the Mermaid’s Tales

Number One

Winter Edition

(Hey, it’s False Isle, what can I say?)

In this issue: Seneshale’s Message Page 3 Owyn takes an editorial we Page 4 News Mermaid’s Page 5 Mermaid’s—A peasant’s POV Page 6 Just a Picnic Page 7 WinterFeast Page 7 Gerhard Kendal Pages 10 & 11

Arts and Sciences Lady Effie’s Report Page 8 Skald of the North Page 9 Daughters of the Desert Page 9 Mermaid Awash by Svaana Page 12 A Tale of Mermaids Page 14 Azemar’s Poetry Page 14 New Principality Banner Page 18 Special Interest Youth Gang Page 12 Upcoming Principality events Page 18 Know Your Peasants? Page 18 Entertainment Robin of Sherwood—a review Page 16 Owyn’s Wish List Page 19 Humour all about you if you will but look

Travel Stephen and Alicia Page 15 Eleanor de Guernsey Page 17

Seneschal HL Sabine de Provence Deputy HL Rhyannan of Pembroke Castle

Arts and Science Lady Effie Little Deputy Lady Constance de Montbard Deputy HL Alicia le Wilfulle Bard m’lord Thormot Mac Otter of Rushen Exchequer Lady Constance de Montbard Lord Edward the Merchant Master of Stables HL Rory Woulfe of Kildare Deputy Lord Thorvald “Toothspitter” Ivarsson Chronicler HL Owyn of Clan Frog Deputy Lady Svanna of the Wilde Woode Webmaster Lord Hermannus der Mensche

Chatelaine Lady Tita the Wanderer Herald HL Saeunn Hrafnsdottir Deputy HL Alicia le Wilfulle Deputy m’lady Aline de Bruges Vox Herald Lady Calandra De Silva Chirurgeon Lady Elvgiva Rolandsdottir (in-process)

Cover Art His Lordship Rory Woulfe of Kildare,

GdS, JdL

Apprentice to Sir Baron Gerhard Kendal Cadet to Don Diarmuid de Rosas, Instructor False Isle Ecole d'Epee,

Master of Stables to the Shire of False Isle,

Photo by Her Ladyship Sabine de Provence

The principality is well organized, officers and royals are approach-able and accessible and more relevant to those An Tirians residing North of the 49th parallel. The Shire has contributed monetarily to the inception of the principality as well as several very notable pro-jects. The SCA instituted a non-member surcharge for Kingdom sanc-tioned events of Four gold coins. It has caused some rancor, as well adding another layer of the ubiquitous paperwork. I encourage any-one with strong feelings against it to contact society officers. We have another year of splendid events to anticipate. Let us gather to raise a pint at Winter feast, acquire more knowledge at Ithra, fend of invaders at Mermaid and give our guests the “royal” treat-ment at Investiture. Music, and Dance are experiencing a Renais-sance in False Isle and I encourage anyone that might be interested to attend these very enjoyable activities and commend those that take the time to offer these gatherings. Remember that if you have the chance for to travel outside the Shire you are welcome in any place, such is our renown. Each of us is an ambassador for this place and all do the Shire proud.

May we continue to gladden each other hearts,

HL Sabine de Provence, AA GDS

Seneschale Instructor Ecole D'Epee

Cadet to Magister Albert Faulke of Sanford Shire of False Isle

Tir Righ , An Tir *Fidelitas cum Permotione

Like Janus, the two-faced God of January, let me take this time to reflect backward and to cast my eyes forward. Over the past year False Isle has experienced some significant changes, some bumps in the road and, as usual, pulled through with our own natural aplomb and bonhomie. I begin writing this missive on St. Margeurite Bourgeoys day, being the 12 day of January. St. Margeurite, like many of us found her-self installed in this strange new world far away from friends and family of the great continent. However she did not let this sad state dishearten her instead she forged ahead and opened a school in a ville call Mont Royal. She worked diligently and endured many a hardship and setback. She chose to include the indigenous people of this land over much dissent. I take inspiration from this lady and hope that False Isle will continue to be mutually inclusive, supportive and a Shire for One and a Shire For all! There has been some changes in officer ship and I would like to extend my gratitude to those who have served so well and so long in the past especially Ladyship Rhyannan outgoing Seneschal and Lordship Grimon de Beaujolais. The officers team and I wish to support you all in your Medieval studies or projects. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any suggestions, ideas or problems. The creation and installation of the Principality of Tir Righ has been the harbinger of change for the better methinks. This was evidenced when Their Highness’ Thora and Oak attended Mer-maid and handed out 1 ‘Ship and some 13 Shire awards of arms many of which were extremely overdue. I will bet a Queens ransom in deniers that there will be more to be granted this year! Page three

Stoned Ruin ...some editorial comment from Owyn...

Well, there you have it. Finally done. I fell for the second oldest trick in the book when I began this project. Oh, it will be easy. No problem. Probably be able to bang it out in a few hours. This isn’t the first time I’ve fallen for this. Think I’ll ever learn? Probably not! You might notice some changes since the days of the “Runestone”. I’ve never been noted for my ability “to leave well enough alone”, as my Mother has always said. For as long as I can remember she has had a plaque on the kitchen wall with the Thoreau different drummer quote on it. I have followed that drummer all my days. With the advent of the Poor Drogo’s Almanac/the Mermaid’s Tales format, we must say a sad farewell to the “Runestone”. It has served the Shire well for many years. Founded by Lady Svaana of the Wilde Woode and then later ed-ited and produced by His Lordship Stephen of Hunmanby it has been an example of False Isle’s creativity and determination. Al-though any publication of this nature would be impossible without the combined efforts of most of the Shire, the bulk of the work and responsibility falls on the shoulders of the Editor. Both of these fine gentles have given yeoman service and we offer them our thanks and praise for their efforts. I hope to live up to their beginnings. With Drogo and his staff taking the reins of the monthly publication we here at the Mer-maid’s Tales have been able to spend much more energy and time on the quarterly magazine. It gladdens my heart to see Drogo find his niche here in False Isle. (Even if he did mistakenly refer to the Trip to Jerusalem as the Road to Jerusalem. Please under-stand he’s just a peasant, whether he can read and write or not. Patience with our inferiors is called for. I’m sure he wont make that mistake again.) As for the rest of the contributors to this issue, I find myself abso-lutely amazed. In my long experience in the newsletter business, never have I seen such an avalanche of submissions and ideas. As memory serves getting submissions should be similar to having teeth removed. Yes, I do know from whence I speak. False Isle once again proves itself remarkable. Trying to keep these publications free also should have been quite the chore. A fine egalitarian idea but as with many other things, a lot tougher in reality than dream. The populace has once again jumped to the pump and donations have been coming in. Those supporters have not only helped us provide you with this product, but have helped ME live out my SCA dream of a colour newsletter. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

Disclaimer

“the Mermaid’s Tales” is a quarterly publication of the Office of the Chronicler for the Shire of False Isle and does not necessarily represent SCA opinion. It is not a corporate publication of SCA Inc. and does not delineate policy.

