Officer Reports


Updates from Bhakail’s Officers

November 2023 Officer Reports

Following are the monthly officer reports that have been submitted prior to the Bhakail monthly business meeting of November 14, 2023.

Coronet’s Report – Baron Muin maqq Minain

Greetings the Peoples of the Barony, Our neighbors and Our Allies;

We in Bhakail are now in the final push away from that awful and sweaty time of the year known as “Summer.” And now that it has passed, We may focus Our Efforts to the preparing for both Yule, and Tavern!

We also have many Local and Regional, such as the Weekly Social, Various Fighting practices, and Scribal Classes & Gatherings, wherein many integral and exciting things happen!

I will reiterate how proud I was of all of the effort Bhakail put into the Largess Gifts that were given to Iron Bog at their Investiture. We would like to note the various other Largess Projects that are on Our Horizons this quickly dwindling year, anyone interested in participating, please (again…) see Lady Scolastica, or Myself!

Yule will, once again, be a Royal Progress, and we are looking for Largess to gift to the Kingdom, as well. Let Us all show the Kingdom how Bhakail SHINES! That being the case.. LET US MAKE WITH THE ENLARGESSENATIONS!

Regardless of all else, We are hoping to see as many of you all at upcoming events both within AND without the bounds of Bhakail!

Remember:
Sunscreen.
Hydration.
Do not overexert.
Help others to the shade, and water when you see they need it.
In the course of the year to come, be calm, and patient.
With yourself AND others.

Looking forward to seeing all the happy faces at Yule!

Be well,

And Peace be upon You in these Sweaty, Unreasonable Times;

Muin,

Baron of Bhakail

Seneschal’s Report – Máistir Mael Eoin mac Echuidh 

As we head to the end of the year, with a couple of regular events and a huge demo coming up, it’s a very busy time for the Barony, not to mention all of the holidays outside of the SCA. I hope we can all take as many opportunities to see one another and share the things we all enjoy doing.

I started in this role intending to set up my intended successor and to get through a review of our policies and customs. Eirik has been great in picking up some of the duties, so as to be involved in the role, but neither of us has had the year we expected when we started. I’m still intending to step down when my first term is up and I hope to still get the review done, or at least well underway. Eirik, though, has moved out of area and while we could get a variance if the Barony wanted to go that route, by default Seneschals are required to live within the borders of the group they’re heading up.

So if you’re interested in the role, let me know; there’s still time to work on things as the Emergency Deputy with support throughout the rest of my term, and I’d delegate as much or as little as you might want.

I hope everyone’s coming into the holiday season as well as can be, and that everyone’s tables groan with food and ring with laughter.

Social Media Deputy – Dillena o’r Gwyrddol

We’ve had a fairly simple month in the realm of social media. 7 new members have been welcomed into our Facebook group. We’ve had 53 posts, 131 comments, and 588 reactions. Over the course of the month, 479 of our facebook members have been active. 

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our online space!

Knight Marshal – Aaron the Swift

No updates to the time or location as of yet. We are monitoring the weather and will look to move towards our indoor site when a consensus is reached that things are too cold. So far that hasn’t happened yet though!

We are also beginning a monthly “tournament” on the first practice of every month. It is a great opportunity for all levels of fighters to get some low-stakes tournament practice. We had a healthy group of fighters between chivalry and their first year of authorization, 12 in total!

Rapier Marshal – Don Melchior Kriebel

Rapier practice continues to be on hold until a proper practice space can be secured.

Thrown Weapons Marshal – The Honorable Lord Mikael melrakki 

Last practice is currently scheduled for November 19th. If the weather appears to be warm enough, we may extend on a week by week basis.

Minister of the List – The Honorable Lord Mikael melrakki

Nothing to report.

Chronicler – Lady Ellyn Grene 

The next issue of the newsletter is scheduled to be published by the end of the month. If you have content to contribute, please get it to me by no later than November 20th. Artwork, photos, news and articles are welcomed!

Minister of Arts & Sciences – Honorable Lady Scolastica Capellaria

Bhakalis have been working hard learning new arts and sciences and attending local events. The scriptorium run by our fabulous Signet continues to offer support in the scribal arts as well as classes and discussions. Check out the website calendar for details.

Largess! We continue to collect Largess for our neighbors baronial investitures. Please inquire if you are interested donating your time to make things for the Barony to give as Largess in the near future. If you have any questions, please send them my way!

There are A&S opportunities at the following local events:

  •       December 9, Bhakail Yule, Barony of Bhakail, (Philadelphia, PA). Arts and Science Competition, Brewing Competition, and dancing.
  •       January 13, Twelth Night, Barony of Buckland Cross, (Jamison PA). A selection of period games in addition to other activities.

Don’t forget, our championships are right around the corner.

Brewing Championship:

This years theme will be to brew a dry beverage. An extra point will be given for beverages that are not sweet. Be creative and have fun. Documentation is helpful but an ingredient list is required.

Arts and Science Championship:

Make and present an item specific to your persona or a specific type of person in a time and place if you don’t have a persona. The more unique or specific to that persona the better. If it is a new skill you are trying out, let us know, that is even better!

Virtual A&S Opportunities abound:

Virtual Known World Heralds and Scribes Symposium is happening online from January 26-28, 2024.

Atlantia University’s next online session is February 3-4, 2024. Class proposals are due December 16th.

If you are interested in teaching or hosting arts and science classes locally, please let me know! I would like to schedule additional classes for the barony and friends.

The Kingdom MOAs office now has a calendar for arts and science events across the kingdom! https://moas.eastkingdom.org/event-calendar/

If you have any A&S interests that you would like to explore, need help researching something, or are looking for resources feel free to email me at MOAS@bhakail.eastkingdom.org. I also would love to see what you are working on! Please send me pictures of your projects!

