OCTOBER 2008

SHIRE OFFICERS
Seneschal Lord Eoghan Roriksson
Exchequer Dame George Anne
Herald Lord Robert O’Connor
Arts and Sciences Lady Anne Diarmat
Castellan Lord Malcolum Willelm
Deputy for Demos Lady Anne Diarmat,
General Deputy THL Keran Roslin
Chronicler THL Keran Roslin
Knight Marshal Sir Magnus Tindal
Archery Marshal Lady Mariana Maria Pietrosanti
Minister of Lists Vacant
Minister of Youth Vacant
Web Mistress Ravyn

OCTOBER IN STERLYNGE VAYLE
BINGHAMTON AREA MEETINGS
October 5 - Sunday - 3-5 PM - Business meeting - Anne & Eoghan’s
Oct. 11 - Saturday - 8:30- ? AM - Demo in Walton (See below)
Oct.12 - Sunday - 3-5 PM - Sewing, please let Anne know who is bringing machines so we can make sure that there will be enough tables. -- Anne & Eoghan’s
Oct. 19 - No Binghamton meeting (Want to go to Walton?)
Oct. 26 - Sunday - 3-5 PM - Sewing (Anne & Eoghan’s (Binghamton, NY)

As always, if you have a talent to share, a class you would like to teach or something you would like to learn, please send Anne an email at arudolph AT stny DOT rr.com

Nov. 2 - Sunday - 3-5 - Business meeting - Anne & Eoghan’s

Thursday nights - Fight Practice - 6:00 PM Recreation Park Binghamton, NY - Rain cancels practice. Please contact Eoghan or Tindal to see if there will be practice. Bring you’re A&S project and a chair or your armor and enjoy.

To find Recreation Park - Take your best Route to the 81/17 interchange in Binghamton, NY. Exit onto Route. 7 south. (Keep right as the road you want will go under an underpass after the first traffic light, not on the elevated roadway. Turn right (west) onto Court Street (Rt.11), one block after the second under pass. Follow Court St. through downtown Binghamton, across the river and turn left on Beethoven Street (10 or so blocks from the river). Follow Beethoven until you see Recreation Park on the left.

From Riverside Drive in Binghamton NY - Turn onto Beethoven Street from Riverside at the traffic light just east of Lourdes Hospital and go up the hill and back down until you see Recreation Park on the right.

Suggestions for A&S meetings, offers to host, requests to learn subjects, directions, etc. should be directed to Lady Anne Diarmat at arudolph AT stny DOT rr.com

ARCHERY IN STERLYNGE VAYLE
Oct. 1, 8, & 15 - Wednesdays - 7 PM - Archery discussions at Mariana’s home
The following dates and times are flexible. Archers should consult Lady Mariana with their preferences.
October 22, 29 - Wednesday - 6-8:30 PM - Archery practice at Gander Mountain in Johnson City
Nov. 5, 12 &19 - Wednesday - 6-8:30 PM - Archery practice at Gander Mountain in Johnson City
Nov. 26 - No Practice
- Mariana (Contact Lady Mariana - MMYurko AT aol.com for directions)

WALTON MEETINGS
DEMO DAY in Walton October11, 2008 (Saturday) Friends, find your way to the fair Walton Fairgrounds for fun, frolicking, and food. We are invited to show off as entertainment at the Walton Harvest Festival, sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Set up is at 8:30 and open for the public is 10AM-4PM. Admission is free for entertainers. Let them know you are with the SCA at the gate. Rattan fighters, please bring your armor and plan to demonstrate the martial arts. Archery and SCA Fencing equipment is good to bring, but these activities are not planned. Youth combat may be possible but is tentative at this time.
> Fighters and Non-fighters please bring a project that you are working on or some activity you can demonstrate. Medieval board games, banners and Medieval items to show off are a great idea. I will be setting up some Viking A-frame tents, with some help. There is lots of space available under cover if needed.
Food is available from vendors on site. I will provide drinks and a small dayboard. Fast food and Diners are nearby.

Directions: From Binghamton: Take 88 East to Bainbridge. Exit for Rte 206. Turn right on 206 go 20 miles. Turn Left at blinking red light onto Delaware Ave. in Walton. Turn right at second traffic light in town (NBDC Bank at corner). Cross bridge and turn right onto Stockton Ave. The Fairgrounds are on the right after a sharp curve to the left.
Others should take best route to Walton then From 206 South go straight at the red light, once you come into town, on Stockton Ave. The Fairgrounds are on the right after a sharp curve to the left.
From Albany - Take 88 West to the Richmondville exit for Route 10 West. Turn Left at first light in Walton. Cross the bridge and turn right onto Stockton Ave. The Fairgounds are on the right after a sharp curve to the left. Contact Olaf Via ruadjusted AT stny.rr.com or 607-865-5540 or 607-865-5394

WALTON MEETINGS
Oct. 9 - Thursday - 5:30-? PM (at Olaf’s home)
Oct. 11 - Saturday - Demo in Walton (see above)
Oct. 16 - Thursday - 5:30-? PM (at Olaf’s home)
Oct. 19 - Sunday - 3-? PM - Newcomer’s Guidance & Heraldry - shire Castellan and Deputy (at Olaf’s home)
Oct. 23 - Thursday - 5:30-? PM (at Olaf’s home)
Oct. 26 - Sunday - 3-? PM (at Olaf’s home)

Nov. 15 -16 - Forge Weekend in Treadwell, NY - The forge will be open and in use. Plan a project and get some metal or just come to watch. Plans are in the works to have a concurrent sewing room. Evening activity is expected to confirm this is a WET SITE. Contact Olaf Thornstein for directions. (MKA Richard Schmidt 607-865-5394) ruadjusted AT stny.rr.co
Thanks to Anne, Mariana and Olaf Thornstein for organizing meetings for us.

2008 - 2009 IN STERLYNGE VAYLE
Nov. 2 - Sunday - 3-5 - Business meeting - Anne & Robinson’s
Jan. 17, 2009 - Sterlynge Schola - Trinity Memorial Church (Binghamton, NY) [See the shire website http://www.sterlyngevayle.org/ under Locations for directions}

OCTOBER & BEYOND IN AETHELMEARC
Oct. 4 - Fall Crown Tournament - Barony of Blackstone Mountain (Hawk's Nest State Park, Route 60, Ansted, WV) http://www.hawksnestsp.com
Oct. 10 - 12 - Harvest Raid - Shire of Heronter (Bemus Point, NY)
Oct. 18 - Veturnaetur (Winter Nights) - Metals Symposium (Dominion of Myrkfaelinn (Ithaca, NY)
Oct. 25 - Hunter’s Moon (Shire of Hartstone)
Nov. 1 - Fasching - Barony of Endless Hills (Mountain Top, PA)
Nov. 16 - Fiber, Fabric and Fighting - Shire of Northward (Lamar, PA)
Dec. 6 - Delftwood Baronial Yule - Canton of Angel’s Keep (Auburn, NY)
Jan. 10 - Kingdom 12th Night - Shire of Riversedge
Feb. 12 - College of Three Ravens - Barony of Thescorre
March 28, 2009 - Ice Dragon NEW LOCATION: The Western New York Event Center, 11163 Main Street, Clarence, NY 14031

EAST KINGDOM
Oct. 4 - Winter Nights - Concordia of the Snows (Albany, NY)
Oct. 25 - Fall Crown Tournament - Shire of Glenn Linn (Lake George, NY)
Nov. 1 - Wear Schola III - Shire of Nordenhalle (Kingston, NY)
Nov. 15 - Bjorn’s Ceilidh - Concordia of the Snows (Cohoes, NY)
Nov 15 - Seraglio - Barony of Settmour Swamp (Flemington, NJ)
Dec. 6 - Mistletoe Revel 25th Anniversary Gala and Great Garb Schola - Shire of Barren Sands (Margate, NJ)
Jan 10 - East Kingdom 12th Night - Shire of Rusted Woodlands (Washingtonville, NY)
Jan. 30-31 - Market Day at Birka - Barony of Stonemarche (Manchester, NH) Check out http://www.eastkingdom.org/ for more info.

OTHER WARS
Great Western War XI – Oct. 8-13, 2008 (Taft, CA) http://www.caid-gww.org/
Estrella War XXV Feb 10-16, 2009 (Canyon Moon Ranch, Florence, AZ) http://www.estrellawar.org/

SENESCHAL’S RAMBLINGS
Unto the Shire of Sterlynge Vayle Does Lord Eoghan Rurikson, Your Seneschal, send greetings.

This month I actually want to bring up the idea of hospitality and chivalry. How often have you said something, or written something to someone - to help "fix" them? Or to "fix" some perceived misunderstanding? And if you have done this - how often do you make a point to stop and phrase things in the nicest possible way - ESPECIALLY to a newcomer?

I will mention now - that it has come to my attention that some rather Un-friendly comments have been made/sent to some people. Think about how this reflects - not just on you the person who sends it - but the shire itself. The phrase "one bad apple spoils the whole bunch" is all too often true.

If someone has just joined us, or been to our group - and is immediately lectured on how they are doing things wrong.. Think they are coming back? So before giving helpful advice - stop and think - while your intent is good (and I do believe the comments/messages have been MEANT in the best of spirits - you are all great people after all!) but unfortunately "perception is reality" as an ex-employer of mine once said. If we can phrase it differently - the person might appreciate it. And if you can't - well, maybe its better that you mention it someone else to say it to them.. or not say it at all!

I know this sounds like a lecture to adults, but it isn't often in today's society that any of us stops to think about HOW we are being received.. We are way to busy!

On another note, in the last week we lost one of AEthelmearc's great peers. Duke Sir Morguhn passed away. There are plans in motion to make a "memories of Duke Morguhn" book at different events - check at troll at different events you go to and add your memories to others. He was a great man, and the kingdom will be a lesser place without him. I will be picking up a condolences card and bring it to the next couple of meetings for shire members to sign.

We have had some GREAT showings from Shire members recently. I can't stress enough how great it was to see people pitching in at Bards and Bows - and from what I hear Sterlynge Vayle members were out in force helping at "Not Ready for Crown Tourney" - it makes me proud to be a member of the shire.

Oh - and welcome back to the Kingdom Briant!

Yours in Service,
Lord Eoghan Rurikson
Seneschal

CHANCES TO DEMO & MEET NEWCOMERS
There’s a demo in Walton on October 11 and Malcolm and I are going to a Walton meeting on October 19. Please let us know if you want to come.
- Keran

NEED AN SCA GIGGLE
You Know You’re in the SCA When http://www.ecst.csuchico.edu/~amarth/sca/ykyitscaw.html

http://www.sirguillaume.com/jk

CONGRATULATIONS
To Baroness Clarice Roan of Delftwood on her Sycamore and to Lord Gavin Kent of Myrkfaelinn on being chosen Jewel of AEthelmearc.

SYMPATHY
To the ladies, family, household, and friends of Duke Sir Morguhn Sheridan (John Charles Glenn), much sympathy. The people of AEthelmearc will miss him. He passed on September 23 after falling from his roof. He will be remembered for his constant service including: 2 reigns as King of the East, 2 reigns as King of AEthelmearc, Master of the Order of the Pelican, and 11th Jewel of AEthelmearc. His obituary is available at: http://dimblebyfriedelfuneralhomes.com/blogmt00/archives/2008/09/ glenn_john_charles.html and http://obits.syracuse.com/Syracuse/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=117941329

WELCOME
To Lady Briant Huntington on her return from the Outlands.

PROCESSING FLAX
Finger Lakes Fiber Arts Festival in September 2008 - In her demonstration From Flax to Linen, Wendy Caffee talked about growing flax in Pennsylvania. She covered planting 5 seeds per square inch to prevent the plant from branching out too much, and when to harvest (between 90 and 120 days). Finer flax comes from the earlier harvest date, but if you want seeds for next year, you must wait until the flowers have started to go to seed. At harvest, the stalks should be yellow about a third of the way up and the cut bundles tied up for drying. The demonstration covered the steps which take flax from a dried bundle to cloth and the equipment necessary. For more information, see the article and pictures on Dame George’s http://georgresearch.blogspot.com/2008/09/processing-flax.html

LOOKING FOR A SUCCESSOR
I am Dame George Anne, and I have been the Kingdom’s Archivist and Waiver Secretary for more than four years. In the interest of not hogging the job, I would like to retire from this post and am therefore seeking letters of intent from those interested in taking on the post. Please send your letters to Their Majesties, Countess Caryl, our kingdom seneschal, and myself before December 15, 2008.
So what does the Archivist and Waiver Secretary do? At every event and martial practice, waivers are supposed to be collected and sent to the Waiver Secretary. These are held for seven years for adults and 21 years for those under the age of 18, and they must be stored somewhere. The Archives contain copies of every newsletter of the Kingdom of Æthelmearc and many from the various shires and baronies, as well as important paperwork from the various offices of the kingdom, and such things as baronial election paperwork (which are sealed, yet stored in the Archives. The waiver secretary’s post involves collecting and tracking all waivers from events and martial practices, and that can be from one to several hours per week. In addition to organizational skill and safe storage of several file cabinets and document boxes, there are, on average, two requests per reign that involve delving into the Archives. Many things in the Archives require discretion, so this is an important consideration for anyone interested in the position.
-George

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Do you know of any good new event sites?
What would you like to learn at A&S meetings?
What can you teach others?
What SCA research help do you need?
Would you like to host a meeting?

WORDS FOR THE MONTH
CASTELLAN, CHATELAINE, HOSPITALIER - Officer in charge of helping Newcomers, almost every group has one

PERSONA - The person you are in the SCA. Your SCA name and the back story that goes with it. For most SCAdians, this story is a work in progress.

SCADIAN - noun or adjective - An SCA member (Example: Sir So and so in a SCAdian or I’m going to a SCAdian event in the MidRealm.)

KNOWN WORLD - the kingdoms of the SCA are the world a medieval SCA member would know (Example: Florida is the kingdom of Trimaris in the Known World.)