For now “the Mermaid’s Tales” is provided free for the populace of False Isle (one per mailing address) and copies are sent to King-dom and Principality Royals and Chroniclers. (as well as some of False Isle’s special friends from afar.)

We will always try to respect the rights of artists, photographers and writers.

(...but if Johnny Hart actually complains about me using “Wizard of Id” strips in a freebie paper, made by volunteers, funded by donations and having a circulation of about 27, well, life really is too dangerous and we can start our march into the sea.) Any errors, omissions or mistakes one might find throughout this publication have been strategically placed there for your entertainment and meant simply as an amusement. Collect the whole set.

Which brings me to the welcome that has been extended to me here in False Isle. Now that I’ve been here for a while, I find myself pleased that that welcome is as warm today as it was when I first came Up with Jeff to visit Kelli and squeeze in an Ithra. Many years ago Baroness Amanda told me that I was a lucky man to be surrounded by a group like Clan Frog. She, of course, was right. At WinterFeast I had the opportunity to speak to Amanda once more and was very pleased to be able to tell her that I hadn’t forgotten her words. Half of Clan Frog now lives in False Isle! ...and I got to say to Amanda that I feel doubly blessed. Clan Frog and now the incredible folks of False Isle. Here in SCA heaven, I remain, Your Servant,

Owyn

Page Four

Prince Einar Guntharson Graces the Mermaid’s Tournament

Page Five

This picture could only be possible at the Mermaid’s Tourney The Mermaid herself might watch from here.

Princess Thora Golvik Personifies Grace

Their Highnesses bestowing Awards of Arms on their deserving subjects Bartholomeus de Crecy, Arianwyn verch Laugharne & Aze-mar de Lyon. (left to right)

The 6th annual Mermaid’s Tourney at Kent’s Beach was the spec-tacular event that it has always proved to be in the past. The final gate count was 221. The False Isle Order of Precedence took a giant leap forward. The presence of the first royalty to visit False Isle, the Prince and Princess of Tir Righ, Einar and Thora made for an exciting Court. Many of the populace, especially those who tend not to travel, were recog-nized for their contributions to the dream. Many AoA’s were awarded as well as a couple of grants of arms. May False Isle’s navy grow ever stronger! (See related article on Page Six.) The Tourney results were as follows:- Most Chivalrous Overall John McAndrew Arts & Sciences Best Tribute to our Mermaid Eyealbeth, with a lovely dance Accolade Rapier Winners: Rory Woulfe and Pierce O'Brien Archery Overall Winner: Delwyn verch Ynyr Crossbow Royal Rounds Mikhail Kurganovic : personal best of '89' Running Stag Shoot Kenneth of Shaftsbury Measured String Shoot Bartholomeus de Cressy Royal Rounds Delwyn verch Ynyr : personal best of '95' Flying Wand Shoot Delwyn verch Ynyr Peg the Parrot Delwyn verch Ynyr

Most Chivalrous Archer John McAndrew Children's Sponsored Archery Liam MacConneach, sponsored by Hilary of Misty Glen Heavy Best Challenge: Edward the Merchant; heralded by Aline DeBruge Most Ribbons received from the Ladies: Rory Woulfe, who most honourably gave his prize to Edward the Merchant for all his hard work these past 5years getting his armour together Ladies' Choice: Christian d'Artois Boffer: Elizabeth the Dragon Lady's Accolade Brass Rose (Rapier) for most enjoyable fight Alaria, Cadet to Maestro Guidobaldo Scavenger Hunt: Adult Isabeau Child: Brendan

The date for next year's Mermaid's Tourney is July 9 - 11, 2004. Come and see what a False Isle welcome can be.

Come and see what a “moonbag” is.

Mermaid’s Tourney - a peasant’s POV -

Dateline August, Kent’s Beach Owyn, dot Velsh Lord mit eine ship, intended to report to you uf de tournament held here in False Isle to pay homage to de Mermaid. However, his report vas zo full uf zuperlatives und praise for de event und de Ottocrat, dot Velsh Lady mit eine ship, Rhyannan of Pem-broke Castle, dat it vas unreadable. Vell, you could read it, but not if you vere diabetic. Zo ve can fill dis space mit my observations. Dis vas primarily ein gatheringk of de fighters, gentry, nobililty, und royalty. Premier amongst dem vere Dere Highnesses Einar und Thora uf our Principality, Tir Righ. Old friends to False Isle, Gerhard und Amanda Kendal uf Vestmoreland, bot beingk Lions uf An Tir, vere dere. DeBaron und Baroness uf Lions Gate, Harold Devin uf Waltham und Aurora Argentius came too. Uf course dere vas eine big court. Owyn tells me dot it vas ein uf de best courts he’s attended. He’s never been to an eric to vatch de fightink but hast never missed eine court, not even eine schmall von. By de time it vas over False Isle had eine new member uf de nobility und more new gentry den I haf fingers. Dot beauteous Wiking Lady Saeunn Hrafensdottir vast given eine ship. The navy uf False Isle grows even more powerful. She vas admit-ted into de Order uf de Goutte de Sang. Membership carries eine Grant uf Arms und ist avarded by de Crown to dose who haf given excellent zervice to de Kingdom. Dot grant ist de zecond level uf ar-migerous rank und thus Nobility. Svaana uf de Wilde Woode und Thorfin uf Black Point vere called to court. For de first time in many years dey veren’t feedingk der masses from de Bear Pit. Dey vere finally given dere Avard of Arms. De Prince, a typical Wiking varrior, admired Lord Thorfin’s massive veapons. Lady Svaana beamed. Elfgiva Rolandsdottir vas avardered her Avard of Arms (AoA) as vell.Elfgiva und her lord husband, Thorvald “Toothspitter” Ivarsson, are amongst de founding members uf False Isle. Regrettably, Thorvald vas sailing afar aboard eine all too real ship on about our country’s business. Edward de Merchant und Effie Little, married at eine previous Mer-maid tourney, also received dere AoA’s und like all who haf, may now be referred to as Lord und Lady. Edward and Owyn bote had firsts at dis event. Lord Edward fought in his first heavy tourney und Owyn watched his first fight. House Little und Clan Frog are allied by marriage. Lord Edward ist de first heavy fighter between bote households! Lady Effie is False Isle’s Mistress uf Arts und Ziences. Calindra de Silva und Geoffrey uf Mylar vere next. Lady Calindra almost had to herald her own avard. Lord Geoffrey ist ein schtudent uf Owyn und probably vhy I vas fired. (I tink Owyn likes Geoffrey better dan me, but I’m not bitter.) Title und property in de zame year, not bad. Good tink dey have not yet invented de vord bourgeoisie.

