Clyde's Travel Log - Pennsic XLIX

Cooper's Lake Event Venue and Campground

205 Currie Rd, Slippery Rock, PA 16057

3-11 Aug 2022

Finally. My first Pennsic War. I'm possibly the first resident from my small shire of Easaraigh to go to Pennsic.

I made the journey to the premier SCA war - Pennsic. What follows here are some perspectives on my journey and thoughts on the experiences and things that I witnessed. 

My plans started with the knowledge that my knight and friend, Earl Benen MacTire, would be travelling to Pennsic XLIX alone this year without Countess Rosabel. After some discussion with my wife Ellen, we decided this was a good opportunity for me to get to see the war for the first time with the added benefit of helping a friend. So, I offered to travel with Benen to help him with his trip and provide support to him. As he is a long time Pennsic merchant (Renaissance Arts & Design - everyone should check them out) and attendee, assisting him would not only provide me with a confortable place to 'hang my hat' but it would also put me with one of the best guides a person could ask for for a first time trip to Pennsic.

Our trip was uneventful. Let me say that again, our trip... was uneventful. This made us both happy. After Benen's Columbus adventure story from his trip to Armistice last year, we both felt some relief in the pleasantness of a boringly routine trip from Tennessee to Pennsylvania.

We arrived at the site in the afternoon of August 3rd. My first impression on arrival was of how disorienting it would be if I was on my own. When you arrive at troll, you are pretty much in the middle of the site. You are surrounded by tents, vehicles, people, portajons, etc. The middle of the site is fairly level, so its like being dropped into the middle of a small town. Visibility of the troll area is somewhat limited, so you can see up and down the thoroughfares, but not much else. Use a northeastern style community for a visual, where the dwellings are all built close together with streets on a grid. It can be a little claustrophobic for the unaclimated. Arriving without an experienced guide or person meeting you at Troll, would really make for an overwhelming introduction to Pennsic for the first timer.

Our arrival at Troll was marked by the absence of any 'line' waiting to get in. So, we were trolled in within a few minutes. Now, I have seen the pictures and have heard the stories of the Pennsic Troll queue. So, I was quite happy to blow through the processed efficiently without any wait. My 1st takeaway is that 'Timing is eveything' for your Pennsic experience. Our arrival time, mid afternoon on a Wednesday, was a sweet spot as far as Troll is concerned.

Note, that while Troll was in a 'slow' period there were over 5,000 people onsite at this point of 'Peace Week'...

For the unindoctinated, 'Peace Week' is the first week of the Pennsic War. Pennsic is a 2 week event. During 'Peace Week', attendees settle in and setup camps, have classes and gatherings, etc. 'Peace Week' is geared toward a social experience. The second week of Pennsic is 'War Week'. And yes, this is when all of the martial activies of Pennsic take place. Back to the program...

...with still more attendees expected. Pennsic attracted somewhere just south of 8,000 people this year by the end of 'War Week'. I have been told that this was a small gathering in Pennsic terms. 

The COVID-19 pandemic undoubtedly affected Pennsic attendance this year. Many people I know are still very cautious about gatherings with good reason. Pennsic XLIX was the first one held since the Society reopened for inperson activities. The virus was still active across the country and impacting people. I saw several posts from people noting it as the cause for not going or leaving the event early. Precautions were present. There was a mask policy in place for 'enclosed' spaces and some other areas, like Troll. Having been a cautious person through the pandemic, I welcomed the policy and also welcomed the ability to find spaces of openess around the site where I could bypass and avoid crowds. For all the people there, Pennsic is still an open air camping event. That helped me in my decision to attend on the heels of the pandemic shutdown of SCA activities.

With so many people there, I almost expected things to feel 'crowded'. I was pleasantly surprised that for the most part, the site did not feel crowded to me. Note that I dislike crowds. It's a level of discomfort that I avoid with a passion. So, me feeling comfortable with a camp population as big as Pennsic should be received as 'a big deal' for the like minded readers seeing this. 

The site covers over 500 acres and Pennsic is a sprawling construct plastered across most of that terrain. From the top of Mount Eiselinn to the bottom of The Bog, Pennsic occupies a vast area. Pepper all the attendees into those camps and venues and you rarely see too many people at one time. Not unlike the town analogy above, There might be 10,000 living in a town with me, but I will never see all those people at one time. That is how Pennsic is.

After registering at Troll, We had our site tokens and went to setup the booth and accoutrements. Being a merchant, Earl Benen has a 'traditional' location in the merchants area at the end of the Barn next to the very evil Ice Cream shop. We were met there by Sir Severin (once squire to Earl Benen and famous Trimarian personage) and Sir Marek, son Thomas and Baroness Sybilla (Friends and confidants from Aethelmarc) to help with the 'tent raising'. In short order we had the main tent up, my small tent up and walls errected to keep out most of the spurious riff-raff and help to fend off the temptations of the dread sweet treat dispensory next too us. 

This point on the corner of a shady lane at the end of the barn under the official 'Anus of Mordor' whitenoise broadcast would be my home and my first presence on Pennsic land. I did not realize it then but this locale would frame my Pennsic and set the tone for my event. Nothing bad about that at all. What I mean to say is that with Pennsic your location has a big influence on your experience. In this case, I got the 'merchant' affect on my event. There was a lot of foot traffic. I was in the middle of a lot of things (store, ice cream shop, merchants, ice cream shop, food court, ice cream shop, etc). I could see the fighting field. I had good access to 'hard' restroom and shower structures. I had easy access to a lot of things I would not normally have quick access to if I was out in the Sarengetti or up on the Mount or down in the Bog. My location framed my experience.