Chatelaine – Lady Chana Freidl the Maker

Social continues to be a great gathering place for our newcomers, who have been coming more and more often.  Thank you to everyone from the Barony who has made them feel so welcome here, it’s this sense of community that I love about Bhakail.

PAX: PAX Unplugged is less than a month away!  All new supplies have been purchased and game kits have been assembled.  I’m planning on making a couple new posters to keep at the booth with important links for newcomers.  If you are planning on attending PAX and would like to spend some time at the booth, please come by!  I also have a signup sheet you can use to plan out your time with us – https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/17TQkz3LY17Qip6TR06DKgg92t2ucPGCMW3g1bUFF-U0/edit?usp=sharing.  We will have fencing and heavy demos on Saturday, at the top of every hour.  Our demo teams are closed due to limited space, but you are more than welcome to come explain the fighting to the gathering crowd!


October 2023 Business Meeting Notes

Barony of Bhakail Meeting Notes: October 10, 2023

Events

PAX

Less than two months remain until our demo at PAX Unplugged. Chana submitted a request for reimbursement for more supplies, as we have run out of pieces for the game boards we give out, which has been approved by the financial committee. There has also been discussion of new posters and signage. If you are interested in helping at the demo booth, please let Chana know. The event is three days long, so a number of volunteers are needed. Update that a rapier demo is not allowed as metal weapons are not allowed at the event. 

Yule

Yule planning is going well. Insurance paperwork has been submitted. There was discussion of the possibility of a largess competition, but concern was raised that there is not a good location for it.

Tavern

No bid has been submitted.

Waking of the Salamander

No bid has been submitted.

Known World Heraldic and Scribal Symposium

Will be hosted by the Bailiwick of Ivyeinrust in June 2024.

Old Business

Baronial Inventory

No progress has been made since last month, but plan is to work on this while the weather is still good enough to work outside.

East Kingdom Curia

Last curia had some discussion of profit sharing of events that are royal progresses. Changes are being discussed from current practice.

New Business

Archery Marshal

The position is opening up, and letters of intent will be requested before the next monthly meeting. Mael Eoin thanked Maryna for her years of service and getting local practices established.

Additional Officer Reports

Knight Marshal – Aaron the Swift

We continue to meet at the Dickinson St. site for weekly practice. We’ve had a batch of newer fighters as well as visitors from far away lands the past month to help make practice a little more exciting. Picture included of our fierce faces from our larger practice last week.

Thrown Weapons Marshal – The Honorable Lord Mikael melrakki 

The River Wars battle of Champions was won by our outgoing champion Taka.  The tournament to determine our new champion was held in the downpour and was won by Mikael melrakki who became the new Baronial TW Champion.

Practices continue on Sundays.

Minister of the List – The Honorable Lord Mikael melrakki

Nothing to report.

Chatelaine – Lady Chana Freidl the Maker

Not much new to report – we continue to attract and hold on to our newcomers, and have started seeing them at social more often. I have started purchasing new feast gear to make sets for those newcomers with the profits from the Plague Sale at Commons.

 

Minute notes recorded by Ellyn Grene 


October 2023 Officer Reports

Following are the monthly officer reports that have been submitted prior to the Bhakail monthly business meeting of October 20, 2023.

Seneschal’s Report – Máistir Mael Eoin mac Echuidh 

Greetings!

As we arc away from Pennsic and into the Fall and Winter events, we’re also coming into new Royals, soon, and have imprints being pressed from Their Majesties as they eye stepping down.  As soon as the results of the Curia held last week are posted, we’ll get those out, but there were a number of changes being proposed, though I know there wasn’t enough time to properly discuss them all.

One change coming from Their Highnesses, which you may have seen already: Court Summonses will be issued ahead of events where they’re holding Court, letting award recipients know in the open that they’re expected at Court.  This is primarily being done so that friends and family can also be aware that something is planned, as traditional methods of notifying everyone who might be interested aren’t always successful.

Other than that?  We know that we’ll at least have the Sovereign and Consort at Yule this year and we’ll be extending an invitation to whomever wins Crown Tournament, which is coming up. 

I’m going to try putting together a calendar for planning purposes – what events we tend to have, when they tend to be and when we need bids in for each case – as well as for things like next year’s call for our next Baron(s) and/or Baroness(es).  On one hand, the call for candidates is a few months off but on the other hand, “a few months” includes the blur of various holidays and our deadline will be here before we know it…

So if you are considering running for Baroness and/or Baron, sharpen those pencils…  If you have any questions around the expectations of the role and various pros and cons in considering it, His Excellency and a number of former Barons and Baronesses are available and, I’m sure, can be available at various gatherings or for private conversations 🙂

In Service,

Mael Eoin

Rapier Marshal – Don Melchior Kriebel

Rapier practice continues to be suspended in Bhakail until a suitable practice site can be located. 

Bhakail Commons took place and we now have new Champions. Vivat to Baron Eliyahu al-Talhi (called Tally) who is now the new Bhakail Rapier Champion. Vivat as well to Master Lorenzo Gorla who was chosen as the populace champion.

Chronicler – Lady Ellyn Grene 

The last issue of the Bhakail newsletter, The Salamander, was published on Sept 30 and can be found on the website. The next issue is scheduled for publication in November. If you have content to contribute, please get it to me by no later than November 20th.

Minister of Arts & Sciences – Honorable Lady Scolastica Capellaria

Bhakalis have been working hard learning new arts and sciences and attending local events. The scriptorium ran by our fabulous Signet continues to offer support in the scribal arts as well as classes and discussions. Check out the website calendar for details.

Largess! We continue to collect Largess for our neighbors baronial investitures. Please inquire if you are interested donating your time to make things for the Barony to give as Largess in the near future. If you have any questions, please send them my way!