Stephen uf Hunmanby, that multitalented medievalist vust next at court. With his AoA Lord Stephen joins his wife, Lady Alicia the Wilfulle, on the list of False Isle’s gentry. Bartholomeus de Cressey, Arianwen verch Laugharne, und Joshua are finally inschtalled at Chateau Cressey. Mit dere triple avard, Lord Bartholomeus, Lady Arianwen und Lord Joshua give Lund a full set uf AoAs. Even peasants can sharpen dere skills mit dere bows at dere archery range. Tita de Wanderer und Hermannus der Mensch , whose energy und enthusiasm ist unmatched, alzo picked up dere AoA’s. Lady Tita is our Chatelaine and irrepressible Dance Mistress. Lord Hermanus ist der Mensch. Morgan von Drachenfel, after years uf quiet service, vas noticed by the Prince himself and avarded his AoA on de schpot. Lord Mor-gan ist not only a cook of note, but ist always to be seen helpingk all about de site at any event (He vould have made ein great peasant.) Sadly, our Landsknecht Lord Morgan hast taken ein commission in Lionsdale to zuit his mundane employment. He promises ve vill meet again. Owyn schpoke mit most everyvon mentioned above und zays each uf dem share eine tingk in common. Vhen de Prince came on der site, Owyn congratulated him on his vinning Coronet Tourney und becoming de first Prince uf Tir Righ. He replied, “Oh, I was just having a good day.” Humility. Royalty dat has ein underztandingk of humility! Owyn hast taught me dat humility ist dere core uf chiv-alry und courtesy und honour. You can underschtand none uf dese mitout underschtanding humility. Power mitout humility leads to revolting peasants. If I had vanted to schpoil de punchline I vould haf called dis report “A Lesson in Humility.” Gerhard und Amanda bote haf been named Lion uf An Tir. Dis ist ein mark uf favour given once ein reign to ein individual who embodies de IDEALS uf de Society. Dey bote said, “Ah, we’re just doin’ stuff we love.” Again mit humil-ity. Vhen it vas suggested to devin und Aurora dat dey should run for Baron und Baroness uf Lions Gate dey bote paled und zaid “Us? Who us?” (‘cha) Dey vere de most obvious choice but dey never efen tought uf demselves as contenders. It ist obfious what de popu-lous uf Lions Gate tought! Und vhen he schpoke to all de False Islers dat recieved avards dey all zaid basically de same tingk. “I don’t know why I got this.” Owyn und I agree dat each uf dese False Islers hast shown why dey vere found deserving. Quiet service, mithout hope of reward or recogni-tion, for de benefit uf de whole group. You all zhould be wery proud uf yourselves. I zalut you.

Your peasant,

Drogo, untermensch

Page Six

On Thanksgiving weekend, members of the Shire of False Isle joined together for a day of fun and festivities known as "Just a Pic-nic", which took place at Kent's Beach, the site of the renowned "Mermaid's Tourney", autocrated by Aline de Bruges and Lady Constance de Montbard. Following the advice of our illustrious soon-to-be-ex-Seneschale, Rhyannan of Pembroke Castle, we gathered in a cottage upon the very verge of the beach, there to sate our souls with fine food, mu-sic and song, games, and handiwork from stitchery to carding wool; and especially, with the warmth and comfort of good friends. Such warmth was well-needed; the skies opened and rained down upon us for many an hour. The hardiest souls were daunted (and the shiniest almost rusted!); except for the courageous (and some-times rather wet) Lord Bartholomeus, who braved the torrential downpours to maintain an archery site within view of the snug con-fines of the cabin as well as the covered veranda (so those of us who were not so brave could admire his prowess with bow and arrow, and that of other hardy individuals, while yet enjoying the comfort of our snug cabin). The Shire's fighters regaled all with epic of deeds done and battles won, and plans for another day. There were some, led they say by Sabine and Arianwyn, who when the rains finally abated, and who were surely afflicted by "cabin fe-ver", tucked up skirts and leggings into belts and tested the theory that salt water does not freeze. (Perhaps they were right? But what about bare feet?) As evening descended, the fragrance of savoury dishes and sizzling meats welcomed all, as people shared in both the cooking and the feasting. Quite a number of people remained and celebrated late into the night before retiring to the several beds in the cabin, awak-ened rather early by the fragrance of coffee and hot porridge, a hearty breakfast prepared by Aline, to prepare for packing up. And a fine time was had by all.

Aline de Bruges Autocrat, "Just a Picnic" Deputy Herald and Graphic Herald

Just a Picnic

Page Seven

Winterfeast 2004 ~ the Autocrat’s view ~

by Tita the Wanderer, AoA A wise man once said, “Every Winterfeast has its own distinct flavour … and this one tasted of HAGGIS!” Well, it wasn’t exactly a wise man, it was HL McGrimmin, and it wasn’t ‘once’ it was several times, the Sunday morning after the feast. But nevertheless, there is wisdom in his words. Every Winterfeast is different, and this one had several distinguishing features to make it memorable in the hearts and minds of those who attended. For the first time, HE Amanda Kendal of Westmoreland graced us with her presence at Winterfeast. In her honour, HL Rory Woulfe of Kildare undertook to present False Isle’s populace to her in a Grand Procession which was enjoyed heartily not only by the participants but also by Amanda herself. She was grateful for the opportunity to meet her Shire once again, with many new and familiar faces in attendance. The Moose Hall, ably decked out by Hermannus and his faithful team of decorators, was a sight to behold with its false walls, abundant her-aldry, and the strikingly elegant suit of armour behind the head table. One could not help but feel medieval when entering such a grand hall. The feast was prepared by first-time Feast-o-Crat HL Sabine and her unfailing helpers, then served by a crew of young volunteers who gamely dressed in garb and addressed all they served as “m’lord” or “m’lady.” (Anyone else smell recruits, or is that just the Chatelaine in me taking over?) The food itself was superb, and it was a real treat to sit and be served, as we nobles too rarely get to indulge in such pleas-ures. We had several guests from afar make an arduous journey over land and sea to join us in our merriment, for which we were most grateful.

