Calontir-hst-msg

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Calontir-hst-msg - 2/19/12

Histories and stories of the SCA Kingdom of Calontir.

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NOTICE -

This file is a collection of various messages having a common theme that I have collected from my reading of the various computer networks. Some messages date back to 1989, some may be as recent as yesterday.

This file is part of a collection of files called Stefan's Florilegium. These files are available on the Internet at: http://www.florilegium.org

I have done a limited amount of editing. Messages having to do with separate topics were sometimes split into different files and sometimes extraneous information was removed. For instance, the message IDs were removed to save space and remove clutter.

The comments made in these messages are not necessarily my viewpoints. I make no claims as to the accuracy of the information given by the individual authors.

Please respect the time and efforts of those who have written these messages. The copyright status of these messages is unclear at this time. If information is published from these messages, please give credit to the originator(s).

Thank you,

Mark S. Harris AKA: THLord Stefan li Rous

Stefan at florilegium.org

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Date: Thu, 5 Mar 2009 07:24:38 -0600

From: "Terry Decker" <t.d.decker at att.net>

Subject: Re: [Sca-cooks] Calontir's Jubliee Celebration

To: "Cooks within the SCA" <sca-cooks at lists.ansteorra.org>

What I was curious about is what dishes were used to represent the first

reign. I doubt anyone used any of the dishes we prepared for the first

Crown tourney, as it was done without recipes and no records were kept.

The operative word in my comment is "try." First Calontir Crown Tourney was

held in Lincoln, Nebraska. We drove in in the middle of a blizzard,

literally following a snow plow up the highway on the last leg. We arrived

at between 4 and 5 in the morning to find the rooms we had reserved were

still occupied by the state high school wrestling conference, that had been

trapped by the blizzard. We caught a few hours sleep stacked around the

motel as the blizzard blew out and got to the site (a gymnasium) around 10.

About an hour later, the Baroness of Vatavia finds out the head cook has

caved under the pressure and pulls Erlich off the list field. Erlich looks

at the damage and pulls me into the kitchen.

The group holding the Crown tourney is new. They have no experience in

doing dinner for two hundred. They have no recipes. They have no schedule.

They have sacks of groceries. The next ten hours are kind of a haze. We

concocted marinades, sauces, prepped veggies, roasted game hens, poached

salmon and figured out how to stretch everything. There are no secrets or

magic to what we did. It was the application of 50 some combined years of

experience to a rather thorny problem.

What we didn't have control over were the roasts, which were being done on

barbecue grills outside. What had worked fine in the summer test run failed

sub-zero weather and the guy doing it was too obstinate to bring them into

the kitchen and load them in the oven. They were later described to me as

"raw and frozen."

While we salvaged some of the food, we did not salvage the feast. Whoever

had done the (non)planning had based the feast reservations on the occupancy

number of the gym (fans in bleachers) and not on the layout of the tables on

the gym floor. To accomodate all of the people, rows of tables were set up

wall to wall with no room for servers to get through. As a result, people

on the side near the kitchen got fed while the people opposite did not.

Erlich and I pulled off getting the feast out of the kitchen, but the feast

failed on the logistics of service. My experiences with this feast are part

of the reason I demand absolute control of the kitchen and the hall when I

do a feast.

Bear

==========

<<< Remembering the nightmare Erlich du Battenhelm and I had trying to salvage the feast at the first Calontir Crown Tourney, what, pray tell, did you serve in remembrance of the 1st Reign?

Bear >>>

So what happened and how did you manage to salvage things? I'm always

looking for stories and good advice for my fast-disasters-msg file. :-)

As far as the memorial dishes, it sounds like these dishes were chosen

from those of an entire reign and not from just a single Crown or

Coronation feast, so I imagine they had a lot to choose from.

Stefan

From: Ingeborg Ulfsdottyr <alianoraree at YAHOO.COM>

Date: December 2, 2009 5:22:09 PM CST

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: [CALONTIR] Anthems/singing Was Re: Treason

<<< Does Calontir have a kingdom anthem? If so, what is it?

Stefan

--------

THLord Stefan li Rous Barony of Bryn Gwlad Kingdom of Ansteorra >>>

While Calontir doesn't have an *official* kingdom anthem, an unofficial one

is "Song of the Shieldwall" by Malkin Gray and Peregrynne Windrider.

Since the Calontiri motto for singing is: "Don't let timidity compound lack

of talent," or, "If you can't sing good, sing loud," there's more than one

reason Alastair was ducking... I would have to say that, while legal and

acceptable, his statement would constitute rebellion.

Being ashamed of one's voice is very sad, especially since singing, well or

poorly, is such a part of our culture as an expression of Calontiri unity.

While I'm a fairly good singer myself, the only two men I've ever fallen in

love with can't carry tunes in buckets, but don't let that stop them from

enthusiastically joining the army or the post-revel in "At the Battle of

Maldon," or "Cruiscin Lan."

A bardic competition or a choir is a different animal, but most of the time,

Calontir sings "in the key of Army."

Being embarrassed to sing with us is like going to a nudist colony and being

ashamed to drop your towel because you're overweight. Guess what? While

there may be a naked supermodel to your left, to your right is a

dreadnought-class Huscarl letting it all hang out. Both of them are

participating in the group hug that you can't join if you're too busy

holding your towel closed.

(And yes, you can pick who to stand near for the group hug.)

Yours In Song

Ingeborg

From: john heitman <gottskrieger at GMAIL.COM>

Date: December 3, 2009 9:52:28 AM CST

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] Period Anthems WAS Re: Treason

Responding to your first post on national anthems, my mental file

cabinet says we "have" such a song.( I BELIEVE the following to be

correct, but that file cabinet was knocked over by the cats. files

scattered, papers mixed up.)

If you go WAY back in Calontir history, we did declare a "national

anthem". Or rather, Queen Arwyn did. Its title was "None but

Calontir-O", and was written by Baron Hrolf. (please don't ask me to

spell his last name.)

Hrolf is the same man who made the original Royal Pavilion. Oddly, he

got his Court Baronage for the song. Which is why I remember it

existing.

Now, what has happened that the song is not remembered is anybody's

guess, but it was so deemed "the kingdom anthem" by the Crown.

Franz

(of course, the USA didn't have an "official anthem" until the 20th century.)

From: Fernando Vigil <Fvigil at AOL.COM>

Date: December 3, 2009 10:14:24 AM CST

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] Period Anthems WAS Re: Treason

gottskrieger at GMAIL.COM writes:

>>Hrolf is the same man who made the original Royal Pavilion. Oddly, he

got his Court Baronage for the song. Which is why I remember it

existing.<<

My memory of this is a bit different. I was under the impression that Hrolf's Court Barony had a lot more to do with the Royal Pavilion and his other work, than with his songs.

>>Now, what has happened that the song is not remembered is anybody's

guess, <<

Some of us remember it, and its still on Katriana's songbook page at:

http://www.calonsong.org/CalontirSongs/nonebutcalontiro.htm:

but you are right in that its basically dropped off the song charts. I think there are a couple of reasons for this.

First and foremost it's a long song. It's 7-8 fairly long versus plus a longish chorus. For comparison purposes, the song the tune was borrowed from (Follow Me up to Carlow) has only 3 versus. Songs this long very rarely make it into the popular (anyone will start it) lexicon - they tend to be songs that the author's lead, or maybe a couple of others pick it up and add it to their repertoire, and then folks sing along on the chorus. Rolf quit playing and no one else picked it up.

Second, it's rare that two songs using the same tune remain part of the regular collection. Erich plays Follow Me Up to Carlow a lot, so it seems less likely that.

>but it was so deemed "the kingdom anthem" by the Crown.

Since this declaration did not make it into Kingdom Law, or even get published in the Mews, that means its a "whim", which expires at the end of the reign. :)

Even before the first reign, Song of the Shield Wall was already popularly considered the Kingdom Anthem. It is less so today, but its still as close to one as we get.

