Unto the Nobles and Populace of the Barony of Coeur d'Ennui and the Canton of Axed Root does Baron Angus and Baroness Diana send greeting.
We do invite all to join us at the Salisbury Faire. We will be holding several Champion tourneys, and we will be holding court at the faire. We welcome your award recommendations.
On the final weekend of April, Her Excellency shall journey to the dark lands of Three Rivers to meet Baroness Meridith at Tournament. All who would join her outing, please do so and lend your aid to her cause.
Thank you all once again for making this one of the best places to live in the SCA.
In service to you all,
Baron Angus and Baroness Diana
My humble beginnings in the SCA
by Baroness Diana MacLean
This month's challenge article comes to you at the request of Lord Albrecht.
This very month I begin my 14th year in the Society (I have therefore been in the SCA for 13 years). It all began at the College of No Mountain, which at that time I knew only as Grinnell College. My friends Tania (a.k.a. Damienne) and Elizabeth (Ayesha) convinced me that I should attend VEISHEA at Iowa State University (a.k.a. Axed Root). They also assured me that there would be cute guys.
So, armed with loaner garb and no idea how to put it all together, I went with them to VEISHEA. I remember watching the fighting all day and looking at all the A&S displays and realizing that I was having a lot of fun. I also remember meeting Yoshi (his armor and fighting both lacked a great deal of finesse, but he was still pretty darned good), Coinneach (wearing a big kilt), and Rolf (with a lot more hair and armor than he currently has).
I had a great time, enjoyed the scenery, and decided I liked the club. So here I am. (There were a lot of cute guys in the SCA, too; I married one!)
Traveler's Report
by Herr Albrecht von Salzburg
April's report finds me at the Coronation for Syr Thjothrekr and Yrsa in the shire of Golden Sea.
The first part of the day consisted of the morning court of JoeAngus and Phaedra. They finished what business was left, gave gifts to the retinue, Generals, Thegns, Advisors and heralds; they decommissioned their household and gracefully stepped down as King and Queen. Leaving the trappings behind, JoeAngus and a tearful Phaedra exited the courtroom. The Knights of Calontir assembled in front of the thrones, awaiting the would-be king.
The Herald, Her Excellency Thiri, spoke the lineage of Calontir while the Knights waited. From fledgling group, to Principality, to finally Kingdom, she accounted for each Ruler and Warlord. Though it was long, it was intriguing to know; I encourage anyone who hasn't heard it to go to the next coronation.
As the final reign of JoeAngus and Phaedra was listed, Syr Thjothrekr walked up to assume the thrones. Syr Donegal commanded to know who approaches the empty Falcon Thrones? The Kingdom Seneschal recognized Syr Thjo who spoke of his right to the throne. Satisfied with this, the Knights of Calontir sheathed their swords and let him pass. His Majesty swore the oaths to Crown, Kingdom, and Populace, and sat the Falcon Throne.
We waited a short moment, and Yrsa approached. The assembled Knights stopped her, also demanding to know who would approach his Majesty? Our King, by right of arms, stood aloft and came down to her, recognizing the flower of beauty that inspired him to ascend the thrones. The Kingdom Seneschal also publicly recognized her as his consort. The protectors of the Crown, being satisfied, allowed her to pass, and the King placed the Coronet of Calontir Queens upon her head. She then swore the oaths to serve as Queen.
The Champions were called forward: AngusJohn for her Majesty, Uditai for his Majesty. Each of the peerages swore: Royal, Knight, Pelican, Laurel, and the Baronages. Then the retinue swore their fealty and assembled to either side as the crown's household. Then the populace was invited to swear fealty as they saw fit.
It was a somber morning with the descending of our former King and Queen. But the rest of the day was filled with joy at the ascension of Thjo and Yrsa. Evening Court saw some unpleasantness: the baronies of Forgotten Sea and Three Rivers seemed to have a quarrel with one another over trade routes. They each called allies to their side, with our beloved barony siding with Forgotten Sea and Lonely Tower. The dispute raged on during court, and the King decided that they should settle this during the month of June.
I'll be making sure that I'm at the next coronation. And I'll drag anyone I can who hasn't experienced one yet!
Olde Fart's Soapbox #48
The SCA Apocrypha, Part I
There are several apocryphal stories that have made the rounds from the early days of SCA. The one about the run-in with the Hell's Angels is interesting, but I've heard several versions of it and no one can agree on it. There are several, though, that are generally accepted.
