The Culture of Courtesy in the SCA
Viscountess Morrigan (Avacal), One (1) Hour
Courtesy, honour and respect - how to integrate these foundational values that the society was built upon in our virtual and in person SCA experience
Heraldry Consultations, Avacal College of Heralds,
If outside drop in 2hours by appointment
Need help with your name, device, badge (or all three?) The Heralds of Avacal and the Known World will be available for in-person, one-on-one consultation through breakout rooms. Pre-registration is highly recommended emailing Avacal’s submissions herald, submissions [at] avacal [dot] org, to ensure that everyone has a herald assigned to work with their submission. Drop-ins will be ok during the two hours; however, if you wish a consultation outside these hours, registration is required for the appointment.
Avacal Website Redesign Discussion
Segdae ua Faelain (Avacal), One (1) Hour
An update and open discussion regarding the project to redesign Avacal’s Kingdom website. This will have a few different parts:
1) Run through of the steps taken, and the planned stages forward.
2) Where assistance is needed, tech savvy and non-tech savvy people needed.
3) Outline of the current sections and menu layout.
4) Open discussion to get ideas on layout, or features which would be nice to have.
One Click Wonder SCA Photography
Genevieve Desorneax (Avacal), One (1) Hour.
This class will teach tips and tricks on photographing and getting "the shot" with as little clicks as possible. We will touch on how light effects your image output, how to adjust your camera setting to get correct exposure, an explanation of photography rule of 3rds. I will share how I see what I see before I click ... also some self style tips for getting that action shot for fighting .. rapier .. dance and random people shots. Only prerequisite is to enjoy the view behind a lens and wanting to make moments immortal.
Care of rapier gear
Caiaphas (Avacal), One (1) Hour
How to care for your rapier gear so that it can be used effectively and legally for years to come.
Fight Your Opponent, not Your Equipment
Duke Ìvarr the Black (Avacal), 1 Hour scheduled, discussion can continue after in breakout room from social
I’m often surprised at how many new and intermediate fighters do not realize the critical role their gear has in their success on the field. This class is geared towards new and intermediate fighters who are having a difficult time being comfortable with their armour and weapons. We’ll go over some of my own gear as a starting point, and address any specific concerns or advice that attendees may have regarding their own equipment.
Fundamentals of rapier fencing
don Rodrigo dela Vihuela, Maestro de Orden dela Defensa (Avacal), One and half (1.5) hours
How to watch/how to begin/how to get better
Live Speed Q&A with the Chivalry
Avacal Chivalry hosted by Countess (Sir) Kiera, One and half (1.5) hours
This is a live, informal Q&A session led by the Avacal Chivalry and guests! This session is meant to give You, the fighters at large, a chance to ask that question about fighting you’ve been meaning to, but for whatever reason, you’ve never had the chance to. Want some advice on how to throw a particular shot? Do you have a problem with your armour that you need someone to see to understand? Have some other questions on a style, a technique or a quirk you’d like to hash out? Bring your sword! Show us your armour! Do that shot on the pell! And we’ll give you a quick, live, one on one session with a variety of Chivalry and fighters alike.
Questions can be submitted ahead of time to Kiera at rodico[at] f-m [dot] fm, or the day of the session live. If there is a particular Knight you’d wish to have your question addressed by, please feel free to specify.
Meet the MODs Roundtable
Baron Raoul De la Roche as host, Two (2) Hours
Join the roundtable and get to know the Masters of Defence from Avacal and Northshield, learn about the order, and ask the burning questions that you've been holding on to.
SCA Workout
Count Sir Ellias Silver (Avacal), One (1) Hour
This is a comprehensive exercise routine focusing on SCA specific activities. We will be targeting cardio, core, flexibility and form in an effort to improve your overall fitness. These exercises can be augmented to accommodate your level of fitness so all participants are welcome. Caution!! If you have medical conditions or injuries please consult a doctor before engaging in any physical activity. If at any time you feel pain, dizziness or nausea STOP and seek professional medical attention.
Youth Combat Armour and Rules Introduction
Sir Fergus (Avacal), One (1) Hour
With in person events coming up on the horizon some people may need to brush up on their Youth Combat rules, others may want to become involved but never knew how. Some may have kids that are aging into the Youth Combat age. This class is for all of those people
In the class I will be going over basic armouring, the rules of Youth Combat as well as answering any questions people may have. This class will count as the classroom portion for your Jr Marshal if you're interested in obtaining one.
