Aug 01

The Archer: August 2, 2018

ARROW: Good morning Archers!  We will be having archery at EPMArch Saturday, August 4, 2018, at the usual summer time of 10am-1pm.  Weather is looking pretty good, with most of the chances for rain in the wee early hours of the morning.  Should have some cloud cover early on, then the sun will be out.  Again, it is still in the upper 90s, so please come prepared for the heat.

We have Hastilude coming up!  August 24-26 at Silver Lake Campground about 2 hours north of here in the beautiful Cloudcroft area.  We will have archery on Saturday, August 25, at this event instead of EPMArch.  Fun shoots, recordable shoots (royal rounds, SSAC, etc) and a night shoot will be set up!  The new Citadel Archery program targets will be in use at this event! If you have banners or projects to work on for this event and you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out and we can get you some help.

This past week, Isaiah Lewis joined the ranks of the Bowman and earned his black tassel!  When you are moving up in rank, please make sure you are attending a court soon after your rank is achieved.  If you don’t, you are missing out on some extra perks of reaching ranks!

If you haven’t already, please visit  www.southernpass.org/newcomers  and see what all we have to offer!  It is the best way to stay in touch and receive information for all the activities that interest you.  It will also get you in touch with the people who will help you bring your vision to life!

Aug 01

Becoming a Rapier Field Marshal

There are many ways one can enjoy fighting, and in my mind the most important role is that of field marshal. They are the ones ensuring combatants are being as safe as possible as well as those around the combatants.

Did you know you do not have to be an authorized fighter to be a rapier field marshal? A number of people volunteer their time to help run tournaments and melees while not ever fighting. If you are interested, please come see me this Wednesday night at Citadel raper practice, I will be starting training for those interested in getting their rapier field marshal authorizations before Hastilude.
-Don Carlos

 

Besides the kingdom and society handbooks, this site http://moondragon.info/wiki/Basic_Field_Marshalling has some good points that are worth reading

Aug 01

Fencing tonight (August 1st)! 6:30pm at Military Gamer Supply

Don Julien will be covering counter-disengages (contracavazione) starting from the inside engagement.

“THE INSIDE COUNTERDISENGAGE OF THE SWORD
In this figure another way of parrying and wounding by way of counterdisengage is represented and shown to you, which one does in this way: having covered the sword of your enemy so that if he wants to wound you he must disengage, while he disengages I want you to also disengage so that your sword returns to its first position, covering that of the enemy. But in the disengaging that you do, availing yourself of the tempo, throw a stoccata at him where he is uncovered, turning your body a little towards the right side and holding your arm stretched forward so that if he comes to wound you he will wound himself of his own accord. Having thrown the stoccata, return backwards outside of measure.”

Jul 25

Rapier Practice Tonight (7/25/18) at Military Gamers Supply

Don Julien de la Fontaine is going to be continuing a series of lessons at rapier practice from Nicoletto Giganti’s 1606 Rapier manual.  This is the manual that he learned from and is an excellent way to learn rapier while reinforcing fundamentals.

Tonight he will be teaching the lesson on Giganti’s fifth play, which covers an attack in tempo beginning with a constraint to the outside, as well as a detailed discussion on how to perform a cavazione (disengage).

Come and join him tonight at 6:30 pm at Military Gamers Supply, 1121 Larry Mahan, and take advantage of his many years of experience as a rapier fighter and teacher.  We look forward to your attendance!

https://www.facebook.com/events/251924462269113/

Jul 24

Baronial Pavilion Work Party this coming Saturday (7/28) at 6 pm

Saturday evening at the Baronial Estate we will be working on getting pavilions ready for Citadel Hastilude.  We will be prepping poles and repairing grommets on tents and camp walls.  We’ll also have the BBQ Grill going and maybe even some sangria to keep us all refreshed.  Come out and lend a hand as well as socialize.

https://www.facebook.com/events/412388079270266/

Jul 21

Citadel continues its search for a Baronial Youth Minister

Citadel is continuing its search to fill the office of Baronial Youth Minister.  The Youth Minister is responsible for organizing activities for children and youth at Baronial events and activities such as Baronial Days and Populace Gatherings.  Youth Activities should be considered as an integral part of event planning, so that a suitable location can be set aside.  Family Activities can be simple: a coloring station set up with crayons and paper, a set of blocks, and other basic toys for drop-in play.  Alternatively, they can be contests and tournaments, depending on the level of interest and help available.  If possible, keeping toys, games and activities reasonably authentic, or at least not shockingly modern, is best. The amusement and enjoyment of the children should be the main priority.  In addition, the Youth Minister would be responsible for the organization of Youth Arts & Sciences Night, which is held on the fourth Friday of every Month alongside the Barony’s normally scheduled A&S night.

