Heraldry Corner

Heraldic Charge of The Week!

by HL Taran Saraev

The Maunch

A heraldic charge is an emblem, figure, or picture that is displayed on a piece of heraldic armory. Examples of heraldic armory are devices (coats of arms in mundanea), ensigns (flags), or badges. This week we are looking at the maunch.

This heraldic charge can be seen as early as the 13th and 14th centuries. A maunch, or maunche, is a greatly stylized (ladies) sleeve. The word maunch has its origins with the French word “manche” meaning simply sleeve. The sleeve is seen detached with a long hanging cuff. Apparently in the Middle Ages it was popular for ladies to give their sleeves as favors in tournaments. Displaying the maunch on ones arm came to be a way for one to show his popularity with the ladies, or that he was beloved by his wife. In the SCA the default is for the wrist to be at dexter (viewers left), and the elbow bent to base (bottom). In Trimaris the maunch is prominently featured on the order badge of the Order of the Herald's Tressure. This award is given for exemplary and continued service as a herald. It is blazoned, “(Fieldless) A maunch azure semy of triskeles argent.” Which could be described as a blue maunch with white triskeles all over it on any background.

[pictures from pic dic]

http://mistholme.com/dictionary/maunch/

http://www.aeheralds.net/submissions/traceable_art/IndivPDFs/Maunche.pdf

Heraldry Corner

Greetings!

Welcome to the first post in our Heraldry Corner series.  This series will talk about all things heraldry in the SCA.  HL Taran Saraev will be teaching us about the various heraldic charges found in period and available for use in the Society.

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Heraldic Charge of The Week!

The Trident

A heraldic charge is an emblem, figure, or picture that is displayed on a piece of heraldic armory. Examples of heraldic armory are devices (coats of arms in the mundane world), ensigns (flags), or badges. This week we are looking at the trident.

A trident is a weapon with three spear points attached to a long pole. The word Trident comes from the Latin word tridens or tridentis: tri "three" and dentes "teeth". The Trident is one of the primary charges on the device/arms of the Barony of Darkwater and is also featured in the baronial awards and regalia. It is identified as the weapon of choice for Poseidon, or Neptune, the god of the sea in the Greece-Roman myths. Because of its association with sea gods, the trident is often considered to be a symbol of maritime dominion. While the trident certainly has other regional associations, these relations to the classical myths make it a favorite in Trimaris and Darkwater where maritime themes dominate the heraldry. A stylized trident head from the Rus/Ukrainian region has been used in the SCA. It's often considered to be a symbol of the Rurik Dynasty. Enjoy these trident depictions found at the sites listed below.

http://mistholme.com/dictionary/trident/

http://www.aeheralds.net/submissions/traceable_art/IndivPDFs/Trident.pdf

 

Gathering of the Clans 2018 - Awards

Baronial Court of Their Excellencies, James and Milesenda

Lady Adelina de Bretigny

Order of the Acorn's Glade

Lady Christine Chabrier

Order of the Acorn's Glade

Asa Dragomir

Order of the League of the Hidden Treasure

James Thomas

Order of the Darkwater Defender

Orlaith of Loch Gryffyn

Order of the Trident's Keype

Award of Arms

Razu

Order of the League of the Hidden Treasure

Rebekah of the Rising Sun

Order of the Trident's Keype

Award of Arms

Kingdom Court of Their Majesties, Baldar and Brithwyn

Sir Jebe Keriat

Flower of Chivalry

Lord Nickel Hartman

Order of the Argent Palm

Eoghan Murray

Award of Arms

Champions

Baronial Huntsman

Honorable Lord Landon Lovell

Gaming Tavern Rapier Tournament

Don Zhao Fong

Highland Weapons Dice Tournament

Duke Gunnar Oxnamegin

Officer Changes

Baronial Archery Ranger

Syr Eldon Ungol

to

Honorable Lord Toki inn Eldri Bassi

Congratulations to all those honored during the event!

