Today The Younger Son and I attended Lugh. This is our second time to attend Lugh and our 3rd local event. We hadn't intended on attending Feast because we had thought it was scheduled for late in the afternoon, but it turned out to be planned for 1. The Younger Son won the rapier tournament, and so he was invited (I was included in the invitation) to sit at the head table with Their Excellencies the Baron and Baroness. They were most gracious hosts and made us feel quite welcome.
I didn't see any notice of presentations by the Herbal Guild today, so I've given in and requested to join the Yahoogroup they use. There aren't many posts at the group site, but I am interested in learning about them and may have better luck there than at events.
I saw some beautiful garb at the event. It makes me wish that I either could sew or had lots of money.
Showing posts with label SCA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SCA. Show all posts
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Beltane at Grey Niche
The Younger Son tied for 2nd place in the rapier tournament at Beltane, a week-end event hosted by the Barony of Grey Niche. The competition was fierce, and I am proud of his success. I think the winner went undefeated, and The Younger Son's only loss was to him. I was impressed that our Baron and Baroness remained for the rapier competition and didn't leave the field after the heavy fighting was completed. That attention was noticed and the honor appreciated. If only we could get decent attendance at the weekly fighter practices, but, alas, often The Younger Son is the only rapier fighter present. Work schedule plays havoc with the ability of the other most regular fencer's ability to come.
I was unable to locate the Herbal Guild class scheduled for yesterday afternoon. I stayed at the field to watch Savelli defeat a challenger for the Iron Ring, and it was after the time stated for the class to begin before I went in search of it. I didn't see any signs. The class was listed on the schedule as being in one of the classrooms in the main building, but I couldn't find classrooms. I asked several people, but most seemed unaware the class was being held at all, much less where I might find it. Herbs is an area where I could see myself taking a real interest, but the only connection I can find is a small yahoo group with little traffic, and I've moved away from yahoo groups as a method of communicating. If it looked like there was much discussion there I guess I might try it, but as it is... I see no mention of an Herbal Guild at the Grey Niche site, and no listings for programs for the Arts and Sciences meetings, so I can't tell if that guild does anything regularly around here or only for events. The information at the web site doesn't appear to have been updated in some time (for example: the times listed for Sunday afternoon fighter practice are at least 2 years out of date; the newcomers handbook still lists us as being in the Kingdom of Meridies), so the lack of information on Herbal Guild activities doesn't mean they don't have them. I'm sure someday I'll figure out how to connect with them.
This event was our first experience of a royal court. We weren't sure where we should situate ourselves, as I didn't want to presume on space meant for others, so we sat behind the area that had been roped off for the fighters. That put us way in the back. We were unable to hear much, both because the voices of the folks making the announcements didn't carry well that far back and because the people grouped behind us and to our right were talking and laughing throughout the ceremony. What we could see was impressive, but we're still not sure what we were seeing.
The feast was late, not starting until 7:30-ish. The feast hall was beautifully decorated, and lots of people had wonderful table settings with cloths and candles and tableware fit for a, well, fit for a feast! The entertainment was fun. The barony has some talented singers. The food was good and plentiful. Too plentiful, actually, and I felt bad about how much of it must have gone to waste. I heard someone say the feast had sold out, but there were several empty seats scattered through the hall. We, again, sat in the back away from the head table. 3 others joined us there, one of whom had never been to an event before. He was with a couple who have apparently not been active recently as I heard someone ask the man where he had been and say he had been missed. Our new feast gear seemed appropriate and served us well. It would have been nice to have had a candle, but I didn't think of that before-hand.
Another thing I didn't think of before-hand was a flashlight. After the feast was over we went outside into the darkness. As we got further from the lights of the building we realized we were leaving behind the only lights. It got darker as we went in the direction of the car, but we remembered that the drive where the other cars were parked led into the parking lot at Troll where our car was. We walked along, keeping the parked cars to our right and we reached our car without trouble. There was, of course, a small flashlight in my glove compartment. Brilliant. I think I'll put a flashlight in the basket with the feast gear. Seeing it will remind me to put batteries in it, and we can walk in greater comfort next time.
I'm glad we went, but, honestly the SCA reminds me a lot of church. If you already know what's going on you don't think about how foreign everything seems to newcomers. And, though people are happy to answer questions if you ask, it's hard to know what to ask. That said, though, it was a fun event and enjoyable even for an outsider like me.