PENNSIC
July 25 - August 9, 2009

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SEPTEMBER 2008

SHIRE OFFICERS
Seneschal Lord Eoghan Roriksson
Exchequer Dame George Anne
Herald Lord Robert O’Connor
Arts and Sciences Lady Anne Diarmat
Castellan Lord Malcolum Willelm
Deputy for Demos Lady Anne Diarmat, General Deputy THL Keran Roslin
Chronicler THL Keran Roslin
Knight Marshal Sir Magnus Tindal
Archery Marshal Lady Mariana Maria Pietrosanti
Minister of Lists Vacant
Minister of Youth Vacant
Web Mistress Ravyn

SEPTEMBER + IN STERLYNGE VAYLE
BINGHAMTON AREA MEETINGS

9/6- Bards and Bows - Sept. 6 - Bards & Bows - Camp Amahami, 434 Page Pond Road, in Sanford NY. The site opens at 8:00 AM and closes when everything is clean on Saturday night. Anyone still lingering after 9:00 PM will be pressed into service for site clean up. To encourage you to arrive early to enjoy the full day’s activities, there will be a pancake and egg breakfast for a small charge from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. This event will offer archery events of all kinds including combat archery, royal rounds, and team archery combat. Though this event does focus on archery, we are planning a heavy weapons tourney, as well as fencing combat.

In keeping with the bardic theme of the event, we are hosting performance events, such as music, singing, and poetry recitals. Bards, come and sing for your supper! Those who wish to entertain during the day or during the feast will be offered our wondrous feast at no charge! (Limited to the first bards who pre-register to claim this reward.)

As always, a wondrous feast is being planned for you to enjoy. Sterlynge Vayle is proud of its well-deserved reputation of serving wonderful feasts. We will be savoring the cooking of Lady Anne Diarmat. Please contact her at least two weeks in advance at arudolph AT stny.rr.com with any dietary concerns, including the need for vegetarian dishes, as we cannot adjust the menu that day. There will be limited seating for feast, so be sure to get your reservation in early.

The cost for this event is $16.00 onboard and $8.00 offboard. Both will include a sideboard lunch. Minors aged 13 – 17 are $12.00/$6.00, children aged 5 – 12 are $8.00/$4.00, and babes under 5 are welcome at no cost, so bring the whole family. Breakfast is $2.00 for those aged 13 and up, and $1.00 for children aged 0 – 12. We will be collecting the NMS of $3.00 from anyone not carrying proof of SCA membership. Please make checks payable to “SCA, INC. -- Shire of Sterlynge Vayle”. Send your reservations to: Lady Caitríona Fhail inghean Uí Chonaill, “Kayley” (mka Michele Greenmun) at 284 Hoadley Hill Road, Windsor, NY 13865. As this is just a one day event, there is no camping or sleeping space available at the site.

As part of our effort to keep our fees low for one more year, we will be hosting a silent auction of items created by our talented populace. Donations are always welcome. Anyone wishing to teach a Bardic or Archery class is encouraged, just contact the Autocrats. Merchants are welcome with no fee, but an item donated to the silent auction is encouraged. Please contact the Autocrats and tell them how much space you would like. Please address any other questions or concerns to the autocrats, Lord Robert “Bob the Herald” O’Connor (mka Phil Smith), phone: 607-621-2047, e-mail: roberttheherald AT yahoo.com, and Lady Caitríona Fhail inghean Uí Chonaill, “Kayley” (mka Michele Greenmun), phone: 607-621-2122, e-mail: kayleyofsterlyngevayle AT yahoo DOT com, .

Site rules: No fires outside of already established fire pits and fireplaces. We are working on permission to make this a damp site. Smoking is strictly limited to the parking lot *only*, and please police your butts. No animals except for service animals. Please avoid using incense and scented candles. Please be aware that cell phone service is unpredictable at the site.

DIRECTIONS: Find your best route to NY Route 17, EAST of I-81. Go East on Route 17 until you reach Exit 82. Exit the highway and turn left onto Route 41 North toward Sanford. Drive 3.9 miles and turn right onto North Sanford Road. North Sanford Road will shortly and sharply curve to the left, as should you. Continue on North Sanford Road approx. 1.4 miles until you discover Page Pond Road on the left. There is a small Amahami sign at the corner. (If you reach Heath Road on the right, you went too far.) Turn onto Page Pond Road (unpaved!) & slowly drive the approx. 2 miles to the camp. Fletcher Lodge is on the right and the parking lot is on the left. The drive down to the Main Field is down hill from Fletcher Lodge.

POST REVEL - Anne and Eoghan's after site is clean. (No drinking and driving, if you are impaired, be prepared to take a cab or pull up some floor.)

9/7 - No meeting
9/14 - Sunday - 5 - 7 PM - Calligraphy Class - Taught by Dame George Anne - Anne & Eoghan’s
9/21 - Sunday - Sewing - 3 - ? PM - Please bring machines if you have them and fabric/in process garb; if you are planning on attending, please let me know so we can have enough tables/outlets available - Anne & Eoghan’s
9/28- If you are willing to host a meeting this day, let Anne know, as she will be unavailable that day.

Please send Anne any classes you would like to attend or teach. We have many people in shire with a variety of talents who are willing to teach classes if asked. Also, anyone with hidden talents who would like to teach a class, please contact Anne to arrange a date and place for your class.

Kayley is willing to teach a class on Inkle weaving, but first we must make inkle looms. Email Anne if interested and we will set up dates for that as well. arudolph AT stny DOT rr.com

October 5 - Sunday - 3-5 - Business meeting - Anne & Robinson’s
Nov. 2 - Sunday - 3-5 - Business meeting - Anne & Robinson’s
Wednesday nights - 6:30 - Archery practice at Mariana’s house
Thursday nights - Fight Practice - 6:00 PM Recreation Park Binghamton, NY - Rain cancels practice. Please contact Eoghan or Tindal to see if there will be practice. Bring you’re A&S project and a chair or your armor and enjoy.

Suggestions for A&S meetings, offers to host, requests to learn subjects, directions, etc. should be directed to Lady Anne Diarmat at arudolph AT stny DOT rr.com

WALTON AND DELHI MEETINGS
Questions? Talk to Olaf (MKA Richard Schmidt 607-865-5394) ruadjusted AT stny.rr.com

Thanks to Anne and Olaf for organizing meetings for us.

ARCHERY IN STERLYNGE VAYLE
Archery practice for the month of Sept will be on Wed nights and is as follows:
Sept 3 - Wednesday - 6:30 pm
Sept 10 - Wednesday - 6 -7 pm (Anyone here at 7 will be invited to a candle party)
Sept 17 - canceled - I will be out of town for business
Sept 24 - Wednesday - 6:00 pm
for Oct we will be moving inside - I will start working on places and times. - Mariana (Contact Lady Mariana - MMYurko AT aol.com for directions)

2008 IN STERLYNGE VAYLE
October 5 - Sunday - 3-5 - Business meeting - Anne & Robinson’s
Nov. 2 - Sunday - 3-5 - Business meeting - Anne & Robinson’s

SEPTEMBER & BEYOND IN AETHELMEARC
Aug. 29-Sept. 1 - A Shoote in the Wilde Woods - Delftwood (Elbridge, NY)
Sept. 6 - Bards & Bows - Sterlynge Vayle (Camp Amahami, Sanford, NY)
Sept. 13 - Summer’s End - Beau Fleuve (St. John LaSalle Church, Niagara Falls, NY)
Sept. 13 - 14 - Delftwood - Demo at St. Maries amongst the Iroquois on the weekend of September 13th and 14th. (I will be looking for volunteers to help with demo. What I had in mind was to pretty much a repeat of what was done last year (without the brutal heat and rain). One addition will be archery. I am not sure about thrown weapons yet but I will make the enquiry. We will need volunteers for : Archery, heavy weapons, fencing, brewing, cooking, arts and sciences, Children’s activities, and anything I forgot Any donations of people’s pavilions would also be greatly appreciated. Also I would like to see as much heraldry as possible. Every year we do this demo it gets better and better. Lets continue the trend. In Service, Artemius, Baron of Delftwood)
Sept. 20 - Coronation - Heronter (Randolph, NY)
The Coronation of Christopher Rawlyns and Morgen of Rye will be held on September 20th in the Shire of Heronter. In addition to the Last Court of Khalek and Branwyn, and the Coronation and First Court of Christopher and Morgen, the day will include selection of the new Rapier Champion, Youth Combat Champion, and Arts and Sciences Champion.

We are thrilled to have access to Camp Timbercrest (11169 Moore Rd, Randolph, NY 14772). The site will open at 9:00am Saturday morning and close at 10:00pm. The site is very DRY and open flames are permitted during feast. There is also no smoking on site. No pets are allowed; service animals must be leashed.

The event steward and reservation clerk is Baroness Margerite. All questions can be sent to her (Jennifer Bastian, event steward AT heronter DOT org). Please include the modern names of everyone for whom you are sending a reservation. Please note if your child/babe in arms will require their own seat at feast. If you require confirmation of your reservation please include an email address or a self-addressed envelope. All checks should be made payable to SCA Inc. Shire of Heronter. As always, the only good reservation is a paid reservation, and the reservation deadline is September 10th 2008.

The head cook for Coronation is Baroness Katja (Chris Adler-France, coronationcook@heronter.org). Any dietary accommodations can be communicated to her. Please note that any special dietary accommodations should be arranged with her no later than September 10, 2008.

Merchants are always welcome, all merchants will be outside, so please be prepared with your own shade and furniture. There is no fee, but merchants are encouraged to provide an item for our silent auction. Please contact the Event Steward with any questions.

Fees are as follows: Site Fee: $10.00 Adults
Feast Fee: $8.00 Adults
Children (5-12) are half price, those under 5 are free (but please list them in your reservation should they require a seat at feast so we may reserve one for them). Students age 12-17 will be discounted to half price for the day fee, but knowing how many of them eat, we must ask the full adult feast price for those who wish to stay for dinner. The site fee includes a sideboard lunch. A family cap will be set at $60.00 (2 adults and their children).

Directions:
From the West: Take Route 86 East, Take Randolph Exit #16. Turn left onto Main Street and take Main Street approximately 2 miles. Turn right on Coldspring Road. This is the 2nd right after railroad tracks by Moonrise Farms. ***
From the East: Take Route 86 East, Take Randolph Exit #16. Turn right onto Main Street and take Main Street approximately 2 miles. Turn right onto Coldspring Road. This is the 2nd right after railroad tracks by Moonrise Farms. ***
*** After Turning onto Coldspring Road: Take Coldspring Road until you reach a stop sign (you will be driving parallel to Route 86 on your right). At the stop sign, continue straight (do not turn left and follow Coldspring Rd. any longer). Follow Corbett Hill Road approx. 2 miles and turn left onto Moore Road; follow signs to camp.

Oct. 4 - Fall Crown Tournament - Barony of Blackstone Mountain (Hawk's Nest State Park, Route 60, WV) http://www.hawksnestsp.com
Oct. 11 - Metals Symposium (Dominion of Myrkfaelinn)
March 28, 2009 - Ice Dragon NEW LOCATION: "The Western New York Event Center." 11163 Main Street, Clarence, NY 14031

EAST KINGDOM
Aug. 29 - Sept. 1 - Swamp Thynge (Middletown, DE)
Sept. 12 - 14 - East Kingdom University (Shire of Rusted Woodlands)
Check out http://www.eastkingdom.org/ for more info.

OTHER WARS
Great Western War XI – Oct. 8-13, 2008 (Taft, CA) http://www.caid-gww.org/
Estrella War XXV Feb 10-16, 2009 (Canyon Moon Ranch, Florence, AZ) http://www.estrellawar.org/

SENESCHAL’S RAMBLINGS
Unto the Shire of Sterlynge Vayle does Lord Eoghan Rurikson send greetings! Well, summer almost over and it’s been FILLED with happenings. Congrats to Sterlynge Vayle’s Lady Caitríona Fhail inghean Uí Chonaill, “Kayley” on her new job as AEthelmearc’s Kingdom Exchequer and to Sir Magnus Tindal, AEthelmearc’s newest Knight. Please congratulate them when you see them!
We’ve had 2 meetings/demos in Otsiningo Park and had a good response. Remember to make our newcomers welcome and keep an eye out for other places where we can show people what we do.
Bards and Bows is of course coming up this week. Your help is needed to make this a great event. It doesn't matter WHAT you find fun - I am sure that you will find it there!
In addition, our neighbors are having events left and right! (See the list above.) They too are a grand time! You wouldn’t want to miss anything.
Yours in service,
-Eoghan

CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Lady Caitríona Fhail inghean Uí Chonaill (Kayley) on her new position as Kingdom Exchequer and to Sir Magnus Tindal, AEthelmearc’s newest knight.
At the August 31, meeting in Otsiningo Park, the following officer changes were confirmed: Dame George Anne is now Exchequer, Sir Magnus Tindal is now Knight Marshal and Lady Anne Diarmat is now Arts & Sciences Officer. The Shire thanks Kayley, George and Rundewulfe for their services in their previous offices.

AETHELMEARC’S ARTISAN OF THE MONTH
September’s artisan of the month is Baron Fridrikr Tomasson av Knusslig Hamn. Please go to http://www.aeans.org/artisans/aotm/aotm/aotm.htm to see a picture, bio and examples of his poetry.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Should we move the date if Barony Wars to Autumn?
Should the Shire consider becoming a Barony?
What will help encourage new members?
Where should we look for new members?
Do you have any suggestions for event and/or demo sites?
What topics interest you for new meetings?
Make your opinion known on the list and at meetings

CROWN TOURNEY
Unto the Populace of Æthelmearc, Greetings from Christopher and Morgen, Prince and Princess of these Sylvan Lands!

If you intend on fighting in Fall Crown, please note that letters of intent are required to be either post marked, or, in Our hands by September 4th. By Law, letters are required to contain the following:

III-1100 Letters of intent must be sent to the Crown. They must include the SCA names, legal names, addresses, telephone numbers, proofs of membership, age and signatures of both the prospective combatant and consort and must be postmarked or hand-delivered to the Crown no later than 30 days prior to the Crown Tournament. The Kingdom Seneschal shall verify eligibility as defined in the Bylaws and Corpora.III-1200. The Crown Tournament will be run in a double-elimination format.
Our requirements, in addition to those noted above are as follows:
1. You must be able to span the length and breadth of your shield.
2. No blatantly modern sports equipment should be visible on your kit. Black or brown unadorned modern footwear will be accepted, but, you are encouraged to wear period footwear or otherwise disguise modern shoes.
3. Combatants and their consorts should include a list of in-kingdom events that they have attended since last Fall Crown with their letter of intent.
4. Prospective consorts must be present at the tournament.

