The Nottinghill Quill

Greetings and Joyous Holiday wishes to Our most Wonderful Barony of Nottinghill Coill!

2011-12-29T22:37:00.000-08:00

What a year this has been. His Excellency and I have had the opportunity to visit in all the different parts of the Barony, and travel to other lands with many different members of Our populace. We have been made aware of how special our group is, and how blessed we are to live here. We have shared our pride with Kings and Queens of Atlantia, and we hope that they know what a sparkling jewel this group is in the Royal Crowns. Thank you for letting us have this opportunity to represent such a warm, rich Barony.

Yule Toy Tourney was a shinning example of what this group offers. The charity shown by the toy drive was heartfelt, and obvious to anyone who walked into the room with the tables and tables of gifts for those children who might not otherwise have the magical Christmas experience. We would like to thank Admiral Brandon and his crew for putting together this wonderful event. We would also offer our gratitude to all those (led by Lady Milicent) who helped us keep our Royal guests well fed and cared for during the event. We were told by our Guests how impressed they were at how helpful and welcoming the group was to them from the moment they pulled into the site. However, what gives me the greatest pride is that this attitude was extended to everyone who came, regardless of their royal rank. Thank you to all who helped in all the ways that added up to one of the best events of the year.

Now, We urge you to rest, revel and enjoy your winter holidays. The new year promises to have just as much joy and opportunity as the last.

Yours in Service,
Geldamar and Etain, Baron and Baroness of Nottinghill Coill.

Konnichiwa & Greetings to the Populace of Nottinghill Coill

2011-11-28T06:14:00.000-08:00

We had a splendid Coill Collegium on Saturday 11/12. Many Thanks to the Instructors, the Students and the Staff. Most especially Lady Isolda, Lady Irmgard, Lady Milicent and Lady Rohesia. Our goal is to hold another Collegium in June/July of 2012 and make this an annual Baronial Event. As always I remain...

in Service to the Dream,
Baron Takeda Yoshinaka

Seneschal, Nottinghill Coill

Yule Toy Tourney VI: Dec 9-11, 2011

2011-11-27T10:49:00.000-08:00

As the weather grows cooler and the leaves begin to turn, thoughts inevitably stray toward the Yule Season. It is a time for family andgiving, a time for peaceful fellowship with those we love. As we count the many gifts we have received in life, we should all remember that there are those less fortunate than us– those who need our help to have a festive Yule Season.

To this end, the Barony of Nottinghill Coill would like to invite you to join us at our annual charity event to provide Yuletide cheer for those who are less fortunate than ourselves. As has become custom, we are supporting The Country Santa charity group. Last year this group made it possible for over 3000 children to have a happier holiday season. For more information on this charity, go to www.countrysanta.org.

The event will be held at the Table Rock Wesleyan Camp (125 Bethany Cove Drive, Pickens, SC 29671) in and around the Tabor Building (http:// www.trrcc.org/facilities/tabor/). The site itself is a beautiful setting with a stunning view of Table Rock itself.

Site Fee is a donation of one new, unwrapped toy that will go to Country Santa. Additional donations will be required for entry into Martial Activities and A&S competitions (see below)

The site has dorm-style rooms that can sleep from 4 to 12 gentles, for a total capacity of 50. The overnight fee is $10 per person to reserve space for both Friday and Saturday nights.

Feast will be an “Iron Chef” competition between the winner of last year’s competition, Captain Nichola, and Baron Norton from our neighboring Barony of Hidden Mountain. The secret ingredient will be The secret ingredientwill be Chicken/Eggs. Feast fee is $10 per person, and will be capped at 60 gentles. As anyone can tell you who attended last year’s event, you do not want to miss this feast.

Martial Activities will include:

Archery – A Yule Season Themed shoot (Entry = 1 new unwrapped toy)

Armored Combat – A traditional 5 weapons tourney (Entry = 1 new unwrapped toy per fighting form)

Rapier Combat– There will be 3 rapier scenarios, A “Thin Ice” fight, a “Snowball Fight” in which theassembled crowd will participate, and an “Odd Off-Hand Parrying Device” Tourney. (Entry = 1 new unwrapped toy per tourney) Baron Lucien has also sponsored a “rising stars” tourney to show offsome of the up-and-coming fighters in the area. (Entry = 1 new unwrapped toyper tourney)

Arts and Sciences Competitions will include:

Best handmade toy or game, Best Handmade Yule Ornament or Decoration, Best Baked Goods or Sweets (Entry= 1 new unwrapped toy per competition) and a special Baronial Tapestry category sponsored by LadyMilicent (Entry= 1 new unwrapped toy per competition)

Reservations (for Overnight Stay and Feast – Toys are taken at the door) :

Make checks payable to SCA, Inc. Barony of NottinghillCoill. Send reservations to Lady Janna of Falcon Cree (Janna Shelby), 110 McArthur Street, Easley, SC 29642, Phone: (864) 386-3793, E-mail:

totooz63[AT]yahoo.com

Site opens at 5PM on Friday and closes at 11AM on Sunday

Any other questions, please contact the Event Steward – Captain Brandon Caiside (Brandon Cassady), Phone (864) 404-6796, E-Mail: bcaiside[at]yahoo.com

Southern Atlantia Clothier’s Guild

2011-11-26T19:14:00.000-08:00

Emphasis: During 2011, the southern Clothier’s Guild will focus on Italian Renaissance clothing for women during the time period of 1460 through 1540 A.D. with the end goal of a competition to be held at the next Nottinghill Coill Baronial Birthday event.

Activities: The southern Clothier’s Guild activities leading up to the competition will include an overview class on Italian Renaissance clothing, a how-to class on documentation, several hands-on sewing and fitting sessions and a final class on putting the documentation and garment together for the competition.

Dates:

January 2012 (date TBA)

Hems and finishing the clothing

Putting the Documentation together (Mistress Etain)

February (or whenever event is held)

Competition

All sessions will be held at the Church of the Cross in Columbia, SC. The hall will open at 10:00 am and will close whenever everyone decides that we have had enough sewing for the day. The hall can be used for storage of items over Saturday nights. Other activities (such as rapier or heavy practice) or classes are welcome.

Reservations are not necessary but would be very nice

Call: Beatrice at 803-646-6441 or baronessbeatrice{at}hotmail.com

Place: Church of the Cross, 7244 Patterson Road,Columbia, SC 29209 http://episcopalchurchofthecross.blogspot.com/

Greetings, Nottinghill Coill!

2011-10-25T06:27:00.000-07:00

We hope that everyone who was able to attend War of the Wings had as wonderful a time as we did, and I know that our thanks to Lord Brandon and the crew of the Sea Wolf for the wonderful job of organizing our Baronial encampment are echoed by many.

The Canton of Cyddlain Downs has stepped forward to plan and organize next year's encampment. We hope that everyone will feel that they can contribute to making our encampment bigger and better every year.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the Baronial Collegium in November, and Yule Toy Tourney in December.

Yours in Service,

Baron Geldamar and Baroness Etain

From Lady Rohesia

2011-10-23T18:55:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

Just wanted to take a few moments to say I was happy to make the trip up to University that was held in MD. If you want any of the handouts of the classes I took please feel free to message me (arwynn16[aat]gmail.com).

The classes I took were Gilding 101, How to Cut a Quill, Silk Painting and How to Contsruct a Mongolian del.

Lastly, if you are interested in attending Collegium on November 12th and have not yet signed up for classes please do not wait any longer. Class spaces are going fast! Check http://www.nottinghillcoill.org/ for more details and I hope to see some of you at Collegium.

Kind regards,
Lady Rohesia

Nottinghill Coill Collegium

2011-10-23T18:54:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what goes on in a Collegium? Here is your opportunity to find out - for FREE!

When: November 12, 2011

Where: St. Mark's Catholic Church
            928 Boundary St.
            Newberry, SC 29108

The day will be filled with classes offered by local instructors cover a wide variety of topics, from cooking, knitting, history, heraldry, martial arts, and more! Additionally, students may receive University credit for classes attended at this Collegium. Pre-registration is a MUST for this Collegium, as class size is limited.

Visit the website for information on how to register or contact the Autocrat. Website: http://www.nottinghillcoill.org SIGN-UPS ARE NOW OPEN!    Some classes are nearly full, get your registrations in!

There is no feast, however the Ladies Guild of the church will offer an inexpensive lunch for sale as a church fundraiser.

Martial Activities: none. (however Lord Elphin ap Daffyd is teaching a track of rapier melee tactics)
Arts & Sciences Activities: Classes, and lots of them!

Contact the Autocrat, Lady Isolda Jourdan (isolda.of.falconcree[at]gmail.com) or Student Liasons, Lady Milicent Shively (hagatha819[at]aol.com) and Lady Rohesia of Thessalonica (arwynn16[at]gmail.com) regarding the event or classes.

Cost: There is no fee to attend Collegium. Some classes have a materials fee and payment of those are directly managed by the class instructor.   Donations to the Barony are not required and will not be turned down. :-)   If you're feeling generous, make checks payable to: S.C.A. Inc., Barony of Nottinghill Coill

NOTES: Please feel free to forward this flier to any other groups or mailing lists. Note that the flier in the Acorn mentions a performing arts competition - this has been cancelled due to a scheduling conflict. Merchants should contact the autocrat - expect to be outside and have your own foul weather plan.

See you at Collegium!
Lady Isolda Jourdan
Autocrat

Events, Demos, and Gatherings

2011-10-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

2/24-26, 2012: EVENT: Nottinghill Coill Baronial Birthday
Church of God Camp, 306 Monroe Drive, Simpsonville, SC
contact Countess Kari Kyst: jsutter[at]clemson.edu

3/23-25, 2012: EVENT: Battle of the Marsh Abbey
Antioch Rec Center, 2460 Antioch Rd., Hartsville SC, 29550
Contact Lady Emma at kbeedy[at]hotmil.com

If you wish to add an Activity contact me at: barontakeda [at]yahoo.com

Greetings Fellow Quill Readers

2011-09-29T10:49:00.001-07:00

When I first heard of paternosters I did not know what they were. First thought I assumed it was a foodstuff or a treat. Then I saw pictures of complete paternosters from various people in the Kingdom and I quickly realized I was way off. So then it led me to ask myself what exactly is a paternoster? Is it just a "medieval rosary"? If so why are they called paternoster? Well I asked her Excellency Rowan Berran McDowell if she had more information. She indeed had a handout and is kindly willing to let me share with the Barony. So here is her handout on paternosters and it is really quite interesting.

Blessings,
Lady Rohesia

Countess Rowan's paternoser handout: "Making a “Paternoster” or “Rosary”

We fly to your patronage, O holy Birthgiver of God;
despise not our petition in our necessities,
but deliver us always from all dangers,
O ever-glorious and blessed Virgin.
-one of the oldest known prayers to Mary

Overview/ Introduction
The use of the word “bead” dates back almost 400 years and is derived from the Anglo Saxon word “bidden” and also the word for prayer-“bede”. Prayer beads may have originated with Hindu religious practices in India, but were also found in general use throughout China, Japan, Korea and Tibet. Prayer beads in the form of bead strings were in use by Christians as early as the 2nd century and by the late 1600’s the form we now know as the “rosary” could be found everywhere. In Europe, a string of prayer beads was first called a “paternoster” after the Latin term for the prayer most often recited on it. Later it evolved into several forms and configurations, but initially it was just a linear string of beads. History although in common usage by Christians, prayer beads were not officially accepted by the Catholic church until in 1520, Pope Leo X made the rosary an official instrument for veneration.

The “rosary” took the place of the daily recitation of the Psalms for the non clergy. The Our Father was used because every good Christian was supposed to know the prayer and while the Daily Office might require you to be able to read, the “rosary” did not. When the primary prayer changed from the Our Father to the recitation of “Hail Mary.”It included only the first part of the prayer with which we are familiar today. Both parts of the prayer are derived from Scripture- the Gospel of Luke, 1:28 combined with Luke, 1: 42. It was the Church which added the second half which came from the prayer book for the dying written by St. Anselm of Canterbury who died himself in 1109. In 1196, the Bishop of Paris ordered his clergy to teach this form to the members of their flocks and in a short time the prayer became used throughout Europe.

In 1568 The Hail Mary was added to the Our Father, along with the Glory Be to the Father, which is how the rosary is prayed today. Materials and Construction Medieval rosaries in all their forms could be made from many different materials, including clay, wood, bone, glass, and mother-of-pearl; semiprecious stones such as chalcedony, amber, jet, and coral; and even gold, silver and precious stones, basically whatever you could afford. They were strung on silk cord or linen thread- the favorite color for this was red. Crosses did not become a predominant part of the rosary until the Council of Trent, 1543-1563. Usually you would find tassels on either or both ends, medals, reliquaries, tokens from pilgrimages- whatever was meaningful to the owner. There was no hard fast rule about the number of beads or even the number of decades. Decades evolved as an easy way to divide the 150 recitations of the Our Father that replaced the 150 Psalms the clergy were required to say. Many prayer strings had as few as 5 and as many as 150 beads on them. Usually you would find prayer strings of 33 beads for the life of Christ, 64 beads for the life of Mary, 5 for the Five Wounds, 7 for the Seven Sorrows, etc.

Rosaries usually had 53 or 59 beads and were frequently formed into bracelets or necklaces and worn by both men and women. Men usually adopted the linear form of the rosary. By the 15th century no self respecting Christian would be seen out and about without their rosary prominently displayed!

How To For a Rosary:
Length of silk
wire twist needle
52 small beads
6 larger beads

Medal, cross, tassle at one end or both make a knot at one end of the silk leaving a two inch tail, string your beads, etc. then either tie the ends together to make a loop leaving some give so that the beads can slide on the silk. Add a cross or tassel or token with the ends. Knot firmly and trim excess. You may add a tiny dot of superglue on the knot to keep it from unraveling.

For a Paternoster (33 or 50 beads):
Length of silk
wire twist needle
33 or 50 beads

Cross or token or tassle at either end make a knot at one end of the silk leaving a two inch tail, string your beads, etc. Add a cross or tassle or token at either of the ends. Knot firmly and trim excess. You may add a tiny dot of superglue on the knot to keep it from unravelling.

References
Beads and Prayers: The Rosary in History and Devotion by John D. Miller Dubin, Lois S. The History of Beads, from 30,000 B.C. to the present. (New York: Abrams, 1987).

Praying With Beads: Daily Prayers for the Christian Year by Nan Lewis Doerr and Virginia Stem Owens Miller, John D.

Beads and Prayers: The Rosary in History and Devotion. (London: Burnes and Oates, 2001).

Beads of Faith: Pathways to Meditation and Spirituality Using Rosaries, Prayer Beads, and Sacred Words by Gray Henry and Susannah Marriott

Praying With Our Hands: 21 Practices of Embodied Prayer from the World's Spiritual Traditions by Jon M. Sweeney, Jennifer J. Wilson, Taitetsu Unno, and Mother Tessa Bielecki

"Rosary" Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica Premium Service.

Bedes Byddyng: Medieval Rosaries and Paternoster Beads by Chris Laning Michael Cleary, SVD.

The Jesus Prayer Rosary (Canterbury Press.) Lois Sherr Dubin

History of Beads, New Advent, Catholic Encyclopedia

Note:

The Last Saxon Queen: Fiction by Baron Bardulf

2011-09-29T10:48:00.002-07:00

"Clumsy bitch!"

The food had been late in coming, served cold, and was of poor quality. That the serving girl had carelessly spilled a cup of ale on him was the last straw. Hugh seized the wench and raised his hand to punish her with a slap.

"Tu canis agresti! Numquid non est de cultu concidit in vobis?" It was a mature feminine voice that spoke with an edge of anger.

("You’re an ill-mannered dog! Is there not a shred of civility in you?")

The shock of being rebuked in the elegant language of High Court while standing upon the dirt floor of a country tavern stayed his hand. His eyes searched the squalid hall and found a older woman seated at a table against the wall. She took a supper of simple fare while wearing a cloak against the evening chill.

The woman eyed him calmly then raised her goblet for another draught. "Let go of her."

"This is none of your affair, old woman."

"The girl is a Saxon. That alone makes it my affair." The woman lowered the goblet. "If you strike her, I'll see to it that you will lose that hand."

Hugh released the wench, who then fled into the kitchen. "Your impertinence knows no bounds. I demand an apology!"

"I mistook you for a nobleman. In my ignorance, I gave you the grace of courtly speech. I'll apologize for that much."

"Permit me an introduction. I am Hugh, nephew of Count Geoffrey of Mortagne, and Squire to Sir Robert Fitzosbourne."

"Well then, you're a high-born dog and I pity the Norman bitch that had the misfortune to whelp you."

Stung by the affront, Hugh strode across the room to confront the insolent old woman. As he approached, she arose and her cloak fell away, revealing a half-drawn broadsword.

The two stood motionless for a long moment when she gave him a subtle smile. "It seems we're at an impasse. There's a Saxon way to resolve such things."

"I am not a Saxon, and I know nothing of their customs."

"Then it's time you Normans learned some civilized ways. I'll buy the first drink and you must buy the second. If it continues, we'll both live to see the morning with nothing worse than headaches.

"Sit down." She motioned him to an empty chair at her table. He hesitated. "That was a simple command; humor me. I'm accustomed to being obeyed."

Hugh took his seat. “You’ll forgive me if I don’t much like being called a dog…”

“You’ve no cause to complain. I’ve shown you as much respect as you gave the wench.

“I should warn you," she continued, "there are several of my Housecarls in this tavern. You have no idea how fortunate you are. Had they seen you approach me with bared steel, they would have cheerfully hacked you to pieces."

"A Saxon Housecarl is no match for a Norman. That was proven at Hastings."

"You’re too young to have been at Hastings. Have you ever seen a dead Housecarl?"

"No, I can't say that I have."

"Pray that you never do. Every battle-slain Housecarl that I've ever seen had the bodies of at least four of their foes scattered about."

The first round of ale passed mostly in awkward silence… "I know something of steel-craft…" Hugh struggled for the next words…"It's unusual for a woman to bear arms - especially with so fine a blade…"

"I received it from a Norman knight."

"You must have rendered him a great service to merit such a gift."

"It wasn't a gift and no service was rendered. Rather it was more of an exchange. Besides, he had no further use for it."

"You exchanged swords?"

"He had my blade and wouldn’t give it back…"

"Pray tell, why would he want your weapon?"

"I’m sure he didn’t want it - at least not the way I gave it to him. My sword went through him clear to the quillon. Try as I might, I couldn’t pull it free."

The old woman paused before continuing. "Have you ever been struck by a mounted knight? It's like being hit by a tree. Somehow, I managed to maim his horse. He dismounted and came back to finish me off. I was barely on my feet when his first blow glanced off my shield and knocked my helm off. ‘Twas then that he realized that his opponent was a woman.

“In his surprise, he hesitated." The woman took a deep draught of ale. "I didn't."

"Where did this happen?"

"Hastings - on the Saxon right flank, close to the woods. I was at the shield wall with my thegns. It was soon after this that Godwinson fell. When a number of Housecarls saw that their king was dead and the battle lost, they all but dragged me from the field."

Hugh caught his breath. “My father’s body was found at Hastings - close to the woods."

There was a long silence. Her eyes narrowed as she studied Hugh’s face.

“Your sire met death with courage. When it comes for you, do no less.” The woman arose, unsheathed her sword and laid it on the table. “It’s yours, I have no further use for it.

"It's late and I've lost my taste for this ale. When you return to London, tell 'William the Bastard' that Ealdgyth of Mercia yet lives." With that, she turned and walked away.

Nottinghill Coill's Baronial Collegium November 12, 2011

2011-09-29T10:48:00.001-07:00

Have you ever wondered what goes on in a Collegium? Here is your opportunity to find out - for FREE!

The day will be filled with classes offered by local instructors cover a wide variety of topics, from cooking, knitting, history, heraldry, and more! Additionally, students may receive University credit for classes attended at this Collegium.

Class Registration
Pre-registration is a must for this event, as class size is limited. It is preferred that students complete their registration online using the link provided. NOTE: Registration for classes opens after War of the Wings.

Ok, I'm in! Where am I going?
Site: St. Mark's Catholic Church
928 Boundary St.
Newberry, SC 29108

What about Lunch?
There is no feast, however the Ladies Guild of the church will offer an inexpensive lunch for sale as a church fundraiser.

Contact the Autocrat, Lady Isolda Jourdan (isolda.of.falconcree[at]gmail.com) or Student Liasons, Lady Milicent Shively (hagatha19 [at] aol.com) and Lady Rohesia of Thessalonica (arwynn16 [at] gmail.com) regarding the event or classes.

Greetings to Our most wonderful Barony.

2011-08-29T07:24:00.001-07:00

We returned safely from the great War and were overjoyed to spend a glorious day at the War Orphan's Pity Party. The new Baronial pavilions were displayed and enjoyed at the event, and we hope that everyone will share in our Baronial pride whenever they are present.

