Missive from the Baron and Baroness

By now, as many of you know, Pennsic has been postponed again until 2022, due to the ongoing pandemic. For many of us, this news is disheartening, as Pennsic plays such a large role in how we play in the SCA here locally. We miss our friends, we miss the camaraderie of the fields of honor, we miss hugs and campfires, and being surrounded by 10,000 of our closest friends. It seems at times, our souls are frayed with the longing of it.

Take heart, Debatable Lands…. We are still here. We are still a community.

We know that this past year, and even before that, has been full of challenges – and the pandemic has just been one. Our personal lives have changed dramatically, in ways that only you personally can know and understand. Our hobby, like most of the world, has endured the rough edges of social awakening, in all its forms. We’ve seen each other’s words, and have spoken words, online and in social media, that stem from pain, and cause pain. Our humanity has been on display, in every facet. It’s difficult. So difficult. And we’ve felt it, too.

But, Debatable Lands… We are still here. We are still neighbors.

The edges may feel bruised right now, but the core – the very core – of what makes our hobby so amazing endures. Courtesy. Honor. Shared Passions. Camaraderie. Joy. Our challenges cannot shake them. They cannot be erased. We are still here.


We remember Baroness Hilda’s first event. A small 30-ish person schola in Highland Park. She took a class by Master Dani on medieval counting, learned what Troll was, and pasties. She was offered a seat on a cloak at a bardic circle and made dear friends. We can still have these events.

We remember the day Baron Brandubh chose his SCA name. It means “black raven” in Gaelic. And he wanted a wolf on his heraldry until we joined Mistress Elsbeth’s Laurel staff, and spent hours and hours in her basement, absorbing all things heraldry and making lifelong friends, and discovering jicama. We remember, too, the day he attained Grand Master Bowman, the swelling of pride and accomplishment. Our interest groups can still meet.

We remember the day the Brewer’s Guild opened that oak cask of aged, redacted 14th century mead to bottle, from under Master Tofi’s stairs – the smooth, perfect taste of it, the feeling of shared appreciation, the laughter of friends brought together. We can still research our passions and share in the joy of it.

We remember the day we saw our first tourney – the raw feeling of it just below the surface of the type of chivalry we thought only existed in storybooks. The violence and speed and beauty of our athletes giving primal life to our ideals of honor. Those ideals and feelings of chivalry are alive and well and are still burning bright in our hearts. And very soon, we will be able to bring that to external realization again. Soon.

We remember our first SCA campfire, the cold, still air meeting the warm light of the fire, songs and conversation and laughter ringing into the night, our bellies warm with drink and friendship. We can still meet with our friends over a campfire.

We know you have had experiences just like these, and countless others. Remember them. Recreate them in all the old and new forms that are available to us today.


They Joys and Passions of the SCA do not live on the fields and in the camps of Pennsic. They live in US. No one place is the SCA. WE are the SCA.

We Are Still Here.

In Levitate et Caritate, and Cheers,
Baron Brandubh and Baroness Hilda

And Ad Gloriam Aethelmearc, and SALVE ACCOLENS!

Baronial Happenings at Pennsic!

Hello Debatable Lands! We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the Great Pennsic War, happening now! We hope set-up went well, and that you are or will be enjoying yourselves!
~Hilda and Brandubh

For your convenience, here is a list of activities at Pennsic of Baronial interest. (Those reading on the email list may want to click on the link to the blog post for a formatted version.)

Ceremonies and Courts
(Retainers needed, please)

  • Sat, 8/3, 5pm – Muster for Opening Ceremonies at AE Royal, N04. 5:30pm step-off for the procession (on the nose, not SCA time)
  • Sat, 8/3, 6pm – Opening Ceremonies, on the Battlefield by the Castle
  • Sun, 8/4, 5pm Baronial Reception, AE Royal
  • Sun, 8/4, around 7pm-ish, Baronial Court, AE Royal
  • Tues, 8/6, 5pm, muster for Kingdom Court, AE Royal
  • Tues, 8/6, 6pm, Royal Court, Great Hall (note that there will probably be other Royal Courts throughout the War)
  • Thurs, 8/8, 8pm, AEthelmearc Party, AE Royal
  • Fri, 8/9, after the battle (2pm-ish?) Closing Ceremonies, Battlefield

Known World Baronial Champs Events
(come cheer your champs!)