Fernando

From: "Niewoehner, Hugh" <Hugh.Niewoehner at FLIGHTSAFETY.COM>

Date: December 4, 2009 5:14:30 AM CST

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] Period Anthems WAS Re: Treason

While I’d think of Song of the Shield Wall as more of an SCA anthem. Go to almost any kingdom and start singing it folks will gather.

In early years I’d think Brom’s “Calontir Stands Alone” was bloody close to being the unofficial anthem. I still have an old email Crag posted to the list describing its genesis and written as a call for those in these later days to remember those things which motivated us in the beginning. It’s a real rabble rouser who’s purpose may not be needed today but it’s still a good song and bloody fun to sing. There are others trying to find or create a similar unifying spark in their areas of the world.

HE Damon

From: "Niewoehner, Hugh" <Hugh.Niewoehner at flightsafety.com>

Date: December 4, 2009 4:10:41 PM CST

To: Stefan li Rous <StefanliRous at austin.rr.com>

Subject: RE: [CALONTIR] Period Anthems WAS Re: Treason

Here you go Stefan,

Date: Wed, 1 May 1996 21:46:10 -0500 (CDT)

From: "Craig J . Brown" <cbrown at alumni.uark.edu>

Subject: Re: period/non-period (long)

Calontir Stands Alone

(guitar accompaniment, playing the melody softly of CSA (Johnny comes marching home). Then dropping back to quiet background chords)

A long time ago, there lived a smith in the Barony of Three Rivers who

made his way as an armorer and bladesmith of no little skill. His hands

could mold iron: forging and shaping it to suit himself and those he called

friend.

As cunning as he was with iron, he wrought words even better to kindle the

hearts of his listeners. When the evenings grew late and the air grew chill,

while the fire flared and flickered around the circle, the spirit of his

ancestor sometimes came over him, and Brom Blackhand would sing tales of the

northern lands. Then our hearts would be filled with heroic sagas of dragon

ships raiding from sea and battles on the strand.

I first met Brom at a post-revel many years ago in Standing Stones. Our

seneschal had taken a shine to this short burly smith and made sure he came

often to help our struggling young shire make armor and hold fighter

practices. About that time Brom and Kyrieth- who will forever be known as

Kinky Troll or the Spandex Baroness- became lovers. Their romance became

famous and their exploits were the envy of even that liberated time.

Brom was an iconoclast, an image breaker, a shit stirrer, a rabble rouser,

a trouble maker, or a great patriot depending on who you asked. He was and

is too plain spoken and impatient for these later, dare I say ... almost

Midrealm ... times...

Well, once upon a time it happened that Brom went to fight in a tourney

nursing a wounded hand. As the Norns wove his fate, that day he was early

retired, but had not his lady to attend. So it was that when he was asked to

write a song to for a contest held later that day, he assented.

On a trestle table in the mead hall he sat down to write, and for the space

of half an hour he poured out his love for Calontir, his chafing ire at the

Middle Kingdom, and his readiness to be away on our own. Thus was born the

national anthem of Calontir:

(hear play and Marcus sing the First Verse)

My Ladies and Lords of Calontir, Waes Hael, Waes Hael!

Come gather around and lend a ear, Waes Hael, Drink Hael!

Oh gather around and lend an ear

I'll sing you a song of Calontir ( sing broadly with minor dip)

And you all shall know why Calontir stands alone.

[At that time the Middle Kingdom, of which we were a region, was enormous.

Once it spanned all the lands between the East and West Kingdoms. In the

early years of Calontir it still spanned that breadth, less the Atenveldt

principalities of Meredies and Ansteorra, and was still four times larger

and five times more populated than Calontir itself. The largest and least

populated regions were Calontir, Eoforwic, and Northshield, while the rest

of the kingdom was relatively smaller and more populated.

The Middle Kingdom had two founding groups- Northwoods in East Lansing

Michigan, and Tree Girt Sea in Chicago. The early history of the Middle is

the history of these two groups struggling for power, with the emergence of

Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois at about the time Calontir was borne. Rivenstar

in Indiana was the home of Moonwulf who had recently sat the throne, and was

a friend to Calontir.]

We're far from the Northwoods Barony, Waes Hael, Waes Hael

And damn near as far from Tree Girt Sea, Waes Hael, Drink Hael

And Rivenstar with its flag unfurled

Is damn near the other side of the world

And that's one good reason that Calontir Stands Alone.

[And so we were, for all practical purposes left to develop on our own, for the Mississippi River was a great psychological barrier to travelers from

the rest of the Midrealm- not unlike, alas, it has become for us traveling

east nowadays. For this reason, we felt rejected and ignored. We felt our

arts, our sciences, and our fighting were as good as anybody's. Given how

much we had accomplished in so short a time, we had a right to be proud of

our work. If we were not yet as good as we proclaimed ourselves to be, our

momentum soon carried us there. It chafed that in all of Calontir, the

Middle had only recognized one Laurel, and there were no Companions of the

Pelican.]

Our tourneys and feasts to none compare Waes Hael, Waes Hael

And good times are far from rare with us Waes Hael, Drink Hael

So come to us for our food is good

There's a merry song in our hall and wood

And that's one more reason why Calontir Stands Alone!

[Our fighting, too, had made great strides. A few like Brummbar and Ternon

were contenders if they fought in Crown Tourney, and others like Bellwood,

Chepe, and Humpk were not far behind. Yet there was a pervasive feeling that

our fighters were looked down on by the Midrealm Chivalry, and that some of

the Chivalry had it in for Ternon and Humpk. Imagine that in all of Calontir

there was not a single Knight or Master of Arms. Our Huscarls were formed to

be the Chivalry that the Chivalry wouldn't recognize. Unbelted Knights.]

We haven't got belted chivalry Waes Hael, Waes Hael

We fight for the love of battle we Waes Hael, Drink Hael

But on battlefield many we've stood the test

Proved our bravery skill and honor the best

We shall smite our foes till Calontir Stands Alone.

[And then he wrapped it up and threw it back in our face. He cast down the

gauntlet. Because he knew no one would do it for us, it was up to each one

of us to go out and make Calontir a principality and thereafter, a kingdom.

Brom asked nothing more from us, than he himself already gave. Today we are

a kingdom proud and strong and free. Sometimes people ask why this song is

important. Without it I think we would still be a part of the Middle

Kingdom, we would still be waiting for someone else to our work for us.

"For Calontir to be a kingdom, it must act like one."]

My Ladies and Lords of Calontir Waes Hael, Waes Hael

Put your hearts into what you do this year Waes Hael, Drink Hael

And in the end I think we'll see

A Merry Principality

On that high bright day

When Calontir Stands Alone!

[My Ladies and Lords of Calontir, in recent years it became politically

incorrect to sing this song for fear of offending our friends and allies in

other kingdoms. Then it became politically incorrect to sing it because the

new bards knew nothing of what it meant, how important it had been to our

history. And the old ones ceased to teach the new ones the lessons we had so

dearly bought. Ancient good became uncouth.

Woe to us, for we have become so insular we no longer see or hear what goes on in other kingdoms. Little wonder that the Army muster is down, and we

struggle on the field with our opponents- for we no longer look beyond our

own circle. Little do we heed what others do and say, what tactics their

armies are learning, while relying on our reputation to carry us.

More and more we have come to resemble the Middle Kingdom we

left: so status quo, so little aware or caring about the great world out

there around us. If we would regain that edge, if we would be again the

preeminent kingdom at war, then we must get hungry- find that lost fire in

the belly. We must again study the world outside our borders. Those who lead

us must make the glory of Calontir their glory. Those who would stay home

and live off the fat of the land should step aside and let a new generation

of fighters gain renown, carrying the Falcon Banner before them.

