The Great Pennsic War is an SCA event hosted by three kingdoms, the warring Kingdoms of the East and the Middle and the hosting Kingdom of Aethelmearc. It should be noted that because of this the Kingdom seneschals have the right and responsibility of sanction and removal of participants from events or situations where there is harassment, bullying, or abuse of the volunteers.
Why is this relevant to you? Well the Mayor of Pennsic 50 has made the following rules for trolling in on Friday 28th of July:
– Land agents, may arrive at site no earlier than 8:30am, Troll will open at 9am. Land agents may troll in with an assistant and any minor children in the vehicle. All others must wait in the vehicle. – Non land-agent set up crew may arrive on site after 11:30am, troll for non land agents will open at noon.
You will be asked to leave if you arrive before your allotted time: 8:30am for land agents, 11:30am for other camp set up crew.
We will ask you, nicely, to drive away and park somewhere else and you can then return when it is your time. You will have two options at that point.
1) comply, accept that you arrived too early, go and park at one of the truck stops nearby and come back later. 2) refuse to leave, deciding that the rules do not apply to you so you wish to argue. We will then ask you to leave and not return. No war for you.
Land is advising camps to limit the number of people arriving until Pennsic officially starts on Saturday (troll is open from Friday noon until Saturday at 10pm). If your block is not signed off you will not be allowed to drive onto the land, nor can you set up structures on the battlefield.
We would hate to do this, we don’t enjoy removing people from participation but it is one of the powers we have. We hope that everyone follows the guidelines and comes to war with appreciation for the volunteers and the rules.
Yours in service we remain,
Audrye, Helewyse and Illadore (East, Mid, Aethelmearc)
As you may (or maybe don’t) know, during the first quarter of the year, SCA Corporate transferred the membership data from one platform to another. Without getting in to all the details, some of the data did not transfer correctly. We have run in to several situations where members are not appearing in the appropriate groups / kingdoms as a result of the transfer.
If you have not already done so, please log in to your SCA Membership Portal through the SCA Membership Page here: https://www.sca.org/member-services/
Please review your contact information (especially your mailing address, including zip code) and ensure it is correct.
There are several groups who are either in the process of a status or baronial polling, or who are coming due for one. This is especially important to do for the members of those groups.
If you have any questions regarding your membership account, please direct them to membership@sca.org. The East Kingdom Webministry does not have the access to assist.
I want to thank Maestro David Vázquez de Valençia, our Kingdom Postal Legatus for sharing initial concerns about the data integrity. And I also want to thank The Honorable Lady Aurelia Colleoni a’Buccafurno, Seneschal of Panthervale for confirming her group’s list was incorrect and then helping me confirm that her address had updated successfully in the new system.
Please share this message far and wide, so that it reaches as many folks as possible.
In Service, Magistra Audrye Beneyt East Kingdom Seneschal
I am passing the following missive on from Aneleda Falconbridge, the Kingdom Media Liasion: — If you are contacted by a member of the media regarding any SCA-related activity, event, or situation, you are always welcome to request that the media representative contact the media liaison at media@eastkingdom.org.
You may speak to whom you wish, of course, but in the event that you don’t want to engage, know that this office is here for you.
Below is the currently accepted list of those who wish to compete for the Spring Crown Tournament of Brennan & Caoilfhionn to be held on May 6 in the Crown Province of Ostgardr.
If your name does not appear on this list, it is because either the combatant or consort (or both) has not completed the submission of the EK Law quiz provided by Their Majesties. Please contact them directly at TRM@EastKingdom.org. The quiz can still be completed prior to the event.
