Class Schedule

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Classes are ordered by their Master List (ML) number

German Low-Contrast Armorial // "Core Style" for German Armorial

ML: 2A & 2B

Instructor: Ascelyn of Ben Dunfirth (any/all), Ealdormere

A pair of back-to-back classes (half-hour for Low-Contrast Armorial, one hour for "Core Style") focused on German armorial, primarily 15-16th century. The the first class will review armorial design patterns in German heraldry that deviate from the contrast requirements of the SCA's Core Style rules, with a focus on supporting IAP's. The second class expands out survey to other design elements (e.g. field divisions, arrangements of charge groups) to describe a German "Core Style" beyond the minimum requirements of IAP's.

Scribing In the Known World Heraldic Achievements 

ML: 4

Instructor: Elizabeth of Roxbury-Mill (she/her), Middle

What heraldic achievements are. Which kingdoms allow which heraldic elements depending on kingdom and level of award.

Manesse Codex

ML: 5

Instructor: Catriona the Blind (she/her), Meridies

An in depth class on the 13th century german illuminated book of poetry on courtly love and chivalry.

Armorial Book Club

ML: 6

Instructor: Iago ab Adam (he/him), An Tir

We'll look through a period armorial as a group, and discuss (and sometimes mock) what we see.

A Comparative Analysis of Different Logwood Ink Recipes 

ML: 8

Instructor: Alfhild de Foxley (she/her), Drachenwald

I will compare different recipes and see how they differ from one another 

*I-kan-ken-gō*: Japanese Ranks Offices Rights & Titles

ML: 9

Instructor: Sǫlveig Þrándardóttir, Æthelmearc

An examination of premodern Japanese society and polity along with how power relations related to titles, offices, and other expressions of "ranks and levels".

The Style and Composition of Japanese Heraldry

ML: 10

Instructor: Yamanouchi Eidou (he/him), Artemisia

A look at how Japanese heraldry is designed and how it is similar to and different from European heraldry. We will look at period styles of heraldry and examine how Japanese style interacts with SCA rules, including ideas for successful submissions.

Marginally Interesting

ML: 11

Instructor: Alikina filia Elpin (she/her), Outlands

Marginals! What are they? Why are they? Can I use them in a scroll (Yes, yes you can!) Much about marginalia and related manuscript art & letters, primary focus on early Gothic styles. 

Sakubun: Drafting Japanese Official Documents

ML: 12

Instructor: Sǫlveig Þrándardóttir, East

You too can compose and draft Japanese official documents. An introduction to the structure, style, and attestation of official Japanese laws, edicts, correspondence, and official documents in English or Japanese. Based on a 16c Jesuit guide to Japanese documents and the texts of Heian Period imperial documents illustrated by exemplars. Includes an introduction to Japanese titles and how documents were attested. Questions and discussion are encouraged.

Durrow 1: What are we doing in this class series?

ML: 13

Instructor: Hellen of Haldane (she/her), Northshield

This series of classes will focus on the history, calligraphy and art of the Book of Durrow.  Join us to learn more about the series and what we will be doing in the classes.

Durrow 2: Trinity College Dublin’s Hidden Gem: The Book of Durrow

ML: 14

Instructor: Alicia Langland (she/her), Æthelmearc

Ask someone where the Book of Kells is housed and they’ll probably say, “Why, in Dublin, of course.”  But many people are less familiar with the Book of Durrow, which may have been used as an exemplar by the Kells artists.  Using the online digitized facsimile, this class will introduce you to the manuscript’s history, contents, and decoration.Durrow 2:  Trinity College Dublin’s Hidden Gem:  The Book of Durrow

Durrow 3: Durrow Insular Calligraphy Magic

ML: 15

Instructor: Anne Elizabeth Morley (she/her), Outlands

Scribes, are you looking for something different for Celtic and Norse personas?  The Insular style of the Book of Durrow, c. 700, is a lively alternative to Uncial. You will need to print the information handout on plain paper, and the lines handout on calligraphy practice paper. You will also need a 2 mm calligraphy pen, ink, and whatever you use to clean your nibs. I recommend baby wipes.

Durrow 4: Spirals: Curls and Swirls

ML: 16

Instructor: Hellen of Haldane (she/her), Northshield

Curls and swirls commonly found in Celtic manuscripts fascinate us all.  Join Hellen for a focused class on how to draw spirals and a brief history of their use and purpose in manuscripts.  Pencil, eraser, paper, compass, ruler and class handout.

