role as Warden of the Northern Plateau, while trivial in precedence, weighs on my conscience. I have some obligation to represent Meridies. I feel this instability from the kingdom, my kingdom, in my core and I worry. For these reasons, I decided to not take part in the Meridian functions at Gulf Wars. My dear Figimund, was I wrong in this? I suspect, only time will tell. I truly miss your council during these times.

Our time at King's Arrow came to an end. The camps were broken down and loaded on the wagons. Late on our final day, we made the journey home. To my misfortune, my horse came up lame near the lands of Glynn Rhe. This slowed our journey home, but Marek and I did make it back to Easaraigh on the next day.

Peace be with you, friend. I hope that my words find you in good health and that you might find your way back to home soon.

Given in the Shire of Easariagh, on this 22nd day of the month of March, Anno Societatis LIII, being two thousand nineteen Gregorian."

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