My OperaEgil’s is finally over!!!
Thursday, June 1, 2006 4:08:57 AM
Well after months of intense preparation our Barony’s largest event, The EGIL SKALLAGRIMSSON MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT XXXII, has come and gone. Oregon weather, true to form, brought torrential down pours a good portion of the time but this did not dampen the spirits, fun, or the Herculean efforts of all that made the event a roaring success.
Lady Katherine and I both received a huge surprise but I’ll get to that later. Also we did not get the chance to take any pictures as we were tending to our offices. I will add pictures when someone from the event posts them.
My duties as Chirurgeon (First Aid) and the Chirurgeons who helped out were not needed all too often which is a huge plus. As we say: “A bored Chirurgeon is a happy Chirurgeon.” There was however one young lad who was trying his skills at one of the forges. Working away on a piece the metal lost its dangerous red glow, before he could be stopped he picked up the piece he was working on and received a nasty burn. As I was tending to him he was a real trooper, I told his guardian that he would have to go to the hospital for further treatment and he was upset that he might miss some of the events. We assured him that we would be here when he returned and return he did! He made sure the doctors bandaged his hand in such a position so he could hold his bow and compete in the archery competition. Not only did he compete he won in his division! HUZZAH!!!
There were some beautiful encampments; especially camp Eisen that was so “period” there was not one mundane item in view, if they had any at all. There were even Laurels (Individuals skilled in the Arts and Sciences) who were blown away. I do hope some pictures get posted soon so I can put them up here… it really was something to see.
The evenings are my favorite times, there is just something about the fires in camps, drums, and general reveling that make the evenings magical. Lady Katherine and I had a great time walking about and talking to folks. Oh and the fire breathing / spinning talents of House Black Arrow were amazing!
Sadly I missed most of the fighting on Saturday as I was up all day Friday doing Chirurgeon duties then up all night as Constable. Even though I was a bit crispy, and missed some fun stuff I just love working at events. The SCA gives me so much I love being able to give something back, even if it does not feel like I’ve done enough.
During final Court on Sunday awards and gifts are given out. Lady Katherine was brought up and was inducted into the Order of the Vigilant Bear! This award is given for exceptional martial prowess in service to the Barony of Adiantum. She is an awesome archer and very deserving of this award. I am to say the least very proud of her. HUZZAH!!!
I had to take my Chirurgeon oath during Court. At one point of the oath it states: "and will abstain from every voluntary act of mischief and corruption" the snickering of the Court stopped the reading of oath for the moment, they know me all too well.
Being as busy as we are one night we went to bed rather early. Around 2230 we hear one of our Heralds (Skarl) hailing our camp. I scramble to wake up thinking someone was hurt and needed medical attention. Skarl announced that Her Excellency requested my presence. Ok not a medical call, but I’m thinking WTF? I gather myself and exit my tent to see Their Excellencies, Sir Durin, Skarl, Francis, and a Lady I couldn’t see clearly in the dark holding torches. I bow and stood before them but nothing was being said; now I’m getting nervous. Her Excellency called for Katherine to come out as well. So we’re all waiting…and waiting, and finally Her Excellency said: “A blanket will be fine.” And Katherine had to explain that it’s not that she was indecent, she struggling with her shoes. I think she did that on purpose to make my torture last longer.
Katherine finally outside and by my side, Her Excellency began to speak. In all honesty due to being tired and nervous I don’t remember all that She said. I only know I got choked up. My Baroness then asked me if I would be Her Man-At-Arms. I was so stunned and honored that all I could do was fall to my knees. I accepted this great honor and took my oath. I only hope I can serve Her Excellency above and beyond the level she expects.
In my time in the SCA I have never had such respect or love for anyone I served under as I do for Baron Brutus and Baroness Katerine. They embody the very essence of what the SCA is about and I will be beyond grief when Their reign is completed.
Lady Katherine and I both received a huge surprise but I’ll get to that later. Also we did not get the chance to take any pictures as we were tending to our offices. I will add pictures when someone from the event posts them.
My duties as Chirurgeon (First Aid) and the Chirurgeons who helped out were not needed all too often which is a huge plus. As we say: “A bored Chirurgeon is a happy Chirurgeon.” There was however one young lad who was trying his skills at one of the forges. Working away on a piece the metal lost its dangerous red glow, before he could be stopped he picked up the piece he was working on and received a nasty burn. As I was tending to him he was a real trooper, I told his guardian that he would have to go to the hospital for further treatment and he was upset that he might miss some of the events. We assured him that we would be here when he returned and return he did! He made sure the doctors bandaged his hand in such a position so he could hold his bow and compete in the archery competition. Not only did he compete he won in his division! HUZZAH!!!
There were some beautiful encampments; especially camp Eisen that was so “period” there was not one mundane item in view, if they had any at all. There were even Laurels (Individuals skilled in the Arts and Sciences) who were blown away. I do hope some pictures get posted soon so I can put them up here… it really was something to see.
The evenings are my favorite times, there is just something about the fires in camps, drums, and general reveling that make the evenings magical. Lady Katherine and I had a great time walking about and talking to folks. Oh and the fire breathing / spinning talents of House Black Arrow were amazing!
Sadly I missed most of the fighting on Saturday as I was up all day Friday doing Chirurgeon duties then up all night as Constable. Even though I was a bit crispy, and missed some fun stuff I just love working at events. The SCA gives me so much I love being able to give something back, even if it does not feel like I’ve done enough.
During final Court on Sunday awards and gifts are given out. Lady Katherine was brought up and was inducted into the Order of the Vigilant Bear! This award is given for exceptional martial prowess in service to the Barony of Adiantum. She is an awesome archer and very deserving of this award. I am to say the least very proud of her. HUZZAH!!!