There are A&S opportunities at the following local events:

  •       September 30, “Not Ready for Crown Tourney Tourney and Step off the Page A&S Challenge” Shire of Eisental, (Nazareth PA).
  •       October 6-8, Ghosts Ghouls and Goblins: Journey to the East! Barony of Carillion (Manalapan, NJ), eastern themed A&S challenges.
  •       October 21st, Into the Woods Shire of Owlsherts, (Pequea PA). An outside day with the foresters.
  •       October 28th, Nos Calan Gaeaf: A Winter’s Eve Schola, Settmour Swamp (Summit, NJ). A full day schola of classes. 
  •       November 11, Harts & Horns & EK Rapier Champions, Shire of Hartshorn-dale, (Douglassville, PA). Magister John Marshall atte Forde Memorial Cooking Competition. 

We now have the themes for both Brewing and the A&S championships for Yule! Its never too early to start working on your projects!

Brewing Championship:

This years theme will be to brew a dry beverage. An extra point will be given for beverages that are not sweet. Be creative and have fun. Documentation is helpful but an ingredient list is required.

Arts and Science Championship:

Make and present an item specific to your persona or a specific type of person in a time and place if you don’t have a persona. The more unique or specific to that persona the better. If it is a new skill you are trying out, let us know, that is even better!

If you are interested in teaching or hosting arts and science classes locally, please let me know! I would like to schedule additional classes for the barony and friends.

The Kingdom MOAs office now has a calendar for arts and science events across the kingdom! https://moas.eastkingdom.org/event-calendar/

If you have any A&S interests that you would like to explore, need help researching something, or are looking for resources feel free to email me at MOAS@bhakail.eastkingdom.org. I also would love to see what you are working on! Please send me pictures of your projects!

 


September 2023 Business Meeting Notes

Barony of Bhakail Meeting Notes: September 12, 2023

Events

Champions and Commons

Chana reported that attendance was about 100 and a good time was had by all. There was $88 in donations, and $230 raised from the plague sale that will be used to buy new storage bins and loaner garb.

PAX Unplugged

Chana will be running the Bhakail booth at PAX Unplugged again this year, which is scheduled for Dec. 1-3, 2023 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Volunteers are requested for help with staffing the booth, interacting with the audience during demos, and playing period games. There is a small demo team that has already been arranged.

Yule

From Scolastica: Greetings! I will be unable to attend the business meeting tuesday. Here is the update for Yule: 

The Royals have accepted our invitation to come to the event and it has been added to the royal progress calendar. The Paypal link is live and all are encouraged to register as soon as possible so we may have a good idea of attendance for dayboard. 

Contracts have been signed and deposits paid. We are on track as far as those items are concerned. 

Competition themes have been added to the event posting. Its never too early to start your projects! 

If you are interested in being on staff for set up, take down, clean up, door wardening or gate, please contact me! 

Hartshorn-Dale Investiture

Has been postponed. Stay tuned for further updates.

Tavern

Still have no bid.

Waking of the Salamander III

No updates.

Old Business

None

New Business

East Kingdom Curia

Mael Eoin reminds everyone that the upcoming East Kingdom Curia is open to the populace. If you would like to see how the business of the Kingdom is carried out, plan to attend the meeting on Thursday, Sept 28 at 8 pm. Business of note to be discussed includes rules involving profit sharing for kingdom events.

SCA Membership Fees

There is an anticipated increase in membership fees from Society, although no details have been released.

Baronial Inventory

Ysmay will be taking the lead in organizing an inventory and review of the items owned by the barony, in particular the cooking equipment. Be on the lookout for scheduling information and potential plans for disposing of surplus items. 

Additional Officer Reports

Knight Marshal – Aaron the Swift

Fight practices continue to occur weekly on Tuesdays at 7pm. The current location is 48 Dickinson St. Philadelphia, PA 19147. It is an outdoor site with lights and cover from the weather. We will be using this location for the next couple months until we get cold. 

Thrown Weapons Marshal – The Honorable Lord Mikael melrakki 

Thrown Weapons-practices continue on Sunday.  Baronial Championship to occur at River Wars. There will also be a battle of the champions between Iron Bog and Bhakail.

Minister of the List – The Honorable Lord Mikael melrakki

There were two tournaments at Champions and Commons.  Heady had a round robin of 6 fighters.  Rapier had a Bedford points tournament with 16 fencers.  Much thanks to Lady An Hua who stepped in to help with the rapier tournament.

Minute notes recorded by Ellyn Grene 


September 2023 Officer Reports

Following are the monthly officer reports that have been submitted prior to the Bhakail monthly business meeting of Sept 12, 2023.

Coronet’s Report – Baron Muin maqq Minain

Greetings the Peoples of the Barony, Our neighbors and Our Allies;

We in Bhakail are now in the final push away from that awful and sweaty event, The Pennsickening. Now we turn our efforts to the repair of everything we broke, ripped and wore out at Pennsic, in order to be able to use it again… At Pennsic. Huzzah.  

Remember: This is supposed to be FUN!

We also just had our local event, Commons, wherein many integral and exciting things happened! Such As:

The Honorable Lord Guillame du Chantier as the Baronial Armored Champion of Bhakail.

The Honorable Lord Aaron the Swift as the new Populace’s Armored Champion!

Baron Eliyahu al-Talhi, Appointed as the Brand Spankin’ New Baronial Rapier Champion for Bhakail. 

Master Lorenzo Gorla (Who is notably, NOT a Frog) After receiving MANY recommendations, He was offered, and accepted the Post of the Populace’s Rapier Champion.

Lord Malcolm MacLeod, provided poles and ropes for the List Field! BLAMMO!! FLAME!

Lady Chana Freidl the Maker- Ran the event! Made it all happen! BOOM! FLAME!

Honorable Lady Mairi Crawford- Stepped down as Our Signet, SHAKALA-BOOM-DePOW! FLAAAAMMMME!!!!

I will reiterate how proud I was of all of the effort Bhakail put into the Largess Gifts that were given to Iron Bog at their Investiture. We would like to note the various other Largess Projects that are on Our Horizons this year, anyone interested in participating, please (again…) see Lady Scolastica, or Myself! Regardless of the embuggering delays placed upon these groups by a crusty recalcitrance, their Investitures will happen… at some point. That being the case.. LET US ENLARGESSENATE!