St. George's Faire 2018 - Awards

Kingdom Court of Their Majesties, Baldar and Brithwyn

Baroness Jehannette de Lille

Elevated to Order of the Pelican

Lord Daniel of Darkwater

Order of the Silver Shield

Lord Toki inn Eldri Bassi

Order of the Arc d'Or

Grant of Arms

Congratulations to all those honored during the event!

Hospitable Words

Greetings!

We are happy to bring you the first in a new series of posts, courtesy of our Baronial Hospitaller.  Hospitable Words will be tips for those who are new to our organization, to help them better enjoy these modern middle ages.

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The best way to enjoy the day is by planning to take care of yourself. Nothing ruins a great medieval day quicker then sunburn, bug bites and ticks! Though our minds are in the middle ages, our bodies have to deal with the reality of living in Florida. West Nile virus and diseases spread by ticks can ruin the dream for anyone.

Please add to your packing list
· Sunblock – in an SPF that works for you
· Bug Spray – Mosquito and Tick repellents
· Lint roller – a easy way to remove surface ticks from pants

Remember to bring a mug for water and consider a head covering – Very Period!

Stay safe and enjoy your time traveling experience.

Thyri Bersi

Darkwater Hospitaller

Business Meeting Minutes - May 2018

Open Meeting

1. Suspend reading of last month's minutes
1. Lord Thomas Wildtstein - motion
2. HL Hywel ap Wyn - seconded
1. Motion passes
2. Seneschal - HL David Archer
1. Background checks
2. Board of Directors visit to Village Faire
1. Transportation to/from event and airport
2. Comping event and feast for Board
3. New hiring process for Kingdom
1. Implementing at Baronial level as well
2. Officer and deputy positions should be made available for populace application
4. Revels
1. Every four months, rotating between Barony and Cantons
2. Deputy Seneschal position available for coordinating revels
3. Art-Sci Officer - Lady Ursula Blackpool
1. Classes scheduled through end of June
2. Regional Art-Sci at Village Faire
3. Class on May 10th located in different room of mall
4. Scribal moved to May 6th instead of May 13th
5. June 16th - possible library day
4. Webminister - Lord Thomas Wildtstein
1. Website updates
1. Working on mobile friendliness
2. Swampkeype emails
5. Chronicler - HL Calpurnia Fortunata
1. Revelry
2. The Trident Times blog
1. Writers and contributors needed
3. Next quarterly Revelry - August meeting
1. Submissions due by July 25th
6. Hospitaller - Lady Thyri Bersi
1. Lady of the Lakes
2. Deputy Hospitallers needed
1. Send resumes to HL David Archer
3. High Table deputy
1. Too much high table stuff
2. Possibility of putting in storage or weeding through things
7. Chamberlain - Baron Bil
1. New trailer acquired 
8. Marshal - HL Hywel ap Wyn
1. New people at practices for heavy and light
2. Youth practices
1. Official Youth Marshal needed
3. More training at Sunday practices
1. Teachers needed
4. Archery
1. New official site for practice (Avian Reconditioning Center)
2. Rules for new site
3. Moving practice to mornings
4. Toki taking over as Archery Marshal at Clans
5. Insurance for practices
9. Baronial Nobles - Baron James Highgate
1. Populace served before High Table
2. Inviting a newcomer and guest to sit at High Table at Clans
3. Herald shenanigans at Clans
4. Award recommendations
5. Ring of Chivalry moved to Village Faire
10. St. George's Faire
1. Event recap
11. Gathering of the Clans - HL Amalric and Lady Adelina
1. Website updated
2. Lunch provided for everyone
3. Need someone to sell Pilgrim Badges
4. House Gold Star selling largesse for gambling
1. Fundraiser for A Gift For Teaching
5. Period presence encouraged
12. Trident Tourney - HL David Archer
1. Request to avoid first weekend of January
1. Moving event to second weekend
2. Need bids for the event

Close Meeting

Peer Interview: Christian de Launey

1. What is your mundane name?

Christopher Alexander

2. What is your full persona name?

Christian Amaury de Launey

3. What is your peerage and, if appropriate, your discipline?

Order of Defense

4. How long have you been in the SCA?

23 years. I got serious in late 1995.