Now our minds turn to a war closer to home, War of the Wings. Our cousins of Hawkwood and Sacred Stone have pleaded for our assistance, as have Raven's Cove and Black Diamond. After much consideration, mostly concerned with how our participation can add to the enjoyment of the event, His Excellency and I have chosen to side with our close neighbors, Hawkwood and Sacred Stone. We hope that this choice will help everyone feel the camaraderie and unity that fighting a common foe can create.

Of course, when the battles are done we will share a toast to the black and gold Baronies and treasure their friendship just as much. Please join us for War Practice in September, as we hone our skills and prepare to make the forces of Nottinghill Coill noticed.

Yours in Service,

Geldamar and Etain, Baron and Baroness

Konnichiwa & Greetings to the Populace of Nottinghill Coill!

2011-08-29T07:24:00.000-07:00

There's much news in Nottinghill Coill!

Bids for Baronial Birthday must be in by September15th. Send bids to me at: barontakeda[AT]yahoo.com

Our NEW Baronial pavilion was displayed at WOPP: Kingdom of Heaven in St. Georges on Saturday August 20th. It is quite stunning!

We have a NEW Baronial Hospitaller, Lord Brandon Caiside. Please welcome him in this new Office.

My warrant expires in September 2011. Their Excellencies have consented to extending my warrant for another two years. I look forward to continuing to serve the Barony as Seneschal. As always I remain....

in Service to the Dream,

Baron Takeda Yoshinaka

Seneschal, Nottinghill Coill

The Raptor’s Tale, Part 9: by Cap'n Jack Black of Flint

2011-08-29T07:09:00.000-07:00

“Report, Mr. Thomas,” BlackJack spoke quietly as he came onto the quarterdeck. “All are aboard and accounted for at this time, anchor will be up shortly. Course has yet to be determined, we wanted to see what you knew.” The two men walked towards the covered chart table, and began pulling out charts. After silently going through them for a few moments, BlackJack spoke.

“Mr. Hale, how well do you know the islands off the coast of Sierra Leone? I know that the English are using the port there to ship slaves like everyone else, but mayhaps we can find a place to set up an ambush?”

Mr. Hale turned the wheel to his student and walked over, along with the main helmsman, Mr. Bradley. Both looked at the maps, and Hale shook his head. “I’m sorry, Cap’n, but I’ve not been there as of yet, I’m no help to ye.” He quietly returned to his post behind the wheel.

Mr. Bradley then pulled out another chart, and pointed at a spot on the map. “Here ye be, Cap’n. Bunch of little islands almost due east of us now, mostly run by natives. They fought the Portugese off back in the thirties, I want to say. Noone really goes there now because of it. I’ve been through there a couple of times with other captains who didn’t listen to me much, barely got out a couple times. Fools thought they could handle a ship, and kept grounding us. We’re shallower than Drake, from what you said, so even if he does try to follow us, we can get a few places there he can’t.”

BlackJack slapped Mr. Bradley on the back, and laughed heartily. “Then it’s a good thing for us that I trust you, and those other fools didn’t! Set your course, and let me know when you are happy with our location.” Turning to Mr. Thomas, BlackJack spoke again. “Once Mr. Bradley says we’re steady enough on our course, summon the crew. We’ve a Judas on board. We know who he is, and Aerak is confirming what we could get from him, but I’m going to let the crew determine his final fate. I’m going down to check on the gunner who was attacked, then will be back to address the crew.” Mr. Thomas nodded, as BlackJack turned to go below.

Approaching Melina’s surgery, he could hear voices talking quietly. Entering, he found Mr. Golden, the Gunner’s Mate, talking to Melina and the wounded man. The patient was sitting up in a hammock, with one hand over the bandage on his belly. BlackJack smiled as he approached. “Glad to see you awake and talkin, lad! How do you feel?” He sat down on a crate next to the wounded man.

Nervously, the man spoke. “Well, Captain, I feel like shite, to be honest. I got jumped, and the next thing I knew, I was on a table, listening to the lady here yelling at someone. Then I woke up again here.”

BlackJack looked embarrassed, and continued. “Yes well, you got lucky that Melina is probably one of the best, despite being a woman.” He ducked, laughing, as she threw a dirty rag at him. “Seriously, though, lad. I appreciate you trying to stop the fools, but next time, get some help. You are part of a team for a reason. Teams live longer. I know Mr. Golden here is ready for you to get healthy enough to work again, but you stay here until Melina says you are fit for duty, a’right?” The man nodded as BlackJack stood. “Now, if you will all excuse me, I have to address the crew about the Judas, and have him taken care of.” He turned and walked out.

Arriving back on the quarterdeck, BlackJack nodded to Mr. Thomas, who spoke. “Mr. Bradley assures me that we are steady on course for a bit, and should be able to pull a majority of the crew to where you can address them. Are you ready, Captain?"

Shaking his head, BlackJack replied, “Not really, this is not something I want to do, but it’s the price of being a leader of men, I suppose. Let’s get this over with. Advise all the officers to keep a weather eye out for trouble as I speak, so’s we can stop it immediately.” Mr. Thomas nodded and walked off to give the orders.

After a few moments, the bosun’s whistles could be heard throughout the ship, as the men were summoned on deck to hear their Captain speak.

“Lads,” BlackJack began, “I owe ye an apology. I know I promised ye a few days on dry land, even if it was an empty island, to stretch yer legs afore the comin battle. Unfortunately, there was a bit of a problem. Turns out we picked us up a couple of Drake’s men in Lisbon, who were attemptin to send a message ta that gods cursed son of a motherless whoremonger, givin us away. Fortunately they were stopped by one of Mr. Golden’s gun crew, who sustained a serious injury in the fight. He’ll live, thanks to our Surgeon, Melina. Magnus’ man Aerak found them, killing one in the process of their capture, and the other is below in the brig bein questioned now, to be certain we know everythin that he does. What we are lookin at is this. We HOPE we still have enough of a lead on Drake to get to a new hidey hole, and continue with our original plan. However, the reason I address you now, is because we are a crew, I want the crew’s input on what to do with this traitor. He came aboard OUR ship, signed OUR Articles, then promptly turned Judas on us, claiming he’d been given a Pardon in advance by Drake and Elizabeth. What say you, men? Shall we hang him, and leave him for the fishes? OR shall we keel haul him, THEN leave whatever remains in a boat with no oars til Drake picks him up, as a warning????”

BlackJack closed his eyes for a moment, letting the crew’s shouts wash over him. Listening, he could hear the sounds of the ship slowly being masked by their anger. The creak of the ropes, the snapping of a loose sail, the sound of the rough seas pounding the sides of the ship as she flew through the water, all were muffled. Mr. Thomas, growing concerned at the crew’s increasing rowdiness, and his Captain’s quiet, tapped BlackJack on the shoulder, pulling him from his reverie.

“ENOUGH!” BlackJack shouted at the top of his lungs, silencing the crew immediately. “Very well, then. At dawn, the prisoner will be brought above decks and keel hauled. Whatever is left will be tossed in a jolly boat for Drake to find. And Aerak is guarding the prisoner until then. He is under order to kill any man who approaches the prisoner before sentence is carried out. Now, let’s get to it, and get to our new ambush point before we run into Drake, shall we?” The men shouted their agreement as they went back to their various duties, whether they be working, or preparing to work. Nodding to Mr. Thomas, BlackJack relieved him of the watch. “I’m too tense to try and sleep anyway, lad, I’ll take this watch. See you at dawn.” Mr. Thomas nodded, and went to his hammock in the cabin he shared with the other officers.

to be continued...

From the Baron and Baroness

2011-07-27T20:15:00.002-07:00

Greetings,

Pennsic War is upon us and we hope that all of you traveling to war have a safe trip. We will be processing in the opening ceremonies and would love to have you join us in representing the Barony and the Kingdom. We hope to see you there. We know those staying behind will protect the borders of the Barony while we are away serving the Kingdom.

We are still looking for a bid for next Baronial Birthday. Anyone interested pleased contact Baron Takeda or us. If anyone has questions on the process of event stewarding please feel free to ask us.

We hope to see everyone at W.O.P.P. and Collegium. They look to be fun and exciting and we are looking forward to them.

Thank you for all of your support to us and the Barony and we look forward to seeing everyone.

Geldamar and Etain

Baron and Baroness

Konnichiwa & Greetings to the Populace of Nottinghill Coill

2011-07-27T19:45:00.000-07:00

There are two items of Baronial business:
1. We are now soliciting bids for Baronial Birthday 2012. The dates for Birthday are February 24-26. If you wish to host Birthday please forward your bid to me.

2. We are seeking to fill the office of Baronial Chatelaine. If you wish to serve your Barony in this capacity please contact me. My email is: barontakeda_AT_yahoo.com.

As always I remain........

In Service to the Dream,
Baron Takeda Yoshinaka

Seneschal, Nottinghill Coill

Kid's Coloring Winners!

2011-07-27T18:15:00.000-07:00

Victoria

Katherine

Greetings,

I would like to announce the winners of the Kids Coloring contest. Congrats to Katherine Kyst and Victoria. I had only two entrants and therefore I will give each young Lady a prize! Each will recieve a small purse made with the finest Chinese textiles and filled with rare Eastern delights that I've acquired through my travels around the Knowne World.

And presented for the Populace are their colored entries. Vivat to the talented youth of Nottinghill Coill!

Until next missive,
Rohesia

The Raptor’s Tale, Part 8: by Cap'n Jack Black of Flint

2011-07-26T18:09:00.000-07:00

BlackJack burst from the tent, and grabbed one of the guards at the entrance. Speaking in a low growl, he addressed his captive. “Ye’ve ten seconds to tell me who brought this injured man to Melina, afore I slit yer throat. The men responsible should have stayed to help her, and I want to know who they are, and where they are. NOW!” The man in BlackJack’s grip, seeing the fire in his eyes, spoke quickly.

“I think they were two new crewmen we picked up in Lisbon, Captain, I swear I’ve never seen them afore! They said they were goin ta find you, so I didn’t think anything of it!”

BlackJack released him, and turned to find Aerak standing there. The men locked eyes, and Aerak spoke. “I will find them, and bring them to you. Something doesn’t smell right here. Melina says the wound is consistent with the story she was given, but with this new information, there could be a problem.”

BlackJack sighed, and nodded in agreement. “Aye lad. Ye’ve got two hours, then I am pullin everyone off this cursed beach and back to the ship, so that we can get to the bottom of this. I’m off to make arrangements. You find them, I will be in my cabin, waiting.” BlackJack walked back to where the jollyboat was, and Aerak began questioning the guards in front of the tents.

BlackJack arrived on the ship, and found Mr. Thomas. Pulling him aside, out of earshot, he spoke quickly and quietly. “We appear to have picked up some trouble in Lisbon. Two men seem to have attacked one of Mr. Golden’s gunners. Melina saved his life, but it was a close thing. I need to know who these men are, and what is going on. Aerak is on shore, trying to locate them. If he’s not back in two hours from now, I want the muster sounded, and every man back on this ship. IF any are missing, we put out to sea immediately. I don’t know who they are working for, or if it was just a coincidence. You know as well as I that I don’t believe in coincidences, so I am going to assume that if we got men on board Drake’s ship, there is a good chance that he got some on ours. Didn’t think Drake played that way, but we will soon know. If Aerak was trained by Magnus, and sent by Magnus, then as far as I am concerned, he IS Magnus. I’ll be in my cabin waiting for Aerak, begin departure preparations.” Mr. Thomas nodded, turned away, and began bellowing orders to the crew lazing about on deck.

The crewmen on board immediately snapped to work, knowing their captain was not of a capricious nature. If things were suddenly changing, then there was some issue at hand. As they worked, they started whispering among themselves, until Mr. Miller, Bosun on watch, shouted at them. “Shut yer gobs, yer not a bunch of gossipmongering fishwives! Get to work!” The men quickly, quietly, and efficiently, did just that.

BlackJack stormed into his cabin, drawing and throwing a dagger into a target as he entered. Standing there in the door, he immediately threw two more after the first. Anger temporarily sated, he saw that his grouping was a little low, and made a mental note to get some more practice in. He walked over and retrieved his blades, sheathed them in their proper places, and sat at his desk. He then poured himself a drink, and sat back, waiting.

He didn’t have to wait long before the door to his cabin opened without a knock. He stood, hand on a hilt when he saw Aerak half carrying, half dragging a semi-conscious body. Aerak dumped the man in a chair, and spoke. “He’s alive, but his partner chose to not cooperate with me. He’s feeding the sharks on the other side of the island now. We need to leave, and I have already passed that word. Everyone’s breaking down now, and your officers are plotting a course. We should be underway within the hour, Mr. Thomas asked me to relay to you. These men worked for Drake, and I suggested to the others that we leave now, as a precaution. I didn’t know what their watch schedules were, and so I don’t know if our plans have been leaked or not.”

BlackJack nodded in agreement with Aerak’s line of thought. Before he could speak, the man in the chair started to groan. Both turned to their prisoner as he slowly became aware of his surroundings. Fear came across his face as he saw the vicious grins looking down on him. “I’ll tell ye whatever ye want to know, just don’t kill me like you did Johnathan!”

BlackJack grabbed the man by the throat, and spoke, quietly. “You don’t seem to understand the gravity of this situation. You have turned Judas to this ship, and will be treated accordingly. First, you will tell us what you have passed to Drake, how you were getting information to him, and why you felt you had to attempt to kill one of my gunners.”

The prisoner nodded, and began to speak. “We’d been unable to get word out yet as to where we are. We’ve been under constant watch by one officer or another since we came on board in Lisbon. Drake knew you were going to Lisbon, and we were watching for you. Not having seen the ship, I knew you on sight. Many have heard descriptions of the “great BlackJack Flint”. So when I saw you head to the inn from the docks, I got Johnathan, and we presented ourselves as in need of work. Your quartermaster had us swear to the ship’s articles, which we did. We didn’t think anything of lying to everyone because Drake said the Queen would free us of all crimes committed in capturing you. We were trying to set up some kind of signal fire when your man came on us. Johnathan stabbed him in the fight, and we knew if we left him, there would be questions. So we made up the story and took him to the surgeon. Didn’t think a woman surgeon would be any use to him. That’s all I know, I swear it. Just please, don’t give me to him!” The last was a pitiful cry as he looked at Aerak as if at the devil himself. Aerak just stood there, grinning. The way the man stood in the shadow, even BlackJack shuddered slightly. Standing there next to Aerak, with the way the shadows in the cabin lay, it was like he was standing next to a disembodied head, quietly watching the scene.

Shaking his head to clear the image, he still found it difficult to see Aerak’s form in the shadow, almost as if he were made from them. Clearing his throat, he spoke. “No, ye’re ta be turned over to Aerak for further questioning. At least, I won’t let him kill you.” BlackJack grinned evilly. “First the crew will know that you have played Judas, and they will decide what to do with you. I suggest you make your peace with your maker, because you will be dead when we are done with you. That is a solemn vow. I stated when we left Lisbon that I tolerate no one causing issue with me, my crew, or my ship. You have now jeopardized all three, because I am not 100% certain I believe you. While we are getting out of here, Aerak has leave to question you down in the brig, to be certain we know everything you have to say. I will inform the crew what is going on, and the details of your final moments will be decided. Then, those will be carried out, and your corpse will be left for Drake as a warning that he’s next.” BlackJack nodded, and Aerak grabbed the prisoner, dragging him out, while the man screamed all the way. Finishing his drink, he grabbed his weapon belt, put it on, and headed up to the deck to talk to the crew.

The Raptor’s Tale, Part 7: by Cap'n Jack Black of Flint

2011-06-29T12:00:00.001-07:00

The jollyboat scraped the sand as the crew pulled it on shore. BlackJack and Aerak both leapt ashore, and aided the crew in securing the skiff. That done, the crewmen moved towards the tent where the ships’ cook was preparing a large feast for everyone. BlackJack and Aerak moved in the opposite direction, to where the officer’s tents were standing. There were guards in front of two tents, one being BlackJack’s, and the other, the Ship’s Surgeon, Melina.

BlackJack led the way towards Melina’s tent, and called out, “Melina, you available ta talk, lass?” The two guards shuffled back and forth, looking worriedly at each other. BlackJack looked at them. “What is the problem here, lads? Is Melina in, and why you lookin like there’s something ye’re not wantin ta tell me?” The two men looked at each other again, both afraid of the obvious ire now spreading across their captain’s face. “If one of ye buggers doesn’a answer me NOW, I swear by the black depths of hell that I-“

“ENOUGH, JACK!” Melina’s voice called out loudly from inside the tent. “Shut up and get in here, I can’t work when you’re outside howling like a hyena!” The two guards stepped away quickly, looks of horror on their faces, as BlackJack stood there, looking as if he’d been shot through the chest. Aerak, trying to fight a laugh, nudged him with an elbow, as he walked towards the tent entrance. Brought back from his shock, BlackJack snarled at the two guards and entered the tent.

The two walked in to see a man on Melina’s table, shirtless, with Melina holding both hands against the lower right side of his belly. Before BlackJack could say anything, Melina spoke. “About time you two got here, didn’t anyone tell you I had a wounded man here, and needed your help?”

BlackJack began taking off his jacket and rolling up his sleeves as he answered, “No, lass, the only message I got was that you were settled, and wanted a word. What do you need?” He approached the table, noting as he did, that Aerak was moving to the far side of Melina, reaching for bags of supplies, and a small cask of water that was within reach.

She looked at both men, then turned to BlackJack. “Hold HERE, where my hands are. Fool fell out of a tree going after something, and ended up sticking himself with his knife. I need my hands to try and clean and repair the wound, which means you get to hold his insides in while I do it!”

BlackJack dunked his hands in the cask of water Aerak had brought over, and then placed his hands over Melina’s, gently applying pressure as she slid his hands out of the wound. Once her hands were clear of the wound, she also stuck her hands in the water, rubbing to get some of the blood off as she continued speaking. “Fortunately for me he’s unconscious. Unfortunately, if we can’t get this fixed soon, that condition will become permanent.” She began rummaging through the rolls of equipment that Aerak brought her. As she pulled out a strange pair of scissors, Aerak spoke.

“Those forceps are not going to hold much of anything, and you’re going to need more hands in there. I’ve knowledge of anatomy, and can help. Have you been able to locate the bleeding yet?”

Melina looked at him and nodded. “Yes, the bleed is deep, but I don’t think he hit anything major. It just looks worse than it is because I have been waiting for you two for gods knows how long, since the rest of the COWARDS,” she shouted the word at the top of her lungs, “refused to come in and help me.”

“Easy lass,” BlackJack said, calmly. “Methinks that Drake might not have heard ye, but if’n ye want to give it another try, be my guest. Now, I apologize fer me crew bein scared of ye, but I’d like to get this gunner back on his post, if possible. Are you two ready for me to remove my hands?”

Melina nodded, and said, “Yes, what I need you to do is to take a hand on each side of the wound, and pull, GENTLY. We want to try to get the wound open enough for Aerak and I to get everything sewed up inside him before closing the big hole in his side here.” BlackJack gulped, nodded, and moved his hands as required. As he moved his hands from over the wound, blood came pouring out, and both Melina and Aerak reached in, with their hands full of strange tools that BlackJack had never seen, and prayed to all that was holy would never be used on him. The smell of copper was heavy in his nose, and he fought to keep from being ill.

The two worked quickly and efficiently, saying little, and what little they did say made no sense to BlackJack. Although holding a man’s stomach open, he felt like an audience to the drama unfolding before him. After a few moments, Aerak spoke again.

“There you are, you little bugger! Damn that hurt!” He removed his right hand from the wound, bringing a small chunk of dagger with it. “Stuck myself on the damned thing. Was stickin out of the bone, must’ve broken when he landed on it. I think we get everything close up, though. What say you?”

Melina slowly removed her hands, and turned to BlackJack. “You can let go, Captain. All we have left to do is close this outside cut. Don’t know that he would have survived without Aerak’s help. I know I could have gotten it all done without him, but the time involved may well have been too long. Aerak, you are definitely a valuable person to have around, and I thank you.” She began to sew up the wound in the man’s belly as BlackJack and Aerak cleaned their hands as best they could in the water cask.

“Well, I thank you both for saving this man’s life. I don’t think I will have him flogged for stupidity, as I think he got a worse injury. I will, however find out who he was with, and what happened. IF you both will excuse me.” BlackJack stormed from the tent, seeking some hell to raise.

to be continued...

Southern Atlantia Clothier’s Guild Activities for 2011

2011-06-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

Emphasis: During 2011, the Southern Clothier’s Guild will focus on Italian Renaissance clothing for women during the time period of 1460 through 1540 A.D. with the end goal of a competition to be held at the next Nottinghill Coill Baronial Birthday event.

Activities: The Southern Clothier’s Guild activities leading up to the competition will include an overview class on Italian Renaissance clothing (already done), a how-to class on documentation, several hands-on sewing and fitting sessions and a final class on putting the documentation and garment together for the competition.

