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!

Jul 19

Clothiers & Textile Guild Meeting, Thursday, July 26, 2018

The Clothiers & Textiles Guild is intended to serve as a friendly and open environment for both newcomers and experienced players alike to come together, work on garb and other textiles projects, and get ideas for all those things that enhance a persona or SCA presence.

This month the Guild will be focusing on preparations for Citadel Hastilude.  To that end we will be working on Banners, standards and maybe even tabards.  Come join in and work on either baronial projects or one of your own!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1064116877070349/

Jul 19

Weekly Rapier Practice at Military Gamer’s Supply

Rapier combat in the SCA is an attempt to recreate later styles of swordfighting from the late Middle Ages and Renaissance.  The style of swordplay is often based on surviving manuals and theories of combat from period.  Unlike the modern sport of fencing, SCA combat uses a wide variety of weapons and body protection and takes place “in the round,” at full speed and unchoreographed with freedom of movement in any direction rather than the more mundane “line” fencing that one is more used to seeing.  Rapier combat is based on a system of honor and chivalry and the combatants themselves determine if the attacks they receive were successful based on the angle, location, and force of the strike.  Rapier combat can be found both in the form of tournaments of individual and team combatants as well as in larger melees and wars.

The Citadel of the Southern Pass boosts a strong and growing rapier community that practices regularly and successfully competes both locally and at Kingdom level with great frequency.  A dedicated rapier practice is held every Wednesday evening at Military Gamer’s Supply from 6:30 pm until around 9:30 pm, depending on attendance and practice intensity.  The Barony also has a stock of loaner equipment and well-trained safety and instructional staff so anyone can come and give it a try.  We also hold a joint practice on Sundays along side our Armored Combat colleagues at Album Park from 10:30 am – @2:00 pm.

Come out and join us!

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

Jul 19

Arts & Sciences Night: Creating Documentation (Friday, August 27, 2018)

Join us on Friday night as The Honorable Lord Edmund Peregrine (Victor Singleton) explains the ins and outs of documentation for your Arts & Sciences projects for all levels, from basic descriptions all the way to Kingdom level competition ready. There will also be a space to discuss your current or upcoming projects in order to get new ideas or help to solve any complications that you may be having.
 
His Lordship Edmund, having many times been the Arts & Sciences Officer for various groups, is not only an experienced competitor iat all levels of Arts & Sciences competitions in various Kingdoms over the years, but he is regularly called on to judge competitions from local to Kingdom level. Come and take advantage of his vast experience to up your A&S game!
https://www.facebook.com/events/832701253605786/

Jul 18

July Baronial Officer’s Meeting is this week

The Officer corps. of the Barony will be holding it’s regular monthly meeting this Thursday, July 19, 2018 at 7:00 pm at Los Tres Gallegos Mexican Restaurant, 10801 Pebble Hills Blvd, El Paso, TX 79935-2025. We will be meeting in the back room as always.

These meetings are open to all who wish to attend and we even have a portion of the meeting dedicated to public comment. Please join us for some good food, and share your ideas or come and learn how the Barony is run.

This month’s meeting topics will include preparations for Citadel Hastilude, The Feast of Saint Edrik and some potential upcoming demos as well as an after-action report from Battlemoor. Signore Bernardo will also be updating us on the new SOciety Social Media Policy.

We look forward to your attendance!

https://www.facebook.com/events/291927504715929/

Jul 17

Banners for Hastilude!

This year’s theme for Citadel Hastilude is King Renee de Anjou’s Book of the Tournament and as such, medieval pomp and circumstance are paramount for the event.  What better way to add to the flavor and ambiance of the event than to fly your heraldry high in the wind on a beautiful silk standard or carry it in procession before Her Royal Majesty as you present yourself for the Grand Tournament?

We encourage all those who plan to attend the event to bring with them all of their standards, banners, flags, pennants and gonfalones and fly them proudly.  Don’t have a banner?  There is still time to make one!  A bit of canvas and some acrylic paint goes a long way or see your local Arts and Sciences officer or the Baronial Clothiers and Textiles Guild for help!  Don’t have your arms yet?  See your local Herald or fly the badge of your home group!  The Barony will also be producing silk standards to fly around the event and we will even be holding a banner making class very soon!