Regardless of all else, We are hoping to see as many of you all at upcoming events both within AND without the bounds of Bhakail! 

Remember:
Sunscreen.
Hydration.
Do not overexert.
Help others to the shade, and water when you see they need it.
In the course of the year to come, be calm, and patient. With yourself AND others.

Be well,

And Peace be upon You in these Sweaty, Unreasonable Times; 

Muin, 

Baron of Bhakail

Social Media Deputy – Dillena o’r Gwyrddol

This past month has seen 13 new members join Bhakail’s Facebook group, many of whom have been established members of the SCA. All newcomers have been introduced to Lady Chana and Baron Muin. We’ve also seen 73 posts over the last month, many of which have been related to pennsic and/or Champions & Commons. Of our 691 current members, 550 were active in our facebook group over the past month.

Chronicler – Lady Ellyn Grene 

The next issue of the Salamander is scheduled for publication this month. If you have any content you would like to contribute, please contact me by Sept 24.

Minister of Arts & Sciences – Honorable Lady Scolastica Capellaria

Bhakailis went to Pennsic and made and learned about lots and lots of things! The scriptorium ran by our fabulous Signet continues to offer support in the scribal arts as well as classes and discussions. Check out the website calendar for details.

Largess! We continue to collect Largess for our neighbors baronial investitures. Please inquire if you are interested donating your time to make things for the Barony to give as Largess in the near future. If you have any questions, please send them my way!

There are A&S opportunities at the following local events:

  •       September 22-24, River War Barony of Iron Bog, (Mullica Hill, NJ), A&S competition!
  •       September 30, “Not Ready for Crown Torney Torney and Step off the Page A&S Challenge” Shire of Eisental, (Nazareth PA).
  •       October 6-8, Ghosts Ghouls and Goblins: Journey to the East! Barony of Carillion (Manalapan, NJ), eastern themed A&S challenges.
  •       October 28th, Nos Calan Gaeaf: A Winter’s Eve Schola, Settmour Swamp (Summit, NJ). A full day schola of classes.  

We now have the themes for both Brewing and the A&S championships for Yule! Its never too early to start working on your projects!

Brewing Championship:

This year’s theme will be to brew a dry beverage. An extra point will be given for beverages that are not sweet. Be creative and have fun. Documentation is helpful but an ingredient list is required.

Arts and Science Championship:

Make and present an item specific to your persona or a specific type of person in a time and place if you don’t have a persona. The more unique or specific to that persona the better. If it is a new skill you are trying out, let us know, that is even better!

If you are interested in teaching or hosting arts and science classes locally, please let me know! I would like to schedule additional classes for the barony and friends.

The Kingdom MOAs office now has a calendar for arts and science events across the kingdom! https://moas.eastkingdom.org/event-calendar/

If you have any A&S interests that you would like to explore, need help researching something, or are looking for resources feel free to email me at MOAS@bhakail.eastkingdom.org. I also would love to see what you are working on! Please send me pictures of your projects!

Chatelaine – Lady Chana Freidl the Maker

Chatelaine report: Commons brought out a few newcomers, one of which only contacted me three days before the event to ask about the SCA!  Thank you to everyone who took the time to talk to them and show them around – people love our Barony because of how friendly we are, I’m glad that extends to our newcomers.  Our plague sale at Commons was also a great success!  We raised $232, some of which I plan on using for new storage bins for the Gold Key in my possession.  As always, if you need to borrow anything for yourself or a friend, please let me know with plenty of warning before the event so I can pull and wash the garb.  

Pennsic: Our camp this year ran very smoothly and efficiently, thanks to the combined effort of many people.  Yoshi kicked butt and got our showers running by Saturday night, as well as organizing the extension of the sumps when it was needed.  Bryan Deemer was immeasurably helpful in getting tents set in the right place (get it, immeasurably?  He did the measuring…  I’ll see myself out).  Darmon lent us his truck and his strength with storage unit runs…  Everyone pitched in this year to help make camp run its best.  Thank you all!  And congratulations to our gaming champion, Clara, for winning the annual chess match against Flaming Gryphon!

PAX Unplugged: Once again, we will have a demo booth at PAX Unplugged this year, which runs December 1, 2, and 3.  If you are attending PAX and would like to spend some time at the booth playing Medieval games, please let me know.  You are welcome to wear garb if you are comfortable doing so, but you do not have to.  There will be space available at the booth if you would like to change at the convention and store a bag of clothes.  We will once again have fighting demos on Saturday, 12/2, this time with fencing and heavy fighting!  The demo is extremely small, and therefore unfortunately not open to everyone who fights, I have asked a select team of people for both fencing and heavy to demo for us.  We only have a 20×20 space, so we cannot have as many fighters as would like to fight.


July 2023 Business Meeting Notes

Barony of Bhakail Meeting Notes: July 11, 2023

Events

Champions and Commons

Chana reported that everything is going as planned, more progress will be made after Pennsic.

Yule

Event listing is up on the EK website. We have topics for both brewing and A&S championships. We have sent a follow up email to the Exchequer re: contract and deposit mailing. Mael Eoin received and signed the contract. Work has begun on site tokens. Paypal pre-reg should be ready by the end of the week. All is going according to plan! 

If anyone is interested in volunteering as staff or to weave the site tokens, please contact me.

Tavern

Still have no bid.

Waking of the Salamander III

No updates.

Old Business

East Kingdom Exchequer

The East Kingdom is seeking volunteers to serve as Kingdom Exchequer. Mael Eoin encourages anyone interested to consider applying. 

New Business

SCA Membership Cards

It is now possible to have an electronic version of your membership on your phone.