One is about the fighter and his lady leaving a meeting in a large urban center (I heard Chicago) when they were ambushed by a mugger. The Lord was wearing chainmail and weaponry under his cloak. When the mugger shouted, "Your money or your life," the gentle thought a brief second and answered, "My Life". The mugger then commenced to stab the man in the chest with his switchblade knife. He gave up when his knife had no effect on the man who then drew his sword with the words "I'll see your six and raise you thirty". The mugger ran, screamed and dropped his knife. Not necessarily in that order.
A similar story occurred in another large metropolitan area when a gentle was on the way to a fighter practice in a park on his bicycle. He was going early to finish making some new swords. A mugger jumped him and tried to steal his bicycle. The police were called to come to the aid of someone in the park. When the police got there, they found the gentle sitting under a tree next to his bicycle, carefully taping his new rattan sword. The police inquired on who needed their help, and the gentle pointed up into the tree where the mugger was desperately trying to escape his would-be victim.
It's good to be in SCA.
"Men and societies need myths, not science, by which to live." -- Allan Bloom
"Nature is indifferent to the survival of the human species, including Americans." -- Adlai Stevenson
"The most incomprehensible thing about the world is that it is incomprehensible." -- Albert Einstein
"Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly and applying the wrong remedy." -- Groucho Marx
"Proverbs help us all be better Mouseketeers."
-- Jimmie Dodd
Caoimhin McKee
Treasurer's Report
I am pleased to report that our coffers are full and in good order as we celebrate Spring's full blooming. The first quarter report is complete and available for perusal; all one need do is ask.
In Service to the Barony,
Edward Blythe of Nottinghamshire, Treasurer
Greetings
from the Baronial Knights Marshal
As spring approaches, we are preparing to move fighter practice outside. Our first day outside will be on April 18th. As there is a demo on the same day, we will be holding practice at the demo.
In service,
Thomas FitzRodrick
Greetings
from the Baronial Chatelaine
I have given away most of the new handbooks that were printed in December. I'm seeing many of new people at A&S and Court. If you see a new face, please introduce yourself and extend a hand in friendship. Most recently, I have met Keith, Char, Patrick, Julie and Lisa. Their interests range from dance and singing to fighting and fiber arts. Please help welcome these new people to our group.
I am in charge of the photo booth for this year's Salisbury Faire. I will be needing volunteers to help with manning the booth. A sign-up list will be circulating soon. Also needed will be props for the photos (weapons, pieces of armor, a shield or two and a chair). A Polaroid camera is also needed. If you are willing to loan us any of these items, please contact me at any meeting or call me at 792-9447.
Thanks for your help,
Anna der Standauf von Wiesenfels
Greetings
from the Seneschal of Coeur d'Ennui
Spring finds the Barony well ordered and prospering. Volunteers are still needed for the April 18th demo (see p.1) as well as for Salisbury Faire. Please donate your time and energy into making the barony's part of the faire special and great.
In Service,
Brihtwynn
Greetings, good gentles of Coeur d'Ennui
from the Baronial Minister of Arts & Sciences
I would like to thank Caoimhin, Albrecht, and Jacqueline for facilitating our recent A&S nights. I encourage all of you to try your hand at it. Feel free to seek help from those who have done it before. Even if you can't teach a entire class by yourself, you could lead a "group thing."
On that note, our upcoming A&S night (May 1) will be a reading night. Please bring your period texts and share. If you don't want to read for everyone, twist some arms...er...I mean, ask some friends to help out. Master Brendan and Countess Iliya organized a reading night at Lilies last year and it was fun.
Salisbury Faire is soon approaching (May 19-21). Our A&S championship will be held at the Faire this year on Saturday. You must enter one art and one science. Judging will be based on the intermediate criteria. If you need help with anything, please see me (or call, e-mail, etc.). So far, I don't have any definite confirmations of entrants. If no one enters, I will arbitrarily make Edward Blythe our new A&S champion. (You better encourage some entrants, Edward).
Murdoch
Court Notes (from March Court)
compiled by James the Musician
Lord Murdoch noted that there is a form to get RUSH credit for taking part in Lord Albrecht's shoe-making class at the past A&S meeting.
Her Excellency called for assistance to make ID cards for SCA participants at Salisbury Faire. (Lord Simon has forms but needs access to a laminator.) Volunteers and paraphernalia are needed for the photo booth; fighters are needed for Education Day (Friday); models are needed for fashion shows. There will be vocal music and dance (volunteers needed) performances.
Lady Winnifred and Lord Magnus will be the Faire's king and queen.
Lady Brihtwynn mentioned that this year, Lilies will be the site of the Known World A&S competition; volunteers are needed to assist, including instructors.
