Category Archives: Miscellany

On SCA Patrons of Bardic Arts

A question about Patrons in the SCA was raised on a bardic list I’m actively a part of. “Is there a tradition anywhere out there about being a bardic Patron? I know some folks have students, and Laurels can take apprentices… but is anyone/does anyone have a patron? How has that worked? Thanks!” I decided to post my own answer … …more, please!

The Tale of Adolphus the Devourer

Once upon a time, in the spring of the year as the mud thaw ground gave way to greening, a kingdom was beset with a plague that distended bellies and left all affected exhausted, longing but to lay down for many hours at a spell. The bearers of this affliction were a nation of hardy, olive-skinned ones, who came in … …more, please!

The Love Story of Turi MacKinnon and His Marguerite

This is a song-gift to Turi MacKinnon and his bride Marguerite, in honor of their love and in celebration of their wedding day. It is a shared gift from me and Sir Cullan Mac Cianain, who asked me to write it, which was splendid because I was going to write one anyway! As both Turi and Marguerite were present the … …more, please!

River-bone Warrior – a Song for Talen

Odin grant me one more battle that I may die on warriors ground Guide my soul to meet the Æsir, You whom sacrifice has bound.   The Idis gave me fearful fortune – raise battle-light and turn to stone. Yet I shall cast into the striving though norns have named me river-bone   My life is yet an uncut thread! … …more, please!

Tourney Pilgrims

Written for the aspirants in the Armored Combat League trying for a spot in the Battle of the Nations Team USA. The Pilgrim to the Tourney The faithful pilgrim packs his pack And starts upon the road, Begins the journey with light step, Though his arms bear a weighty load Before him lay the journey long Though legs may tire, … …more, please!

þis feste is ine myn stomak – part the first

A story about how everyone just wants to go to the party. ________________________________________ Al hayl myn frende. Dinen gan. What now, alle. Dinen gan Whi nat ete? Heren Osbert, whi nat ete? Mmm! I eate, y fayth! Gode, gode! I eate, y fayth! Gode, gode!   Henne! What how! In myn stomak! Feste, feste. O! in myn stomak.   Chese! … …more, please!

Gorsedd Challenge

Beginning in January 2013, at the Queen’s Meadhall in Carolingia, I am starting my Gorsedd Bardic Challenge. This is where I’ll hold myself accountable. “Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to perform a set number of pieces in a year, according to the criteria listed below.  Pieces may be performed in any venue, be it bardic competition, … …more, please!

SCAvenger Hunt for Younglings

We have a big demo annually at a beautiful granite fort which is a state park. It brings between 1000-1700 members of the general public on a single Saturday in September who see a day of SCA activities, staged somewhat like a theatre show or a circus – there is a large green where the “performances” happen and the “audience” … …more, please!

Game of the Goose Revisited – Il nuovo e molto dilettevole giuoco dell’gato

“Il nuovo e molto dilettevole giuoco dell’gato” This is a leather game board which is a variation on “Il nuovo e molto dilettevole giuoco dell’oca” — “The new and very entertaining game of the goose” – a late-period Italian board game.  It’s painted with acrylic paints, and the dice are hand made with sculpty clay which was baked and painted. … …more, please!

Dona Nobis Children’s Choir

Mistress Afie asked if I would assist in getting music together for Birka, in partnership with Mistress Linette. Well, it’s the Reign of Peace, and what’s better than a bunch of people singing for a processional? This piece, Dona Nobis Pacem, is sometimes attributed to Italian composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, who died in 1594. Below is a video of … …more, please!