Sir Matthias Grunewald, fighting for Baroness Æsa feilinn Jossursdottir
Jarl Valgard Stonecleaver, fighting for Lady Gracia Vasquez de Trillo
Viscount Culann mac Cianain, fighting for Viscountess Sefa Hrafnsdóttir
The Honorable Lord Sigurdr Berserker, fighting for Mistress Eleanore MacCarthaigh
Master Karl Meerstappa, fighting for Mistress Anne of Framlingham
Syr Angus Gove MacKinon, fighting for Mistress Ciara MacRobie
Sir Matthew D’Arden, fighting for Mistress Fia Kareman
Master Æthelhawke Keyfinder, fighting for Mistress Siubhan Wallace
Master Sigurthr Vigurhafn, fighting for Mistress Medhbh inghean Ui Cheallaigh
Doyen Richard Crowe, fighting for Lady Ameria Brown
Sir Klaus Winterhalter Von Wallachia, fighting for Baroness Anastasia Kurt-Kalbi
Doctorae Pandarus and Baroness Timeria Sthenone, called Timbrien, fighting for each other
Sir Turi MacKinnon, fighting for Baroness Marguerite de Sainte Nazaire
Baron Talan Gwyllt, fighting for The Honorable Lady Alison Wodehalle
The Honorable Lord Matthew MacGyver, fighting for Baroness Lillian Stanhope
The Honorable Lord Titus Claudius Silvanus, fighting for Lady Anna Serena
Andromidus Leonida, fighting for Baroness Lily Morgaine
The Honorable Lord Corwin Blackthorn, fighting for Lady Ada Wright
The Honorable Lord Michal Bialy, fighting for Nicasia Leontodes
The Honorable Lord Ludovic of Carolingia and Lady Röskva Mac Cianain, called Widowmaker, fighting for each other
Baron Pádraig Ó Brádaig, called Samson of Ireland, fighting for Lady Martha bean ui Bhradaigh
The Honorable Lord Albrecht Ostergaard, fighting for Baronessa Daniela Rosa da Venezia
Baron Lawrence Vaughan, fighting for Lady Lillian Hutchinson
Baron Vladimir Bathory, fighting for Lady Andrea Noelle Bathory
Lady Saga mac Cianin, fighting for Baron Sirion Dobbs
Lord Ragnarr Blaskegg, fighting for Lady Arnora Ketilsdottir
Lord Wilhelm Van Hammaburc, fighting for Ailbhe AElffricesdohter
Lord Thorfin Jarnison, fighting for Lord Bjorn Fairhair
The Honorable Lord Wee Hawk of Panther Vale, fighting for Lady Angela of Panthervale
Lord Michel Biornson of the Isles, fighting for Vigdís Eldr
Guillame Du Chantier, fighting for Ezra Dei Bazzi
Tournament Format
The format for Crown Tournament will be as follows:
All bouts will be “bring your best” until the semi-finals.
There will be 4 round robin pools. Each will advance 4 combatants to a double-elimination Sweet 16.
At the semi-finals, 2 combatants from the winners’ list will each face a combatant from the defeated list. The semi finals will be fought rotating, non-repeating, weapons forms. The combatant from the winners’ list will have to win once. The combatant from the defeated list will have to win twice. First choice of weapons forms will go to the combatant from the winners’ list.
In the finals, all previous losses will be forgiven.
The finals will be a best of 5 with rotating, non-repeating weapons forms. The first bout of the finals will be fought with long sword in the Queen’s honor. The loser of the long sword bout will choose the next weapons form, and so on until a winner is decided. Long sword may be chosen by a combatant.
In several discussions this past weekend, and several from prior, I feel it necessary to remind the populace of some important things. This may be long, but I need each and every member of the populace to read work on being better.
Asking for consent and respecting body autonomy is not an “optional” thing to do in this Kingdom, much less the Society.
What is Consent?
Consent is the agreement between two people, regardless of age, to engage in a particular activity. Whether this activity is touching, hugging, or entering a list field, consent of both parties is required. If one person does not agree, the activity does not occur.
The person seeking consent does not get the right to assume lesser consent for something else. What do I mean by this? Here is an example:
Person A: Hey, good to see you! Are we hugging? Person B: Not today, thank you. Person A: *gives a side squeeze instead*
This is not acceptable behavior for any of our populace. The side squeeze still requires consent. This same example can go a similar way which grants consent from both parties:
Person A: Hey, good to see you! Are we hugging? Person B: Not today, thank you. Person A: Of course, you’re welcome. Fistbump instead? Person B: Absolutely.
This is a much better interaction for all parties.
Asking for consent applies to all kinds of touch. Whether you are seeking a hug, a fistbump, or to touch someone’s hair or garb, you must obtain consent.
There is no such thing as “implied consent.” Just because two people have been friends forever, does not mean consent is granted eternally. Just because someone is a Royal, or on the Royal Entourage, does not grant you permission to touch them. This is something I am constantly working on. Both in granting consent eternally such as “oh you are always welcome to hug me” and remembering that consent is not implied. We are all works in progress, and no one is perfect.
