And here's the scroll and medallion! (see, I told you it was shiny.)

Yes, technically, I've posted this already. But, after this weekend and a conversation that newcastleepl, ermenrich, and I had, some things got fleshed out.

"Let's say that today, in Court, someone begged a Boon to elevate you to any one of the three Peerage orders...what would you want for your Peerage ceremony?

Who would you have speak for you? Present the regalia? What about the vigil? Ceremony style?"

Okay. I'm not going to plan too much more of what I'd want, mostly because I am too easily changeable. But, after talking with newcastleepl and ermenrich about who we would have to speak for us, if, by some weird fluke we had been announced for the Peerage today, who would we have speak for us. Of course, this is totally up for change. I don't expect to get a Peerage for a while, nor do I look for the recognition. I want to learn more, have fun, love lots, and look good while I do it.

So, here goes.

Chivalry: Baron Sir Duncan Fearmach, HE Sir Erich Hlodowechssun fon Hocheichhallu or Conde Fernando Rodriguez de Falcon
Laurel: (One of my hard ones!) Mistress Fionnuala, HE Sir Erich Hlodowechssun fon Hocheichhallu or Mistress Tsire.
Pelican: HE Elasait or Cts Lyriel. All righty. Considering I live on the other side of the state, there's a ton of B3R folks here. Goodness.
Royal Peer: Cts Elspeth of Stonehaven, Cts Isabeau, or HG Hywela.
Populace: (The other hard one for me!) Ewen Macleary, Ermenrich von Duisburg, Cathus the Curious, Rhodri ap Hywel or HE Mirabel Wynne.

...I know too many people. This could be a problem.

It's a start. And I know I won't ever get to a point where I have everything figured out. I know me too well. And seriously, I know this is a long way off. I've learned very quickly that expecting stuff, even if you feel you deserve it, just leads to broken-heartedness and eventually hard-heartedness down the line, and I don't want that from something I love too much.

Here's one for the SCAdians... tell us all about your lives in the Modern Middle Ages. Start with your SCA name and basic persona: Constantia Aemiliana Kaloethes, a sixth century textiles merchant from Constantinople, living now in Calontir. Better market, y'know. :)

1. What is your favorite Kingdom besides the one you live in?
You mean, I can't pick Calontir? I have to admit it was fun hanging out with TRH Nigel and Adrielle of Ealdormere, and given how Ealdormere's struggle to become a kingdom was much like Calontir's, I think that's why they might be my favourite. (Yet, I have yet to step a foot into Canada. This much be rectified.) My problem is that online, I hang out with many gentles from all over the Knowne World, and it's hard to decide what kingdom I like. I really need to brush up on my inter- and intrakingdom anthropology, really.

2. What event do you try NEVER to miss?
I hate missing Coronations and Crown Tourneys. I've made most of them in the past few years, but thanks to the snowpocalypse at TRM Ariel and Martino's Coronation, I wasn't able to make it. Still, what the hell is with the natural disasters at Calontir Coronations? Luther and Maerwynn's Coronation took place in drenching rains, the snowpocalypse for Martino and Ariel's Coronation...I'm afraid to ask what TRH Hirsch and Magdelena's Coronation'll bring.

3. What was your original persona?
I'm still on my original persona! Ha! I win!

4. How long have you played in the SCA?
I was in the fringe for about three years, and have been active for about two-three years. Something like that. I blame the Llama for getting me truly involved, but college friends of mine (I remember helping him do research for a Mongol name, and then he fell off the face of the earth) and an ex-boyfriend who played in Calanais.

5. What is your favorite style of medieval clothing?
Byzantine, of course. Seriously, that much understated opulence on such a simple garment? Much love. Plus, well, it's something I could actually attempt to sew and and trim, though I hate sewing pearls on anything. That should be a form of punishment in some South Asian countries, I suppose.

6. Who is your favorite Knight? Why?
Wow. Um. Interesting question. I like watching Valens and Angelo fight, but in terms of courtly virtues, I adore Count Corwyn of the Midrealm. Technically, he's a Master of Arms, but he's a blast to dance with and flirt whilst in dancing. Gelosia with he and his lady-wife was something I want to do again, darnit.