If you have any questions about the above requirements, please contact Us as soon as possible so that we may avoid any misunderstandings on the day of the tournament.
We Remain,
Christopher and Morgen
Prince and Princess

SPINNING SOURCES
A place for cheap but good spindles and starter wool: http://stores.ebay.com/annie-mays-spin-and-wool
Inexpensive good fiber: http://www.coppermoose.com/NufibersColor.html
Feel like trying silk or hemp to finished garment? You can buy the undyed fiber here very inexpensively. http://www.aurorasilk.com/fibers/tussah_silk.html
Where I got the beautiful spindle: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5207884
Where I want to buy a spindle (think Cadillac) http://www.journeywheel.com/content/view/32/85/
A SCAdian fiber business with fun stuff to drool on http://www.sanguinegryphon.com/
And if you want to be hooked into another Fiber community: http://www.ravelry.com/
- George

WORDS FOR THE MONTH
NMS = Non Member Surcharge = The $3 charge added to event fees for those who either don’t have a membership card or forgot theirs.
BLUE CARD = SCA membership card for member whose waiver is on file at SCA headquarters in California
AUTHORIZATION CARD = Proves you know the rules for your particular martial art and are authorized by SCA Marshals to compete in it.
Marshal = SCA member in charge of a specific martial activity. This person is trained for this within the SCA. (Examples: Archery Marshal, Thrown Weapons Marshal, Knight Marshal)

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This is your newsletter. Remember to fill it with things which interest you and will interest others. It is not an official publication of the SCA, Inc. Articles found herein are the property of their authors. Opinions and statements are those of the articles’ authors.

AUGUST 2008

SHIRE OFFICERS
Seneschal Lord Eoghan Roriksson
Exchequer Dame George Anne
Herald Lord Robert O’Connor
Arts and Sciences Lady Anne Diarmat
Castellan Lord Malcolum Willelm
Deputy for Demos Lady Anne Diarmat, General Deputy THL Keran Roslin
Chronicler THL Keran Roslin
Knight Marshal Lord Rundewulf
Archery Marshal Lady Mariana Maria Pietrosanti
Minister of Lists Vacant
Minister of Youth Vacant
Web Mistress Ravyn

AUGUST IN STERLYNGE VAYLE
BINGHAMTON AREA MEETINGS
August 16 - 12 noon - Picnic at Otsiningo Park (rain date Sunday) - bring your garb, projects, armor and a dish to pass
August 31 (Sunday) - Business & planning meeting for Bards & Bows (Anne & Eoghan’s house, 61 Johnson Ave. in Binghamton)
Tuesday nights - 6:30 - Archery practice at Mariana’s house
No Practice on August 5.
Thursday nights - Fight Practice - 6:00 PM Recreation Park Binghamton, NY - Rain cancels practice. Please contact Eoghan or Rundewulfe to see if there will be practice. Bring you’re A&S project and a chair or your armor and enjoy.
(Take your best Route to the 81/17 interchange in Binghamton, NY. Exit onto Route. 7 south. (Keep right as the road you want will go under an underpass after the first traffic light, not on the elevated roadway.) Turn right (west) onto Court Street (Rt.11), one block after the second under pass. Follow Court St. through downtown Binghamton, across the river and turn left on Beethoven Street (10 or so blocks from the river). Follow Beethoven until you see Recreation Park on the left.

Suggestions for A&S meetings, offers to host, requests to learn subjects, directions, etc. should be directed to THL George Anne, thegeorg AT stny.rr DOT com

WALTON AND DELHI MEETINGS
Questions? Talk to Olaf (MKA Richard Schmidt) ruadjusted AT stny.rr.com

Thanks to George and Olaf for organizing meetings for us.

ARCHERY IN STERLYNGE VAYLE
Practice is on Tuesday nights at Mariana’s house at 6:30 PM. Contact Lady Mariana MMYurko AT aol.com for directions

2008 IN STERLYNGE VAYLE
Sept. 6 - Bards & Bows (Sterlynge Vayle) (Sanford, NY)

The Shire of Sterlynge Vayle welcomes all back to the new Damp Dragon Inn for Bards and Bows on September 6, 2008. This event will be held at Camp Amahami, 434 Page Pond Road, in Sanford NY. This is the same beautiful site where Barony Wars is held. The site opens at 8:00 AM and closes when everything is clean on Saturday night. Anyone still lingering after 9:00 PM will be pressed into service for site clean up. To encourage you to arrive early to enjoy the full day’s activities, there will be a pancake and egg breakfast for a small charge from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.

This event will offer archery events of all kinds including combat archery, royal rounds, and team archery combat. Though this event does focus on archery, we will not be ignoring those who want to whack people with big sticks. We are planning a heavy weapons tourney, as well as fencing combat.

As part of our effort to keep our fees low for one more year, we will be hosting a silent auction of items created by our talented populace. Donations are always welcome. Anyone wishing to teach a Bardic or Archery class is encouraged, just contact the Autocrats. Merchants are welcome with no fee, but an item donated to the silent auction is encouraged. Please contact the Autocrats and tell them how much space you would like. Please address any other questions or concerns to the autocrats, Lord Robert “Bob the Herald” O’Connor (mka Phil Smith), e-mail: roberttheherald AT yahoo.com, and Lady Caitríona Fhail inghean Uí Chonaill, “Kayley” (mka Michele Greenmun), e-mail: kayleyofsterlyngevayle AT yahoo.com, both living at 284 Hoadley Hill Road in Windsor, NY 13865.

SEPTEMBER & BEYOND IN AETHELMEARC

Aug. 29-Sept. 1 - A Shoote in the Wilde Woods - Delftwood (Elbridge, NY)
Sept. 6 - Bards & Bows - Sterlynge Vayle (Camp Amahami, Sanford, NY)
Sept. 13 - Summer’s End - Beau Fleuve (St. John LaSalle Church, Niagara Falls, NY)
Sept. 20 - Coronation - Heronter
Oct. 4 - Fall Crown Tournament - Barony of Blackstone Mountain (Hawk's Nest State Park, Route 60, WV) http://www.hawksnestsp.com
Oct. 11 - Metals Symposium (Dominion of Myrkfaelinn)
March 28, 2009 - Ice Dragon NEW LOCATION: "The Western New York Event Center." 11163 Main Street, Clarence, NY 14031

EAST KINGDOM
Aug. 29 - Sept. 1 - Swamp Thynge (Middletown, DE)
Sept. 12 - 14 - East Kingdom University (Shire of Rusted Woodlands)
Check out http://www.eastkingdom.org/ for more info.

OTHER WARS
Great Western War XI – Oct. 8-13, 2008 (Taft, CA) http://www.caid-gww.org/
Estrella War XXV Feb 10-16, 2009 (Canyon Moon Ranch, Florence, AZ) http://www.estrellawar.org/

SENESCHAL’S RAMBLINGS
Unto the Shire of Sterlynge Vayle does Lord Eoghan Rurikson send greetings!
With Pennsic on the horizon, I will keep this brief. I want to again stress my thanks to the Shire. With recent discussions of the "standard people" who help at events - My wife and I took a really close look at how many people worked at Barony Wars. There were fourteen, who we would classify as "busting their butts" for a significant period of time, and eighteen people total, who we came up with as helping. Wow, that is FAR more than the five or six that we have had for a long time.. THANK YOU!!!
Keep up the good work Sterlynge Vayle - and remember our upcoming newcomers picnic! More people means less work for each of us!
-Eoghan

MINUTES FROM THE JULY MEETING
Attendees: Lord Eoghan Roriksson (Seneschal), THL Keran Roslin (Chronicler), Lady Diedre the Hidden, Lady Anne Diarmat, Lady Olwen, and Rayvn (Webminister).

Topics of discussion:
Demo - Demo went well, with rather pleasant turn out. We roped in two of our newer members from Delhi into walking in the Parade with us (Thanks Pam and Justin!). We fought in the Parade, and once after making an announcement and gathering a crowd. They would definitely like us to do a repeat next year - and we talked with the Civic Association that owns the land right behind the American Legion - and we have their permission to use it for thrown weapons and archery next year. The Arts and Sciences displays went over well, and we gathered quite a bit of interest. We discussed with people coming by the things we could offer organizations as well as individuals - such as demos at their events for entertainment purposes. For a small fee (to help buy a prize chest) run a medieval-times type entertainment at fundraising dinners (like we did for ladies of the Elk's Club dinner - we have a fighter per table, and hold a tournament with each table cheering on their fighter. At the end - the winning table gets the prize chest.) WE had several people seem interested including (but not limited to)

1) A Master Farrier who has been doing blacksmithing for 40 years, has done 18th century work, but prefers earlier.

2) The farrier’s wife who sews and trains horses.

3) A fighter that showed up several times to learn back in the days that fight practice was held at Mad Lord Vlat's. He remembered Tink’s (a former member) and Vlat“s, Rundwulfe's and my armor that we wore at the time.

4) Another person who had never heard of us before, but was ecstatic to find out we existed.. He made a point to find me before he left and let me know he would be in touch.

5) A knife-maker that would be happy to sell at our events, and do some knife-making classes if we are interested. As the conversation progressed, it occurred to him that he might like to try fighting. (Phil, Michelle and Kory - its Ed from BPC).

Welcoming - we discussed how we can make ourselves more welcoming.. The ongoing discussion on the list is far better - so I won’t go into it as what we did come up with is tied into that conversation.

Website - Seneschal will write up a blurb for the website on what SCA is, what we cover (see above for examples) so that it becomes a better resource for folks who know nothing about us but what we say at demos.

Demos in general - Keep in eye out for places and things where we can do demos - both within Delhi/Oneonta/Walton areas as well as locally. Ideally we should try and have several large demos a year (though two would be a realistic number if we could pull off good sized public ones).

Picnic in the park and newcomers’ day - Aug 16th so it will not interfere with Pennsic.

I think that was it!

Eoghan

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP
This is an organization of volunteers. Every time the Shire has an event, we need help to pull it off. Without that help, the event isn’t as rich or organized. Each of us need to do our part and not wait for someone else to do it all. You can help. We need people: at Troll, in the parking lot, in the kitchen, on the fighting field, setting up targets, raising tents, cleaning halls, carrying stuff, decorating the hall, setting up tables, setting up dressing rooms, making signs, putting signs on the roads, and generally doing serf labor so that the event works. All gentles need to realize that it’s our shire too and it’s our event we are helping with. The pat on the back should be the successful event and the joy other people got from coming.

The reality is that this is a hobby and no one is perfect. We’re all hopefully coming to this with the best intentions. Every person who is new to a group must make and keep making an effort to get to know people and fit in. Every group with new members needs to make an effort to get acquainted, help with the fitting in and let new members know what’s going on. That’s difficult to do when people are busy working at an event. That’s one of the reasons we have meetings and practices. That way we get to know one another. On either side of the question, it’s good to remember that the SCA it isn’t all about you. It’s also about creating a successful group.

It’s easier to talk to your friends and to assume that someone else is responsible for new people. The Chatelaine/Castellan can’t do it all or see it all. When I was Chatelaine, I always told you that you were all deputies. Newcomer or veteran member, I really meant it.

- Keran

KINGDOM’S ARTISAN OF THE MONTH
If you know someone who should be recognized as the Artisan or Scientist of the Month, please nominate them. Send email to Odriana vander Brugghe (jenn.strobel AT gmail DOT com) with the following information:

1. The person's SCA name.
2. The person's Modern name.
3. Tell me a bit about their particular area of research.
4. Your name.
5. Contact information for both you and your nominee.

MISSING SCA NEWS?
Try http://www.scatoday.net/
Want to remember a SCAdian who has passed? Check out http://sandradodd.com/people/obituaries/sca

HERALDRY QUESTION
Ladies and gentlemen,
Laurel and Wreath Sovereigns of Arms asked that this be sent out over Announcements as it affects more people than can be reached through heraldic channels.

Greetings!

The decisions on these subjects will be made at the November 2008 Wreath meeting. Those who wish to comment but are not commenting members of the College of Arms (and thus unable to post to OSCAR), may send their commentary directly to wreath-herald AT sca.org ; those comments will then be posted verbatim to OSCAR. All comments submitted in this fashion should arrive by October 24, 2008. This will give the volunteers doing this manual copying sufficient time for their work.

Please address these questions separately, if at all possible.

1: Laurel Wreaths and Territorial Arms
Currently laurel wreaths are reserved for - and are a required component of - territorial arms. This topic has been a subject of debate many times. It has long been argued that the requirement that territorial arms have a laurel wreath as a prominent component of the arms is ahistoric. The counter-argument has been that it makes it easy to identify territorial groups which, while not a period practice, is very much part of SCA historical practice. We are considering removing the requirement that territorial arms have a laurel wreath and invite comments from the College of Arms and others.

2: Laurel Wreaths for Laurels
Currently laurel wreaths are reserved for territorial arms. A member of the Order of the Pelican may register armory with the symbol of the order, as may a member of the Order of the Chivalry. It has been suggested that members of the Order of the Laurel should also be allowed to registered armory with the symbol of their order. We request opinions on whether or not laurel wreaths should be reserved for members of the Order of the Laurel in addition to territorial arms. Please note that this decision is independent of the decision whether or not to remove the requirement that territorial arms include a laurel wreath. Regardless of the outcome of these two discussions, laurel wreaths will continue to be reserved for territorial arms.

- Istvan
...soon to be Wreath Sovereign of Arms

NOT A PEAR, A PEER
To be a Peer of the English nobility, historically speaking, is to be a true Noble with a title. Therefore, since many of the SCA‘s customs come from an English model, the highest ranked people in the SCA are considered to be Peers of the Realm and those who should be looked to as an example to others of how to Be SCAdian.