Dates:

July 2, 3, and 4 Sewing Bootcamp

Introduction to Documentation - Her Excellency, Baroness Etain (Saturday, 11:00 am)

Italian Renaissance Bodice (continuation)

Open Sewing

August 6 and 7

Sleeves for Italian Renaissance gown

Open sewing

October 29 and 30

Planning and cutting the chemise

Open sewing

November 12 and 13

Sewing the chemise

Open sewing

January 2012 (date TBA)

Hems and finishing the clothing

Putting the Documentation together (Mistress Etain)

February (or whenever event is held)

Competition

All sessions will be held at the Church of the Cross in Columbia, SC. The hall will open at 10:00 am and will close whenever everyone decides that we have had enough sewing for the day. The hall can be used for storage of items over Saturday nights. Other activities (such as rapier or heavy practice) or classes are welcome.

Reservations are not necessary but would be very nice

Call: Beatrice at 803-646-6441 or baronessbeatrice{at}hotmail.com

Place: Church of the Cross, 7244 Patterson Road, Columbia, SC 29209 http://episcopalchurchofthecross.blogspot.com/

From Baron Takeda

2011-05-31T18:15:00.004-07:00

Konnichiwa & Greetings to the Populace,

I hope this missive finds you in good health and good spirits!
I have just one item of Baronial business. The office of Baronial Chatelaine is now vacant. If you would like to serve your Barony in this office please contact me at barontakeda [at] yahoo.com

Regards,
Baron Takeda Yoshinaka
Seneschal, Nottinghill Coill

Ahoy the Coill

2011-05-31T18:15:00.003-07:00

I have been honored to work as your Baronial Chatelaine for the last year plus. However, due to personal reasons, I have found that it is time to follow “BlackJack Rule #4 – If it’s not fun, time to back away.”

That said, I have resigned my position as Baronial Chatelaine, and am taking a hiatus from the Society for a while.

I will see folks when I see them.

Yours in Service,

BlackJack

Dance!

2011-05-31T18:15:00.002-07:00

Greetings to the Barony of Nottinghill Coill from Baron Johann Von Rothenburg and Lady Alexandra Scott de Northumberland ~

We miss everyone in your Barony since we moved away to Sacred Stone. At this time, we thought we could encourage more dancing (and visiting) in your area. In the recent past, we tried to accommodate several Nottinghill Coill events, but we were unavailable. We don't want to give up though.

If anyone would like to host a DDR (Dance Dessert Revel) and/or add Dancing (practice or "ball") to their events, please contact me. We can make it to the Greenville/Spartanburg and Rock Hill areas on most week nights.

Dancing is a celebration at any event! Autocrats are encouraged to include the art of dance at their events. Also, we are making preparations for Atlantia's 30-Year Celebration in September. Please feel free to contact us at xndra_scott at yahoo.com to see if we can get a Dance Master/Mistress to your events. We will also train one for your area if anyone is interested in teaching.

Graciously,
Alexandra
formerly of the Canton of St. Georges

Greetings to the Youth of Nottinghill Coill

2011-05-31T18:15:00.001-07:00

This month's article is for you! It is a coloring contest with a Grand Prize winner. Please ask your parents (or parents, if you are reading) to print off the image I have provided and decorate at your will; anything goes, glitter, markers, crayons, paint etc.When printing, the size of paper should be the standard printer size, 8.5 by 11 inches.

Parents: When the drawing is finished please send me a picture OR if you wish you can mail it and I can scan it. Then I will post the pictures and a populace vote will take place (details for that later).

So, have fun and your only limit is the young artists' creativity.

YIS,
Lady Rohesia Anven of Thessalonica

(click on image for larger version)

The Raptor’s Tale: Part 6

2011-05-31T18:15:00.000-07:00

Twenty minutes later found both men in BlackJack’s cabin, with the other officers gathered around the table, which was now littered with charts and maps. BlackJack looked at each of the men gathered, and spoke. “Aerak here,” he started, pointing the small, quiet man out, “Is one of Magnus’ best men, and he has information for all of us in regards to Drake. Aerak, if you please?”

Aerak walked to where everyone could see and hear him clearly, and began to speak. “Well, Captain, gentlemen, this is the way of the world. Drake knows you are running, and that you are heading south. He’s known for the last three or four days, so you at least have a three day lead on him. More so, if the tactics that the network has employed were successful. We’ve made efforts to slow him, and irritate him, so that he will come after you faster, and more recklessly. We think that if we can keep him on edge, it might goad him into doing something stupid when it comes time to face you. We have three operatives on board the “Defiance”, which is currently Drake’s flagship. He’s under orders from Elizabeth to bring you in alive, to account for your actions, so he’s only got the one ship. However, he’s vowed to go around the world again if he has to, to catch you for his Queen. Isn’t that just sweet? Do you have any questions?”

BlackJack pondered a moment before speaking. “How many men does he have on the Defiance? How many guns does she have? What KIND of guns does he have? What type of ship is she? I’ve heard of it, but have never seen or heard anything ABOUT it.”

Aerak looked at the ceiling, as if he was recalling the information requested. “It’s believed that she has close to 200 men on board. There are 28 ten pound guns for each broadside, as well as four guns each on the bow and quarterdeck. The bow and quarterdeck guns are 6 pound swivel guns. The ship just came out of dock after being rebuilt as a race-built galleon, which tells me nothing, I was hoping you could clarify that, as I would like to know.”

BlackJack swore. “Bloody hell. A race-built galleon is a warship that has been re-fitted to make her faster in the water. She’s going to be eating our lead quicker than a standard galleon, which is what we are, and she’ll be much more efficient in changing direction. If’ she’s been refit in that style, we could be in for one hell of a race. As far as guns and manpower, we’re fairly evenly matched. We’re a lighter ship, which should compensate for her greater speed. However, it’s still going to take every bit of skill we all have to keep ahead of Drake. I want at LEAST a two day lead when we get to the Cape, in case we have problems making that turn. I don’t want to fight the weather, AND Drake. Suggestions?” He looked at each officer in turn.

Mr. Thomas was the first to speak, as he pulled a chart from the mess on the table. “He says we’ve a three day lead. What we don’t know, is how he thinks. However, we DO know how you think, my captain.” He stabbed a finger at the map. “Puerto del Curruo, in the Azores. Right now it’s controlled by Spain, so we know that Drake won’t go there. Plus, the way I understand what our friend Aerak is telling us, Drake is angry, and pursuing you with a vengeance. The last thing anyone chasing a target would expect is for the target to hide, and wait to be passed. Thus, the hunted,” he grinned evilly, “becomes the hunter. With the Defiance in front of us, if we keep enough of a distance, we can then take the battle to them, and send them to hell at the Cape of Good Hope.” The other officers grinned and nodded to each other in approval.

BlackJack looked around at the others, and then to Aerak. “What say you, lad, do ye think yer boys on the Defiance can piss Drake off enough to get him to pass us?” Aerak grinned, and laughed….

“Magnus knows you as well as your men do, Captain. That is why his people on the Defiance have their orders to make the crew think that the ship is currently cursed, and the quickest way to break the curse is to capture you. As long as Drake’s crew think their ship is haunted, they aren’t going to give him pause to think strategically about what you might do. It should work.”

BlackJack nodded slowly, as the grin slowly crept across his face, as he pondered the options this gave him. “All right lads, then we shall endeavor to do this, and send Drake where he belongs. Get busy, and keep double watch aloft for the next couple of days. Mr. Thomas, when do you think we can hit La Palma?”

Mr. Thomas looked at the map, as the others began departing. “Not knowing our current position, I would say with fair winds, we should be able to make it in two days most. If we don’t stop anywhere between here and there, we could be out of sight, and have to wait three days to begin hunting the hunter.”

“LAND HO!”, came the cry from the crow’s nest, two days later, as BlackJack stood on the quarterdeck.

“Where away?” BlackJack called out, as he began making his way to the bow of the ship, to see for himself.

“Two points to port, about two leagues out!” came down the breeze to him as he leapt on the rail, spyglass in one hand, a rope in the other for balance.

Mr. Thomas, just coming up with the day watch, walked up to where BlackJack stood. Turning and jumping down, BlackJack grinned, and spoke. “It looks like we made it, lad. There appears to be a small cove we can weather the next couple of days in, and hole up. We’ll anchor there, and put men ashore for lumber, water, and any meat can be found. I also want a watch posted on top of the hills on the north side of the isle, to keep an eye out to sea. The men can camp on the beach if they want, as long as the required watches are on board. We’ll stay three days, weather permitting, and be gone, hopefully to come up on Drake, and finish him.” Mr. Thomas nodded in agreement, and the two men walked back towards the quarterdeck, discussing options.

to be continued...

Classifieds

2011-05-31T18:13:00.000-07:00

Wanted:
Need someone to sew banners of arms.
Katherine and Vincent d’Orleans (2 different arms) Contact Katherine at reinruof [at] Earthlink.net

For Sale;
Horizon Club CST 4.5 Programmable treadmill
$200 OBO Thought a heavy fighter might be interested.
Contact Katherine at reinruof [at] Earthlink.net

War Orphan's Pity Party: The Kingdom Of Heaven

2011-05-31T18:10:00.000-07:00

Saturday August 20, 2011, 9am-9pm

The year is 1187AD and the city of Jerusalem is under siege! So be you Saracen or Crusader, come join the fight in the Kingdom of Heaven and spend the day in St. Georges Canton. If you’re going to attend one Event this year, make it this one.

Why you ask? “Deus lo volt!” (“God wills it!”).

Please check our website www.stgeorges.atlantia.sca.org

A&S Activities:
Triathalon: Enter ALL three categories, winner has highest combined score!
1. Reliquaries.
2. Wonders of the Muslim World.
3. Anything documentable to the Movie.

Classes: Classes will be offered throughout the day.
Please contact Lady Asherah: mkroberson[at]gmail.com

Table Top Siege Weapon competition:
Marshmallows will be hurled for distance and accuracy.

Martial Activities:
Both Heavy and Rapier will fight a Breach Battle!
The opposing forces will be lead by:
Heavy: Sir Afshin (Saracens) vs. Sir Sinclair (Crusaders).
Rapier: Lord Marcus (Saracens) vs. Captain Brandon (Crusaders).
Archery: Scenario will be Battlements shoot!

Feast: Lady Jamila will prepare Feast. There are rumors of Apricot Cookies!
For dietary concerns please contact Lady Jamila at fairydusted27[at]yahoo.com.

Costs: Make checks payable to: SCA, Inc., Canton of St. Georges.
Adult Member Daytrip: $8.00
Adult Non-member:      $13.00
Adult Feast:                $7.00
Youth 6-17 Daytrip:      $5.00
Youth 6-17 Feast:         $5.00
Troll: Open from 10am-2pm

Reservationist: Lady Caitriona inghean Ghiolla Phadraig (Jen Dutschke) 308 Earle Rd., Central, SC 29630 Email: scagreyhound[at]yahoo.com

Event Steward: Baron Takeda Yoshinaka.(Andrew Dutschke) 308 Earle Rd., Central, SC 29630. Phone:(864) 430-5524, Email: barontakeda[at]yahoo.com

Merchants: Merchants are most welcome. Please contact THL Brianna: gypseys[at]hotmail.com

Site: Pickens County Shrine Club, 831 Griffin Mill Rd., Pickens, SC 29671

Restrictions: No Pets, No Fires, Discreetly wet site!

Directions: Take best route to Highway 123. Take Highway 178 north towards Pickens. At the second red light turn Right onto Breazeale Rd, then Left onto Griffin Mill Rd. The Site is on the Right.

Greetings unto the Populace of the Barony of Nottinghill Coil

2011-04-29T07:01:00.003-07:00

I hope this missive finds you in Goode Health and Goode Spirits!

We are accepting bids for Nottinghill Coill Baronial Birthday 2012.
We usually hold Birthday the last weekend of February.
The dates are: Friday 24, Saturday 25, Sunday 26, 2012

Send bids to me at: barontakeda@yahoo.com

best regards,
Baron Takeda Yoshinaka
Seneschal, Nottinghill Coill

Southern Atlantia Clothier’s Guild Activities for 2011

2011-04-29T07:01:00.002-07:00

Emphasis: During 2011, the Southern Clothier’s Guild will focus on Italian Renaissance clothing for women during the time period of 1460 through 1540 A.D. with the end goal of a competition to be held at the next Nottinghill Coill Baronial Birthday event.

Activities: The Southern Clothier’s Guild activities leading up to the competition would include an overview class on Italian Renaissance clothing (already done), a how-to class on documentation, several hands-on sewing and fitting sessions and a final class on putting the documentation and garment together for the competition.

Dates:

Overview class - already done (Lady Anastasia della Russo Scuddo)

May 28 and 29

Introduction to Documentation (Mistress Etain)

Cutting/fitting the Italian Bodice pattern

Open sewing

June 18 and 19

Cartridge pleating class (Baroness Beatrice)

Open sewing

July 2, 3, and 4

Sewing Bootcamp (open sewing)

August 6 and 7

    Sleeves for Italian Renaissance gown
    Open sewing

October 29 and 30
    Planning and cutting the chemise
    Open sewing

November 12 and 13
    Sewing the chemise

January 2012 (date to be determined later)
     Hems and finishing the clothing
     Putting the Documentation together (Mistress Etain)
     February (or whenever event is held) Competition

Greetings from Rohesia

2011-04-29T07:01:00.001-07:00

This month's A&S section will feature a criss-cross puzzle with the theme, "The World of Medieval Dye". Anyone can enter! Please submit your answers via email to (arwynn16[at]gmail.com) before the next Quill is published. A winner will be drawn from those who correctly solve the puzzle. Prize(s) and winners will be announced at a later date.

Have fun,

Lady Rohesia

Puzzle clues:

Across

2. Highly prized in the Mediterranean as a source of purple extracted from this species of shellfish.

3. Scarlet resinous pigment secreted onto a host tree by insects of many different varities.

5. Common protein-based fiber produced by by the coat of certain domesticated animals.

8. Dye, produced because of the carminic acid present, is extracted from the bodies of this female insect.

9. These type of colors are prone to fading when exposed to sunlight or washing.

11. Name used for dyes that produce color without the use of a mordant.

14. Seeds of this plant, which is a source for blue, have been found as far back as the Neolithic period.

18. Insoluble color particles that may be attached to the surface of cloth using a binding agent.

21. Fibers from this plant are what is used to create linen.

22. Red-brown dye from this type of tree.

23. The word Crimson is derived from the unlaid eggs of this scale insect that produces a red color.

25. Common source of natural dyes, in Europe in the 15-17th centuries, that was extracted by ammonia fermentation or boiling water.

26. Iron oxide pigment from clay thst can be used to dye textiles a ruddy or reddish-brown color.

Down

1. A city that the two major land trade routes for dyes traveled through during the 12th century.

2. A substance used to set dyes by forming a chemical bridge from dye to fiber; in latin it means "to bite"

4. A kind of berry that can be easily found today that could produce pale blues and purples but were not color or lightfast.

6. Can be found in oak galls and used to assist the dye in adhering to the fibers.

7. Crocus sativus

10. Producing blue dye, it was a rare commodity in Europe until after the late 15th century.

11. Flowering plant native to Asia that produces a substantive yellow dye for natural fibers.

12. First developed in ancient China and is a natural protein fiber.

13. An acidic mordant best used on wool and silk. Can also be found in modern baking soda.

15. Solution of dye and water or other liquid in which textiles are dyed.

16. Major port city that supplied and traded dyestuffs from ship routes. It was here that the "Plictho de Larti de Tentori" was written.

17. This plant was a source for bright yellow color and when combined with woad it produces a brilliant green.

19. Vegetable-based red dye is extracted from the roots of this plant.

20. A term used for dyes that require use of a mordant to bind the color to the fiber.

24. Dye as well as tannins are extracted from the rind of this fruit.

*Puzzle was created by Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com & Clipart is from Florida Center for Instructional Technology http://etc.usf.edu/clipart

WOPP: Kingdom of Heaven

2011-04-29T07:01:00.000-07:00

Saturday August 20, 2011, 9am-9pm

The year is 1187AD and the city of Jerusalem is under siege! So be you Saracen or Crusader, come join the fight in the Kingdom of Heaven and spend the day in St. Georges Canton. If you’re going to attend one Event this year, make it this one. Why you ask? “Deus lo volt!” (“God wills it!”).

Please check our website www.stgeorges.atlantia.sca.org

A&S Activities:
Triathalon: Enter ALL three categories, winner has highest combined score!
1. Reliquaries.
2. Wonders of the Muslim World.
3. Anything documentable to the Movie.

Table Top Siege Weapon competition:
Marshmallows will be hurled for distance and accuracy.

Martial Activities:
Both Heavy and Rapier will fight a Breach Battle!
The opposing forces will be lead by:
Heavy: Sir Afshin (Saracens) vs. Sir Sinclair (Crusaders).
Rapier: Lord Marcus (Saracens) vs. Captain Brandon (Crusaders).
Archery: Scenario will be Battlements shoot!

Feast: Lady Jamila will prepare Feast. There are rumors of Apricot Cookies!
For dietary concerns please contact Lady Jamila at fairydusted27[at]yahoo.com.

Costs: Make checks payable to: SCA, Inc., Canton of St. Georges.
Adult Member Daytrip: $8.00 Adult Non-member:      $13.00
Adult Feast:                   $7.00
Youth 6-17 Daytrip:      $5.00   Youth 6-17 Feast:          $5.00
Troll: Open from 10am-2pm

Reservationist: Lady Caitriona inghean Ghiolla Phadraig (Jen Dutschke)
308 Earle Rd., Central, SC 29630 Email: scagreyhound[at]yahoo.com

Event Steward: Baron Takeda Yoshinaka.(Andrew Dutschke)
308 Earle Rd., Central, SC 29630. Phone:(864) 430-5524, Email: barontakeda[at]yahoo.com

Site: Pickens County Shrine Club, 831 Griffin Mill Rd., Pickens, SC 29671

Restrictions: No Pets, No Fires, Discreetly wet site!

Directions: Take best route to Highway 123. Take Highway 178 north towards Pickens. At the second red light turn Right onto Breazeale Rd, then Left onto Griffin Mill Rd. The Site is on the Right.

The Raptor's Tale, Part Five: by Cap'n Jack Black of Flint

2011-04-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

As the two walked, they chatted quietly, catching up. “It’s been what, six months since we saw each other last?” she asked. “Last I saw you, you were headed towards the western coast of Africa to see what you could find, if I recall correctly?”

He nodded, and answered, “Aye, that I was. Found a ship, and got meself into a spot of trouble, no surprise there, ehh?” He laughed ruefully. “Now I’ve got someone after me, that has a bit more behind him than most of the fools who think they can take me head.” Melina laid a hand on his arm, and shook her head.

“Not here, wait until we are out to sea. There are too many of the Queen’s ears in Lisbon, especially after your last appearance here. Coming here was not the smartest move you have made recently. You were here too recently, and you caused a stir with what happened when you came in last.” They then came to the gangplank, and boarded the ship. Turning to Mr. Thomas, BlackJack spoke.

“Make ready the Surgeon’s quarters, and ensure that she is well provided for.” Mr. Thomas nodded, and replied. “Aye, Captain. Ms. Percavail’s things have already been brought aboard by her servant, and he is preparing the sick bay now.”

BlackJack raised an eyebrow, and started to say something when Melina carefully elbowed him in the ribs. “Of course, thank you Mr. Thomas. We’re ready to put to sea whenever you are, set course due south, all possible speed. I’ll take Melina below, and get her settled.” Mr. Thomas nodded, and returned to his duties. Melina and BlackJack headed down to Melina’s new quarters.

As they got down to the sick bay, they spotted a man moving about, organizing with quick, efficient movements. Melina spoke quietly as they approached. “Aerak is considered Magnus’ best, and most likely heir apparent to the network if anything should befall Magnus. He has been posing as my escort and bodyguard, to allow me to travel freely. You know as well as I that women of any skill are frowned upon, especially one with my medical knowledge. Magnus had sent him looking for me, as a way to get a surgeon onto your ship, and a way to get Aerak close to you so that you could get the information that Magnus needed you to have.”

“But what made you believe that he was one of Magnus’ men, and that you could trust him?” BlackJack asked, curiously suspicious. “I’ve never known you to blindly take someone at their word.”

She laughed and slapped him on the arm. “You oaf, of course I didn’t follow him blindly. He carried this, said it was from Magnus.” She presented a small signet to BlackJack, gold with a black DK embossed in it. BlackJack kept a match to it in a locked chest in his cabin, as did all who were part of that brotherhood, what seemed like ages ago. Thinking back, he realized that as far as he knew, he and Magnus were the only two of that ragged brotherhood still around.

A hand on his arm brought him back to the present from his reverie. “Are you all right, Jack?” Melina asked, a concerned look in her eyes.

“Aye, lass, I’m fine, thanks. Just thinkin about how things have changed over the years. Recent conversations and now this,” he held up the ring, “Are beginnin ta make me feel me age. It’s not just the years, but the things I have seen and done over them. No matter, let’s see what this messenger of Magnus’ has for us, shall we?” They moved into the sick bay and closed the door behind them.

“Well, Aerak? Tell me what news ye bring? This is probably the second most secure spot in the ship, after me own quarters. Most of the crew believes this area is haunted by those who have died here, and those who’ve not been lucky enough to be saved by Melina here think it’s bad luck ta have her aboard.” She nodded a thank you as she began organizing some of her more personal items in the cabinets on the walls.