con’t on page 8

Greetings False Isle, Well, we have managed to fill the last three months with a variety of things, but first I would like to congratulate Stephen of Hunmanby for his Jambe de Lion and Alicia la Willfule for her Goutte de Sang. Well done. Our Friday night meetings have been going very well. We had H.L. Saeunn Hrafnsdottir, H.L. Alicia le Willfule and Aline de Bruges do a well informed class on Heraldry and period names. Many that have long put off these chores have a renewed interest and are currently working on their goals. Through much effort we have acquired to large dolls, which we plan to dress up in period garb for demos for schools and the like. H.L. Alicia le Willfule gave a class on gameboard making just in time for Christmas, a nice idea for Christmas gifts. My daughter Ashley the Crow's school put on a Christmas concert that's theme was Good King Wencelas, and we were asked to help out. We were split into the categories of weapons, armor, costuming and cooking. The interest and response of the children and their teachers was most gratifying. On hand for the demo were H.L. Rory Woulfe of Kildare, H.L. Sabine de Provence, Lord Hermannus der Mensch, Lady Constance de Montbard and Lady Effie Little. Many thanks. Thursday nights are split between medieval dance with Lady Tita the Wanderer and medieval music with Thormot Mac Otter of Rushen and H.L. Stephen of Hunmanby, those attending are most thrilled. The Daughters of the Desert are continuing their Middle Eastern dance classes early Friday evenings. Special thanks to Lord Herman-nus der Mensch for keeping our web site up and running allowing us all to keep in touch. Our new Chronicler H.L. Owen of Clan Frog has given us the fist issue of Poor Drogo’s Almanac and as always Drogo has his finger on the pulse of the Shire. Wishing everyone happiness in the New Year.

Lady Effie Little Mistress of Arts and Sciences

Arts and

Sciences

Page Eight

Special recognition must be given to Lord Thorvald and Lady Elfgiva, who were only able to stay in our fair Shire for a number of hours but still managed to add their special flavour to the celebrations. Great thanks also to Morgen von Drachenfel, who traveled to False Isle and then lent his hand to decorating and kitchen work! After dinner, the evening flew too quickly by us, with so many activi-ties and entertainments that one could scarcely take them all in. Once again, Lord Edward the Merchant challenged the populace with a sto-rytelling contest, the entries for which kept us amused throughout the evening. Congratulations to Adrian of the Grievous Wound and young Owain for their winning entries. There was also a dance contest sponsored by myself in a quest to find the most fleet-footed dancer. Unfortunately, the winner - Wulfwynn of Hartwood – lives out of town, so I can’t recruit her to our False Isle Dance Troupe! Speaking of dance, we were treated to several presentations by The Daughters of the Desert, The False Isle Dancers, and Bashira, a guest from Insula Magna. We were also treated to music from live bards, including Thormot, our own Shire Bard, and Stephen of Hunmanby, Bardic Champion of Tir Righ. In addition, Owain arranged a beauti-ful medieval carol for two voices, and I was honoured to sing this duet with him. The talent in our Shire continues to amaze me! Oh, and somewhere along the way… …Rory managed to start a war with Lions Gate …We celebrated Thormot’s birthday …Sabine became a Journeyman (ask her what for, if you dare) …House Little made some money to help with the Investiture …And a good time was had by all! If I thanked all who had helped, the list would be equal –at least!- to our False Isle phone list. As is always the case in our Shire, every gen-tle who attended Winterfeast contributed something to its stunning success. Though Hermann and I may be the autocrats, every member of this group has a right to be proud for their part in this wonderful evening. Three cheers for the inspiring Shire of False Isle, who make the title of Autocrat a joyous one!

WinterFeast con’t from page 6

Illiterate? No, dat hast notingk to do mit de Marital status

your parents enjoyed, but if you are ein peasant und cannot read

Write to: Drogo’s school of letters

C/o this paper To inquire about lessons Group rates available

Non literati Carborundum

Greetings Infidels! Some highlights of the last year were: In January we performed at the North African Night for the French Club to help them raise money for their pre-school program. In April we had both Ithra and Earth-day performances. Roving dancing in July's Mermaid tourney and a performances at the Fall Fair Demo rounded out this year’s tour. In November members of the Daughters of the Desert formed a cara-van to attend the Hafla hosted by Shareef Musiqu al-Rashid and Belly Belly Hip.

It was inspiring to watch so many beautiful dancers perform and to partake of the dance and drum classes, along with the opportunity to meet new friends. The food was delicious prepared by a Syrian Chef and the great tent was lavishly decorated with many beautiful lights and lengths of cloth. Kareema, Sameera, Talib, Jannah, Malik and Haziza, enjoyed ourselves immensely and intend to go next year.

En Sha' Allah, Submitted by Jannah and Sameera

Some of The Daughters of the desert Front Row (Reclining) Kareema (Karen) Jannah (Sabine/Jeannette) Back Row Sameeha (Constance) Talib (Rory) Kaheel (mka Merv new fellow with the camera) Aziza (Judy Texada) Page Nine

His Lordship Stephen of Hunmanby Bardic Champion of the Principality of Tir Righ

The Principality Champions are Heavy Champion (Scourge of the North), Rapier Champion (Scar of the North, Guardian of the Ra-pier), Archery Champion (Scorer of the North), Arts & Sciences Champion (Scholar of the North), and Bardic Champion. Considered Ministers of the Principality, the Principality Champions are selected through competition, rather than by appointment. They can easily be considered the best the Principality has to offer. HL Stephen of Hunmanby proved his Bardic skills a match for any and all competition at this year’s Fall Coronet Tournament. HL Stephen’s term of service will be until the next Fall Coronet Bardic and Archery championship tournament is held. An event he must organize. Considering the talent in the Principality choosing a successor might be tough. Champions may defend their title. (What do you think, Stephen?) Duties of All Champions To swear an oath of fealty and service to the Coronet. To defend the honor and prestige of the Coronet and the Principality of Tir Righ, whenever such is challenged. To support the Coronet in war. To attend all Coronet Events, unless that champion receives permis -sion from the Coronet not to do so. To speak or act in the Coronet’s name when delegated to do so. To further the interests of their area of endeavor. Rights and Privileges To have a place at the high table for the champion and an escort. To stand armed near the Coronet at all events. To be at the side of the Coronet in war. To bear and display the regalia of their position. SKALD OF THE NORTH (Bardic Champions)

• XXXIV/1999 Premier: Justin de Leon • XXXV/2000: Petro Rosvardo Thorvaldson • XXXVI/2001: Anya Rozvardo • XXXVI/2002: Bernadette Ebhilín Árd • XXXVI/2003: Stephen of Hunmanby

Page Nine

A&S Con’t from page 8

First by Her Ladyship Rhyannan at the Shire meeting and then by Amanda herself at WinterFeast, we have been asked to attend Gerhard Kendal’s wake en masse as a Shire. It will be Saturday March 13th. It will be all day. So Saturday morning travel should work. It is NON-SCA, no garb. Let’s not disappoint these two.