I suspect that concept is true for all attendees. My hypothesis is that Pennsic is not just one event. Pennsic is many events. The many events are held close together, times and locations overlap. Attendees travel through the two weeks, picking which 'events' they want to attend and return each eve to their chosen land. Some, never leave their land and that land is their event. You see, Pennsic as an 'event' is really big. It's too big really to be considered an event in itself. Pennsic, by my estimation, is more akin to an entire kingdom's calendar of events all held at one time. That, for the newbs like me, is what the Pennsic event is like. Pennsic is closer to a State Fair or one of those big music festivals with many stages. Calling Pennsic an event is really underselling it. My two cents.

I had brought my armor. But, I did not don it. Nagging nerve pinch in my back kept me off the field this time. With armored combat being my primary SCA activity these days, I had a lot of time on my hands. To wit, I directed it toward helping Benen run the booth. I have never been a merchant. Benen enthusiastically made efforts to induct me into the into the Hanseatic League. Not sure Ill make the cut. I do think I got a good understanding of how to be a sherpa in hot weather. Not for the meek. Merchanting is not a bad way to experience an event. But, I make no bones that I know much in my limited exposure. All I can say for sure is that Im a good helper, I appreciate the perspective and I was happy to be there. So, I watched the event through the frame of the tents doorway most of my days there and that was a good experience.

In my Pennsic acclimation, I have been educated on the legend of the Ice Mafia and I think I actually crossed paths with a 'made' member when meek young girl came into the booth and got an ‘Everyone listens to someone with an axe…‘ shirt in size small and produced a bank roll the size of my fist to pay for it. The little girl is not someone to be trifled with and I didn't. I also learned the mafia is into hawking the news in the Pennsic Independent newspaper that is produced during the event when a 6 or 7 yr old boy came up our lane. I heard him before I saw him. A child’s voice, barely audible coming unseen from the other side of the tent wall ‘Pennsic Independent , a dollar twenty-five…’. Then it repeated. And there he was in the door. Barely waist high. Had to buy one. No choice. He even had an adult bodyguard making change and carrying his bag of papers. A lot of the Pennsic myth comes to you it seems, but there is more to see than can show up on your doorstep. 

I made several forays from the booth in different directions to see what there was to see. Benen also provided guided tours around the camp, pointing out things of interest and recounting stories of past events. As I have previously mentioned, Pennsic is big. You cannot see it all. Just can't. I took in what I could. Got some pictures and just watched and listened. Pennsic is a lot.

There were a lot of merchants. Not as many as normal from what I understand, but a lot more that you will find anywhere else. Benen says a new SCAdian can come to Pennsic and leave fully kitted out for whatever their interests are provided they have the coin. That is a true statement. Everything to be had for a medieval recreationist was there. I think you could even make the case, for those not interested the whole Pennsic, to just plan a long weekend and drive up to Slippery Rock, get a room at an inn, daytrip the site and shop. That would be a worthwhile and fun trip for many I know.

In addition to the Cooper's store and restaurant, there were several food vendors selling sustenance. Food, drink, deserts... all were available. A person could go to Pennsic without packing any food. We were fortunate to have dinner brought to us by Baroness Sybilla and Sir Marek the first few nights before we started foraging. Though foraging at Pennsic is a minor affair with sundries being as plentiful as they are. I think bringing some water would be the only thing I would recommend as required, though you could get that readily at the Cooper's store alond with ice.

Heat was a big deal for the first half of our stay. While the temps were lower than they were in Tennessee, the humidity hovered close to 100% for several days. There werent many storms, but we were grateful for the breeze the storms brought for the relief provided. I took to showering late in the evening and found I was usually soaked by the time I got back to my cot. It made for a sweltering several days. Things did moderate toward the latter half of the time there. The temps cooled and the humidity lessened to a point that was almost ideal.

My biggest takeaway from the trip will be the time spent with people. Being just a 'poor 'ole rustic Meridian', getting some exposure to this SCA world at large did me good. I got to spend some quality time with Sir Severin, a brother from another land. I was intoduced to the progenitor and progenitrix of Earl Benen's chivalric peerage - Sir Tnek and Mistress Tannis (Tnek begat Quenton begat Brendan begat Benen). Duchess Rebekah helped Benen with midnight madness. I was given insight of the trials of an Aethelmarc Warlord from Sir Marek. In the mornings, we broke fast and some days Sir Lothar or Sir Johannes would join us. Through the day, we had visits from many others (not we so much as he - Benen) and I got to hear many stories. The evenings were met with the hunt for dinner, winding down discussions with many people who visited us and who we visited. All of these interactions were rewarding and fulfilling. All of them. Being a generally limited social creature (meaning Im generally insular in my social activies) the exposure to all of the comings and goings was a pleasant change to my norm. Most of all, getting to spend some time with Benen made the days worthwhile. Almost felt like I was making up for the years we didn't know each other in some small way. It was good 'bonding time' that I am thankful to have shared in.