“Well, Captain, if you want the information now, I can give it to you, but I would think that you would want to have all of your officers hear what I have to say, so that plans might be devised. That and I would only have to give my report once, instead of twice.” Aerak grinned insolently at BlackJack as he spoke.

“Lad, ye be lucky that Magnus likes ye, or I’d have ye tossed overboard fer talking to me like that, I don’t care that ye be right,” BlackJack laughed as he replied. “Very well, then, let’s be up to me cabin, so that we can decide what we need do. Melina,” he asked as he turned to her. “Are you a’right here for now, or do you wish to join us in council?”

“No Captain, I have nothing of value to add to this council of war you are about to have, so I shall stay here, and begin my preparations to receive wounded during the battle, when it is joined.” Melina made a sour face at the thought of the impending loss of life, and BlackJack shrugged.

“I’m sorry lass, I know how ye feel. I don’t like losin' men anymore than you do. These lads are like me family, but I’ll be damned if I’m goin ta let Drake take them to London to have their necks stretched. Aerak, shall we?” BlackJack pointed towards the door, and both men went above. As they left the surgeon’s quarters, BlackJack stopped one of the cabin boys and told him to get Mr. Thomas and the rest of the officers to his cabin immediately. The boy nodded and ran off.

To Be Continued....

Greetings to the fair Barony of Nottinghill Quill from your Baron and Baroness

2011-03-30T10:47:00.003-07:00

We hope this missive finds you all in good health for we have several wonderful events up and coming. Feast of St George on April 9th and Feast of St Anthony on May 13th-15th. We hope to see all of you there.

Brandon and the Sea Wolf have volunteered to be camp coordinators at this years WOW. Thank you and VIVATS! We are still hoping to find a volunteer for arranging the potluck. Anyone interested please contact us or Baron Takada.

We will be organizing gift baskets for the Barony of Sacred Stone and the Barony of Hidden Mountain for their upcoming birthdays and would love to showcase the skills of our artisans. If anyone is willing to donate their time and skills for these baskets it would be appreciated. Please let us know. Thank you.

We would also like to remind everyone that we love to get award recommendations. If you believe someone should be awarded or has been overlooked please feel free to let us know. Their Majesties also like to get recommendations for awards. Anything we can do to help them out would make them happy.

Thank you, to the best Barony in the known world, for all of you support to us and the Barony and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Geldamar and Etain

Baron and Baroness

Art by Lady Rohesia Anven of Thessalonica

2011-03-30T10:47:00.002-07:00

Artwork by Rohesia Anven of Thessalonica created with pencil and sepia ink

Rohesia's A&S Guide

2011-03-30T10:47:00.001-07:00

Greetings gentles,

I wanted to take a few moments of your time, if you will, to discuss A&S competitions and what it takes to enter one. I have to say that I am more than pleased with my experiences in the few competitions Ive entered. I didn’t win all of them and the ones that I did, I did not expect to even come close.

To begin though, I’ve read several articles written by other SCAdians on the topic of competing in A&S and have sat down and talked to several gentles in many different regions of the Known World (even as far as the Principality of Oertha!) When I personally think of competitions I have to let go of some my modern life experiences and the expectations I have based on them. I’ve always challenged myself academically mostly in the science and music categories since the fourth grade.

Once I left home for military the activities changed but the spirit to learn and share information stayed with me. The biggest difference is the nature of the competition and reasons for entering. Modern life experience has taught me a lot but SCA is a little different. First and foremost, this is 100% just for FUN and for no other motivation (that typically exists in other environments). Some people get this but unfortunately they don’t enter in A&S competitions.

More often than not, people have said that after listening to bad A&S judging experiences they are very apprehensive about trying it themselves. I am guilty of this! I will admit it took a little of “courage” to enter my first few A&S competitions.

The biggest one, however was last year’s WoW Pentathlon. Well, I have nothing but very positive things to say about it even though initially I was very worried. I entered very simple documentation and some very basic pieces. Did I win the competition? No, not even close. But to me, I won because I had FUN. I learned more about my subject area (Byzantine history) and competing in A&S, and went home with some nifty tokens and personally handwritten notes of encouragement about my projects.

And so with that I would like to offer some advice for those who are nervous about entering, wish to enter but need a little nudge in the right direction, etc. whatever the case here is what has worked for me to get the ball rolling. Not to mention you can possibly avoid the frantic rush and panic to stay up so late the night before an event that you only get two hours of sleep in order to finish the project. I’m guilty of this as well! But really, it is good to be prepared so you can afford yourself the time to complete a project thus you can take pride in yourself and the quality of your work. It will also give yourself something to build on if you wish to continue in a particular subject area.

This article is definitely a work in progress so please feel free to discuss or send some suggestions.

In service to the Dream,
Lady Rohesia Anven of Thessalonica

Rohesia’s Basics for Getting Started with A&S Competitons
I suggest writing down on a piece of paper (or enter into a journal) your answer, thoughts, ideas, suggestions etc. for each number that I have listed below. It will be a good way to keep track of your goals as well as something to look back on years from now.

1. What are your personal reasons and motivations for entering?
So you are thinking about entering in an A&S competition? It doesn’t matter what the category or theme of the event and/or competition is. What matters is YOUR reason for entering. Yes, you want this to be fun… but you may also want to show off some of your mad calligraphy skills or latest leatherworking project. Or you may want to try and win the underwater basket weaving championship.

My Answer: Learning & Sharing of Knowledge as well as the ability to network with other A&S inclined SCAdians. For the WoW Pentathlon it was to learn more about my chosen time period and culture, to have a blast doing so and show others (hopefully) that anyone CAN enter with a project and documentation that are simple and less than a few pages worth of writing.

2. Time Management Checklist! Make a separate checklist for each item you plan on entering. You might want to write this in pencil until you are complete with this list. Whether it is one piece or several such as the case for a pentathlon you need to make some goals. Life happens so leave some flexibility but there is no excuse for not having at least a simple plan.

This is where you can write down how long you have until an event. This will give you a reasonable expectation of how much research, documentation and hands-on time you actually have in order to complete the project. Don’t forget the time it takes to shop for materials as well time for things to do dry or set before you can go forward in the steps.

My Answer: Varies but I like to give myself ample time to find quality sources and time to compile all the information before actually starting on the project. Believe it or not, each time Ive decided to do a project, I keep getting better at completing my projects in advance of the event. Not to mention not being stressed out for something that is supposed to be fun!

3. Documentation- it’s NOT a dirty word! Give yourself some time to peruse the interwebs and/or time enough to get to your local library for locating good documentation for your project. Now if you are doing an underwater basket weaving competition just for the sake of doing it once then having all online sources can be great for your first entry. If you plan to do more than once or this is your favorite A&S topic you now have something to build on. No one expects anyone to build a mega awesome, laurel quality project overnight or in two weeks or even in two months… it takes time but you have to start somewhere.

1. Document your process. Take pictures or draw diagrams of what it is that you did to make your item.

2. Details, Details! Don’t leave out the details. Assume that you will know more about the subject than your judges will. I say this because not everyone who is a judge will know everything about everything that the SCA covers. So basically, take the time to explain what it is that you are doing from start to finish.

My Thoughts: In all honesty my pentathlon projects were 99% internet based web sources. I used one book from my personal library. But in my defense I saw them as decent if not quality online sources. Why? Because typically I look for University publications or articles, the source itself had a solid bibliography, etc.

Other questions I ask myself are who is writing this… is it someone with a funny acronym behind their name? What does it mean and does it matter? Who do they work for and/or who was this article published with. For example, Dr. Bob published this neat article on underwater basket weaving but doesn’t say who or what he works for and his web address is [www.electricguitarsales.org/periodunderwaterbasketweaving] … but over here is Dr. Sally who works in her free time likes underwater basket weaving that she regularly holds seminars and has pretty much the same article about the technique of underwater basket weaving as Dr. Bob… except she is more believable in her credibility.

More often than not I see the same information for a particular topic over and over again on the internet… I call it information regurgitation, sometimes its blatant plagiarism. But what you have to do is try your best to trace the information back to something more than credible if not a primary source. There are times I have found an article I really liked and tried to seek out some of the sources in the bibliography. (Hence having enough time to get to a library.)

4. Period, Modern or both? First, what do the competition rules say about using modern materials? There usually isn’t a complete ban on non-period methods but some higher level competitions such as at wars there may be. Local and sometimes Kingdom level it is not so much so.

Then look realistically at your project and decide if you have the time and money to go completely period. Sometimes the process is very time intensive and if the rules don’t prohibit it than substituting modern materials is a given. Be sure to include in your documentation that you used modern materials in place of whatever would have been used in period. You don’t need to explain your exact financial situation or personal life. A quick and simple sentence explanation is all that is needed, for example: “I did not have the time or the money to extract ultramarine from lapis lazuli so I used Windsor & Newton’s ultramarine acrylic paint”.

There is breaking point at which only you can decide on how far you are willing to go (financially and time-wise) in order to re-create your project. Remember, this is for fun. This will either add or subtract the time required so be sure to annotate that with your notes for #2.

My Thoughts: I am nowhere near being able to do a project completely period. But I at least try to research what the process would be in order to achieve that. Then someday I may be able to do a little here and a little there until Im doing it all period. There is no reason why I can’t practice an illumination technique with cheap gouache paints before trying to use actual pigments.

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes projects need an extra hand (or an extra thinking cap) in order to finish a project.. Also, there are very few topics or subjects that some SCAdian, somewhere hasn’t already tried to do. There may even be a guild of some sort teaming with a wealth of knowledge ripe for those who wish to learn. Some SCAdians even have nifty blogs or personal webpages that have handy dandy handouts on how to do certain things. Often times they will also say it is okay to contact with questions. Don’t be discouraged though if someone isn’t able to be contacted or worse they refuse to help you.

My Thoughts: As I’ve researched certain topics I run across SCAdians who are knowledgeable on a certain topic. I try to contact them so see if they would correspond with me and help troubleshoot if I need. Or if I find their information really great I am sure to cite them as one of my sources and track down the items in their bibliography to read & research on my own.

6. Have fun, learn and share your experiences with others.

The Raptor's Tale, Part Four: by Cap'n Jack Black of Flint

2011-03-30T10:47:00.000-07:00

The morning sun was hard to see through the heavy fog, as The Raptor was pulled out of the harbor by crews in jollyboats. BlackJack and Mr. Thomas stood at the bow, watching the crews pull the ship.

“That damned harbormaster is gettin his bloody revenge on me for scarin the shite outta him when we came in,” BlackJack fumed. “Mr. Bradley is probably one of the finest helmsmen I have ever sailed with, and could get out of this damned harbor blindfolded at full sail. Just because the fool had no sense of humor, he’s goin ta make the entire crew suffer, and that irritates the livin hell out of me.”

Mr. Thomas placed a hand on the captain’s shoulder, and spoke quietly. “I thought ye might see it that way, which is why I paid a lad to slip something into his food after we’re gone… It won’t kill him, but he’s gonna be squattin fer a week!” Thomas winked, and both men laughed loudly.

BlackJack spoke after the laughter died. “That was mean, my friend… Mean that you waited until we were gone to have it delivered. I would love to see that prissy snob’s face as he has to try to keep his cheeks together while doin his job.” He laughed again, as he turned back to the crews pulling the ship. He climbed up on the rail, hand on a line, and looked around the harbor for several minutes. Jumping down, he said, “Hell with this. Call the crews in. As soon as all the boats are aboard, hoist all sails, and tell Mr. Bradley to make for Lisbon, at all possible speed. We’ve too much of England’s coast to travel, and I do NOT want to run into Drake this close to his own territory. I’ll be catchin some sleep if’n ye need me.” BlackJack turned and walked away, hearing the calls and whistles of his orders being carried out.

Several hours later, BlackJack left his cabin in time for the changing of the watch. He spoke quietly with members of the crew, an encouraging word here and there on his way up the ladders, and each crewman smiled as the captain spoke. Arriving on the quarterdeck, he turned to Mr. Thomas. “How fares it, lad? Any troubles yet?”

Mr. Thomas shook his head negatively as he replied. “Nay, Captain, been smooth sailing. We’re currently pushing about 10 knots, with a good tailwind. Our calculations are showing us currently about off the coast of Boulogne. We should be clear of France in about three days, if the wind holds. At this rate, we should hit Lisbon in about a week, if things go well. Providing we have no delays between here and there, of course.”

BlackJack nodded, and smiled. “Then let us hope that we can avoid Drake and his like til after we hit Lisbon. We’ve no surgeon on board, and I am hoping to pick one up there. Plus, I’d rather wait til we get Magnus or his messenger aboard with our information. I don’t like not knowing what we face. Do me a favor right quick, and summon the crew? We should probably tell them what we have going on.” Thomas nodded, and spoke to the Bosun, who began whistling for attention on deck. Once the crew was gathered, BlackJack addressed them all.

“Lads, I owe ye all an apology. I know I’d promised ye a few more days in Calais, but things have changed. When I arrived at our factor’s home to discuss the selling of the goods we just took from “Elizabeth’s Pride”, I was informed that the captain of that cursed ship was a cousin to Queen Elizabeth! And, apparently a favored one at that! So now Elizabeth has sent her pet fop after us! That fop, Francis Drake, has been ordered to take the ship, and bring us all to her to hang! You don’t want to HANG, do you?” A loud “NO!!” came rolling at him from the assembled crewmen. ‘We’re not gonna let him take everything we’ve worked for without a fight, are we?” Again, the crew screamed their agreement. “Then here be the plan, lads. We’re to set course for the Cape of Good Hope, and hope to lure the fop from his fleet, where we can sink his ship, and send him to the crushin black depths!”

The crew, frenzied by now, shouted and hooted for five minutes before quieting down again. BlackJack smiled, looking to his officers on the left and right of him while the crew carried on. Once calm again, BlackJack addressed them once more. “Then that’s that, lads. Keep your powder dry, your blades sharp, and be ready for anything. I’m hoping to get enough of a lead on him to wait for the fight til we are ready for it, but keep a weather eye for sails on the horizon. I hate ta do this to ye, but until we deal with Drake, we’ll not be takin any prizes. So the goal here is to rid the world of him as quick as we can! Now hop to, and let’s see how fast this bird will fly!” He nodded to the Bosun, who began whistling, and turned to Mr. Thomas. “I’ll take the watch from here, Mr. Thomas. Get some rest, and I’ll see ye in the morning.” Mr. Thomas nodded, and went below.

The next week flew by quickly, with no issues. The ship was quickly brought to dock in Lisbon Harbor by her Harbormaster, a man who had dealt with BlackJack and his crew before, and didn’t ask questions. Once the ship was secured at the dock, BlackJack was speaking with his officers before going in search of information and a surgeon. “A’right lads, I want noone ashore, we’re to be here only a day or two, if we be lucky. I want the watches doubled, and any who question or wish to be released from the ship, tell them they have two options. Stay on the ship, or have his throat cut. But be sure that at least one or two who do decide, are able to sneak off. I want Drake to know where we be headed, to bait this hook. I’m hopin with the threat of throat cutting, the men will realize that the info I’ve given them is good. I want Drake, and I want him where WE have the advantage. Let’s hope I can find what I need quickly, and we can be out of here just as quickly.” The officers nodded and headed to their stations, while BlackJack gathered his wits and weapons, and headed ashore.

As BlackJack walked into the nearest tavern, it occurred to him that he and Magnus had not set a meeting location for when he got to Lisbon. He walked in, and stood at the door a moment as his eye adjusted from the noon-day sun outside, to the dim light of the tavern. Spotting an empty table in a corner within reach of a window, he made his way through the sparsely populated room and sat down. A server came up, and asked his pleasure. “What have ye today that be fresh, and not fish?”

The serving girl looked at him like he was speakin in tongues, and replied “Cozido à portuguesa,” in a thickly accented English.
“What the bloody hell is that?” BlackJack asked. The server thought for a few moments, as if trying to find the words, and finally said “Pig stew”. BlackJack laughed, and replied, “That’ll do, along with a mug of ale. How much?” The girl held up three fingers, and BlackJack pulled four silver coins out of his pouch, and handed them to her. “The last be fer you, lass.” She smiled shyly, took the coins, and ran off.

Satisfied that his food would arrive promptly, BlackJack leaned back to survey the room he was in, and to think about his situation. He was in a city that he enjoyed frequenting, but being pursued by Drake was going to shorten his stay considerably. He was not happy about that, but it was a necessary evil. He also was trying to figure out how to find Magnus in the large dock area, but decided that if Magnus couldn’t find him when he wanted, then he and his information gathering network was not as good as he believed. Chuckling to himself, he knew that was one of Magnus’ passions, and was certain that there was a lookout who spotted the Raptor as soon as the Harbormaster went out to meet her.

At the front of the room, a singer stepped up on the makeshift stage, and began to sing quietly. Something about the woman’s voice was familiar, so he paid a little closer attention. Of average height, she was dressed in an unusual fashion. She was wearing some sort of flowing pant, with a form fitting gauzy shirt coming to about the knee, and a fancy short sleeved coat, with some sort of panels hanging from the elbows over the rest. Her hair was covered, so he couldn’t tell color or length. Still, his curiosity was piqued, and he watched the way she moved. He found it amusing the way some of the men were enthralled with her every movement, as the bells sewn around her hips jingled with her movements, in time to her music.

“That be close enough, lad,” he spoke quietly to the shadows that started moving on his left. “Methinks that ye’d best be telling me who ye are, and what ye want afore getting closer.” He still had not turned his head, since the individual was taking pains not to be seen by the other patrons, BlackJack chose to not give him away until the man’s status as friend or foe was determined.

A slight chuckle could be heard from the shadows, and then the voice spoke. “Your reputation serves you well, Captain. I have word from your brother. Magnus says he’s unable to join you, and he shall see you after.” BlackJack nodded, putting away the blade he had drawn, and the newcomer came forward. “I’m known as Aerak. That’s all you need know of me, as I am just as sought by the Queen of England as you are, for other reasons. I’ve been sent to take Magnus’ place on this mission. Once she’s done singing, we can head back to the ship, and talk privately. I’ll go ahead, the fewer people who see me in port, the better. And I give you my word that I will not kill any of your crew slipping into your cabin.” Before BlackJack could speak again, the shadow disappeared.

During the conversation, the singer finished, and she approached BlackJack. As she got closer, he was able to make out details of her face, and he laughed loudly as he stood up. “Melina, it does me good to see you. Would that we could chat here, but I’ve been told we must need leave immediately.”

She smiled, and replied, “Yes, Jack, we need to go now. Aerak is a wanted man, and still recovering from his last escape. He’s almost as good as Magnus, I’m told. Have no clue as to who Magnus is, though. It’s been too long since I have seen you as well, brother. We have much to discuss, let us be off.” She placed her arm in his, and they made their way back to the ship.

Events & Demos

2011-03-21T07:14:00.000-07:00

5/14: EVENT: Feast of the Saints: St. Anthony, Falcon Cree, Clinton, SC

Contact Lady Isolda at: isolda.of.falconcree[AT]gmail.com

5/21: DEMO: Renn Faire, 10am-6pm, Greenville, SC

Contact Karen at: innisfreedesigns[AT]yahoo.com

6/11: EVENT: Summer University, Brockore Abbey, SC

Contact Lord Sebastian at: mikeb6874[AT]yahoo.com

7/23: Low Country Boil/Cookout, Simpsonville, SC

Hosted by Psaltery Dreams, Contact Lady Syible at: ladysyble[AT]gmail.com

8/20: EVENT: WOPP: Kingdom of Heaven, St. Georges, Pickens, SC

Contact Baron Takeda at: barontakeda[AT]yahoo.com

9/16-18: EVENT: Southern War Practice, Ritterwald, New Ellenton, SC

Contact Lady Arielle at: gillasd[AT]bellsouth.net

12/9-11: EVENT: Yule Toy Tourney V, Nottinghill Coill, Wesleyan Camp

Tabor Building, 125 Bethany Cove Drive, Pickens, SC 29671

Contact Captain Brandon Caiside: bcaiside[AT]yahoo.com

Greetings Nottinghill Coill, from Baron Geldamar and Baroness Etain

2011-02-28T10:54:00.000-08:00

We hope that everyone enjoyed Baronial Birthday as much as we did. Sharing such joy with our closest friends leaves us speechless, and that doesn’t happen very often.

Great thanks go out to Lady Milicent, Lord Donal and their staff for putting together an amazing event. Lord Axum’s feast was a culinary delight and even we were left with very little room for cake. There is no way we could list the people who put the event together, but we are grateful for everyone who helped make it such a memorable celebration.

Congratulations to everyone who was recognized at Baronial Birthday and to our new Champions. We look forward to another great year ahead of us.

Yours in Service,

Baron Geldamar and Baroness Etain

On a personal note, I would like to thank everyone who made my elevation come together. Duchess Simone and Master Vortigern have been wonderful mentors, but without people who wanted to use the pottery I make it would not have happened. Thank you to everyone who has encouraged and helped me along the way, and to my all my friends who put on a wonderful vigil behind my back. (And if you were wondering, as I have, the title of Baroness is all that is needed!)

Etain

Congratulations!