The picture far left is of Gerhard teaching at the very first newcomers workshop in False Isle. My memories of this picture are of him drawing on the chalk board explaining the evolution of the SCA vehicle. First he drew a small car, then crossed that out and drew a bigger car, then a car and trailer, then a mov-ing van. It went something like that. And how true it is! The picture to the left is in Seagirt at a King-dom A & S. I loved his outfit. And of course I got my hand kissed :-) At a Mermaid's Tourney he presented with the Baron and Baroness's favour. (And I got my hand kissed again :-) That picture missed being printed here, but is a favourite among my SCA memories. Since our paths crossed many times and it saddens me that they won’t cross again. (Hand kisses will never be the same.) Rhyannan of Pembroke Castle

Gerhard Kendal of Westmoreland

1936 -2003

“Life’s too short... ...find something you are passionate about and do some each and every day.”

Page Ten

I was stunned by one thing. These very same knuckle-draggers were paying him exactly the same type of respect I am used to seeing him receive in the SCA. It was spooky. To a man and woman (powder-puff racer, I understand) they showed a deference to him rare in the mundane world. He was true to his motto and enjoyed the things he was passionate about and I have to believe that he had this effect on any group he encountered. It was at the same event that I jokingly asked him, “So, what do you do in your spare time?” He rubbed his chin hmmmmed and re-plied, “Work, I guess.”

Owyn of Clan Frog

It was Gerhard Kendall who came the closest to ending my rapier career. My first battle as a carded fighter was SeaLion held in Seagirt. I fought hard and found it very confusing as to who was whom out there on the battle-field so one of my frere-de-le-blade (who shall remain nameless) decided to string me along that I had fought for the wrong side! (False Isle had sworn fealty as a Can-ton to Lions Gate). Now I was in a moral quandary. In an effort to regain my dignity and remain chivalrous I flung myself on the ground before Baron Gerhard and placed my blade un-derneath his lifted foot. As he gazed down in some aston-ishment I explained that I may have fought for the wrong side and if he deemed fit that he should bring his foot down thus destroying my An Tir blade and ending my rapier career. Verily, he then smiled, and then chuckled and asked me if "I fought to the best of my ability?" (yes), "did I enjoy myself? (oh yes!), then he moved his foot and bid me con-tinue to fight. This small tale demonstrates Gerhard’s ap-proach to everything, humour, patience, and forgiveness. I bid adieu to the finest hand-kisser in the Knowne Worlde. A scholar, a leader, a warrior, a gentleman, with just the right amount of rogue. I pity those fair maidens that will never have the chance to feel the caress of his velvet lips.

I Remember Gerhard

My first meeting with Gerhard was at the first SCA thing we went to, a newcomers event in Lions Gate. I was a little nervous about how would we taken, two gay men with a fourteen year old daughter. It was the first thing that we had really done with the three of us, out together as a family.

Everything was friendly and interesting, we had been introduced to lots of folks, most of whom I'm now happy to call friends, like Lions Gate's present Baron and Baroness. At one point I watched Kevin and Liz (that's Thormot and Calicrist now) at the table of the older guy with the rubber band guns, and how he talked, and how he lis-tened, how Liz lit up, how Kevin got animated, I could see from across the room, there was something good happening. We had all decided when we got home this was fun, and there was something here for all of us.

If you had ever watched Gerhard have a conversation with someone, if he was interested, and show me a more interested person than Gerhard, he had this way of drawing you out, sucking you into the fun, then asking you questions that made you think. He always wanted you to work it out for yourself, and did his best to set it up so that you could understand how and why. He taught the best Ithra classes, I remember getting ready for one spring Ithra and seeing "Buckets and Butterflies", and laughing at the title. It was my first class with him. I had no idea he could make pe-riod footwear so funny, so serious, so interesting, and have it start to make sense to me.

In every class I took with him (and if he was teaching I went), he al-ways made me feel that I had a part to play, that much depended on my participation. For a grade nine dropout with a classroom phobia, it was something I had never felt before. I remember Gerhard as teacher more than anything else, because it always seemed to me like he never stopped encouraging learning in one form or another.

in service, Spencer of House Mac Otter

Page Eleven

Two things stand out in my mind of all the associations I’ve had with Baron Gerhard. In the first, I remember him sitting on the top of a desk much as in the above picture. He took a few minutes out of the classes to tell the story of the second time he fell in love. He had been in love with Nancy Stevens all along, but fell again when he first saw Amanda in her newly made first set of garb. There was a tear in his eye. (...and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house). Some years ago I had the opportunity to visit the pit area of the demolition derby at the PNE. I don’t remember the group’s name. Something like Outlaw or Wildcat Racing. Surrounded by knuckle-dragging grease-covered tough guys, I felt quite out of place. Suddenly walking out of a crowd of these Neanderthals comes a friendly, recognizable face. My Baron, Gerhard Kendal of West-moreland. He was, however, in his mundane disguise as Gerry Ste-vens. He took me on an hours long tour of the facility and intro-duced me around.

Page Twelve

Sitting in her room, she read the poem she just wrote. 'Happy Hearts' * In touching sometimes hearts will see. That past hurts haunt unknowingly. They twist us into tiny shapes. That we should leave and not wait. And then if known and understood. A love two share if only could. Soothe away the distant pains... and love again ' tis all remains. Two happy hearts with joy again. Looking out at the coral reef outside her window, she sighed. Being condemned to her room for a week really puts a damper on ones so-cial life. Swimming over to her alarm clock, she figured that since she was to be here for the next week, her family would have to put up with her music. “Laura!! You turn that blasted noise down this instant!” Laura rolled her eyes, locked her door and turned the volume up. Her father started pounding on her door. “Laura!!!! If you don’t turn that blasted thing down, I’m going to give it to one of your sisters!” Rolling her eyes and pouting, she turned the volume down so he wouldn’t have to shout. “Honey, I’m sorry but you know that you can’t socialize with hu-mans.” Pouting still, she sat on her windowsill. “And why not? Its not like they’re going to hunt us down. We never hurt them so why should they hurt us?” She heard her father sigh and when he didn’t reply; she figured that he had left. Picking up her sketchbook, she looked at all her drawing of humans. Could she help it if humans fascinated her? Its not like they would actually do any of them any harm. A knock at her door broke her out of her thoughts. “What?” Laura called. “Hey, Laura, its me.” Swimming over she unlocked and opened the door. “Hey, Nina.” Nina was her 25-year-old sister that had come visiting for her holiday. Nina came in and immediately embraced Laura in a hug. “How’re you holding up?” Laura shrugged. “I’m holding.”

Nina paused for a minute, weighing her options. “I know you’re fascinated with humans and if you come to my room when every-one’s sleeping then I’ll explain.” Curious, Laura agrees. Midnight That Night Laura knocks on her sister’s door. “Nina?” Nina swiftly opens the door and pulls her in. “Okay, I have this formula that I used when I was your age. You can have it. Until your ungrounded, use this only at night, when everyone is sleeping, so no one notices that your gone.” Stunned, Laura studies the bottle. I can actually use this to become human for a short time “Don’t drink too much otherwise the effects can’t wear off.” Looking into her sisters’ eyes, she hugs her suddenly. “This is like a dream come true. Thank you.” “Remember: With great power; comes great responsibility. Ha, I’ve always wanted to say that. But seriously, don’t abuse this, Laura.” “Oh, believe me, I won’t. Thanks again.”