Pennsic offers much in just plain tourism. The Runestone, where pilgrims deposit tokens in homage to the place, has a mystic feel about it along with its quiet space in the trees. The manorhouse on the lake that so often appears in pictures only hints at the vastness and ingenuity found in the camps hidden and tucked away around the lake in the wood. The infamous Bog. The various armies marching to and from trom the fighting field singing songs and horns blaring add daily color to the camps with banners in the wind and tabard worn. There is also the vast view of the entire site from the vantage of Mount Eislinn above the Pennsic numerials carved in its side Whether sitting in one spot and watching the thrum move past or exploring Pennsic on walkabout, you would be hard pressed to not see something new and interesting. 

Our trip ended with the hard stop shutdown of merchanting on Friday, 8/12. The Cooper's do not play around and all merchanting came to a hard stop early in the afternoon. We packed the camp. Marek, Sybilla and company help with the loadout. Farewells and hugs exchanged. As began to dusk settle over the camp, we were on the road south to our home on the plateau.

My journey was fruitful. While I was a spectator through most of it, the experience is rewarding. I now understand why people would say that everyone should make a trip to Pennsic at least once in their SCA lifetime. Hopefully, I will be able to go again and maybe try some different things. Time will tell.

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 Travel Log - Knight's Gambit 2022

Knight's Gambit 2022

Dalwhinnie Fields
Marion, AL
14 May 2022

On the 13th of May Anno Societatis LVII, I travelled off the Plateau south to the heartlands of Meridies to Dalwhinnie Fields on the borderlands of the Barony of Iron Mountain. The event, Knight’s Gambit, was hosted by the Shire of Thorngill. Knight’s Gambit is a day of focus for unbelted armored combatants testing their metal against each other in the Robert Hightower Celebration Tournament followed by one-on-one time with members of the Order of Chivalry. Early summer warmth greeted my arrival in the mid-afternoon of the day. The journey was made with ease, though the roads south have seen better days and are showing signs of disrepair.

I arrived the day before formal activities were scheduled so found the site mostly vacant minus a few souls who had also made the trip to Dalwhinnie early. I setup camp and settled in for a quiet evening. After dusk, an informal gathering of travelers who had been arriving through the eve occurred in the gallery above list field. The crowd was not overly large but pleasant. I stayed for a bit enjoying the comradery before retiring to bed.

I awoke the next morning to the sound of ducks on the pond. Commencing my morning ritual, I eventually made breakfast and joined Sir Hrothgar by the pond to welcome the day. His Squire, Martin, joined us and we had pleasant conversation in the mild morning air with the sun slowly rising through the trees. A good start to the day.

The day properly greeted, I prepared for myself for the tournament to come. Arriving at the list field, there were many combatants already there and more coming in as I found a place to sit on the southern side of the field next to the eric. There were many familiar faces and warm greetings there waiting for me as I settled in. I did a few passes with Martin before the tournament to warm up and then waited for the tournament draw and my name to be announced.

The tournament was a standard double elimination style. There were many fighters there and the tournament would go several rounds before it was done. My first bout was against Marcus Tullius. 

Marcus is a quick and cagey opponent that I have shared the field with many times. Our match started with us pressuring each other looking for openings and feeling each other out. After several minutes of this back and forth, I made a mistake. I pressed Marcus. He responded with a ‘warning shot’ intended to give me pause and make be slow my advance. Unfortunately, his warning shot landed on my sword arm. I think I probably moved into it. But, it was a good hit and I took it. We restarted with my sword in my left and no shield. Marcus was still fully armed. He quickly attacked. I blocked at least one strike, maybe two before taking a clean hit to my left side. He advanced and I was 1 down.

My second round fight was with John O’Doogan. John is a tall and burly fighter like me who I was also very familiar with. We have often had hard fought bouts that exhaust us both which we joked about as we crossed the eric onto the field proper. At lay on, I was able to take his sword arm fairly quickly. He swapped to his left and we restarted. I made another mistake in forgetting he had a thrusting tip on his sword. I saw an open strike to his head, took the shot. While doing so, I took a thrust to my midsection. This resulted in a double-kill. The entire match was restarted with us both fully armed. In the restart, I again focused on his sword arm (another probable mistake on my part) and in my attempt to land a strike to his arm, I took a shot from him to my head ending my tournament.

My bad showing in double-elimination tournaments this year is worrisome. In this tournament I was fighting with a bit of tunnel vision. I can see it clearly. I fixated on things and did not open my field of view to the entire fight and what was happening. With Marcus, I got caught up in trying to bait him into my range without any effective strategy other than that. With John, I zeroed in on his arm. Maybe I was too tight and not relaxed enough. Not sure. I’ll be fretting over this for a bit.

In the afternoon, I made good effort to get passes in with as many of the Order of Chivalry as I could and did manage to cross swords with most. This is the list I recall sharing ‘stick time’ with:

HRM Lochlainn
Duke Garrick
Duke Timothy
Earl Robert (Auk)
Count Barthelemy
Graf Ulrich
Sir Isaac
Sir Chinua
Sir Erik Martel

Those I missed:

Duke Boru
Viscount Valeric
Sir Conal
Sir Randver
Sir Lugh
Sir Seamus
Sir Iastreb

I had some good efforts and some bad. I also have some good takeaway notes of some things to try and develop. I respect them all and know that they all have something to share and have differences in how they share. Some show you things through action, others instruct while others say little to nothing. Each knight is a new experience in discourse, expression and style. They all offer some bit of knowledge or lesson. The real challenge can be deciphering what has been taught. For some, information is freely given. For others, inquiry must be made. All in all, I find the Order of Chivalry in Meridies is more responsive now than I can ever recall. The knowledge is flowing. Encouragement is everywhere. 