I was unable to locate the Herbal Guild class scheduled for yesterday afternoon. I stayed at the field to watch Savelli defeat a challenger for the Iron Ring, and it was after the time stated for the class to begin before I went in search of it. I didn't see any signs. The class was listed on the schedule as being in one of the classrooms in the main building, but I couldn't find classrooms. I asked several people, but most seemed unaware the class was being held at all, much less where I might find it. Herbs is an area where I could see myself taking a real interest, but the only connection I can find is a small yahoo group with little traffic, and I've moved away from yahoo groups as a method of communicating. If it looked like there was much discussion there I guess I might try it, but as it is... I see no mention of an Herbal Guild at the Grey Niche site, and no listings for programs for the Arts and Sciences meetings, so I can't tell if that guild does anything regularly around here or only for events. The information at the web site doesn't appear to have been updated in some time (for example: the times listed for Sunday afternoon fighter practice are at least 2 years out of date; the newcomers handbook still lists us as being in the Kingdom of Meridies), so the lack of information on Herbal Guild activities doesn't mean they don't have them. I'm sure someday I'll figure out how to connect with them.
This event was our first experience of a royal court. We weren't sure where we should situate ourselves, as I didn't want to presume on space meant for others, so we sat behind the area that had been roped off for the fighters. That put us way in the back. We were unable to hear much, both because the voices of the folks making the announcements didn't carry well that far back and because the people grouped behind us and to our right were talking and laughing throughout the ceremony. What we could see was impressive, but we're still not sure what we were seeing.
The feast was late, not starting until 7:30-ish. The feast hall was beautifully decorated, and lots of people had wonderful table settings with cloths and candles and tableware fit for a, well, fit for a feast! The entertainment was fun. The barony has some talented singers. The food was good and plentiful. Too plentiful, actually, and I felt bad about how much of it must have gone to waste. I heard someone say the feast had sold out, but there were several empty seats scattered through the hall. We, again, sat in the back away from the head table. 3 others joined us there, one of whom had never been to an event before. He was with a couple who have apparently not been active recently as I heard someone ask the man where he had been and say he had been missed. Our new feast gear seemed appropriate and served us well. It would have been nice to have had a candle, but I didn't think of that before-hand.
Another thing I didn't think of before-hand was a flashlight. After the feast was over we went outside into the darkness. As we got further from the lights of the building we realized we were leaving behind the only lights. It got darker as we went in the direction of the car, but we remembered that the drive where the other cars were parked led into the parking lot at Troll where our car was. We walked along, keeping the parked cars to our right and we reached our car without trouble. There was, of course, a small flashlight in my glove compartment. Brilliant. I think I'll put a flashlight in the basket with the feast gear. Seeing it will remind me to put batteries in it, and we can walk in greater comfort next time.
I'm glad we went, but, honestly the SCA reminds me a lot of church. If you already know what's going on you don't think about how foreign everything seems to newcomers. And, though people are happy to answer questions if you ask, it's hard to know what to ask. That said, though, it was a fun event and enjoyable even for an outsider like me.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
My garb and feast gear came!
So, I couldn't get the tunic I wanted, which is the one pictured below left in an XS in green, 'cause their stock is low. It couldn't have been more than 20 minutes after I placed my order online at Historic Enterprises that a woman called to explain the difficulty and help me choose an alternative. She was very helpful, and I ended up getting the same style gown in a small in black. It came yesterday, and it's perfect! I also got the headrail set pictured below right. Now, if I can only figure out how to put it on so it looks half-way right...
Of course I look like a nun in it, so maybe I'll be a nun for SCA purposes. I haven't seen anybody at the Grey Niche activities I've gone to who looks like they're aiming at an early religious persona, but you never know.
My feast gear also came. I ordered this at Pillaged Village and got 2 lunch-sized metal plates and 2 16-ounce mugs to match. These are pictured below. We also have 2 small round wooden plates and suitable flatware. We are ready to go to Beltane without borrowing. Hoorah!
If only The Younger Son's dagger would come...
3/16: I mailed our check to register us for Beltane today.
Of course I look like a nun in it, so maybe I'll be a nun for SCA purposes. I haven't seen anybody at the Grey Niche activities I've gone to who looks like they're aiming at an early religious persona, but you never know.
My feast gear also came. I ordered this at Pillaged Village and got 2 lunch-sized metal plates and 2 16-ounce mugs to match. These are pictured below. We also have 2 small round wooden plates and suitable flatware. We are ready to go to Beltane without borrowing. Hoorah!
If only The Younger Son's dagger would come...
3/16: I mailed our check to register us for Beltane today.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Meeting of Grey Niche
Last Tuesday night I went to my first meeting. Tonight I went to my first business meeting. There were a lot more people at this meeting than at the class meeting last week. They have a long shared history, but I guess eventually I'll "get it" and know who people are and what the issues are. I can't even picture "Gulf Wars" in my mind, and it sounds like they've all been there every year for decades. They seem to have a lot of enthusiasm. It'll probably be at least a year before I know enough about things to really have an opinion, much less think of voting on anything.
After the meeting I got a chance to talk again with Mistress Alysia, who recommended a couple of online vendors for garb for me. I may well end up with these shoes from Revival Clothing and this gown and head gear from Historic Enterprises. That would get me started, I think.