Baronial Historian

The Honorable Lord Bryan Mac Dhunghaill an Boghadair reported that he needs to resign as Baronial Historian, because he has now been named East Kingdom Historian. Thank you to Bryan for all his work supporting the Barony and congratulations on the new position.

 

Additional Officer Reports

Coronet’s Report – Baron Muin maqq Minain

Greetings the Peoples of the Barony, Our neighbors and Our Allies;

We in Bhakail are now in the final push toward Pennsic. Older clothing being repaired, new clothing being made. Tent’s aired out, stakes and lines found. 

Remember: This is supposed to be FUN!

In that vein, I bid you all a fond “Good Luck, and don’t burn yourselves out.”

As has been mentioned before, the Baronry is still currently in need of more scroll holders, if anyone either has spares lying about, or is willing to construct them, We would appreciate these efforts greatly. 

I will reiterate how proud I was of all of the effort Bhakail put into the Largess Gifts that were given to Iron Bog at their Investiture. We would like to note the various other Largess Projects that are on Our Horizons this year, anyone interested in participating, please (again…) see Lady Scolastica, or Myself! 

Regardless of all else, We are hoping to see as many of you all at upcoming events both within AND without the bounds of Bhakail! 

Remember:

Sunscreen.
Hydration.
Do not ever exert.
Help others to the shade, and water when you see they need it.
In the nasty-armpit of the year that is July/August, be calm, and patient. With yourself AND others.
Drive safe. Drive smart.
Come back whole. 

Be well,

And Peace be upon You in these Sweaty, Unreasonable Times; 

Muin, 

Baron of Bhakail

Rapier Marshal – Don Melchior Kriebel

Rapier practice in Bhakail continues to be suspended until a new location can be secured.

 

Minute notes recorded by Ellyn Grene 


July 2023 Officer Reports

Following are the monthly officer reports that have been submitted prior to the Bhakail monthly business meeting of July 11, 2023.

Seneschal’s Report – Máistir Mael Eoin mac Echuidh 

Greetings!

Things are shaping up for the Fall and Winter for the Barony just as we stride – or wade, depending on the humidity of the day – into Summer.  Events are shaping up, new and new-er officers are bringing great energy and vision and Pennsic is looming more than ever…

Speaking of Pennsic, for those who are going: limited numbers of physical site books will be available at Information Point at Pennsic. You can also print out your own copy (including just the parts you might be interested in or the whole thing):

Direct link to the book: https://www.pennsicwar.org/

If you want to print a personalized class schedule, you can use The Thing to do so:

http://thing.pennsicuniversity.org/

Their Majesties will be holding Curia on the evening of Thursday, August 31st; details forthcoming should anyone wish to attend.

The COVIDSafe policy is no longer in effect; the previous text is no longer required to be displayed at every gathering. Here is a link to the announcement:

https://www.sca.org/news/amendment-covidsafe-policy/

The former text that can be removed / no longer needs to be posted:

“Although the SCA complies with all applicable laws to ensure the health and safety of our event participants, we cannot eliminate the risk of exposure to infectious diseases during in-person events. By participating in the in-person events of the SCA, you acknowledge and accept the potential risks. You agree to take any additional steps to protect your own health and safety and those under your control as you believe to be necessary.”

Everyone stay safe if you have to (or want to) be outside much this summer.  The air quality has been problematic and likely will continue throughout the summer.  On top of rising temperatures and with the humidity that we tend to get in PA, please be aware of yourself, your activity levels and the AQI when planning and participating in events or practices.  “Don’t make me do paperwork” is something Seneschals and Event Stewards say to try and be funny about it, but really, do be safe.  If things line up poorly, don’t push yourself just to participate in something.  And stay hydrated!

In Service,

Mael Eoin

Social Media Deputy – Dillena o’r Gwyrddol

This past month has seen 8 new members join Bhakail’s Facebook group, all of whom have been introduced to Lady Chana and/or Baron Muin. We’ve also seen 66 posts over the last month, ranging in topic from project updates and research information to key event communications. Of our 681 current members, 508 were active in our facebook group over the past month. 

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our online space!

Thrown Weapons Marshal – The Honorable Lord Mikael melrakki 

Practices continue through Sunday July 23.  They will be off during Pennsic and will restart after we are back home.  

Kingdom TW Champs will be occurring at GNEW.

Tryouts for EK TW Champions Team will be Sunday and Monday from 5:30 – Sunset.  

Anyone is welcome to try out for either competition.

Minister of the List – The Honorable Lord Mikael melrakki

Save yourself time at Pennsic.  Check your authorization cards now.

Exchequer – Beck of Copeland

Nothing to report.

Chronicler – Lady Ellyn Grene 

The latest issue of the newsletter was published on June 16, and the next issue is scheduled to be published before Pennsic. Please reach out if you have any content you would like to contribute.

Minister of Arts & Sciences – Honorable Lady Scolastica Capellaria

Bhakailis are busy getting ready for Pennsic. Building making hats, shoes, bags and garb! And when they aren’t readying for Pennsic they are cooking, making music and making scrolls.

Largess! We continue to collect Largess for various gift giving opportunities. Please inquire if you are interested donating your time to make things for the Barony to give as Largess in the near future. If you have any questions, please send them my way!

The Bhakail Scriptorium is holding monthly meetings. Check out the website calendar for details.

There are A&S opportunities at the following local events:

  •       July 28 to August 13th, Pennsic War hosts a variety of A&S opportunities and classes.
  •       September 22-24, River War Barony of Iron Bog, (Mullica Hill, NJ), A&S classes and competition.

We now have the themes for both Brewing and the A&S championships for Yule! Its never too early to start working on your projects!

Brewing Championship:

This years theme will be to brew a dry beverage. An extra point will be given for beverages that are not sweet. Be creative and have fun. Documentation is helpful but an ingredient list is required.

Arts and Science Championship:

Make and present an item specific to your persona or a specific type of person in a time and place if you don’t have a persona. The more unique or specific to that persona the better. If it is a new skill you are trying out, let us know, that is even better!