7. What is the dumbest thing you've ever done at an event?
Um. That might be easier to answer with what haven't I done at an event? Then again, I maintain I do stupid things while sober, so that eliminates the "stupid things while drunk" category. Probably the Bacon Bender with the Outlands while at Lilies. Nine pounds of bacon. Very little sleep. Slight dehydration. Upset tummy. Not the smartest thing, but it was fun.

8. Have you ever been the last person awake at an event?
Yes. Several times. I'm a night owl by nature. That, and I was bound and determined to stay awake on the last night at Lilies this year. I never said I was smart, mind you.

9. Who were your first King & Queen that you remember?
My first event was the Coronation of Semjaka and Xorazne. I wish I had been able to go to events during their reign, but alas, life conspired against me. After that, I remember Angelo and Jane, and I've been active since then.

10. Who is your favorite Laurel? Why?
Well, Master Conrad Martin von Kessel, or huscarl105, for one. But this is hard, because I love Laurels. Mistress Fionnuala evil_fionn is fun to conspire with (I promise I am working on my encaustics. I promise!), and well, I seem to attract or be attracted by Laurels anyway. Works for me. A&S is all sorts of awesome.

11. RAPIER in the SCA- sexy, street-fighting suave, or fancy-prancy pursuit for prats?
I'm in Calontir. This is a loaded question. Jury's still out for me. I'll watch it, I'm intrigued by it, but at the same time, it's really late period for me, and Iunno. Just not my thing, I suppose.

12. Who is your favorite Pelican and why?
Mistress Elasait, elasait, I think. Waterbearing is a needed task, and...I have no words for the respect I have for her. I'm totally in awe. Oh, and she still manages to have fun, too. I also have Countess Lyriel, Mistress Onora, Mistress Dorcas, and Master Modar on that list, too. Yeah, I sort of grok service, too.

13. What SCA time period clothing do you like the least?
Tudor. Sorry, I'm not at all for corsetry. Not my thing at all. *shudders* I'll at least admit that I look decent in it, but I like a certain bit of freedom of movement. And getting dressed without assistance is also a plus in my book.

14. What book should every SCA fighter read?
The Book of the Five Rings, Miyamoto Musashi. Yes, it's Eastern fighting styles. At the same time, it covers things that I think even the Western European personae can get into, too. Besides, bushido's all sorts of cool in my book. Secondly, does anyone think it funny that I'm totally not a fighter and I'm answering this question?

15. If you could change something in the SCA, what would it be?
There's very little I'd change, because I think it would drastically affect our culture as a group. At the same time, I think there are opportunities to communicate with the mundane world that I don't think we always seize, and yes, welcoming beginners is something that I do believe is integral to not only our growth, but our succession plan, and we're not always good about it. Just me, though.

(Compagnia homework from Jib. I'm just now getting around to it. Feel free to comment. It helps the brain think things through.)

---

[[Since I'm the only guy on the list...I can say Queen... ;) ]]

Sooo ladies...here's a little homework for you...to be completed between now and the time that you really do become Queen. *heh*

Read through the West Kingdom Royalty Handbook: http://www.westkingdom.org/files/RoyaltyHandbookRev9.PDF

I'd like to hear your thoughts on what you would do if you were Queen. I'd like to hear ideas of what you'd want for largesse, what style of scrolls you'd want, etc. etc. ad nauseum. This is basically a chance for you to put on the fantasy hat and think about everything that you would want or need to be Queen.

I'd like this to be an open discussion for you to contemplate things and ponder what it would mean to be Queen.

Until the next time,
Jibra'il.

---

I figured I better get around to it.

I think a lot would depend on who my King was. I'm all for the Byzantine Coronation in purple and gold (yeah, that's pretty damn nifty), but I'm all for bringing in influences from his persona's culture, especially if it's one that would have had contact with the Byzantines.

I've been joking about making my reign a full family affair with the Compagnia, but honestly, I'd seek out dependable, organised people to do their jobs. I'm keen to have my Chamberlain and Herald to be close, but distant enough to keep themselves occupied properly. Possibly even people who had done the job before, and had done it well.