2011-02-28T08:49:00.001-08:00

To Baroness Etain on her elevation to Laurel!

From Kumpania Painted Wheel

Baronial Populace Meeting

2011-02-28T06:39:00.000-08:00

Next Populace Meeting:
Feast of the Dragon, April 9

Sarishan from the Chronicler

2011-02-27T07:40:00.000-08:00

Those of you who were at Nottinghill Coill Baronial Birthday know not only was it a fabulous event, but there was a film crew from WOLO out there. WOLO did a piece for their Hidden Columbia series that came out very well. You can view it here.

It was good seeing such a nice turnout, making new friends, and visiting with old friends.

Happy Birthday, Nottinghill!

Dulcy

The Raptor's Tale, Part Three: by Cap'n Jack Black of Flint

2011-02-26T08:50:00.000-08:00

After BlackJack’s meeting with Madame Sylvie, he walked through the compound to the stables. Once there, he prepared his horse for the long ride back to Calais. It didn’t take long for him to finish saddling the horse, and he was off. As he approached the gate, Madame Sylvie was there waiting for him. Standing on a small carriage boarding platform, she watched him approach. Watching her watch him, he realized that while somewhat diminutive, she was probably the single most powerful woman in France. She stood there, regally, in her long flowing gown, red shot through with gold, in the current fashion in the courts of England and France. The hat that protected her from the sun was tilted low over her brow, with the gold feathers sweeping back over the deep blood red wrappings around her hair. He pulled up his horse at the platform.

“My lady Sylvie,” he nodded. “I am honored that ye’ve chosen to see me off, but tis not necessary. I do know my way out.” He laughed, and turned back over his shoulder as he heard hooves clattering behind him. Two proud percheron stallions were pulling a carriage forward towards the platform. Sylvie turned and smiled sweetly, as he moved his horse to one side, so that the carriage could be pulled to the platform.

“Do not over flatter yourself, my dear Captain. I happen to have business in Calais myself, so shall accompany you on the afternoon’s journey to the city. After all, I have a ship load of cargo to get to my factors to be sold and profited from.” She smiled again. “You DO want a share of the profit, don’t you? If I can get the items sold before you put to sea, you may be able to use the funds on your current mission.” I also wish to acquire some sort of messaging system, possibly some pigeons, for you to keep me informed of your progress.”

“Unfortunately, Sylvie, pigeons are of no value once we cross the ocean, exceptin as food.” He chuckled as she made a face. “Ye’ve no issue with eatin birds here in yer home, but do with us doin the same at sea? I thought ye were better than that, lass. Ye’d be a bit surprised at what we usually eat whilst at sea.”

Sylvie boarded the carriage, and it rolled towards the gate before she spoke again. As BlackJack pulled his horse alongside her window so that they could speak as they traveled, she began again. “You know better than most the struggle to survive I have had, Jack. I shall speak frankly, and remind you that while I have worked my way to learning the ways of a Courtesan, and now run the largest and most popular house in France, I have lived in the streets.” She plucked at the white lace around her neck. “You know that when I was born, my fate was to be much worse than this. The fact that I have turned my adversity into a successful life, much as you have done yourself, shows the type of people we are. I know the nuns at your orphanage in London would never recognize you, just as any family of mine that may still be alive would not recognize me. Many things change every day, people live and die, and only those who are in control of their lives can be happy. It’s my personal belief that many of my ladies who serve in the Noble houses here in Calais, and even in Paris and Marseilles, are among the most intelligent, most skilled, and quickest thinking of many of the men who are in charge of those same houses. You know that is why my ladies go through all the training they do. They know how to read and write multiple civilized languages, they can cook, sew, know mathematics, and more. And that is not even counting the more “gentle” skills that each learn to keep their men happy. Do not even BEGIN to lecture me on what your life is like, because you will find no sympathy from me, Captain.” With that, she closed the blinds on her window, and did not speak again. BlackJack shrugged and rode ahead.

Four hours later, a tired and sore BlackJack finally saw the city walls of Calais in the distance. Turning around, he rode back the short distance to the carriage following him. Pulling along the carriage, he spoke as formally as he could. “Madame Sylvie, we are approaching Calais. If you have no further need of me, I shall be on my way to check on my ship. Most likely we shall sail on the morning tide. I shall send word as often as is possible as to our status.”

The curtain slid aside, and Sylvie peered out. “Very well, I shall endeavor to get whatever I can to you by the time you put to sea. I wish you luck in dealing with Sir Francis Drake, and hope that you are able to escape Queen Elizabeth’s noose.” As he turned his horse to depart, she called again. “BlackJack! I apologize for speaking in anger as I did earlier. These are dangerous times, and I would be unhappy if the last we spoke to each other in this world were words of anger. I bear you no ill will, and sincerely hope that we shall continue to be friends for many years to come.”

A grin split BlackJack’s beard as he replied, “No worries lass, I understand. You’re a woman, yer very nature is to be contrary as hells. Seriously, though, I accept your apology, and offer me own as well. As usual, my words came out afore me brain could think about what I was sayin. Nothin new there, I’m sure you know. This Drake thing has me a bit on edge, and am wantin to be to sea as quick as I can.” He then nodded to her, and spurred his horse to a gallop towards the city wall.

Shortly thereafter, he stopped at the inn where he first met Magnus the evening before. Handing the horse over to a stable boy along with a gold coin, he walked inside. He walked straight to the Innkeeper, and put two gold pieces on the bar. “I’m in need of a couple of things, lad. Gimme what I need, and these be yours. First, I need to know if any have been around askin questions about me.” When the innkeeper shook his head, still watching the coins, BlackJack shoved one towards him. Keeping his hand on the other, she spoke again. “Question number two. Have ye ever seen me, or know which way The Raptor be headin?” The man, numbly reaching for the coin, shook his head again as he spoke.

“I ain’t never heard of BlackJack Flint, or The Raptor, so can’t tell anyone who ye are or where ye went.” BlackJack laughed, handed over the coin, and walked out.

Shortly thereafter, he was climbing the gangplank to his ship, and started shouting as he came aboard. “Mr. Thomas! I need a report, now! All officers, in my cabin, immediately! Bosun, make preparations to set sail with the mornin tide! All hands, hop to, and MOVE!” Men immediately began scrambling about as he went below to his cabin, to begin to prepare his next move, and discuss the situation with his officers.

Once the officers were gathered, he poured himself a drink, and looked about the room. “Well lads, we’ve done it again. That ship we took on the way to Lisbon has turned out to cause us an issue. Well, it turns out that the fop that died when we took her was some relation to Elizabeth. Now word has reached me that Drake is hunting us, with orders to bring me to Elizabeth. Magnus wasn’t sure as of last night if that’s a dead or alive thing, or what. We’ll be settin sail in the mornin, and headed south. Me intent is to get around Good Hope as quick as we can, and lie low near Singapore for a bit. Maybe we can avoid him, or if we’re REALLY lucky, the sea will sink him at the Cape, and not us. Now, here’s where we see what’s what. Mr. Thomas, I need to know how our provisions are for the journey. I also need to know the condition of the ship, were ye able ta get divers over this mornin ta inspect? And finally, how many of the crew made it back to the ship this mornin?”

Mr. Thomas stood and began his report. “We’ve got enough provisions on board to last us about 3 weeks currently. With what we can get on board tonight, we should be able to extend that to a month. We have enough powder and shot for the cannons and small arms for several battles, if need be. Divers are over the side now, and should have a report on the hull shortly. As soon as I get it, I will let you know. Inspections on board are revealing no major leaks, the few small ones have been or are in the process of being repaired now. We have reports of two crewmen having gotten themselves arrested last night, and one was found floating in the harbor shortly afore you arrived. I think that about covers everything as you requested at this time.”

“Very good, Mr. Thomas,” BlackJack replied. Turning to the rest of the officers, he asked, “Do any of ye have anything further to add?” Looking around the room to negative responses, he turned back to Mr. Thomas. “Then ye have yer orders, lads, let’s get ready to heave to. Mr. Thomas, keep an eye out, Madame Sylvie said she’s goin ta attempt to get us our cut of the Pride’s cargo profits afore we leave in the mornin. She knows our first stop is going to be Lisbon, and Magnus will have information for us there, or one of his operatives will be there. Dismissed, gentlemen.” The men all got up and left BlackJack to his thoughts, as he sipped his whiskey and stared out the windows of his cabin.

To Be Continued...

Demos

2011-02-21T12:58:00.000-08:00

5/21: Renn Faire
10am-6pm, Greenville, SC
Contact Karen at: innisfreedesigns(at)yahoo.com

June (TBA) Festival of Flowers
Greenwood, SC, Captain Jack Black

Greetings from the Baronage!

2011-01-21T07:21:00.000-08:00

Such joy and pride washes over our Barony this last month!

Congratulations to Mistress Brig for her elevation to the Laurel, and to Countess Kari, who will soon be raised to the order of the Pelican. There is no greater pleasure for a Baron and Baroness than to see the hard work of our friends recognized at all levels.

Next month we will celebrate our Baronial Birthday at Camp Sandy Ridge on February 25-27, 2011. Our current Champions, who have served the Barony so well this past year, will be aiding us in the selection of our new Champions by creating tests of skill and endurance. But the choice of a champion does not rest on skill and competition. A Champion must be someone who is enthusiastic in their field, eager to teach or organize learning opportunities. They should be motivated, and encourage others through deeds and leadership. They should be willing to represent the Barony when any opportunity arises.

If you are interested in serving as a Champion, please let us know. Feel free to speak to any current or former Champion if you have any questions.

We look forward to seeing everyone at Baronial Birthday!

Yours in Service

Geldamar and Etain, Baron and Baroness

Greetings from Baron Takeda

2011-01-21T07:19:00.002-08:00

Konnichiwa & Greetings to the Populace of Nottinghill Coill!,

I hope everyone had a happy and safe Holiday season.

We will hold our first Baronial Populace Meeting of the new year at our Baronial Birthday on Saturday February 26, scheduled for 10:30am. I hope you can attend. If you have an idea for a Practice, Workshop, Demo or Event for 2011, please contact me at barontakeda@yahoo.com.

As always I remain.....

In Service to the Dream,
Baron Takeda Yoshinaka
Seneschal, Nottinghill Coill

Letter from Baron Lucien de La Rochelle

2011-01-21T07:19:00.001-08:00

Unto Their Excellencies, Geldamar and Etain, Baron and Baroness of Nottinghill Coill, and unto Their Populace, does the Baronial Herald, Baron Lucien de La Rochelle, Gordian Knot Pursuivant, send greetings.

I have had the honor of standing as the Baronial Herald for the last four years, and now my time has come to step down. There are no words that can express the joy of being the "Voice" of Their Excellencies. To be the one who stands behind the the Thrones and speaks the words of praise from the Baronage is something that must be experienced to appreciate. You get to the see the faces of your friends light up with joy when they hear their hard work is being recognized. To be part of The Baronial Court is quite simply the greatest job I have ever had the pleasure to do in the SCA.

I would like to thank the former Baron and Baroness, William and Julian, who took a chance with someone they barely knew; Their Excellencies, Talun and Elizabeth, for allowing me to remain as Their Herald, and the current Baronage, Geldamar and Etain, Baron and Baroness of Nottinghill Coill for giving me the honor of staying on for this final year. I thank you all for your patience, your friendship and your support. I thank Mistress Rhiannon, former Triton Herald, who supported me and answered any questions I had. I would like to thank the Populace of Nottinghill Coill for their putting up with my gaffs, and forgiving me when I messed up a name.

Finally, I would like to introduce the gentle who, with Their Excellencies approval, will be taking on the honors and duties of Baronial Herald, Lord Cian mac Ceallacháin Uí Dubhlaich. I have full faith that he will prove to be far and above an extraordinary Baronial Herald. Also, upon his stepping up, Master Bran, Triton Herald-at-Arms, has decreed that the title of Gordian Knot Pursuivant shall become a part of the office of Baronial Herald. So join me in welcoming Lord Cian, Gordian Knot Pursuivant, into his new role as Baronial Herald at Nottinghill Coill Baronial Birthday.

Sincerely,

Baron Lucien de La Rochelle
Gordian Knot Pursuivant (at least until Baronial Birthday)

Sarishan, Friends!

2011-01-21T07:19:00.000-08:00

It had recently been brought to my attention that The Quill lacked volume and issue numbers. Baroness Deirdre Mogan came to the rescue and thought up the perfect solution: While we have no idea how long The Quill has been in publication, we do know that our dear Master Gavin was invested as Founding Baron in January 1980 (A.S. 14). Conveniently, our Baronial year starts in January as a result. So, in Baron Gavin's honor, we will start numbering this year's run of The Quill as Volume 31, starting this month, and go from there.

This number reflects the age of Nottinghill Coill as well as Baron Gavin's investiture and thus is significant to our history as a Barony.

This picture was taken in 1982, at the old Paris Mountain site. The lady in the picture is Alison Evergreen, one of the ladies in my party. It was our second event, and Alison wanted to have her picture with the dashing Baron Gavin to show around to the girls back home. I never forgot how kind and gallant he was to us all, nor will I ever.

I wish you all peace and luck and love in the New Year!

Dulcy,
Chronicler

Arts and Sciences

2011-01-21T07:18:00.001-08:00

Greetings, Merry Folk!

This month is without a topic of discussion. I have a few ideas running but would love to hear from anyone with questions about A&S or topics you would like to see in the future.

However, here are the correct answers to last month’s quiz:

1. Frida

2. Jean-Claud

3. Antonio

4. Frida

5. Thamira

6. Frida

7. Brandon

8. Etain

9. Avisa

Congrats to Lord Donngal mac Ronain! for correctly answering and winning the gift certificate!

Humbly yours,

Lady Rohesia Anven of Thessalonica

Atlantian Clothier's Guild

2011-01-21T07:18:00.000-08:00

Greetings Gentle Cousins,

Of course the winter months are the perfect time to work on various and sundry indoor projects, including more clothes! Last year, the southern Atlantian Clothier's Guild focused on basic T-tunics and Pensic wear. This spring, the Italian Renaissance is our focus and February 12th and 13th (Saturday and Sunday) will be our first sewing weekend of the year.

To make this all so much better, Lady Anastasia dello Rosso will be teaching about all things Italian on Sunday, February 13th, starting at 10:30 am. I hope that you all have had a chance to see Lady Anastasia in one of her many, beautiful gowns, or seen pictures of her (check out the wedding pictures from last year...fabulous! :), but pictures only scratch the surface of what this expert tailor has to offer. If you are interested in this time period, you will not want to miss this opportunity!

Schedule:
Saturday, February 12th
10:00 am hall opens for Open Sewing session during the day
5:00 pm - ish hall closes

Sunday, February 13th
10:00 am hall opens
10:30 am Lady Anastasia starts class
5:00 pm hall closes

Of course, eating is involved...bring munchies...we might decide to order out or go out for lunch...
Reservations are not necessary but would be very nice :)
Call: Beatrice 803-646-6441, baronessbeatrice(AT)hotmail.com

Place: Church of the Cross, 7244 Patterson Road, Columbia, SC 29209
http://episcopalchurchofthecross.blogspot.com/

The Raptor's Tale, Part Two: by Cap'n Jack Black of Flint

2011-01-21T07:17:00.000-08:00

The sun was just beginning to set as The Raptor’s crew secured the harbor pilot’s skiff to the side. Cap’n “Black” Jack Flint, Lord and Master of the ship, extended a hand to the short, heavy set man climbing the ladder up to the deck.

“Here ye be, lad, lemme give ye a hand,” Flint spoke quietly as he pulled the man on deck. “Welcome aboard me ship, lad, now, tell me who ye are?”

In a snooty tone, the man looked at Flint and spoke. “I am Sebastien Philippe de La Havre, Harbor Master for His Royal Majesty, King Henry IV, and I demand to know who YOU are, coming into my harbor on the evening tide. Protocol dictates that you shall wait the night outside the port, and have your ship brought in on the morning tide.”

Flint grinned and replied, “Ye obviously were’na listenin, lad, since I told ye who I was. But since ye seem ta be a bit thick headed, I’ll say it again. I be Captain BlackJack Flint, this is me ship. I’m in Calais on business, and I’ll be thankin ye ta get me ship ta the docks, so that I can get ABOUT me business. The ladies waitin fer me don’ like ta be kept waitin.”

De La Havre looked at Flint and asked, “Just who would you have business with at this hour of the night? There are NO good businesses open after sundown, so you MUST be up to trouble!”

“If’n ye REALLY wanna know, me business be with the Maison de la Rouge. I’m fairly certain ye’ve heard of them, and I KNOW King Henry has. So, if’n ye please, get yer pudgy arse up to the wheel, and tell me helmsman where I can put me damned ship, afore I get angry, cut yer damned throat, and toss ye overboard now!”, Flint growled in a low, menacing tone. The man yelped, and ran to the wheel, to aid Mr. Bradley in docking the ship. Flint chuckled softly and winked at his first mate, Mr. Thomas, over the harbor master’s head. “Amazin just what kind of power Madame Sylvie’s name has, isn’t it, lads?”

Two hours later, with the ship safely secured to the pier, Flint was giving orders to Mr. Thomas. “All right lad, I’m taking a small chest with a sampling of the jewels and cloth to Madame Sylvie. Keep the rest secure and dry, and I am willin ta bet that she’ll have a cart here tomorrow sometime to get the rest. Keep the mid and day watches aboard, liberty for the rest. Standard port rules apply, no booze or women aboard, and start checkin fer damage to both the ship and provisions in the morn.” Thomas saluted, and Flint walked down the gangplank, chest under his left arm.

Walking down the pier, Flint noticed a shadow in a doorway. He casually dropped a throwing blade from a hidden sheath into his palm. As he got within range to throw, the shadow spoke. “Stay yer blade, brother. It’s me, Magnus.” The shadow stepped forward, and it was as if the shadows themselves took form.

Magnus Pale, as he was known, was a wiry man, known for his expertise at gathering information, as well as more “artistic” talents. “Madame Sylvie sent me to watch fer ya. There’s strange things afoot, brother, I suggest we away quickly. I’ve already sent a coded message to yer Mr. Thomas advising him to prepare to put to sea as quickly as possible. I’ve horses this way.” Pale moved quickly towards a small alcove between two buildings, leading out two saddled horses. Flint began to secure the chest behind his saddle as he spoke.

“A’right Magnus, what the bloody hell is goin on? I’ve not even been in port two hours, and a’ready I’m in trouble? Even I am not THAT good.” And then a thought struck him. “The Elizabeth’s Pride. Bloody hell, that damned clumsy captain was related to someone important, wasn’t she????” The two men began to ride towards the south gate before Magnus spoke again.

“Ye know, BlackJack, all the years I’ve known ye, I’ve never known ye to make a move that stupid. Ye took out a ship belonging to the Queen of England, and killed one of her royal cousins.” Magnus raised a hand to cut off complaint, and continued. “That man was apparently one of Elizabeth’s favorite cousins, whom she thought highly of. Now the word is that her pet Privateer, Sir Francis Drake is after ye. I’ve orders ta get ye to the Maison de la Rouge, and let ye discuss things with Sylvie. Now let’s get out of here, while the gold I paid the guards at the gate to let us by is still worth somethin!”

With that, both men put their heels to horse, and galloped through the dark streets of Calais, into the night.

After about two hours of hard riding to the south and east, the men slowed the horses to a walk. Flint thought a few moments, then addressed Magnus again. “Tell me, brother, what news of the House? Business is well, I hope? I’m not goin ta get attacked by Sylvie’s brutes when I walk in there, am I?”

Magnus laughed heartily. “And what if they do, my brother? You know as well as I do that every single one of them was trained by the two of us sittin here, and I know full well ye didna show them ALL yer tricks, just as I held back as well. We’ve been livin this life far too long to expect anyone to not try to stab us in the back. And now, I’ve other duties, ye know the way from here, I wager?”

“Aye, lad. Straight on til mornin. Even I can’t get lost here… I’ve made this journey too many times. I’ll see ye after?”

“Aye, BlackJack. After. No worries about the cart, the arrangements have been made, the rest of the goods for the house should be offloaded and on their way by dawn. Tell Sylvie that she should expect the rest of the goods in two days. Try to stay outta trouble, a’right?” Magnus turned his horse, waved, and rode off into the darkness. Flint continued on his way to his final stop for the evening.

The sunrise found a tired dirty man approaching a large mansion, set in the middle of nowhere, on a lane lined with shade trees. As he saw the mansion grow in his vision, he pulled himself up straighter in the saddle, attempting to look more awake than he felt.. As he got within range, Flint could make out the bowmen on the roof, as well as the slack way that the men at the gate were only half watching him. Chuckling softly, Flint dropped his throwing knife from it’s hidden sheath yet again, knowing he was going to get to use it this time.

As he got into throwing range, one guard finally took notice of him, too late. The guard never even saw Flint move, and found his right shoulder pinned to the wooden door he was leaning against. The second guard quickly found himself in a similar predicament, as he was also pinned. Flint then quickly jumped from the saddle, drawing a pistol in his left hand, and cutlass in his right.

