Bert Adams Scout Camp
Covington, GA
Hosted by the Barony of South Downs
November 21-24, 2024
As the autumnal celebratory preparations were manifesting in the Cumbrian lands of northern Meridies, I made my way through the southern passes to the heartland of our fair kingdom to the event known as Castle Wars. Hosted by the Barony of South Downs, the annual event has become a regular call to arms for training and planning for the army of Meridies. Added to this year's call, the sovereign had proclaimed a war council be held with representation from all the martial orders of our kingdom.
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| Photo by me. |
There were two peerage vigils slated for the evening, Captain Stefano Roggio (MoD) and THLady Essyllt Þrasa Fostra (Pelican). While I waited for the candidates to be put on vigil, I wandered a bit, helped setup a tent or two, and chatted with friends I came across. This being the first event since my own elevation, there were several people who, unable to attend the event where the action took place, offered commendation for the accolade. I accepted the commentary with my usual awkwardness or simple ‘thank you’. I am truly happy that folks think enough to recognize the achievement, even if I attempt to fly under cover and not draw attention to it. I am making an effort to not downplay the whole ‘thing’ in my efforts to move on and continue doing my own thing. It’s a bit of trying to find new footing with the new status.
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| Photo by me. |
So anyway, I thought I would try to attend the vigils and do unto others now that I’m a peer. I did not attend vigils as a general rule prior to becoming a peer myself. It was a decision I made a while back, influenced by old SCA theory in my head. Specifically, it wasn’t that I don’t go to vigils, it is that I did not sign up for the ‘one on one’ time with the candidate that occurs during the vigil. Which, is the most important part of it and the whole point of the vigil. Yes, my vigil philosophy may have been dumb, especially in the light of current practice. As I write this, I don’t have a good answer as to why I set this personal rule in effect. <scratching head> Maybe, it’s a couple of things. For one, I wasn’t a peer and felt that advice and counsel for a new peer should come from someone already in the order(s). Second, if I am honest with myself, I have a certain amount of discomfort in those situations where there is an expectation of something from me in what I consider a personal space. It’s claustrophobic and uncomfortable to me. While my elevation changed the first thing, it did not clear the second thing for me. With all of this in mind, I went to both vigils and chickened out on actually sitting down with either of them. Maybe Ill seek them out in a less formal space and offer some words of wisdom. Both, thankfully, had a vigil book. So, I took to quill and parchment and left them a message that I hope would have been as good as anything I might have said in person to them. It was a small thing, but felt right and still does. When I think of all the people that attended mine and spoke to me, I know I lost a lot of what was said. That silly vigil book though.. now that lasts and as long as they can read my handwriting will be with them. I think I am OK with that and maybe that will be my way to give them their due and share my bit of knowledge.
Late in the evening I departed and retired to my room at the inn for rest.
The following day was heralded by clear, bright, blue skies. The good breeze blew banners proudly with a chill touch to it. It was not uncomfortable but ideal for martial activities.
As the army gathered, I socialized and offered some assistance to the royal retinue with pavilion and throne. To warmup and shake out my kit, I fought a few bouts with Sir Erick Griffin, an always worthy opponent. Soon thereafter, Sir Fiachna mac Phiaraic called us to the field for the scheduled battles.
I want to take a moment to shine some sunlight on the efforts of Sir Fiachna. As an armored combatant, I will say that it is and has always been a ‘damn fine’ experience having the honor to participate in combat scenarios he designs. The attention to detail is phenomenal. The historical hooks grounding them is masterful. We never get the same ole’ stuff when we play in his sandbox. I wholly look forward to being part of what he plans for our community. He challenges us on tactic and strategy. He revels in not only our enjoyment of his plan but in equal measure when we find a way to break his plan through our ingenuity. There are very few in our community with a real knack for designing combat scenarios. Sir Fiachna is a true architect and master of the skill. Thank you, sir. Thank you.
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| Photo by me. |
The scenarios, all based on Greek historical battles, led us through antiquity from the walls of Troy to Hellsgate to Greek myth. I fought my role as a shield man with tower shield and sword. I regret not being on the same side with my warband comrades, but team balancing was important and I went with Crawhere to the opposing side. There were many green hoods (the warband badge of affiliation) on the field, the warband is strong and I was happy to test my mettle against them and provide them a worthy challenge when I opposed them. Through several scenarios, outlines linked to this report, I did my best to fill my role within the tactical need demanded by the scenario. Most of this meant standing ground and owning control points and bottlenecks in the layout. This is the type of fighting I do well in and I had a blast. The toll of exhaustion hit hard later in the day, though. If you every wanted to know what is was like to be a rock pounded by ocean waves, the work I did this day was a good facsimile. The combat was good. Friendly. Lots of smiling faces everywhere I looked. It was a really good fighting experience.
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| Sir Fiachnas scenarios page 1 |
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| Sir Fiachnas scenarios page 2 |
Later in the afternoon, my agenda took me from the fighting field to order meetings. The Bough, Legio Ursi, and Sable Sword all held counsel with our sovereigns. There was also a war council gathering. After that, I attended court as retinue for HRM and stood with the thrones to witness many recognitions and the wealth of our Kingdom in deed, story and generosity on display. I watched, first hand, the ceremonies for Master Stephano and Mistress Essylit and the bestowing of their regalia. I saw new bears being added to the ursine mantle and many new branches added to the Bough. The court was long, but worthy. Two more artifacts of Meridies past joined the Horn of Fidelity, the Mirror of Veritas and the Shield of Vert Pine. These were presented to their Majesties in court. The Iron Legion and Sir Conal Mac Dale and his Argonauts returning them home. The quest to advert the unknown peril as foretold by sorcerer Malachar proceeds well. Eight artifacts from Meridian history are required to stave off the threat. Three of the artifacts have been found now, 5 more to go.
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| Photo by me. |
Court closed, I served a bit longer into the evening before HRM released me. My vigor spent, I packed my day camp and headed back to the inn for rest. The site, Camp Bert Adams, is a really nice place to visit with good facilities. The journey to site from the Cumbrian plateau to the north can be challenging but manageable. I left the Inn the following morning and made the trek North. My travel home was thankfully uneventful, making the journey in good time.
I heap praise on the Barony of South Downs for an excellent day in the sun. Your bountiful hospitality and welcoming nature always makes visiting a worthwhile endeavor. Thank you.
Meistr Eoin Mac Cana, OP
Warden of the Nothern Plateau
Squire to Earl Benen MacTire
Shire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies
SCA, Inc