Letters of Intent should be submitted to Madame Seneschal (seneschal@southernpass.org) and Their Excellencies (coronet@southernpass.org) by no later than August 30, 2018.

The requirements for holding the office of Youth Minister are as follows:

  • Must be 18 or older and a carded member.
  • Must have background check completed and approved by SCA, Inc. (contact seneschal@sothernpass.org for details).
  • Must file monthly reports to the Baronial Senescha
  • Monthly reports by the Youth Minister should include:
    • the number of events at which children’s activities took place
    • the number of children who enjoyed them
    • Sharing ideas for activities is always helpful
  • Must abide by following:
    • *The “2-deep” rule specifies that for all SCA Youth Activities, a minimum of 2 adults (at or above the age of legal majority in the state, province or country in which the activity occurs) unrelated to one another by blood, marriage or relationship must be present. One of which must have passed a background check.
    • This policy does not relieve parents of their primary responsibility for the welfare and behavior of their children.*
    • *Additionally, youth under the age of 12 must be within sight and sound of their parent.
    • Youth Ministers are not baby sitters and should not be regarded as such.
    • *(from the Society Kingdom Seneschal Handbook, pages 22 and 23-approved April 2013)

Jul 20

Their Excellencies Seek Gentles to Serve on Baronial Retinue

Good Populace of Mighty Citadel!

Their Excellencies Tariq and Elieth are seeking good gentles that are willing and able to serve as members of the Baronial Household. Please contact them via coronet@southernpass.org if you are interested in serving on the Baronial Retinue.

What will be expected of you as a member of the court you ask? At the most basic level, the task of the retinue is to help the Baron and Baroness do their job as smoothly as possible. This applies mostly during events, but also at other times when help may occasionally be required. The secondary role of the retinue is that, simply by looking good and being attentive, they add to the glamour of the B&B and of the occasion.  Retinue will attend to Their Excellencies, providing assistance and companionship during events.  They will sometimes also be asked to stand court and attend to other tasks that may be needed.

They look forward to speaking to you who wish to heed the call to serve the Barony in this unique way.

Jul 20

August Arts & Sciences Night, Monday, August 13, 2018: Courtesy in the SCA

Courtesy is our organization’s most cherished virtue and one of the aspects of noble behavior that we try to encourage within the SCA. Courtesy is the showing of politeness in one’s attitude and behavior toward others; for the most part, common sense and being polite will go a long way.
 
The core of courtesy has not changed since the Middle Ages. Being courteous simply means being nice to each other, respecting each other’s feelings, and treating people as you want to be treated. What makes courtesy different in the SCA is that we try to add courtly embellishments such as bowing, curtsying and hand kissing.
 
Join us as we present a primer for SCA Courtesy. This is a class not only for newcomers, but also for veteran players as we have a round table and share a discussion about what medieval courtesy is and how we behave in the SCA. We will also spend some time on discussing the concept of retinue and it’s role in these current middle ages.
 
Join us and share your experiences with newcomers and veterans alike, 13 August at 07 PM–10 PM at 9900 Chinaberry Drive, El Paso, 79925
https://www.facebook.com/events/1478461665618788/

Jul 20

Courtesy, Etiquette and Gentle Behavior: A Handy Guide from modaruniveristy.org

Taken from Baron Modar Neznanich, Master of the Order of the Pelican, Volk Herald Extraordinaire
e-mail: modar@everestkc.net.  Original document as well as more great information can be found at http://www.modaruniversity.org/

One of the aspects of noble behavior that we try to encourage within the SCA is that of courtesy. For the most part, common sense and a
polite attitude will keep you in good stead. If ever in doubt about something, ask. Most folks recall when they were new to the Society and
are willing to answer your questions. With just a little time, you will become familiar with the customs and manners that exist in the SCA.

Following are some guidelines to assist you in learning many of the “social graces” within the Society.

1. “Hold” is the safety word of the SCA. It is a term meaning, “Stop! Be quiet and stand still!” When you hear this, it means that
something potentially dangerous has happened or is about to happen. It may mean that a fighter is down on the field, or it may mean
that you are about to step into a ditch. Until you know which, it is wise to stand still and listen. Look around you and make sure that
things are safe before proceeding. If you see a potentially dangerous situation for someone, you should cry “Hold!” to warn them.

