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.
The following variance has been approved by the Society Seneschal, to go in to effect immediately:
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 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 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 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.
At the request of Sultan Mohammad and Brenhines Corotica, valiant and wise rulers of the East, do I announce the entrants into Their Crown Tournament to be held on October 29, 2022 in the Province of Malagentia.
Their Majesties would remind all entrants that both Combatant and Consort must present themselves before the Tyger Thrones on the day of Their Tournament. Should either not be present, the pair will be removed from the tournament.
For the glory and honor, and the service to the East Kingdom, the entrants to the List are as follows:
Sir Vissevald Selkirksson, fighting for Countess Mara Tudora Kolarova Brennan mac Fearghus, Dux, fighting for Caoilfhionn inghean Fhaolain, Dux Sir Arturus of Aranmore, fighting for Maîtresse Ellice de Valles Jarl Valgard Stonecleaver, fighting for Lady Gracia Vasquez de Trillo Baron Wulfhere of Stonemarche, fighting for Viscountess Gwenllian Rhiannon of Dragonkeep The Honorable Lord Sigurdr Berserker, fighting for Mistress Eleanore MacCarthaigh Master Karl Meerstappa, fighting for Mistress Anne of Framlingham Lord Thorbjorn thorfinnsson, fighting for Syr Osgkar of the Wood Syr Angus Gove MacKinon, fighting for Mistress Ciara MacRobie Lord Wilhelm Van Hammaburc, fighting for Sir Edward Macgyver dos Scorpus Sir Zhigmun’ Czypsser, fighting for Mistress Leda Zipyos Sir Angus McHaley, fighting for Mistress Tadea Isabetta di Bruno Master Aethelhawk Keyfinder, fighting for Baroness Siubhan Wallace Master Tiberius Iulius Rufus Primus, fighting for Lord Vopiscus Rufius Donatus Lady Leurona Winterborne, fighting for Sir Ketilfastr Thorkilson Doyen Richard Crowe, fighting for Lady Ameria Brown Sir Vlad Iliescu, fighting for Mistress Molly Schofield Master Giles William Trout called Billyfish, fighting for Baroness Mægwynn filia Brun Baroness Juliana de Essex, fighting for Sir Euric Germanicus Doctorae Pandarus and Baroness Timeria Sthenone called Timbrien, fighting for each other Sir Duarcain MacWard, fighting for Maestra Cathain Reiter Sir Galbraith MacGowan, fighting for The Honorable Syrine Al-Sakina Bint Houriya Lord Thomas De Winterwade, fighting for Lady Sara of Stonley The Honorable Lord Finan mac Bressail, fighting for The Honorable Lady Alys Treeby The Honorable Lord Matthew MacGyver and Baroness Lillian Stanhope, fighting for each other The Honorable Lord Titus Claudius Silvanus, fighting for Lady Anna Serena Lord Damhan MacRonain, fighting for The Honorable Lady Agnes Marie De Calais The Honorable Lord Volmar Sollons, fighting for Baroness Iulia Baebiana The Honorable Lord Corwin Blackthorn, fighting for Lady Ada Wright Baron Fearghus Mac Cailin, fighting for Baroness Catriona bean mhic Cailin The Honorable Lord Marcus Atilius Pansa, fighting for Lady Artemisius Octavia Pansa Baron Pádraig Ó Brádaig called Samson, fighting for Lady Martha bean ui Bhradaigh Sayyid Kiril Al-Ghadab Hallamet, fighting for Baroness Aïcha Al-Khayr bint Qamar Baron Vladimir Bathory, fighting for Lady Andrea Noelle Bathory Lord Albrecht Ostergaard, fighting for Baronessa Daniela Rosa da Venezia Sayyid Rafi al-qasid, fighting for Shiklah al-zarqa Lord Thorfin Jarnison, fighting for Lord Bjorn Fairhair Louis of Clan MacWard, fighting for Aureliana Laskarina
In Service to the Crown and Kingdom, Magistra Audrye Beneyt East Kingdom Seneschal
This is a copy of the Crown Tournament Format from Count Wilhelm, Kingdom Marshal of Armored Combat.
Unto the amazing populace of the East Kingdom do I, your friendly neighborhood Wilhelm, send greetings!
The following is the format for the upcoming crown tourney of Mohammad and Corotica.
To start, there will be four Round Robin buckets with the best four from each list advancing to the Sweet Sixteen.
The Sweet Sixteen will be broken down to two groups of eight for another Round Robin!
The two with the best records from each group will advance to the final four.
The final four will process into the list and be presented to their Majesties
From there, the final four will then have a four person Round Robin with the top two advancing to the finals.
All ties at the end of the round robins will fight a single fight with the winner advancing
The Finals will be best out of seven, matched weapon forms (the weapons themselves need not match) no previous wounds retained.
Round 1: Spear.
Round 2: Loser from round one picks the next weapon form and so on.
No individual combatant may pick the same form twice, however the same form may be chosen by both combatants.
If we reach round seven, it will be bring your best form
I am going to repeat this until you hear it in your sleep. Check your armor and weapons prior to leaving for the event. Make sure your armor is in good repair and your weapons all meet parameters as everything will be inspected thoroughly. Bring tools for repairs that may happen while there as that is the worst way to be knocked out of a tourney.
Fight hard, fight honorably, and do honor unto to the one who inspires you that day.
In Service,
Wilhelm
En Francais
Au merveilleux Peuple du Royaume de l’Est, moi, votre dévoué serviteur Wilhelm, vous salue !
Ce qui suit est le format que prendra le prochain tournoi de la Couronne de Leurs Altesses Royales, Mohammad et Corotica.