Baron Crag Duggan

Master of the Pelican

Thegn Calontir

Grimfells, Calontir

Seventh day of February AS XXX]

Also stored at:

http://www.calonsong.org/CalontirSongs/calontirstandsalone.txt

And the thoroughly withdrawn from the SCA Brom Blackhand now lives in Salisaw, OK making his living as a first rate gunsmith.

There are still many characters from those days still active and on the Calon list. Alban, Fernando, and Pavel just to name a few.

Regards,

Damon

From: firsthirth at AOL.COM

Date: January 27, 2010 5:38:27 PM CST

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] Which came first

<<< A gentle asked me which came first: Champion of Calontir or Warlord of Calontir? He asked what circumstances were involved and why.

I don't know these answers, so I turn to you, the experts.

Lorraine >>>

This is all covered in Master Craigs "The Chronicles of Calontir, Vol. I". But, if you don't have access to the histories, here is how it came about.

Geoffri of Wariene first developed the idea of a region within the Kingdom. He presented it to the Midrealm Crown on May 29, XII (1977). The Midrealm Crown recognized Calontir as a region within the Kingdom. Calontir had no regional rulers or officers, it existed in name only

at this time. Geoffri, felt that there should be a figurehead for Calontir, a Champion. He selected a tournament at the upcoming event in Forgotten Sea to find this Champion.

On August 13, XII (1977) Forgotten Sea hosted "Sibling of a Summer Solstice". Geoffri decided that the winner would be declared the Champion of Calontir, however he didn't tell any of the fighters of this since there was a non-Calontir fighter competing, and he had a very good chance of winning. If this person

won, Geoffri's competition would pass on to the next tourney. As it turned out the tourney was won by a Calontiri (myself), as victor I was given the title of "Champion of Calontir", a small trophy made from a 54mm figure of a Viking (which I still have) and a pouch with 25 silver dollars (which I no longer have).

On July 29, XIII (1978) Forgotten Sea hosted the "Tourney at the center of the Known World". At this event the new regional officers (Calon Council) gave out the 1st regional awards from the newly created orders (Hyrth, Fyrd, Silver Hammer, and Lily).

At a meeting of the Calon Council a short time later we decided to create a lower and higher position for our leaders. This was to be the champion and after a period they would become the warlord. I felt it unfair to simply advance to warlord, so I suggested that we go through it from the start. This time announcing the tournament for Champion.

On September 3, XIII (1978) Coeur D'Ennui hosted the first "Calon Tourney". The three top competitors were Ternon de Caer Liant, William of Bellwood, and myself. Ternon was knocked out in the first round when blocking one of my leg shots with the back of his left hand, we still aren't sure if it was broken or not. I faced Bellwood in the finals in what turned out to be the best two out of three. I was then declared the 2nd Champion of Calontir. I served as Champion till the next Calon Tourney.

On April 21 XIII (1979) Ystrad Stradelle (Now Carlsby) hosted the 2nd Calon Tourney. It was at this event that I stepped up from Champion of Calontir to Warlord of Calontir.

It is not by coincidence that the Champion to Warlord parallels the later Principalitiy's Heir to Prince and the Kingdom's Prince to King progression, even then we were looking to the future of Calontir.

If you want more detail on the early days catch me at an event or give me a call, I hate typing. :)

Yours,

Brummbar (aka Bear)

Viscount Brummbar von Schwarzberg, MSCA, OP, etc

From: Hugh Prescott <hugh at QUINCYHOBBY.COM>

Date: March 30, 2010 6:10:33 PM CDT

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] cooking peacocks

Yes Sir! out of the distant and dusty past of the Incipient Shire of Wyndemere (Quincy, IL)

The occasion was an event that the Middle Kingdom Princess was attending. First Royal ever to make the trip here.

I remember that they cooked it and cooked it and it was still one tough bird! I know some of it was chopped to tenderize it. I recall it was not a young bird.

Hugh

One of the three founders of Wyndemere. (Hugh, Galyen & Milo)

Steven Boyd wrote:

<<< And there was one served in either Ivory Keep or its sister shire in the Midrealm, Wyndemere, in approx. 1986-7.

___

drx >>>

-----Original Message-----

From: Jim Myers

Ahh, so there's been at least two peacocks served, then...

Eringlin

-----Original Message-----

I believe the one Fionnuala is referring to was the one done for a vigil at Jubilee.

It was done by Mistress Gwen's apprentice Robert Lector of Reading.

Gunnar Thorisson

> Was this a different peacock cooked for a vigil? The previous discussion was

> about the one Katrei and crew did at a coronation...

> Slightly confused...

> Eringlin

> -----Original Message-----

> > Was this an actual peacock? Or was it the peacock skin and feathers

> > placed over another bird? Even in period it was acknowledged that

> > peacock was not that tasty, so often the skin and feathers of a

> > peacock were wrapped around a another large bird. Today we might use a

> > turkey.

> > Stefan

> > --------

> Nope. It was the whole peacock.

> Mistress Gwen's apprentice cooked the meat, and then in order to avoid any

> food-contamination issues made a form for the skin and the feathers to go

> over for the display with the meat served to the side. He rocked with the

> presentation of it, and the food for the vigil was excellent. As far as

> taste, it really reminded me of wild turkey moreso than anything else.

> Pretty much the same texture and every thing. That might be what turned off

> some people to the taste of it. If you aren't used to it, you don't really

> like it. Fionnuala

From: Ted Eisenstein <alban at SOCKET.NET>

Date: May 13, 2010 10:09:31 PM CDT

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] Precedence of Territorial Barons and Baronesses

On May 10, 2010, at 3:44 PM, Ted Eisenstein wrote:

<<< With the toasts to His Majesty's Moustache and Her Majesty's Balls at the tail end, for the several years they were being done? The memory about protocol

fades after a while.

Alban >>>

"His Majesty's Moustache and Her Majesty's Balls" ??? Huh?

The reverse of that would be just as strange.

One confused outsider.

==========================

The Barony of Three Rivers (St. Louis) many, many years ago had an annual event

called Changelings. For the evening's feast (amongst other merriment), you were

encouraged to come as something you weren't - Vikings came as Italian Renaissance fops, hairy troll-like people came as light-footed elves, generic-t-tunic wearers came dressed to the nines.

One particular year, when Merowald of Sylveaston was the King of the Middle (I

never can remember who his Queen was at the time), they came to Changelings.

Now, those who knew and know him will assure you that His Grace has a wicked

sense of humor...so he entered in the spirit of Changelings full force. Before the feast, he and his queen went off to a quiet room where they would not be disturbed whilst they Changed. And feast started, and, as visiting royaly, they were announced, nay, ANNOUNCED in. And, lo and behold, they had indeed changed, for His Majesty Merowald had become Her Majesty, complete to women's clothing - and women's underclothing, which required, among other necessities, a pair of tennis balls placed appropriately under the apparatus that goes around most women's upper torso bits.

And, as a proper woman does, His, errr, Her Majesty had shaved his, errr, her upper lip of the moustache that was usually there, and said former moustached had been very carefully spirt-gummed onto the upper lip of Her, errrr, His Majesty.

They made quite an entrance. They made quite a lovely pair. And they inspired a

sense of gallantry that has rarely reached such heights since, to wit, the two toasts mentioned previously.

And for quite a few years thereafter, at Changelings and at other Three Rivers events, whether or not Merowald and his lady were in attendance, Those Toasts were _always_ given during the feast.

(Is anything happening with the Book of True Legends that I hear talk of occasionally? The one with all the stories about such things as the Toasts, or the Brass Hat Commando Choir, or the time that Gerald Godwine's dog Troost chimed in at just the right moment during Uncle Stephen's Birthday Song? One wonders, one does, about how well the younger generations are being taught Calontir legends, about how to be a proper Calontiri.)

