Clyde's Travels - Magna Faire - Medieval Holiday

Magna Faire - Medieval Holiday

Dalwhinnie Fields

Marion, AL

Hosted by the Barony of Iron Mountain

December 2, 2023

On a damp and chilly day in December, Anno Societatis LVIII, I took a trip south from the Cumbrian Plateau of Northern Meridies to the gently rolling plains of the Sanguine lands of the iron folk for a traditional pre-Yule revel called Magna Faire, being held on the grounds of Dalwhinnie by the Barony of Iron Mountain. The trip was quiet and the roads were kind and free of congestion that can sometimes be a challenge this time of year. The weather was overcast for the entire weekend as Old Man Winter battled to take control of the sky from the gentler Madame Autumn who was stubbornly hanging on. The result was a grey bleakness, a minor dampening of the ground and extremely mild, albeit warmer, temperature for the time in the season. Nonetheless, spirits were high for those in attendance and a good time was had.

 

Dalwhinnie Fields was its usual, charming self. Attendance was low, which was a shame. I had never attended a Magna Faire before that I can recall. There were many activities planned by the Barony for those in attendance. There was a King and Queen of Misrule chosen from the youth in attendance. The ‘Mis-Rulers’ influenced many of the planned activities throughout the day. There were armored and rapier tournaments. The Faire itself is focused on an A&S judging with several categories and tracks for review. There were classes for young and old. Both, Their Majesties and Highnesses Meridies were in attendance and there was a changing of the guard  for the Baronial seat of Iron Moutain later in the afternoon prior to a very good feast. Magna Faire had a lot of offerings for those who made the trip. The event was well thought out and executed.

 

I spent the first part of my day in the eric for the Toys for Tots tournament. The entry for the list was a toy and there was a avalanche of toys by the end of the day that made for a very worthy donation to the charity. With the low attendance, there were only 5 combatants in the list. It was declared that we would compete in a bear pit format to a total of 62 total passes (not counting draws). Added to this format was the occasional ‘Misrule’ injection. We had periods of ‘If you lose, you must fall down and roll in the mud’ and ‘You two must fight left handed’ then there was the ‘You can only win by a thrust’. The competition was jovial and very entertaining. Toward the end, we started adding our own silliness by adding the infamous ‘Duke Garick Spin Attack (patent pending)’ as a requisite to our passes. It was a good time. In the end, Baron Richard na Teanga Mhin won the day barely edging past Duke Garick and myself for the most total successful passes. I think we fought for almost 2 hours with only 1 declared water break. Metal was tested, bonds were strengthened and the warrior spirit found sustenance.

 

Photo Credit: Emelina le Norreys

My afternoon was dedicated to socializing and just ‘hanging out’. I was able to watch some of the rapier combatants vie for Baronial Champion. I got to talk ‘shields’ with a few people (my current pastime hobby) as well as just spending some ‘getting to know’ folks time. I had a relaxing time. For court, I paid service as retinue for Their Majesties. I was able to witness honors bestowed from the best ‘back row’ behind the thrones. At feast, I shared table and ‘helped’ with things in the hall. There were 4 removes and many very tasty dishes that sated my hunger after the days earlier fighting. Post feast, I attended a gathering of ‘Smoking Squires’ (note: that was not the name given to the activity, It is just the silly name I remember and that silly name is really misleading without context…) (UPDATE: So, the name is 'Squire Pipes' that I forgot. More fitting.) This was an informal gathering of peers and path walkers themed on ‘Smoking Pipe Tobacco’ (honestly, the name TRM had for the gather was much more catchy that ‘Smoking Squires’) and intellectual discussion.

 

The day ran late and I bid my farewells to the gathering, Dalwhinnie and Iron Mountain. My heart was warm from the attending. The people are good in Iron Mountain. Very good indeed.

 

Discussions through the day and the closing group social had me thinking since I left. My thoughts are a bit of inner reflection and a bit of my current philosophy of how our hobby works. Some themes kept recurring and being reinforced as I socialized during the day.

 

First, a bit of my current philosophy. Share joy. Do that. A smile is infectious. I believe that if this hobby does nothing else (out side of teaching people that history is cool), the best service we can provide each other is a little bit of happiness. How do you do that? It took me a while to figure that out before I stumbled into the answer. The simple answer is to ‘enjoy what you do’. The enjoyment will be seen by others both directly and indirectly. Once seen, human nature helps it spread. A smile breeds a smile. A laugh is contagious (yes, I know not a popular word these days). Just showing up, enjoying the moment and sharing your enjoyment will create magic. More than once in recent memory, I have encountered someone having a bad day at an event and I have been able to turn their day around just by sharing some fun with them. I have noticed this more in the past couple years. I think its something we (as a society) need. To that end, I try hard to show up at an event and just be in the moment. I let my ‘kid’ brain takeover at times and just live in the moment. I try to do things that make me happy (fighting, helping where I see a need, etc). In the doing, I have found the formula for spreading my happiness through the sharing. It took me a long time to figure this out and put in words. But, I like it. This is what I aim to do these days and I have a stronger bond with my hobby now than I have ever had. These are good days.

 

Second, it’s a bit of ‘The Path’ reflection. ‘The Path’ is the idea of the journey we are on toward a peerage. It is of our own creation, influenced by the peer we are bonded to and the community of peers that occasionally nudge us as we move along our merry way. My path is very ‘Me’. I am not ambitious. I am minimally goal oriented. But, I have a strong sense of loyalty. I was asked about ‘My path’ this weekend (where am I, where do I hope to be, what am I doing to get there, etc.). So, what is my path?