  • Sun, 8/4, 1pm-3pm, KW Baronial Archery Champs – yay, Kathryn!
  • Tues, 8/6, 12pm – 3pm – KW Baronial Youth Fighting Champs – yay, Xavier, Bree, and Ethan!
  • Tues, 8/6, 1pm-3pm – KW Baronial Thrown Weapons Champs – yay, Duncan!
  • Wed, 8/7, 9am-12pm – KW Baronial Heavy Combat Champs – yay, Bors! Blue and White lists
  • Wed, 8/7, 12pm – 3pm – KW Baronial Rapier Champs – yay, Jorundr! Blue and White lists.

Parties, Performances, and Other Happenings

  • Sun, 8/4, 5pm Baronial Reception and Court (7pm-ish), AE Royal , link to FB event:
    https://www.facebook.com/events/687736711654599/ , and see also www.debatablelands.org.
  • Sun, 8/4, 9pm-ish, Baronial Bardic Circle in Memory of Rachmiel, Debatable Lands Camp, N10, Fletcher Rd , Link to FB event https://www.facebook.com/events/556713591526472/
  • Mon, 8/5, 5:30 – 7:30pm, Childrens Party, AE Royal
  • Mon, 8/5, 7:30pm – Debatable Choir performance, Performing Arts Pavilion
  • Mon, 8/5, 9pm, I Genesii performance, Performing Arts Pavilion
  • Tues, 8/6, 9pm, Count Jehan’s Golden Jubilee, AE Royal
  • Wed, 8/7, 3pm, Baronial Brewers Guild Meeting, Polyhymnia (Debatable Lands subcamp, N10, corner of Cariadocs and Chandlers)
  • Wed, 8/7, Seven Pearls Dinner (closed party, but volunteers for cooking and serving needed – dinner provided, contact Hilda for details)
  • Thurs, 8/8, 8pm, AEthelmearc Party, AE Royal
  • Fri, 8/9, 10am-4pm, AE Royal Teardown (please volunteer an hour or two)
  • Say, 8/10, 12pm-6pm, Baronial Camp Teardown

Order Meetings, Seneschal and Exchequer Meetings, War Points, and other Activities of Interest in the Kingdom can be found on the AE Periscope:
http://aethelmearc.org/ae-pennsic-xlviii-periscope/

Barony Reception

Food Friends!

Can’t help with reception prep? Want to try a new recipe? Thinking of bringing food for the reception? YAY!

Bring some cut vegetables or fruit. Bake some cookies (we loves our cookie tables!) Bring something that’s gluten-free for our Baron. Make a surprise!

The barony is paying for and providing the ample and delicious food, the brewers’ guild will have their wares available. But I know how we like to just add a little thing here or make a bit for there. Feel free to do something with food! If you are, please let me know at foodguild@debatablelands.org

Thanks, Elss Augsburg

Woodworking at Pennsic

The Honorable Lord Kai Saerprenn reports that he will be running his Intro to Woodworking series again this year at Pennsic. This set of classes takes you from raw logs (Really! He gets his materials from the firewood people at firewood prices.) to furniture by showing you all the tools used along the way (and how to sharpen them).

These classes are taught in THL Kai’s camp of Hus Faerhaga in N08, quite conveniently near the Barony’s camp.

Also in N08 are THL Otelia d’Alsace’s hand tool demonstrations, in the Barony of Thescorre encampment.

Lastly, in the main Pennsic University area, Sir Bedwyr will be demonstrating how to use a variety of of Eurpoean hand tools.

Check the Schedule for more information.

Pennsic Baronial Reception – Sunday, Aug 4th, 5pm AE Royal

Hello Debatable Lands!

Just a quick note to invite all Debatable Landers and friends (the more, the merrier!) to the Debatable Lands Baronial Reception at Pennsic.