My reality is that I am older than most of the Order and have been fighting longer. In fighting terms, I am an old squire. I started fighting in 1987. I first took the red belt in 1992 at Border Raids, first to Count Hadi. After his passing, I swore oath to Earl Benen. For some in the Order, I started fighting when they did and may have even shared the same fields with them ‘back in the day’ learning how it all works. I sometimes wonder if my ‘old squire’ status equates me as a bit of an ‘old dog’ that ‘cannot learn a new trick’ with some of my interactions with the Chivalry. In that same regard, I wonder if a younger knight looks at me and wonders “what can I offer Eoin that he doesn’t already know or hasn't already heard?”. On the other side of these thoughts are the members of the Order that treat me just like my own knight does. They will call me out on things I do that are wrong; they offer suggestion for improvement and if they see my slacking in some aspect, tell me like it is just like any other squire, ageless. 

I reflected on all of these things as I packed up at the end of the day and bid my farewells for the journey back to hearth and home. 

I enjoy fighting. Good, bad or ugly, I fight with a smile on my face and laughter in my chest. Not sure when this euphoric state came into being, but I notice it more now than I can ever recall. Maybe I’m having more fun than I should and it is hindering my progress and ability to ‘just win’? I hear winning is fun to. Is it more fun? I cannot say. It is disheartening to not perform better in a tournament. Some of the Chivalry told me I did well. But I was out in 2 rounds. Is that good? Or was the commentary merely a pleasantry? Or was it a ‘you fought with honor’ observation. Again, I cannot say. 

None of us know how long we can do this. I know that my history in armor is now much longer that my future will be. I do not believe that I have hit my peak. Even with all the aches and pains, I feel youthful on the field and try to share that with those that cross my path. I find people do not seem to note my age, but do note my maturity in the arena. My time in kit is both my asset and my curse I think. It is both my promise and my hindrance in moving forward on my path to Chivalry. My challenge is to shed off any personal discouragement I heap on myself in failure and find ways to improve without losing the joy I feel as I grin at my opponent like a fool through the grill of my helmet.

Well met friends. Safe journey to thee!

Baron Eoin Mac Cana called 'Clyde'

Squire to Earl Benen MacTire

Warden of the Northern Plateau
Knight Marshal, Shire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies

Clyde's Travel Log - Iris Faire 2022

Iris Faire 2022

Montgomery Bell State Park

Burns, TN

16 Apr 2022

Shortly after dawn broke on the morning of April 16th, AS LVI, Lord Sigmund and I made for the western passage off of the Plateau unto the fertile lands of the Barony of Glaedenfeld for their annual Spring event, Iris Faire. The trip was uneventful. While the day was overcast, the weather was mild throughout the day.

The event was well attended. Very well. The Kingdoms emergence from the ravages of the plague's grasp has filled the north with much hope and anticipation for what both the figurative and literal Spring holds for those that embrace what it has to offer. There were so many familiar and smiling faces that it would be hard for even the most stoic of curmudgeons to not feel some warmth in the glow of humanity present.

At the risk of becoming one-dimensional, I went to the event for one thing… armored combat. Sigmund and I both, in fact, committed ourselves to the field that day with no real time for anything but that. I heard a count of 20 said for the list. The Gold Iris Tourney was a double elimination, best 2 out of 3 format. There were fighters of all levels in the list from novice to knight and even a royal peer. 

The list was enjoyable though short for me. I was out in 2 rounds after fighting Sir Iastreb and Lord Mongo. There were many 'hot sticks' in the list, I just wasn't one of them. The Tournament ran its course though the morning into the early afternoon. In the end, Count Sebastianos came out victorious after a good final fight with HL Idris ibn Tariq al-Magribi. For my part, I received many complements and good advice from peer and non-peer alike. While I was disappointed to have not fared better, I found satisfaction in my effort.

I was able to get into some pickups after the tournament. Graf Ulric, Sir Mandin, Lord Martin, Baron Aethelwolf, and Lord Marcus were the ones I recall. All are solid, honorable opponents. I was happy to share time with each of them.

My only fault of major importance to me in the days martial time was that I allowed myself to get overheated and did not react accordingly. I only note it here as a reminder that I can be dumb and was dumb on this day. Everyone should understand and recognize the symptoms of heat injuries. I do know and let myself push past the point where a pause was in order. Hopefully my lesson is learned…again. I am not afraid to call myself out. Be smart. Recognize. React. It's not hard.

The end of the day was sealed with a Baronial and Kingdom court. There was much business to be conducted and the court was lively for it. There Excellencies Glaedenfeld consulted their Oracle, who came into the a host of fantastic beasts and bodyguard. They recognized their citizens, young and old. The Barony is strong and has a bright future if I bear true witness to the spectacle of their court. Our Shire will have naught to fear with the strength we have to our west. 

With the closure of the Baronial court came Their Majesties. They elevated many worthy subjects with the highlight being Fionnuala ingheann ui Domhnall (Nuala) to the Order of the Laurel and Arianne Lightheart to the Order of the Pelican. Their Majesties are noble and generous to their people. Long live Their Majesties.

That, friends, was the majority of my day. There was comradery all day long and many conversations, while enjoyed, I fear that I will not remember much of. But, all I did was fight. Iris Faire had so much more to offer and I have some regret that I did not have more time to witness it all. From Archery to classes and an A&S competition, the event had something for all.