 

My path has been a long one. I’ve been on it 35 years now. My earlier years were with Count Hadi, my friend. We hung out. We shared shop time and field time. I don’t see these early years as me moving much on the path. I was mostly just stationary. I had no real concept of ‘The Path’ or that it even existed. Honestly, I didn’t really give moving forward on the path a thought. I was just enjoying the moment with Hadi. Move forward just wasn’t part of what I was doing. For many years, I did nothing to progress and had no thought of progressing in my mind.

 

With his passing in 2015, I spent some time in reflection. That year, I went on the ‘banner tour’. Fighting and in remembrance of the times we had shared. I think I was trying to find the SCA he and I had in those early years. In the searching, I became aware of and found the now weed-choked path I had started with Hadi but never nourished. I had let my path become overgrown and unattended.  It was very hard to see and harder to follow. I was aimless for a bit. I had some good peers within reach in that time. Wise council. I eventually established a new bond with Earl Benen who guides me now.

 

These days, the older me sees ‘The Path’ more clearly. The older me accepts that what I do it important. My path is not about awards and recognition. These things are outside of my control and will never be something I have set as a goal or something to strive for. And yes, I know, ‘But, Eoin, isn’t a squires goal to be a knight?’ Yes. You got me there. That is a big point of taking a red belt. That ‘Knight’ achievement is not the meat of what the path is about though, in my mind at least. Never has been. And, I think never should be the sum of its total parts. The ‘Knight Goal’ is just a weigh station one might get to as you journey forward. It will never be a guaranteed stop though.

 

‘My Path’ is about me and doing right by me. In this, I honor Hadi’s memory and Benen’s belief in me and both of their investments in bonding with me. I honor myself and fulfill my needs. I don’t need to be the best at everything and win all the things. I just need to try be the best version of myself I can be in that activity. In fighting, in service, in arts… its all the same. I just need to be the best version of me in that thing. And most of all, I need to enjoy doing it. In doing that, I win for myself and progress.  My goal, as it is, is to respect the path I have set before me and feed it by trying to be the best I can be at whatever I do. In that effort, I honor a those whose bond I share and I find the ‘knight-like’ version of myself that I can be.

 

Where am I on my path? That is not for me to say. I am no judge of my progress. I am still learning, improving at the things I do and that is enough. I am moving forward, content with what is before me.

 

Where do I hope to be? Where I am. Living in the moment. Contributing to my dream and the dream of others. 

 

What am I doing to get there? Sharing. Sharing a good attitude. Sharing the knowledge I have learned. Sharing a helping hand. Sharing my time.

 

‘You are not what you were born, but what you have within yourself to be.’

-Godfrey of Ibelin, Kingdom of Heaven

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 Travels - Castle Wars 2023: the Festival of St. Martin

Castle Wars 2023: the Festival of St. Martin
McIntosh Reserve Park in Whitesburg, Georgia

Barony of South Downs

November 16-19, 2023

Sigmund and I. Photo bomb courtesy of Duke Bryce.

 

This past weekend, the squires two, Sigmund and Eoin, made the trek southward from the lands of Cumbria into the rolling hills on the outskirts of the Barony of South Downs for the event called Castle Wars. Our passage was uneventful there and back again. We had many discussions of life, the universe and everything on our journey, arriving at the event looking forward to quality melee time and the joy that would bring.

My memories of the day centered on the armored combat field, the order meetings that followed, and the philosophical ideals that the SCA holds dear. I did not find the opportunity to 'do all the things' but the quality of what I did participate in was top shelf.

The combat of the day was excellent. While there were some on the field not of our kingdom (most notably HRH Christopher of Atlantia), this was basically a home scrimmage of Meridian soldiery. From the newest rank in file foots soldier to HRM Timothy, all ranks were well represented. We had somewhere in the ball park of 60 combatants on the field armed with sword/shield, spear, polearm, and bow. Everyone was enjoying the cool weather and sharing in the euphoric happiness of melee combat. Smiles abounded as we tested our metal against each other at the gate, on the bridge and in the field. I played my role as shield man and line breaker in the wall. In the press, I found comfort, laughter and contentment. There was bliss there in the autumn sun with the cool breeze and banners popping to the rhythm of our clashes. We all had really good day in the bright clear sky with friends before the grey winter makes its presence known.

I retired from the field to attend to two of the Meridian grant level polling orders I am a member of, Legio Ursi and Sable Sword, who were having meetings. This took up a chunk of my afternoon.

Recognition to any grant level order, I have learned, is a two-sided coin with each Order having it’s own wants and needs. The first side of the coin shows the prestige and faith bestowed by your peers in who YOU are and what YOU do in regards to that Order’s area of emphasis. The second side reveals an obligation that you take a place within the ranks the Order and to carry the Order forward into the future. Being in three grant level Orders now (Bough, Legio Ursi and Sable Sword), I am amazed at how different each Order operates and conducts it’s business. Finding your voice in grant level polling Order and figuring out ‘how it all works’ within the Order is a challenging aspect that I had not thought about until I sat in my first meeting. Each experience is very much its own. I temper my presence in these Orders with a healthy level of self-doubt on my own worthiness to be included in the membership. This, in my mind, keeps me honest. All Orders will tell you that you earned it, you put yourself in the Order. And, that sentiment is true to an extent. But, a steady dose of humility provides me a foundation from which I can perch myself as I listen to the counsel of my peers in the Orders while I frame my own opinions. Its only from my own experience that I can find my voice and provide sound counsel of my own to these Orders. That very personal experience is the ‘bar’ I have created to gauge others worthiness to join me in the Orders that I am in. That ‘bar’ also can be a very complex thing to put a finger on because an Order is the sum of its parts. Those parts can be all over the scale when it comes to what a standard is for membership. The scale changes over time based on the needs of the Order, the Kingdom and the current events of the Society as a whole. The direction of an Order (read: requirements for admission) is announced through witnessing the newly inducted members in court. Each new member becomes an exemplar of the Orders standard and this drives, in essence, our Kingdoms perception (as a people) of what is ‘the right way’ to excel in the various fields of emphasis each Order oversees.  It’s a complex mix of feelings, ideas, and perceptions that comes together to elevate a person to a new station in the kingdom. My right to vote on the membership of an Order and that individual being an example of the Order’s ideals carries a lot of weight in my mind. Its one of the small ‘democratic’ processes that lie in the heart of our Kingdom and Society. I am in awe that I get to be part of the process, share in the recognition and help, in some small part, guide the direction of our Anachronistic world forward.

