Greetings unto the Good People of Ealdormere,

Our Crown Tournament will take place on May 23 in the Shire of Bastille du Lac and We invite everyone to join us on that day to enjoy the festivities, watch or participate in the Tournament and cheer on the most noble combatants as they compete, with the aid of their inspiration, for the chance to sit the High Seats of this amazing Kingdom in which we live. 

We would love to have a good number of combatants participate in Our Crown Tournament this Spring and We hope that this missive reaches many who may wish to consider it, but may not read or receive the Kingdom Newsletter. If you have never fought in Crown Tournament before, but wonder what it might be like or have questions, please seek out Ourselves or others who have ruled in the past to find out more. We have a wonderful fighting community in this Kingdom and We would love to see more of you participating in Crown. 

Those who wish to participate in Our Crown Tournament should ensure that their letter of intent and appropriate documentation reaches both Ourselves and the Kingdom Seneschal not later than 11:59 pm, Saturday, April 18, 2020. Prospective combatants and consorts may give Us and the Kingdom Seneschal their documents either in person or by electronic submission. It is Our intent to announce the list of combatants at Our Coronation on April 25 in the Barony of Rising Waters.

As the Crown very much serves the Kingdom, We would ask that, in addition to the legal document requirements set out by the Kingdom Seneschal and Kingdom Law as noted below and in the Kingdom Tidings, your paperwork must also include a list of events attended and a list of all service performed within Ealdormere for both the combatant and the consort for the past year. It is also Our requirement that the consort be present at the tournament to provide inspiration and participate throughout the day. 

Combatants are encouraged to make a reasonable attempt at a period appearance. Weapons will be freshly taped and in good repair, shields neatly painted and obvious plastic including plastic bosses and basket hilts should be covered. 

The format for Crown Tournament will be as follows: 

The initial tournament will be a Double Elimination with initial random draw onto the tree, each round being best 2 of 3. Weapon forms do not need to be matched during the initial rounds.

For the semi finals and finals, matches will be matched weapon forms chosen from the following list: Weapon and Shield, Pole Arm, Two Weapon, Great Sword, Single Sword, and 6 foot Spear. A shield or buckler may be used in the weapon and shield fight. Two weapons can be either 2 sword or a combination of two weapons. Any weapon with a butt spike must have a minimum length of 48". Great weapons including Pole Arms, Great Axes, Great Swords, and Spears will be maximum of 6 feet. Weapon forms cannot be repeated. One of the six forms will not be used

The semi finals will be sets of best 3 of 5 weapons forms. Each weapons form will be best 2 of 3 fights. In order to move onto the finals the fighter from the no loss side must win 1 full set of 3 out of 5 weapons forms or the fighter from the 1 loss side must win 2 full sets of 3 out of 5 weapons forms. All fights will be matched weapon form throughout with the fighter coming from the no loss side getting 1st, 3rd, and 5th weapons selections and the combatant from the one loss side will choose the 2nd and 4th weapon form for the first set and, if the 2nd set is required, the fighter from the 1 loss side having 1st, 3rd and 5th weapons selections and the combatant from the no loss side having 2nd and 4th selections. During the semi finals every effort will be made to ensure combatants do not fight someone they have met in the previous round. If this is not possible the pairings will be done randomly.

The finals will be matches of best 3 of 5 weapon forms. Each weapon form will be best 2 of 3 fights. All fights will be matched weapon form.  The fighter with the highest rank will choose the 1st, 3rd, and 5th weapon selections and the lower ranking combatant will choose the 2nd and 4th weapon form.

Should anyone have questions regarding Our tournament, please do not hesitate to contact Us.

Rattanicus and Isabel
Prince and Princess


From the Kingdom Seneschal

As Their Highnesses state, Crown Tournament will be on 23 May and They are calling for those who wish to fight to make their intent known. They are happy to receive your submission to fight in Crown either in person or electronically. Please make sure to also provide me with a copy, either in person or via email at ealdormere.kseneschal@gmail.com. Note well that the deadline for submissions is firmly set at 11:59PM, Saturday 18 April 2020.

Please be sure to include copies of your:

•  Letter of intent,
•  Combatant's authorization card -- both sides,
•  Membership cards of combatant and consort -- both sides,
•  Signed copy of the declaration form -- found in the library on ealdormere.ca,
•  Proof of residency -- either as a copy of a bill or as copies of combatant and consort's driver's licences, and
•  Such other requirements as requested by Their Highnesses in Their requirements.

Please review the applicable laws of Ealdormere before submitting your application:

III-400 All prospective combatants and consorts must be paid members of the SCA and must maintain that membership through to the end of Their reign. Proof of membership must accompany the request to participate in the Crown Tournament.