This was my third event weekend in a row. I have come to observe and theorize that in this reopening we are doing that we, as a society, might be pushing too hard to do too much. Not in the number of events, but in the content. As I put forward in a previous journal, this recovery and rebuild phase I feel we are in, needs more time cut out for just plain old social time in the day. My feeling is we are a society trying to make up of lost time and maybe, just maybe we are overachieving in the effort in some ways. The kingdom has had roughly two years to plan the best possible events they could and idea upon idea has been put in storage waiting to be unwrapped for this time we are now in. Are we trying to unwrap them all at once? Im not sure. I encourage event planners to consider going back to the basics for activities and time planning. Keep it simple needs be the mantra of the day. We don't have to do and act on every idea that we have developed in our down time. Give people just enough to do and time to just be with each other. Finding a balance between just enough and too much should be an goal for events this year. Finding that balance seems to be what we are really trying to do. We'll get there.

Lord Sigmund at I bid our farewells and mounted the highway east, back to Easaraigh. We were both tired and happy from the day spent with our neighbors and look forward to future visits with them.

Well met friends. Safe journey to thee!

Baron Eoin Mac Cana called 'Clyde'

Squire to Earl Benen MacTire

Warden of the Northern Plateau
Knight Marshal, Shire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies

Clyde's Travel Log - Fools War XXXI

Fools War XXXI

Camp Benjamin Hawkins

Byron, GA

April 9, 2022

This past weekend I made the trek south, to the pine forests surrounding the Shire of Tir Briste for Fools War XXXI. The event is a 'long weekend' affair, but I was only able to make it for one day, Saturday.

As my main reason for the journey was Armored Combat and I did not camp on site, my commentary will be focused on a very small part of a large event that had a lot (Yes Jeffe, a plethora) of activities that I did not have time to witness or take part in.

My day started on the melee field and that is where I stayed all day. There were several scenarios planned for the day. The architect for the scenarios was HL Ysabel d'Ange. She was also marshal in charge for the day. The overall concept had three armies with shifting alliances and mercenaries at times in play vying for control of  the lands of Mercia and Northumbria during the Viking age. The fighting was good and well mannered. There was combat archery in play. We had a large contingent from Trimaris on the field (they appeared to be in their true, outstanding melee form all day) in addition to the many Meridians that came. The combatants fought from beach, boat, bridge and battlement with resurrection and without. There was fighting all day long.

The scenarios had much promise, but I think we did not do them justice as each engagement eventually broke down to basic concepts. Throughout the day, we (collectively) struggled to act as a team and work toward the goals the scenarios laid before us. We just fought. We fought without much in the way of purpose other than to have a good time. And it showed. While I enjoyed the fighting, the lack of focused purpose shone through in many places. Good times were had, but we did so in a way where the effort HL Ysabel put into the scenario's designed for our enjoyment were largely put aside in the process. We, the combatants, devolved into a group think mindset shortly after things started and we just wanted to jump into the fray without thought or strategy or direction. The Meridian contingent left the field happy, but not sated. We left much on the field that was incomplete, unfinished. We need to do better.

My commentary above is no reflection on the event itself. Fools War XXXI was well planned. The activities set before the fighters that came had much promise. So, no fault to the staff of the event should be seen here. The 'We' that needs to better is those of us that are responsible for driving the Meridian Army and melee activity in this Kingdom. And, since Menhir 2020, that includes me. As a legionnaire of the Legio Ursi, it is now my responsibility to help guide this kingdom on the melee field. I am no longer 'rank and file'. I am a sergeant in the chain of command and need to step up an do better. This is my third melee event since becoming a legionnaire. I don't think I knew what that responsibility was until this weekend. While I did not feel worthy before, I am now challenged to fulfill the faith put in me in elevation to the order. I accept this challenge. I will do better.

In some down time, I did get in a couple of pickups with HRM Lochlainn and Baron Eoin Seys. The pickups were good and fun. I gave them both several hard, challenging passes before retiring for lunch. I was able to get another hour of melee fighting in before moving on to find HRM for an entourage shift that afternoon. HL Kikuchi and followed a trail into the wilderness to find HRM, who was supposed to be on the equestrian field. After some time, having crossed a lake by bridge with no sign of HRMs passing, we returned to the melee field. Luckily for us, HRM returned to shortly after we did. With the finding of HRM, I provided a couple of hours to entourage duty for HRM and attended a Legio Ursi meeting during the shift. The shift was uneventful and I was relieved of my duty and prepared for court.

At court that evening I witnessed several good things as I shared company with Sir Seamus, Lady Etain and Lord Xenos. Of note the Elevation of Duchess Ysmay to Pelican and a 'drive by' elevation of Baron Fynlo MacCane to Pelican. Both were beautifully done. I also got to witness Sir Griffin being rewarded Queen's Yeoman for his win on the range. 

Fool's War XXXI was an excellent event. I saw many happy faces and witness many great deeds along with celebration of accomplishment. For armored combat, I feel the event will be a catalyst for some focus on melee in this kingdom. It will be fun to take part in the effort to get things on track for the Meridian Army. Time will tell if the result is favorable, but I have confidence that good things will come. 

Well met friends. Safe journey to thee!