Alban

From: Maerwynn of Holme <maerwynn at GMAIL.COM>

Date: June 22, 2010 5:27:24 PM CDT

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: [CALONTIR] Calontir "History"

Who all do you see and hear?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjLbNQNgpDk

Watch it the first time without sound for a true challenge. :)

It took me way too long to figure out who it was in the stripey pants...

More grins,

Maerwynn

Maerwynn of Holme

maerwynn at gmail.com

From: Roibeard mac Auleth <roibeard at ESWOOD.COM>

Date: July 22, 2010 10:22:30 PM CDT

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] Forgotten Sea Origins - What does -tir mean?

From Master Modar's fine website:

http://www.modaruniversity.org/BFShistory2.htm

Roibeard mac Auleth

Kingdom Webminister

=====================

On Thu, Jul 22, 2010 at 11:48 AM, Roberta Lauderdale

<bertlaud at comcast.net> wrote:

<<< I've always been amazed that Forgotten Sea was approved as a group name,

since the sea that was once here was millions of years ago and I doubt

whether anyone in period would have made that connection based on the

present geological features.

Just one of those quirks that sometimes makes me twitch. *shrug* >>>

Since "Here" didn't exist in period, it shouldn't make you twitch too

much, also back then they registered elf names too. ;)

<<< I don't know of anyone presently active here who would remember that bit

of early history. I do know that very early on there was a Shire(?) of the

Fountains and another shire or incipient shire in the same metro area.

Don't know the name of it. >>>

It's been a while since I heard the stories but I'm thinking it was

Fountains and Forgotten Sea, and Forgotten Sea got their paperwork in

first despite Fountains being older. I'm not willing to bet money on

it though.

Hrothgar

From: Roberta Lauderdale <bertlaud at COMCAST.NET>

Date: July 25, 2010 1:50:13 PM CDT

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] Forgotten Sea Origins - What does -tir mean?

<<< What is Crag's "Bailiff of Calontir"?

Stefan >>>

Stefan,

It's the first volume of Master Crag Goodleech Dugan's history of Calontir. MKA Craig Brown, MD/Opthamologist, Fayetteville, AR (ShireMarch of the Grimfells). I'm not sure how many total volumes there are or whether I have all of them. They're magnificent and contain a wealth of priceless history and lore!

Calontir - If Crag isn't on this list, would someone please let him know that I would like to hear from him? (Or send me his current contact info/email?)

Hertha

From: "Janice R. Gaulke" <SouthWindHall at AOL.COM>

Date: September 19, 2010 7:15:03 PM CDT

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: [CALONTIR] IV Company Origins

I have been ordered to respond to the questions about the Soup Kitchen and IV Company origins, even though the thread is cold. So here we are, delete at will:

Finola O'Clary was asked by Kingdom Chirurgeon Miriam bat Eliahu to form a Waterbearer's Guild. This was in the mid-late 1980's, and at that time "the waterbearers" consisted of a couple of fighter's girlfriends with 2-liter pop bottles filled with tap water. By the time Finola stepped down (at the same time as the KCh Miriam) she had single-handedly created a Guild that was the envy of the Known World and which was capable of continuing without her. The organization of the Calontir Waterbearers was such that for example at least one year our station next to the Broken Field Battle at Estrella was mistaken for Resurrection Point (looked rather more organized as I recall).

At Estrella in 1989 Finola cooked and served the first pot of chicken noodle soup to the Calontir Army. At Pennsic that year soup was augmented with the famous beef jerky and Fighter Biscuits. Since Finola was still as physically capable of bearing water as her spirit was desirous to do so, she kept waterbearing on the field while Jenna would stay in camp to make soup. (Finola paid for both, for a very very long time, but she'd kick my butt if she knew I'd mentioned that.)

I forget just when the term "IV Company" was coined, it was at a Pennsic where the Army was divided into three companies and we were the Fourth. The term has always referred to both Waterbearers and Soup Kitchen.

Finola stopped doing waterbearing and going to wars because her body was no longer as strong as her spirit. At about the same time Jenna somehow turned the Soup Kitchen that Finola had created and given to her into something that would "outlive her" even as the Waterbearer's Guild had become stable enough to function without Finola. (It just took Jenna a whole lot longer, mostly because she's not Finola.)

Jenna of SouthWind

From: Hroller McKnutt <hroller at GMAIL.COM>

Date: January 7, 2011 3:11:39 PM CST

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] CalonCon

On Fri, Jan 7, 2011 at 2:51 PM, Vincent De Vere

<vincent_devere at yahoo.com> wrote:

<<< I shall expose some more ignorance . . what was CalonCon? >>>

A yearly meeting of the Officers of the Kingdom, Yep, every year we

would drive to a site for a day long business meeting, Seneshals to

the Seneshals meeting, Exchequres to their meeting, Marshal to the

bar.. er.. I mean... their meeting. Break for lunch, back to the

meetings. I seem to remember we had Court at the end of the day and

then the usual dinner/post revel/drive home thing.

Hrothgar

From: Bruce Lapham <murdochst at MSN.COM>

Date: January 7, 2011 3:18:34 PM CST

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] CalonCon

<<< I shall expose some more ignorance . . what was CalonCon?

Vincent >>>

It was a day of officer meetings. Each great officer, and many of the deputies would meet with their local counterparts. It was a way to make sure that people got some basic information about their office, updates to kingdom handbooks, and had the opportunity to ask stupid (or so they might think) questions.

I, personally, really liked it. Really. I wouldn't mind if it came back. SCA people know how to have fun during what should be a boring meeting. It also gave me a chance to actually get to know the local officers from other groups. Not that I didn't know who people were, but how many of us can actually name the current MoAS (or any other officer) from any group that is more than 100 miles away.

The other nice thing was the ability to kill/confirm myths/rumors. By having a mandatory meeting once a year, it meant that the Great Officers didn't have to answer the same question 20 times (in theory).

It also helped build some mentor/mentee relationships. Newer members who had taken their first office could learn from those who had been around for a while. I started when La Grande Tente was forming. I had no idea what it took to be an officer. CalonCon helped me learn what to do as Herald.

Murd

From: Brummbar von Schwarzberg <firsthirth at AOL.COM>

Date: January 8, 2011 5:15:09 PM CST

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] CalonCon

<<< Then there was at least two indoor Allthings. :) I'm remembering the early

Allthings, like back when HE Arwen was around. There were meetings that

didn't last all day with an all populas meeting that was similar to what you

mention that TRMs had. There was also activities for those folks in between

meetings or were there because their spouse was at a meeting.

De >>>

The "Althing" was created shortly after Calontir was established as a region. As Warlord, I held no official authority other than what the people of Calontir allowed. The Althing was used as a sounding board, where the Warlord and officers of the region could get input and ideas from the populace of the Region. The first Althing was held in Standing Stone, I think around AS XII or XIII. (Somewhere in my files I have the minutes of the meeting) I remember presenting new awards to the people at the first Althing; Leather Mallet, Swan, and Torse among others. There were intergroup arguments to try to settle, and try we did, some successfully some not so.

You must remember communication was not so fast as it is now, this was Calontir BC (Before Computer). Once we became a Principality, then Kingdom, the rulers held authority to create awards, make changes and rule the lands and people, so the Althing wasn't really needed anymore.. Though, it is wise rulers that seek to know the minds of their people.

Brummbar

Repository of ancient lore.

From: Mark Schuldenfrei <mark at SCHULDY.ORG>

Date: January 12, 2011 10:40:37 AM CST

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] Fourth Company

On 1/12/2011 11:31 AM, Vels inn Viggladi wrote:

<<< It is said that when it comes to war, amateurs study tactics,

professionals study logistics. We have quite too many amateurs in the

SCA and too few professionals. In that sense, Calontir has one of

the most professional armies on the field though most rarely think

about it. >>>

It is also worth noting that Calontir culture is such that

it recognized and was completely inclusive of those that

serve.