Lady Jacqueline mentioned the Grand Passage of Arms (April 28 - 30) celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Barony of Three Rivers; Their Excellencies asked for fighters to attend.
Lady Tsire talked about the upcoming Calontir Performing Arts Day in Coeur d'Ennui at Knox Presbyterian Church. Volunteers are needed, including an inn steward.
Her Excellency urged the populace to enter the Kingdom A&S competition. A mixed entry is required only for those wishing to enter the championship.
Jack in the Green, Jack of all Trades
by Sadhbh "Bheansidhe"
March 30 - May 21: "Monky Business" (a musical comedy about monks, from the people who wrote "Nunsense"), Ingersoll Dinner Theater
April 24 - May 12: Calligraphic Arts Guild Show, Heritage Gallery
April 28 - May 21: "Little Shop of Horrors", Des Moines Playhouse
April 28: "Die Fledermaus", Drake University
May 5 - 7: DemiCon Science Fiction Convention, Holiday Inn, West Des Moines (www.dmsfs.org/demicon)
May 6: Culture Cafe, Las Guitarras de Mexico, DSM Playhouse
May 7: Tea & Tour, Salisbury House
May 9: Irish Jam at Java Joe's, 8 p.m., singers & musicians welcome
May 9 - 14: "Titanic", Civic Center
May 20 - 21: Salisbury Faire at Waterworks Park
My first SCA experience...
...was something of a fluke.
I attended the University of Northern Iowa for six years (1989-1995) and during that time I've learned to love the SCA. In 1991, I discovered my calling at my first ever SCA event, the Incipient Shire of La Grande Tente's Arts and Sciences Symposium.
I have always been attracted to the Middle Ages and Renaissance, so it seemed natural to want to check out this campus group. I had a puffy shirt and moccasin boots, so I thought I was pretty spiff. So I arrived, paid, and then became the information booth person. I was to know where things were happening or to direct gentles to the people who knew the answers. Questions like "Where's Troll?", "Where's such and such class?", "Where's the restroom?" were pretty easy because I was a student. I knew where classrooms were and restrooms were.
It was intriguing to see and meet so many people from different areas come up and participate with us. I remember getting to the site early to help out and found out that Troll didn't have any change for cash. I was trusted (I'm not sure why, but I was) to go down to the bank and break two $20 bills into $1 and $5 bills and quarters.
So here I am at my first event and I'm running down the street in my "spiff" garb to get to the bank on a Saturday before it closes. I made the mad dash back in time.
Later that night was the post revel. It was a blast. I knew enough people in the group to be comfortable but not enough of what goes on to participate in more than laugh and a smile.
I'm glad I stuck with the SCA, way back then. Sometimes I regret not knowing about it until I got to college, but I still am grateful for the few friends I already knew in the group like Murdoch Stiubhard, Naitan de Yurdeburc, Elena/Marina/SUE!!, Michi Nomachisan (Cookiedough Japaneseguy), Little John and others. These people helped define the SCA for me, and I will always look with fondness on the Shire of La Grande Tente, my former home.
In Service and Memory,
Albrecht von Salzburg
Your Boar's Snore staff:
Please submit your artwork or articles before the respective month's Arts & Sciences night to Tsire (tsire@hotmail.com).
You may send "attached" files in e-mail, but it's easier if you send your stuff in regular old e-mail text. Art and Paper submissions can be given to any staff member. Questions/corrections: call Tsire at 278-1979.
Our favorite things about May...
Tsire Tusevo (Chronicler): "I'm getting hitched!"
Sadhbh Bheansidhe (Gallimaufrey Coordinator): "It goes by fast (after 5000 kids visit the museum, plus DemiCon and Salisbury Faire)."
James the Musician (Court Reporter): "Mother's Day, Memorial Day, and maypoles!"
Roberto de Anvard (Ace Proofreader/Layout): "Only 238 shopping days until Christmas!"
Disclaimer
This is the Boar's Snore, a publication of the Barony of Coeur d'Ennui of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. The Boar's Snore is available from Sarah Kerschenske, 4413 NW 86th Street #12, Urbandale, IA 50322, 515-278-1979. It is not a corporate publication of the SCA and does not delineate SCA policies.
"Copyright (c) 2000 Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. For information on reprinting articles and artwork from this publication, please contact the editor, who will assist you in contacting the original author/artist. Please respect the legal rights of our contributors."
Additional note on Reprint Information
"Any article printed here by an SCA member can be assumed to be copyright protected."
Editor's note: All art and icons appearing in the 'Snore, not credited, come from copyright free sources. (You can pick up an article in its entirety as a whole or just by its text, but you can't copy the graphics for use by themselves elsewhere!)