III-500 All prospective combatants and consorts in the Crown Tournament must meet the following requirements:

     III-501 They must be subjects of Ealdormere as defined by Corpora and must remain subjects of the Kingdom through to the end of Their reign.
      III-502 They must be at least 18 years old.
  III-503 They must have been subjects of Ealdormere and have demonstrated a clear level of involvement in the Kingdom over the year prior to the Crown Tournament.
      III-504 They must be armigerous.
   III-505 All prospective combatants must be authorized to fight as an armored combatant in the Kingdom of Ealdormere and must present proof of authorization when submitting their letter of intent.

III-600 Any person who does not meet the requirements of Section III-503 or 504 may make an application to the Heirs under the "Rule of 12" as outlined below:

The Prospective combatant and consort shall submit a request to participate in the Crown Tournament pursuant to Section III-200. Their request must be accompanied by a letter addressing why they seek dispensation from Section III-503 or III-504. This letter must bear the signatures of 12 subjects of Ealdormere, all of whom are armigerous. By signing the dispensation request, the signatories vouch for the worthiness of the candidates. Due weight will be given to this request.

Note: This dispensation request must accompany the request to participate in the Crown Tournament and is not a method of recourse after a combatant or consort has been disallowed from the Crown Tournament.

III-700 Neither the Sovereign or the Consort of Ealdormere, nor any person who has served as Sovereign or Consort of Ealdormere within three months prior to the Crown Tournament, may participate as a combatant or consort in that Crown Tournament.

III-800 No prospective combatant may have more than one declared consort. No prospective consort may be fought for by more than one combatant.

If you have any questions about any of the laws regarding Crown Tournament, please don't hesitate to contact me.

In Service,
Lars

The Kingdom A&S competition is coming up and in case you are unaware, there are two competitive aspects to our competition. There is the Pentathalon, which is where a single entrant produces five projects showing a breadth of knowledge. Traditionally, the Crown of Ealdormere takes this competition into account when choosing Their A&S Champion.

There is also the general entry competition. This is the part where a single person or a group enter a single project to be judged. The winner of the general entry portion is the project that scores the highest and is basically the best in show.
​
I think the winner of the general entry competition deserves a little bit more recognition and I am excited to introduce the accolade of Artisan Lupine. This is an honourary title (pride and bragging rights only, no precedence) that will be awarded each year to the individual or group winner of the general entry competition and remains with the winner in perpetuity. 

​Thank you,
Xristina

The Kingdom Minister of Arts & Sciences office has a new deputy! HE Lucia de Moranza has been doing such a lovely job organizing Ealdormere's contributions to the Pennsic A&S activities over the last couple of years that I have made her an official deputy of the office. 

If you are planning on attending Pennsic and wish to volunteer or need some questions answered, be sure to contact her. She'll be happy to help you out.
​ 
Welcome Your Excellency and Wassail!

To the good people of Ealdormere, your Kingdom Exchequer does send greetings.

Fundraising is a vital part of our game.

Many of our Kingdom initiatives run solely on donations and fundraising efforts from both branches and individual people.

Examples include Pennsic Commissariat, Scribal Outreach, and the Newcomer Cup Fund.

We are eternally grateful for the efforts of our people towards the projects we hold dear.

Fundraising is equally important at the local level for keeping our Game alive.

When doing Fundraising, there are a couple of restrictions to keep in mind.
SCA Financial Policy prohibits the use of Raffles and Online Auctions (https://www.sca.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/SocietyFinancialPolicy.pdf, Section XIV - Prohibited Activities).
​
These prohibited activities apply equally to groups and individuals raising funds for SCA purposes. An individual could not then hold an online auction privately if the proceeds are ultimately meant to go towards an SCA group or effort.

For those wishing to Fundraise on behalf of Kingdom or their local branch, and want suggestions on allowable activities, feel free to brainstorm with your local exchequer for ideas or contact me directly at ealdormere.exchequer@gmail.com.

Note for Exchequers: the current report file does make direct reference to raffles as a fundraising activity. The published Society Financial Policy takes precedence over this reference. Society has been notified about the legacy reference.

YIS,
April Rumboldt (aka Jane Caldwell), Kingdom Exchequer

Greetings to the people of Ealdormere from your Kingdom Exchequer,
 
It has come to my attention that we have been inadvertently breaking Society policy when we host refreshments for event Royalty Rooms.
​
Royalty Room specific expenses are not an allowable SCA expense under Society Financial Policy (see Society Financial Policy IX-E, https://sca.org/docs/finpolicies/SocietyFinancialPolicy.pdf).