Later in the evening, Sigmund and I sat court as the business of the Kingdom moved forward and many fine people were lifted up for all present to see. The event cycled, as they do, and came to a close as the sun set upon us and the firelight held the encroaching darkness at bay.

One of the discussions Sigmund and I had as we traveled, was on the ideal the SCA holds in ‘The Dream’. The Dream can be a vague concept, maybe even hard to grasp for some. It can be in a lot of things, but we SCAdians choose to seek it in recreational historical reenactment. We are weird that way and insistent that our hobby is the place to find it. I share agreement with Sigmund that The Dream is not necessarily a big thing. It can and might be mostly, small things and short moments. The Dream can be a thought, an experience, a sight, or anything really. The conditions can be finicky. We can spoil it by not caretaking it properly. We can promote it by accident. It’s silly. It’s serious. It can save lives. It can change attitudes. It can provide purpose. The Dream is a lot and… it is nothing.

Both of us felt, without doubt, that The Dream was there at Castle Wars for us. There were moments scattered throughout the day where The Dream was tangible. The tithes paid in full. The right mix of attitude, act and environs. You just let it be, there on the edge of your perception. Barely noticeable but fixed in place. A feeling of content satisfaction overwhelms you. A spring finds its way into your step. You grin for no dang reason. You are just happy. Its there. That is The Dream. Im thankful for everyone that was there to share their time in that field by the river in the land of South Downs. You brought your game and the The Dream found us. It was awesome!

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' Travels - Come Together – A Reunification Event!

Come Together – A Reunification Event!

Sharon Johnston Park
New Market, AL

Shire of Glynn Rhe

November 4, 2023

In the wee hours, prior to the light of dawn over the Cumbrian lands, 2 squires and their Earl met in a dark alley. A wagon was loaded. The horse urged forward, burdoned by men and baggage, on a journey southward through the old, earily quiet, lands of Delvingrim into the fertile fields of Glynn Rhe.

A celebration event was being held to commemorate the the reunification of two neighboring shires into one. The Shires of An Dun Theine and Glynn Rhe, with the blessing of the Kingdom, are becoming one again under a single banner. 

The day was full of festivities themed to traditions from both groups. We three, Earl Benen, Lord Ronan and I, came for the fighting. There were 4 tournaments held.

• The infamous DOOM tournament with its cloak, sword and chain of DOOM.
• The Wish List - A bridesmaid's tournament awarding a spiffy helmet made by Sir Marcus.
• The Sable Swan List - A great weapon/polearm only list.
• The Wine List - A 4v4 team tournament.

First up, to my surprise, was the DOOM tournament. I was not prepared and gave only a mediocre performance at best. No one to blame but myself, but some days are like that. The tournament ended up being nothing more than a warm up for me. I was slow and stagnant and was put out of it before I really got up to speed. Duke Caillin of Gleann Abhann won the tournament. 

In the Wish List, I was able to watch and support my squire brother, Ronan of Axebridge. Ronan fought well and won the tournament. The Earl was proud. Making it all the more special, he's been needing a new helmet. It was good to see him find success. Sir Marcus and Ronan with the prize in the following picture.

I was able to get in a couple of pickup fights with Sir John Mailer and Song Qingzhao during a break period between the tournaments. Good fights. Made me feel better about my slow start in the DOOM tournament.

For the Sable Swan list, I got silly and fought with a glaive. It is not a weapon system that I have used much, and definately not at all in the past several years. But, if you want to play sometimes you have to go out on a ledge where the comfort ends and craziness begins. I was two and done in the double elimination tournament. I fought Bjorn and Sir Legio. I found my self laughing as soon as 'lay on' was called knowing the engagements would not last long. It was fun if not shortlived. The tournament was won by Duke Caillin of Gleann Abhann. He had two signifigant challenges getting there through the likes of Giermundr and Bragg. Both showed great examples of Merdian valor in the face of the western aggressor.

Fighting glaive again was weird and awkward. I have spent so much time fighting with sword and shield lately to be consistent with it. Many other forms I am familiar with have become neglected. I used to be a pretty good two-stick fighter. It has been several years since I tried and actually fought someone with that form. Several of us were talking about how rare it is for someone in Meridies to show up in a tournament with something other than sword and shield, so much so that when it happens we tend to panic because we (collectively) see other forms so rarely in list. That idea seems to be a weakness we need to address. Im a brute of a glaive fighter that is not nimble enough to avoid much of any shot but still find fun in it. I think I need to pay some of those other styles some attention where time permits. I cannot afford to reduce my primary form for an alternate form but, a fighter in the SCA needs to be familiar with every form on the field. We never know what we might encounter from one event to the next.