Baron Eoin Mac Cana called 'Clyde'

Squire to Earl Benen MacTire

Warden of the Northern Plateau
Knight Marshal, Shire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies

Clyde's Travel Log - Meridies Spring Coronation

Meridies Spring Coronation of Lochlainn and Paraskova

Dalwhinnie Fields

Marion, AL

April 2, 2022

Photo Credit Carol Cotton Blicknstorfer

In the evening hours of April 1st A.S. LVI, His Excellency, Earl Benen, and I took the journey south off of the plateau through the Sequatchie Valley into the primordial, subtropical woodlands of the southern kingdom for the Coronation Event of Lochlainn and Paraskova. The event was held at Dalwhinnie Fields, which is a popular location for kingdom activities in the southern region. We opted to stay at an inn for the evening due to the lateness of our arrival caused by the over 5 hour journey there.

The inn, owned by a man named 'Hampton', was clean and quiet. They provided ample stabling for our carriage and horse as well as a hot meal as we broke fast the next morn before we departed for the site.

The trail to site was short and the camp was awake with voices of preparation for the coming festivities by the time of our arrival. We unloaded our baggage and took a brief walk around Dalwhinnie, as my liege had not visited before now. I marveled at the advances made to the site and all of the new structures there. The masons and carpenters had certainly been busy with saw and hammer. I also noted what appeared to be a permanent Dane encampment on the opposite shore of the waters near the keep. The lord of Dalwhinnie must have turned his small camp into a thriving place for trade, else we would have made war on the Danes for being so fool hardy to camp so close. The place is a spectacle to behold.

From here, my mentor and I went mostly on our own ways.  I had duty to perform for the Crowns Heir's having pledged service to them as well as a tournament to attend. His Excellency would be making rounds rekindling many southern trade contacts for goods produced on his lands on the Plateau other things that men of his station do.

I was attending to their Highnesses when dreadful news was delivered. Their Majesties, Wulfstan and Thorkatla, as well as many of their retainers had been poisoned that morning at the end of their court! If not for the quick hand of their champions, the dastardly villains that performed the deed may have sent more citizenry to their demise. With grave concern, Lochlainn and Paraskova took the news. 'The King is dead, long live the king!' was heard. All eyes when to the heirs and heads were bowed.

With a determined stride, Their Royal Highnesses, led retainers and soldiery in tow to the field where the Kingdom Seneschal, Mistress Zayn al-Munajjima, and the Kingdom Earl Marshal, Duke Bryce MacLaren, along with the kingdom's assembled chivalry stood guard over the now vacant crowns of the Kingdom of Meridies.

Being part of the retainers in tow, the following events are mostly what I gathered from being slightly out of earshot (wish my hearing was better) and a bad lip reader. The kingdom officers exchanged some official sounding commentary then called forth Paraskova. Who, with determined word and confident response answered their inquiry. It was then that Lochlainn and his warband came up the aisle toward the officers and her Highness. I heard pride and regret at the loss of the worthy, Wulfstan and Thorkatla. I hear stern admonition for the enemies of the kingdom and I heard him lay claim to his birthright. That was how things appeared to me anyway. As most people were nodding and smiling in agreement at this point, I think it must have all been great words and grand testament.  It was then that the crown was placed on Lochlainn and Paraskova and they assumed the monarchy of Meridies. Vivat! Meridies!

Next followed the oaths of fealty and some brief words from the assembled baronages and their Majesties Meridies. Court was adjourned and I prepped for tournament.

I participated in two tournaments. The first was a single elimination speed tourney. The second was a bear pit to 56 points, 1 point for a win and 1 point for 3 in a row. 

So, once in armor, I lost all track of time and number of fights. We went on for hours. I think there were around 20 of us give or take. Many well know fighters from the realm. I'm pretty sure I laughed the whole time. It was a great day. While it was a tad warm, the weather was great. I had many fun fights but only remember a few details. There were the many, many, many fights with Dukes Timothy and Garick. There was that fight with Master Edward when I got my sword stuck in his Corazina. I got to laughing so much fighting Lord Jurgen that Duke Kenneth called hold to check on me. It was a good day. Much fun was had.

I fought until my body said stopped then I bowed out of the tourney field with a salute to my brothers and sisters in arms. A very good, fun day indeed.

Shortly after retiring from the field, I found my Earl deep in negotiations with several peers of renown. He was having a good day as well. So, awesome for all.

With the ravages of the plague receding, the beauty of the event, in my mind at least, was the complete lack of meetings! If I was of such power as needed to mandate laws of the land, I would definitely consider a proclamation for no more order meetings at events unless it is absolutely necessary. In this time of recovery and rebuilding our society finds itself in, it was great to see so many people just enjoying time with each other in discussion and soaking up a day in the sunshine. The populace needs more days like this. Pure joy. This will go down in my mind one of the very best of Coronations for the kingdom.

My thanks to the Barony of Iron Mountain and all the many hands that made the day possible. You made this and it was made well.

Well met friends. Safe journey to thee!

Baron Eoin Mac Cana called 'Clyde'

Squire to Earl Benen MacTire

Warden of the Northern Plateau
Knight Marshal, Shire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies

Gulf Wars XXX - An Epilogue

Gulf Wars XXX - An Epilogue

King's Arrow Ranch Lumberton, MS
March 12 - 20, 2022

First, let me preface this by saying that the observations and opinions that follow are mine. If I step on a toe or even graze a foot, it is not my intent to besmirch any names or offend. I am only tossing my thoughts to the ethereal wind for the world’s deckers to ignore as nothing more than some binary noise polluting the streams. In sharing, I am communicating ideas that normally would stay securely in my brainlocker for me to mumble under my breath in those moments when witnessed, an onlooker would classify me as a ‘nut’. I’m just shouting at the moon in a quiet voice for all to ignore. All that being said, you can choose to ignore my ramblings as well. This communication medium makes me feel better and that is all that matters in this telling. So, enjoy or not. There is no spoon.