I had to take my Chirurgeon oath during Court. At one point of the oath it states: "and will abstain from every voluntary act of mischief and corruption" the snickering of the Court stopped the reading of oath for the moment, they know me all too well.
Being as busy as we are one night we went to bed rather early. Around 2230 we hear one of our Heralds (Skarl) hailing our camp. I scramble to wake up thinking someone was hurt and needed medical attention. Skarl announced that Her Excellency requested my presence. Ok not a medical call, but I’m thinking WTF? I gather myself and exit my tent to see Their Excellencies, Sir Durin, Skarl, Francis, and a Lady I couldn’t see clearly in the dark holding torches. I bow and stood before them but nothing was being said; now I’m getting nervous. Her Excellency called for Katherine to come out as well. So we’re all waiting…and waiting, and finally Her Excellency said: “A blanket will be fine.” And Katherine had to explain that it’s not that she was indecent, she struggling with her shoes. I think she did that on purpose to make my torture last longer.
Katherine finally outside and by my side, Her Excellency began to speak. In all honesty due to being tired and nervous I don’t remember all that She said. I only know I got choked up. My Baroness then asked me if I would be Her Man-At-Arms. I was so stunned and honored that all I could do was fall to my knees. I accepted this great honor and took my oath. I only hope I can serve Her Excellency above and beyond the level she expects.
In my time in the SCA I have never had such respect or love for anyone I served under as I do for Baron Brutus and Baroness Katerine. They embody the very essence of what the SCA is about and I will be beyond grief when Their reign is completed.
CherylDuckyChickenLady # Thursday, June 1, 2006 1:47:14 PM
A major congrats Lord Ieuan! Could you please explain what is the role of a "Man-At-Arms"?
The medeival times you experience, though re-enacted, sound incredibly romantic. ~Cheryl
Lord Ieuan MorgannwgLord Ieuan # Thursday, June 1, 2006 6:51:44 PM
In the medieval sense a Man At Arms was a sparring partner, but my Baroness has updated the requirements and Her responsibilities and I love what she has done with the position.
Men-at-Arms
The most basic concept is that a man-at-arms is someone who accepts instruction in return for some sort of service.
I look at a man-at-arms as much more than a student in one discipline. My job, as I see it, is to assist my men-at-arms in all aspects of the Society that I am familiar with. One aspect of this is fighting but it extends much further.
I have a variety of interests, in the areas of service, various arts and sciences, heraldry, etc. I try to pass on what knowledge I have of them. In addition I try to instill in them the ideals, beliefs, and values that keep the Dream alive. In short, my ultimate goal is to produce good citizens of the S.C.A. and hopefully future leaders in the society.
I believe that a Man-at-arms is somebody that I should be able to trust and include in most any activities that I pursue in the society.
(E.G. If I as a Baroness am plotting something this person should be able to be a covert operative)
There aren’t enough Peers for everybody to be squires or apprentices or protégées or Sergeants and not everyone is necessarily ready for, or wish to take on, that role. Some people may never choose to take those paths.
There should be other options for those who either will not choose that path or are not yet comfortable with the idea of being a squire, apprentice, or protégé, or member of the Sergeantry.
In taking on a man-at-arms, I am not just getting a fighting companion, I am formally including the individual within my inner circle and allowing them access to me in a more intimate way than sometimes even house members have. This is a relationship that is just as important, and just as binding as the bond between a knight and a squire. So think carefully before taking on such a responsibility.
Each relationship is different and depends exclusively on the desires and needs of the Man-at-arms and the person they are sworn to. The relationship is, however, generally considered to be less intensive, personal, and extensive than that of squire, apprentice, or protégé, or Sergeant.
I feel it is just as intensive on a parallel line to the other positions, not less so!
What I expect;
A friend who knows when to speak and when to remain silent.
A trusted fighter to guard my back in battle, court or merchants row.
Help when asked for, with my armor or my encampment or whatever.
Someone to tell me when I’m making a mistake.
Someone who notices when I haven’t been eating or drinking all day.
Someone willing to share with me and be a part of my dream in the society.
I am of the opinion that you should only take on a man-at-arms if you are yourself somewhere in the chain of fealty. Someone should not be responsible to you if you are not yourself responsible to someone. I have included my take on an Oath of Fealty and what it means.
Fealty!
Some people within the SCA, like myself, feel that the Oath of Fealty is much more serious, and that it does bind both sides to commitments of loyalty, obedience, mutual service and counsel. These binds are in place whether you are acting as man-at-arms or operating in a personal capacity.
Fealty is a mutual contract.
Although all these oaths bind only within the Society, it is sometimes difficult to determine exactly where the Society ends and mundane life begins.
In general, the extension of an oath of fealty to informal SCA situations like fighter practices, is entirely voluntary. It should be discussed before the oath is taken!
However, if one takes the Society seriously, this extension (like the extension of courtesy and chivalry to all) comes naturally.
The difficulty is that courtesy and chivalry don't get you in trouble outside the Society, but attempting to maintain or enforce a bond of fealty may. So please understand that not everybody views the Oath the same way.
I believe it is personal when you take an oath of Fealty …if for any reason you are not comfortable with that please speak to me about it.
Breaking an oath of fealty injures not just our relationship, but the very fabric of our society. I do take oath breaking as one of the most dire offences, should you at any time wish to be released, come speak with me before taking any actions.
Baroness Katerine of Adiantum
Ieuan here,
My Baroness is an exceedingly gifted leader as I feel this document illustrates. There is no greater honor, outside of my relationship with Katherine, I have experienced in my life than serving Her.