5. Can you give us a little of your persona’s story?

Christian was a junior cavalry officer who engaged in an affair of honor and had to leave France for several years. After a comfortable time on the fringes of Elizabeth’s court, the call of home grew strong. He arranged to have himself burned in effigy and his crimes pardoned. Now in his late middle years, he tends his family’s interests, keeps his swordplay sharp and samples the delights of Paris.

6. What offices have you held?  What were the greatest challenges of these duties?

Deputy seneschal, local and regional rapier marshal, deputy kingdom rapier marshal. The biggest challenge in the marshallate has been a lack of consistent reporting and recording of injury data. It is difficult to shape policy without data driven arguments.

7. What is your favorite SCA memory (not including receiving your Peerage)?

Lots of choices, here is one. 2004, Pennsic War. We had put together a solid team for the Atlantian 5-Man but one of our fighters, Earl Brian (now Duke) was still in an armored battle, so we took the field with four (Allesandra Bentivegna, Sasha Grey, Diego Munoz and myself.) The first round saw both ladies and three of the other side go down fast. Diego and I had their last two surrounded. He asked me which one I wanted and my reply was the one in the yellow hood. They both stopped and looked at each other to figure out who that was. Diego threw a shot. The last guy(in the yellow hood!)surrendered.

The rest of the tournament was similarly epic. 

8. Are you a member of a household or guild?  If so, what is it, and how do you participate?

No. The closest I have ever come was being a member of the Black Wing Company in the kingdom of Artemisia. It was a guild that helped grow my early fighting career.

9. What is something about you that you don’t think many in the SCA know (that you don’t mind them knowing now)?
Nothing that I care to admit in a public spotlight. If there is something that you want to know, come ask in person. 

10. What advice do you have for less-experienced members of the SCA? 

Find balance. The SCA is a wonderful lifestyle and hobby; it has given me some of the finest things in my life. However, it’s a big world full of beautiful things. Stay connected to wonders within and without the Society.

How To Be A Helper

Newcomer Guide: Baronial Events

An SCA event is where members dress in garb and spend time with friends while enjoying activities such as fighting, archery or classes. It can be a single day or multi-day event, often with overnight cabins or camping available. Events do require an attempt at garb (pre-16th century clothing) – please see the Hospitaller for Gold Key (loaner) items that you may use to attend.

The Barony of Darkwater has three main local events:

¨ Trident Tournament (January)
¨ Gathering of the Clans (May)
¨ Village Faire (September)

There are many more events throughout Central Florida, which include Kingdom events and events in other Baronies. Most weekends, something is happening within driving distance.

Most events have fees that are broken down by the days that you attend and also by accommodations if you wish to stay overnight. SCA members receive a five dollar discount on event admission, but membership is not required to attend any event. Most events have a pre-registration option that allows you to reserve bed space as well as to reserve feast, if it is offered. Day trips are when a person attends a single day of an event.

Feast can mean different things, so make sure to understand what is provided. Most often, it means Friday night dinner, Saturday morning breakfast, and a multi-course meal on Saturday night. Menus are often posted in advance on the website for the event. If you have allergies, contacting the person responsible for preparing feast is recommended, as accommodations can often be made if given advance notice.

If the event you are attending includes a feast, be sure you have made a reservation, if required, and that you bring "feast gear": a plate, bowl, silverware, napkin and something from which to drink during dinner. A mug is a good idea for morning coffee as well.