Gulf Wars XXX as come and gone. Like the 29 before, it was Gulf Wars. But, it was also not Gulf Wars. Something felt off. We were there. I was there. Over 2,000 others were also there. What was off? The merchants were there. Mostly. I saw tents and fights and classes. I saw golf carts and porta johns. The things were there. But something… something felt amiss.

It could have been the two ‘missing’ years where the event did not officially occur. I do not really think that was the problem. Let us explore things a little here and brainstorm.

The 800lb gorilla in the world, Covid, could be the missing thing. But, at the event, it did not seem like it was even a concern.  For someone like me, who has done there best to follow protocols and guidance as the disease has made it through the world, I did not ‘feel’ the presence of much in the way of precaution. Now granted, the event is outdoors. That works in our favor, but in general it appears that the majority that attended the event did not recognize or in some cases even acknowledge the happenings of the past two years. The event fell under the Gleann Abhann policy for protocols which at best is a common sense policy in the terms it outlines for mask usage. I think it was mostly ignored with few exceptions. The populace was adamant that there would be a Gulf Wars and most did their best to treat it like an island of normal SCA as it was pre-pandemic. Did I expect masks to be worn 100% of the time? No. I did not. Did I expect masks to be worn when distancing could not be achieved? Yeah, I think I did. What did I witness? Some masking early in the event to none by the end of the week. There was a general ‘so be it’ acceptance that said, ‘I trust that everyone is OK and clear of any infection’. I hope that no one gets sick, but if at least one person was there and was, then there will be others. If COVID came to Gulf Wars 30, It would have had plenty of opportunity for unimpeded transmission. I am saddened a little that the perceived collective populace attitude of my fellow SCAdians was one of denial and not caution. I cannot say that it is in opposition to my expectations through. From what I have noted in smaller events recently, this attitude was the trend. The mundane world has shown that it is tired of the virus and taking a ‘damn the torpedoes’ attitude in most if not all situations. Infection rates have tanked in recent weeks. That is good and I hope it stays this way. Even I felt this apathy toward self-protection by the end of the week. I still don’t know how I feel about how the week played out. I was happy for the appearance of normality but also alarmed at the cavalier attitude I witnessed. At best I am conflicted by the whole thing. Ill leave that there for now.

If not the gorilla, what was off about things? Something that seemed to be a constant was that the event seemed stale. Like it was going through the motions with little intent. There were things happening, albeit often behind schedule. Staff was there, often needing more help. Parties where held, but subdued. We had good and bad weather.. that may have been the only thing that was right and true as I think about it. When I look at the event with over 2,000 in attendance that still seemed to be a little off, I started thinking what was a normal Gulf Wars like? Normal attendance is around 3,500. That borders on almost twice many as the attendance we had. My theory, this is just an opinion, is that the ‘missing’ part of the event was the other almost 2,000 hearts and minds that did not come. So, the something missing is all the contributions of the attendance that was not there. How many ideas were not hatched? How many persons were not there to contribute to the events success? How many heroes were not there to leap out from the crowd and save the day? That, in my humble opinion, was the real missing element. Do not mistake my intent here. There was fun had. It was a good event. Lots of stuff happened. I just think that the missing attendance had the unfortunate result of creating gaps and vacancies in activities that while not immediately noticed did contribute to a feeling of something not exactly right. Staff shortages and scheduling issues were larger symptoms of the absent attendance. It felt to me that the collective ‘we’ tried to hold a ~4,000 person event with only ~2,000 people. ‘We’ tried to do all the things, just like we did last time there was a Gulf Wars. ‘We’ tried hard to do that. I think ‘we’ just overreached in the attempt and created an event that was good but not great.

So, what did I get out of it after the observations above?

Firstly, I did not fight much. ‘I has sad’ for that. All said, I geared up and fought one day of the event for just a few hours. Why? Time has granted me a foot issue that will most likely be my burden to bear for the rest of my days. I am still adjusting to this and I am not happy about it. I offer my apologies to my Bear brothers. I put a lot of side-eye on myself for not being on the field to help and prove my worth. I did have fun the day I fought. Warmed up with Sir Randver then fought in the Trimarian Bear Pit tourney. I got some good laughs in. Wanted more but trying to be smart and not liking it.

Second, I did some service. I marshalled for the heavy town battle on Tuesday. It wasn’t planned. I was going to take pictures, but before lay on there was a call for marshals and there were not enough by far on the field. So, I grabbed a tabard and a staff and marshalled. I also completed an entourage shift for HRH Paraskova on Thursday. So, that was my bit of service for the war and kingdom outside of the Foxes Den encampment. In camp, I tried to be a good campmate and help where able. Service was done.

Third, I socialized. Though, not to the level of most. I spent time with my camp around the fire. I spent time with my knight and sister squire. I visited with new friends over dinner at St Martins (it was some really good Korean food, mmmm). But, I mostly kept to myself. No parties. No battles. Only a few hugs and several fist bump greetings. Just me enjoying some outside time after a 2 year hibernation. It was enough and I did not feel the need to run off screaming from ‘too much people’.

The rest of the week was spent limiting my time on foot, which was not an easy thing to do at Gulf Wars. It’s a big site and nothing is ever close by it seems.  I had so many hours of walking time each day before I had problems. Made it through the week without too much trouble. Just took care to be smart and not dumb with what I chose to do.