I'd style myself as Queen in the proper Greek way: Basilissa.

As for tokens, I'd love etched beads or even pewter coins. If I could wrangle some kind of small pectoral pendant with an angel* on it...yeah, I'd be one super-happy camper. Hell, even little pewter or brass repoussé angel pins or pendants done in the style of an icon would make me super, super happy.

Largesse is hard for me to figure out, as I'm one of those pragmatic people when it comes to gift-giving a large amount of the time. I'd love to be able to give things that the reigning monarchs of kingdoms could get great use out of (the stationery idea is awesome!), but I also want to make sure that it's also going to be able to get several uses out of it. I might have to come back to this.

Scrolls would be partially dependent on my King. I love C&I, and I love the idea of an early period scroll and an later period scroll, depending, of course, on how late later period is.

I'm not sure who I'd have make my county coronet. TE Jane and Angelo have amazing coronets, but I'm far too rough and tumble, I think, to handle the nice pretties for long. I love TG Valens and Susannah's leather coronets, and that's something I could handle. (Maybe, eventually, one of each?) Then again, Drachenstein Treasures does amazing work, and I might be convinced to not be quite so rough and tumble for one. For a metal one, I'd be happy to see lapis or amethyst or even moonstones on it, maybe with angel wings around the brim.

Stepping down, I would style myself again in Greek: Komitissa.

As for stepping down, I think it'd be cool to see the individual devices of the outgoing King and Queen. I'd also adore having a heraldic surcote for that occasion, even if it is just -slightly- out of period for me. Or at least, something to change into afterward. (No, I'm not a garb whore. Really.)

I think that's all I've figured out. A lot of it's up in the air, I know, but I'm more apt to not stand out too much, especially in the role of Queen. It's a partnership, as far as I see it.

-Constantia

*per device acceptance. Yes, I'm thinking about an angel on my device. It's my own little way to cant the crap out of it, given my name ("Constantly of good character"). Angels also show up a ton in Byzantine artwork. (Yes, I went to Einarr's class on heraldry for non-heraldic cultures. Fascinating stuff. God, I'm such a herald.)

According to Jib, I never do anything half-assed.

I got apprenticed this weekend. This is true.

However, I was also awarded my AoA, which means you can call me Kuria Constantia Kaloethes now.

The funny thing is I was in Morning Court, and after the mesnies had processed in, my name was called first. My mind, in about fifteen seconds, went through the following: "Hey, that name sounds familiar. They even pronounced it right...holy CRAP. That's me!" I looked over at newcastleepl, told him he was in big trouble, and went down to kneel in front of Their Majesties. Her Majesty told me that it was hard to track me down (which is true. I don't do events often, nor do I really do stuff with a local group. I -am- my local group), and that I could be seen serving, doing work with the artisans, and being joyful and exuberant.

His Majesty handed me my scroll and made a comment about how distinctive my laugh is and nearly made me snort in Court. I wagged my finger at him for that.

I'll write more about this amazing weekend later. I'm sleep deprived, probably need a shower, and a little hungry, but I'm glad to be home. Where there's a flush toilet. :P

Yes, I'm finally past the point where the mere mention of Crystal Ball was likely to send me into a fit of uncontrollable babbling. :P Now it's just the happy memories of it that make me giggle.

Anyway.

My friend Sprin and I headed out Friday, picked up her boy from Rolla, and I didn't get to Cathus and Rowan's until about 10 or so. All things considered, I thought we made extraordinarily good time. huscarl105 was already there, as was Alessandra. And they were playing Collateral Damage with Cathus. I just watched. Especially at the sheer hilarity of the characters contained within the game. Some even made my brain hurt.

Anyway.

Went to bed, woke up bright and early at 6:30, and then proceeded to mentally wake up over the next hour or so. Coordinating schedules with everyone was entertaining, to say the least, and I rode to site with huscarl105, which was fun. Took my first few classes (Bransles with huscarl105, helped with Arina's Beginning ECD class), then headed off to the cafeteria where I helped with Tsire's Dance Jeopardy. (yeah, I'm loud. Yeah, I helped. Honestly, I swear I'm not a herald. Honestly. :P) Then, it was off to Azenari's English Country class to firm up Scotch Cap and to learn My Lady Cullen. That was also quite fun. Sprin went to Isabeau's Beginning ECD (and apparently, my lessons in Rufty Tufty helped her help her fiance learn the dance. I am pleased). I went Russian. Korobushka is fun, no lie. I know it's not period. But it's fun. And I can't really say that I didn't have fun with it, because I did.