In the last tournment, the Wine List, we had enough for 4 teams in total. A round robin format was the nature of things. Ronan was not able to continue, so it was Earl Benen and I with two others, Refr and Thomas, who filled out our team - 'Team 3 from Navarrone'. It was a chaotic affair. I drew a lot of attention and found my self double-teamed a lot. We fought hard, had fun, but did not pull out any wins unfortunately. Some team sponsored by Kubota won the list. Corporate sponsorship really shouldnt be allowed in amatuer sports, just saying.

That was my day. This entry is somewhat brief, but sometimes the simplicity of good day does not need a lot of words. I witnessed a brother win a worthy prize. I spent a day with my Earl and squire-brother. I enjoyed a fine Autumn day in Glynn Rhe with friends and laughter all about. It was a beautiful day.

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 Travels - Meridies Fall Coronation: The Coronation of Timothy III and Ysmay III

Meridies Fall Coronation: The Coronation of Timothy III and Ysmay III.

The Shire of Tir Briste
Camp Benjamin Hawkins
Byron, GA
13-15 Oct 2023 (A.S. 58)

…The precession from their encampment to the throne was the only time today good King Garick was seen on his feet…

Fall Coronation in Meridies. What a time to be a Meridian. So many traditions… Pumpkin spice, Smore's, and a theatrical off'ing of our royals with cheer and whimsy. And, we like it that way.

To that end, we bid adieu to King Garick and Queen Yasamin. The good king fell victim to 'Leopardsey' or some similar ailment and was born from his throne on a stretcher (in effigy) through the throng of wails of appropriate grief and admirable appreciation for putting forth a good demise for a Meridian Royal. The Queen pledged herself to helping those in need in a Leopard colony. I must admit, from my place in the back of the audience, I am not sure how much of the story I am accurately retelling but, I know  leopardsey was in volved. Or, at least, I am fairly certain. Leaves you with spots, hairy spots, wanting to climb trees, drink milk and a purring groan, deep in the throat, as I hear tell. But, I'm not physician. So, don't take my word here as fact. 

The king is dead. Long live the king.

In pops the heirs with a whoosh of an electrical storm and a faint guitar riff of excellence and revelry, in a red and silver carriage from the sky. And thus, the kingdom is restored to order as our saviors, Timothy and Ysmay, heirs to the throne, arrive in the nick of time (I'm sure one of them remembered to wind their watch) to save Meridies from falling into ruin and an uncertain future.

Ad Astra! Ad Astra! Ad Astra!... Indeed.

And that, is a Meridian coronation in summarized fashion for those of you taking a test later.

This coronation, Timothy and Ysmay held a grand court throughout the day. So, after the morning court with the closing business (and the gratuitous and entertaining removal of the predecessors from office) of Garick and Yasamin,  court was never really closed. It just kept going throughout the day. A bit of business here, some music there, some dancing, some fighting, crusty jugglers, food, drink, exotic beasts, oath swearing (both in fealty and in expression), and so on. It was an interesting format. Turned the whole court thing into a daylong social exercise. I admit it was a bit disorienting at first, but as things progressed it had a rhythm. My cursory assessment is that I liked it. It was different, and not in a bad way.

I spent part of my day in a King's Champion tourney. We were vying for honor of bearing the 'heavy burden' of the title of King's Champion. It was a William Marshal style of tournament with the final four to be presented to Their Majesties and to fight a single elimination bout, front and center, for everyone to see and hopefully enjoy. There were not many of us participating, I believe the total count was 8 armored combatants of varying skill. We fought for an hour or so against each other in eric, over barrier and on bridge. We fought left hand, right hand, with shield, without shield… pretty much any fun way we could think to challenge each other and milk every last bit of happiness from our efforts. In the end, Sir John Mailer and I fought a best 2 of 3 for the final in front of the crowd and Their Majesties. John prevailed. Not sure how we were able to pull off a 'fight' with all the laughing and giggling between us. We started with a double kill. Reset and John got me the next two times. Love fighting with him and hate that I don't get to do it more. He'll make a worthy King's Champion and hopefully can 'bear the heavy burden' that the honor brings without any issue.

I do hope that the populace felt our joy in our brief moment in front of everyone. While armored combat in the SCA is a competitive sport, it is very much a spectator sport. We feed off each other as much as we do the on lookers. We laughed and heard the cheers and applause. It was so worth it. An awesome moment for me and a highlight of my day, needless to say.

Later in the evening, we supped through two removes and the court came to a close. There was an intermission, if you will, and shortly thereafter the Rose Ball and Revel picked up where the Grand Court stopped. Hot and cold foods were served. Bacon wrapped meats, cold drinks and desserts were made available and the populace danced and celebrated the start of a new Meridian reign.  I sat near a warm brazier and chatted with friends as I snacked on delicacies ( so, so good) to my contentment. 

In that contentment, I closed my day and found my way to the sweet sleep of joyous exhaustion brought on by a good day with friends and in the satisfaction that our Kingdom will continue on with strong hands at the rudder, an eye to the horizon and whatever fortunes may come.

Photo credits above to go to me.

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 Travels - Meridian Grand Tournament

Meridian Grand Tournament

Bert Adams Scout Camp

Covington, GA

Hosted by the Kingdom of Meridies

September 29 - October 1, 2023

At the end of September, I left for the southern pass from my Cumbrian home to attend the Meridian Grand Tournament in the baronial lands of South Downs. The tournament is an all day event consisting of 5 different tournaments that is capped off by the Earl Richard of Rae Fen Memorial Grand Tournament. 

I registered for three of the tournaments and helped administer two others during the day as well as having the good fortune to be selected to participate in the grand tournament itself.