Other Kingdoms have not leaped that barrier: there is an

intuitive notion that those that "do" are better and

different than those that "help".

I do not take from Finola: for what she proffered and

created was beautifully done. But at the same time,

Calontir is largely unique in how it responded to

offers of help.

Praise Finola for building unselfishly. Praise Calontir

for accepting fraternally. Go back a week, and read

what Brummbar wrote about First Amongst Equals and

leadership by consensus and inclusion.

Tibor

From: Rob Howell <rob at KOTN.ORG>

Date: January 11, 2011 3:21:21 PM CST

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] Fourth Company

<<< What is the Fourth Company? >>>

It's is the Water Bearers, Soup Kitchen and the Chiergenet (sic) we are the army support staff. We love everyone who volunteers to help!

Bel

==============

The recognition the waterbearers and the soup kitchen gave Calontir a proven reduction to troop attrition because of heat and exhaustion not simply in a given day but overall during the week in war after war prompted the explicit recognition of the implicit truth that they were part of the army as well. And so, because when we have a large enough army at Pennsic, Estrella, Gulf or another foreign war, the army on the field gets split into three companies, it made perfect sense to call the logistics support company “4th Company.”

Rhodri

From: Steven Boyd <andrixos at EARTHLINK.NET>

Date: January 11, 2011 3:28:25 PM CST

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] Fourth Company

<<< and please excuse my ignorance, I am new to all this - what are the first three companies? >>>

The first three companies are the armored portion of the Falcon Host.

The following is a brief description, with exceptions for many situations.

I will assume a field battle deployment.

The First Company typically involves the scuta, drawn up into a shield wall along the front line.

It typically includes about 40% of the entire troops, and is a bit heftier than average in terms of firepower, weight, and experience.

The Second Company generally has scuta only along the flanks.

It typically numbers about 30-35% of the total number of troops.

Its job is to deliver a counterpunch or secondary attack after First Company has pinned down a unit.

The Third Company is typically 20-25% of the troops, lighter and quicker than much of the rest of the army.

They are, depending on the situation, the flank or rear guard, or the final hammer used to cut off an enemy unit's options.

They rely on their speed and independence to save our bacon.

There may also be up to 10% of our troop strength in skirmishers, lightly armed and quick troops who are a loose screen in front of the main unit.

Each general, of course, may alter this general description to match their personal taste or the needs of the situation.

Andrixos  

From: Miriam von Schwarzwald <miriamvonschwarzwald at GMAIL.COM>

Date: January 11, 2011 3:37:22 PM CST

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] Fourth Company

<<< I am searching through my files to see if I can find the text that I wrote at the command of Their Majesties Fernando and Lyriel to commend the Waterbearers as they were inductd into the Order of the Falcon's Heart.

Andrixos >>>

From the banner/scroll I was so proud to bear for my years in

office... I have copied these words...

Hear and Know the will of Fernando, Falcon King, and Lyriel, Lily

Queen, delivered on the dust choked fields of the 17th Estrella War.

Just as the Falcon must be possessed of a firm heart to provide

stamina and strength while soaring the skies in search of prey, so

does the Falcon Host rely upon the selfless work of its Waterbearers

to insure the vigor and power of its soldier on the battlefields

across the Known World. As the Falcon's Heart sends forth its

lifeblood to strengthen its limbs so do our Waterbearers pour out Our

Host, life giving water, that they might continue their death dealing

work. So this is it meet and fitting that We Fernando and Lyriel, with

Our army assembled, declare the Waterbearers of Calontir Bearers if

the Falcon's Heart. So say we on this the 17th day of February AS

XXXV, standing on the honour-strewn field of battle on the burning

sands of the Estrella War.

YIS

Miriam von Schwarzwald

former Kingdom Waterbearer

From: Fernando Rodriguez de Falcon <Fvigil at AOL.COM>

Date: January 11, 2011 4:19:41 PM CST

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] Fourth Company

norseceltbear at GMAIL.COM writes:

>What is the Fourth Company?

>Dmitr

Fourth Company is perhaps the single most important part of the Calontir Army.

The name Fourth Company was first coined at Estrella 17. Lyriel and I were privileged to lead the Falcon host that year, with Sir Dongal as our general. We had a huge turnout at the war that year.

The combatants in our host were divided (as was fairly common at the time) into three companies. The company commanders had their fighters putting I, II, or III on their tabards in yellow tape for ease of identification.

We were asked by the waterbearers who were out on the field with us if they could put IVs on their tabards - for Fourth Company. We thought that idea was a splendid one. There is no question Calontir's support troops add (at least) as much strength to our army as any other company.

And since that day, Calontir's support arm has been known as the Fourth Company

Over the years there has been some confusion / question over whether the Fourth Company includes the Soup Kitchen or not. I don't know if the waterbearers who made the original request intended it or not. But speaking as the Crown who originally approved the name, I've always considered both the Water Bearers and the Soup Kitchen as divisions of the Fourth Company -- just as some of our other companies have had internal divisions to allow them to split up and do separate jobs as needed on the field.

Conde Fernando Rodriguez de Falcon

From: Fernando Rodriguez de Falcon <Fvigil at AOL.COM>

Date: January 11, 2011 4:24:15 PM CST

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] Fourth Company

In a message dated 1/11/2011 15:08:08 Central Standard Time,

andrixos at EARTHLINK.NET writes:

<<< I am searching through my files to see if I can find the text that I

wrote at the command of Their

Majesties Fernando and Lyriel to commend the Waterbearers as tey were

inductd into the Order of

the Falcon's Heart. >>>

I've got it right here.

<<< Hear and know the word and will of Fernando, Falcon King, and Lyriel, Lily

Queen, delivered on the dust-choked fields of the 17th Estrella War.

Just as the Falcon must be possessed of a firm heart to provide stamina

and strength while soaring the skies in search of prey, so does the Falcon

Host rely upon the selfless work of its Waterbearers to insure the vigor and

power of its soldier on battlefields across the Known World. As the Falcon's

heart sends forth its lifeblood to strengthen its limbs, so do Our

Waterbearers pour out for Our Host life-giving water, that they might continue

their death-dealing work.

So thus is it meet and fitting that We, Fernando and Lyriel, with Our army

assembled, declare the Waterbearers of Calontir Bearers of the Falcon's

Heart.

So say we, on this the 17th day of February, AS XXXV, standing on the

honour-strewn field of battle on the burning sands of the Estrella War.

Fernando Lyriel

Rey Reine >>>

You can see the scroll for the Waterbearer's Falcon's Heart at any foreign

war. It is embroidered on the back of the banner we presented them that

day.

At the same war we brought the Soup Kitchen into the Falcon's Heart. You

can see their scroll at foreign wars as well - it is etched onto one of

their soup pots. Here is the text:

<<< Hear now the words of Fernando, Falcon King by Sword and Law, and Lyriel,

Lily Queen and Inspiration.

Often, in times of war, have great metal vessels been filled with

life-giving nourishment for the Falcon War Host. Yet these vessels cannot contain that love which We feel for our Soup Kitchen. Here, on the sands of

Estrella, where their tireless work is always seen, do We Fernando and Lyriel,

present the one vessel that may contain Our people's love - the Falcon's Heart.

On this 16th day of February, A.S. XXXV, let Our decree affirm the

membership of the Calontir Soup Kitchen within Our Order of the Falcon's Heart.

So say We from the Falcon Thrones in Our war camp at this 17th Estrella

War.