Come socialize, eat, and enjoy Court with your friends and neighbors! A light dinner will be provided by the Food Guild, led by THL Elss.

When: Sunday, August 4th, 5pm – 8pm
Where: AEthelmearc Royal Encampment at Pennsic (next to Chirurgeons)
Who: Everyone is invited!
Featuring: Baronial Court, time tentatively 7pm, plus a quick Royal drop-in to send friends to vigils
Food:  Light dinner provided. We would also love to have food and drink donations.

Also, we’ll be “passing the hat” to fund raise for the Barony’s new trailer!

In Levitate et Caritate, and Cheers,
Baron Brandubh and Baroness Hilda

For those on Facebook, here’s the Facebook event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/687736711654599/

Pennsic Baronial Reception – Sunday, Aug 5th, 5pm, AE Royal

Hello Debatable Lands!

Just a quick note to invite all Debatable Landers and friends (the more, the merrier!) to the Debatable Lands Baronial Reception at Pennsic.

Come socialize, eat, and enjoy Court with your friends and neighbors! A light dinner will be provided by Lady Kattera.

When: Sunday, August 5th, 5pm – 8pm
Where: AEthelmearc Royal Encampment at Pennsic (next to Chirurgeons)
Who: Everyone is invited!
Featuring: Court (Royal and Baronial), time TBD
Food:  Light dinner provided. We would also love to have food and drink donations. To talk to Lady Kattera about that or about dietary restrictions, you can contact her at Legbascrossroad@gmail.com.

Also, if anyone can bring some lawn games or other activities, I think that could be fun!

In Levitate et Caritate, and Cheers,
Baron Brandubh and Baroness Hilda

Last Reminder: Pennsic Pre-Reg Ends June 16th!

Hello! This is your last reminder:

Pennsic Pre-Registration ends on June 16th, at 11:59pm. You MUST pre-register (paid) to camp with the Debatable Lands!! This is true for many other camps as well.

Here is a super handy link for you!

See also other info in my previous post. Looking forward to seeing you there. 🙂

~Baroness Hilda

Note: for those reading this on the email list, the you must open the blog to click on the links, or use this: https://www.cooperslake.com/prereg/account/index.php.

Pennsic Pre-Reg Ends on June 16th

Hello Debatable Lands!

This is a reminder that Pennsic Pre-Registration ends on JUNE 16th!

You MUST pre-register (PAID) in order to camp with the Debatable Lands or our sub-camp.

Pennsic Pre-Registration ends on JUNE 16th!

It must be PAID because that is how we are allocated land for you.
Unpaid registrations do not allocate land.

Debatable Lands is an open camp. Anyone** is welcome to camp with us, and we especially encourage new folks to join us. If you pre-reg with the Debatable Lands, and we don’t know that you have done so, please email me (baroness@debatablelands.org) or the Baron (baron@debatablelands.org). Our pre-Pennsic camp meeting in the afternoon after July Barony Meeting and the New to Pennsic class, July 15th.

Pennsic Pre-Registration ends on JUNE 16th!

If you are unable to pre-register (paid) before June 16th, there are some nice singles camping areas in the general vicinity of Debatable Lands camp (not on the same block). 🙂

~In Levitate et Caritate
~Baroness Hilda

 

** “Anyone” does not necessarily include individuals under SCA or modern sanction or certain restrictions. We reserve the right to refuse registration for clear cause.

Pennsic Pre-Reg Ends June 16th!

Hello Debatable Lands!

Pre-Registration (paid) for the Great Pennsic War ends JUNE 16th!!

All are welcome to camp with the Barony, but PLEASE NOTE:

If you are planning to camp with the Debatable Lands (camp name: “Debatable Lands”), including our sub-camp, you MUST pre-register (paid) by June 16th! Note that unpaid pre-regs do not count for land allocation, so you must submit a paid registration to camp with us.

Our camp name is “Debatable Lands” for both the main camp and our sub-camp.

Here’s the link: http://www.pennsicwar.org/penn47/

Also, if you register to camp with the main Debatable Lands camp, and we don’t know you, please do drop me a line (need to get your tent dimensions and add you to camp info dissemination): baroness@debatablelands.org.