I recognize direct communication is hard for some of us. Myself included. That doesn’t mean we have an out to just say “oh that’s just how I am.” Everyone should feel they are able to say “No, thank you.” without fear of recourse. We should also take that course correction. As adults, people should be able to internalize this information and improve behavior. Will we be perfect every time? No. But we will try.
As this relates to the youth of our populace, they absolutely have the same rights to consent to body autonomy and touch as everyone else. If a youth says “No thank you” to touch, we are not granted consent by virtue of being older or an adult. This is not up for debate.
I care deeply for each and every one of you, and want everyone to feel safe, supported, and encouraged to participate in our hobby.
So from your Tyger Mom, people of the East, please be better about this.
In Service, Magistra Audrye Beneyt East Kingdom Seneschal
Letters of Intent will be accepted through April 5, 2023 at 11:59pm Eastern.
Their Highnesses will be sending a follow-up email to all entrants regarding East Kingdom Law and Corpora (Governing Documents of the SCA). This email will need a response in order to have your Letter of Intent considered.
I have returned from Birka and was pleased to see the atmosphere there was one of joy, camaraderie, and courtesy for each other. Whether masked or not, I witnessed the populace being respectful of each other and of the volunteers and staff running the event. Thank you to everyone who made the return to Birka a wonderful experience.
It is time to look forward to what is next for the Kingdom. As I started to research and plan strategy meetings for the East’s Spring COVID Policy, news from the Society arrived.
I received word from the Society Seneschal last night that our existing masking variance (expiring on March 1, 2023) will not be extended. Nor will any additional variances be granted relating to COVID/masking precautions. It is the opinion of the Society Seneschal and the Society President that it is time to leave such decisions to state and local authorities. This applies to all Kingdoms.
As this decision is being made at the Society level, I have no authority to override or change part of the updated policy.
Effective March 1, 2023, the Kingdom COVID Variance will expire, and masking will not be required at any event, practice, or official gathering. As always, local legal jurisdiction comes first; if local authorities or site owners require masking of attendees, then all SCA attendees must wear masks.
I share this information now, as I realize it may affect plans for coming events and wanted everyone to have as much time as possible to process and make decisions.
How can we, as a populace, help to protect each other?
Absolutely do not attend an event / practice / gathering if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness. This is vital. Prior to the start of the pandemic, we had a culture of “can’t miss seeing person X, award X, or activity X.” I am asking that we actively change that culture going forward. With photographers being more prevalent, and videographers around, we can live vicariously through photos and videos of moments that are important. Is it the best? No, of course not. Is it the right thing to do? Absolutely.
When available, please consider taking a rapid test prior to attending an event. While this isn’t a failsafe, it can help recognize when you are positive and asymptomatic.
Consider getting your vaccinations if you are able to do so. Get your boosters. Protect yourself. Help protect those around you.
If event budgets allow, or group funds permit, consider renting or building air purifiers for small spaces to help filter air. Sample instructions for DIY Cori-Rosenthal Filters can be found here: https://cleanaircrew.org/box-fan-filters/ though the internet has all kinds of resources.
But Audrye, what about masks?
Per Society, we cannot require masking of any kind beginning March 1, 2023 unless the local authorities (or site location) require it. With that in mind, the Kingdom will continue to provide masks for events on the EK Calendar for the Stewards / Seneschals who request them for the immediate future. (Please use the form located here: https://forms.gle/pHDxa82t5miozKQ36 )
As you begin working through bids for your local (or Kingdom) events, please begin adding in expenses for masks should your local group desire that. I recommend providing KN95 masks for events and making them available for those who wish to use them. If you are having trouble obtaining KN95s, please let me know and we’ll figure it out.
All events taking place in a local jurisdiction or at a site that requires masks must make sure the event listing and other communication state this clearly. Bids for Kingdom events and RPs must make this clear in the bid package.
The Kingdom will stop paying for masks directly at a later date once it has been discussed internally, and give ample notification of the date so groups are able to prepare.
I want to personally thank everyone for their continued courtesy to each other. I recognize that the pandemic is not over, and COVID is here to stay. Finding balance in a Kingdom spanning over 2 million square miles and approximately 3000 paid members (as of December 2022) is delicate at best. Let’s work together to provide spaces which welcome all.