Fernando Lyriel

Rey Reine >>>

These were the first two groups inducted into the Order of the Falcon's

Heart. The award itself was actually created and put into Kingdom Llaw years

earlier, but none had been given until that day. Had we anticipated the idea

of the Fourth Company prior to this war, we likely would have given them

one Falcon's Heart between them. Of course then we would not have had two

cool scrolls. :)

Fernando

From: "Janice R. Gaulke" <SouthWindHall at AOL.COM>

Date: January 11, 2011 7:46:01 PM CST

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: [CALONTIR] Fourth Company

In a message dated 1/11/2011 2:05:50 PM Central Standard Time, freckles_36 at HOTMAIL.COM writes:

<<< Am I correct in believing that there is no equivalent to the Fourth Company (I know; it's not official) in any other Kingdom?

Why is that?

~Melisende >>>

Because no other kingdom has Finola.

For the young, learn this: Baroness Finola *invented* the IV Company. She created the Waterbearer's Guild roughly a quarter century ago and the rest of the Known Worlde has been envying and copying us ever since. The Soup Kitchen was born at Estrella in 1989, and has literally reformatted how the Calontir Army interacts post-battle, with ripple effects that are difficult if not impossible to properly calculate. Instead of wandering back to camp singly, or marching back then scattering and running for the showers, most of the Army stay together, return together, and come right to the Royal Pavillion for soup and other treats and post-battle tactical discussions and camraderie.

Experienced generals have calculated how many fighters on the field the IV Company is worth, by guesstimating how many warriors are able to fight another battle thanks to snacks and proper hydration and such. But I don't think that anyone has ever found a way to figure out what the camraderie in the Royal Pavillion before and after battles, between fighters of all ranks allies waterbearers support crew archers musicians chiregeons heralds children elderly persons and occasionally dogs.

I don't know if it would have worked anywhere but Calontir, but it would not have happened without Finola.

Jenna

From: Steven Boyd <andrixos at EARTHLINK.NET>

Date: February 24, 2011 8:24:00 AM CST

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] Scuta for Gulf Wars

To Cecelia, Heleyne, and all others new to Calontir's Way of War, from Andrixos,

Warm Greetings.

Mistress Hertha's dscription of the scutum, and its drivers, was an excellent summary, and decoded much of what in my original post was obscured by my uncharacteristic brevity.

A couple of points are worth expanding on, that you might more fully understand the scutum in its social context. In most cases, scuta are owned not by individuals, but by shires and baronies. It is a relatively hefty investment ($100 for just the metal blank) for a shield that is only fought with two or three times a year. Thus there is a little bit of a need to organize their attendance at war, as they might get checked out of the group armory, and perhaps have their edging and handles checked and maintained.

On the battlefield, a single scutum fighter alone is of little additional value to a unit, unless his capabilities and limitations are understood by those around him. The shield wall is organized with each scutum fighting with designated pole arm and spear support, and active communications with the scuta on each side of him.

The scuta are all painted purple with the gold falcon, and though they have small cantons with group and individual arms, the overwhelming visual effect is one of uniformity. This is echoed by the fact that within the army, everyone is dressed in Falcon Tabards, rather than their own personal livery.

All of these factors, read together, point to the subtext that is the foundation of our army, and our kingdom: We do things cooperatively.

We are not there for individual glory, but for the glory of the Kingdom.

We sing (and write) songs for everyone to sing together, with strong choruses, quickly learned.

We gather at the Royal Pavillion before and after battle and celebrate our togetherness as a Kingdom. I could spend another hour listing examples, but challenge you to approach Gulf Wars with an eye watchful for those principles in action, and, as Hertha said, Join in as one of the family.

Andrixos,

dedicated war attendee

From: Steven Boyd <andrixos at EARTHLINK.NET>

Date: February 28, 2011 2:18:02 PM CST

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: [CALONTIR] An account of the Creation of the Eo Fyrd and Hirth

Several things happened with connection to the creation of the equestrian military orders this weekend, and while some of those have been reported here others were glossed over or inaudible to the audience at large.

I am doing this from memory, and was aware of what was to be happening, so paid fairly close attention.

Their Majesties announced Their intent to create the Eo Fyrd and Eo Hirth, to recognize equestrian accomplishment.

Additions to Kingdom Law were read, codifying that intent.

All members of the Iren-Fyrd and Boga-Fyrd were called into Court, to witness and affirm the induction of the first member of the Eo Fyrd.

Their Majesties said that They had received many suggestions and recommendations as to who ought first to bear the rank of Fyrdman of the Eo Fyrd. There was great consensus of opinion.

Mistress Isolde of Hawksolme was called forward, and inducted in the Order, using the scroll text I published last night.

She was presented with a shield painted with the badge of the Eo Fyrd, which I had painted. Her scroll was done by Countess Katrine Thoroffsdottir, in an amazingly short period of time.

All retired, but then the Huscarls of the Boga and Iren Hirth were recalled. Their Majesties explained that They had received many suggestion for a principle of the Order, including some who suggested that the rank lay open for a while.

They summoned Master Madoc Arundel, and inducted him into the Huscarls. They also, sotto voce, informed him that he was also inducted him into the Eo Fyrd, as, "We don't skip ranks in Calontir." He was also presented with a shield which I had painted.

His scroll text had been written by Baron Eric St. Leger, and was also done by Countess Katrine. All retired wtih the huscarls singing the chorus of "Requiem".

Other Royal business was conducted, and then Their Majesties called into Court all members present of the Order of the Eo Fyrd.

Both came forward, and were joined when the Crown summoned Lady Eowyth þa Siðend. She became the third member of the Order.

At the end of court, Master Madoc approached me about the most treasured mark of a huscarl, the hockey jersey. I suggested that it would be meet and proper that the Eo Huscarls adopt another appropriate piece of sports regalia, jockey silks. His eyes lit up. If it happens, the Kingdom has me to blame.

The arms of the orders are as follows:

(Note I do not have the exact text of the blazons, but, having painted the shields, from the images provided by TRM, I am certain that I am fairly close:

Eo Hirth

Per chevron embattled sable and argent, two chamfrons argent and a Cross of Calatrava purpure.

Eo Fyrd

Sable, on a pile embattled between two snaffle bits in pile argent a Cross of Calatrava purpure.

If anyone has a good picture of the shields that I painted I would appreciate a link to it.

Andrixos

From: Steven Boyd <andrixos at EARTHLINK.NET>

Date: February 28, 2011 3:51:39 PM CST

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] An account of the Creation of the Eo Fyrd and Hirth

Something I left out:

A line in Isolde's Fyrd scroll reads:

The Qatan said, “Let these soldiers of horse ride equal in all ways to their brothers, so long as The skies go on forever.”

"The skies go on forever" is lifted directly from Mistress Dorcas' song, The Compact Between Horse and Man"

http://www.calonsong.org/CalontirSongs/compacthorseman.htm

It is from the verse about the Mongols. The interconnections were too rich to pass over.

I had warned Dorcas before court to pay careful attention to the scroll text. As I headed back to my seat she was all smiles.

Andrixos,

happy to involve everyone in the conspiracy...

From: Maerwynn of Holme <maerwynn at GMAIL.COM>

Date: February 28, 2011 3:51:27 PM CST

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] An account of the Creation of the Eo Fyrd and Hirth

Thanks, Drx.

Just 3 small things and one big one.

The spectacular scroll for Master Madoc ap Llewelyn was the work of HL Rolf Hobart, Our Herald did indeed announce Madoc's fyrd, and We called Eowyth, I cried, and then We called the Eofyrd. :)

The exact blazons are as follows (Drx was very, very close):

Eofyrd: Sable, on a pile embattled between two broken snaffle-bits argent, a Cross of Calatrava purpure.

Eohirth: Per chevron embattled sable and argent, two chamfrons argent and a Cross of Calatrava purpure.

(Chamfrons are the head armor for horses.)

Because it's one of my favorites, and some others have been posted, this is the scroll text for the premier of the Eohirth, Master Madoc ap Llewelyn, written by HE Eric St. Leger:

* * * * *

Concerning the majesty of the horse the Lord spoke to his servant and said:

"Do you give the horse his might?