The first peers within the Society were the Knights, who fought for love, honor and the ideals of Chivalry. Upon them, no matter their gender, is bestowed the title of Sir. They originally fought for the right to crown the the Queen of Love and Beauty (ala Ivanhoe). Next came the Royal Peers- those who have sat the throne of a principality or kingdom.

Then, in order to get non-profit status as the organization evolved, the organization sought to encourage learning in the arts & sciences. Those peers, who were sought out for their learning and guidance on how to be more authentic, were recognized and called Laurels, for the laurel wreath given to the Olympian winners. These gentles may use the title of Dame or Mistress for the ladies and Master for the men.

As time went on and the organization grew more bureaucratic, the Board of Directors (BOD) decided that they wanted to thank all of the wonderful volunteers who have made the Society the organization that it is. They created another peerage order, and called it the Order of the Pelican, because a pelican in medieval times was thought to pierce its own breast and feed its blood to its children. This is a very good symbol for the tireless work done by those who constantly volunteer.

However, the various kingdoms at the time were not necessarily fond of the idea of another peerage being shoved down their throats. Many felt the BOD had flipped them the bird by creating this peerage. That was the start of the flipping the bird jokes. Over time, this peerage has became accepted as on par with the Laurels, Knights and Royal Peers, because, of course, without volunteers the Society would be nothing. The Pelicans may use the same titles as the Laurels.

The peerage ceremony does vary a little with each type of Peer, but the ceremony itself is very like the Knight of the Bath ceremony. The prospective candidate is: taken aside to sit vigil (traditionally staying up all night in front of an altar, but the SCA tries hard to avoid the religious connotations), given a cold bath, dressed in new white clothing (like a baptism), and then those in the order will drill the candidate in the rights and duties of his/her new station. Meanwhile, there will be a reception going on with lovely foods and friends and family of the victim, er, candidate, will hang out together. Later, the candidate will be dressed and taken to Court. The candidate’s entourage will be summoned forth by the Herald and they will all march in together in front of Their Majesties. The candidate will kneel before Them. The Herald will call those of all of the peerages who wish to speak on behalf of the candidate. A Knight, Laurel, former Royal, and Pelican will all speak, and the candidate will be blushing furiously. Then the candidate will be invested with symbols of the new rank.

In my case, I was given two medallions that have Pelicans on them. One has passed through the hands of all AEthelmearc’s Pelicans, and one has been passed down for the Archivists who became Pelicans. I also received a cloak with the Order of the Pelican’s heraldry and my badge, so that all who see me from a distance will know it's me, and I'm a Pelican. The medallions are for me to wear until there are new Pelicans for me to pass them onto. After the presentations, I swore an oath of fealty to Their Majesties and the Kingdom, and they swore one back to me. Then my award scroll was read an I was presented to the populace as Dame George.

- George

USEFUL AETHELMEARC WEBSITES
AEthelmearc Arts & Sciences http://www.aeans.org
AEthelmearc College of Bards http://www.aebards.org/
AEthelmearc College of Heralds http://www.aeheralds.net/
AEthelmearc College of Scribes http://www.aethelmearc-scribes.org/
AEthelmearc Cooks Guild http://www.geocities.com/aecooks/CGMain.html
AEthelmearc Equestrian Page http://home.twcny.rr.com/lienhart/equestrian/
AEthelmearc Rapier Combat site includes the rules http://www.aerapier.org/

PENNSIC
Checking in at War.
Preregistered? Drive in the main gate. Do not drive beyond Troll. Park. Take your pre-registration information, driver’s license, cash $ (if arriving before the second week or not preregistered), license plate number, and membership card to Troll. Check in there. You will be given a medallion, receipt, hang tag for your car, plastic garbage bag, merchant book, and class schedule book. Put your medallion around your neck and don’t lose it. Return to your car. Place the tag on your rearview mirror. (Do not drive off site with it up there. I usually tape mine in the lower left hand corner of the windshield.) Now you’re ready to find camp and experience Pennsic.

WORDS FOR THE MONTH
BARD - a minstrel or storyteller
BARDIC - pertaining to the above, a bardic event often includes music & storytelling
BARDING - the fancy clothes horses wear when they are dressed up

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This is your newsletter. Remember to fill it with things which interest you and will interest others. It is not an official publication of the SCA, Inc. Articles found herein are the property of their authors. Opinions and statements are those of the articles’ authors.

THE DRAGON'S TONGUE
NEWSLETTER OF THE SHIRE OF STERLYNGE VAYLE
JULY 2008

SHIRE OFFICERS
Seneschal Lord Eoghan Roriksson
Exchequer Lady Catriona inghen UiConor (Kayley O'Connor)
Herald Lord Robert O'Connor
Arts and Sciences THL George Anne
Castellan Lord Malcolum Willelm
Deputy for Demos Lady Anne Diarmat, General Deputy THL Keran Roslin
Chronicler THL Keran Roslin
Knight Marshal Lord Rundewulf
Archery Marshal Lady Mariana Maria Pietrosanti
Minister of Lists Vacant
Minister of Youth Vacant
Web Mistress Ravyn

JULY IN STERLYNGE VAYLE
BINGHAMTON AREA MEETINGS
July
July 5 - Demo - Colesville Super Celebration (Harpersville, NY) 9:30- 7
Directions: Take I-88 to Exit 6, turn right off of the exit onto Rt. 79, turn right onto Maple St., turn left onto Welton St. We will be set up behind the American Legion on the left. The parade starts at 10 AM. We can show up anytime in the morning. I plan on being there sometime around 8 or 8:30 AM. We are planning on marching in the parade and there is a good possibility we will have press coverage. We are one of the features for the celebration in the press and on the flyers. For anyone who is interested, they are accepting donations of items to raffle off to raise money for the fireworks and we will have a booth set up to sell items. Half will be to raise money for the shire, the other half will be for anyone who wants to try and sell some of their craft items. Let me know if you plan on participating. We would love to see a good turnout for this as there are usually a thousand or so people that come through and could be an opportunity for new members. I would love to see people from the surrounding groups attend if they are able for a better showing. Children are welcome, pets are not. If there is anyone who would like to merchant, please contact me and I will give you the information for the people to contact. Anne arudolph AT stny.rr DOT com

July 6 - Sunday - Business Meeting - 3-5 PM (Anne & Eoghan's)

Tuesday nights - 6:30 - Archery practice at Mariana's house

Thursday nights - Fight Practice - Recreation Park Binghamton, NY
(Take your best Route to the 81/17 interchange in Binghamton, NY. Exit onto Route. 7 south. (Keep right as the road you want will go under an underpass after the first traffic light, not on the elevated roadway.) Turn right (west) onto Court Street (Rt.11), one block after the second under pass. Follow Court St. through downtown Binghamton, across the river and turn left on Beethoven Street (10 or so blocks from the river). Follow Beethoven until you see Recreation Park on the left.

From Riverside Drive in Binghamton NY - Turn onto Beethoven Street from Riverside at the traffic light near Lourdes Hospital and go up the hill and back down slightly until you see Recreation Park on the right.

WALTON AND DELHI MEETINGS
WALTON - Townsend Elementary Cafeteria in Walton, NY
July 13 - Sunday
Directions Take Rt. 88 to the Bainbridge exit Take right on 206 towards Walton, In Walton turn Left at stop light onto Delaware Ave (rte. 10). Pass two traffic lights and turn left on North St. The Townsend Elementary School is on right about one block. Park in back the meeting is in the cafeteria. Questions? Talk to Olaf (MKA Richard Schmidt 607-865-5394) ruadjusted AT stny.rr.com

Suggestions for A&S meetings, offers to host, requests to learn subjects, directions, etc. should be directed to THL George Anne, thegeorg AT stny.rr DOT com

Thanks to George and Olaf for organizing these meetings for us.

ARCHERY IN STERLYNGE VAYLE
Practice is on Tuesday nights at Mariana's house at 6 PM. Contact Lady Mariana MMYurko AT aol.com for directions

2008 IN STERLYNGE VAYLE
Sept. 6 - Bards & Bows (Sterlynge Vayle)

JULY & BEYOND IN AETHELMEARC
July 2 - Children's Event - Barony of Delftwood ((Camillus, NY)
July 18-20 - Viking Village Demo - Shire of Heronter (Jamestown Community College in Jamestown, NY)
July 26-Aug.10 - Pennsic War (July 26 is Land Grab) www.pennsicwar.org
Aug. 29-Sept. 1 - A Shoote in the Wilde Woods -Delftwood
Sept. 6 - Bards & Bows (Sterlynge Vayle)
Sept. 13 - Summer's End - Beau Fleuve (St. John LaSalle Church, Niagara Falls, NY)
Sept. 20 - Coronation - Heronter
Oct. 4 - Fall Crown Tournament - Barony of Blackstone Mountain

EAST KINGDOM
July 3 - 7 - Northern Region War Camp (Warrensburg, NY)
July 11-13 - Great Northeastern War (Hebron, ME)
July 18 - 20 - East Kingdom War Camp (Lehighton, PA)
July 19 - Summer Archery Shoot - Concordia of the Snows (Voorheesville, NY)
Aug. 29 - Sept. 1 - Swamp Thynge (Middletown, DE)
Sept. 12 - 14 - East Kingdom University (Shire of Rusted Woodlands)
> Check out http://www.eastkingdom.org/ for more info.

OTHER WARS
Great Western War XI - Oct. 8-13, 2008 (Taft, CA) http://www.caid-gww.org/
Estrella War XXV Feb 10-16, 2009 (Canyon Moon Ranch, Florence, AZ) http://www.estrellawar.org/

SENESCHAL'S RAMBLINGS
Unto the Shire of Sterlynge Vayle does Eoghan Rorriksson Your humble (you buying that?) Seneschal send greetings...

Well, we just had one fantastic event - thank you to everyone who helped out - you know who you are (which is pretty much most of you!) - this event could NOT have happened without you. Ladies and gentleman, Barony Wars and Bazaar III - was a HUGE success. Thank you.

This coming weekend (Saturday, July 5th) is the demo. It should be a pretty good time.... hopefully you can make it!

But, I want to move onto a more serious subject. Once upon a time - there was a rift between the fighters and the Arts and Sciences "weenies" (just quoting what was said at the time - not a personal opinion). That rift is gone now. Once upon a time - a rift formed between The Bardicis and the shire.. THAT rift is healed (and man was it great to see "Future Relics" at BWAB!)... So, here is my question for the various shire members (that's you... no, not the person next to you - I am talking to YOU). What do you wish to see happen in the shire? What would you like to see? What would you want? The shire has now hit a point where we are together, BUT we run into the problem of "doing what has always been done." That won't get us anywhere.

Let me put it another way. When I joined, there was a "core" crew.. They did pretty much most of the work - were tired, and seemed "anti-social." More people have moved in to become that "core crew." Unfortunately, from there - it is very hard to see how others are viewing things. So, please any ideas you have - speak up! Let us know what it is that you would like. What do you dislike? Help the shire grow - if you do, you might find that your shire has become better!

New things are going on. Fight practice has finally started up again - we had a fairly good showing with 4 fighters, 3 observers and one slightly lubricated observer. Archery practice is up and going. Lord Ferghus, our regional fencing marshal, has stated that he will hold a fencing practice if we get (3) fencers (or potential fencers) lined up - he will come down from Syracuse..

So, what can your shire do for you? What can you do for your shire? In all seriousness, feel free to fire me off an email at robinson AT clandiarmat DOT com and let me know. We DO want you in our shire. We DO want you involved, but we need your help to do it. So please, let me know!
Yours in service,
Eoghan

SUMMER EVENT ADVICE
Drink water. I know it seems obvious, but by the time you are thirsty, you may already be dehydrating. At temps over 80 degrees, you lose more water than you think and you must drink it frequently. At over 90 degrees, you can dehydrate very rapidly. The answer isn't Gatorade, which can shock your system by adding too much sugar to your body. Water down Gatorade if you use it. The answer to preventing dehydration is water, so make sure that you bring enough and drink enough to replace what you are losing. Symptoms of dehydration include thirst, sleepiness, irritability, nausea, and headaches. If you are not going to the bathroom and/or your urine is bright yellow, you probably aren't drinking enough water. Remember that Pennsic summer temps range between 40 degrees and 110 degrees. Conditions can vary from desert dry to tropically wet. I'm even told that it once snowed.

Bug spray is your friend at many event sites. There are health threats from spiders, mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks.

The sun is not your friend when you are outside all day. Cover up. Use sunscreen. Wear a hat and/or veil. You don't need skin cancer or a sunburn. Sun damage is cumulative on your skin. A bad sunburn can ruin a great event and a great life. Slather on the sunscreen early and often.

EVENT CAMPING
Common sense is a necessity. Please bring yours.

Prepare your tent site. Spray for bugs. Put down your ground cloth to protect your tent. It helps to keep your tent clean and your tent floor dryer. Stake your tent down carefully. Prepare for sun, high winds and wet weather. Be happy and surprised if these aren't extreme. Be ready if they are.

Make your list and refine it. Think about what you'll need and what you can do without.

Try out your camping, fighting and cooking equipment before you go. Too many occasional campers aren't familiar with their camping equipment. It's yours. You need to know how it goes together, how everything works and whether anything needs repair or replacement before you go, not after you have arrived at some rural campsite.

Do not leave your tent windows open when you are not there to shut them. No one likes to sleep in a wet bed and you shouldn't rely on others to close up your tent during unexpected showers. They may not be home either.

Clean up your camp site as a courtesy to others in camp and because a SCAdian should leave any site better than it was when he/she arrived.

Be thoughtful toward other campers. Early morning and late night noise are likely to annoy your neighbors. Breakfast shouting is as annoying as late night parties. Few of us are accustomed to living this close to others so we need to think about how our actions affect the quality of the lives of those others.

Unless you are rich, watch what you spend and don't spend your going home money. With the escalating cost of fuel, that cost may be more than it was to get to the site. Ask locals where the best fuel prices are and don't let your car tank go to E.