A Tale of Mermaids by

Erin Hill

Arts and Sciences Con’t from page 12

Page Thirteen—Age: Seventeen Happy Birthday, Erin.

Watch for our next issue. “The Spring Edition”

Fighting season begins...

Coming to a mailbox near you in

April

The Shire of False Isle in a paragraph or two In the past year so much was new Baron Sir Gerhard is no longer with us it is true But his spirit lives on, we have good memories to cling to On our shores new ships they are abound In our ports they dock to the greatest of sound All are happy…cheers all around In the Shire of False Isle their place has been found Cheering and jeering, now a lull in the air Mermaid is upon us so all must prepare Merchants line up to hock their fine wares The bardic fire is stoked so all with tale may share Recognition was given to all who deserved it Many a name were called forth, together we observed it Too many were named to recall in this bit But as sure as the sun rises each day we can remember every last of it A new seneshale was found When the past one stepped down Rhyannan retired So Sabine took the crown Winterfeast is always enjoyed, that is no lie All who come cannot deny

Within False Isle, there resides a relatively little-known and some-what obscure sub-group, unidentifiable primarily by the fact that they have no legal identification yet; this group has been assigned the moniker "The Teen Group". Spending much of their time with each other in shadowy subterra-nean (rec... or was that "wreck"?) rooms, they venture forth from time to time to demonstrate their fighting prowess, their fleet-footed lightness in dance, or their entertaining renditions of music or song. Ranging in age from 10 to 18, they include young ladies who are champions in boffer and whalebone, plus others who enjoy the chal-lenge of both rapier combat and dance, along with young men who thrill both to the clash of rapiers and the siren call of music and song. The group is officially headed up by Nicolas Lucas de Navarre, a rapier fighter and singer, and Man-at-Arms to HL Rory Woulfe of Kildare, along with his deputy, Owain Godwinson, a new rapier fighter, as well as both a musician and singer.

Individuals in the teen group meet often as friends, and the group as a whole meets occasionally for social gatherings; all are most eager to take part in various capacities at such events as WinterFeast, Ithra, and Mermaid. The group is sponsored by Aline de Bruges and HL Owyn of Clan Frog, both of whose principal goal is to provide the young people with a place to be and a group of their own to be with, that they may maintain their connection with the SCA until such time as they can take their place as young adults in the larger Society.

Aline de Bruges Deputy Herald and Graphic Herald

Page Fourteen

False Isle’s Youth Gang

HL Sabine hinted that perhaps we could give a summary of our trav-els, so here goes (briefly, I hope). (Editor’s Note: I was less delicate about asking for these travel journals. I wanted a travel section. I have agoraphobia and now get my thrills vicariously from the wanderings of others Both my persona and my mundane self has traveled all about the world and have now retired to False Isle. The wanderlust is still as strong as ever. Between Stephen, Alicia and Eleanor they’ve logged more miles than Marco Polo and the greatest traveler of the 14th century, Ibn-Battuta put together. In the 13th century Marco Polo (and Rusticello of Pisa) wrote the Travels or rather, Divisament dou Monde (A Description of the World ) and the even more widely traveled, but less known, Ibn-Battuta is the au-thor of the book Tohfat Al-Nozzar Fi Ghara'ib Al-Amsar (Best sight-seeings in the strangest territories). Without people writing the journals the stories are lost. Wouldn’t you just know I could over-complicate even an editor’s note—Owyn) September Crown: It was a looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong drive to Marsden, Saskatchewan, and a couple of incidents made it very good that we were traveling in convoy with Their Highnesses. The event site itself is very nice. All the people from BC were made very nervous by open fires creating showers of sparks, but apparently the fire haz-ard was only moderate - they've been getting regular rainfalls all sum-mer.

As I'm sure you have already heard, Duke Skepti defeated Sir Ulf to become Crown Prince. Our Lady Alicia did well in the Cadet tourney. And ap-parently False Isle was used by our Princess as a horrible example of neglect of shires in the Princi-

palities by Royalty who never visit such places (I think she really likes us!). ...and then it was a loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong drive home again. Hartwood Birthday Bash: We hadn't originally planned to attend t h i s , b u t a f t e r t h a t looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong drive the truck was more than ready to go over to Courtenay for servicing, so after barely time to turn around we were off again. The site in Ravens Key isn't as beautiful as our Mermaid site, but it is get-ting there and has a fantastic castle on a hill - an ex-cellent place for a war).

Lord Hermannus did us all proud in the Heavy tourney - coming 3rd in a field that included two knights (Prince Einar and Sir Thorvald, our Principality Earl Marshal) is REALLY good. Sir Thorvald congratulated him on his aggressive style and told him to keep it > up. After the tour-ney Sir Thorvald held a practice, so presumably Hermannus is even more skilful now. Lady Tita did an excellent job as Lady-in-Waiting to Her Highness (all good practice for when Hermannus wins the Coronet for her!). Fall Coronet Tourney: Another long drive in convoy (safety in numbers) but this time unevent-ful. The site had to be changed at the last minute, and was probably the worst event site I've been to, but we were just lucky to have a site at all. Sir Ulf Bloodfoot Falgrson defeated Sir Owain ap Einar to become Tan-ist and make his inspiration, Celdae the Seeker, Tanista. I entered the lists for the Archery Championship, knowing I hadn't a hope of win-ning. It was lots of fun, and in spite of the company, I didn't feel totally incompetent - our new Archery Champion is Lady Anika Styfe, with Morweena nad Delwyn being the other finalists. As has already been discussed, I won the Bardic Championship - and believe me I was really glad to be a contestant and not one of the judges! And now we actually have a few weeks without running off somewhere - in fact we actually get to hang out with all the rest of False Isle at the Fall Fair Demo. I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone there! In Service to the Music and the Dream

THL Stephen of Hunmanby JdL, A0A, Princess' Favour (Tir Righ) Skald of the North

Stephen & Alicia Roam the Kingdom of Antir

Travel Section ...being the adventures of False Islers abroad in

bothe the Knowne Worlde and the mundane world

Page Fifteen

Page Sixteen

HL Rory Woulfe begins his preparations

for Mermaid’s.

“Let me get this straight Lord Woulfe... you want 400 Temps... physically fit, climbing abilities a plus, able to

swing heavy objects, and with a penchant for anti-social behavior. And you require them for July 10th, this year at something called Mer-

maids?”

