During my vigil, I asked all my visitors this question, “What do you think is the worst mistake a Knight can make?”

The answers were always interesting. When I asked Duke Cariadoc, the first King of the Midrealm, he said, the greatest mistake a Laurel can make is not to say “I don’t know”, a Knight to not accept a blow, and a Pelican to not say “I can’t do that”, as all come from pride. Read More »

The sky was still dark when I awoke, to many thoughts stirring around in my sleep. Getting out of bed and I walked in the courtyard of our camp. Pennsic is quite, the white pavilions peaks against a dark blue sky only the brightest of stars left visible.

I take a few steps through the wet grass and sit on a wooden bench, and to watch something in years of Pennsic I’ve never seen, a sunrise.

The weight of the gold chain placed on me just a hours before, is already is coming to bare. Read More »

 So why Longsword?

I get asked this every so often, often when I meet someone new. The answer isn’t an easy one. When I joined the SCA, Sword and Board represented 99% of the fights in tournament. There certainly weren’t any mainly longsword fighters to watch or to learn from.

Why pursue the unknown path? There were times when even I questioned it.

Before I get I too far, let’s start at the beginning.

I, like most children of the 80’s, I grew up watching films where it seemed two handed weapons were common. Read More »

I would like to start by thanking everyone. I’m very humbled by the all the expressions of joy and celebration I’ve received.  The SCA is filled with the most amazing group of people I’ve ever had the privilege to be a part of, and at every event, I’m reminded of it again, in infinitely different ways.

Sheer panic! Read More »

   Being part of a Reign is a unique opportunity to be a positive influence, and it is a rare honor. I didn’t truly realize how profound an honor it was until after the Reign was complete.

The year I spent as the “Royal Carrier of Heavy Things” was of the best years I’ve had in the SCA, and I wasn’t even the one who won Crown.  Their Majesties Cellach and Vukasin achieved many great deeds, and some of those remain with us to this day. 

One of the ideas that has remained popular came up in a conversation with Sophia The Orange when she recently asked how The Royal Ensemble got started. The short answer is “because Their Majesties wished to have dancing before court”.  What started out as a simple idea grew into something much more and took on a life of it’s own.

So, How did it get started?
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I think something that I often forget is that as a member of the SCA, we are also ambassadors and representatives of the SCA to the mundane world. Sometimes we are reminded in the most unexpected of ways.

During the day, while at work, Katayoun’s phone rang.  It was an unknown number, but we were expecting a number of farm business calls, so instead of letting it roll over to voicemail, she decided to answer it.

“Hello”

“Is this the Mid………………….realm?” asks a small uncertain voice.
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I was recently asked if: “Is there anything you did to get more comfortable with tournaments, like dealing with anxiety.”

I too get nervous, fearful, and anxious. It’s important to know that your feelings are valid, it’s just a part of being you. Since we seldom get the option of being someone else, we must do what we can.

I won’t give advice like “Just turn them off” or “Compartmentalize them, so you won’t feel them” That’s never worked for me. I must take things head on, and see if I can find the source of why the feeling exists. Read More »

A year before, Duke Edmund, Count Cellach,Wigthegn and several others from our kingdom went to a event in the East called “100 minutes war” and came back with great tales of conquest and adventure. In spite of my not being completely sure I wanted to go to a day event so far away, my knight explained it to me like this,

“Last year, Wigthegn went to 100 Minutes War. Wigthegn got knighted.” 
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I think Grand Day of Tournaments may have been the most fun I’ve had at a tournament event to date. I know that it’s a few months overdue, but sometimes it’s good it let things settle out before making your “Best Of” lists.

First, I should start by thanking Jason Ironfist. I had forgotten my elbow cops at home, and he loaned me his. Jason has been an unbelt I’ve admired for a long time, someone really should knight that guy.

I, as I always do, had a great time in the Tournament at Grand Day. I love the betting pools. I think they are a great way for non-fighters to get engaged with the fighting, and even to learn the names of the fighters.

I had a whole day of great fights, all hard but clean. You can’t ask really ask for better.   Read More »

December 5th was my 10 year SCA anniversary. In 2005, that was the first practice I attended after learning about the SCA from a guild member in World of Warcraft.

If you could have asked your future self questions, what sort of questions would you ask? Discounting what stocks should I pick or who won the last 10 years of super bowls, what would you want to know?

I’ve thought about that a little bit… here’s how I think that would go if I could call back in time and talk to my newbie self.
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