Courtesies & Kindnesses - at Events

Witnessed at a recent event:

A newcomer had shown up to her first event, and had brought her boyfriend.  Due to some communication issues, the newcomer was unable to obtain any loaner garb for her boyfriend, who was also new.  Without any fanfare, Sir Judah ben Issachar and Sir Segdae hua Morda, provided a tunic for the gentleman and ensured that the newcomers were well-situated to enjoy their time.

Vivat, Sirs Judah & Segdae!  Your kindness was remarked and will be well-remembered.

If you've witnessed courtesy or kindness in Trimaris, please send your story to Melangell and we'll highlight it in this series.

What Happened? Martinmas Moot 2015 Recap

Martinmas Moot, A.S. 50

This event report was submitted by Baroness Melangell merch Mariot, OP.  All photo credit goes to HL Tristrum de Kerjean (Jared Bluestein)

November 13-15, Anno Societatis L – Trimarian weather is finally showing signs of cooling off.  We had lows in the 50s which made for very pleasant camping.

Saturday morning, before Crown Tournament began, the Court of Ardion and Lisa was opened, and the Order of the Chivalry was bade to join Them on the field.  The Honorable Lord Seamus mac Dhughaill was called before Their Majesties and was asked if it was still his wish to become a member of the Order of the Chivalry.  Having stood vigil the evening before and receiving wisdom from the Peers and populace of Trimaris, Seamus was prepared to accept the accolade.  Duchess Zephyrine (Rose), Sir Cedric (Chivalry), Mistress Hyrokkin (Laurel), Master Simon (Pelican), and Master Mathias (Defense) each came forward and offered their recommendation to the Crown. 

Seamus was then equipped as befitting his new station.  He swore his fealty and was dubbed once, twice, thrice a Knight.  He received the buffet, and the scroll was read.  A new Knight was made for Trimaris.  Vivat, Sir Seamus!

The procession for Crown Tourney started shortly after that.  Each figher and the consort he championed was announced to Their Majesties, who offered some words to each pair.  The tournament started with the fighters of lower rank challenging a Knight to combat.  It was a double-elimination tourney; each round was best of three bouts.  The day’s victor was Lord Joshue le Charmonte, fighting with the inspiration provided by Her Grace Zephyrine De La Maige.

Vivat, Prince Joshue and Princess Zephyrine!

Their Coronation will occur April 1-3.

The rest of the day was filled with classes and meetings, tourneys and competitions, a rousing game of Happy Hour Bocce (courtesy of Their Excellencies Octavio and Mairi Ceiligh) and a new addition to our fair Kingdom, a Bardic Stroll.  A few gentles, having talent and inclination, wandered about the event site, singing songs to the populace.  It was quite merry-making, and brought smiles to all around.

Royal Court Saturday evening began just as the sunlight started to fade.  Among the other awards and presentations, the Honorable Lady Caitriona Meehan was called forward; she expected to hand over the Kingdom Exchequer’s office as her term had ended, which did happen, but first…  Their Majesties surprised her by inviting Caitriona to join the Order of the Pelican!  (After confirming with Their Majesties, HL Caitriona will sit in contemplation and hold her elevation at Hero of the Chalice). 

At 30^th Year, Master Aedan O'Diomasaigh was invited to join the Order of Defense.  He came forward  and accepted the accolade in evening Court, and joined his four new brothers.  Vivat, Master Aedan! 

Master Aedan was later called upon to speak for Sir Cedric of Dorchester as a member of the Order of Defense.  Sir Cedric had been called to join the Order of the Pelican, and chose to receive the accolade on the spot!  Vivat, Sir (Master) Cedric!

As the evening began to close, Countess Jung-Mie was brought forward.  His Majesty asked her to translate some phrases to Korean.  He asked for the translation for “much research”, and finally asked for the translation for “Order of the Laurel.”  Her Excellency was invited to join the Order!  (Her elevation date has yet to be determined.)

So many others were recognized for their efforts and service.  Champions were named.  Stories were told.  Presentations and pleas were made.  As the last light faded from the sky, the herald closed the Court of Their Majesties, Ardion and Lisa.  Long live the King!  Long live the Queen!  Long live the Prince!  Long live the Princess!

Vivat Trimaris!  Vivat Trimaris!  Vivat Trimaris!

He Said - She Said

An Interview with Their Royal Highnesses Joshua & Zephyrine

The new Heirs to the Triskele Throne have an exciting and action packed nine months ahead of them!  They’ve already been busy gathering friends and family to help them with the many aspects of being SCA royalty, from planning a coronation ceremony, having new garb made, making sure they have enough retainers for the events they need to attend, and making sure they have time off from their modern jobs to attend all those events.  As if that wasn’t enough, they are the feast stewards for the Barony of Marcaster’s upcoming Long Nights at the Caravan event December 4-6th! 