Robin of Sherwood Nothing's forgotten....nothing's ever forgotten

For some of us there has only ever been one Robin Hood Forget the films in which Errol Flynn pranced about in his daft tights and silly hat; forget 'Rawbin of Locksley' as portrayed by Kevin Costner in The Prince of Thieves. The real Robin Hood was the Hooded Man, who led his band of outlaws from the greenwood against the tyranny of the Normans, in the ITV television series Robin of Sherwood. To this day the haunting sound of Clannad's 'Robin - the Hooded Man' theme takes some of us right back to the tracks and trails of Sherwood Forest. Clannad provided the soundtrack for the entire series. The soundtrack “Legend” is available on RCA. Robin of Sherwood first appeared in the UK in 1984. It was written and created by Richard Carpenter, who was well-versed in the actual tales of the outlaw that have come down through the years (as dis-tinct from other adaptations of the legend.) Carpenter, rather than following in the footsteps of previous versions of the story, grounded his interpretation firmly in the history of the late 12th and early 13th centuries, providing a vibrant and believable backdrop for the series. He also used existing historical material to add a certain quality and clarity. Authenticity police will be hard pressed to criticize. Locations are breath-taking. Versions of the Legend Following its first broadcast in the UK , the series was seen around the world, and counted fans among the young and the old until the US production company, Showtime, pulled its funding. As a result the UK production company, Goldcrest, was forced to follow suit. Thus the third series was to be the final outing for Robin and his band of outlaws. Even today, the quality of the writing, acting and production values sets the series apart from other interpretations of the legend. Indeed, for many, the series is the one truly definitive treatment of the legend of Robin Hood. The series is available for rent at most video stores..

Page Seventeen

Consider your origin; you were not born to live like brutes, but to follow virtue and knowledge. Dante Alighieri, 1265-1321) The Divine Comedy

The Adventures of

Eleanor de Guernsey

We like working hard at setting up tables and taking them down; we serve behind the bar at the Sunday brunches, (we mix up Caesars and sell them, and beers and sodas). At the monthly meetings of the yacht club, we both cook and serve hotdogs. Kip has become involved with a buddy of his in looking after boats that are in the Escondido harbour. People leave their vessels with Kip and Elvin as the provisional captain for the duration of their absence. Some boats engines have to be started or their gen-sets run, bilges and batteries checked and anchor or mooring lines checked for chafe. We just brought Angelos down to La Paz for a haul out. We have a few repairs we hadn’t expected so we will be out of the water for ten days instead of the four we had planned on. We are still hoping to be back in Escondido by Christmas. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in 2004. We would love to see anybody who can make it down for a visit. Love,

Mary and Kip Mail : . Flat mail only: 1564 Hurford Ave AP 184 Courtenay, B.C. Loreto, BCS 23880 V9N 6X3 Mexico email: mwvitovec@hotmail.com sv_angelos@hotmail.com

Puerto Escondido is near Loreto about 20 kms south. It is an almost circular harbour formed by the rim of an old volcano. The surround-ing backdrop is the “Sierra Giganta” mountain range. The summer temperatures were pretty warm, in the 100 degree range. It is now down in the low 80’s. It was very dry in the summer but in September the chubascos (rapid storms of very localized winds) and hurricanes brought a lot of rain and it has turned the countryside very green and brought on the mos-quitoes. We were back on the boat for 10 days before Hurricane Marty blew through. We were tied to a 5 long ton mooring made of concrete so we had no problems except for chafing of our mooring lines. The boat suffered no problems save some glass jars in a sliding drawer that was not secured. A boat slid between us and our neighbour while paying out anchor rode as it went by. Shortly after, our nearest boat, Debutante, let go of it’s mooring and swung 180 degrees and then back again to settle in the sand in the head of our bay. Needless to say it was quite the wake-up call as to what lies beneath the quiet of our existence in this paradise we have chosen to call home for a while. We had a few busy days helping haul boats off the beach. A few of the boats were known to us but most were complete strangers. Everyone pitched in, almost in a festive air thanking every God that it wasn’t us up there on the rocks. A cute little custom of closing down the day happens close to where our boat was anchored. It is held at Cocktail Cove, a shallow little bay, complete with a ring of concrete blocks in the water to form seats and a floating table for our drink containers and hors d’oeuvres. We all sit around and talk about the day’s proceedings and of course feed any little rumors that come up about anybody who is not there to dispute the “Talk”. We are both committed to the Hidden Port Yacht Club and all their little projects. We both volunteer for all sorts of stuff but will not get involved at the executive level although we have been asked many times to serve in that capacity.

Travel, Con’t from page 15

Know Your Peasants? Gert The incessantly pregnant Universal peasant, Gert seems very susceptible a brush of the wrist or the wind on her ears as evidenced by her fecundity. She runs the “kissing booth’ at Phesint’s Knite and has been noted for her dental hygiene. Do not sit opposite her when she eats ...and she has about nine hundred children. Mutt 170 pounds of snarling stoat cunningly disguised as a foul-breathed, demon-tongued, beady-eyed, bandy-legged, leather-skinned, untrainable, untreatable, untrustworthy, unwashed, unshaven, un-couth, thoroughly unappealing, stinking peasant (and those are his good traits!) May weigh as much as 240 pounds. with his pockets full. ...and be careful. His bite is actually worse than his bark.

Principality Events April 23-25 Eisenmarche Spring Coronet and Arts & Sciences Championship June 11-13 Ravensweir Summer Investiture and Heavy Championship Sept 17-19 Ramsgaard Fall Coronet and Bardic & Archery Championships Nov 19-21 False Isle Winter Investiture and Rapier Championship

Lady Lady Constance Rocks A picture of the rockin’ Principality banner made by Lady Lady Constance de Montbard. Quoting a reliable source, “It has been commented on very favourably by a number of people whose opinion means something in the area of needle work.” as it has traveled outside the Shire. Wow. Hey, sometimes ya gotta brag. ...and as usual, False Isle ROCKS!

‘Tonio the Sicilian Ok, The principality of Tir Righ can ROCK too.

Gert Mutt

Owyn of Clan Frog—the early years -

CALM DOWN OWYN. YES, WE ALL KNOW YOU THINK CLAN FROG IS NUMBER ONE.