Do you clothe his neck with thunder?

Do you make him leap like the locust?

His fiery breath terrifies the foe.

He paws in the valley and exults in his strength;

he goes out to meet the weapons.

He laughs at fear and is not dismayed;

he does not turn back from the sword.

Upon him rattle the quiver,

the flashing spear, and the javelin.

With fierceness and rage he swallows the ground;

he cannot stand still at the sound of the trumpet.

When the war horn sounds, he answers with joy.

He smells the battle from afar,

the thunder of the captains, and the shouting.”

And knowing the truth of these words, and in grim and thoughtful counsel, the Qan and Qatan did think it only right and just that the dominion of such animals be given to those subjects who show likewise in their person and their honor such virtues as the animal whom they command. Knowing full well that these same praiseworthy gifts swell in the breast of Madoc ap Llewelyn, Horse-master and fierce rider among the steppes, the Qan and Qatan do cause, and by these letters and seal do so now create Madoc as a Companion of the Order of the Eohirth.

Done on this the 24th day of the Iron Monkey in the year of the White Rabbit. [Or something like that -- my version doesn't include the ending.]

* * * * *

Certainly sounds like a Huscarl to me.

Sothlice,

Maerwynn

From: Lis Schraer <lis at WUBIOS.WUSTL.EDU>

Date: May 14, 2011 8:10:56 AM CDT

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] A small questoin of History

On 5/14/2011 1:35 AM, Stefan li Rous wrote:

<<< How long was Calontir a region? And what area did it cover then? Or more precisely, which groups existed and were in the region of Calontir?

If it was similar to what I know of the Region of Ansteorra, there were only about half-a-dozen groups. For Ansteorra, San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, Austin and perhaps one or two others. In other words, in just a few major cities with lots of empty space in between. >>>

Working from memory here...

Calontir developed a regional identity somewhere around 1978, and became a principality in 1981. (I'm unsure of the dates, etc. for the first part of the Region of Calontir because I didn't join until fall of 1980.)

It covered basically the same area the kingdom covers now, except that all of Nebraska and Iowa were included. The Nebraska panhandle now is part of the Outlands, and a bit of Iowa (Quad Cities) is part of the Midrealm. Also I don't know precisely when the 727 zip code of Northwest Arkansas officially became part of the Midrealm instead of Meridies, but considering that Erich Hlodowechssun founded that group in 1978, I'm thinking 1979 or so. (I could ask him, but he's not awake yet.)

Groups: Three Rivers, Forgotten Sea, Vatavia all were or became baronies during that time. Coeur d'Ennui and Lonely Tower certainly existed, but I believe Coeur d'Ennui did not become a barony until our principality days, and Lonely Tower not until we were a kingdom. I think Mag Mor came into existence as a shire during region days.

Other smaller groups, by the time I joined in 1980, included Standing Stones, Grimfells, what are now the shires of Carlsby and Crescent Moon (they had different names then, though), and...I think that may be it. I don't think Deodar came into being until principality days. There were also lots of contact people who were trying to start groups in various places; most of those didn't come to any sort of real fruition at that time.

When Erich of the prodigious memory and earlier dates awakens, I will try to remember to ask him to fill in and/or correct the above.

Elasait

From: malina <jacquinet at HOTMAIL.COM>

Date: May 14, 2011 3:35:33 PM CDT

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] A small questoin of History

The shire of Bois d Arc was also one of the early groups. According to shire

history Prince Ternon approved the shires charter in A.S. XVII.

Malina

From: Dorcas or Jean <dorcas_jean at YAHOO.COM>

Date: May 14, 2011 5:48:36 PM CDT

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] A small questoin of History

--- On Sat, 5/14/11, Steven Boyd wrote:

> Spinning Winds was a very early shire.

I wasn't there, but I was told by the founding seneschal of Spinning Winds, one Jason of Westershire, that SW was the first group in Kansas. According to lore, it used to be stipulated that the first group in a state would automatically be a barony, regardless of size or other requirements that now obtain. SW barely missed being a barony because the rule was changed just before it (SW) was founded.

Whether or not there ever was such a rule, I don't know. But that's why it sticks in my mind that Spinning Winds is older than Vatavia. (which also may be inaccurate...)

Dorcas

From: Lis Schraer <lis at WUBIOS.WUSTL.EDU>

Date: May 14, 2011 4:04:55 PM CDT

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] Calontir History Question (Singing)

On 5/14/2011 12:55 PM, Bryant M. Waner wrote:

> How did the Bardic Circle come to be?

Um, if by bardic circle you mean people sitting around singing, well, the first postrevel I stayed awake for, in November 1980, had a singing postrevel in the basement. My experience, which might have been different from other people's because there was this redheaded guy playing guitar who attracted my notice at that postrevel and I afterward stalked him until he caught me, was that there was more often than not singing at postrevels in "those days". I believe Arwyn was the person who used to play guitar and sing, and when she stopped doing it so much Erich tried to take up the slack (he was new to the guitar at the time). It ebbed and flowed for several years with Erich being one of those instrumental in keeping it going. Also Morgana bro Morganwg who was the first head of the bardic college encouraged people to perform in the early days, though her specialty is storytelling rather than music.

> How did having a singing Army Come to be?

Erich and I never were able to get to Pennsic until 1989 so I'm not sure just when that started but I'm thinking it probably had something to do with the first kingdom presence as an army at Pennsic?

Elasait

From: Ted Eisenstein <alban at SOCKET.NET>

Date: May 15, 2011 10:10:10 AM CDT

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] A small question of History

<<< The "first group" rule was indeed part of early SCA history. (I was

told it involved a reward for running all the incorporation paperwork through a

new state's bureaucracy.) That's why Dumnonia (the first Iowa group, formed

when a couple of SCA veterans moved in from the East, and then failed when

they moved to the West) was a barony.

...And why there was talk of the "Lost Barony" when I joined the

then-shire of Three Rivers. The first group in Missouri - in St. Louis -

was indeed made a barony, but for reasons never told me it up and

vanished. Three Rivers was thus the second group in Missouri, and just a

shire.

Alban

From: Christopher Mortika <c.mortika at GMAIL.COM>

Date: May 15, 2011 9:49:29 AM CDT

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] A small question of History

The "first group" rule was indeed part of early SCA history. (I was told it involved a reward for running all the incorporation paperwork through a new state's bureaucracy.) That's why Dumnonia (the first Iowa group, formed when a couple of SCA veterans moved in from the East, and then failed when they moved to the West) was a barony.

--Christian d'Hiver

From: Roberta Lauderdale <bertlaud at COMCAST.NET>

Date: May 15, 2011 2:18:19 PM CDT

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] A small questoin of History

Axed Root was also around when I joined in AS XV. I believe my daughter (Oriana de Culmstocke) was seneschal there at that time. She was the one who introduced me to the SCA. A major turning point in my life!

Hertha

==========

On 5/14/2011 9:28 AM, Steven Boyd wrote:

<<< Spinning Winds was a very early shire. Deodar was well estabished by Principality. (My second event was First Coronet, and I was in Iowa at the time, so since in my mind Deodar was "always there...", it must have preceded Principality.)

Much of this can be found in Crag's Histories, but I am separated from my copies by 800 miles. >>>

___

Yup, totally spaced out Spinning Winds--it was around when I joined.

NoMountain too, I believe. As noted, I was working from memory (and no coffee). Bois d'Arc was trying to start up and I think burst on the regional consciousness about the time we went principality.

Elasait

From: Valens of Flatrock <valens at COX.NET>

Date: May 16, 2011 12:39:20 PM CDT

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] Calontir History Question (Singing)

At least one Calontir queen, with a large entourage, was heralded to the traditional swimming hole at Pennsic, where the attire was much less than underwear.