When you arrive at an event, your car will approach a small pavilion near the entrance. This is called “Gate”. Here, someone will hand you a simple form to fill out, and can read your license plate number to you if needed. The form is simple, and the Gate person will be happy to answer any questions you may have. They will separate the forms, hand two copies back to you, and then direct you to Reservations. At this point, you will simply park in a designated parking spot and proceed to the Reservations area.  

The person working Reservations will ask if you are a member and if you are pre-registered. They will take your forms and provide you with a site token and information on all the happenings for the event.

At this point – you’re at your first event! Some of the things you may want to do:

¨ Take a class
¨ Watch an armored tournament
¨ Watch a rapier tournament
¨ Learn archery at the archery range
¨ Start a conversation with artisans in the hall
¨ Enjoy delicious food
¨ Visit merchant stalls for some shopping
¨ Attend royal or baronial court

Your first event can be exciting and intimidating. As you see people around, know that they were all a newcomer at one point as well. Your first event is a fantastic memory that you will carry with you. Remember to have fun and enjoy it. This community can become your community of friends.

Welcome home.

Kindly,

Lady Thyri Bersi

mka: Melissa Karels
Hospitaller, Barony of Darkwater

That SCA Lingo!

SCAdian (SKAY-dee-an) – as a noun: A member of the Society for Creative Anachronism

Populace- The inhabitants of a kingdom or a local group; the people present at an event.

Autocrat/Event Steward – The person in charge of an event. Sometimes you will see the suffix “-Crat” added to other words to identify the person running the activity. e.g. FeastCrat, ResCrat.

Herald – Officer who helps participants come up with SCA names and armory; or, the official who makes announcements on the field, or is the Master of Ceremonies for court.

Seneschal – The officer serving as “President” of a local group or kingdom. Acts as the group administrator and legal representative of the SCA.

Demo – A demonstration of the activities in the SCA. SCA participants will usually perform martial activities as well as arts and sciences for the public

Garb – An attempt at clothing based on that worn in the Middle Ages, or Renaissance. Required at all events except meetings and some activities. This can be anything from a basic tunic and pants to elaborate gowns.

HOLD! – A cry meaning “STOP WHATEVER YOU ARE DOING and freeze in place until you see what the hazard is!” Normally used during combats, but can be extended to any form of activity.

Period – Of the time period studied in the SCA (pre–17^th century); also, authentic

Persona – The Middle Ages/Renaissance person that you are posing as. your persona can be detailed or simple, starting with the time period and country you are from, all the way to knowing the details of your persona’s place in society or your family history

Site – The place the event is being held

Gate – The place to check in, or buy at-the-door admission.

Spring Coronation 2018-- Awards

Kingdom Court of Their Majesties, Baldar and Brithwyn

Count Joshua du Charmont

à Champion of Trimaris

à Announced to Order of Chivalry

Honorable Lord Hjorygg Hakonarson

à Order of the Guard

Lord David Archer

à Grant of Arms

Alexa of Loch Gryffyn

à Award of Arms

Congratulations to all those honored during the event!

Scribal Guild Letter -- Summer 2018

Hello from the Scribal Guild!

The Barony of Darkwater currently holds day-long workshops every month, in the regular meeting room at Fashion Square Mall, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. These workshops teach scroll creation from beginning to end; you can learn line drawing, illumination, and calligraphy. We have people ready to help you learn and the supplies you need to practice. These meetings are always come and go as your schedule allows, though we laugh so much it is often hard to leave. Come out with your own projects or work on one that the guild has.

Upcoming Scribal Workshop days are on May 6^th and June 10^th!

Are you looking to start your own scribal kit? Here is a list of materials to get you started:

¨ 9 X 12 Strathmore Bristol Board paper- vellum type (yellow cover)
¨ Mechanical pencil
¨ Ruler
¨ Black ink liner pen – I use micron pens
¨ Gouache paint— Reeves has a good starter set
¨ Pallet
¨ Paint brushes
¨ Water/cup for adding water and cleaning
¨ Paper towels
All supplies are available at Michael’s Arts and Crafts, Joann Fabrics and other craft stores

I look forward to seeing all of you there. Please email me with any questions or suggestions.