After the meeting I got a chance to talk again with Mistress Alysia, who recommended a couple of online vendors for garb for me. I may well end up with these shoes from Revival Clothing and this gown and head gear from Historic Enterprises. That would get me started, I think.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Lugh
The Younger Son and I went to Lugh today, a one-day event -our first SCA event- hosted by the Barony of Grey Niche. It was held out at the St. Columba Conference Center.
Nobody laughed at my pitiful attempt at "garb" -at least not where I could hear them- which was an even greater relief than I had realized it would be. We got to stay for the feast when someone at Troll said they had extra feast gear we could use. People could not have been more welcoming of us as newcomers and strangers. Baron and Baroness of Grey Niche Their Excellences Dagan al-Mahdi ibn Yusuf ib Hilal & Mahseed Leily (I got the names off the Grey Niche web site. It's still Greek to me.) were gracious and even commented to The Younger Son on how well they thought he had done. We were very impressed.
The Younger Son got qualified in rapier and won 3 of his fights. The rapier champion is a man who is regular at the weekly fighter practices and so is known to us. He and his Lady got to sit at the head table during the feast and were to be presented at the court to be held at 5:30 this afternoon. We were sorry to miss Court. The Younger Son got a chance to fight with 2 fighters from outside our Barony, one of whom was also a mat fencer, which was great fun. We saw the youth fighters' event. I attended the presentation on period shoes, which was fascinating.
If I could have changed anything about the event I'd have had everything announced loudly by the herald. I missed the talk on herbs, not realizing anything had started yet.
This was a great event, and it's interesting to me beyond just what it takes to support The Younger Son in his rapier involvement. I've always had a particular interest in medieval history, especially the pre-1400 part. There doesn't seem to be much local interest in music on its own, though I've heard some talk of dance events, and I haven't seen any mention of church history or pilgrimage topics, but there does seem to be some local interest in herbalism. There are weekly meetings alternating business meetings with Arts and Sciences topics. I went to their last meeting, which dealt with how to navigate all the issues around Troll-ing for an event. I'm planning to go to the meetings for a while.
7/15/2008:
Someone else who was there has written about it.
Nobody laughed at my pitiful attempt at "garb" -at least not where I could hear them- which was an even greater relief than I had realized it would be. We got to stay for the feast when someone at Troll said they had extra feast gear we could use. People could not have been more welcoming of us as newcomers and strangers. Baron and Baroness of Grey Niche Their Excellences Dagan al-Mahdi ibn Yusuf ib Hilal & Mahseed Leily (I got the names off the Grey Niche web site. It's still Greek to me.) were gracious and even commented to The Younger Son on how well they thought he had done. We were very impressed.
The Younger Son got qualified in rapier and won 3 of his fights. The rapier champion is a man who is regular at the weekly fighter practices and so is known to us. He and his Lady got to sit at the head table during the feast and were to be presented at the court to be held at 5:30 this afternoon. We were sorry to miss Court. The Younger Son got a chance to fight with 2 fighters from outside our Barony, one of whom was also a mat fencer, which was great fun. We saw the youth fighters' event. I attended the presentation on period shoes, which was fascinating.
If I could have changed anything about the event I'd have had everything announced loudly by the herald. I missed the talk on herbs, not realizing anything had started yet.
This was a great event, and it's interesting to me beyond just what it takes to support The Younger Son in his rapier involvement. I've always had a particular interest in medieval history, especially the pre-1400 part. There doesn't seem to be much local interest in music on its own, though I've heard some talk of dance events, and I haven't seen any mention of church history or pilgrimage topics, but there does seem to be some local interest in herbalism. There are weekly meetings alternating business meetings with Arts and Sciences topics. I went to their last meeting, which dealt with how to navigate all the issues around Troll-ing for an event. I'm planning to go to the meetings for a while.
7/15/2008:
Someone else who was there has written about it.
Friday, July 11, 2008
How to Make a T-Tunic
I don't sew, don't have a sewing machine and had to buy thread 'cause I didn't have black, but I made a tunic that'll do (oh, I do hope it'll do!) for The Younger Son to wear tomorrow. I adapted this pattern, leaving out the keyhole at the neck and not sewing all the way down the sides. The shirt we ordered hasn't come yet, so this will hopefully get him through tomorrow. Lugh will be our first event to attend since he began fencing with the Society for Creative Anachronism about a year ago. He's hoping to get authorized to fight in rapier events, and Alyssia has offered to meet us early so she can observe and test him.
I'm thinking that since it's a Roman-themed event I'll wear a sheet and dare them to laugh. Well, I'll hope they don't laugh loud enough for me to hear.
I'm thinking that since it's a Roman-themed event I'll wear a sheet and dare them to laugh. Well, I'll hope they don't laugh loud enough for me to hear.
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