Valens

---- Ted Eisenstein <alban at SOCKET.NET> wrote:

Marching as a group to the Mid-Realm encampment with Master Charles crying "make

way, make way for the Crowns of Calontir" and Arwyn wearing just the under dress for her Spanish Ren garb telling him to shut up as a queen really doesn't want to be announced when she's wearing her underwear. Charles smiled greatly and increased the volume of his announcement.

...the way I heard it, see, was that she was dressed that way because she was heading to the (version a:) showers (version b:) the nearest set of porta-potties.

Alban

From: Mike Martin <hroller at GMAIL.COM>

Date: May 25, 2011 3:03:43 PM CDT

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] Calontir story question

On Wed, May 25, 2011 at 2:48 PM, Eowyth þa Siðend <Eowyth at gmail.com> wrote:

<<< For those less up-to-speed on certain 'accolades': Could someone explain

"OAFS"?

What/Who/ are they/it?

-Eowyth >>>

Huh, interesting that http://www.sca.org/awards/calontir.html doesn't

include the OAF.

Order of the Archaic Fewmet:

Given to a subject who has committed an act of spectacular stupidity

or "gentle/general mayhem."

Fewmets are animals droppings, hunters use fewmets to ID the animals

they are tracking.

Hrothgar (not an OAF, but I got some friends...) :)

From: Mike Martin <hroller at GMAIL.COM>

Date: May 25, 2011 3:05:28 PM CDT

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] Calontir story question

On Wed, May 25, 2011 at 2:48 PM, Eowyth þa Siðend <Eowyth at gmail.com> wrote:

<<< For those less up-to-speed on certain 'accolades': Could someone explain "OAFS"?

What/Who/ are they/it? >>>

Oh yeah, Pavel is the premier of the Order, the lowest of the low.

You see, when you become an OAF you can exercise the option to go LAST

in the order of precedence. That's why you might see a Peer go last in

the Crown tourney presentation...

Hrothgar

From: Kirk Poore <kirk at MEDIEVALOAK.COM>

Date: May 25, 2011 3:06:04 PM CDT

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] Calontir story question

Order of the Archaic Fewmet.

(A fewmet is an animal dropping.)

Usually given for stirring pots that need stirring ("We're bored. Hey--What's that?"), raking up fun from from the floor and putting it to good use (such as veggie ball, scutum races, or courtyard miniature golf), and doing things that need doing which may be slightly out of the social norms (for example, locking up misparked golf carts, or returning them to their rightful parking areas--eventually).

Priveliges: Being the lowliest of the low, in a march order of precedence an OAF is allowed to go last should he or she choose regardless of other rank. If there is more than one OAF, they go in negative order (earliest last).

There is no badge for the order, but traditionally the scroll is written in hatchet-hand on a brown paper grocery bag.

Kirk

Some time after Pavel and before Rhianwen and Ferd, chronologically

From: Eowyth þa Siðend <Eowyth at GMAIL.COM>

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Sent: Wed, May 25, 2011 2:48:41 PM

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] Calontir story question

For those less up-to-speed on certain 'accolades': Could someone explain "OAFS"?

What/Who/ are they/it?

-Eowyth

On Tue, May 17, 2011 at 9:45 AM, Ida Purkey <lundyida at hotmail.com> wrote:

In the process of reading about all of the Calontir antics. I was wondering if anyone other then me noticed how many "OAFS" have also been King.

At least Valens, Kensor, Ferd, and more. Brain not fully up so could someone help me.

Ida

From: "Niewoehner, Hugh" <Hugh.Niewoehner at flightsafety.com>

Date: May 26, 2011 8:09:06 AM CDT

To: Stefan li Rous <StefanliRous at AUSTIN.RR.COM>

Subject: Re: Calontir story question

<<< Huh, interesting that http://www.sca.org/awards/calontir.html doesn't

include the OAF.

Order of the Archaic Fewmet:

Given to a subject who has committed an act of spectacular stupidity

or "gentle/general mayhem."

Fewmets are animals droppings, hunters use fewmets to ID the animals

they are tracking.

Hrothgar (not an OAF, but I got some friends...) :) >>>

Just to make sure your readers have made the leap: Archaic Fewmic = Old Shit or contextually => Old shit disturber. But since the College of Heralds and others would object to such a publicly offensive title they found a more socially acceptable wording.

HE Damon

Date: Fri, 27 May 2011 12:23:00 -0400

From: Alexander Clark <alexbclark at pennswoods.net>

To: sca-cooks at lists.ansteorra.org

Subject: Re: [Sca-cooks] Sca-cooks Digest, Vol 61, Issue 49

For a while, once new local groups no longer got to be kingdoms, there

was a rule that the first group in a state would be a barony, and

subsequent groups would be cantons of that barony (though this didn't

apply to California). That was why the Middle Marches, in Bowling

Green, OH, got to start as a barony, and the Cleftlands didn't, when

the founder of the Cleftlands omitted his return address from his

letter to the corporation and they couldn't conclude their

correspondence until after they had recognized the Middle Marches in

Bowling Green.

Henry/Alex

From: Steven Boyd <andrixos at EARTHLINK.NET>

Date: July 13, 2011 11:08:19 AM CDT

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] Lilies OAF

Two shorthand descriptions I use:

Just as a Pelican is, by the instructive myth of Our Society, willing to shed her own blood in service to the Society, so is an OAF willing to sacrifice his self-dignity for the entertainment of the masses.

An OAF is a lifetime achievement award for goofiness.

OAF #15

From: Margaret Tank <aquafyrd at GMAIL.COM>

Date: February 8, 2012 2:19:25 PM CST

To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu

Subject: [CALONTIR] strength and unity

When I say, over and over, that our people will pull together, this is what I mean.

Many of the smaller Shires, Cantons, and Colleges have determined to send 18% (or more) of their limited funds, even though I did not request it. I specifically want to thank the Barony of Coeur d'Ennui, the Shire of Bois d'Arc, the Shire of Oakheart, and the Barony of Lonely Tower for pledging funds above and beyond what I asked of them, and the Shire of Shadowdale, the Shire of Crescent Moon, the Shire of Westumbria, and the College of Bellewode for sending funds when I asked for none at all. Several other groups have also responded that their requested amount will be coming, or that they will be sending funds but do not know how much yet. I also want to thank the Barony of Three Rivers for moving up the timing on their annual Chieftains tithe to help with cash flow issues, Lilies for making a temporary cash loan (in addition to their contribution) to avoid an early cash-out penalty on a CD, and the Mews for sending me most of their remaining funds, now that the newsletters are going electronic. I have received three promises of individual donations and at least two offers of fundraisers so far.

In addition, many are going above and beyond the monetary issues.

From the College of Bellewode, pay it forward:

"Some of the members also plan to assist students in purchasing SCA memberships in exchange for work around the house. We hope that having new SCA members will help the national organization to recover financially."

From the Shire of Westumbria, a challenge:

"The Shire of Westumbria, a small but mighty border outpost, has received pledges of donations from its members that we may stand among our Calon brethren and shoulder this burden together; we are pleased to respond with our full 18% share of this grievious levy and send in a check for $200.00 to meet this need.

Also, the Shire of Westumbria challenges the populaces of the Baronies to match our donation, either dollar amount or in-kind (i.e. an amount equal to the 18% owed) above and beyond what is required of them. [$200 matching amount or double your donation]   We further pledge that for every Barony that sends in a donation of at least $200 amount marked, "Westumbria Challenge" over and above their required levy delivered by Lilies to the Kingdom Exchequer; the Shire of Westumbria will donate 1 (ea) embellished 16 gauge or better spangen construction helm to be delivered at Lilies 2013."

*This* is what the SCA is about. This is family. This is why I love Calontir.

--Branwen, proud KE Calontir