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