“Now, lads, I know ye were taught better than that. Why in the hells are ye sittin here letting yerself be taken so easily? This isn’t what Madame Sylvie pays ye for, is it? Or are ye getting lazy with the knowledge that yer Mistress be getting so powerful that most think it folly ta attack her?” Both men looked at each other, and didn’t answer. Flint laughed, and continued. “Do ye not even recognize the man who trained ye both? I realize it’s been nigh on a year since I’ve been gone, but do ye both have rocks in yer skulls?”

At the last statement, the doors began to open, dragging the stuck guards with it. Flint laughed at the two tripping over their feet as they were dragged into the grounds. As the doors came fully open, Flint found himself face to face with Madame Sylvie’s Housecarl.

“Captain, I see you have made it here safely, including your usual theatrics. Madame Sylvie is waiting for you in the main lounge. Breakfast will be there shortly as well. However, looking at and smelling you, I think a bath and clean clothes would be in order first. I shall tell Madame Sylvie that you are delayed.” The Housecarl clapped his hands, and servants came forward. Two stable boys quickly took the horse towards the stables, while a third handed the chest from behind the saddle to Flint. “I shall take that to Madame Sylvie, so that she may inspect the contents whilst you are in your bath, Captain.” Flint, knowing he would not win this battle, chose silence, handing over the chest, and allowing two more servants to lead him to the bathing area.

Two hours later, Flint found himself freshly scrubbed, shaved, and in clean clothes. He walked into Madame Sylvie’s main lounge, feeling quite relaxed. As he approached, he saw Sylvie sitting at the large round table, the chest he carried in front of her.

“Madame Sylvie,” Flint spoke, as he knelt, kissing her hand. “It does my heart good to see you well. I trust ye’ve had few problems in my absence? Magnus was as norm, maddeningly short on details.” He then took a seat next to her, which seemed to be the cue for servants to bring out platters of steaming eggs, sausage, croissants, and tea. Flint fell to with a will, piling food on the plate in front of him, while he waited for Sylvie to speak.

“It has been some time since you last graced our halls, Captain, and it is quite apparent that your manners have not improved with time. I know when last you were with us, we had finally gotten you to start using utensils properly. It would appear that your time at sea with your men has caused a reversion of your old habits. However, if the rest of your cargo meets the quality of the sample you have brought with you, we shall once again, be able to do business. Magnus gave me assurances that the rest of the delivery should be here by tomorrow latest, having arranged for the porters to remove it from your ship and onto the wagons during the night. Now, when you are done eating, we can discuss the more important issues that face you now. Of that business, one would have to consider Sir Francis Drake to be of your highest priority. Unfortunately, due to your current situation, you will be unable to see the others, as you will be leaving as soon as we are concluded here. I have already arranged with my merchants at the pier to give Mr. Thomas whatever he needs to get your ship ready for a month at sea, and for the bill to come to me. With the materials coming, it will be some time before I will be able to pay you your share, so I shall take payment for the stores out of that money. I hope you understand and can agree with this arrangement?”

Pouring them both a cup of tea, Flint leaned back in his chair. “Well, Madame, it would appear that ye’ve the advantage in our dealings this day. Whilst I agree with ye, that I must need put to sea quickly, I will trust that our previous business arrangements will set the tone of our futures, and that you will deal fairly. We’ve known each other too long, since before you started this household, and know too much about each other to hurt each other. Even Magnus doesn’t know the full extent of what we have done for each other in the past. Some secrets of yours I will take to the grave, as I gave my oath. That said, you are right, I must put out to sea quickly, but I need information first. I’m told that the Elizabeth’s Pride captain was a favored cousin of Queen Elizabeth herself, and that she has sent her fop after me.” Sylvie nodded, and he continued. “What I need now, is to know his last known position, and any and all information concerning how he is currently traveling. Single ship, fleet, how many guns and crew he has. I need to determine what is going to be better, to attempt to hide, or take the battle to him.”

Sylvie took her cup of tea, and nodded. “I will attempt to get the information you need. You are right, Drake is a fop, but he is one of the most dangerous fops on the seas, from all accounts. His victories seven years ago against the Spanish will live forever.”

Flint thought for a few moments, and made his decision. “Okay, if you can get the information about Drakes fleet, I would appreciate it. Use Magnus’ network, and have it waitin for me when I get to Lisbon. I don’t really want ta be sailin along the English coast right now, but if I can get enough of a lead, that will help. Also, let word get to Drake that I am runnin fer the Cape of Good Hope. Just give me three days head start a’fore ye leak that information, if’n ye please. I think if the ship’s ready ta sail when I get there, we can put out immediately. It’ll take the better part of a week to get to Lisbon this time of year, but if we can get enough of a lead on Drake, we might be able to take him, and rid the world of him.”

Sylvie looked at Flint, and sighed. “If you think that this is your best course of action, then I shall wish you luck. I think that mayhaps you are overreacting, but I have yet to get all of the information back on how close Elizabeth was to this cousin you killed. I shall pass your regrets to the others who wished to see you, as I do agree, you needs be off immediately. Magnus or one of his most trusted will be in Lisbon awaiting your arrival, and will have the most current and accurate information I can get for you. Please do travel safely, and come back in one piece. You have been part of our enterprise here from the beginning, and I would take it as a personal insult if someone were to remove you from my employ. Take care, my captain, and know that all within the Masion de la Rouge wish you and your crew a safe journey.”

Flint stood, bowed, and began to walk away. Stopping at the door, he turned and grinned. “No worries, lass. If I’m destined to die at the hands of some fop, I’d have been killed years ago. I’ll take care of Drake, and come back with some silks and spices for you in the bargain!” He then spun on his heel and walked off.

To Be Continued...

© 2010 Jack Black of Flint

2010-12-30T14:57:00.000-08:00

Konnichiwa & Greetings to the Populace of Nottinghill Coill!

2010-12-30T14:56:00.001-08:00

The Barony had a very good year in 2010, let's keep the momentum going!

We will hold our first Baronial Populace Meeting of the new year at our Baronial Birthday on Saturday February 26, time to be announced presently. I hope you can attend. If you have an idea for a Practice, Workshop, Demo or Event please contact me at barontakeda@yahoo.com.

I wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year! As always I remain.....

In Service to the Dream,
Baron Takeda Yoshinaka
Seneschal, Nottinghill Coill

A&S by Rohesia Anven of Thessalonica

2010-12-30T14:56:00.000-08:00

Greetings,

This month I would like to thank those who showed an interest in last month’s competition. Unfortunately, there were no scrolls submitted so I will save the idea for another day. If you are currently working on something scribbly I encourage you to enter in the Twelth Night scroll blank competition that Baroness Tegan , the Kingdom Chart Signet, is sponsoring. (More details are available on the Merry Rose)

For this month’s edition of the Baronial A&S section I want to start out with some “thank yous.” First and foremost to everyone who competed in the Yule Toy Tourney A&S competition. Without you there would be no competition! Next, I would also like to thank the judges; Mistress Siobhán NicDhuinnshléibhe, Mistress Collwen ferch Dafydd Caerllion and Mistress Lidia de Ragusa. Without judges there couldn’t be a competition either! Last, I would also like to thank Countess Kari for helping round up such excellent judges.

This month I have a fun and challenging quiz. I have a photo collage of the various entries that were submitted at the event. Each individual picture has a number and below I have listed the names of the A&S contestants. And you don’t just win bragging rights, there is a $10 gift certificate on the line. The certificate is the winner’s choice of either one of these stores: JoAnns Fabrics, Hancock Fabrics, A.C. Moore, Hobby Lobby or Michaels.

Rules: The first person to _email me_ all nine correct numbers with the corresponding competitor’s names - WINS! The contest ends two weeks from the day that the Quill is published online. Contest eligibility is limited to those who are “residents” of Nottinghill Coill. However, the judges I listed above as well as Baron Geldamar and Baroness Etain are automatically disqualified.

*Hint: There are 7 names listed but 9 pictures, so that means someone may have entered more than one item.

Contestants:

Etain of Sutherland

Thamira ha Sophan

Frida in Harfagra
Antonio Felluci
Jean-Claude de Lyon
Brandon Caiside
Avisa of Dun Carraig

In Service,
Rohesia Anven of Thessalonica
arwynn16(AT)|gmail.com

The Raptor's Tale: Chapter One by Black Jack of Flint

2010-12-30T14:55:00.000-08:00

The sun rises over the horizon in the distance. The Captain turns to the Mate at the bell, and says quietly, "Put the mid watch tae bed, and wake the day watch, Mr. Miller."

"Aye, Cap'n!" The Bosun brought a whistle to his lips, and began to sound the call. The Bosun's mates took up the whistle, calling down into the berthings for the day watch to come up.

"Mr. Miller, check with Cookie, and see if'n he can't safely light the galley fires, and get some hot food into these men. I'll be in me cabin if ye need me."

"Aye, Cap'n, will do so straight away. Do ye be havin a course in mind fer today?"

"Yes, make for Calais. I've a meeting with Madame Sylvie and the others coming up, and I would be remiss if I was to arrive late. However, if we stumble across a ship in need of salvage on the way, sing out!" With that, the Captain's wide grin split his close trimmed beard, and he went below.

"Black"Jack Flint, currently Captain of the Pirate Ship Raptor, went to his cabin, and sat at his desk, missing the chair as it slid out from underneath him. He had been captain of the ship for just under six months, and was still getting a feel for how she moved. "Blast!" Flint muttered to himself as he picked himself back up. Standing, he felt the ship turning hard to port. "What the devil is going on here?" he asked himself as he went to the door. At that moment, the cabin boy came in, and informed that there was a Merchant ship 2 points off the port bow, about a league off, and that Mr. Miller had given chase. "Very well, lad, inform the gun crews tae make ready, and tell Mr. Miller I will be up shortly." "Aye aye, Cap'n!" The dirty lad scampered off.

Flint arrived on the quarterdeck shortly thereafter, dressed in his traditional garb. Black tunic, knee breeches, and what his officers called "that ridiculous sash and head wrap", both of which were a bright vibrant purple. "Report, Mr. Miller!"

"Cap'n, we've a merchantman sitting low in the water, and I don't believe she's spotted us yet. We've got a good breeze pushing us towards her, and we're gaining fast. We should be able to take her fairly easily."

Flint grabbed a spyglass from the rack on the rail, and took a look. "Ye've been spotted now, Mr. Miller. She's flying every inch of sail she has, and ye're losing your lead. Mr. Bradley," Flint called to the pilot at the helm, "If you please, two points more to port, see if we can't regain some of that lead. We'll tack up a bit, and then see if we can't come back across, and rake her stern. Get the starboard gun crews loaded and ready to fire." Flint looked at the mast of the pursued ship. "Mr. Miller, can you make what colors she's flying?"

Miller looked again, and replied, "Looks like she's flying the Union Jack, sir."

"All right, then, fly the same, and see if we can't get them to slow down. Prepare our colors as well, to run up AFTER the first shots are fired. Don't run out the guns until I give the order."

Time crawled by as they gained on the ship. The tacking to port had helped to regain some lost ground, as well as having put up an extra sheet on the topsail. The Raptor was now in a fast pursuit, flying every inch of sail she could put on. "Mr. Miller, I believe you may now call full battle stations, and have the boarders begin their preparations. Mr. Golden!! Make ready to have the Port chasers send a warning shot across her as soon as you see our colors run up! Gun crews, as soon as Mr. Golden fires his warning shot, I want the starboard crews to run out! Port crews, stand by to assist reloading and aiming!"

Flint pulled the glass out again, and was judging the distance to the enemy ship. "What say you, Mr. Miller, I would put us at just over five hundred yards, yes?"

Miller took the glass, and made his own estimate. "Six hundred at the most, Cap'n. We should close to within five hundred in a moment."

Both men watched the ship grow larger as the distance closed. Then Flint called out, "Strike that Jack, and fly our true colors!!!! Mr. Golden, FIRE!!!!! Gun crews, run out and take aim! Go for the Rudder, if you can!!! We are still coming up on her stern. Reload as quickly as you can, with chain and make your second shots for her sheets!"

The Port chasers fired, as Captain Flint's personal colors went up, replacing the Union Jack that was on the mast. The enemy tried to heel over to break away, which was exactly what Flint was counting on. "GUN CREWS FIRE!!!" The sound of cannon fire could easily be heard over the pounding of the surf. Flint and Miller watched the enemy, to see what affect the Raptor's gun crews had, if any. Miller called out, "Her rudder's busted, Cap'n, it worked!!"

Flint shouted, "Boarders on deck! Helm, make ready to come alongside on her port. Mr. Golden, well done! Double load your guns to fire upon their crews as we pull up! Mr. Stone, if you please, have the quarterdeck guns follow the same order. Sweep their decks as we pull up, to reduce the risk to our boarders." The men shouted acknowledgement, and ran to carry out the orders.

The boarding parties swarmed on deck, with muskets on their backs, pistols and cutlasses and knives in their belts, and grapple lines in their hands. Flint smiled, and turned to Mr. Miller. "We've got another advantage, Mr. Miller. The wind just turned, and is now blowing her into us. On my order, reef all sails so as to not get tangled in theirs."

Miller nodded, and answered, "Aye aye, sir."

Flint turned to the helmsman. "We're ready whenever you are, Mr. Bradley."

"Aye, Cap'n, we be comin alongside now."

Flint looked, and replied, "Well done, lad, not a scrape to be heard! Grapples away, reef all sails, boarders, take her!!!!" The cabin boy arrived on deck with Flint's pistols, and cutlass. After belting his weapons on, he moved down to board the enemy ship.

Miller called out, "Cap'n she's ours! She's struck her colors, and they're surrendering!!!" A cheer went up throughout the ship.

Flint boarded, and headed for the quarterdeck, where he found his First Mate, Mr. Thomas, and several boarders surrounding the Officer staff of the taken ship, who all looked very unhappy. "Gentlemen, I be Captain "Black"Jack Flint, Captain of the ship Raptor. Who be the Captain here, and what ship is this?"

One of the officers stepped forward. "I am currently acting as captain, as your "Warning shot" took our captain's head off his shoulders. The man never knew what hit him. The ship is called Elizabeth's Pride."

Flint grinned insolently. "Well then, he didn't have tae worry about why his ship was taken so easily, did he? Gentlemen, I'll take yer swords and me men will take the rest of yer weapons. Soon as we can find a place to be settin ye ashore, we'll do so. Only thing I need from you lads is yer word that there'll be no trouble between here and there, or I shall have ye put over now, tae swim home."

The captured officers looked at each other, and shrugged. The "Acting" Captain spoke again. "This was our first voyage, and was supposed to be relatively easy. We left Port Jamaica a month ago, most of us having been there since we were young lads, and were returning to London with jewelry and gold for Queen Elizabeth, and goods to trade on the market."

"Well then, methinks this turned out to be a rather profitable voyage, after all. Methinks Madame Sylvie would be thrilled to have some new jewels, and of course I'll have tae be finding something nice for my Lady Ophelia, as well. Mr. Thomas, if you please, make sure you've got firm control of the ship, and pick some of your men to stay here with you, and we'll take you in tow until we make landfall." Flint turned to the Raptor. "Mr. Miller!" Flint shouted across the span.

"Aye, sir!" came the reply from the Raptor's quarterdeck.

"Mr. Miller, if you would be so kind, please tell me where the nearest spot of semi-hospitable land is fer us to set these men?" Miller left the side to go check the charts, and came back about fine minutes later.

"We can hit Lisbon in two days, on our way to Calais!"

"Fair enough!" Flint turned back to the captives. "Gentlemen, it looks like you're to be our guests for at least another two days, providing the weather holds, you'll have to find other passage home from Lisbon. No worries, I'm a gentleman, I'll not take anyone's personal monies or property, just what is on the Manifest, and anything else I find in the holds. Mr. Thomas, do ye have a Quartermaster among yer lot tae go over the manifests?" Thomas nodded in the affirmative. "Fair enough, then, set him to work, and I want copies of the Manifests before we hit Lisbon. Also, someone bring me the Captain's log, so that I might review it. I'll be returning to the Raptor as soon as I get the log, Mr. Thomas, so the ship will be yours."

"Aye aye, Cap'n."

A cabin boy arrived with the Ship's and Captain's personal logs, and Flint returned to the Raptor. "Mr. Miller, at your convenience, break us free of the Pride, and take her under tow. She's not goin much of anywhere with no rudder, is she? I'll be below reviewing these logs."

"Aye, sir, if anything comes up, we'll sing out."

Flint turned to go below, and stopped. "Oh, and Mr. Miller, an extra rum ration to the crew with dinner, with my thanks for a job well done today." The crew cheered the Captain as he went below.

The trip to Lisbon went smoothly, with no further problems. Captain Flint had decided that he wasn't going to sell the Pride, as she apparently was contracted with the Queen herself. Last thing he wanted at this point was that fop, Francis Drake chasing him all over the seas. Once the two ships arrived in Lisbon Port, Flint had all the cargo moved from the Pride to the Raptor, and sold off whatever he could get a good profit for. All the jewelry was kept for Madame Sylvie to go through first, for her and her ladies. Then she would have her people sell the rest of it, and Flint would get his share of the profits.

The Pride's crew was then released, and their officers had their weapons returned. Elizabeth's Pride was then allowed to put in for repairs to her rudder, and then back underway for London. The Raptor then set sail, seeking the next trophy on the way to Calais.

© 2010 Jack Black of Flint

Greetings to the populace of Nottinghill Coill.

2010-11-30T05:56:00.000-08:00

Although this month has been filled with sadness, it is now a time of thanksgiving. Sometimes the sorrows remind us of the things that we should be thankful for every day.

We are thankful for the life of Baron Corwyn Woodward, who contributed so much to the lives of those who knew him, and the history of our Barony. We are enriched by his memory.

We are thankful for the support shown to Irmgard, Wilhelm and Dorthy when they lost their home to fire. We are even more grateful that they are safe, for things can be replaced.

We are thankful for all these things and so many more. The SCA is our extended family, and we wish you all the very best during this holiday. We will raise a toast to the fine people we are thankful to call friends.

Yours in Service

Geldamar and Etain

Baron and Baroness

Nottinghill Coill Baronial Birthday

2010-11-30T05:55:00.002-08:00

February 25 – 27, 2011
Barony of Nottinghill Coill

Come and help celebrate the Birthday Day of the Barony of NottinghillCoill! A day filled with Baronial Champion Challenges, A&S Competitions, Classes, Merchants for Shopping, and of course a wonderful Feast!

The Nottinghill Coill Baronial Scribal Guild will be sponsoring a breakfast on Saturday morning. For a small donation you’ll get a hot homemade breakfast without having to cook or clean up!

Martial Activities: Armored, Rapier and Target Archery - look for more details as they become available!

Arts and Sciences Activities: Open Competition, Baronial Champion Competitions, Best Birthday Cake Competition (these will be eaten at the event), and a Baronial Scroll Blank Competition.

Cost:
Adult, Member: $8.00 Day-Trip, $8.00 Feast, $5.00 Camping
Adult, Non-Member: $13.00 Day-Trip, $8.00 Feast, $5.00 Camping
Youth (5-17): $3.00 Day-Trip, $8.00 Feast, $5.00 Camping
Child (0-4): Guests of the Baron and Baroness *

Make Checks Payable To: SCA, Inc., Barony of Nottinghill Coill
Cost Notes: There is limited cabin space and tent camping is allowed.
*All feast spots are $8.00 per person. Cabin space is $5.00 per person.

Site: Camp Sandy Ridge, Ebenezer Road, Bennettesville, SC. Site opens on Friday at 5 PM and closes Sunday at Noon.

Site Restrictions: No pets. Smoking in designated areas only. No open flame in feast hall. No ground fires. DRY SITE; absolutely no alcohol!

Feast Information: Feast is being prepared by Lord Axum Oneal. Please direct any dietary concerns to: smsoforic(at)aol.com

Merchanting Information: Merchants are welcome, please contact the autocrat.

Autocrat’s Information: Lady Milicent Shiveley & Lord Donal Oneal (Robin & Donny Oneal);
Phone: 843 917-4511
Email: Hagatha819(at )aol.com (Milicent)
Rainbowarrior826(at) aol.com (Donal)
Reservations: Lady Emma verch Howell (Karen Beedy) 2212 E. Lydia Highway, Hartsville, SC 29550 Email: K.beedy(at)hotmail.com Phone Number: 843-861-7853

Directions:
From the South:
Take your best route to Highway 52 south of Society Hill.
Take Hwy. 52 North into Society Hill. In Society Hill, follow Highway 401, NOT Hwy. 52, which bears left. Follow Hwy. 401 straight through Society Hill (Gailey and Lord plant will be on the left as leave Society Hill). Go 7 miles, look for Hwy. 912. Turn LEFT onto Hwy. 912. Follow Hwy. 912 for 8 miles until ends at Hwy. 9. Turn LEFT onto Hwy. 9 and then turn RIGHT onto Ebenezer Rd. (you will see a church and a water tower). Follow Ebenezer Rd. for 3 1/2 miles. Sandy Ridge will be on the RIGHT.