In Levitate et Caritate,
~Baroness Hilda

Baronial Happenings at Pennsic, and More!

Hello Debatable Lands! Here’s a list of Baronial happenings at Pennsic that you may be interested in attending!

Saturday, August 6th, 5:15 pm muster at AE Royal (updated!). Opening Ceremonies is at 6pm in the Great Hall (new Barn). Come support the Kingdom and Barony! Bring your towel!

Sunday, August 7th, 5-8 pm. Debatable Lands Baronial Party and Court. Potluck, bring some food thing and your towel! Kingdom and Baronial Court is round about 7pm. More info HERE.

Sunday, August 7th, 8:30pm, Memorial for Countess Aiden, AE Royal

Sunday, August 7th, from 9am to 5pm. Gate Guards needed! The BMDL is responsible for providing gate guards all day for AE Royal. It’s a lot of fun, please sign up with Baroness Hilda. (We only have one volunteer so far… help? Email baroness@debatablelands.org)

Sunday Vigils: Vigil for Clewin Kupferhelbelinc for Defense Sunday, August 7th, during the day (evening?) Vigil for Irene von Schmetterling starts at 8:30 pm Sunday in the Debatable Lands Camp, N10.

Monday, August 8th, 7:30 pm, Debatable Choir Concert in the Performing Arts Pavilion

Monday, August 8th, 9 pm, I Genesii Performance in the Performing Arts Pavilion

Tuesday, August 9th, 6pm, Aethelmearc Kingdom Court, Great Hall (new Barn). Baronial retainers, guards, and champs to muster tentatively at AE Royal around 5:30? Exact details forthcoming, but I think that’s close to right.

Thursday, August 11th. The BMDL has been asked to provide retainers and guards for Their Majesties. Please contact Alaric or Elss to sign up. alaric@pobox.com or elss.of.augsburg@gmail.com

Friday, August 12th, morning, AE Royal tear down. We are asking Debatable Landers with free time then in particular to help with this. Royal often has enough hands for set up, but not tear down.

Friday, Field Battles! Battlefield. 10am Heavy, 1pm Rapier Bring your towels!

Baronial retainers will be needed for a lot of these things. If you can help us out, please contact our Head Retainer, Lady Rivka, at thistroper@gmail.com.

 

And here’s a list of some Kingdom Happenings:

Sunday, July 31st, 10am-4pm, AE Royal Set up

Saturday, August 6th, 7pm-9pm, AEthelmearc Teen and Tween Party at AE Royal

Monday, August 8th, 6-8pm, Children and Families Party, AE Royal

Monday, August 8th, 8-11pm, Aethelmearc Party, AE Royal

Tuesday, August 9th, 6pm, Aethelmearc Kingdom Court, Great Hall (new Barn)

Their Highnesses also require retaining help, and you can sign up with Baroness Rowena at sodtigger@gmail.com

SASS, the Sylvan Army Support Service, can use help watering and electrolyting our heavy and rapier armies. To sign up, and for more details, contact Baroness Soteria here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/509759052553357/

 

Other Awesome Things we’d love to see Baronial folks at:

Saturday, August 6th, 10am-5pm, St Sebastian Archery Shoot

Sunday, August 7th, 1pm, AS 17, Newcomers Social

Sun-Fri, War week, Populace Archery shoot

Mon-Wed, War week. Volunteer War Point. Log your hours!!!

Thursday, August 11th, 9am to 3pm, A&S War Point. Great Hall

Details of the A&S, Volunteer, and all the Martial War Points can be found here: http://www.pennsicwar.org/penn45/DEPTS/MARTIAL/warpoints.pdf

CLASSES! Go to them! Share what you’ve learned after Pennsic.

Class schedules, as well as the overall schedule, and schedules for the war points, performing arts, artisans row, and more, can be found here: http://www.pennsicwar.org/penn45/schedules.html

Whew! Can’t wait to see you there!

In Levitate et Caritate,
Baroness Hilda