Lessee. Sisuela caught me halfway through the day, and told me I needed pretty garb for the ball. So I borrowed her middle class Tudor, complete with corset. That was put on before feast. I was told I cleaned up well.

At feast, Cathus and I gave such a hard time to Alessandra. It was bad. It was funny, but it was bad. No words should be used to describe half the crap we gave not only her, but each other. Sang Lowest Trees Have Tops for cantigajoy, which I was then asked if that was my QP entry. I decided then and there that perhaps it would be less of a problem for me to do a John Dowland song as a performance than it would have been to write the icon. So I switched. Ha. Now, just need to fix my few problem spots, write my documentation, and I'm good!

After feast, it was time for dancey dancey! The musicians were practicing a few things, like the music for Korobushka...which happens to be the same music that Tetris uses. So I made living Tetris shapes. I wonder if there were any photos of that very big bit of silliness. Anyway. Ermenrich came up to me, put his arms over my shoulders as I went lower as a Tetris shape, went "GAME OVERRRRRR!" and then asked if I wanted to dance the Carolingian Pavane with him. I told him yes, and did so. And then got the hell out of Dodge when the Galliard started. I rather like the stylistic bits of the Pavane. No lie.

After that, I held off for Heart's Ease, Petit Vriens (which I danced with Sprin and her boy and had great fun doing the over-under thing that happens when large groups of people dance it), and I danced Korobushka with Azenari. That was the end of Set One.

Set Two was a set I didn't do much dancing. I did dance Scotch Cap with Cathus, but other than that, I did my normal thing of hanging out with people. As always, fun.

The dessert revel meant that I got in line. So did Ferd. And he almost succeeded in tying me to a chair or a column with the hanging sleeves of the gown. I don't remember what it was that he was trying to tie me to.

Set Three was where my hips and knees caught up with me, but I still danced the Black Alman with huscarl105, Confesse with Cathus, and the Official Bransle (that's Toss the Duchess/Wench) with Cuilen. I loved getting tossed up into the air! So much fun! And it helped keep my legs cool.

I didn't dance much of Set Four, but I did walk around a lot just to keep my joints moving. Definitely did the Maltese Bransle (Turkish Bransle is another name), and that was when I realised that the caller was trying to kill me with the number of traits she was picking out and how many applied to me. Well, maybe not trying to kill me. But it felt like it.

Set Five was where the crowds we had with Set One left us with the very dedicated dancers by this point. I danced Chesnut with huscarl105, who came over from the dance floor to our phat palatial estate (I dubbed it Calontir Corner) to help me off of the ground to dance with him. Afterwards, I sat with Ferd (who had his head in my lap and was doing Ferd-ish things to make me laugh and snort) and more Calontiri. And that was awesome.

Set Six was where most people were dancing in their sleep. Cathus and Rowan were exhausted (and understandably so), and even though I felt tired physically, my mind insisted that I do My Lady Cullen, and the one dance I had been waiting all night to dance, and that was Rufty Tufty. It's sad, but it's my favourite. At least right now, it is. I won't lie. I danced it with huscarl105, and I danced his requested pick-up dance with him, and by that point it was time that everything was falling apart. Brain, knees, hips. You name it. It hurt. It was time for a nap. So, at nearly five that morning, we headed back to Cathus and Rowan's.

On the drive, I mentioned to huscarl105 that I was considering asking him if I could perhaps become his apprentice. Of course, this is really something that requires slightly more brain power than what we had at that point in the day. Even then, I think it's a direction I really want to go in. I'm finding that I like period dance styles. A lot. And it's really a way I can make my music geek and my dance geek work well. We'll see where it goes from here. Sleep deprivation lowers inhibitions. I had meant to ask on the way to site, but never quite felt comfortable at that moment to ask.