From North of Bennettsville
Take your best route to Hwy. 9 near Pageland/Cheraw.
Take Hwy. 9 East towards Bennettsville. Look for water tower on LEFT of highway before Bennettsville. Turn LEFT onto Ebenezer Rd/water tower turn). Ebenezer United Methodist Church will be on your RIGHT after you turn onto Ebenezer Rd. Follow Ebenezer Rd. for 3 1/2 miles. Sandy Ridge will be on your RIGHT.

Chapter 4: Gypsy Gold by Baron Bardulf

2010-11-30T05:55:00.000-08:00

“Well, what do you remember?” Katherine hovered close.

“The woman gave me something to drink in a beat-up old goblet. She said it was a potion that would protect me. I was cautioned to drink it slowly. It had an odd taste, very sweet and bitter at the same time.”

“As soon as I touched the goblet, everything shifted, it all was so clear and transparent… no, that’s not it. It was as if I became transparent. Nothing came from me, it all came through me from somewhere else. I had no fear, no thoughts, and nothing to remember…”

“Everything was revealed to him - I spared him nothing. When I turned up the 'Tower' card, I saw it all - betrayal, torture, disgrace, and death by fire. To his credit, I saw him flinch only once.”

“The infidel would escape - but just barely… I told her where to hide something. If she did so, the old woman would win her freedom before she too died.”

“That’s the last thing I can remember before I woke up here.”

Dulcy’s voice trailed off. “I’ve tried over and over to recall what I said, but I just can’t. The memories keep going through my head like a song. I know the melody, but I can’t remember the lyrics.”

Katherine interrupted gently. "I was thinking about that gold...."

"Yeah, me too. I already know what you're going to say." Dulcinaya smiled sadly. "I know they meant well, but they might as well have filled my purse with rocks. We can't do anything with that gold - it’s worthless. You and I must keep it hidden and never tell a soul. If that wealth became known, every cutthroat in God’s creation would hunt us down."

"Besides, I’m a dirt-poor gypsy. Can you imagine me telling a judge that two strangers that nobody else saw drugged me and then stuffed my purse with ten gold florins?”

“It’s not hard to imagine at all. After he enjoyed a good laugh, the judge would hang the whole Kumpania as thieves." Katherine scowled, as if to recall an odd memory. “I didn’t think of it until now, but there’s one more thing. Elphin told me that when he pulled your face off the table, you opened your eyes for a moment and said one word before passing out again.”

“What did I say?”

“Rosslyn” Katherine eyed Dulcy quizzically. “Got any idea what it means?”

Dulcinaya pondered a moment and shrugged. “No - not a clue.”

-fin

Scribal Gauntlet by Rohesia Anven of Thessalonica

2010-11-30T05:54:00.000-08:00

Greetings fair populace,

This month a gauntlet is thrown and a challenge issued… of inky and painty proportions! That’s right a scribal challenge…

The scribal challenge will be a two part, scroll blank challenge surrounded around two specific Baronial events, and is an opportunity for anyone to participate scribal arts.

How it works: Yule Toy Tourney, Part 1, is where a “partial scroll blank” turn-in will happen, sometime in the AM. Then later at the event, but before feast and after all points have been tallied, there will be a “scroll swap.” Each scribe will choose a few of someone else’s work to finish before NCBB. Baronial Birthday, Part 2, is the second and final scroll turn-in and where all points will be tallied. The top three winners will also be announced. (Prize TBD)

Categories: Scribe will choose to complete only one of the following categories for each scroll submitted.

1) Calligraphy only (with space/border allowance for illumination or capital AND text spaces left for name, date, event & Crown or Baronage signatures)

2) Illumination only (one, two, three or four sided painted border; with or without use of linework) a. Extra credit: Whitework and/or gilding (white “highlights” on the paint, “gold” used throughout)

3) Linework only (one, two, three or four sided border; inked artwork ready for paints)

Point system:

1) Calligraphy = 2 points
2) Illumination = 1 point; a. Extra credit = 1 point (for both or one, but not each)
3) Linework = 1 point

For example, “Lady Jane” and “Lord John” each bring a scroll to Yule Tourney that has only linework. They each receive 1 point. Then later their scrolls are “swapped” for different ones. “Jane” takes her swapped scroll home and adds the calligraphy while “John” adds an illumination. At NCBB, “Jane” receives 2 points with a grand total of 3 and “John” receives 1 points for a grand total of 2.

This challenge is for anyone in all stages of scribal skill; from the novice to those whom wanted to try but just haven’t put pen to parchment. Will you answer the call? It starts TODAY!

Special Guidelines:

• Please refrain from using the following: “Crayola” type markers or watercolors (with only exception of gouache which is an “opaque watercolor”) for coloring/illumination and felt tip, modern pens or other various markers for completing linework. Calligraphy style “markers” are allowed but discouraged for this competition.

• Regular “office paper” or “printer paper” will not be allowed. Please use art paper meant to handle inks and paints; examples are brands like Canson, Strathmore, Master’s Touch, etc. Key phrases for the type of paper are “vellum”, bristol board, or if it specifies it can handle ink and paints.

• Prepare a lightly penciled 1” border around all sides; this is the margin that will be left blanks so that the scroll recipient can easily mat and frame later.

•On the back of the page pencil in two things; your SCA or modern name and your source. The latter is important for the next scribe to match the script or artwork later.

•You will hopefully not be given your own work at the swap; part of the fun will be to complete someone else’s scroll blank. I will do my best to make sure you don’t! (And no swapping your swapped scrolls back from someone else)

•Extra credit (whitework and/or gilding) is only available to the scribe doing the illuminating/ painting.

•Participation is required; in other words, in order to receive a swapped scroll you must have submitted at least one scroll at Yule Tourney. And in order to maintain and attain a score you must bring the swapped scrolls back to NCBB with an additional category completed.

•Attendance at events is crucial but not 100% necessary. However you will need someone to hand deliver your scrolls at Yule and to deliver finished pieces at NCBB.

•All guidelines are honor based; please adhere to them…please ask questions if you aren’t sure. I wont be turning back scrolls. But if there is a blatant misuse of the materials guidelines above I may exception to this (i.e. crayon colored scroll on printer paper).

•Be creative, do as little or as much art as you want and don’t be afraid to ask questions of your fellow!

Are you not a scribe (or aspiring scribe) but still want to help out? Why not “sponsor” a local scribe by volunteering resources, materials or encouragement! Additonally, prize ideas and/or donations are very welcome! Contact me offlist [arwynn16@gmail.com]

In service to the Dream,

Rohesia Anven of Thessalonica
Nottinghill Coill Baronial MoAS

Greetings to the Barony from your Very Proud Baron and Baroness!

2010-10-25T12:41:00.005-07:00

War of the Wings was a wonderful event, and we were so very happy to have time to spend with all of our friends. We experienced such joy at representing this fine group and words cannot express our gratitude to all the fine gentles who made it happen. Special thanks go out to Lord Brandon for organizing our encampment, and Lady Milicent who pulled the potluck dinner together.

Now our thoughts turn to more local events. In November we have Try It Day in the Canton of Brockore Abby. This is a wonderful time to share what you do with friends or family who have perhaps not felt comfortable coming to an event, or to try something new yourself! Relax and avoid the holiday shopping madness!

Yule Toy Tourney is a chance to enjoy and event and get that warm feeling from helping others less fortunate. The toys collected will be distributed by Country Santa, spreading the joy of the season. And to add to our fun, we’ll have an Iron Chef feast featuring the secret ingredient- APPLES!

We look forward to seeing all of you in the coming months.

Geldamar and Etain, Baron and Baroness

Yule Toy Tourney V, December 11

2010-10-25T12:41:00.004-07:00

As the leaves change color and fall from the trees, the weather gets colder and the Yuletide Season approaches. It is a time to curl up beside a warm fire on a chilly winter’s night and enjoy the peaceful joy of the season in the company of loved ones. But let us all also remember those who need our help the most at this festive time of year. The Barony of Nottinghill Coill would like all to join us the weekend of December 10th-12th for our annual Yule Toy Tourney and help bring the spirit of Yuletide to needy children in the upstate of South Carolina. Each new, unwrapped toy donated will be hand delivered on Christmas Eve to children who otherwise would not have the opportunity to experience this magical time of the year! The Country Santa has been working many years to give toys to needy children in the upstate. ALL toys will be donated to this most worthy organization! The website for The Country Santa is http://www.countrysanta.org/

Martial Activities: Heavy and Rapier Tourneys will be “gift tourneys”. Each fighter will be given two “gifts”. If you are defeated on the field, your opponent will tell you whom to present the gift to on their behalf. There will be additional gifts at the MoL table so that eliminated fighters can buy back in to the tourney for a $5.00 donation to “Country Santa”. The winner of each tourney will be the last fighter with a gift remaining. Archery Shoot will be a Holiday Themed test of skill and accuracy.

Arts & Sciences Activities: While documentation is not required, extra points will be given if it is included! 1) Best Handmade Toy (does not have to be period) 2) Best Baked Item (breads, cookies, etc.) 3) Best Yuletide Ornament

SITE ENTRY: One new UNwrapped toy per Gentle. For Fighters: one new UNwrapped toy per Fighter, per weapon form. All toy donations will go to “Country Santa” of Pickens County SC.

Lodging: $10.00 per person. This covers lodging for Friday and Saturday Nights in dormitory-style rooms that sleep from 6 to 12 persons. Each room has its own heating/cooling unit and bathroom. Lodging will be limited to the 1st 50 gentles who register, so register early!

Feast: $10.00 per person. As a special treat, Saturday evening, three of the foremost chefs in the Barony will participate in a “Medieval Iron Chef” challenge. Lady Jamila, Lady Milicent, and Captain Nichola will each prepare feast portions using a secret ingredient chosen by Their Excellencies - APPLES. Feast is limited to 80 gentles, so don’t miss out!

Site: Wesleyan Camp, Tabor Building. 125 Bethany Cove Drive, Pickens, SC 29671

Site Restrictions: Site is Dry. No Fire Pits or Open Fires. Smoking in designated areas only. No pets.

Autocrat: Brandon Caiside (Brandon Cassady). PO Box 543, Easley, SC 29641. Phone: (864) 404-6796. Email: bcaiside AT yahoo.com

Reservations: Lady Caitríona inghean Ghiolla Phádraig (Jennifer Dutschke), 308 Earle Rd, Central, SC 29630.
Email: scagreyhound AT yahoo.com.

Make checks payable to: SCA Inc./Barony of Nottinghill Coill

Dukkering, Chapter Three: Soldier of Fortune by Baron Bardulf

2010-10-25T12:41:00.003-07:00

After a candle had been placed in a window, the sound of a carriage could be heard outside. A man and a woman entered and surveyed what was before them. Although they were dressed like commoners, their disguises failed instantly.

He was old and bearded but presented himself with the calm, rock-solid demeanor of a seasoned warrior. He was a man born to command armies, yet there was a sense of earthy humility about him. He expected obedience and devotion, not out of pride, but simply because that was the natural order of things.

Although she too carried the weight of many years, the woman was unlike her companion. The dark skin and eyes bespoke a Turk, or perhaps a Moor. While it was clear that the other four men beheld her with respect and awe, fear was easily seen behind their regard. They took pains never to look her in the eyes.

“Are we alone?”

“Yes Sire - as you have ordered, there are none here but the gypsy woman.”

“Take your men outside. Stay in the shadows, remain unseen and allow no one to enter.”

“Sir Tancred...” The ice in the woman’s voice halted them. “...that doesn’t mean you can kill some unlucky wretch.”

When the door shut, the old man glared at the woman beside him.

“I’ll thank you not to address my men in that way. Tancred’s a fine knight...”

“- and a damned sorry excuse for a monk. Have you forgotten what he did to those poor bastards at Caesarea? They had laid down their weapons and yet he slaughtered them.”

The man shrugged off the reproach and turned his attention to Dulcinaya.

“So that’s her, eh? - that gypsy?”

“Don’t make light of the humble; she is a powerful seer.”

“How did you learn of that knave’s ‘ talents’?”

“I have my own gifts.”

He gave the old woman a look of barely contained disgust. “ I’ve had enough of your foul arts.”

“I didn’t choose to be what I am - and neither did she.”

The man strode across the room and stood before Dulcinaya’ s table.

“Now then…” He placed his fists on the table-board and leaned closer. “ …tell me my future with those cards.”

“Cards?” Dulcy’s eyes opened wide with sudden panic. “Oh, you mean these? Fortune telling?? N-N-Never M’Lord!!! I’ll not do such a loathsome thing! These cards are for clever tricks, idle amusements, games of chance, sleight of hand....”

“There! - you see? Here is your great oracle! This miserable creature has confessed herself to be a fraud. We’ re done here! I’m through with this nonsense.”

“Stop it, Jacques. You're scaring her. She thinks you’re a witch-hunter.”

“Me, a witch-hunter? Of that you must have no fear.” He looked at the older woman with a wry smile. “I’ve already found all the witchcraft I can deal with.”

“Pray, be seated.” The woman took her place at the end of the table while “ Jacques” made a great show of sullen resignation and sat opposite Dulcinaya. “ You must forgive the old dog.” Her voice hinted at irritation. “ He’ s a soldier. Oft-times he forgets that not everyone must jump when he barks.”

The woman’s demeanor shifted. The dark eyes beheld the gypsy with a serious and uncompromising regard. “I now ask for your service…and above all…your trust.”

She reached beneath her cloak and unfastened a leather pouch that hung from a belt.

“NO!” He rose to his feet and bellowed. “ I FORBID IT!!”

“You can’ t stop me. Accept that…”

“You don’t dare…you wretch! Have you forgotten your oath?”

“Spare me the lecture - I’m not one of your acolytes.”

“If you defy me….”

“Even in my defiance I will honor my oath. I pledged you my service - not my obedience! When you spared my life at Antioch, I gave my vow to you. In Jerusalem I accepted the burden that you placed upon me. I have served you like no other.”

“If it’s any comfort to you, you were my last choice.”

“I was your only choice. Only I could bear its touch without going mad. How many of your men paid dearly for that knowledge? I’ ve often marveled at my fate. How can it be that only an infidel woman can hold and possess the object that all of Christendom desires?”

The dark eyes grew cold.

“Mark my words, you fool! You and your knights are too rich, too powerful, and too proud. The whirlwind is coming, Jacques. I can feel it, but I cannot see it! It will soon be upon us and it may already be too late. The gypsy is your only hope.”

The old man looked at the woman. His eyes searched her as one who was grasping for a shred of trust.

“Please believe me.” Her voice softened. “If there were any other way........”

Jacques slowly regained his seat. “May God forgive me for this.”

The woman opened the pouch and produced a well-worn goblet and cruet.

The Tradition of Medieval Gaelic Storytelling by James Acken

2010-10-25T12:41:00.002-07:00

When sitting down to write this article I suddenly remembered the opening credits to Steven Spielberg’s 1985-1987 television series Amazing Stories.

Its first enthralling image showed a group of Neanderthal like humans around a campfire while a storyteller, lit from below by firelight, gesticulated wildly, weaving some truly ‘Amazing Story’.

The image carried all the power and significance of narrative or storytelling. We live by stories. They provide the glue for our culture and act as the backbone of almost every religion that exists. The unique traditions of storytelling can thus often act like a cultural thumbprint.

The word saga, for example, is a Scandinavian term that has its roots in their verb ‘to speak’ and is cognate with our verb ‘to say’. It suggests the oral origin and nature of the Norse and Icelandic sagas, each of which is divided into a number of short chapters not unlike episodes of The Sopranos or Lost and advance the fairly linear story often through multiple generations.

The shape of these large narratives is close enough to our modern novel that students usually find the sagas easier to engage with than Gaelic sgeula or scéalta, even though these latter are only the length of a single chapter of the sagas.

Numerous collections of scéla (and from here on I use the neutral medieval word) have appeared over the last century. Tom P. Cross and Clark H. Slover’s Ancient Irish Tales is robust though slightly archaic in language, while Geoffrey Gantz’s Early Irish Myths and Sagas is a clear modern translation but hardly complete. Myles Dillon’s The Cycles of the Kings is perhaps a better representation of how the medieval Gael would have thought about these tales.

The great difficulty of the scél tradition is that it seems so transparent in translation. Certainly there are odd moments, as when the jealous wife of Mider, one of the Tuatha Dé Danann, transforms his lover-to-be, Etaín, into a giant, musical fly, the water and music from whose wings could heal the sick and sustain warriors better than food; and certainly, the tales make a strange kind of fairy-tale sense, as when Cú Chulainn must perform a number of heroically difficult tasks to win his wife Emer, and then, having fathered a son by a different woman overseas, unknowingly kills him when the boy comes to find his father. Still, there are some moments when the tales present seemingly impossible difficulties for the modern reader.

One example is in the death-tale of the legendary Irish king, Conaire Mór mac Eterscél, entitled Togail Bruidne Dá Derga, or ‘The Destruction of Dá Derga’s Hostel’. The story is simple.

After a long and peaceful reign, Conaire breaks his gessa, the semi-divine taboos set on him at birth, and falls prey to his treacherous foster-brothers who ally themselves with the British king, Ingcél Cáech.

The great confrontation between Conaire and his foster-brothers - a kind of an early Irish Showdown at the O.K. Corral - takes place at one of the great guest-houses in Ireland: the bruiden of Dá Derga.

If the plot is simple, the scél is not. A maddeningly repetitive series of descriptions occupies almost half of the tale - some 24 pages of Gantz’s 51 page translation - wherein Ingcél spies on Conaire’s retinue in the bruiden and describes them to the foster-brothers.

The list of names and increasingly bizarre descriptions, one of which shows Conaire’s otherworldly champion Mac Cécht as a landscape complete with hills, forests and lakes, is so interminable that students invariably skip at least a third of them.

Nevertheless, these descriptions were central to the purpose of the scél. A Gaelic nobleman’s greatness was expressed in his (or her) entourage, and Conaire’s boasted fantastic individuals from every corner of Ireland and Scotland - half of them from the síd, the infamous fairy-mounds. Mac Cécht himself, described as a landscape, is from the síd and thus, when Mac Cécht fights, it is as though the land itself fights for Conaire.

The true power of the Gaelic scéla, though, is in how they mirror our human experiences. Each scél elucidates a single or short series of events where several characters meet. Each of these characters feature in any number of other scéla so that the events of one scél resonate throughout the entire corpus of scéla like ripples in a lake.

Without reading these, it is difficult to really grasp how this works, but the effect is that the more you read, the more significant each little thing becomes. With this in mind the scope of the scél tradition, extending in written form from the earliest Gaelic sources of the seventh century to the present day, collections of oral tradition like Joe MacNeil’s Tales until Dawn: Sgeul gu Latha, cannot but instill awe in the most jaded of us.

Fellow Citizens...

2010-10-25T12:41:00.001-07:00

First, I want to welcome anyone who would be willing to do an interview or for your own original submissions of A&S works and research for the purpose of sharing here. This section is for YOU, the artisans of our fair Barony!

This month I also wanted to take the time to urge all artisans to consider teaching an A&S class (or two or three!) at the upcoming Baronial events; Yule Event and Baronial Birthday. I would like to see people teaching introductory levels classes just as much as advanced. You do not have to be a laurel or considered yourself to be “laurel quality” to teach an A&S class. So let’s get the creative cogs moving and put on those teaching caps. If you need assistance please bug your local Minister’s of A&S or feel free to contact me so I can bug them.

Don’t make me hunt you down! Okay, well just so you know that would actually be fun for me, so don’t tempt me!*

Rohesia Anven of Thessalonica

Baronial MoAS

Scribe, Heavy fighter, Combat & Target Archer, etc.

*Autocrats feel free to contact me as your mercenary for hire in order to find people to teach classes at your event… [slightly evil grin]

Picture source: Bodleian Library, Oxford; MS. Lat. liturg. d. 42, fol. 47r

Ahoy the Coill!!!

2010-10-25T12:41:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to throw something in this edition of The Quill because of a recent conversation on the Merry Rose.

For those who aren’t on the Rose, or don’t follow it much, there was recently a discussion about how we as a Society treat newcomers and how we can improve that. One of my biggest pet peeves is people treating newcomers like they have “cooties”, and as was put in one post, “passing them off to the nearest Chatelaine”.

I try to make it clear that in my opinion, everyone who plays this game IS a Chatelaine…

Which brings me to the point of this letter…

I would like to say that in my opinion, this Barony is the most Welcoming group I have ever seen, in my 15 years of playing, in two different Kingdoms now. It makes me feel good to see that there are ALWAYS new people at our events, and there is ALWAYS someone talking about having helped a newcomer recently.

I would like to thank each of the Canton Chatelaines, but it’s just as much every member of every group, as it is the Chatelaines. And THAT is what is going to keep the SCA alive for our children to grow up in, and our grandchildren when it’s their time.

I don’t say thanks enough to everyone for all that they do to make this Barony what it is, and for that I apologize.

But all of you, doing what you all do so well, is what makes my job as Baronial Chatelaine easy.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the Try It Day hosted by Lady Millicent, and hope to see a lot of new faces that day as well!!!