We look forward to the event and to all of the heraldry that will be displayed!

Jul 17

The Return of the Iron Banner Competition!

The Citadel Clothiers and Textiles Guild is bringing back the Iron Banner Competition, last run by Mistress Toragana Al’altun in 2005.  Join the competition and help the Barony replenish it’s inventory of Regalia.

Each participant will be given a packet that contains includes fabric, the rules, some useful info, and patterns you may use.

The prize is a $20.00 JoAnn’s gift certificate. The importance isn’t really competing, that’s just an incentive feature.  The importance is to learn something new, contribute something to the Barony, and have fun doing it.

Your completed banner (or, heaven forbid, unfinished packet) is due at the Feast of Saint Edrik on Saturday, October 20, 2018.  It should be ready to fly or hang, or (if you would like to donate the materials for the pole) flying for the event.  All banners will be displayed during the event.

You may get help from others. You may work in groups.  You may go to another artist to change or make other patterns of the Baronial Arms.  Just give your helpers credit, too, because it is polite.  You may make one big banner or several smaller banners.  It is completely up to you! That is the creative part.

Just remember, if it is for Regalia to be used by the Baronage of the Citadel, it must have the complete Arms.  If you want to make a banner to mark the area of the Citadel for encampments or a populace badge banner, then please do not include the laurel wreath in your design.

The deadline for sign-up is Friday, August 3, 2018 in order to give us a chance to create the appropriate number of packets for participants.  You can sign up by emailing Tariq at gemaloof@gmail.com.

Join us and have fun!

 

Iron Banner Competition Rules

  1. You may choose the size and shape of you completed banner. You may choose to make several small banners or one large banner (See the above links for ideas.), however, you must return, all of the fabric in the packet, whether you use it all or not.  Hopefully, most of it will be in your banners!
  2. You may choose to add interfacing, interlinings, or stitch and tear embroidery backing, etc. however, the banner must be backed by the fabric provided or your own additional backing. If you choose to add your own backing material, it must match the front material in color, quality, and be both durable and machine washable.
  3. You may choose to make your banner a double sided or one-sided pattern (i.e.: the design can be on the front and back or just on the front), however, again, the one sided pattern must have a backing of some sort for durability.
  4. You may add other components such as braid, trim, embroidery, etc., however, you may not use beads of any kind. You may not add purchased or handmade fringe of any kind.
  5. You must create a way for the banner to be hung from something. How it is to be hung is your choice.
  6. The main portion of the banner must be the Arms of the Citadel of the Southern Pass. You may choose to apply them in any way. Your packet contains enough fabric to applique them on, however, you may choose to paint them on, embroider them, etc. You may choose to not use the white fabric for the wall.  You may substitute other fabric, braid, trim, paint, embroidery, etc for the white fabric provided.  Just remember to return all fabric with your packet.
  7. You may use any method of your choice to create your banner. You may machine sew, paint, embroider, or hand sew your banner.  The more period the technique, the more points you earn.  However, creativity/beauty earns points, too, as well as, having a finished banner!  So, do whatever technique you want to use to finish in time with a fabulous banner.
  8. If you choose to paint your banner, be sure to use authentic looking fabric paints and colors (no “puffy” or “glitter” paint, no neon colors). Be sure to make your banner machine washable.
  9. You may choose to increase the size and use the patterns provided for the banner Arms, or, you may choose to create your own (see the above links or search for on-line images for ideas).
  10. Documentation is not required. You may choose to include documentation, if you would like, however, the main goal of this competition is to encourage the creation of Citadel Regalia, spread the arts, and have fun!

Jul 14

Citadel Baronial Day and Populace Gathering Happening Tomorrow at Album Park

Join us tomorrow starting at 11 am on the South side of Album Park for our monthly Populace Gathering during Citadel Baronial Day!

Their Excellencies will hold a brief court followed by Populace meeting then socializing and fighter practice.  Join us for a chance to visit with you fellow CItadelians and discuss upcoming events, new projects or share recent adventures at past events like Battlemoor!

Following the day’s activities we will retire to the Baronial Estate to work on preparations for Citadel Hastilude such as pavilion repair and the preparation of our new Erik (fighting field).  We may even fire up the grill and enjoy some cold beverages as we work and have fun.

We look forward to seeing you all!