We arrived at our destination. This was where it got funny. Due to Hurricane Ike causing mass mayhem, their screen door doesn't like to stay closed. So we had a brain puzzle. After nearly twenty hours of dance. I know. Moved the door handle. That didn't work. So, we went around to the back door. Conveniently unlocked. Once in the house, it was getting across the kitchen. Except there was a baby gate to keep Cathus and Rowan's greyhounds away from the rest of the house. More brain puzzles! Once that was figured out, it was sneaking across the kitchen, in an attempt to keep people asleep. Unfortunately, my bead container decided to fall with a rather loud crash. Yet, nothing happened. No one woke up. Not even a shift in slumber. Nothing.

So, after that, it was off to bed. But my brain still was going a million miles a minute. So I packed what I could. And then tried to fall asleep. And that actually worked.

Up the next morning at eleven. Alessandra left not long after Cathus woke up, and the rest of us hung out for a little bit, going over dance geek stuff. Fascinating, really. Anyway. We had breakfast, Sprin and her boy hung out as I got a little bit of sustenance in me, and then it was off to go home. And I didn't get home until about ten that night, and which I did, safely.

I thought it was a great event. And now I want to do more dance things. No lie. I enjoy dance activities immensely, and apparently, I was a little Energizer bunny at work today, for the event high had pretty much kept me going. Everyone asked me if I had been on any drugs. None, but those of life. And Aleve.

Much thanks to Cathus and Rowan for opening up their home, Sprin for the ride down, and to Shattered Crystal for a fantastic event. Oh, and thanks to all of my dance partners! I had an absolute BLAST. Thank you all!

Such a fun weekend!

From time spent with great friends and my SCA family, I had a total BLAST. I left Maryville with Martinus about two after knocking about town with the Monster. We got into Three Rivers around seven (early!) and checked into the Cheshire Lodge. Hung out, and got ready for the next day.

Next day was beautiful! Sunny skies, colourful trees, and with an event, perfection. Martinus offered me his spare heralds' baldric, which I thought about taking, decided not to. Got to site around ten, and by that point had met up with purplellamaboi, scooterheather, huscarl105, rhodri2112, Tadamitsu (hereunto this point denoted as Tim), Cathus and Rowan, Duncan Eardstapa, Duncan Logan, Ruaidhri, Avraham, and a bunch more. It happens at big events like this. Got kissed, hugged, squished, poked, and flirted with (again, it happens, especially at big events). I like the attention. Won't lie.

I watched a few of the fights, but on the whole talked with people I hadn't seen in forever (or in my case, Coronation. That counts as forever, right? It does). That's when things changed.

Herman and Tim were pointing around the room, calling people's names. Curious, I went over to see what was going on (I must learn to not do that at events. Really). Ingeborg said "No, I was on retinue last reign. Thanks but no thanks." Doing my best Li'l Nipper impression, Tim looked at me and asked, "so, do you want to help out?"
Me: With what?
Tim: With Court tonight?
Me: Uh....?
Herman: We'll take that as a yes. Court's at five. I'll see you in the Privy Chambers at 4:30.
Me (scratching my head, wondering what the hell just happened.): Um. Okay?
Tim: It's okay. I'll tell you everything you need to know. You'll just be helping Herman in Court. We call them Stunt Heralds.
Me (Mind coming into full realisation): WHAT?!
Tim: Oh, it's not that bad. You'll give Her Majesty medallions, hold up scrolls, hold Herman's tankard, and if Herman's voice goes out, you'll finish the rest of the court.
Me (panicked): Um. Okay. (big gulp) I better get treated nice. And I might have to kill Herman.

After my duties were explained, and I was told to go sit down and fill up my tankard so that I might be able to get through Court, I hung out more with Martinus and Tim (I poked them both. Darnit.) and did various other sort of things. Martino and Ariel becoming the new Heirs didn't really surprise me much, to be honest, but I think they're a pretty cool sort. Got my hair braided all pretty for Court (really pretty hairstyle with two modified French braids coming together at the nape of my neck and that ended in a low ponytail. I felt pretty. :D Believe me, it rarely happens. (But that's for a later entry.) Being on my best behaviour in Court was HARD. Then again, I'm used to being a brat about things. During Court, a Teletubby costume had made its rounds throughout the Populace, so being on my best behaviour was difficult, especially since all I wanted to do was laugh. And hard. And loud.