The issue essentially comes down to access.   Because the room is closed off to the general populace, any expenses related specifically to Royalty Room contents (food, decoration, etc.) are not allowed.

Future events should not include budget lines for Royalty Room hospitality expenses.  Seneschals and Exchequers should keep an eye out for any such expenses on event bids and return to the autocrat for revisions.   
 
Note that this policy does not impact comping royalty for lunch or feast.  
 
Questions and concerns can be directed to:
ealdormere.exchequer@gmail.com
 
Yours in Service,
Jane Caldwell, KExch

In this troubling time, Their Royal Majesties have words of hope.

Saturday, May 11
Lady Mary
Meetings: Crucible 10 am, Pelican 11 am

Saturday, June 1
Pikeman's Pleasure
Meetings: Laurel 10 am, Wain 12 pm, Master of Defence (after tournament)

Thursday, June 6 - Sunday, June 9
Murder Melee XXXVI
Meetings (Sat June 8): Thorbjorn’s Hammer (B4 fighting), Baron’s Council (B4 fighting), Chivalry (after tournament)

Are you new to the Known World and curious about what the hell is going on here?  Do you have questions?  Do you want to meet people, people who might be new like you, or people who've been around a bit?  Then come chat with us.  We will have tales of the history of the SCA and of Ealdormere, a few lessons on etiquette for Feast and Court, and a Q&A session.  You will meet the Septentrian Chatelaine, and some generally friendly folk who can help guide you going forward.
​
This session is open to everyone, new and old. 

Lunch and Learn!
Are you new to the Known World and curious about what the hell is going on here?  Do you have questions?  Do you want to meet people, people who might be new like you, or people who've been around a bit?  Then come eat your lunch with us.  We will have tales of the history of the SCA and of Ealdormere, a few lessons on etiquette for Feast and Court, and a Q&A session.  You will meet the Kingdom Chatelaine, and some generally friendly folk who can help guide you going forward.
This session is open to everyone, new and old. 

Greetings Ealdormere,
Our Social Media Deputy, Lady Marrin, has done a great job and has been working diligently in this position for three years now. She is currently looking for someone to take on this role as per her missive below. Deadline for applications is September 15, 2018.

Isabel
Seneschal, Ealdormere


From the Kingdom Social Media Deputy
Interested in a way to assist your Kingdom while attending events? Want a good excuse to use
your smartphone and snag the best seats at the tournaments? Consider applying for the position of Ealdormere’s Kingdom Social Media Deputy.

Newly reporting to the Kingdom Seneschal, the KSMO is responsible for running the Kingdom
Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest...and other social media accounts owned by the Kingdom.
As these accounts are currently “linked”, it is a simple matter for anyone who already knows
their way around social media, and an easy training period if you don’t. It is ideally suited to a
gentleperson who attends several events a year.

Note: The new Society Social Media Policy will change the reporting schedule to some extent, as
well as some of the duties of the office. Assistance and training will be readily supplied to the
successful applicant.

If you would like to apply, please send a letter of intent and your SCA resume to the current
KSMO at ealdormere.social@gmail.com, and the Kingdom Seneschal at ealdormere.kseneschal@gmail.com by September 15, 2018, with an expected changeover of
office to take place at Fall Coronation.

YIS
Marrin von Waldburg

The Seneschal’s office is looking for a volunteer interested in the role of Deputy of Youth and Youth Programs. The successful candidate should be available at events throughout the year, be willing to act as a youth coordinator and point of contact, and will be required to pass an SCA background check. If you have any question in regards this position, please feel free to contact me. I would be happy to answer any questions you have or chat about the possible roles and responsibilities this office will oversee. If you are interested in being considered for this opportunity, please email me a letter outlining your interest and attach your SCA and Mundane resume. The deadline is September 30, 2018.

​Applications should be emailed to the Kingdom Seneschal (ealdormere.kseneschal@gmail.com).

Prince Evander and Princess Marioun have been crowned as Prince and Princess of Ealdormere.

Greetings good people of Ealdormere!
It has been a year since I have stepped into the role of Kingdom Seneschal, as such, I am beginning the process of seeking my successor. While I would not be stepping down until Spring Coronation 2019, I would like to have time to work with my successor prior to the change over the office. The deadline for applications isJune 30, 2018.  Applications should include a letter of interest and your SCA and Mundane resume with relevant experience. Please send all applications to myself by email at ealdormere.kseneschal@gmail.com.

Full details of the Kingdom Seneschal Role are out lined in Corpora, Kingdom Law, The Seneschal’s Handbook, and the Policies and Procedures of Ealdormere.