Early in the day I went to the field for inspection and lost one of my swords along the way (fell off my cart). Lucky for me, it was found and returned by a friend of my Knight, Sir Almeric. As I was assisting with the setup of the Kingdom pavilion, I overhear a voice ‘So, I found this sword…’. I peered from under the canvas to see Sir Almeric, a smirk on his face and a look saying that there would be a penance due. I thanked the good knight and consented to pay whatever penance he thought was due. That penance by the end of the day was a single fight and sharing the day with him and his squire, Okami, field side, under my day shade. I feel I got away with one here as the company was outstanding and I enjoyed every minute of it.

I marshaled for the Armatura and Great Weapons tournaments, early and late in the day. I also furnished the prize for the Armatura, which was won by Xenos Theodrikes. The prize is a shield commission to be made by me. 

My first tournament in the day was the Sabre Tourney. I went to the second round, losing to Thorhall WulfstanSan in a quick exchange that left me at his mercy with no way for me to recover. Then on to the Chalice Tournament. I faired about the same, making it to the second round, losing to Graf Ulrich von Brandenburg. My third tournament was the Sable Sword challenge. In the William Marshal format, I fought a lot. I think I had 12 or more passes before I needed a rest. I tried to pick anyone I had not fought during the day. This is when I actually got my one pass with Sir Almeric. I felt good all day. I was hot, tired and happy. All my fights were as clean as I could make them. I had some good moments and some do’ah moments, like you do. I laughed all day long. It was a blast. Little did I know, it was not over.

As I was walking about the eric socializing, Graf Ulric called me to his pavilion to let me know I was selected to be the recipient of a prize for having the best crusader kit on the field. A fiberglass spear shaft was gifted to me Grafina Katerina and Graf Ulrich. Totally unexpected. I had honestly forgot about the field competitions. I nice reward for a good day fighting I thought. Little did I know, I wasn’t done.

At the end of the day, the 2 finalists of each tournament are sent to the final round along with selected fighters chosen by each of the peerages and populace. That’s when Mistress Mijna approached with Graf Ulrich and Sir Griffin to let me know the Order of the Pelican had chosen me to be their champion in the final. I was flabbergasted. This was the first time for me in the many MGT events I had been to where I was selected to be a champion in the final. I did not do particularly well in the final. I fought hard and hope I proved a challenge to my opponents and represented the Order of the Pelican to a standard befitting the honor the gave me.

Video Credit Asa Kolbrun

I was asked afterward how it felt to be selected. At the time, the best I could come up with was ‘weird’. It just felt weird at the time. I attribute the response to this being the first time I had experienced it. Do not get me wrong, it was a very good experience. It was just odd in that in any other tournament you fight in, you win to progress. In this case I was selected by a poll of the order to represent them. I think missing that process of moving though the ranks of a normal tournament where you understand that if you win you will move forward is what felt off. The experience was not diminished in any way. After thinking on it, the honor given in the selection is worth more than a simple win your way out. You are selected because you had done something right. It is an award of sorts for your prowess and franchise. I am humbled by that thought. It says you did things right and people saw you. That realization made me feel proud. But, wait… there is more to come.

The Grand Tournament was won by Duke Boru in the end. There were many wonderful fights in the final. Great efforts and grand chivalry were on full display. It was a fitting end to the fighting day.

Later in court, I watched as the proceedings carried on and came to a close. But, before the close… my name was called. I had no expectations. I had no notions that I was up for anything. Their Majesties Garrick and Yasamin greeted me and bade me kneel. Then, they called up the Order of the Sable Sword. Dumbfounded. His majesty took my hand and spoke sincerely to me and just to me. Acknowledgement of my improvements. Recognition of my efforts. In these moments, we often lose the specific words. And I have. But, I remember the feelings, the warmth, the pride, the thankfulness. The scroll was read. The cloak of the order placed upon my shoulders. The Order of the Sable Sword welcomed me into their cadre. What an awesome end to the day.

After court, we ate like kings on smoked meats and other delights. I sat with friends and we talked of all the things. Before he left, Sir Almeric gifted me a single link from his chain. Not a common tradition, but I had heard of it before. It’s an uncommon and meaningful honor. The gifting is a personal vote of support and gratitude. It is now part of my chain and his wisdom shared with me during the day will bolster my efforts going forward. Well met, Sir Almeric.

To say I had an awesome day would be an under embellishment. I had a rare day of good fortune that I would hope everyone has a chance to have at least once. I am very thankful for this hobby I share with so many good people that help to keep the dream alive.

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 Travels - Hausblot

Hausblot

Pulaski, TN

Hosted by the Shire of Loch an Fhraoich

September 23, 2023

As Summer made way for Autumn, I travelled from my plateau home to the lowlands of upper Meridies to visit our neighbors from Loch an Fhraoich for their harvest celebration, Hausblot.

The day long affair had many activities to entertain everyone, but I went for the fighting and found plenty of that to my liking.

The first tournament of the day was a 3v3 team melee. The list was round robin. Due to my lack of planning ahead, I thought to just pickup a team when I arrived. As the time for the list approached and teams were being announced, I found myself running solo. It is not the condition I had expected, but was willing to accept. As luck would have it though, the illustrious Duke Boru was nearby and upon overhearing my lack of a team, he took pity on me and announced boldly that he would stand with me. This was a pleasant surprise and we two, we happy two, looked to the upcoming challenge with enthusiastic vigor.