The Court itself wasn't too bad. I juggled medallions, a hood, and a scroll for the Laurelling that evening, in addition Herman's pen, tankard, and occasionally the Big Damn Book. However, I had fun. I may do it again. We'll see.

After Court, Martinus and I, and a bunch of Leatherwolf went to Grbic, a Croatian restaurant, most of us in garb. Reactions were PRICELESS! Some had the courage to ask if we were all in a play, if it was like a Renaissance festival thing, and some just stared. (Honestly, by this point, it's become a hobby. Freaking people out is FUN!) Good food, and I got to hang out with some really great people.

After that, it was off to change (I had enough of wearing garb for one day. It was time for mundane clothes), and after that, it was off to post-revel at Duncan and Simonetta's. Much enjoyable. I hung out with huscarl105 and Ruaidrhi for a little bit, and then it was off to Bardic Land. And there, I watched Ferd get his hair done by Simonetta. It had braids and ribbons and feathers in it. I took pictures. By that point, Ferd needed to make a big crash, ran out of the room, and went to acquire noisy things.

He returned with Duncan and Simonetta's silverware. And a few pans. And at the appropriate time in Old Dun Cow, the din was ungodly as all of the silverware was thrown down the stairs with much gusto. Apparently, it's a new record. For what, I don't know, as I couldn't hear it, having been rendered deaf.

About that time, I started my goodbyes. I was tired. And all I wanted to do was sleep. So, back to the hotel.

Woke up this morning around nine, and we headed back about ten. I got home around four, and right now, all I want to do is SLEEP.

Next weekend is Crystal Ball. And I'm excited to help teach.

Oh. And as I was unpacking, I found that magical heraldry elves had snuck in a certain green baldric into my luggage. Yep. I's screwed.

Taking a breather from cleaning. Nearly done, so I should be able to get a nap in before Anti's parental units, his brother and sister-in-law, and possibly niece show up tomorrow for belated birthday stuff.

Jib posted this on the Household listserv. Interesting to think about, at the very least.

So...as a joke, people on the SCA-Persian list were trying to discuss what the five pillars of the SCA are...in comparison to the five pillars of Islam...and no one's really been able to come up with a solid idea for the five pillars of the SCA...save for one:

Pilgrimage (hajj): In the SCA, this would have to be renamed to Pennjj, for the yearly sojourn by thousands to Pennsic War.

I'm also personally thinking there are probably two more...one is quite the opposite of the Islamic version, but:

Almsgiving (zakat): In the SCA, this would be "largesse".
Fasting (sawm): In the SCA...this would be "feasting"...rather than "fasting"

But I'm out of ideas for Faith (iman) and Prayer (salah). Anyone have any thoughts?

Then, later, this was posted.

Hrm...someone may have finally come up with ideas for SCA alternatives
to "Faith" and "Prayer".

Faith would be similar to the concept of "The Dream"...completely
undefined, but everyone knows what it is...to them. (Side note: I came up with this one. I'm rather pleased with myself. :P)

Prayer could very well be one and the same as "fealty" and the many other oaths spoken in the society.

So if I put those together, the Five Pillars of the SCA could be:
* Pennjj (or )
* Largesse
* Feasting
* Fealty and/or Oaths
* the Dream

Hrm...*contemplates the meaning of all of this*

I'd think fasting would be akin to a vigil, but not everyone goes through that.

Anyway, back to cleaning and stripping off layers of skin chemically! Yay! :P

So the previous device failed. Bah.

So, I did a different one. And it cleared.



It's like personalised plates for your car, really. And it can sometimes be a pain in the ass to get them.

My device didn't pass.

So, I got a few options, and decided I liked this one, better.



Azure, a chevron cotised between two mullets and a gryphon rampant argent. And yes, I know a few things need tweaked, but otherwise, I think this should work.

This one, at least according to Modar by way of Jib, should pass. I've got my fingers crossed.