Introduction to Commedia dell'Arte
Baroness Sophia the Orange (Atlantia), One (1) Hour
Commedia dell'Arte is a method of producing plays that was very popular in the later half of the 1500's. Originating in Florence, Italy, greatly with patronage of the Medici, this theatrical method spread throughout Europe and continues to influence entertainment concepts today. This class will introduce students to the primary aspects of what defines Commedia (Stock characters, masks, improvisation, scenarios, and more) and how one can produce Commedia in the SCA. Students are encouraged to read the SCA Compleat Anachronist volumes #172 & 173 which cover many aspects of Commedia specifically within SCA scope.
Introduction to Theater within the SCA
Baroness Sophia the Orange (Atlantia), One (1) Hour
Theater pops up in the SCA in many ways. This class will give students a starting point for producing theater in ways that support the SCA environment and allow actors to enjoy their favorite art. We will review a few commonly used sources for material, venues for performing both in virtual world and in-person events, and allow plenty of time for Q&A. Students should bring their dreams to the class for some consultation on how to make your own theater dreams come true.
Pulling the Teeth Out Of Stage Fright
Maestra Lucia Elena Braganza (Middle), One (1) Hour
The vast majority of us experience SOME level of stage fright or performance anxiety, whether it's in a bardic space, on the stage, or in the boss’ office. We'll pin down this ugly-muggly monster, dissect some
of the elements of anxiety, wrestle our most common buggaboos into the daylight, and practice some spook-busting techniques.
Puppetry in Bardic
Hamish MacCarrig (Avacal), One (1) Hour
An introduction to using puppetry in bardic performance. Will cover the basics of puppet and stage construction as well as where to get performance materials.
Brandied Raspberry Lemonade
Lady Auelyn and Lord Thome Spyle Syngere (Atenveldt), One (1) Hour
Come along and make a delicious batch of brandied raspberry lemonade with the Spyle Syngere’s. You will need about 24oz of raspberries, a masher, 4lbs of sugar, 2 large bottles of lemon juice, gallon of water, fifth of brandy of your choice, large mixing bowl and spoon, large bottle to let it “rest” in , and of course, bottles to put your finished product in! (You won’t need these until later. If it lasts that long! This is a tasty beverage that is easy to make and the variations are limited only to your imagination!
Higher-Alcohol Mead
Coryn of the Wode, OP (Avacal) One (1) Hour
Higher- alcohol meads (about 18% or higher alcohol by volume) are stable and can be kept for a number of years. If you have the time, space and a bit of equipment you can make a lovely sipping drink to share with friends. This class will cover starting the mead, adding flavor, using a hydrometer (not essential but very handy), "feeding" extra honey, and maybe a bit on freeze-distilling.
Kindermjød: non-alcoholic mead
Eóin MacAlpin (Ealdormere), One (1) Hour
This will be a brew along if you wish, and is kid friendly 6+. Please have a heat source(stove/induction burner/kettle), a pot/mixing bowl, capture vessel, strainer/cloth, water (4 cups) Honey (1 cup) spices (nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon).
Period Distilling, Distillated Spiritous, and Modern Legalities for Distilling
Caiaphas (Avacal), One (1) Hour
This class is an examination of the period history of distillation, distilled essences, the uses of distilled essences in medicine, drink, and cosmetics. There will be a section to detail the modern legalities of distilling as to licenses and government regulations regarding distilling and distilled spiritous. Please note: Modern distilling of spiritous is ILLEGAL without the proper licenses and government approval.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rHEqkiROLK_lmr2Gi2K2lZyAH58-tXK5/view?usp=sharing
Seishin-ryū Chadō Okeiko: Tea Ceremony Workshop
Sǫlveig Þrándardóttir (Æthelmearc), Two (2) hours
Learn the rudiments of wabi-style tea including both the role of the host and the role of the guest. Okeiko means "honorable practice". This is a mini-workshop intended for beginners who wish to learn how to participate in Japanese matcha tea gatherings. Matcha tea consumption was introduced to Japan around 1191 by Myōan Eisai who promoted its health benefits. Japanese match tea ritual is derived from Zen practice and incorporates many aspects of Japanese high culture.