If you are interested in teaching or hosting arts and science classes locally, please let me know! I would like to schedule additional classes for the barony and friends.

The Kingdom MOAs office now has a calendar for arts and science events across the kingdom! https://moas.eastkingdom.org/event-calendar/

If you have any A&S interests that you would like to explore, need help researching something, or are looking for resources feel free to email me at MOAS@bhakail.eastkingdom.org. I also would love to see what you are working on! Please send me pictures of your projects!

Chatelaine – Lady Chana Freidl the Maker

Chatelaine report: I made a lot of good contacts at the New Jersey Renaissance Faire and continue to talk to newcomers about coming to social and events.  I’ll be going through Gold Key for Pennsic soon and I hope to organize it a bit more, as well as pull things out for the Plague Sale at Commons!

Pennsic: Several rule changes have made their way to War this year, to account for the expected increase in people.  Setup Friday (aka Zero Day) – ONLY LAND AGENTS will be allowed to troll in before noon.  If you are not a land agent, you will be turned away.  You are NOT allowed to park on Currie Road to wait to troll in.  As in previous years, land agents will be given 5 car passes for the beginning of Land Grab.  If I have not already talked to you about a car pass for Bhakail, YOU WILL NOT GET ONE.  After most of the land maps have been approved, Land One will allow all cars on site, but there is not a designated time for this.  It might be Friday, it might be Saturday morning.  If you do not NEED to be on site on Friday, plan on arriving on Saturday.  Starting Peace Week Monday (7/31), you will have 6 hours after trolling in until you need to park your car.  Your car tag will be time stamped and a tow truck will be making the rounds starting Monday morning.  This means after you troll in, drive to your camp, dump your car, and immediately go park.  You can set up your tent to have a place in which to put your things, or you can borrow someone’s shade fly if necessary, but they are being serious about this 6 hour window this year, since they are expecting so many people.

Commons: Planning for Champions and Commons continues apace.  There will be fighting, there will be food, there will be a Plague Sale, and there will be Court.  Stay tuned!


June 2023 Business Meeting Notes

Barony of Bhakail Meeting Notes: June 13, 2023

Events

Champions and Commons

Chana reported she is looking for an MOL for commons, and Mikael melrakki volunteered. 

Yule

Yule bid was shared with the Barony. Main feedback was to not have different prices for off-board and dayboard attendees. Vote passed to accept the bid from Scholastica Capelleria and Mari Clock van Hoorne.

Tavern

No bid has been submitted. 

Waking of the Salamander III

Eirik ó Doughaill (formally known as Taichleach Eoganacht) plans to submit a bid and is looking for someone to co-submit the bid. Please reach out to him of you are interested.

Old Business

Election of Social Media Deputy 

A letter of intent was submitted by Dillena o’r Gwyrddol. Vote passed to name Dillena as the new Social Media Deputy.

Election of Knight Marshall
A letter of intent was submitted by Aaron the Swift. Vote passed to name Aaron as the new Knight Marshall.

Shire Wars

Bhakail plans to continue to support Shire Wars as in the past, if it is held.

New Business

East Kingdom Exchequer

The East Kingdom is seeking volunteers to serve as Kingdom Exchequer. Mael Eoin encourages anyone interested to consider applying. 

Demos

Upcoming demos from nearby groups are looking for volunteers. Contact Eirik ó Doughaill (formally known as Taichleach Eoganacht) for more information.

Pennsic

New rule this year: only land agents are allowed to troll in on Friday until noon. After that, people are only allowed to troll in if your block has been finalized.

New changes to parking: starting Monday of Peace Week, people only have six hours to unpack your car and move it to parking.

Additional Officer Reports

Coronet’s Report – Baron Muin maqq Minain

Greetings the Peoples of the Barony, Our neighbors and Our Allies;

Having just attended Our neighbor, Iron Bog’s Baronial Investiture this last weekend, I was not only pleased to see many Bhakailiis in attendance, but many Bhakailiis participating in the various Championship activities. 

We fondly welcome Our Cousins, the Newest Iron Bog Coronets to the neighborhood!

On a related note, I was supremely proud to be able to gift Our new neighbors a basket of handmade Largess from the People of Our Barony. And thankyou to Lady Scolastica for spearheading this initiative. 

As mentioned before, the Baronry is still currently in need of more scroll holders, if anyone either has spares lying about, or is willing to construct them, We would appreciate these efforts greatly. 

I would also like to note the various OTHER Largess Projects that are on Our Horizons this year, anyone interested in participating, please (again…) see Lady Scolastica, or Myself! 

Regardless of all else, We are hoping to see as many of you all at upcoming events both within and without the bounds of Bhakail!

In closing: Read these words of High Poetry and Song by those Grand Forbears of August Lineage of the Magnificent Peoples of the former lands of Ibros, with words by their most honored and noteworthy of Grapesmugglers, sometimes known simply as Pedro Pietro Perro Paco Pons de Leon. Let these words whisk you away to a time e’er now long gone. Let its inspiration give your soul wings, and add extra dimensions to thine own setupons!

estoy navegando lejos
Establecer un curso abierto para el mar virgen
Porque tengo que ser libre
Libre para enfrentar la vida que está delante de mí
A bordo, soy el capitán
Así que sube a bordo
Buscaremos el mañana
en cada orilla
Y lo intentaré, oh Señor, lo intentaré
Llevar
miro al mar
Los reflejos en las olas encienden mi memoria
Algunos felices, algunos tristes
Pienso en los amigos de la infancia y los sueños que tuvimos
Vivimos felices para siempre
Así va la historia
Pero de alguna manera nos perdimos
En la olla de oro
Pero haremos lo mejor que podamos
Llevar
Una reunión de ángeles
Apareció sobre mi cabeza
Me cantaron este canto de esperanza
Y esto es lo que dijeron, dijeron
Ven a navegar, ven a navegar, ven a navegar conmigo, muchachos
Ven a navegar, ven a navegar, ven a navegar conmigo
Ven a navegar, ven a navegar, ven a navegar conmigo, bebé
Ven a navegar, ven a navegar, ven a navegar conmigo
Pensé que eran ángeles.
pero para mi sorpresa
Subimos a bordo de su nave estelar
Nos dirigimos a los cielos, cantando
Ven a navegar, ven a navegar, ven a navegar conmigo, muchachos
Ven a navegar, ven a navegar, ven a navegar conmigo
Ven a navegar, ven a navegar, ven a navegar conmigo
Ven a navegar, ven a navegar, ven a navegar conmigo
Ven a navegar, ven a navegar, ven a navegar conmigo
Ven a navegar, ven a navegar