That’s when the fun began. From our first engagement to our last, chaos reigned. I did my best to establish ruin and confusion. His grace administered calm ducal judgment to those I left in my wake. Together, we almost succeeded in the improbable. We came in as runner up in the end. It was a lot of fun sharing the field with His Grace and definitely something I would have on my highlight reel (if such a thing existed).

We paused for lunch. The food was well prepared, tasty and plentiful. I hydrated and ate light to prepare myself for the afternoon combats. 

In the afternoon, I participated in a single elimination tournament. Each round was the best 2 out of 3. There were around 20 fighters I think. I made it to the semi final rounds. My fighting was clean and I felt good about it. I lost to the phenomenal fighter Marcus Lepidus who went on to challenge Sir Haldr for the final. 

After the fighting, there was a Baronial Court with Their Excellencies Glaedenfeld presiding. Some awards and recognitions were given. And the day was done.

I had a ton of fun, laughing all day. I got to spend time with my friends and hangout in the sun and shade on a late summer day. It was a good time and made the journey home joyous with the warmth of camaraderie found on the field with Loch an Fhraoich.

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 - InterKingdom BIRTHDAY BASH/fighter practice

InterKingdom BIRTHDAY BASH/fighter practice

Shire of Nant-y-Derwyddon
Laurel Grove
Bristol, TN
26 August 2023

As I stood outside my shire home one fine day, a messenger arrived. He was on a donkey with a dull, deliberate demeanor that left me with the impression that the beast was casually going about its duty. The burden mounted upon its back, in the form of a perfumed herald, was the beast’s equal in inconspicuous urgency. The herald spoke, “I hear the bird’s tune can carry on the wind for 12 leagues.” 

I paused for a moment, slightly surprised. I knew the day might come but had not expected it so soon. “That is sometimes true for the Jay and the Robin, but only the Duck is guaranteed”, I replied. 

The herald rummaged in his bag and retrieved a bound with wax, rolled parchment. The herald handed me the parcel. The donkey turned and away they went, leaving me standing in the road. 

I broke the seal, and here is what I saw. 

Unto the Warden, Shire of Easaraigh, Meridies, We are aware that you, your liege, and squire-brother are rarely seen in the same locations at any given time. You must foster unity and brotherhood with your kin. Do better. 

 

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to get off your collective ‘duffs’ and go do something together.  

 

As usual, any knowledge of you, your associates or the missive will be expressly denied in the event of discovery. This message will self destruct in 10 seconds.

I blinked twice. A black and white goat approached. In passing, it snagged the missive from my hand. It chewed loudly as it moved away. The missive was gone. The goat soon after, disappearing into a field over a small rise.

A few days later, opportunity presented itself in the form of the dashingly heroic form of Sir Marek. Trusted confidant of our good Earl, he asked if we would be going to the Shire of Nant-y-Derwyddon for the upcoming regional practice. The Earl must have been in a good and magnanimous mood because he responded positively to the inquiry. To my amazement, a plan was coming together.

That very eve, I dispatched a messenger fowl to my squire-brother, Ronan, to see if he would also be amicable to a journey east with the Earl and I. No more than three quacks and a duck flatulence later, we had our answer. He accepted. The Earl's wolfpack would be making the journey to the far northeastern reaches of the Meridian lands.

Early on the morning of the event, Earl Benen, Ronan, and I mounted a wagon heading east. The journey into the mountainous reaches of Meridies was peaceful and as quick as the wind. We discussed many subjects of serious and less than serious nature as we followed the trails into the Appalachia.

We arrived at the Laurel Grove estate early in the afternoon. The estate, within the Shire of Nant-y-Derwyddon's oversight, is a prime venue in the region. Popular with the locals as well as travellers from the Kingdoms of Aethelmearc and Atlantia.

Many fighters were arriving in the same time span as we did. Immediately upon our arrival, we were greeted by the stalwart Sir Marek, knight of Aethelmearc and friend to the house of Benen MacTire. He helped us to the fighting eric, and we were greeted by many friendly faces from the local shire and others of the region.

There were many fighters of renown and fame present from three kingdoms - Meridies, Atlantia, and Aethelmearc. Here is a list of some of the most prominent present in the eric that day:

Duke Cuán MacDaige

Duke Christoph Krieger

Duke Anton Tremayne

Duchess Signy Heri

Earl Benen MacTire

Viscount Waleric von Bredereke

Sir Marek Viacheldrago

The ducal contingent represented Atlantia. Earl Benen and Viscount Waleric were there for Meridies. Sir Marek, as previously indicated, is a champion of Aethelmearc. There were over 20 fighters from 3 kingdoms. Some brand new. Some newish. Skills ranged from novice to intermediate to expert to 'DAMN!, they're good!'.

I was most impressed with the mentoring nature that the Atlantian royal peers adopted throughout the day. Atlantians, known for their stout and powerful skills on the tourney field, surprised me at first with a side of Atlantian single combat I had not witnessed before. Me, expecting strong blows and near impregnable opponents, found an ally, showing me my faults and how to correct. While still damn near impregnable, everything was an opportunity for learning. I was amazed and truly impressed when I discovered they had adopted a teaching role for the day. They were overflowing with observations, technique and enthusiasm for teaching all day long. I felt privileged with a gift of a 'Ducal University' being delivered from Atlantia for all of us to share. 

The day, while somewhat cooler, fell into the heat that has plagued us in Meridies all summer. It was oppressive, forcing us to work in short bursts of combat and longer intermissions to manage our constitutions.

I had many, many wonderful passes throughout the day. I think I fought 9 or 10 different fighters, only a couple I knew first hand. I got caught in some habitual fighting and corrected for it. I worked with some newer fighters and I was able to receive some direct instruction from Dukes Anton and Cuan. It was a fruitful day for me and I am very happy we made the journey. The lessons learned will be carried with me for quite a while.