Yours in Service,

BlackJack

Colonial Cup Demo

2010-10-25T12:40:00.001-07:00

The Colonial Cup races will be held November 13th this year in Camden, South Carolina. The local groups closest to Camden have been invited by the Colonial Cup to participate in the In-field activities, to include a processional in front of the Grand Stand and a demo of the different activities the SCA has to offer. The Colonial Cup races are very popular and highly publicized so the opportunity for media coverage and promotion is excellent.

There are still some spots that need to be filled for the demo and processional, including heavy and rapier fighters, and those with portable A&S activities. If you would be willing to help with this very important event, please contact Baroness Beatrice von Staufen
baronessbeatriceAThotmail.com
803-646-6441

Try It/Newcomers Day

2010-10-25T12:40:00.000-07:00

Saturday, November 27, 2010 9 AM to 8 PM
Antioch Recreation Center
2460 Antioch Road, Hartsville, SC 29550

Ever wanted to try a new art or craft? Want to find out more about fighting or archery? Want to learn some new recipes? Want to just get away from all the Turkey Day left overs? Well here’s your chance! Come join us on Saturday, November 27 for Try It Day!

A day filled with hands on classes and marshaled activities. For those new to the SCA it’s a chance to try out different activites and maybe find something you love….For the more experienced, it’s a chance to try something you’ve never done before! And after the day is over, there will be a pot luck feast in the hall! So grab your gear (garb is optional!) and join us…there’s sure to be something for everyone.

If you are interested in teaching a class or sharing your knowledge with others, let us know and we’ll set aside some space and time for you. And for those with a fighting mind, there is ample room for heavy, rapier and archery. ALL levels of interest and skill are welcomed. This would be a real opportunity to talk with those who are skilled in YOUR areas of interest!

Feast will be pot luck! This means many items to choose from, so you get a chance to sample a variety of dishes. The ‘cost’ of feast is a dish that serves about 8 people.

The real bonus to all this??? It’s FREE!!!!!!!!!

For more information or to set up class space please contact:

Lady Milicent Shively
Email:_Hagatha819ATaol.com
OR
Lord Donal Oneal
Email: _RainbowWarior826ATaol.com
Phone: 843-917-4511 (Milicent & Donal)

Directions:

From the North: Take your best route to Highway 15 South Business. Turn right onto Highway 102 (Patrick Highway). Continue for 0.6 miles to the fork in the road and bear right onto Antioch Road. Site will be approximately 4.2 miles on the left. Watch for signs.

From the South: Take your best route to Highway 15 North Business. Turn left onto Highway 102 (Patrick Highway). Continue for 0.6 to the fork in the road and bear right onto Antioch Road. Site will be approximately 4.2 miles on the left. Watch for signs.

Hotels within 15 minutes of site:

Comfort Inn
903 S. 5th Street Hartsville, SC 29550
843-383-0110

Fairfield Inn
200 S. 4th Street Hartsville, SC 29550
843-332-9898

Landmark Inn
1301 S. 4th Street Hartsville, SC 29550
843-332-2611

The Hector Cycle I: Scél na Trí Mac Duibh Dá Leine

2010-09-24T08:56:00.000-07:00

Cú Collchaille Echduine (James Acken)

Once upon a time, there was a man named Dubh Dá Leine who lived in the Islands of Western Scotland. He had three sons .i. Erc, Echbél and Finn Srianmhór. Erc was an excellent sailor and the sea called to him in Winter as in Summer. Echbél was a bard and a judge, who excelled at poetry, jurisprudence and all forms of learning, but he left the islands for the sake of foreign lore in the wide world and was not heard from again. Finn was good with horses and it was from his ability to tame any horse that he got his name Srianmhór: Great Bridle.

Their father’s wife was a jealous woman who was also a powerful poetess and because Dubh Dá Leine’s sons were not hers, she took a great disliking to them. Dubh Dá Leine was a great man for fighting and loved nothing more than standing at the headlands watching for raiding parties of Pictish warriors, as these promised the greatest challenge. Some say that, as he stood watching from the top of Beann Dá Fhíthich on Aídhche Shamhna, the mountain was opened beneath him. There he saw a bright woman among a throng emerge and, watching her closely, followed the host through the country and back into the mountain. As told in Togail Glinn na nGall Uaine, there he performed three great feats in seeking her out and at last won her favor; she gave him the three sons .i. Erc, Echbél and Finn Srianmhór.

After a full year in the mountain, Dubh Dá Leine returned home on the same night he left, but a great jealousy lay on his wife. ‘No welcome before you’ said she. ‘Then welcome these three sons’ said Dubh Dá Leine. ‘No welcome for them indeed but my curse,’ she said. ‘From where have they come?’ ‘From the headlands by the Western sea,’ he answered, ‘and you a mother to them.’ ‘That is not true indeed,’ she said, ‘but the sea shall be mother, wife and daughter to them. It shall be their life and death, for of women is the fortune of a man.’

‘Of whose family are they?’ she asked. ‘They are of your family,’ he answered. ‘That is not true indeed,’ she said. ‘Breacan was their mother’s brother; Airdomain his father, son of Dídomuin, son of Ard; Cindomain Abainn their mother’s messenger. Derrit, Díomra, and Dolbach her three handmaidens.’

‘What are their names?’ She asked. ‘They are nameless save that you name them,’ he answered. ‘That is not true indeed,’ she said, ‘for their mother named them in secret.’ Then she said:

Erc the eldest,
Ocean’s rider,
Riches seeking,
Heavens’ fire,
A fickle journey
A Joyfull lyre,
Loving wonder,
Wandering Erc.

Echbél the salient,
A sage’s psalter
Somber pages,
a steed’s halter,
home departing,
deepest fountain,
Fickle travel,
Touring Echbél.

Then she fell silent. ‘What of the third boy?’ Asked Dub Dá Leine. Then she said:

Finn the youngest
Of youthful hosts
Hungry wolves
Waiting ghosts
Gripping swords
A saddling post
Crooked paths
Biting frost
Finn the youngest ...

‘He has the makings of a horseman,’ she said ‘but will never see sixteen years in these lands.’ ‘That is a bitter curse,’ said his father. ‘That is the least of my curse, for these are not the sons of my house.’

This then was the cause of the jealousy of his wife .i. that he should bring home three boys who were none of hers and for that she cursed them.

This then was the curse laid on the Trí Mhic Dubha Dá Leine in the time of Ninian, apostle to the Southern Picts, and Martin, the soldier-saint: that they should die far from their father’s lands and that each son to the end of seventy-two generations should always die in a land different from that of their birth.

Luminaries Illuminated: Mili's Story

2010-09-24T08:55:00.001-07:00

Come pull up a seat and join me here by the fire. I am Lady Milicent Shiveley and I would tell you the story of my one true love. It all began with the death of my mother when I was but a child. After her death I was raised by my step-father, who was a vile, vile man. Upon my reaching the age of 16, he decided it was time for him to take a new wife and I was to be it. I would have none of it as I detested the man, for he was cruel and a drunk. One dark night, I packed what I could carry and left his house to never look back. Thus began my journey into the world alone.

For the first few weeks after I left my step-father’s home it felt as though the rain would never end. My body ached for the comfort of a bed and a warm hearth to rest my weary feet upon. As a runaway with limited funds, I tended to sleep in abandoned barns and an under an occasional tree. Ever careful of strangers, I shied away from everyone in my quest to reach the Abbey. But one morn there was a loud crash, followed by deep laughter that roused me from sleep. I awoke to a giant of man lying at my feet. Seeing my sudden alarm, he arose and quickly introduced himself, “Please do not be alarmed, I am Jean-Claude de Lyon and mean you no harm.” He spoke with great polish and a charm that immediately set me at ease. Though barely of age, he proved himself well read and worldly. Through many conversations shared that day, I learned he too was searching for a place to call home. As fate would have it, we became traveling companions and with time, great friends.

After several months on the road and many misadventures, we finally reached Brockore Abbey. Gaining permission from the monks to settle just outside the walls of the Abbey, Jean-Claude and I built small huts for each of us. Life became very routine and we earned our keep. Jean-Claude hunted and did repairs with-in the Abbey. In return the monks taught him his letters and other knowledge, the likes of which only the wealthy received at University. As a female, I was not allowed within the walls of the Abbey, but I earned my keep and a small garden spot by cooking and sewing for the monks. Though not the luxury life I grew up with, it was a good life and one I have grown to cherish.

Winter passed and with it came the long days of spring. At the Abbey, spring meant cleaning everything, starting the summer gardens and the visits of many travelers and singing troupes making their way to the city. On one particular day, I was weeding my garden when I noticed a stranger staring at me over the gate. He spoke not a word, just stood and watched as I worked. I glanced up often intending to speak but each time I caught his eyes, it was as if I were struck dumb, unable to speak. Still he stood there not saying a word, merely smiling more and more each time our eyes met. Then I looked up and he was gone. My heart felt as though it had left my body and shattered into a million parts. Scolding myself heartily for such silly feelings, I rose and went inside to clean up and make myself a wee meal, all the time thinking on this stranger and who he was. I saw him often the next few days working at the Abbey, in the small village down the way, and oft times in the company of Jean-Claude. But never did I speak to him; surely he must have thought I was the village idiot!

And then, he was standing at my door! Again, I was speechless, but with a smile he said, “M’Lady, I am Donal Oneal and I shall call upon you this evening. I would be greatly pleased is you would join me for a stroll into the village.” I could only nod as he took my hand, kissed it and walked away still smiling. Once he was out the gate, my mind began to race and I was as flustered as a school girl. But I was ready at the appointed time and gladly took his arm as we strolled into the village. Listening as he spoke of his life, all I could think was how lucky I was to be in the company of such an exception man. He was beautiful to me with his dark hair and greying beard; I had to stop myself from drowning in his blue eyes. It was at the moment I knew I was hopelessly in love with a man that I didn’t even know! It was such a heady feeling that I didn’t bother to consider what exactly that meant or even what his intentions might have been.

From that day forward we spent a great deal of time together talking while strolling the village. I found myself falling more and more in love with the man, never thinking of what that truly meant. As Spring turned Summer and melted in Fall, our relationship blossomed and moved forward. By mid-fall night time found him quietly entering my home and staying until just before day break. Never would he enter the house before dark as he guarded my reputation with great care. We didn’t speak of marriage nor of how long he would stay, as we both knew he was a wonderer and staying put was not in his soul. And to my great joy, he chose to spend the winter months there with me as well. It was a time of great pleasure and joy for me. Someone to share my entire world with, something I had never had. And he loved me! Loved ME! The plain little runaway who had nothing to offer but her heart and her home. I felt like a queen and the future didn’t matter.

Spring came once more and the wonderlust in Donal began to grow. I saw it and knew what the outcome would be. I could see it in his eyes the day he came to say good-bye. Once more I was speechless and knew that I would never find another man such as he. He promised to return with the winter and I could only hope he spoke truthfully to me. The days after he left was as empty as my heart. The warm and love filled home became just a house. The days I had spent with him became a blur – nothing much seemed to matter anymore. The Summer heat was oppressive but not nearly as much as the winter that had sprung to life within my soul.

And suddenly winter was upon us once more. The outside cold began to match that which had taken hold of my heart. One evening I cleared dishes from a meager meal and readied myself for bed. Not really caring if the fire in the hearth would make it through the night, I crawled into my lonely bed almost hoping to never awaken again. Dreams of my Donal plagued me that night more than the day he left. The tears flowed like wine and the ache within my soul was such a physical pain that I cried out until sleep and exhaustion overtook me. Daybreak came and slowly I awoke to the smell of hot tea and soft noises with my house. There was a familiarity I felt but could not explain as I struggled to open my eyes to see if this was yet another taunting cruel dream. I felt the brush a hand upon my face and knew it was my Donal come back to me. I opened my eyes and there he was. He had returned just as he had promised, returned with the winter!

That was well over 25 years ago. We have never married and most likely never will. We have loved and laughed and shared so many years together and I still get lost in his eyes. But this I know for certain, when the snows begin to fall and winter wraps it’s icy hand round the earth, my Donal will return to me just as he did that first winter.

by Lady Milicent Shiveley

Easy Fabric Batik by Rohesia Anven of Thessalonica

2010-09-23T15:22:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

A while ago I stumbled upon an art how-to “Easy Fabric Batik” by Dick Blick and am reviving it from my archives for this month’s article. It’s short, sweet and best of all it is kid friendly! There is no use of hot wax and is fun for kids (of all ages) to participate in. I tried it myself and the final product will be with me at War of the Wings. Follow the link below (which requires Adobe reader) and follow the very easy instructions. One note to keep in mind is that they call for a small class size amount of materials, which may be great if you wish to use this at an event, demo or A&S day activity.

http://cdn.dickblick.com/lessonplans/pdfs/gluebatik.pdf

I ran into some minor issues but for the most part it took minimal effort to create a really pretty final product. Keep your design simple and go and have some artsy fun! I have included an image with my try.

Left side is with the glue lines and the right is the paint applied once the glue dried.

In service,

Rohesia Anven of Thessalonica

arwynn16[at]gmail[dot]com

https://sites.google.com/site/byzantinetimetraveller/

Dukkering, Chapter Two: The Gypsy Trap by Baron Bardulf

2010-09-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

Life would slow down after All Hallows Day. The harvest was done and the farmers had plenty of idle time and idle money. On a cold night, they would find their way into the tavern. The lure of a warm fire, the company of friends and perhaps some spiced wine would prove irresistible.

Dulcy usually set herself up in the fire-side corner of the public room. An azure tablecloth, two borrowed candles and some scattered herbs would set the stage. There she would hold court like a ragged gypsy mage-queen.

In that corner, magic reigned and a ha’penny or other petty coin would buy a peek at whatever the future held. While a palm reading was best for some queries, the cards were Dulcinaya’s favorite.

Theatrics were the enchantment of the game. Each card was revealed slowly and teasingly. The turn of a card brought forth a look of grave concern, feigned shock, or perhaps surprised delight. The secret to dukkering was to answer each question with yet another question. Thus a heart’s desire would be laid bare. When a few more cards were shown, there would be a raised eyebrow, a knowing glance, or perhaps a conspiratorial wink and a sly smile. Whispering a vague prophecy somehow made it all seem true.

However, this Sabbath’s Eve had been a wretchedly slow night, and there was naught but three pence in her purse to show for it.

It was near closing time. A few farmers argued drunkenly as to what next year’s market would bring. Off in the other corner there were four strangers who drank and kept mostly to themselves. One could overhear the usual debate concerning the vagaries of gambling, the fickleness of women, or the merits of one horse over another. By the look of them, they were likely nothing more than sell-swords.

“Tis Sabbath Eve, gentlemen, and midnight is upon us - we must bid all a good night.” The serving wench made her usual announcement to no one in particular. The farmers downed the last of their grog and ale while gathering their cloaks. The four in the corner didn’t so much as lift their cups. The wench went over to their table. “There’s an inn less than a league north of here. I’m sure you gentlemen will find a night’s rest there.” They kept their seats and said nothing as the last of the farmers left the tavern. “Surely you'll not break the Sabbath? There’ll be hell to pay if the Vicar finds out that you were sitting here with an ale in your hand past midnight.”

“What about the gypsy?” One of the men queried.

“I let her stay because she helps me clean up this rat-hole tavern. Now out with all of you! None of you look like the sort who will sweep floors.”

“Sit down and be silent, woman.”

“I’ve no patience for your nonsense. I’ve got work to do. Now get out!”

The man stood up and towered over the wench. “That wasn’t a suggestion.”

He turned to the other three and gave orders…”You guard the door - and keep the gypsy in her seat. Search the larder and kitchen - make sure no one else is here.”

The brute held the trembling woman's face before his.

"Leave this place, tell no one what you have seen, and do not return until sunrise. If you disobey, the gypsy..." He glanced in Dulcinaya's direction. "...will be found feeding the crows in a field somewhere. Do you understand?"

The wench gave a terrified nod and fled the tavern.

"Give the signal that it's safe to enter."

By Baron Bardulf

Recipe by Vincent d'Orleans

2010-09-22T20:52:00.000-07:00

I have an excellent recipe for Horsey Dorveys, a most delightful morsel that goes well with any fine chocolate and champagne. The recipe takes a bit of work, but with everyone pitching in, we can pull it off.

It is basically a hand pressed fresh horse pate’, wrapped in a crispy frog skin crepe, then lightly accented with a drizzle of a rich, creamy, snail shell sauce. Yummy. Nothing else like it.

Given how Silvermist hardly drinks, I am sure that she is not in need of her entire liver. In all likelihood, it is conceivably possible that eventually she would somewhat heal from the procedure. I shall need some help holding her down, but if I am not mistaken where the liver is, all should go fairly quickly.

What we will need:

A wooden meat grinder (to avoid that unpleasant metallic taste)
4-5 large frogs (or toads if none are available)
1 large Vidalia onion
Thick fresh cream
Mushrooms (Dulcy, whatever you have handy)
leftover escargot shells (hang on to any you get between now and then)
2 cases Dom Perigon
French Tarragon (fresh stuff, not the dry store stuff, preferably shipped in that day from Paris)
Silvermist
rope
sharp knives
1-2 horse tranquilizers
sutures

If you get another horse this year, we can make this an annual tradition!

IMPORTANT! For best results, Silvermist needs to be on a strict diet of oats only for the next few weeks. She will like that.

Truly in Service,

Vincent

Greetings unto the Populace of Nottinghill Coill,

2010-08-30T17:14:00.004-07:00

War is fast approaching our northern neighbors!
War of the Wings is October 7-10 and the Populace needs to register by September 15th via ACCEPS for space in the Baronial Encampment.

Our Baronial Land Steward is Captain Brandon Caiside and he can reached at bcaiside@yahoo.com.

The following is from Captain Brandon:

"The easiest way is to register online via ACCEPS (it's basically credit card/debit card processing for SCA Events). You can go to this site http://warofthewings.com/reservations.htm

Once you register (if you use ACCEPS) you will get a confirmation e-mail. Then go to this site

http://www.warofthewings.com/land.htm and register with the land agent for the event. forward your ACCEPS confirmation e-mail to Captain Brandon he can make sure that everyone gets on the list. He just need the names of who is with you, the tent dimensions and if it is a period tent or modern."

I look forward to seeing you all on the Fields! As always, I remain....

in Service to the Dream,
Baron Takeda Yoshinaka
Seneschal, Barony of Nottinghill Coill

Pennsic 2010 Atlantian Royal Court Reports

2010-08-30T17:14:00.003-07:00

August 9
Felix del Rey- Order of Chivalry
Angus of Bedford - Order of the Silver Osprey with Award of Arms
Innogen of Clonmel - King's Award of Excellence
Aedan Aylwyn - Award of the Shark's Tooth
Kenji Yoshimoto - Award of the Shark's Tooth

August 12
Glaukos the Athenian - Award of the Shark's Tooth
Thomas Schreiber - Award of the Shark's Tooth
Gardner's Company - Vexillum Atlantiae
The Company of Dragoon Guards - Vexillum Atlantiae
The Atlantian Rapier Army of Pennsic XXXIX - Augmentation of Arms with the suggested form of a unicornate natural seahorse (Spike) in either argent (White) or azure (Blue) to best compliment the arms of the recipient.
Iain mac Donnchaidh - Award of Arms
Tselmeg - Order of the King's Missiliers with Award of Arms
Kel of Ponte Alto - Award of Arms
Henry West - Court Baron
Emma West - Court Baroness
Audrey Brant - Award of Arms
Thomas Brant of Salem - Award of Arms
Caitlin Inghean Fheichin - Order of the Sea Dragon with Award of Arms
Dagmar - Award of Arms
Segehart Leutmericz - Order of the Coral Branch
Vortigern Faber - Order of the White Scarf
Aminah bint al-Megal'lid - Order of the Coral Branch
Elias Forsyth - Award of Arms
Talorgen nepos Wrguist - Order of the Golden Dolphin
Marcellus Capoziello da Napoli - Order of the Golden Dolphin
Alexandra Shipman - Queen's Order of Courtesy
Catalina Riquel de Luna - Queen's Order of Courtesy
Nikulas Akrapillar - Award of Arms
Briana Maclukas - Augmentation of Arms for Companion of the Gilded Portcullis*
Evan da Collaureo - Augmentation of Arms for Companion of the Gilded Portcullis*
Cassandra Arabella Giordani - Augmentation of Arms for Companion of the Gilded Portcullis*
Catalina dell'Acqua - Augmentation of Arms for Companion of the Gilded Portcullis*
Morwenna Trevethan - Order of the Pelican
Erin Lockheart - Award of Arms
Brukland of Anglesey - King's Award of Excellence

*Augmentation of Arms for Companion of the Gilded Porcullis has the suggested form of a Portcullis Or(Gold).

August 13
Lynet Semere - King's Award of Excellence
Brom Midguard - Award of the Shark's Tooth
Joscelin d'Outremer - Award of the Shark's Tooth
House Blackspear - Award of the Shark's Tooth (to the fighting unit as a group)
House Hedgehog - Vexillum Atlantiae
Arnbiorn Bassi Dansson - King's Award of Excellence
Hjoir Gudmundson - Award of Arms
Margharite Mandler - Award of Arms
Bojzena z Osturna - Order of the Golden Dolphin