Pour débuter, il y aura 4 groupes de tournois à la ronde ou les quatre meilleurs de chaque lice se qualifieront pour la ronde suivante.
Les seize finalistes seront séparées en deux groupes de huit pour un second tournoi à la ronde.
Les deux meilleurs des deux groupes passeront à la finale des quatre.
Les quatre finalistes défileront dans la lice pour être présentés à Leurs Majestés.
Les quatre finalistes procéderont à un tournoi à la ronde ou les deux meilleurs se retrouveront en finale.
Toute égalité à la fin du tournoi à la ronde sera résolue par un combat singulier.
La finale sera un quatre de sept ou les armes seront prédéterminées.
Premier combat; La Lance.
Second combat et suivant; le perdant du premier combat choisit l’arme du prochain combat et ainsi de suite.
Un combattant ne peut choisir deux fois la même forme. Cependant, la même forme peut être choisie par chacun des combattants.
Si nous devons en arriver à un ultime septième combat, les combattants pourront choisir leurs armes de prédilection.
Je ne répéterai jamais assez souvent : vérifiez votre armure et vos armes avant de quitter pour l’événement. Assurez-vous que votre armure est en bon état et que vos armes répondent toutes aux paramètres, car tout sera inspecté à fond. Apportez des outils pour les réparations qui peuvent survenir pendant le tournoi, car c’est la pire des façons d’être éliminé d’un tournoi.
Combattez férocement, combattez loyalement et honorez celui ou celle qui vous inspirera tout au long du tournoi.
Their Majesties, Their Highnesses and I have heard much from the populace regarding the change to the COVIDSafe and Masking policies in the Kingdom.
Several have asked who was consulted regarding possible changes to policy, and I can confirm that I directly reached out to all local seneschals approximately a month ago for feedback regarding the masking policies. In addition, we have heard privately from many of the populace who wish to see the masking policies reduced to be brought in line with state and local guidance, but are afraid to speak out publicly.
With that said, given the resolution from the Board of Directors, we still believe prolonging the decision to remove the restrictions is not in the best interest of the Kingdom as a whole. However, we regret that we did not acknowledge the need for socializing the change and the travel plans for many of our populace for the upcoming weekend when making our initial decision. As a result, the following adjustment has been made:
The COVIDSafe Policy and all Masking Policy restrictions will be dropped effective October 1, 2022.
The seneschal of your local group can reach out to me directly to request a variance for an event or official gathering/practice on masking policies only. The COVIDSafe policy cannot be adjusted on an event by event basis.
After December 1, 2022, all variances requested will have to be passed through the Society Seneschal.
Again, we thank you for your candid conversations regarding the policy changes and know that adjustment is always hard for everyone involved. Please remember courtesy and kindness when interacting with others.
In Service, Magistra Audrye Beneyt East Kingdom Seneschal
Ryouko-jin & Indrakshi King and Queen of the East Kingdom
Mohammad & Corotica Prince and Princess of the East Kingdom
This East Kingdom Event Workflow is to assist branches in implementing the September 27, 2021 announcement from the Board of Directors, which allows Kingdoms to decide whether to implement a policy requiring all in-person event attendees to show proof either of full vaccination or a medically-supervised negative COVID test administered within 72 hours of the event. This policy will go into effect in the East Kingdom on October 12, 2021.
A. Read the policy announced by the Board of Directors on Sept 27, 2021: (click here)
B. Read the Society-written FAQ, which is being updated regularly: (click here)
C. Federal/provincial/state/local law always applies before Society policy. Tir Marans in Nova Scotia and PEI, for example, must be fully vaccinated to attend certain types of gatherings per gov’t policy; there is no alternative to show a negative COVID test result.
Workflow for checking proof of vaccination/negative COVID tests
0. Scope out your space and funnel attendees through as few entry points as possible. If you are in a public park, maybe do this with orange traffic cones and rope or make clear in publicizing the event that folks need to check in at the big maple tree before entering the event space — whatever makes the most sense for monitoring the flow of people into your space.
Events may have multiple gates, but someone must check vaccination/negative COVID test results at EACH gate.
Multiple people can check vaccination/negative COVID test results at each gate, but all who do must sign the statement required by the Board.
Anyone who checks vaccination/negative COVID tests must be at least 18 years old. Minors may NOT serve in this role.
1. For larger events, all event staff should show their proof of vaccination/negative COVID test before gate opens to the rest of your attendees. If event staff arrive after gate opens, they’ll follow the same procedure as other attendees.
2. Anyone checking proof of vaccination/negative COVID test results should be stationed before the gate table/clipboard. Check vaccination/negative COVID test results, then check in to the event.
Smaller in-person gatherings like practices and meetings can have one person oversee all aspects of gate: vaccination/negative COVID test results, regular check-in with blue-card or signing the waiver, and contact tracing information.
Checking vaccination/negative COVID test results is a visual process only. Do not record that you have checked someone in any way, including a mark beside their name on the gate check-in sheet.
Do not combine forms — contact tracing information needs to be kept separate from the Board-required statement.
Pre-registration CANNOT include proof of vaccination/negative COVID test. This MUST be checked in person on the day of the event.
3. Someone else should cross-check that the person checking everyone ELSE’s vaccination/negative COVID test status is, themselves, vaccinated or has a negative COVID test.
4. All people who check vaccination/negative COVID test results must sign the statement provided by the Board. See below for a model page.
5. Treat the statement affirming that the person/people have checked the vaccination/negative COVID test results of everyone attending the event like event waivers — file & maintain them in the same way that you file & maintain event waivers.