In Service, Magistra Audrye Beneyt East Kingdom Seneschal
**Should you have questions or concerns regarding the Society’s Decision, please reach out to appropriately to sca-comments@sca.org as this was not a decision made by the East Kingdom.**
Greetings and Gentle Holidays to the Tyger Populace!
As the calendar year comes to a close, I am excited to announce I have selected successors to the Northern and Central Region Deputy positions for the Office of the Kingdom Seneschal.
First, words are not enough to express my thanks to Don Cedric of the Floppy Hat and Kennari Tasha Medvedeva for their most excellent service to their regions and to the Kingdom. Both have served tirelessly through the Pandemic and have been great resources for the populace. Thank you both, from the bottom of my heart, and for those who came before me for all you have done and continue to do.
Without further adieu, it is my pleasure to announce the following appointments:
Lord Julien MacBain will succeed Don Cedric in the role of Northern Region Deputy Seneschal. Julien resides in the Shire of Panthervale and has been playing in the SCA since 2006. He has been primarily focused in the pursuit of all-things-rapier and is eager to serve the populace and learn new paths of service.
His Wiki can be found here: https://wiki.eastkingdom.org/wiki/Julien_MacBain
Baron Thomas of Effingham, OD will succeed Kennari Tasha in the role of Central Region Deputy Seneschal. Effingham resides in the Shire of Quintavia and has been playing in the SCA since 2005. He was elevated to the Order of Defense in 2017 and after serving as the Baron of Carolingia through much of the pandemic is looking to serve the Kingdom through the office of the Seneschal.
His Wiki can be found here: https://wiki.eastkingdom.org/wiki/Thomas_of_Effingham
Please give them a bit of time to settle into their roles, and we’ll let the Seneschalate know when the emails have been transferred over behind the scenes.
Thank you so much, to our outgoing Regionals and to the incoming Regionals for all the service they have done and will do for the Kingdom.
In Service, Magistra Audrye Beneyt East Kingdom Seneschal
On the eve of the American Thanksgiving, I want to say thank you to each and every one of you for making our hobby what it is. I continue to learn something every day because of all of you. Whether game-side, business side, or part of history, I am truly lucky to have you all in my world. Thank you for your time, your dedication, and your love for what it is that we do.
On that note, I wanted to let you know effective immediately I will not be looking at, or responding to, my Kingdom email until midday on Sunday 11/27/2022.
Everyone needs a break sometimes, and sometimes that’s me!
Remember that I do not do any form of official business via Facebook messenger, and everything should be sent to me via email at seneschal@eastkingdom.org. Should there be a true emergency (yes, I am knocking on all of the wood) the seneschals know how to reach me.
I wish you all the very best the next few days have to offer, regardless of what you choose to make of them.
I want to apologize again to the populace. I am sorry that the decisions I made caused upset. I hope that the coming information will help to begin to mend your faith in me and that we can all step together to find a middle ground.
To that end, I would like to share the Kingdom’s current response to COVID with you. I would ask that you please read all the way through, then re-read, as there will be a lot of information here, and there is no good way for me to break it up. I have provided a Highlights section here, so you know what to expect.
New Kingdom-Wide Variance – A new variance which applies to the entire Kingdom goes into effect immediately, requiring indoor masking at a specific threshold.
Status of Variances – A review of existing variances and how they are impacted by the new Kingdom-Wide Variance.
A Kingdom-wide variance has been approved by the Society Seneschal to go into effect immediately and will end on March 1, 2023. It is as follows:
Indoor Masking for all persons age 2 and over will be required at all official SCA Activities (events, practices, meetings, etc.) in the United States portion of the East Kingdom, under the following condition:
When the county where the activity is located reaches a status of HIGH on the CDC Community Levels map found here:
This is determined by the data on the Thursday just prior to the activity.
If state or local regulations are more restrictive, those measures are to be followed. For the Canadian provinces in Tir Mara, provincial and local guidance will be followed. This variance is in effect immediately and will end on March 1, 2023.
Examples: An official practice will be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 in Springfield, MA. If, on the Thursday prior, December 29, 2022, the Community Level in Hampden County, MA is listed as HIGH according to the map above, then masks will be required at the practice on January 3, 2023.