When I leave my car in the Pennsic parking lot, I use sun shields in the front, back and side windows. A simple sheet of cardboard cut to fit your side windows will protect your upholstery and keep your car cooler. They pack flat so that isn't a problem. A solar fan isn't a bad idea either.
- Keran

PENNSIC
Her Majesty, Branwyn, is a great lover of the Bardic Arts! As such, she hereby invites Bards, jongleurs, story-tellers, skalds, and others of the Bardic persuasion, to visit Aethelmearc Royal Encampment in the evenings at Pennsic to ply their trade!

The following evenings are set aside specifically for Bardic activity (all begin at oh-dark-30 and end at about 11 PM):

Wednesday, July 30th - Viscount Sir Haakon Oaktall & Viscountess Eleanor of Waldren's Anniversary Celebration & Bardic Circle
Friday, August 1st - OPEN MIKE: FILK..... filk songs only... Bring Your Best... The Khatun is very fond of filk.
Saturday, August 2nd - OPEN MIKE: STORY TELLING!.... shaggy dogs, period stories, "No Shit, There I Was" -- bring it on!
Monday, August 4th - The AEthelmearc Party & Reception: Her Majesty asks that many performers & DRUMMERS & DANCERS in particular come to entertain at this celebration of Sylvan AEthelmearc.
Tuesday, August 5th - Lord Snaebjorn's Bawdy Bardic.
Thursday, August 7th - The Annual AEthelmearc Bardic Get-Together. Gather round the circle & bring your best.... hosted by the absent Sylvan Bard (or his representative).
Friday, August 8th - The Last Night: OPEN MIKE..... bring your beer, your booze, your best & celebrate the last official night of the War!

HER MAJESTY CORDIALLY INVITES PERFORMERS OF ALL PERSUASIONS ... PLEASE COME TO AETHELMEARC ROYAL & ENJOY!
Posted in service, FRIDRIKR, Sylvan Bard of Fair AEthelmearc

Greetings from the Pennsic Land Agent Part 1!!!!

To all those good Gentles who would like to camp with the Shires of Barren Sands and Sterlynge Vayle at Pennsic 37, please drop me an e-mail at roberttheherald AT yahoo DOT com with your SCA & mundane name, the size your tent, what side the door is on, and if the size includes the ropes for the tent. Please also include the size of any sunshade or other things (i.e. showers) that you will be using. I will be passing this information on to Lord Aiden, the on-sight Land Agent, and it sure would help him a lot in setting up the camp. If you have any questions, comments or inquiries please don't hesitate to contact me.

Have a great time and be safe.
YIS,
Robert O'Connor

BARONY WARS
Thanks to the Royals and the Barons and Baronesses for coming. Thanks to all who worked, helped, participated, and were honored. Thanks to the autocrats, cooks, organizers of activities, merchants, judges, and attendees. It was a great event!
How can we make it even greater? What can you do to help next time? What would you add or change for next time? How can we do this more efficiently, less expensively or more attractively? Make your thoughts and suggestions count by letting others know.

CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Lady Rainaugh on her Alce, Lady Mariana on her Keystone and Dame George on her Pelican.

THE ORIGIN OF SPOON
Once upon a time, when the kingdom was new, Eanraig the Bonesetter was our Seneschal (yes, there was a time before I was Seneschal in the Vayle). Eanraig, besides his medical abilities, was known as a wood carver, and in particular there was a cup he made called No-Fish-Shall-Unmake-Me, but that is a tale for another time. He wished to carve a spoon like a myriad of spoons he had made for his loving wife, but fit for a King and a young Kingdom, and to show his pride in Kingdom and Shire. So he selected a large board, because he wanted a spoon to match size his hopes for our Shire and Kingdom, and he settled down to carve it. He drew upon it the heraldry of both, and I was lucky enough to help with the painting. He debated for a time about whether the spoon should measure anything properly or not, and it was determined it could measure one cup of anything dry accurately in its bowl. After a time, the spoon was finished in time for the Infamous Pirate Event, and hid among the tapestries to wait for the King.

The King arrived with a flurry of activity and there was a Court. I had never been to Court before, and my eyes were round the entire time. Yet I had my lord with me and our friend Deuteronomy Phillips, at his first and only event, and they were pestering me with questions I could not answer. For how could I, when I didn't quite understand what was going on? I saw various people called forth to kneel upon the pillow before the Throne, and while various whispers were heard of foreboding, nothing bad seemed to happen to any kneeling there. So I was unafraid when the Herald paused to ask the King if that pronoun matched that name, and my lord elbowed me - "He's talking about you!" Then Solveig was summoned forth as Our Shire Herald, and she was conferred with and there was even pointing. At this same Court, Mad Vlot also kneeled for the same accolade, as did He Who Wishes Never To Be Mentioned Again By Our Shire's Lips. The Court was long, yet the laughter continued.

At the very end, Eanraig came forth holding a wrapped tapestry. He spoke of the Kingdom's birth and of the wonders of this Court and of his hopes for Our Kingdom, and after many stirring words, he said he hoped his humble gift would be appreciated. And so he presented to the King, The Great Spoon of AEthelmearc, so that our foes being naughty can be properly spanked.

Now, I have never seen the Spoon carried into Court, but I would love to see it again. There is a rumor that it may be returned to us when and if we ever do go Barony (but I confess, it's a rumor started by me when I was being wistful). It is perhaps a silly thing to mourn in court when celebrating, but I've never been above the silly things. When other groups have cries in their courts for their reasons, I longed to yell something too, and as the Tick would have it, what better cry than, "SPOON!"
- George

YOUR SCA NAME
When choosing a name and persona you may want to think about your ethnic background, favorite historical culture, the personas of your friends, and the research involved in learning about a new culture. Do you love the food or arts of one particular culture? Is your armor or are your skills tilted in one cultural direction? Is there a culture or a language you want to learn? Here's your chance. If you want to fence in the French manner, you shouldn't choose a Japanese persona. If all your skills are Viking in orientation, why choose an Elizabethan persona? Look into the religion, position of men and women in society and what life would have been like before you choose. Choose wisely.

WORDS FOR THE MONTH
FIELD GARB = The everyday medieval clothing you own. Field garb isn't fancy. It's your work clothes. You put up your tent, do chores and wear it as everyday clothes. It may be old clothing or newly made and simpler than Court Garb.
COURT GARB - Fancy medieval clothing suitable for wear at a more formal occasion. These items are your good clothes. Wear them when you don't need to do physical labor & you want to look good.

PENNSIC 2008
Pre-registration IS NOW CLOSED. Check out schedules and rules for War at www.cooperslake.com/prereg37.php

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE DRAGON'S TONGUE
NEWSLETTER OF THE SHIRE OF STERLYNGE VAYLE
JUNE 2008

JUNE IN STERLYNGE VAYLE
BINGHAMTON AREA MEETINGS
June 8 - Sunday - 3-5 PM - Barony Wars & Bazaar Prep & Panic (Anne & Eoghan's) Let's finalize anything that needs doing!
June 13 -15 - Barony Wars and Bazaar III - Camp Amahami - Sanford, NY
June 29 - Sunday - 3 PM - A&S meeting for the July 5 Colesville Demo (Anne & Eoghan's)

WALTON AND DELHI MEETINGS
WALTON - Townsend Elementary Cafeteria in Walton, NY
June 12 - Thursday - 6:30-8:30 PM
July 13 - Sunday ?
Directions Take Rt. 88 to the Bainbridge exit Take right on 206 towards Walton, In Walton turn Left at stop light onto Delaware Ave (rte. 10). Pass two traffic lights and turn left on North St. The Townsend Elementary School is on right about one block. Park in back the meeting is in the cafeteria.

DELHI- Delaware Academy & Central School Library, 2 Sheldon Drive June 5 - Thursday - 6:30-8:30 PM
From Binghamton - Travel Rt. 88 to the Bainbridge exit. Turn right onto Rt. 206 towards Walton (20 miles). In Walton, turn left at stop light onto Rt. 10. Follow Rt. 10 to Delhi (20 miles). (You are real close now.) In Delhi, pass SUNY on the left and turn right at the first traffic light. Pass over small bridges and slow down for a sharp bend to the right. The next left is your turn, but don't follow that road up the hill. You want the school entrance on the right that of the intersection. Follow the drive way up the hill and enter the front door under the clock tower (after you park the car). Turn right in the hall. We are on the Right halfway down the hallway in the Library on the left, after the stairs.
Questions? Talk to Olaf (MKA Richard Schmidt ) ruadjusted AT stny.rr.com

Suggestions for A&S meetings, offers to host, requests to learn subjects, directions, etc. should be directed to THL George Anne, thegeorg AT stny.rr DOT com

Thanks to George and Olaf for organizing these meetings for us.

ARCHERY IN STERLYNGE VAYLE
Lady Mariana has a busy archery schedule planned for BW&B so come & shoot. Expect practice news on the SV list after BW&B or contact Lady Mariana MMYurko AT aol.com

> 2008 IN STERLYNGE VAYLE
July 5 - Demo (Colesville, NY)
July 6 - Business Meeting - 3-5 PM (Anne & Eoghan's)

JUNE & BEYOND IN AETHELMEARC
June 6-8 - Myrkfaelinn Summer War Practice - Myrkfaelinn
June 7 - Brass Ring Thing - Canton of Beau Fleuve
June 13-15 - Barony Wars & Bazaar III
June 20-22 - AEthelemearc Academy - Shire of Coppertree http://www.aecademy.org/summer08/index.shtml
June 27-29 - Pax Interruptus - Barony of Thescorre (Genesee Country Campground, 40 Flint Hill. Road, Caledonia, NY)
July 26-Aug. 10 - Pennsic War (July 26 is Land Grab) www.pennsicwar.org

EAST KINGDOM
June 6-8 - Barren Sands War - Shire of Barren Sands (Elmer, NJ)
June 28 - Cooking Collegium - Barony of Settmour Swamp (Flemington, NJ) Check out http://www.eastkingdom.org/ for more info.
OTHER WARS

Lilies War - June 14-22, 2008 (Smithville, MO) http://calontir.sca.org/lilieswar/lilies22/index.html
Great Western War XI - Oct. 8-13, 2008 (Taft, CA) http://www.caid-gww.org/
Estrella War XXV Feb 10-16, 2009 (Canyon Moon Ranch, Florence, AZ) http://www.estrellawar.org/

SENESCHAL'S RAMBLINGS
Unto the Shire of Sterlynge Vayle does Lord Eoghan Roriksson send greetings!
Well, summer is upon us and the next few weeks are simply FILLED with happenings. First and foremost- Congrats to Sterlynge Vayle's First Pelican-to-be - THL George! At Barony Wars, she will be elevated (assuming of course she answers with a "yes") to the Order of the Pelican! Please congratulate her when you see her!
Barony Wars is of course coming up, with a full weekend planned. Your help is needed to make this a great event. It doesn't matter WHAT you find fun - I am sure that you will find it there!
In addition, our neighbors are having events left and right! They too are a grand time! If you don't go to their events, you will miss such exciting things as your fellow shire members being called into court and told they are going to sit vigil!!!
We also have a demo coming up the weekend of July 5th. Please consider coming out and having a good time with us - contact Anne (arudolph AT stny.rr.com) for details.
Think about what You would like to see in your shire.. To be blunt - we need change. We need new things to make it fun, and attract new people. Its your shire, what ideas do you have?

Yours in service,
Eoghan

PENNSIC
Greetings from the Pennsic Land Agent Part 1!!!!
To all those good Gentles who would like to camp with the Shires of Barren Sands and Sterlynge Vayle at Pennsic 37, please e-mail me with your intention at your earliest possible convenience. The on-line pre-registration ends June 15t,h which as I write this is only 10 days away, and our camp has only seven pre-registrations.
For those noble souls going off to War and camping with BS/SV, please drop me an e-mail at roberttheherald AT yahoo.com with your SCA & mundane name, the size your tent, what side the door is on, and if the size includes the ropes for the tent. Please also include the size of any sunshade or other things (i.e. showers) that you will be using. I will be passing this information on to Lord Aiden the on sight Land Agent, and it sure would help him a lot in setting up the camp. If you have any questions, comments or inquiries please don't hesitate to contact me.
YIS,
Robert O'Connor
E-mail roberttheherald AT yahoo.com

MELEE MADNESS
On Saturday, May 31, the Barony of Endless Hills held Melee Madness at the Wyoming County Fairgrounds in Meshoppen, PA. The site is large, grassy and has space for many activities. Attending were Aethelmearc's Royals, the Prince and Princess of the East and a number of busy gentles. Eastern Princess Alethea Eastriding is a former resident of our shire.
Those attending were treated to some glorious spectacles. This event hosted the First Kingdom Equestrian Championship. Who would have thought just a few years ago that equestrian arts would have been wide spread enough to have a Kingdom Championship? For those who are not inclined toward the equine there was heavy fighting, fencing, arts & sciences, archery, and good food.
The day began cloudy and cool but progressed to sunny and breezy until late afternoon when the heavens opened, pouring forth rain, thunder and lightning. Court was postponed until after the deluge. Included in the Court were all the usual awards and honors for well deserving gentles. The Order of the Pelican was called forth and THL George Anne was given a writ to present herself for her vigil, preparatory to elevation to the Order of the Pelican at Barony Wars and Bazaar. Both the Order and the populace were well pleased by the announcement. THL George smiled all the way home to Endicott.
Now the work begins. Cloak, garb, vigil, procession, and banner pole are being organized so that she may accept the honor in style.

BUSINESS MEETING
The June business meeting was held at Anne & Eoghan's at 3 on Sunday, June 1. Attending were twelve gentles. Business, discussion and stitchery revolved around Barony Wars and Bazaar. The Above the Salt section of the feast is sold out. Reservations can still be made for Below the Salt. The favors for attending gentles are ready. Lady Anne has worked very hard to ready them and is to be complimented on their novelty and excellence. THL George Anne's elevation to the Order of the Pelican was discussed and plans were made for her garb and vigil. Congratulations and Vivats George!
Some discussion of the July 5 demo was also included and more information should be forthcoming as the month progresses.
Mundanely there have been several job changes among the Shire's residents. All were pleased to see Lady D the Hidden at a meeting. Next meeting is July 6.

