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
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.