Something that our newer members may not realize is that their reign will be unique in several ways.  His Highness is the first un-belted fighter (a fancy way of saying he’s not a Knight yet) to win Trimaris Crown Tournament since Duke Gaston de Champvieux won (for his first reign) in 1998.  In the history of our Kingdom, there have only been a handful of fighters who have achieved this accomplishment!  Additionally, while this will be Prince Joshua’s first time sitting the throne in the SCA; this will be Princess Zephyrine’s fourth time sitting the Trimarian throne.  This means that while Her Highness is very experienced at being SCA royalty, she (and all of us!) will get the chance to see the wonder of the experience through His Highnesses eyes. Lastly, Their Highnesses will have the opportunity to represent the Kingdom of Trimaris at this summer’s 50^th Year event, celebrating 50 years of the SCA!

I had the chance to sit down with them before things got too busy…

First, I have to say congratulations on winning Crown Tournament!  As you reflect on the excitement of the weekend, what were your happiest memories?

He said:  My happiest, and most lasting, memory is the moment when I placed the Princess’ coronet on My Lady’s head and saw her radiant smile.  That moment will live with me forever.

She said:  I have so many happy memories I can’t list them all, but my favorite memories were seeing him fight his heart out with honor and chivalry.  I was so proud of him!

What would you like the Known World to learn about Trimaris at the SCA 50^th Year event that they probably don’t already know?

He said:  That our mosquitoes really can carry you off to sea!  Bring bug spray after a rain!  If our mosquitoes armored up, we could fight themin our tournaments!

She said:   I truly believe that our hospitality and populace are amont the best in the Known World, and we are not just the "swampy party kingdom".  We are just as skilled, talented, knowledgeable, and honorable as the best in the SCA, but we also know how to have a good time at the end of the day! 

Do you have any personal goals for your upcoming reign?

He said:  My personal goal is to put our artisans, performers, and youth into the public eye more. Without their love for our dream, we would not thrive as prosperously as we do. They make magic and deserve more of the spotlight than they sometimes get.

She said:   My personal goal is to reinvigorate the populace and relight their flame - without them, and their passion, we do not exist. 

Do you have any people in Trimaris that you admire and try to emulate in some way?

He said:  Yes, I have several people that I really look up to.  I admire Duke Greggory for his calm composure, and for knowing when to reel me back in. I admire Duke Baldar for kindness he showed me when I was searching to find my way in the SCA.  I admire, and appreciate, Duchess Maisie for her counsel, especially for teaching me to recognize when I need to stop and reflect more before speaking or acting. I think we all admire Master Iefan, well.... because he's such a gorgeous peacock!  If only we could all look that good all the time!

She said:  This is a really difficult question - I look up to everyone for different reasons. I can’t just choose a handful! 

Do you have any advice for newcomers to Trimaris and the SCA?

He said:  Come drink the punch! This is a hobby of hobbies - just when you think you have one SCA interest “dialed in” you discover that it leads you into 15 other projects and interests!  Tired of your job on Thursday? No worries! There’s an event on the weekend where you can teleport back through time to a simpler way of life!

She said:  Simply put, ask questions! Don't be afraid, we don't bite! Just jump in and have some fun with us! We have a place and a family for everyone!

What are you looking forward to the MOST in the next year?

He said:  I’m looking forward to seeing the passion of our Society “click on” for a newcomer - Hopefully not just for one, but for every newcomer and veteran!  I hope to see the spark ignite the flame that drives our people for another proud 50 years.

She said: I’m looking forward to seeing the unification of our populace.  We all get busy with our own interests, projects, groups, and households that we sometimes forget that we are all Trimarians.  Trimaris is all of us, working, learning, and celebrating together! 

Humans of Trimaris

"I have to find my hat"

-Baron Cedric of Dorchester, KSCA.

30 minutes later in court he was announced to the Order of the Pelican and with his wife at his side, he accepted the accolade on the spot.


Humans of Trimaris 
This photo project is a way for the People of the Kingdom of Trimaris (the majority of the state of Florida), in the Society for Creative Anachronism, to meet and learn about each other through candid photos and brief exchanges of questions and answers with the photographer(s).

Photographer: Countess Grainne ingen Anloin meic Cerbaill, OP

Today in Trimaris

One of our littlest Trimarians offers her ideas on the making of stew at the Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire. Apparently, all you need is a spoon, a carrot, a baby and a cauldron.

Photo by Baroness Arianna Rosa Cristina Veneziano

On Point with James Highgate #1

This article was previously published in Talewinds and will be part of an ongoing series of reprint and syndication of the continuing article named On Point with James Highgate.

Hello good gentles of Trimaris!

This will be the first of a monthly column where I discuss various elements of ‘human interest’ in the
SCA, give advice, or otherwise comment on the going’s on throughout the Kingdom from the
perspective of a relative newcomer to the Society.

If you have a topic you’d like to see addressed, please see the contact information listed below and I’ll be happy to wax poetic (hah) on any topic you like!

This month’s topic is how to adjust the sales pitch when attending a Kingdom or local Demo. The
important thing to remember is that a Demo is not like a normal event – it is strictly for the point of
attracting newcomers to our Society; such as local ren faires and the like. While this, to some extent,
means that you can show up and simply do whatever it is you do (such as illumination, fighting, etc), the thing to remember is that you’re doing it “on stage”.