2. Don’t pick up another person’s stuff without asking. While most folks are eager to show off their possessions, be courteous and first
ask permission to handle any weapons, armor, equipment, crafts, etc.

3. All blades should be worn in sheaths and peace-bound. Peace-bound means to tie or secure the blade in its sheath so that it cannot fall
out or be easily removed by someone else.

4. Before drawing forth a live steel weapon (sword, knife, axe, etc.) to show someone, it is customary to loudly state “CLEAR”.

5. NEVER DRAW A WEAPON IN AN OFFENSIVE MANNER

6. Pay heed to the Heralds when they are making an announcement or speaking to the populace. Even if the announcement does not
concern you or deal with something you’re interested in, others around you may wish to hear the information being provided. They
will usually start their announcements with a cry of “Oyez”, to let you know that an announcement is forthcoming.

7. Always ask permission before entering a pavilion or going into a private meeting. Most folks will ask you to join them once you
introduce yourself.

8. Try to use the correct form of address when speaking to others. If you don’t know someone’s title and they have a crown/coronet of
some sort, use “Your Excellency”. If they do not have a crown/coronet, use “milord” or “milady”.

9. The SCA strives to create an illusion of a period atmosphere. Whenever possible, do your best to cover/conceal modern items such as
soda cans, CD players, ice chests, etc. When possible use period-looking utensils, drinking vessels and chests. Use fabric and throw
rugs to cover non-period looking coolers and chairs.

10. Always leave a site cleaner than you found it. This is a basic tenet of the SCA. How a site is left reflects on your honor and the hosting
group’s honor (and may even determine if the SCA is permitted the use of such facilities again).

11. Offer a helping hand. After arriving at an event and checking in, and having unloaded and set up your gear, look to see if there are
others who can use a hand in getting their items unloaded and set up. This not only is providing assistance to others, but reflects well
upon your honor and integrity. It also provides an opportunity to introduce yourself to folks and make new friends. And you never
know… that gentle you helped move things in from the parking lot, may turn out to be a visiting king from another kingdom when you
see him in garb later. Likewise, check to see if folks need assistance setting up activities for the event or aid in preparing feast.

12. Remember your Court Etiquette. Court is the time the Royalty/Baronage uses to handle matters of state. This may include
announcements important to an aspect of the SCA, presentations from the populace, promotion of upcoming events or activities,
changes to kingdom law and, of course, the presentation of awards to deserving gentles. So what does it mean then to be an “attendee”
of court? Since the purpose of court is to process matters of state, the result is that the attendees are there to bear witness to actions of
the court. This means you are there in an official capacity, even if all you do is watch what is happening. On a more unofficial level,
you are there to learn about upcoming activities and cheer your friends and fellow SCA folk for their efforts. Remember that during
court, you are witnessing official business (no matter how silly some of it may get). If you must talk to someone (except for a short
comment), it is a good idea to leave court, as others there do want to hear the business going on in court. If you are talking, they may
not be able to hear what is happening. And if you are making a short comment, please remember to whisper. Courtesy is an integral
part of the SCA and during court is one time in which it should be displayed greatly. Also realize at times it is hard to hear what is
going on, especially during presentations because the presenters do not (or can not) speak loudly, or well, and many people get stagefright
or tongue-tied when in front of an audience. As this time is even more difficult on those who want to pay attention to court
functions, talking can override what is being said. And while some portion of court, or announcements might not be of interest to you,
it will be of import to others, and they will want to hear it. Please be considerate of others.

©2005, 2006, 2007 Baron Modar Neznanich, OPel, Volk Herald (Ron Knight)

Jul 20

The Archer: July 20, 2018

ARROW:  Weather should hold for archery this weekend, Saturday July 21 at 10am-1pm, for those who are not at Nock on Wood.  It will be HOT, with little breeze and little cloud cover.  PLEASE prepare for this- cowls, sunscreen, water, and a snack.  The pavilion will be our only refuge from the sun and heat unless you trek inside.  Mid 80s to start and ending at right about 100 by the time we break down and leave, 5mph winds or less, and 10% or less cloud cover.

 

A big thank you to our Captain Emeritus, Jim Volker, for putting together the last of the 3 new targets last weekend!  We are now all set on those and will be replacing the further targets soon.  Looking forward to seeing everyone on Sat at 10am!