MYRKFAELINN WAR PRACTICE
The Great Pennsic War draws near. Are your troops ready? Join us for Myrkfaelinn's Annual Summer War Practice. This year we shall be returning to many people's favorite location - Camp Barton! Features of this site include the ability to hold epic battles beneath majestic waterfalls, swimming in gorgeous Cayuga Lake, and just an all around spectacular atmosphere.
Of course there will be armored melee, as well as combat archery, fencing melees, target archery and thrown weapons. For those less inclined to combat, there will be an A&S competition determined by populace choice with a special category for children. You may also enjoy the comfort of the great hall and the great outdoors.
This will be a camping event at Camp Barton Boy Scout Camp (Frontenac Rd., Trumansburg, NY) so bring your tent! The site is not noted as being very handicapped-accessible, though the restrooms are. Shower facilities are available. The site is dry and no pets are allowed except for guide dogs.
The site opens at 6:00pm on Friday, June 6th and those who have not cleared out by noon on Sunday, the 8th will be press ganged into the cleaning crews. A sideboard lunch on Saturday is included in your site fee. Grills and fire pits will be available for the cooking of our supper.
Adult pricing is $10, children 6-17 years of age are $5, and children 5 and under are free. The $3 Non-Member Surcharge applies to all guests who cannot provide proof of membership. The only good reservation is a paid reservation, so make your checks out to SCA Inc.-Dominion of Myrkfaelinn and send them to the autocrat. The autocrat is Iain mac an Bhaird ( iain AT tigerfire.net) and he will be happy to address any of your questions regarding this event.
Merchants are welcome, but must provide their own tables and will be outdoors.
Directions:
From the South and East, make your way to Ithaca and head north on Rt. 89. Approximately 3/4 mile after Taughannock Falls State Park, take a right on Frontenac Road at the SCA and Camp Barton signs.
From the North and West, take Rt 90 (Thruway) to exit 42. Head south on Rt. 96 to Interlaken. Take a left on Cayuga Street/Rt 141 for approx. 3/4 mile. Take a right onto Rt 89 and head south for approx 6 miles. Take a left onto Frontenac Rd.

BARONY WARS & BAZAAR
Three Baronies Meet.
For the past two years, the Barony of the Endless Hills has met with the Barony of Delftwood within the borders of the Shire of Sterlynge Vayle. Unfortunately peaceful solutions to their differences were not reachable, and war was declared. The illustrious Barony of Delftwood proved their position to be the stronger when they instructed the Barony of the Endless Hills in the arts of war. The following year, the Barony of the Endless Hills demonstrated to the Barony of Delftwood that they were quick learners, and that the pupils had surpassed their teachers. This Year, a third Barony is joining us. We would like to welcome the Barony of Concordia of the Snows from the Kingdom of the East. Will new trade routes be settled? Will old issues resurface causing hostilities? Will New issues come to light? Or will three baronies settle their differences and join together in friendship? With assurances of peaceful intents, we wish to reassure all potential comers - any rumors of mercenaries being hired are completely false. We promise that stories being told of cookies, chocolate, mead and other pleasant items being offered to fighters, fencers, archers, throwers, bards and artisans to switch sides - are pure flights of fantasy... So Come! Bring your Swords! Bring your Bows! Bring those pointy things you throw! Bring your A & S projects for judging! Your stories and Songs! Your price (For everyone is for sale... for a price!) Bring items you wish to sell and money for items you wish to buy (don't forget the shopping point!). Volunteer often! Show your Baronial Arms! Raise the banners! There are so many ways to support the baronies. Don't be stuck listening to stories of what others accomplished at the THIRD ANNUAL BARONY WARS AND BAZAAR!
The Site opens at 6 pm on Friday night, and those still on site at 11:00 am on Sunday morning will be volunteered to assist in clean up duty. It is a wet site (please take ALL containers with you when you go.) This is a wonderful site with the standard "girl-scout" platform tents scattered throughout. There are also locations that personal tents can be set up - and a limited number of bunks available in the brownie-troop house. All of these choices are available AT NO CHARGE! Fires are allowed only in pre-set areas.
The site fee will be $8.00 a person. Those that mail in pre-registrations that are received by May 30th will receive a $1.00 discount per person not already discounted due to age.. For those that wish to partake of our excellent feast prepared by James of the Vayle, there will be two different options available. Our above the salt feast will be $15.00 a person (with no discount given for minors, this price is per seat), with the below the salt costing $8.00 a person.
There will be breakfast available (including pancakes and eggs made to order) both Saturday and Sunday for one low price of $1.00 with your pre-registration, and $2.00 at troll. This one low price includes both days! *If you are pre-registering, please note that you are including the money for breakfast. http://www.bwab.info/

YOUR SCA NAME
Choose wisely. If you don't answer to your new name, it's useless. If you don't want to hear a name shouted across a field in public, don't choose it. (Funny names can be wearing on your nerves 10 years later.) Consult a herald. Check to see that the name doesn't already belong to someone else. Be sure your documentation is good.
You can't just use any old name from a book about the Middle Ages or a baby name book. You need a name that was actually in use in the Middle Ages and proof from the work of two legitimate scholars. You should also spell a name as it was spelled in the medieval document. You can't make a name feminine by adding "a" at the end. If you tell the College of Heralds that the name came from a specific culture, then be sure that it did. Yoshiko MacLeod or Connor D'Arcy might work in the modern world but SCA Heralds are unlikely to pass them.

WORD FOR THE MONTH
MUNDANE = Not SCAdian, part of modern life (The word has fallen out of fashion, but it is still used.) Example: I brought garb to wear to the event and mundane clothes to wear on the drive home or MKA = Mundanely Known As. The song "Freaking the Mundanes" - http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Styx/5223/Songs/freak.html It's no longer regarded as politically correct to freak the mundane on purpose. We need better public relations that that.

MAY 2008

SHIRE OFFICERS

Seneschal Lord Eoghan Roriksson
Exchequer Lady Catriona inghen UiConor (Kayley O’Connor)
Herald Lord Robert O’Connor
Arts and Sciences THL George Anne
Castellan Lord Malcolum Willelm
Deputy for Demos Lady Anne Diarmat, General Deputy THL Keran Roslin
Chronicler THL Keran Roslin
Knight Marshal Lord Rundewulf
Archery Marshal Lady Mariana Maria Pietrosanti
Minister of Lists Vacant
Minister of Youth Vacant
Web Mistress Ravyn

MAY IN STERLYNGE VAYLE
BINGHAMTON AREA MEETINGS
May 4 - Sunday - 2-4 PM - Fight Practice/Business Meeting (Anne & Eoghan’s)
May 18 – Sunday – Fight Practice (Mariana’s house)

WALTON AND DELHI MEETINGS
WALTON - Townsend Elementary Cafeteria in Walton, NY
May 6 - Tuesday - 6:30-8:30 PM
May 29 -Thursday - 6:30-8:30 PM
June 12 – Thursday – 6:30-8:30 PM
July 13 – Sunday ?
Directions Take Rt. 88 to the Bainbridge exit Take right on 206 towards Walton, In Walton turn Left at stop light onto Delaware Ave (rte. 10). Pass two traffic lights and turn left on North St. The Townsend Elementary School is on right about one block. Park in back the meeting is in the cafeteria.

DELHI- Delaware Academy & Central School Library, 2 Sheldon Drive June 5 – Thursday – 6:30-8:30 PM

From Binghamton – Travel Rt. 88 to the Bainbridge exit. Turn right onto Rt. 206 towards Walton (20 miles). In Walton, turn left at stop light onto Rt. 10. Follow Rt. 10 to Delhi (20 miles). (You are real close now.) In Delhi, pass SUNY on the left and turn right at the first traffic light. Pass over small bridges and slow down for a sharp bend to the right. The next left is your turn, but don't follow that road up the hill. You want the school entrance on the right that of the intersection. Follow the drive way up the hill and enter the front door under the clock tower (after you park the car). Turn right in the hall. We are on the Right halfway down the hallway in the Library on the left, after the stairs.

Questions? Talk to Olaf (MKA Richard Schmidt 607-865-5394) ruadjusted AT stny.rr.com

Suggestions for A&S meetings, offers to host, requests to learn subjects, directions, etc. should be directed to THL George Anne, 607-754-1883 or thegeorg AT stny.rr DOT com

Thanks to George and Olaf for organizing these meetings for us.

ARCHERY IN STERLYNGE VAYLE
Contact Lady Mariana MMYurko AT aol.com
2008 IN STERLYNGE VAYLE
June 13 -15 - Barony Wars and Bazaar III - Camp Amahami - Sanford, NY
July 5 – Demo (Harpursville, NY)

MAY & BEYOND IN AETHELMEARC
May 3 - Crown Tournament - Shire of Heronter - Boy Scout Camp Merz (5297 West Lake Road, Mayville, NY) - A double elimination tournament, with 3 challenges. First part - challengers will fight with their best form to proceed to the quarter finals. Quarter and semi finals - remaining challengers compete with their best form without shields. Final challengers - fight the best of five bouts, with weapons forms changing for each bout. Letters of intent to compete in this tourney must be sent to the present Prince & Princess, postmarked no later than 30 days prior to the tournament. (That would be April 3rd.) Each couple must: provide proof of membership & a copy of their ID, have been a subject of Æthelmearc for no less than 1 year, and be acceptable to the Crown of Æthelmearc.

May 10-11 – Will’s Revenge - Abhainn Ciach Ghlais (Camp K in Milmont, PA.) http://www.abhainnciachghlais.org/
May 11 – Fight practice in Myrkfaelinn (Risley Hall on the Cornell Campus)
May 13 – Tuesday PM - Fight practice in Myrkfaelinn (Risley Hall on the Cornell Campus)
May 15-18 – AEthelmearc War Practice – Steltonwald (Coopers Lake, 205 Currie Road, Slippery Rock, PA) http://warpractice.steltonwald.org/
May 30-June 1 – Melee Madness – Endless Hills (Wyoming County Fairgrounds, Route 6, Meshoppen, PA) http://www.endlesshills.aethelmearc.net/index_files/meleemadness.htm

June 6-8 – Myrkfaelinn Summer War Practice – Myrkfaelinn
June 7 – Brass Ring Thing – Canton of Beau Fleuve
June 13-15 – Barony Wars & Bazaar III
June 20-22 – AEthelemearc Academy – Shire of Coppertree
June 27-29 – Pax Interruptus – Barony of Thescorre (Genesee Country Campground, 40 Flint Hill. Road, Caledonia, NY)
July 26–Aug. 10 – Pennsic War (July 26 is Land Grab) www.pennsicwar.org

EAST KINGDOM
May2-4 – Southern Region War Practice – Shire of Owlsherst (York Haven, PA)
May 10 – Ice Falcon Ducal Challenge – Shire of Barren Sands (Elmer, NJ)
May 17 – Spring Mayhem - Shire of Rusted Woodlands (Tappan, NY)
May 23-26 – War of the Roses - Barony of Concordia of the Snows (Mariaville, NY)

June 6-8 – Barren Sands War - Shire of Barren Sands (Elmer, NJ)
June 28 – Cooking Collegium - Barony of Settmour Swamp (Flemington, NJ) Check out http://www.eastkingdom.org/ for more info.

OTHER WARS
Lilies War – June 14-22, 2008 (
Great Western War XI – Oct. 8-13, 2008 (
Estrella War XXV Feb 10-16, 2009 (Canyon Moon Ranch, Florence AZ) http://www.estrellawar.org/

SENESCHAL’S RAMBLINGS
No article was submitted this month.

AETHELMEARC CROWN TOURNEY
His Excellency Sir Christopher Rawlins fighting for Her Excellency Morgen of Rye defeated THL Magnus Tindal fighting for Lady Etain ingen Dalaig. Congratulations to their Highnesses and all the combatants.

EAST KINGDOM CROWN TOURNEY
His Grace Darius won fighting for THL Alethea Eastriding, formerly of our shire.

KNIGHT MARSHALS
The shire is lucky to have 3 heavy fighting marshals at the present time – Rundwulfe, Olaf & Eoghan.

New fighting authorization forms can be found on the Kingdom site www.aethelmearc.org or the Earl Marshal’s site marshal.aethelmearc.org If your card is way late coming, contact, ae.authorization AT aethelmearc.org

Authorizations for fighting, fencing & youth must be complete by July 19 or you are out of luck for Pennsic fighting.

SCRIBAL STUFF
AEthelmearc’s College of Scribes is on the web at www.aethelmearc-scribes .org This site includes the Scribal Handbook, familiarly known as the Red Book.
The scribes of AEthelmearc now have a second pavilion for use at Pennsic. That means a chance for a larger track of scribal classes at War and a place for scribes to work in any weather. Thanks go out to Baroness Roberta McMorland for her hard work in the acquisition of this pavilion.
Pennsic scribal schedule – Scribal Playtime (a chance for scribes to get together to work, get advice, chat, share, etc.) – Aug. 2-8 - 1-3 PM Want to host? Contact Hrefna at hraefnn AT yahoo DOT com to volunteer.