Lady Ursula Blackpool

MKA: Carmen Heffelfinger
Art/Sci Officer for the Barony of Darkwater
Scribal Guild Leader
artsci@baronyofdarkwater.org

Knight Marshal Letter -- Summer 2018

Greetings, Darkwater,

The marshal community is looking to increase our focus on teaching and training at our practices. We are seeking Knights to teach at any of our regularly held Sunday practices. Any interested should contact the Knight Marshal with available dates and proposed material so we can add it to the schedule.

We are encouraging anyone interested in fighting to message the Baronial Knight Marshal so we can make sure we have the right loaner equipment at a practice for you.

We also are encouraging anyone interested in youth fighting to attend any of our Sunday practices. We have a Youth Marshal present at all Sunday practices and will have some loaner swords.  

Please contact the Baronial Knight Marshal if you would like to help out with any fighting activities, or contact the appropriate deputy Marshal (Rapier, Archery) if interested in those particular styles.

Yours in service,

HL Hywel ap Wyn
MKA: Ian Hobbs
marshal@baronyofdarkwater.org

Webminister Letter -- Summer 2018

Greetings to the Barony of Darkwater,

There have been a number of changes to the Darkwater website, and we should be closer to a state of being properly updated. A brief run down of the changes:

¨ The officer page order (as well as the officer list) was modified, and they now reflect the historical office list order.
¨ Updated the officer/deputy information, on their pages and the officer list.
¨ Archived a few sub pages, and moved the appropriate content to the main pages.
¨ More Darkwater & Loch Gryffyn officer email accounts set up for use, and those emails added to the officer listing page as needed.

By the time of publication, most (if not all) of the website will be in proper order. While the content has been updated, there are a few other issues that we will be addressing in the near future. One of the goals is getting the website to be much more mobile responsive, because it's currently not. There will be more information regarding the changes, as we move forward.

As I usually say at the meetings, if there are any issues, problems, or updates, please let me know.  

YIS,

Lord Thomas von Wildtstein
MKA Thomas Fuller
Webminister, Barony of Darkwater

Arts and Sciences Letter -- Summer 2018

Hello from your Art/Sci Officer!

We are looking at a May and June full of exciting classes! If you look at the schedule below, you will see all of the great things you can come learn about at upcoming meetings. Do you have something that you think the rest of the Barony would like to learn? Know someone that would be an exciting teacher? Are YOU ready to teach a class? Contact me through email! We are currently scheduling for June 28^th through August.

May 10: How to Read Modern Sheet Music (Meisterin Adelheid Leinwater)

May 17: Scribal Class, Part 2 (Lord Nickel Hartman)

May 24: ABCs of Art Sci, Part 1 (Meisterin Adelheid Leinwater)

June 7 : Darkwater Officer & Business Meeting (No class)

June 14: Basic/Beginner Embroidery (Lady Christine Chabrier)   

June 21: Picture to Project (Mistress Ilene Johnnestoune)

June 28 : TBA

Don’t forget that in a few months, it will be Village Faire! This event is our Baronial Regional Art/Sci Competition! Have a project idea? Start working! Do you want to enter Art/Sci, but you aren’t sure what to do or how to begin? To help you with this, we have classes with Meisterin Adelheid Leinwater and Mistress Ilene Johnnestoune in May and June to give you advice and guidance. We will also have a class in July to help you with understanding the sign-up process for the event.

If you ever have any ideas, suggestions, or just random thoughts, send me a message!

Lady Ursula Blackpool

MKA: Carmen Heffelfinger
Art/Sci Officer for the Barony of Darkwater
Scribal Guild Leader
artsci@baronyofdarkwater.org