An event will be held in Bangor, ME on Saturday, January 21, 2023. On the Thursday prior, January 19, 2023, the Community Level in Penobscot County, ME is listed as LOW according to the map above. As such, masks will not be required.
An event will be held in Montreal, Quebec on Saturday, February 4, 2023. On January 12, 2023, the local government issued a mask mandate requiring indoor masking due to an increase in cases. Masks will be required at the event on February 4, 2023.
As the Kingdom has followed the CDC guidance from the beginning of the pandemic, we will continue to do so.
The CDC has recommended the use of the Community Levels map to determine action as it addresses the impact of COVID19 on communities. The chart below is taken directly from the CDC website and shows how the Community Levels are calculated.
(Chart pulled from CDC website on 11/10/2022)
The CDC has recommendations based on these levels, and they can be located here:
There are a few variances I approved for local practices and gatherings through November 30, 2022. Those will remain in effect through November 30, 2022 and then be replaced by the above Kingdom-wide variance.
There are a couple of variances I denied, based on the above CDC map at the time of decision. As the Kingdom-wide Variance is in effect immediately, should the county in question fall into the HIGH category on the Thursday prior, then masks will be required at the event.
As an example, this weekend is St. Eligius in New Haven, CT. New Haven is in New Haven County.
New Haven County’s current Community Level is MEDIUM. As such, masks will not be required at the event.
There are a few variances which are still “in the wings” so-to-speak. No decision has been made on them as of yet. I will be formally denying those variances in favor of the Kingdom-wide Variance, as all of those requests have come in for after December 1, 2022. I will be sending those notifications out after this has been posted.
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Requesting New Variances
Should you wish to request a variance to alter the Kingdom-wide variance (or any variance for that matter), there are a few steps which must be taken.
It must be specific in nature and have a metric and/or reasons for an alteration.
Confirmation that the request has been received will be made in 48 hours and provide a decision timeline.
If I agree with the variance request, I will send it to the Society Seneschal for review.
If I do not agree with the variance request, I will notify the branch Seneschal.
Should you wish to appeal my decision, the branch Seneschal would then email the Society Seneschal to request review.
If you would like to have a conversation with me regarding this process, or have specific questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
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Personal Responsibility and Illness
I want to stress the importance of taking care of yourself, your health (mental and physical), and those of your loved ones.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of illness, regardless if they are COVID-related or not, please do not attend the event/practice/gathering. If you are playing the “allergies or cold” game, please assume cold and do not attend the event.
If you test positive for COVID, please do not attend any event/gathering for 10 days, or when you have had 2 negative home tests 48 hours apart. The Kingdom has to rely on your honor for this, as we will not be allowed to ask for proof. Please choose to do the right thing.
In addition, all members of the populace should be prepared to mask at events and gatherings.
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Masking and Distancing
With all that said, I recognize there is always more we can do to protect each other while also respecting each other.
To this end, I ask that the people of the East begin to reframe how they interact with each other. Do not assume close contact is acceptable for everyone. Please ask before entering someone’s personal space. Remember just because you have received permission once, does not mean you always have permission. Similarly, if you are asked to mask when approaching someone, please do so. Consent is absolutely vital in our Society, and we should be making every effort to allow people that right.
I strongly encourage people to mask when possible, with the best masks they have access to. The CDC, along with other sources, advise the best masks available are N95s or KN95s.
As such, with the support of the Crown and Heirs, I will make N95/KN95 masks available for any event attendees between this announcement and the end of the variance, March 1, 2023.
Masks will be available for any event that has a listing on the East Kingdom Event Calendar and will be shipped directly to someone who will be attending.
(If there is a problem with the form, please email me as soon as you are able, and I’ll get it fixed!)
I have had several people ask if they can put verbiage out recommending masking at events. The short answer to that is “Absolutely!” I encourage groups to continue to promote masking. This can include signs at events, language in event listings, and setting an example by wearing them.
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Commitment to Vigilance
I will be routinely checking the CDC website and keeping an eye on the state of the Kingdom and the COVID levels. Should things in the Kingdom change, I will review our next steps appropriately and act with the best interest of the Kingdom as a whole.
I will be reviewing the existing variance in mid February 2023.
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I hope you were able to get through all of that, and thank you for sticking with me. I am thankful for each and every voice in our Kingdom, and hope with the above measures in place we are able to come together again and enjoy our hobby.