Be well,
And Peace be upon you in these Slowly Enlightening Times; 

Muin,
Baron of Bhakail

Seneschal’s Report – Máistir Mael Eoin mac Echuidh 

Greetings!

We’ve got events being planned, other local events coming up and Pennsic right around the corner…  It’s a good time to remind everyone that we’ll skip August’s business meeting since many will be out at Pennsic War, but remember there’ll likely be some local activities continuing all the same, so keep an eye out for those.

Society is still having issues with membership information, so please log into the member portal at http://sca.org/ and check all of your information.  Your address might be out of date, your membership expiration might be wrong, if you have a family membership, there may be issues with other family members under the main account…  The number of issues we’re seeing are many, and the repercussions can be varied.  Better to check before it’s an issue (like arriving at Pennsic, stepping up into an office or getting a ballot from Kingdom for anything).

I hope the rest of the summer lines up for events and activities for us all and hopefully we don’t have to worry about the air quality or heat any more than we already have.

Social Media Deputy – Magister Rowen Cloteworthy

This should be my last report as Social Media Deputy. Thanks so much for the opportunity to hold this office! 🙂 We had 5 newcomers join the FB page and all were directed to Lady Chana as Chatelaine. Important information is still flowing across our page. Sunday with the Scribes posts, information about our own Baronial Signet’s scriptorium, info about Pennsic, local events, thanks from our Baron for largess for Iron Bog, and more.

Rapier Marshal – Don Melchior Kriebel

Rapier practice continues to be on hold until a suitable location for practice can be found.

Bailiwick of Ivyeinrust – Emery de Champagne

Unto the glorious Barony of Bhakail, I bid you howdy.

Although our trade routes are quite literally in flames, the lone Bailiwick of the Known World remained a stalwart guardian of its values, and had a business meeting on Monday June 12th. We have the following news to report:

In spite of the alleged (of which shall remain unsaid), the Bailiwick humbly invites any interested gentle to join us for lunch at 1pm on Tuesday June 20th, location to be determined.

While we regret to inform everyone that our cow tossing competition has been postponed indefinitely, we are intent on hosting several workshops focusing on illumination, calligraphy, and cooking geared towards recruiting naive and unfortuna new members. 

To those who keep sending us gifts of livestock, we appreciate your generosity, however we must discourage future gifts of this sort, as we are newly abundant in untossed cows.

Our next meeting shall be on July 10th at 7pm in the Æther (aka Zoom), assuming we do not spontaneously combust.

Bon courage et bon nuit,

Emery.

 

Minute notes recorded by Ellyn Grene 


June 2023 Officer Reports

Following are the monthly officer reports that have been submitted prior to the Bhakail monthly business meeting of  June 13, 2023.

Thrown Weapons Marshal – The Honorable Lord Mikael melrakki 

Practices are continuing on Sundays.  Attendance has been light lately, so it’s a good time to get some private instruction.  

I have heard that both Kingdom Champs and Pennsic Champs will be using large wall targets.  I will be building one in the near future for practicing against.

Minister of the List – The Honorable Lord Mikael melrakki

Fighters and Fencers!!! If you plan to fight at Pennsic, now is the time to double check your authorization expiration date.  Don’t wait until the last minute to get reauthorized!

Exchequer – Beck of Copeland

I haven’t been added to the bank account. I don’t know what it takes so I want to talk about this in the next Business Meeting. I have deposited the check from the PayPal registration ($909.xx)! Hooray.

Chronicler – Lady Ellyn Grene 

Life has gotten in the way and the May issue of the newsletter is a bit behind schedule. I’m hoping to have it published in the next week.

Minister of Arts & Sciences – Lady Scolastica Capellaria

As a recent facebook thread has shown, Bhakailis are busy getting ready for Pennsic. Building furniture, tents, lanterns and garb! And when they aren’t readying for Pennsic they are cooking, making music and making scrolls.

Largess! There is a call for Largess for various gift giving opportunities. Please inquire if you are interested donating your time to make things for the Barony to give as Largess in the near future. If you have any questions, please send them my way!

There are A&S opportunities at the following local events:

  •       June 24, 2023, Novice Day, Shire of Rusted Woodlands, Middleville, NJ. All newcomers are welcome to show off their crafts!
  •       July 8, 2023, SCA: The C is for Creative, Shire of Eistental, Nazareth PA.

Our neighbors in Buckland cross are putting on a series of garb related workshops to help all get ready for Pennsic. Check out their Facebook page for more information.

There have been calls for teachers for classes at the following events: 

  •       July 8, 2023, SCA: The C is for Creative, Shire of Eistental, Nazareth PA.
  •       July 13-16, Great North Eastern War XXXV, Province of Malagentia, Hebron ME.
  •       July 28-August 13, 2023, Pennsic War!
  •       September 15-17, 2023, Harper’s Retreat, Barony of Stone Marche, Marlborough, NH.

If you are interested in teaching or hosting arts and science classes locally, please let me know! I would like to schedule additional classes for the barony and friends.