Page Eighteen

Owyn’s Wish List for the New Year

Please accept the following New Year Wishes as my clumsy attempt at a thanks to every one of you for making me so welcome. My contacts with each of you have the last year an incredible one and this year looks even better already. ...for His Lordship Grimon de Beaujolais, MacGrimmon, etc., may you always have an audience. I guess that’s really a wish for the audience, but it will have to do. ...for Her Welsh Ladyship Rhyannan of Pembroke Castle, (I do feel badly that my wish for last year never came true.) the same as last year. You really could help just a little. ...for His Lordship Rory Woulfe of Kildare, time to work on the armour we spoke of. (!) ...for Her Ladyship Sabine de Provence, fewer disembowelings, more herrings ...for Her Ladyship Saeunn Hrafnsdottir, SCA events with dog shows, or dog shows with a medieval themes, cut your mileage in half. ...for Her Ladyship Lady Alicia the Wilfulle, mobility (upwards) ...for His Lordship Stephen of Hunmanby, mobility (manual) ...for iLady Lady Constance de Montbard, that third Lady for the full set & an SCA equestrian event here in False Isle. ...for Lord Thorvald “ Toothspitter” Ivarsson, that they be able to keep stackin’ ’em up for as long as he can knock ‘em down. ...for Elfgiva Rolandsdottir, World peace. Keep that husband home more. ..for Lord Edward the Merchant of False Isle, no slowpokes in his way when he’s headed home to his Lady wife. ...for Lady Effie Little, a little goose. *smirk* ...for Lord Bartholomeus de Crecy, a mysterious shipment of yew. ...for Lady Arianwyn verch Laugharne, the success of your mun dane “dream” ...for Lord Azemar de Lyon, a word to rhyme with “Ithra”. ...for b Lady Calindra de Silva, the one thing left! ...for w Lord Geoffrey of Mylar, the hint! ...for Lord Hermannus der Mensch, a reminder for him to send me the translation of which particular mensch he might be at that moment. (I am that cat that curiosity killed and you are making me nuts!) ...for Lady Tita the Wanderer, Dance Fever. ...like Geoffrey’s last year:- hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha ...for Lady Svaana of the Wilde Woode, gems, gems, more gems. ...for Lord Thorfinn of Black Point, less work, more time for those personal projects. ...for Lord Morgan von Drakenvold, happiness until he returns from seeking his fortune. ...for Aline de Bruges, the hope that she knows just how cool her students find her and how vocal they are about it. ...for k Spencer Mac Otter, more bells-a-ringin’... ...for l Thormot Mac Otter, a long and happy carrer as the Shire’s Bard ...for a Calycrist Cottier, many chances to play her flute when I’m about. It’s my favourite.

...for Annastasia, a certain metal four-poster.

...for Mungar Öndör, a new chiurgeon so he might stay with us longer.

...for the smith, fPeter, the timely completion of his shop, at least the one in this part of the multiverse. ...for Brian the Elder, more events. ...for Cicilia, an uneventful Mermaid’s Tourney. ...for Eleanor de Guernsey, her way home, but not too soon. ...for Mary, spare time enough to show the rest of us how to get younger instead of older. ...for Jim, to get to stay here in False Isle. ...for Genevieve, to find your way clear to come back and play. ...for Claiflin of Cork, a new address away from that landlord. ...for Walter of Black Point, an out-of-the-blue adventure. ...for Camille, Barry in tights ...for Adrian of the Grievous Wound, tights. (Camille will have to tell you why.) ...for Ambrosine, to get well enough to come back. ...for Angelina, a way to get back to rapier fighting. ...for Erin, an agent and a publisher. ...for Gabriel, his own rapier equipment. ...for Nicolas Lucas de Navarre, better health. ...for Heather, to turn 16 and be rapier legal. ...for Maenyn, to get the cabin back. ...for Owain Godwinson, who has the 2nd coolest name in the Shire, a digital camera to show his skills (and a subtle hint that the Mer-maid always needs photographers). ...for Sarah, that she not go deaf from that Japanese Techno-Pop she listens to. Rock and Roll will never die! ...for Ashley the Crow, another boffer competitor to test your skills as talented as talented and chivalrous as Elizabeth. ...for Elizabeth the Dragon, a whalebone competitor to test your skills as talented and chivalrous as Ashley ...for Bella, Bob the Dog, Foo, Frodo, Kira, Teddy, w Toby & Trump, the Shire’s dog buddies, lots of attention, pets and scritches (mostly from me, of course). ...for tiu missing friends, peace. ...and lastly, for the peasant k Drogo, much future success with his Almanac. So that’s it. If I missed anyone, please know it wasn’t for lack of trying. My short-term memory problems are well known and I hope will stand as an apology to any of you I over-looked. I have no idea how the next year could be better than the last, but like I said last year, every time I say it can’t get better, you folks prove me wrong. Thank you, One and All. Your servant,

m Owyn

i

Page Nineteen

i

The Great Household of

Clan frog WolF-Works

The smith, Peter, is from the somewhere in the “Baltic states” sometime during the 12th or 13th century and is, oddly enough, a smith. Peter Elvy is considerably more complicated a persona ...er, ah, per-son. Peter is a metalworker & an artist . He is able to do metalwork from the truly medieval to the absolutely futuristic. He can forge (even smelt) and cast a wide variety of metals using period methods. Peter has widely researched medieval techniques and uses them regularly. He has also just acquired technology that jumps him into the 21st century. A plasma cutter and computer controlled cutting table that he had to sign papers for promising not to allow the technology to fall into the hands of countries “on the banned list”. ...but just think of the end-less SCA projects possible (I know I am. Ed.)

Supporters

We really are trying hard to keep this magazine and Poor Drogo’s Almanac regularly mailed out free of charge to the populace of False Isle. So far, so good. The limited size of our membership here in the Shire keeps the costs low. We have a freedom unavailable to branches with large numbers of paid subscriptions. The low numbers keep printing costs from swamping us. We aren’t bogged down in event copy like more central areas so experimentation is within reason. We live in a very special and unique Shire that allows for many wondrous things.

That being said, should you like to make a donation or help sponsor an issue, we’ll talk.. It’s cheap. It’s fun. It’s hip.

Both the Mermaid’s Tales and Poor Drogo’s Almanac and the Office of the Chronicler, False Isle, would like to thank those below for all of their continuing support. You are officially declared hip. So let it be written.

Lord Bartholomeus de Cressy, the archer and his Welsh lady, the Lady Arianwen verch Laugharne come to use out of the twelfth century. Usually seen making flaming arrows, and bows, (that are both becoming known Kingdom-wide, I might add. Ed.), and generally being genuinely cool. Lord Azemar de Lyon lives in Lyon, France, in the year of our Lord 1240. He lives in truly noble lifestyle on his estate in the Lyon countryside and is a student of the False Isle Ecole d'Epee. His motto “Beneficium ab Adrideo” should bring his face to the mind to any. Daniel Friesen, Diana Roxburgh, and Josh Friesen by some odd quirk of fate, coincidence or anachronism are equally as cool. With all of the chaos, long hours, capital drainage of purchasing, readying, and running of their new Cranberry Lake Nursery they took time to think of us here at the Chroniclers Office (while digging up an order of trees. Ed.). Cool and more flowers than you can shake a hippy at. Hmmm… works for me!