Job Description according to Kingdom Law:

ARTICLE VII - Duties of the Officers of State

VII-100  The Kingdom Seneschal is the chief administrative officer of the Kingdom and shall act as a signing officer in all contractual matters involving the Kingdom.

VII-101  The Seneschal shall supervise the process of formation and advancement of local branches according to the Laws and operating policies.

VII-102  The Seneschal will ensure that meetings of the Privy Council are conducted in an orderly fashion and that agendas and minutes of the meetings are issued promptly.

VII-103  The Seneschal shall be responsible for reviewing the content of all proposed laws and law changes to ensure that they do not contradict existing Law or Corpora. The Seneschal shall maintain a current listing of Kingdom Laws. The Seneschal, in concert with the Chronicler, shall ensure that the Laws are published every 20 years. The Kingdom Seneschal shall ensure that changes to Kingdom Law will be made available to the subjects of Ealdormere on the Kingdom Website.

VII-104  The Seneschal shall be responsible for soliciting bids for Kingdom events as defined in Article IV and for the maintenance of the Kingdom Calendar of Events.

VII-105 Contracts involving the Kingdom may be entered into only by the Seneschal with the approval of the Crown, in consultation with the Privy Council. Such contracts must be signed by the Seneschal, following the procedures outlined in the Kingdom Operating Policies, Section One - Financial.

VII-106 The Seneschal shall appoint deputies as necessary to fulfill requirements of the office. Deputies to the Seneschal may include but shall not be limited to:

Council Secretary - responsible for minutes of council meetings
Chatelaine - responsible for providing assistance to and education of new and prospective members of the SCA,
Calendar Secretary - responsible for maintaining the Kingdom calendar of events,
Deputy of Youth and Youth Programs- responsible for organization of children’s activities within Ealdormere.

If you have any questions about the position, please do not hesitate to chat with me, I would be happy to discuss the challenges and rewards with you.
​
In service,
Isabel

Greetings to the citizens of the wonderful kingdom of Ealdormere,

Due to unforeseen personal life reasons I have decided that I need to step down from my role as Kingdom Minister of Arts and Sciences. It was not an easy decision or one I take lightly, but it is what I feel is best for my family and for Ealdormere at this time. I have chosen to do so now so that there is time for my drop dead deputy to properly plan the Kingdom Arts and Sciences Faire. Mistress Aibhilin fra Skye has already generously taken up the mantle and will be continuing until the changeover is complete. The goal is to choose a new minister for the Kingdom Arts and Sciences Faire (March 24, 2018) so that the new minister can help with the day and step up at court that evening.

As such, I am now officially advertising for my successor as Kingdom Minister of Arts and Sciences. Applications should be sent to ealdormere.kseneschal@gmail.com and should include:

1) Reason(s) why you would like to apply for the position
2) SCA resume including previous positions held and areas of involvement, and any valid mundane experience
3) What you would like to do in the position to further the development and growth of arts and sciences in Ealdormere
The role is expected to be a two year commitment, starting at the end of the Kingdom Arts and Sciences Faire in 2018 and stepping down at the end of the Faire two years later. Due to the short timelines, the deadline for applications is February 15. If you have any questions, please forward them to ealdormere.kseneschal@gmail.com.

Thank you for your support during my time in office.

Yours in Service,
Merewen de Sweynesheie
Outgoing Kingdom Minister of Arts and Sciences

Mon, Jul 17, 2017


Greetings Kingdom Seneschals,
 
This is the followup to the new policy. Please read and acknowledge. This is for distribution to all local Seneschals and event stewards/autocrats.
The new policy can be found here: http://socsen.sca.org/the-sca-harrassment-and-bullying-policy/
 
By request of the Society Seneschal with the support of the Board and the President of the SCA, the following statement must be posted at gate/troll at every SCA event in a size large enough for people to see it as they enter our events. This language must likewise be quoted in ALL site handouts at every event a site were a handout is made available.
 
Thank you for all for your cooperation. I would also like to thank Director Richard Sherman who distilled down this language from the most recent addition to the Seneschals Handbook as well as the President and Board of the SCA who have supported making the SCA a safer environment.
 
Best regards,
A.J. Pongratz
Vice President of Operations, SCA Inc.
Society Seneschal
 
 
THE SCA PROHIBITS HARRASSMENT AND BULLYING OF ALL INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS.

• Participants engaging in this behavior are subject to appropriate sanctions.

 

• If you are subjected to harassment, bullying or retaliation, or if you become aware of anyone being harassed or bullied, contact a seneschal, President of the SCA, or your Kingdom's Board Ombudsman.