Both the role of the guest and the role of the host will be introduced. We will begin with walking and bowing and progress to the rudiments of preparing and consuming a bowl of matcha. As this workshop will be online, you may wish to purchase a beginner kit so that you can practice on your own.
If you are interested in purchasing materials for personal use, then you should acquire a guest kit and a ""fukusa"":
A guest kit for men can be acquired at: http://www.teadogu.com/guest-starter-kit-man339.html
A guest kit for women can be acquired at: http://www.teadogu.com/guest-starter-kit-woman339.html
A fuchsia for men can be acquired at: http://www.teadogu.com/fumepunu9si.html
A fukusa for women can be acquired at: http://www.teadogu.com/fuworenu9si.html
While it is possible to save money by ordering directly from Japan, doing so requires dealing with Japanese online storefronts. A note about fukusa. A number #9 fukusa is much easier to manipulate than fukusa with lower numbers. Paying extra is worth the price. A fukusa and a fan are what you need to practice during class. You can substitute a number of items for a fan during the workshop. Please read the online descriptions of the fans carefully if you choose to provide a substitute or acquire a fan from another source.
There are a number of ways to acquire a 袱紗 fukusa. You can even try to make one, but please don't until you know what they are supposed to be like. There is some controversy over just how old they are. Today, men use slightly larger fukusa than women do. Further, men always use purple fukusa and women typically only use purple fukusa after they have become senior instructors. Regardless, here are purchase options: (1) You can order one from the fellow in Portland http://www.teadogu.com/fukusa.html (Yes, they really are that expensive.) (2) You can order online from any of several tea supply stores in Japan through rakuten.co.jp. (3) You can order used tea equipment from www.net-qp.com/en/ whose prices include shipping. (4) You can always try ebay.
Regardless, the fan is the symbol of the guest, and the fukusa is the symbol of the host in the world of tea.
Considering Period Dyes and Colours
HL Alyne of Kendal (Avacal), One and half (1.5) hours
The class is an examination of Period colours and dye sources based on artwork, historical and archaeological data and my own experiments with dyestuffs. We will run through a powerpoint presentation, and then have an open discussion to finish the class.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KrGqi-Ou3pIzpZsoYo9vfD6yI-MtJ90u/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ggPitD9v6YCrd_EwaQnQhlYCYMR3utV3/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kVun7J7k-mU00Du8ZNGGBX-gg5miAnan/view?usp=sharing
Dress for your Social Station!
Monna Caterina (Avacal), Two (2) hours
How to use your persona research to design a wardrobe to match, plus bonus tips on how to make that wardrobe work for you at a camping event.
Knit an Egyptian Sock
Johanna Katrin (Avacal), One (1) Hour
The earliest known knitted socks were found in Egypt and dated to the 11th to 12th century. These pretty blue and white socks use different patterns and motifs to make beautifully and fun designed socks that can be recreated or individually inspired by the original designs. The designs and archetypes of these socks will be discussed in this course. Previous knitting experience and sock knitting experience will get the most out of the class. Those who want to look at pictures of pretty socks are also welcome.
This course will include a booklet that can be emailed to the participants.
New way of Knitting the Eleanor of Toledo Sock
Johanna Katrin (Avacal), One and half (1.5) hours
After examining the Eleanor of Toledo sock I have come up with a different way that the heel of the Eleanor of Toledo sock was knitted. This way is interesting in design and for me has forced me to evaluate how I look at extant knitting. Take this class while I show you my journey. Knitting and sock knitting experience is useful but not required.
Modern Alchemy 101: Mordants
Baroness Lucia de Moranza (Ealdormere), One (1) Hour
This conversational class explores what’s really happening in that dye pot and how the chemistry behind the pretty colours works. No science background required, questions encouraged. Just because they didn’t know how it worked in period, doesn’t mean we can’t!
Sprang - Getting started
Contessa Saxa (Avacal), One (1) Hour
Getting started with sprang, a brief introduction to the art as well as the basic steps to get started.
The Warp Weighted Loom: A weighty undertaking
Countess (Sir) Kiera (Avacal), One (1) Hour
This class will show you how to set-up and use a warp weight loom. Basic weaving knowledge is an asset but not required. Any skill level welcome.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sUof17UGOwi6N1hWBWZHaITxjpqF5Dr8/view?usp=sharing
A Knight in the Kitchen (Episode 1: A Peasant’s Feast)
Sir Ellias Silver (Avacal), One (1) Hour
The order of Chivalry invites you to join us for A KNIGHT IN THE KITCHEN. Welcome all to the first in a series of ongoing culinary adventures where we will be laying down our swords and armour and donning our aprons in an anchronistic attempt to recreate dishes from all over the world.