SHIRE HISTORY
As most of you know, Kenya lost her battle with cancer on April 12, 2008. What you don’t know is how she affected shire history, so I’d like to share that with you.
Once Eanraig, the former Seneschal, moved away, the shire had meetings every week at Jakys’ and my home in our tiny living room. Kenya was always a hazard because she was our doorbell and she would try to bite everyone’s ankles. She gently nipped several people, although we did try our best to get her to stop or to intervene before it could happen. We had a routine of putting her outside in the back yard, letting the people in and then letting the dog return. Then she was usually friendly and would greet people without biting, until they stood to leave. Regular visitors she liked were jumped on and given a doggy hug. The dog, the tiny living room and the cat box odor encouraged others to volunteer to host meetings in their homes.
When Jakys and I both went to events, Kenya would usually come too, if the trip took us away for more than eight hours. This limited the events we could attend. After Briant joined the SCA, she often volunteered to watch Kenya while we went to an event. This was the case when Jakys went to the Coronation of Cygnus I and Dorinda I. While he was helping to set up the hall, Dorinda asked him if he would like to be in the Royal Guard. He thought, “Sure, I have nothing else to do at this event, why not?” and told her that he would be honored. It wasn’t until he told me about this that he learned what he had agreed to do. Since he had agreed to it, he decided that meant he should go to Every event the Queen attended, so we needed a dog sitter. The lovely Briant volunteered. Briant basically moved into our house on weekends to care for Kenya and the cats, and we could never have attended so many events without her help. We made sure that Their Majesties knew about her kind service, and when they came to Sterlynge Vayle, they graciously gave Briant her AoA (Award of Arms), in large part due to her efforts as guardian of the “Sterlynge Hound.”
Kenya’s behavior at events was less than sterling, however. She did have that bitey habit and it grew worse the longer she remained on a leash or tied up. She nipped several people at events, including His Excellency Yngvar. The eventual ban on dogs at Axes & Ales was primarily to keep her home, I think.
There was also the meeting where Geoffrey of York came to the house to discuss Amaral and its zip code, when I was seneschal. Their Excellencies Yngvar and Caryl kindly came too. Kenya didn’t bite anyone that day, but she stared down the guest until his beef stew bowl hit the floor and Kenya got her share. As a professional butler, his face was interesting to watch. After the discussions, we hosted thrown weapons practice in the backyard. Yngvar found his first practice frustrating so he kept throwing harder. He eventually managed to split off a large part of the stand holding the target butt. This piece of wood was carved into the “if you can’t hit the target, throw it harder,” award and was presented to His Excellency at the next Axes & Ales.
Kenya even had a tabard bearing Jakys’ arms like a proper medieval dog, though she didn’t like wearing it.
When Jakys and I went to Pennsic, we also pre-registered Kenya Andiron at full adult fee, since she was an adult though not a person. Her land was allotted to the camp’s fire pit, though she never went to War.
I hope this amused you a little. She was a great dog, despite the biting, and she will be missed.
In memoriam, Kenya Dog, 199?-2008.

-George

SCA ANNOUNCEMENTS
Proposals have been made to change wording in the sections of Corpora governing the offices of Chronicler & Webminister. Comments should be sent to comments AT lists.sca.org

WORD FOR THE MONTH
GARB – Your SCA clothing (shoes, cloaks, tunics, & other clothing worn for SCA events) is all garb.

PENNSIC 2008
Pre-registration IS NOW OPEN at www.cooperslake.com/prereg37.php Make sure you check with the Land Agent for your group BEFORE preregistering to camp. No land is allotted to your group for you if you do not preregister. To preregister with “Shires of Barren Sands and Sterlynge Vayle” contact Bob the Herald at Roberttheherald AT yahoo DOT com Mailed in reservations must be in by May 15 and online reservations must be in by June 15.
People who paid to park on the lawn of Marion McCulloch’s home at Pennsic need a new place as she has sold her home and there is no surety that the new owners are parking friendly.

THE DRAGON'S TONGUE
NEWSLETTER OF THE SHIRE OF STERLYNGE VAYLE
FEBRUARY 2008

SHIRE OFFICERS
Seneschal Lord Malcolum fizWilliam
Deputy Seneschals Lady Bianca Sadie & Lord Eoghan Rurikson
Exchequer Lady Kayley O'Connor
Deputy Exchequer Lady Etain ingen Dalaig
Herald Lord Robert O'Connor
Arts and Sciences THL George Anne
Chatelaine Vacant
Chronicler THL Keran Roslin
Knight Marshal Lord Rundwulfe
Archery Marshal Lady Mariana Maria Pietrosanti
Minister of Lists Vacant
Minister of Youth Vacant
Web Minister Ravyn

FEBRUARY IN STERLYNGE VAYLE Feb. 4 - Monday - 6 PM - Business Meeting - Anne & Eoghan's - Johnson Ave. (Binghamton)
Feb. 5 - Tuesday - 7 - 9 PM - meeting in Delhi, NY (also on Feb. 12, 19 & 26)
Feb. 10 - Regional Dance Practice - 1 - 4 PM at the Elks Lodge, 619 N. Nanticoke Ave., Endicott, NY
February 18 - Brewer's Guild Meeting/A&S- 7-9 PM - Anne & Eoghan's
Feb. 24 - Archery Practice (See below)

Tuesdays - 7 - 9 - Meeting in Delhi, NY - Delaware Academy & Central School, 2 Sheldon Drive

Suggestions for A&S meetings, offers to host, requests to learn subjects, directions, etc. should be directed to THL George Anne, thegeorg AT stny.rr DOT com

ARCHERY IN STERLYNGE VAYLE
There will be archery practice at Gander Mountain (528 Harry L. Dr Johnson City NY 13790) on Feb 24 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Feel free to show up any time during those times to shoot. Hope to see everyone there.
Directions to Gander Mountain from NY RT 86/17: Take Exit 70N - Johnson City Shopping. Turn right onto Harry L. Drive. After you pass the plaza with the Giant Market, Gander Mountain will be down below street level on the right. The archery range is in the back left of the store.

Mariana
MMYurko AT aol.com

2008 IN STERLYNGE VAYLE
June 13 -15 - Barony Wars and Bazaar III - Camp Amahami - Sanford, NY

FEBRUARY & BEYOND IN AETHELMEARC
Feb. 2 - Courtlandslot's A&S Workshop - Courtlandslot (Marathon, NY)
Feb. 9 - A Fool's Court in Myrkfaelinn - Dominion of Myrkfaelinn (Ithaca, NY)
Feb. 16 - Feast of the Seven Deadly Sins - Delftwood (Dewitt, NY)
Feb. 23 - College of Three Ravens - Thescorre (Palmyra, NY)

Mar. 1-2 - Combat Symposium - 2-day extravaganza of fighting geared to female fighters - 10AM to 6 PM - there will also be classes for men and pickups to be had by all on Sunday. Sites - Saturday is at the St. Andrews United Methodist church in Weston Mills, NY. Sunday is at Showers United Methodist church in Olean, NY.
Free though a donation for heat and lunch is asked of those attending. No reservations are required. For details, please contact Lord Nugg at Lordnugg AT yahoo. com DIRECTIONS - From I-86, take the Olean, NY exit 26. Make a right at the end of ramp & then take the first left at the light onto Front St. At the end of Front St., you come to a T. At the T on Saturday, make a left. On Sunday, make a right. Saturday go 2.8 miles on Rt. 417 east to the St. Andrews UMC on your right. Sunday make a right go 2.8 miles to the corner of 17th St. and State St. (Rt. 417 west). The church is on your left.

Apr. 12 - Coronation - Canton of Riverouge - (Mongol theme)
May 3 - Crown Tournament - Shire of Heronter (Boy Scout Camp Merz - 5297 West Lake Road, Mayville NY)

EAST KINGDOM
Check out http://www.eastkingdom.org/ for more info.

OTHER WARS
Estrella War XXIV (Feb 12-18, 2008) - Florence, AZ
Gulf Wars (Mar. 9 - 16, 2008) - Lumberton, Mississippi

FROM THE SENESCHAL
Greetings to the Soggy Dragons near and far from the Borders of Sylvan AEthelmearc...
First, the February Business Meeting will be Monday evening, February 4th at 6:00 PM at Eoghan and Anne's home on Johnson Avenue, Binghamton.

Second, if you missed AEthelmearc Heralds and Scribes Collegium last Saturday, you missed a great event!!! Really great!!! THL George, Lady Marianna and Lady Catriona (Kayley) deserve a huge round of applause as everything ran smoothly. Lunch was delicious and the tea served starting at 4:00 was unstinting.
THL Alheydis, Garnet Herald, chaired a wonderful Consult Table and took several name and armory submissions from Dragons and Dragonets!!! as well as giving advice to others on names and blazonry. Dame Margaret, Pelican Queen of Arms, did a Naming Review and those working with her reviewed and passed several names while holding three over for more research.
The coming weeks will see several events starting with an A&S roundtable in Cortlandslot on February 2nd: followed by A Fools Court on February 9th in Myrkfaelin; The Feast of the Seven Deadly Sins on February 16th in Delftwood; and finally The College of the Three Ravens in Thescorre on February 23rd. All of these events are reasonably located for travel from the Vayle.
Olaf of Norseland traveled to Heralds and Scribes and met with Lord Eoghan, THL George and me to discuss the growing of an SCA presence in the Oneonta, Delhi, Walton area. Their first meeting is Tuesday, February 5th at Delhi Academy at 6:00 PM. Olaf is an armorer, and an experienced "Heavy" Marshall, and is looking to have regular scheduled Fight Practices in the coming weeks.
Finally, the Annual Shire Meeting and Elections will be held in the first week of March, I'll be polling the populace of the Shire for a good date to hold the meeting in the next few days so start thinking about the particulars. If you are interested in serving in a Shire Office, you must have a current membership and must produce your card or a copy of your online receipt, or a current copy of the AEstel addressed to you. All offices except for Exchequer are open.
Yours in Service,
Malcolum

OFFICER CANDIDATES
THL George Anne (Georg Hawks) has offered to remain A&S officer if it is your will.
Lord Malcolum fizWilliam (Gerard Hough) wishes to step down as Seneschal.
Lord Eoghan Rurikson (Robinson Neidhardt) has announced his intention to run as Seneschal.
THL Keran Roslin (Karen Reinhart) has offered to remain Chronicler if it your will, though she will not be present for the elections.

Is anyone else running for an office? Let me Know and I'll post it in the Dragon's Tongue. - Keran

BIG NEWS
Lady Cartriona (Kayley) O'Connor is now Regional Exchequer for regions 4 & 5.
She would like to make some changes to Sterlynge Vayle's financial policies.

Here are the current Sterlynge Vayle Financial Policies:
III. Financial Expenditures
A. Expense Reimbursement
Expenditures greater than $50 must be approved by a majority of the officers. Expenditures of $50 or less must be authorized by the Seneschal and Exchequer, or by a majority of officers at a business meeting.

Here are the new policies I propose. These are just my initial thoughts (while I spent a boring afternoon with not enough work to do). At this point, it is just for discussion - I'd like to see what you think of them, what is not there that should be, and what is there that doesn't need to be. They probably need to be distilled down a bit. Here goes:
III. Financial Expenditures
A. Expense Reimbursement
Expenditures greater than $50 must be approved by a majority of the officers. Expenditures of $50 or less must be authorized by the Seneschal and Exchequer, or by a majority of officers at a business meeting. The shire need not reimburse funds spent without prior approval. The shire reserves the right to reimburse expenditures that are approved after the fact. Any funds spent over the approved amount need not be reimbursed. Excess funds may be reimbursed upon the approval of a majority of the officers. No funds will be reimbursed without a receipt, copy of a receipt, sales invoice, or other proof of purchase to be submitted to the Exchequer. Requests for reimbursement, with proper paperwork, must be submitted to the Exchequer within 30 days of purchase. The Exchequer will reimburse approved expenses within 30 days of receiving the request and paperwork.

B. Event Budgets
Event Autocrat(s) will prepare a preliminary event budget at least 90 days prior to their event. This event budget must be reviewed and approved by the Seneschal, the Exchequer, and, in the case of a first time Autocrat, an experienced Autocrat within the shire. The budget may be slightly adjusted as the event approaches, but the preliminary event budget will be a valuable tool in determining event site and feast fees and in selecting an affordable site and appropriate feast budget. The Exchequer can provide an Excel Spreadsheet template for the Event Budget, and can assist in preparing the event budget.

C. Shire Financial Status
The Exchequer will post a brief financial report of the shire in the Dragon's Tongue at least once a year, in January or February. This report will be based on the Year-End Report which is submitted to the Kingdom Exchequer by January 31 of each year. It will consist of the shire's balance on December 31 of the prior year, the balance it was on December 31 of the year before that, and the net change over the prior year. More complete information, including a copy of the quarterly reports submitted to the Kingdom Exchequer will be available upon the request of any shire member to the shire's Exchequer.

Please let me know what you think about these initial ideas. Thanks. Kayley (Michele)

JANUARY BUSINESS MEETING
Attendees: 6 gentles
Business: Heralds & Scribes:
Autocrats - Mariana, Kayley and George
Volunteers for general help - Kayley & Giovanna
Food will be available at Lunch and Tea
The Princess will be attending
Three toaster ovens have been pledged for the event, but crock pots will not be needed. The shire owns napkins but members are requested to bring cookies for the afternoon Tea.
Dates for Barony Wars and Bazaar for 2009 were discussed.
Discussion was held concerning the Year End report for the Exchequer, and Kayley assured all that she would handle it, with appropriate reporting.

Thanks to Giovanna, George & Malcolum for the meeting information.

ANNUAL REPORTS
Officers - remember to file your End of Year reports with the appropriate Kingdom Officer.

HERALDS & SCRIBES
I am sure that I speak for the other two autocrats when I say thank you to everyone that attended Heralds and Scribes this past weekend.

I would also like to thank Kayley for co-autocrating and teaching me the ropes and to George for teaching us both the ropes on autocrating a Kingdom event. A special thank you to George for arranging the schedule, Kayley and I really appreciated it.

I especially would like to thank Jess and Rainagh for the help Friday night and to Jess, Rainagh, Ravyn, Gunnar, Banshee, and Tigernach for the help in the kitchen on Sat. By the way, I would also like to thank Malcolm for the phone call on Friday night that said we could use the kitchen on Saturday, it truly made a difference. I would also like to thank Ravyn and Etain for the use of the toaster ovens. For all the donations of cookies, napkins and platters, thank you to all of you for making the Tea a success and helping me keep to the budget.

Outside of the kitchen, I would like to thank all of the teachers for teaching on Saturday. If not for you we would not have had an event.

THANK YOU!
Mariana

Thanks to Eoghan for the pictures -
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23208391@N07/sets/72157603802293809/

SLAVIC EVENT
In early December, the Slavic Interest Group held its first University in Ionia, MI in the Midrealm. This is a link to the latest edition of the Slavic Interest groups Newsletter!
http://www.goldschp.net/SIG/slovo/news48.html
Class notes are available at http://www.plcommonwealth.org/slavunotes.htm

Many thanks to Lady Marija Kotok of Sylvan Glen for the information.

EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Courtlandslot's A&S Workshop - February 2, Shire of Courtlandslot (Cortland, NY)
Ice Dragon's around the corner! Have you started a project or need some ideas? Come join us on Feb. 2 from 10-5 at the Masonic Lodge at 28 Main St., Marathon NY, 13830. Bring a project to work on or just come see what everyone is doing.
There will be a substantial sideboard, including onion pie. The site is dry and changing space is limited to the restrooms. Site fee is $8 for the day, children 10 and under ½ price, 5 and under free. There is the usual $3 surcharge for non- members.
Reservations can be mailed to Donna MacTavish. Checks made payable to SCA, inc-shire of Courtlandslot. Directions: Take 81 to Marathon exit. Turn left and go to the light. The Lodge is located behind the Sunoco station. It's the building with the bill boards on it. Parking is on the right just past the site or park on the street where possible.

A Fool's Court in Myrkfaelinn February 9th, 2008 Dominion of Myrkfaelinn Come journey to the fool's court of Myrkfaelinn for a day of pun and games. Are you up to the challenge? There will be something for both heavy and youth fighters, as well as games and youth activities. Merchants welcome, but space is limited, contact autocrat. The event will be at the magnificent Risley Hall at Cornell University (515 Thurston Ave, Ithaca, NY 14850.

Doors open at 10am. There will be a light lunch board in the afternoon. Dietary concerns should be directed to Lady Angeline di Aquila (Ang Malone alm4cu AT localnet DOT com ). Then stay for fool's court "Entertainment", dancing and a heavy evening board. Closes at 9 PM.

Fees for the day are: Adults $8, children 12 and under $4, 5 and under free with a family cap of $32. The $3 NMS charge applies. Students 18 and over receive a $3 discount. Reservations can be sent to the autocrat. Makes checks payable to "SCA, Inc. - Dominion of Myrkfaelinn. The autocrat for the event is Lady Cristina inghean Ghriogar (Donna MacTavish). Reservations or dietary concerns can be sent to donnamac123 AT hotmail.com

"Directions: From the North, take Route 13 (exit 11 on I-81 South): Follow 13 South through the town of Dryden. Turn right at the traffic light in Dryden's village center to stay on 13 south (if road signs start saying "Rt. 38," you missed the turn). A few miles further on, at a traffic light, Route 366 goes off to the left. (Route 366 comes in from the right a mile or so before this don't get confused.) Turn left onto route 366. At a flashing yellow light where 366 peels off to the left, you will go straight, across the bridge, and enter Cornell University's campus; this will be Hoy Road. Turn left at the stop sign onto Campus Road and then turn right at the next stop sign onto East Avenue. Just after East Ave. crosses the gorge bridge, Risley Hall will be on your left - a turreted, red brick building.

From the Southeast: Take I-81 North to NYS Route 79 at Whitney Point. Follow 79 into Ithaca; at the first traffic light, turn right onto Stewart Avenue (the street is fashioned with red bricks), and follow from *** below.

From Elmira and points west: Take Route 17 E to 13 N. Route 13 will become one-way halfway through Ithaca. Once it does so, turn right onto Buffalo Street (Byrne Dairy will be on the right corner). Stay on Buffalo Street as it goes uphill towards a flashing yellow cautionary light at Stewart Avenue. Turn left here and follow from *** below.

From the Northwest: Leave I-90 at exit 42 to take Route 96 South (Geneva exit). Carefully follow the route signs through Geneva. Stay on Route 96 into Ithaca until it crosses Route 13 North (South Meadow Street). Turn left onto Route 13, then turn right onto Buffalo Street (Byrne Dairy will be on the right corner). Stay on Buffalo Street as it goes uphill towards a flashing yellow cautionary light at Stewart Avenue. Turn left here and follow from *** below.

*** Continue on Stewart Avenue across a bridge until you reach a 4-way stop (this is AFTER the intersection with two right turns). Turn right onto University Ave. and proceed up the hill to the first traffic light. Turn left and cross the bridge; Risley Hall is the first building on the left - a turreted, red brick building."

SEVEN DEADLIES
The Barony of Delftwood is holding the annual Feast of the Seven Deadly Sins on February 16, 2008 at the May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church on Genesee St. (Route 92) just a couple of minutes off of I-481 in Syracuse, NY. We will be sinning our way across the Silk Road with themed contests, games, and more. The day board will start in Japan, and the Feast itself will slowly wind its way through six more stops on the Silk Road before a seventh course of decadent desserts. The site allows wine/mead and beer, but not hard liquor, so bring the former and have a good time.

What will we have to entertain you? Fencing! Fencing! Fencing!
Also:
An A&S Competition (Silk Road/Seven Deadly Sins theme)
A Sotelty Competition (Silk Road/Seven Deadly Sins theme)
A Bardic Competition (Silk Road/Seven Deadly Sins theme)
A Japanese Tea Ceremony (4 sittings of 10 people each - donations welcome to offset the cost of the ceremonial tea)
A coffeehouse with an ongoing Hoffla (so bring drums and dancing feet!)
A game to build the best caravan through the day (buy, sell, barter your way to a great prize!)
A brewer's roundtable (wine/mead and beer are okay. no hard liquor)
Other entertainments, and. . After a several-year absence, the original sinful spot, the palace of pleasure, the arena of adult activities... yes! The Den of Iniquity will return! (You must be an adult to enter the Den of Iniquity.)

All for the low, low price of $7.00 for the day and an additional $7.00 for the feast (children 6-14 are $4.00 for the day and additional $3.00 for the feast, children under 5 are free. The $3.00 non-member surcharge is in effect on non- discounted fees). Feast is limited and slots are filling up, so register early! With the speed the feast slots are filling up, the only good reservations are most definitely paid reservations. Please make checks out to "SCA Inc, Barony of Delftwood" and mail reservations to: "SCA Inc., Barony of Delftwood/P.O. Box 6694/Syracuse, NY 13217"

Bring your fencers, bring your drums, bring your saris, bring your Mongolian Hordes, and sin with us this February.

Questions/concerns, contact co-autocrats Helene al-Zarqa at alZarqa AT gmail DOT com and Eadaoin ingen Chanacain at chanacain AT gmail DOT com.

Full Event details and event announcement are at: http://seven-deadly-sins DOT delftwood.org/

In Sinful Service, Lady Helene al-Zarqá & Eadaoin ingen Chanacain

SCA POSITIONS OPEN
(The following have been edited from the original announcement.)
Chief Technical Officer - a three-year term beginning April 15, 2008. This is a part time volunteer position requiring technical leadership and a commitment of approximately 10-15 hours per week plus availability for emergencies. The CTO is a direct deputy to the Society Seneschal and Vice President of Operations, and reports indirectly to the Board of Directors by way of an Ombudsman. The Chief Technical Officer (CTO) leads a team of volunteers who maintain and manage the SCA's Internet servers for web, email, and related infrastructure services.
Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, together with modern and SCA qualifications, hardcopy to Renee Signorotti, Society for Creative Anachronism, P.O. Box 360789, Milpitas, CA 95036-0789, with courtesy copies to resumes@sca.org and cto AT sca.org. Applications must be received by April 1, 2008.

Society Seneschal and Vice President of Operations
This is a part-time, paid position, which requires approximately thirty-two hours per week. It is responsible for the operational aspects of the SCA, a solid knowledge of our administration, procedures and governing documents is required. The Society Seneschal deals with: large amounts of correspondence (electronic, written and telephone), all kingdom seneschals, royalty, and corporate level offices, especially the Registrar (Vice-President for Corporate Operations) and the Executive Assistant to the Board of Directors. Applicants must be available for the four quarterly Board Discussion Sessions per year (typically held on Fridays), held in addition to the four Board meeting days per year (typically on Saturdays). As Thursdays and Sundays tend to be travel days, each applicant must have sixteen days available per year, of which eight are week days. Additional traveling may be required. Availability for up to eight evening conference call per year (generally starting at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time) is also required. Planning ability, short-notice travel, strong telephone skills, leadership ability, and office space will also be necessary. Resumes (professional and medieval, including awards and titles) must be sent to SCA Inc., Box 360789, Milpitas CA 95036, or resumes AT sca.org, no later than June 15, 2008.

PENNSIC 2008
In 2008, Pennsic will run from July 28 - August 12, 2008.

----------------------------------------------------------

THE DRAGON'S TONGUE
NEWSLETTER OF THE SHIRE OF STERLYNGE VAYLE
JANUARY 2008

SHIRE OFFICERS
Seneschal Lord Malcolum fizWilliam Exchequer Lady Kayley O'Connor
Deputy Exchequer Lady Etain ingen Dalaig
Herald Lord Robert O'Connor
Arts and Sciences THL George Anne
Chatelaine Vacant
Chronicler THL Keran Roslin
Knight Marshal Lord Rundwulfe
Archery Marshal Lady Mariana Maria Pietrosanti
Minister of Lists Vacant
Minister of Youth Vacant
Web Minister Ravyn

JANUARY IN STERLYNGE VAYLE (Note schedule changes)
Jan. 6 - Sunday - Regional Dance Practice - 1 - 5 PM - Elks Lodge Endicott, NY
Jan. 7 - Monday - Business Meeting - 6 PM - Melody's house - Binghamton, NY
Jan. 26 - Heralds and Scribes - Trinity Episcopal Church - Binghamton (Directions to Trinity are on our website)

Suggestions for A&S meetings, offers to host, requests to learn subjects, directions, etc. should be directed to THL George Anne, 607-754-1883 or thegeorg AT stny.rr DOT com

Sorry there isn't more meeting info but I wanted to send this before 12th Night. - Keran

2008 IN STERLYNGE VAYLE

March Business meeting - Elections
June 13-15 - Barony Wars and Bazaar III - Camp Amahami - Sanford, NY

JANUARY & BEYOND IN AETHELMEARC
Jan. 12, 2008 - Twelfth Night - Endless Hills (Carbondale, PA.) (Announcement below)
Jan. 26, 2008 - Heralds & Scribes Collegium - Shire of Sterlynge Vayle
Feb. 2 - Courtlandslot's A&S Workshop - Courtlandslot (Marathon, NY)
Feb. 9 - A Fool's Court in Myrkfaelinn - Dominion of Myrkfaelinn
Feb. 16 - Feast of the Seven Deadly Sins - Delftwood (Dewitt, NY)
Feb. 23 - College of Three Ravens - Thescorre (Palmyra, NY)
Mar. 15 - Ice Dragon -
Apr. 12 - Coronation - Canton of Riverouge

EAST KINGDOM
Check out http://www.eastkingdom.org/ for more info.

OTHER WARS
Estrella War XXIV (Feb 12-18, 2008) - Florence, AZ
Gulf Wars (Mar. 9 - 16, 2008) - Lumberton, Mississippi

12TH NIGHT
www.endlesshills.aethelmearc.net

If you are a member of an order, check for the meeting times when you arrive. Check out the Artisans' Forum from 1-3 PM. It's an arts and sciences demo/display. The Company of St. Michael is holding a Deed of Arms.

We invite all good gentles to join in the merriment and cheer at the Æthelmearc Kingdom Twelfth Night celebration on Saturday, January 12, 2008 in the Barony of Endless Hills. The event will be held at Saint Rose Academy, 1300 Old Plank Road, Mayfield, PA, 18407.

We have procured a marvelous hall for feasting, meetings, courts and dancing! Bring your best garb and revel in our sun-filled atrium! The hall opens at 9 am and closes at 9:30 pm. This is a discretely damp site (period containers please), and enclosed flame is allowed. The site is fully handicapped accessible and there is adequate parking for all vehicles. A bounteous lunch is included with the site fee.

The day will be filled with dancing (instruction included!), a period games tournament with prizes - and of course, meetings! There will be children's activities for the younger populace and A&S contests for best late period (post- 1500) garb, best accessory and best festive holiday tart (to be crowned the Queen of Tarts!), all with fabulous prizes! At Her Majesty's gracious request, there will also be a contest for best hat, for which She is personally providing the prize. Their Majesties will be choosing their Bardic champion at this event, so come prepared to sing, regale us with tales, and otherwise entertain.

A fabulous Italian Feast will finish the day - followed by much dancing and revelry! Special highlights will include an artisan's forum and a Pas d'Armes Tournament hosted by the Company of St. Michael.

We have reserved a block of rooms at the Days Inn, 1946 Scranton Carbondale Highway (Route 6), Scranton, PA 18508. The room rate is $66 per night for a room with two double beds. This includes a FREE full hot breakfast. The indoor pool is open from 9am to 10 pm and there is a 24-hour game arcade room. The phone number for reservations is 570-383-9979. You must ask for the "SCA Room Block" when reserving to get our rate. You must guarantee with a credit card when you make the reservations. Please reserved by December 20, as they cannot guarantee this block beyond that time.

Please address all questions about the event to the autocrat, Lady Ysabeau Tiercelin at phoebe AT echoes DOT net or by phone to 570-282-3927.

The evening's feast will be cooked by Mistress Euriol of Lothian. Please contact her with any dietary concerns at euriol AT ptd DOT net. The evening feast will be limited to 120 gentles, so reserve quickly!

The site meeting coordinator is Lord Tigernach Mac Cathail; please email all meeting room schedule requests to him at black_company AT hotmail.com. Merchants are welcome - please contact Lady Barbary Rose at artsybarb2000 AT yahoo.com for more information.

The site fee is $8 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under (babes in arms free). Feast is $7 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under. There is a family site fee cap of $32. Non-members must pay the Non-Member Surcharge of $3 at the door at the event. All members must present proof of membership, either your membership card, or Kingdom newsletter label, or must pay the NMS. Please send reservations to Lord Tigernach Mac Cathail at 69 Main St. Gouldsboro, PA 18424. Make checks payable to SCA Inc, Barony of Endless Hills.

Directions: (Note - this site is very easy to mapquest.)
From the South: Take I-81 north, to exit 187 (toward Mt. Pocono, Milford, and Carbondale). Take the left side of the exit, merging onto US 6 East, The Casey Highway. Go 11.6 miles and take exit 6, Meridith Street. Turn left at top of exit. Go to end of street and turn left at traffic light. The entrance to the site is about 1000 yards on your left just after the Lukoil station - you will see the parking lot and large building. Be careful at the left turn - there is an oncoming road and people do not always obey the stop sign there.

From the North: Take I-81 South toward Scran