The Kingdom MOAs office now has a calendar for arts and science events across the kingdom! https://moas.eastkingdom.org/event-calendar/

If you have any A&S interests that you would like to explore, need help researching something, or are looking for resources feel free to email me at MOAS@bhakail.eastkingdom.org. I also would love to see what you are working on! Please send me pictures of your projects!

Chatelaine – Lady Chana Freidl the Maker

We continue to attract new people to our fine Barony and the surrounding areas.  I have been working at the New Jersey Ren Faire over the past couple weekends and have been talking to people about the SCA, so hopefully they will reach out soon. 

Pennsic report:  Pre-registration ends on June 11th at midnight.  If you have not yet pre-registered for Pennsic, NOW IS THE TIME.  Also, camp forms are due for anyone camping with Bhakail, please make sure to check your email as I have been trying to get in touch with some people about their tent layouts.

Webminister –  Finnolfr Hrafnsson

Continuing to work on adjustments to the website.  No other updates.


May 2023 Business Meeting Notes

Barony of Bhakail Business Meeting Notes: May 9, 2023

Baronial Events

Waking of the Salamander II

Great event, people are beginning to talk about next year although there is no bid yet. The event turned a profit.

Champions and Commons

Bid was accepted at last months meeting

Yule

A bid has been received from Scholastica Capelleria and Mari Clock van Hoorne. The financials are currently under review by the Council of the Exchequer, and should be brought to the Barony for vote next month. Costs will be higher than last year due to increase in insurance and site costs. Idea is an Eastern Yule, with an all day dayboard and no feast. Mari clock van Horn

Other Events

Bhakail should be aware of the upcoming investitures for our neighbor Baronies of Iron Bog (June 10) and Buckland Cross.

Old Business

Shire Wars Charter

No updates on the charter from the last meeting. 

Shire Wars

Philly reported that the event last year made a profit, and as a supporter Bhakail will receive a portion. 

New Business

Knight Marshal

Motte, who has been the Knight Marshal, has asked to step down and hand the position to Aaron the Swift from Bhakail. He has submitted a letter of intent to the Seneschal.

Deputy Seneschal for Social Media

Rowen Cloteworthy is seeking a candidate to replace him in this position. He will gladly mentor anyone who is interested. Main duties are maintaining the Barony Facebook group, welcome new members of the group, and connect them with Chana. Also need to make sure that any information posted on Facebook is also shared on the Barony email list, which is the only officially recognized communication tool.

Additional Officer Reports

Coronet’s Report – Baron Muin maqq Minain

Hellooooooooooo the Peoples of the Barony, Our neighbors and Our Allies;

We of Bhakail rejoice, as Our WotS2 event is was a lovely success, that Amazing and Illuminating Blaze of Springtime Cheer that sets boldly upon Our Barony’s Hearth; We were set to witness Our People Camp, Cook, engaging in Fun and Games, and randomly creating music with one another, bringing great joy to the Lands of Bhakail in this new year. We met new people, who We hope to see more of in the future, in the form of new people to the SCA as well as previous members now returning. 

As mentioned before, the Baronry is still currently in need of more scroll holders, if anyone either has spares lying about, or is willing to construct them, We would appreciate these efforts greatly. 

I would also like to note the various Largess Projects that are on Our Horizons this year, anyone interested in participating, please see Lady Scolastica! We held a Largess Moot this last Sunday which was incredibly informative. This on-line meeting was well attended by many friends and allies from far flung places that sadly lack in being the Glory that is Bhakail, and for this must be forgiven. 

Regardless of all else, We are hoping to see as many of you all at upcoming events both within and without the bounds of Bhakail! 

In closing: Read these words of High Poetry and Song by those Grand Forbears of August Lineage of the Great Khan of the Cairngorms, with words by their most honored and noteworthy of Flapdoddlesmackers, sometimes known simply as The Ain WeeJock. Let these words whisk you away to a time e’er now long gone. Let its inspiration give your soul wings, and add extra dimensions to thine own setupons!

Энэ их урт зам байсан
Тэндээс энд хүрнэ
Удаан хугацаа өнгөрчээ
Гэхдээ миний цаг ойртож байна
Мөн би яг одоо салхины өөрчлөлтийг мэдэрч байна
Миний замд юу ч саад болохгүй
Тэд намайг цаашид барихгүй
Үгүй ээ, тэд намайг барихгүй
Яагаад гэвэл надад зүрх сэтгэлийн итгэл бий
Би зүрх минь намайг авч явах газар л явна
Надад итгэх итгэл бий
би юуг ч хийж чадна
Надад сэтгэлийн тэнхээ бий
Мөн хэн ч намайг нугалж, эвдэхгүй
Би ямар ч одод хүрч чадна
Надад итгэл бий
Надад итгэл, зүрх сэтгэлийн итгэл бий

Be well,

And Peace be upon you in these Slowly Enlightening Times; 

Muin, 

Baron of Bhakail

Social Media Deputy – Magister Rowen Cloteworthy

Our Facebook page has seen an influx of visitors from out-Kingdom, Pennsic campmates of the Barony. We’ve also had several newcomers join, all of whom have been introduced electronically to Baron Muin and Lady Chana. Information continues to travel back and forth between our social media and email.

Also, I’ve reached out to Máistir Mael Eoin as Seneschal and Taichleach as Deputy Seneschal. Having served the Barony in this role for 3-1/2 years, and while I’ve enjoyed being involved as our first Deputy Seneschal for Social Media, it is a right and good thing that space be made for newer members to have opportunities to serve. To that end, I’m announcing that I’m stepping down on a timetable convenient for the Barony. I’ll still be available to offer any mentoring to my replacement, should that be needed. Thank you to the Honorable Lady Alesia and the Barony for allowing me to start this office and to Máistir Mael Eoin for allowing me to continue until now.

 

Officer reports submitted prior to the day of the meeting are available at: https://bhakail.eastkingdom.org/wordpress/index.php/2023/05/08/may-2023-officer-reports/

 

Minute notes recorded by Ellyn Grene