Specifically, however, this goes to those gentles who come to Demos to be a roving Hospitaller –
standing in front of the camp or display, trying to attract people to come inside and look around.

There’s a trick to this – in marketing, it’s called giving a ‘sales pitch’. When doing so, the primary concern is to pick the right pitch for your audience; in short, knowing what your audience wants before they do. People go to Ren Faire’s looking some indefinable quality – and it’s usually not the overpriced commercial mead.

So when you’re doing the ‘roving Hospitaller’ or ‘front door man’ position, use the right approach – if you’re talking to a small, older, lady, talk up our artisans and crafts people. If you’re talking to someone who looks reasonably fit and into sports, talk up the various martial techniques. Pick the part of our society that is most likely to appeal to them, and tell them about it. Offer to walk them into the tent and introduce them to an expert on the topic – often times the personal touch of an introduction can make a person feel really welcome.

Additionally, there’s an aspect to giving a sales pitch called starting with a ‘positive statement’. This is often used when the audience has a really short attention span – such as walking from booth to booth window shopping at a Faire. Open up with something to get their attention in the first five seconds – if you can’t even get them to stop walking long enough to look, the pitch doesn’t matter.

I usually open with something along the lines of “Hello! We’re the Society for Creative Anachronism, we’re not here selling anything but simply as guests of the faire. If you like anything you see here, we’d love to teach it to you!”

They usually stop for one of three reasons: to ask what an ‘anachronism’ is, because I’ve told them
we’re not selling anything, or because they like the idea of learning whatever might be on display. This kind of quick intro is usually enough to get them to stop moving long enough to explain that we’re a not for profit teaching organization filled with a bunch of history geeks – if they’re somewhere we’re doing a demo, it’s highly likely THEY ARE A HISTORY GEEK, TOO!

In closing, always remember that when you’re at a demo, be it to fight, craft, or just generally help out and talk to people, you’re there to put on a show. So put on a good one!

Yours in Service to the Dream,

James

Lord James Highgate of Darkwater is protégé to Baroness Ilene Johnnestoune and Cadet to Don William of Aschem. He holds the awards for Poet Laureate and the Bard of Darkwater for his written and performed poetic works.

He can be reached for comments, questions, or article suggestions at Jacob.a.tessler@gmail.com

Awards and Honors: Baronial Bash 2015

Baronial Court of Gõcauo Ramiriç and Sibéal inghean Mhurchadha at Baronial Bash. Oct 31, 2015

• Tristrum Der Kerjeun: Order of the Wyvern's Scale 
• Brian Robertson: Order of the Wyvern's Scale 
• Arianna Rosa Cristins Veneziano: Order of the Wyvern's Claw 
• Aibhim Ingen Artain: Order of the Wyvern's Claw 
• Maol Mide ingen Medra - Ring of Chivalry 
• Danial von Hessan- Heavy Armor Baronial Champion 
• Edward Barrbour - Baroness' Blade 
• Juliana Strangeways- Baronial Archery Champion 
• Torasahi - Baronial Youth Champion 

Court Report by Lord David Archer

What Happened?: Baronial Bash 2015 Recap

October 31st, Anno Societatis L - The day was fair and warm as their Excellencies Wyvernwoode gathered the populace for Baronial Bash, a celebration of the Barony’s anniversary.  As with most anniversary events, there were tournaments and competitions to name the barony’s champions for the year.  The following gentles prevailed, and they may be called upon to represent Their Excellencies and Wyvernwoode at the next “baronial throw down”.

Champion of Wyvernwoode – Honorable Lord Danial von Hessen

Baroness’s Blade – Lord Edward Barbour

Archery Champion – Baroness Juliana Strangeways

Youth champion – m’lord Torasasha

Photo credit to Jared Bluestein (HL Tristrum de Kerjean)

In addition to the competitions, there was much merriment to be had.  Musicians, classes, food and fellowship were all around while the populace enjoyed the beautiful weather.

There was an incredible amount of enthusiasm surrounding the glass bead making class.  Students were given ample time around the flame while they shaped and decorated beads.  A few intrepid artists even attempted their own ampules.

Another highlight was the format for the Baroness’s Blade tournament.  It was a counted blows competition, with each fighter starting with 5 blows.  The fighters were able to earn (or lose) additional hit points based on their speech to the ladies’ gallery before the tournament.  This brought some audience participation into the fun and allowed the spectators to show favor to someone who inspired them.

Court that evening was outdoors on the tourney field.

Among the announcement of winners and thanks for volunteers, a new tradition was born. The ladies of Wyvernwoode have previously decided upon the Ring of Chivalry recipients; for the first time, the men voted and chose a worthy gentle. Congratulations to Baroness Maol Mide ingen Medre, OL, OP as the first bearer of this great honor!

 Their Excellencies Gocauo and Sibeal also recognized many other deserving individuals for their service and artistry. Afterwards, a fine feast was held to finish out the day.

This event report was submitted by Baroness Melangell merch Mariot, OP.  

All photo credit goes to HL Tristrum de Kerjean (Jared Bluestein)