In this episode Count Sir Ellias Silver will be sharing a Norse recipe he picked up while living in Wisby.
The “Peasant’s Feast”, an easy to cook, hearty meal which you are sure to love. Not only, he will be offering the traditional recipe but also a slightly augmented version, using some more readily available ingredients and adjusted to suit our modern palate. So please join us for a bit of history, a bit of fun and what is sure to be a delicious time.
Ingredient lists:
What they used: 4 Parsnips/Turnips, 1 Onion/Leek, 4-5 Cloves Garlic, 1 Carrot, 1 Spring Onion/Chives, ½ cup Milk, 1 tbsp Butter, 1 tbsp Oil/Rendered Fat, Seasoning (Salt. Rosemary, Pepper if you were really lucky), 1lb Cooked Roast Reindeer
What we are going to use: 4 Potatoes, 1 Onion (Red), 4-5 Cloves Garlic, 1 Carrot, 1 Spring Onion (Green),
125ml Milk, 30ml olive oil, 30ml Melted Butter, Seasoning (Salt, Pepper, Parsley), 500g Cooked Roast Beef
Cucumber & Yogurt Salad: 1 Cucumber, 125 ml Plain Yogurt, 3-4 Diced Pepperoncinis, 1 Tbsp Pepperoncini juice, 2 Tsp ground Cumin, 1 Tsp Salt
You should be able to find all there at your local supermarket. (The Pepperoncini will be with the pickles)
Basic introduction to foods and cooking in Europe
Thorvald Grimsson (Avacal), One (1) Hour
Interesting items of information about foods and recipes in Europe.
Oh Those Beans
Lucia de Enzinas (OL) (Ealdormere), One (1) Hour
How to cook beans and legumes from dry beans. Four medieval recipes to discuss. Will demo simple chickpea flour pancakes over video if the internet cooperates. If you want to cook along, email Lucia at menzinas@gmail.com for class handout.
Redacting a Recipe from a Primary Source
The Honorable Lady Fina MacGrioghair (An Tir), One (1) Hour
This is a lecture class focusing on methodology of identifying and redacting a period recipe from a primary source. Students will be introduced to a recipe from a period text, and they will be taught methodology for redacting that recipe with an aim towards creating a plausible recreation of the dish. Principles of experimental archaeology will be discussed and taught with an eye towards educating the students on how to track and record culinary experiments for further study and for others to be able to recreate the results of their research.
Roses Then and Now
Baron Manus MacDhai (Atlantia), One and half (1.5) hours
A look at the history of roses from ancient times to the present, what rose varieties were grown in Europe prior to the 17th century, and how they differ from the roses commonly grown today.
Sausage-making Round Table
Penn de Moranza (Ealdormere), One (1) Hour
A discussion of what it takes to make sausages, fresh
and cured, and tips and tricks and recipes for doing so. Please bring your own experience and expertise to share.
On the construction of a Viking era thatched hut
Pedro Ramirez (Northshield), One (1) Hour
I'll be showing, using the hut itself, the way we built our Viking thatched hut, using period techniques from various places in Scandinavia.
An Introduction to Japanese Personae
Tachibana Sensei (Mistress Dorothye Bolton) (Avacal), One and half (1.5) hours
Where do you start when creating a Japanese persona? Learn more about social roles, Court ranks, and major historical landmarks in Japanese history. Discover how your interests can shape your persona’s identity. Engage in discussion of the cultural considerations crucial to the respectful and enriching exploration of Japan’s unique history in an SCA context. Build your persona’s personal monogatari (narrative story).
Legal History - This class has been CANCELLED
Monna Caterina (Avacal), One (1) Hour
Select topics in Western European legal history. This class will be suitable for first-time students and repeat students, and group discussions will be encouraged.
Why Should I Write It Down? A Guide to Documenting A&S Projects
Baroness Sciath ingen Chaennaig, OL (Ealdormere), Two (2) Hours
This class will introduce the purpose and best practices in putting together documentation for any A&S project. Topics will include research strategies to find and evaluate material/sources, documentation process, and writing it all up. Participants will also receive documentation templates for different levels of depth of research required for project expertise level.