Most of all, I got to spend the day with my peer and my squire-brother. We shared a day together. My improbable mission was accomplished.

We closed our day in Nant-y-Derwyddon at a local eatery with Sir Marek. We ate good food. Talked about fighting. Reviewed our day. And finished with some banana free banana pudding for free.

Sated, we warily dodged pedistrian railings back to our wagons were we bid the good Sir Marek adieu, mounted our conveyance and made our way down from the mountains to our Cumbrian plateau homes. It was a very good day.

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 Travels - Pennsic L (That L means 50.)

Cooper's Lake Event Venue and Campground

205 Currie Rd, Slippery Rock, PA 16057

1-12 Aug 2023

The following dialogue is from my journal posts on the Book of Faces during my trip to Pennsic in Augusts for the 50 year event there. These posts were made daily from my tent at Cooper's Lake. Ive added them here in a consolidated format for the historical record of my travels. All photos are from my library, taken by me.

Pennsic L - day 1 - My liege and I made our way north from our Cumbrian home of Easaraigh to the lands of Aethelmearc for the annual Pennsic War today. The trip was pleasant. The good Earl was determined to not have any close calls on fuel for the horses, so stops were frequent. The weather this year is mild and almost cool with low humidity so far. A boon to say the least. We did encounter some gremlins in Columbus when cool air stopped blowing from the trucks AC for a bit. Benen thinks the town hates him and blames it for any number of maladies. A tried and true ‘Turn it off and on again’ was the solution and cool air was flowing without much fuss. This is the fiftieth Pennsic War this year. Looks to be a big turnout. Well over 7,000 through the gate already. There is a big 50, painted on the hill above the fort. Not the Roman numeral ‘L’. An ‘L’ would have better. The 50 reminds me of one of those ‘over the hill’ birthday parties with black balloons and such. Anyway. There’s a rant there about causation and the failure of public education to properly train classics like ‘Roman Numerals’ that worked fine for hundreds of years before anyone even thought about the numbers five and zero being used as an alternative. But, I digress. We were able to get tents up and partially unpacked before stopping for the eve. We are in the usual spot. Next to the roar Sauron’s anus and the Ice Cream shop. Both of us being tired but sated after dinner, we closed the day we casual banter behind the tents in the cool night air. We’ll finish setup tomorrow. Rest will come easy tonight.

Pennsic L - Day 2 - This morning started with an entertaining episode of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom out here behind the booth as our guest host, Earl Benen, demonstrated his ability to coax and corrupt innocent robins to hanging out with him for breakfast. Mama robin had to work up extra courage to feed young robin, who we will call ‘L’. I spent the rest of the day watching my steps as young ‘L’ kept popping out giving me the ‘What’s Up?’ look. ‘L’ eventually found his way to safety away from underfoot so we could get to our business at hand. Was a long work day putting fixtures together and unpacking for open tomorrow.  Booth looks presentable now and has been upgraded with ‘high beams’ lighting now. It will be ‘sunglasses at night’ cool this year without a doubt. Tomorrow is opening day. First pitch at 10am and the fun begins. The day closed out with a small group of friends behind the tent telling tales of sharks, Salties, Alligator ‘not’ hunting, bear like dogs, Jurassic chickens, and giant Australian cats giving dogs the ‘Rodeo’ treatment. Good times.

Pennsic L - Day 3 - Today was a busy day in the booth at the corner of Woad and Broad. We opened today to a line of folks waiting on us and from that point there was a steady flow all day. Benen and I figured we had two or three moments where Benny Hill music played while we spun plates for the amusement of the throng. We were successful in the endeavor though and stuff was sold and people were happy. It warranted a juice box and cookie for the good boys running the booth that afternoon. While it may not be common knowledge this is a union shop and while loitering may be frowned upon in some places, it’s a sure way to get put to work in this shop. Saw some interesting signs today that brings home the idea that for every sign there is a reason (‘Do not put order sticks in any part of your body’ raises questions and laughter equally). Nice quiet evening tonight chatting behind the tent. Oh, and for those of you who don’t know, cinnamon roasted cashews and pecans are pretty fricken awesome.

Pennsic L - Day 4 - today was a fairly simple day of just working. We had a brief rain shower that to the bite out of a warm ish day. I folded and help push our meager wares to any who were caught in the web of beautiful art and Latin wit shown in the booth. I met many interesting folks and even came across a former member of the shire formerly known as Ezaret. I was given two ‘strikes’ today from a good knight visiting Benen today. I’m not sure what the strikes were so not sure what a third offense might be. Should be and entertaining surprise if it ever happens. We sat for dinner and chatted up new SCAdian gentleman from Trimaris at his first Pennsic. Young enthusiasm is always cool. Had an idea today for a game using the Renarts Latin phase shirts and people that would be like a version of Cards Against Humanity. Seems like a fun idea. Good evening folks.

Pennsic L - Day 5 - Today and served a shift as retainer for TRM this morning. Not much going on, but was able to help setup a pavilion on the melee field. Was a sunny and warm day. Back home, my local group, Shire of Easaraigh, held an event with ‘me’ as a contributing theme. Looks like everyone had fun. Played more bingo today with a KISS rapier fighter and several elves being spotted. Booth was fairly busy again. Closed the day with more behind the tent philosophy and star gazing. Been a long and good day.