That is my take on Gulf Wars XXX. Was it a great event? Not by old standards. Was it a good event? Yeah. It allowed SCAdians to reconnect. If nothing more was accomplished than that, that made it successful. Gulf Wars XXX was a solid wedge in the door to normalization. It wasn’t perfect. It did not have to be. All it had to do was exist and have people come and they did. Good job.

Well met friends. Safe journey to thee!

Baron Eoin Mac Cana called 'Clyde'

Squire to Earl Benen MacTire

Warden of the Northern Plateau
Knight Marshal, Shire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies

Gulf Wars XXX - A Preface

Gulf Wars XXX - A Preface

King's Arrow Ranch Lumberton, MS

March 12 - 20, 2022

As acceptance of a ‘new normality’ permeates society, with trepidation I am venturing forth into the larger part of my SCA hobby again. Gulf Wars XXX starts in a few days. With the exception in the fall of last year when there was a lull in the infections, I have been isolated from the in person aspects my hobby for the better part of 2 years. My house has been very pragmatic about the pestilence and isolation has been our primary means of combatting the plague on the land. From this controlled world, I am venturing forth into a large and chaotic environment of an SCA war event.

My thoughts for the past month have been all over the place as I have prepared for this trip. I have balanced on the edge of going and not going the whole time. It’s only really been this last week that I have fully convinced myself into acceptance. With that acceptance, I wanted to put some words down to provide myself a benchmark for future reference. This is no small act for me.

My reluctance comes from the fact that the disease has not left the land. It probably never will. The controls with which our society has to combat the problem have been placed firmly in the hands of the individual and while I want to trust people, the rule of thumb is that an individual can be smart but a crowd of people is quite often not. As a person that has several markers that put me in a high risk category for problems from infection, I exercise caution and accept personal protection as a requirement when I venture into the world now. My attitude in this is not fear driven, it is preventive care and the desire to have the best health I can have for me and mine as I grow older. All of this being said, a large gathering of people is concerning. Gulf Wars is a large gathering and I am electing to venture forth into it. Since Gulf Wars is an outdoor camping event, I feel if gives me a certain amount of control as an individual that works in my favor and is a large part of why I feel ‘OK’ going. 

Masking will be a big part of my control while I am at the event. While there is a mask policy in play, the reality is that I fully expect that to be selectively ignored based on what I have seen in events held so far since things have started opening back up. For me, I plan to be wearing one anytime I am around people while there. Which means, Ill be wearing one most of the time. One of the challenges of masking around people will be if I do any fighting. There is no mask requirement for people fighting and social distancing while fighting is hard to do in some scenarios. I hope to do some fighting, but will be tempering that with some caution. I really don’t want to get into any ‘scrums’. That means I may not play in some scenarios (bridge, fort, ravine for example) where a ‘scrum’ is really how the fight plays out.

My management of personal needs protecting myself from the plague versus my obligations as a participant in my hobby will be challenging. Mentally, I’ve been putting pressure on myself in regards to what is expected of me (real or imagined) at the event. The game is what we make it. Can I do my ‘part in the play’ to the level of expectation I have set for myself with the real world controls I want to have in place? I am not sure.

I was inducted into the Legion of the Bear prior to the shutdown. The expectation from that at Gulf Wars is that I am on the field playing the good sergeant’s role in the cohort. There is also peripheral obligations like checking IDs at the Known World Party. Balancing the needs of the Order against my own will be challenging. As a new inductee, I want to be a member in good standing worthy of the honor. I don’t want to let down this order. I was also inducted into the Order of the Bough prior to the shutdown, a service order. Can I find a way to serve at the event that allows me to exercise the control I will be comfortable with? How will I uphold the honor of this recognition? Both orders deserve my participation. How to I weigh my commitments to them in the balance of my own needs?

I have an urge to fight. I find great enjoyment in the exercise. But, I don’t want to get into close crowds of people. At a war, this is a contradiction as fighting goes. Ill find some ways. Just not sure I will do as much as I normally would. I also have to be mindful of some physical limitations to not hobble myself trying to have some fun.

Parties. I will not be going to any parties without a good reason. A drink in hand is an justification to go without a mask at these gatherings. But, I don’t typically go to these things without reason anyway. Not a prude, but I don’t drink alcohol and really don’t like being around it. 

While the event is a vacation and should be enjoyable and relaxing, I have a lot of anxiety about it. Ill be brewing on it the whole way down to the site. Reading my commentary to this point, I’m wondering why I even am going. But, I always feel anxiety when I go to events. I’m an introvert. The past two years have entrenched my feelings and comforts that come from my introverted nature. Being out in the world will do me good. Being around other people will do me good. At the very least, Ill enjoy being outside for a while. Even if the rest of the event gives me pause.

I think around people at the event, I will probably seem standoffish and maybe aloof. I laugh, but I think that is probably how many SCA folk that don’t know me see me anyway. I am the grim looking man standing off to the side watching the event. Now, I’ll be that grim looking, masked man off to the side watching the event. If you see me, know that I’m mostly friendly, only slightly abrasive, and I might even like you. I don’t mean to look angry, I’m just drawn that way.

Well met friends. Safe journey to thee!

Baron Eoin Mac Cana called 'Clyde'

Squire to Earl Benen MacTire

Warden of the Northern Plateau
Knight Marshal, Shire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies