Monday, July 12, 2010

Greetings, Nottinghill Coill!

 This month has found us busy with many preparations for Pennsic and War of the Wings.  The Clothiers' Guild has done a wonderful job getting the new Baronial tabards started, and we plan to have enough ready to make quite an impression at the processional at Pennsic.  Any member of the Barony that would like to process with us during the opening ceremonies will be most welcome!  We know that our part in the processional at War of the Wings will be one to be remembered as well, and encourage the populace to make their preparations for the encampment.  Please remember to send your camping info to Lord Brandon so he can keep us organized.

We would like to congratulate Baroness Morwenna for her recognition by the Crowns as a Pelican.  She serves as a shinning example to us all.

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



Special thanks to Baron Bardulf for the photo.

First Meeting

Or, When Elphin Met Delia
By Elphin

Every seaport I have ever been in has always sounded the same. Shouts of sailors in a multitude of languages intermingle with the cries of seagulls. The planks of the docks creak and the ships boom against their moorings. And underneath it all is the unceasing pounding of the waves. I was waiting in this particular port for a friend to arrive.

David of York and I had been friends since the Master at Arms had paired us when we first began learning the art of swordplay. A close friendship was built out of beating each other black and blue. We were inseparable for a time; prowling London, drinking and carousing. We learned to watch each other's backs through the turbulent times of Our Queen's early reign.

I had received word that David was bringing with him a purse from my brother to replenish my much depleted funds. Ever since we were fostered to the royal court my older brother has protected me. Whether it was bigger bullies or vicious gossips, he has always tried to shield me from the worst of human nature. I had decided it was my turn to protect him by staying as far away from the royal court as possible.

I tried once again to think of some way to stretch my resources. Money had a distressing way of disappearing and my training to be a courtly gentlemen left me little in the way of marketable skills to sell. My dancing abilities were poor at best, my proficiency at chess and witty conversation were not likely to gain any gold, and my abilities with the written word were poor enough to drive the good brothers who had taught me to distraction. I could sell my sword arm, but I lacked the stomach for putting a price on my loyalty. I am passing fair with a rapier, perhaps someone would pay for lessons for a son, or sons.

Someone sweeping me into a bear hug interrupted my musings. Gasping for breath, I opened my eyes to see that David of York had arrived. We pounded each other's backs and said the things one usually says when one meets an old friend one haven't seen in some time. I suggested a drink to celebrate the occasion. David heartily agreed.

On the way I inquired as to the health of his father. David struck a pose and in his best imitation of the Chamberlain's haughty tones, "The Duke and His Lady are Resting at His Summer Palace."

I laughed, David always had a way of ridiculing the most irritating of people. I asked after his mother. "She is also doing well," he replied, "She sends you her love."

Without my asking, David slipped me a heavy purse saying, " Your brother sends this as well as his love.

"He is adjusting well to his new title," David continued, "Even the Queen has made comment.”

"It gladdens my heart to hear it." I said, tucking the purse away.

After several ales at a nearby tavern, we decided to search for more interesting surroundings, as the establishment was lacking the area of feminine accompaniment. Not too steady on our feet, we wandered the back streets, looking for a more entertaining place of business when a tall figure dressed in tattered rags rushed around a corner and plowed into me. I tried to push the mendicant away, but was shocked to discover my hands had encountered a very obviously female form. I looked at her face and fell into the most soulful, dark eyes I had ever seen. They seemed to implore me for help in some way.

I would likely be there still, gazing into her eyes but for the appearance of four burly men carrying clubs. They shouted in a language unknown to me and rushed forward. The maiden in my arms stiffened and whirled around. As she did so I was shocked a second time as I felt my rapier being drawn. The raggedly dressed woman had snatched my own sword from its sheath as she stepped away! I stared at the maiden's hand holding my blade incredulously, uncertain of what was going on.

I noticed a heavy broken chain dangling from a manacle around her wrist. A look at her other wrist revealed a matching manacle. Both her wrists showed the blisters of long wear. These men were definitely not from the local constabulary. She would have to be their slave; no doubt escaped from a ship moored in the harbor. I felt my mouth tighten. Slavery had been rightly outlawed in my homeland for years and no right thinking man espoused it. I didn't know who she was or what was happening, but no gentleman, even the son of a Welsh scoundrel, could stand idly by and allow a damsel to be harassed, even if she had stolen his blade.

Drawing my dagger, I stepped beside the maiden. David, as I expected, drew his rapier and stepped beside me. The four men did not look very happy with this situation. Judging from the men's dress and heavy beards, I took them for Poles. I did not know what language was spoken in Poland. I did know a little German, and hoping that at least someone knew the speech of the German Principalities, I tried it. One of the men stepped forward and spoke in a tongue with which I was unfamiliar. I glanced at David. He shrugged his incomprehension. In succession I tried French and even Latin to no avail.

The man who had stepped forward looked at his companions, when they offered no assistance he said in halting Greek, "What do you want?" My grasp of Greek is very poor, but I tried to respond in the same language, "What do you want with this girl?" Actually, I think I said, "What do you do with your grandmother?"

The four men took exception to my words, or at least decided that the time for diplomacy was past. They charged, flailing with their clubs. I stepped inside one man's swing and tried to parry with my dagger. Instead of catching his club, my dagger caught his forearm. Recognizing an opportunity when I saw one I drew with the edge of my blade, opening his arm to the elbow. He grunted and dropped the club. He sent me sprawling with a powerful blow from his left hand, then leaped on top of me. I had to bash him several times on the head with my dagger pommel before I could get him off of me. I struggled to my feet and took stock of the situation. After sending one of his opponents running for his life, David was stabbing another in the leg. Unfortunately as the ruffian went down he gave David a good blow in the ribs.

Hearing a loud gasp of pain I whirled around, fearing for the maiden. I should not have worried. The damsel I was so concerned for had run a man through with my rapier. The ruffian groaned and collapsed as she withdrew the blade. I noted by her stance and the way the girl held the sword as she looked for another enemy to skewer that this maiden knew her way around a blade. I also made note of her rather pleasing form her rags tried and mostly failed to conceal.

Seeing no one threatening her, the damsel lowered my rapier and relaxed. Thinking this was a good time to make friends, I stuffed my dagger in my belt and approached her saying, "Don't worry, I won't hurt you."

"'Don't worry,' you said, 'I won't hurt you,' You said " mocked David.

"Shut up and tie the bandage." I grumbled.



special thanks to Baron Bardulf for the photo of Delia

Baroness Morwenna's Elevation to Pelican

I would like to invite anyone who will be at Pennsic to share in a very special day with me.

On Tuesday August 10 at 5 p.m. in Atlantian Royal (N05), Their Majesties are going to put me on vigil for elevation to the Order of the Pelican. The ceremony itself will take place during Atlantian Great Court on Thursday, August 12, which is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.

If I've touched your life in any way or made some kind of positive difference, please stop by and let me know.

Yours in service and friendship,
Morwenna
Baronial Chirurgeon (among other things)

Greetings from Baron Takeda Yoshinaka!

Konnichiwa unto the Populace of Nottinghill Coill,

It is my honor and pleasure to announce that Lady Milicent Shiveley is now the Deputy Baronial Seneschal.I know that should anything prevent me from carrying out the duties and responsibilities of this office that the Barony would be in very capable hands.

The Baronial Minister of Arts & Sciences is currently vacant. If you wish to serve the Barony as MoA&S please contact me at: barontakeda@yahoo.com

In Service to the Dream,

Baron Takeda Yoshinaka
Seneschal, Barony of Nottinghill Coill

Luminaries Illuminated: Lady Katherine d'Orleans

“It all began nine long years ago. The people who had raised me told me their dark secret. I had a sister somewhere!

They told the story of how my parents had been poor and sold their children to different families to get money to live.
My parents were Scotch/Irish, and the family I had lived with most of my life was Irish.

Since I was returning home to stay with them after the death of my husband, they thought it was a good time for me to try to find my siblings. I suspect they were just trying to get rid of me.

“I eventually learned that my younger sister had also been widowed, and had run off with Gypsies a few years back; at least, that’s what I had told by her late husband’s family. I was told her name was Bekka, or something like that, they couldn't remember exactly. She was running from a man she feared and despised, so they begged me not to tell anyone else where she might be hiding. I decided to take off on my own to try to find my sister.
“I traveled across the country till I met a Frenchman named Vincent D’Orleans in a pub one night. He was kind. I told him of my quest to locate my sister. He listened intently, offering in the end to be an escort, to protect me from the perils of the road. He had a nice voice, and strong kind hands. I thought I would trust him and travel with him. We traveled together for eight long years and grew quite fond of each other. Finally, while waiting in a small ocean village for the Gypsy troupe to make their annual pass through the town, we were married.

“Just this last year we have joined with a traveling Gypsy group, after some initial tribulation. I think one of them, who calls herself Aysha, could be my sister. Vincent thinks so too.”


Special thanks to Baron Bardulf for the picture of Katherine and Vincent.

To All Interested Rapier Fighters in the Barony-

Below is a brief review of just a few of the websites I have found that can provide useful information on Rapier Fighting in the SCA and in Atlantia. I am currently building a database of website reviews, but it is an ongoing process. The list below is not meant to be an “all-encompassing” list, so if you have other sites of interest, please let me know at bcaiside@yahoo.com.

Yours in Service,
Captain Brandon Caiside (Brandon Cassady) - Seneschal, Canton of St Georges

WEBSITES OF INTEREST FOR RAPIER FIGHTERS:

http://www.salvatorfabris.com/ – A review of the Italian schools of fencing, predominantly focusing on the teachings of Fencing Master Salvator Fabris (1544-1618). This site has an excellent glossary of terms for rapier fighting, as well as a large collection of drills that range from the basics to the more advanced techniques. This site also has a short list of books written and/or translated by the two primary instructors (Steven Reich and Tom Leoni) that could be helpful to anyone studying the Fabris Style.

http://www.claymoreslinger.com/ – This site is maintained by a group known as the Daniels Academy of Medieval Defence. It has a fair glossary of terms, specifically focusing on SCA martial activities (Archery, Rapier, Heavy Combat). It is a good site for a beginner who wants to get a feel for the SCA and the combat requirements within. Its main selling point is the links offered. There is an extensive list of links covering medieval armor, foods, furniture, religion, education, literature, and many more subjects. All in all, an excellent site for newcomers.

www.kismeta.com/diGrasse - A website primarily reviewing the more advanced techniques of the DiGrasse Style of fencing. The site owner, Rick Orli, gets a bit preachy in some of the flavor text and the introduction, but the site does have solid explanations and diagrams of various techniques in fighting. This site is not necessarily geared toward SCA Rapier combat, but the footwork and other drill diagrams are beneficial. However, this site is NOT for beginners. Mr. Orli does stress that disclaimer, and it is quite evident when you get into the “meat” of the text. I would not recommend this site to anyone who has been fighting for less than a year, and preferably about 2 years of serious study. Otherwise, it would be easy to get lost in the text. So, in summary, a decent site for intermediate or higher level fighters, with some good content that can be helpful.

http://www.mindspring.com/~aedan/north.htm - This is the link to articles written by our own Atlantian fighters (Provosts and Free Scholars – if you don’t know what the two are, check out the site and it will explain). There are unfortunately few articles, but each one of them has a wealth of information, and I absolutely devoured each and every one of them. I came away with more knowledge than I started with by far. I highly recommend this one to all rapier fighters, whether beginners or experts. For the beginners, it provides good explanations for commonly asked questions. For the experts, it serves to remind you why we do this, and how we should behave.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Minister of Arts and Sciences Needed!

The Baronial Minister of Arts & Sciences is currently vacant. One must have a current membership, i.e. a Blue Card, to hold any officein the SCA .If you wish to serve the Barony as MoA&S please contact me at: barontakeda@yahoo.com         - Baron Takeda

Next Populace Meeting

Saturday September 18, Baronial War Practice, Canton of Ritterwald

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

War Orphans Hafla Party (W.O.H.P)

To the King Jason and Queen Gerhild, and the many members of our fine lands, the Canton of St. Georges wishes to invite all to a most wonderful gathering in the Southern lands of Atlantia. It is our intent to hold a Hafla to celebrate the return of our valiant warriors from their battles at Pennsic War in the Northern lands!

The “Aghas”, Provost Elfin and Sir Sinclair - or marshals as you call them - have planned several contests to test your skills upon the field of battle. Attend, and see who is the true master of the flying carpet, and who will succeed in defending the oasis. (Camel races have been canceled!)

Pay heed to the A&S competitions, for they will have much to delight the eye and the senses!

- For those whose talents lie in the carving of wood there will be gourd and woodcarving entries (pyography in any medium).

- If you hand is steady, there will be a scroll blank competion. Scrolls in a Middle Eastern style will be looked upon with much favor.

- Every Genie needs a home; bring your most exquisite lamps to tempt homeless Genies. (Lamps can be of any medium.)

- Much debate has been given to the existence of Genies, so anyone who wishes (no pun intended) may present mathematical proof, or denial, of Genies in a written form. You must show your work, Arabic numerals preferred.

There will also be classes offered during the day for those who wish to improve their minds. Please check our website http://www.stgeorges.atlantia.sca.org/ frequently as to the type of classes and the schedule.

In the evening there will be a feast to tickle the senses and satisfy the taste buds! Please be welcome to bring your carpets and pillows to make yourself comfortable as this feast will be served in true Middle Eastern style (sitting on the floor). For those who need a more European feast, tables and chairs will be provided – please state your feast preferences at Troll. For dietary concerns please contact Lady Jamilla at fairydusted27@yahoo.com.

Check the website for feast menu, which will be displayed closer to event date.

Autocrat contact : Lady Caitriona (SCAGreyhound@Yahoo.com )

Site location : Pickens County Shrine Club, 831 Griffin Mill Road, Pickens SC 29671Directions: 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.

Troll will be open from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM

Day Trip Adults: $7
Youth (5-17): $5
Under 5: Guests of the Canton

Feast Adults: $8
Youth (5-17): $8
Under 5: Guests of the Canton
Non- Member surcharge: $5

Send Reservations to: Lady Suzanne de Cloptunne 3010 Sunset Drive, Seneca SC 29672

Email : Suzanne.Clopton@gmail.com