Pennsic L - Day 6 - Stuck to the booth today.  Some folks are curious about what I’m doing. I’m helping Earl Benen operate the Renaissance Arts & Design booth here at Pennsic. He and Countess Rosabelle create some of the best and most awesome art for shirts in the free world. I go along to help make the booth run and provide some peace of mind for them. It’s a cool deal. I get to go to Pennsic, hang out with my peer, and meet all the cool folks that come through the booth. It’s a lot of hard work but made easy by good company. Had a short bit of rain this afternoon that made things muggy this evening. Sticky. Ew. Closing the day out behind the tent. Staring at stars. Good night folks. And remember… Whippet. Whippet. Good.

Pennsic L - Day 7 - Didn’t fight today.  Should have.  Totally failing to understand the weather here. What I thought was going to be a completely wet and soggy start to the day, wasn’t. By the time I realized that I was wrong, it was too late. Did manage to get some shopping done today. Merchant area was really busy. Over 11,000 on site now. Things are hopping. Lots of traffic in the booth today. Had dinner with House Stahlgeist tonight. Nice group of people and food was good. Sir Tristan sold a souvenir Pennsic 50 rock today as part of a brilliant marketing strategy. We now have a pile of rocks ready for production. Rain settled in later in the day. Site is damp, but the night air has that post rain coolness about it. Nice and comfortable. Lots of happy people can be heard throughout the camp.

Pennsic L - Day 8 - worked the booth and did some shopping today. Got some nice linen for something later. We figured out that once the event population went over 11k, the shortest line at the ice cream shop was between 6:15 and 6:45. I was able to deduce today that the anomaly of the shirtless utilikilt barbarian that doesn’t find a T-shirt in the booth they like probably needs to attend a Shirtless Anonymous meeting and get into a 10 step program. We have been thinking about a telethon or a maybe a community outreach program for the shirtless. New bingo today, after judges review, was a pirate in double thick crocs (akin to the shoes from Bill and Teds future). Weather was awesome today. Tomorrow, the madness comes. Cave Canem, Ya’ll.

Pennsic L - Day 9 - long day today culminating in the Midnight Madness event where all the merchants stay open late and everyone at Pennsic comes out to ‘crawl’ the merchant booths. Extra staff comes aboard to help and away we go. At the end of the night, many of our shelves are empty and we tired, happy few retire to our cots worn and weary. As a participant, it can be magical with music and laughter everywhere in the lit up thoroughfares of the merchant quarter. As a merchant, it is a rapid fire assault on you and your team trying to answer, respond, and fulfill every customers need. Overall it is fun, just taxing. Going to sleep hard tonight.

Pennsic L - Day 10 - Today I finally got on the field to fight. It was the field battle today. After dressing out, I got to follow behind the ladies in white to the field. It’s a long tradition that I don’t know much about. So, I won’t try to explain it. There is singing and horn blowing. It’s all very cool and a fun experience. I fought in five engagements. My takeaway is that one field melee is pretty much like the rest. There were a considerable amount of fighters participating (2000 rough estimate). That was the only real difference.  Went to Meridies court. Came away with a couple of small bits of flair related to military service (1 for fighting with the kingdom and 1 for being an Army veteran mundanely). The day was finished with a philosophical chat behind the tent with a nice visiting knight, Benen and I. It was a good day. Tomorrow brings packing day and preparation for the trip home. There’s a gentle rain in the tent tonight. Should be some good sleep here shortly.

Pennsic L - Day 11 - departing is such sweet sorrow. Some last views of site on my way out. The mark of my temporary residence, soon to be erased as the sun shines on it again. My last vision of the site as we head down the road. Today was a steady day followed by the rapid load out queued by all the extra hands that came to help. We sold millions of t-shirts. Well, not millions but many, many wonderfully colorful and comfy shirts of exceptional quality. We sold handmade leather pouches and bags of incomparable quality and price. And, when all else failed, we sold genuine Pennsic 50 rocks. Everything we could sell was sold. The trailer was much lighter on the way out. Tonight we rest in a hotel to recoup a bit before completing the journey to our Cumbrian home. This year I heard many wise words. I saw many, many strange and bingo-worthy people. I had fun. Can't ask for much more than that.

Pennsic L - The Epilogue - The fiftieth year of the Pennsic War was a big and festive event. My small part in the venture was marked in my memory as a period of comfort and comradery. In my role as sidekick and travelling companion to the incomparable Earl Benen - merchant, peer, oracle of knowledge - I got to hang out and just be relaxed. Pennsic 'L' was not without controversy. We had the site token outrage and the 'L' vs '50' stupefaction. But this was just smoke and bad theatre. I have many fun memories. I witnessed a peer cosplay Snow White (sans dwarves, apples or crones). We put forth a cookie and juice box worthy effort from Day 1. There was a nod of satisfaction. I dined with the great Stahlgiest house. I found that the differences between blue and purple is shady. I experienced practical queueing theory via the ice cream stand as population increased as the event drove on. 11,384 SCA and associated fans of Pennsic came to the Slippery Rock encampment to celebrate. I saw true entrepreneurial skill when a lowly rock was elevated to premier Pennsic swag with the application of Sharpie ink and googly eyes. I fought my first melee in the field battle. I saw the dangers and excitement of ~2000 rattan wielding fighters in mass engagement. We filled our bingo cards daily with the strange and unexpected personages that crossed our path. We saw many worthy people and shared philosophical discussion late into the evenings. While many may see Pennsic as a big party, I see it as a quaint social gathering from my view on the corner of Broadway and Woad Way. Yes, it was big. But, like a small town, it can be quaint when you want it to be. What is it's worth? I think I am still figuring that out. For now, Pennsic is a vacation where I work, relax, and share company with very good people. That is plenty for me. 

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