Durrow 5: Durrow Insular Drawn Capitals

ML: 17

Instructor: Anne Elizabeth Morley (she/her), Outlands

In this class, the follow up to Durrow Insular Calligraphy Magic, we will learn to draw the large letters used for decorated capitals and headers of major sections of the lively Insular style of the Book of Durrow. You will need to print the information handout on plain paper and the lines on calligraphy practice paper. You will need a medium to soft pencil (HB - B), an art eraser, a 2mm calligraphy pen, ink, and whatever you use to clean your nibs. I recommend baby wipes.

Durrow 6: Let’s Get Knotty!

ML: 18

Instructor: Alicia Langland (she/her), Æthelmearc

Interlace (aka knotwork) is a key decorative element in early-period Insular manuscripts.  These twisty patterns look complicated but are actually pretty easy, once you know the secret to their construction.   Following a brief introduction, you will learn to draw these designs using the technique employed by the original artists.  This technique can be applied to almost any media:  clay, leather, wood ... even crochet!   You will need a pencil, eraser, ruler (see through grid recommended) 2 felt-tip black markers, fine and larger, class handout.

Durrow 7:  Putting it all Together

ML: 19

Instructors: Hellen of Haldane (she/her), Northshield and Anne Elizabeth Morley (she/her), Outlands

In this class, we will create a decorated capital and name, using the inputs from the preceding classes.  Enjoy the whimsy of a hand drawn and built up capital with period swirls and curls for decoration. You will need a pencil, eraser, printout of letter, Micron pen, calligraphy pen, ink, red marker or pencil.

Written in Gold: A Brief Introduction to Chrysography 

ML: 20

Instructor: Sibilia dell'Acqua (she/any), An Tir

Writing in precious metals (gold and silver) was a practice used for several centuries to illuminate manuscripts. This class provides an overview of this practice across time. We will look at examples produced in Europe and the Middle East, as well as discuss some of the known methods used by illuminators in those periods to create these precious pages. Beginners are welcome. 

What is in Your Kit? Field Edition

ML: 21

Instructor: Æva Dyer (she/her), Outlands and Regalis dei Falchi (she/her), Outlands

Join us for a round table discussion of what is in your scribes kit when away from your desk. Do you have special tricks for not ended up with ink all over? A clever historical way to carry a pen or five? Just starting and want to upgrade your kit?  Bring your questions, scribes kit, tips and tricks and answer the question; what's in your kit?

Making a Portfolio

ML: 22

Instructor: Æva Dyer (she/her), Outlands

We will be talking about ways to make a digital portfolio of your work. From social media to personal websites come see how to show your work off online.

Inkscape for Armoury

ML: 23

Instructor: Vémundr Syvursson (he/him), An Tir

An introduction to using Inkscape, an Open Source vector graphics program, for electronic emblazoning of heraldic devices and badges. We will briefly cover the Inkscape user interface, a few useful tricks, and some resources available to the digital heraldic artist, including tracing and vectorizing existing art. No experience needed, open to anyone interested.

More Inkscape for Armoury

ML: 24

Instructor: Vémundr Syvursson (he/him), An Tir

An exploration of slightly more advanced things than my intro to Inkscape for heralds class allows for. Bring your questions or your wishlist projects, this will be a very freeform hour of discussion of tracing/vectorizing art, the fiddlier details of digital emblazon, and anything related. Some experience with Inkscape and some familiarity with armorial heraldry is useful, but that could just be having taking my intro to Inkscape class earlier in this same vKWHSS session.

Three Dimensional Gilding with Gesso

ML: 25

Instructor: Enia al Andulusiyya (she/her), Outlands

This course is for BEGINNERS to playing with gold leaf on scrolls or for anyone who wants to up their gilding game to 3D! I will also discuss regular gilding procedures for those who have never even tried it!  In this course I will be using commercial gesso to make 3d demonstrations and commercial glue laid by brush. I do not use period materials.

Iberian Heraldry

ML: 26

Instructor: Elsbeth Anne Roth (she/her), Kingdom

An exploration of some Iberian rolls of arms showing what make Iberian armory Iberian.

Known World Scribal Basics

ML: 27

Instructor: Elizabeth of Roxbury-Mill (she/her), Meridies

Getting started in a kingdom in the known world. Resources and kingdom information.

A Guide to Quick-And-Dirty Heraldry

ML: 28

Instructor: Kallinikos Gavras (he/them), Kingdom

This class will teach you basic tricks and shortcuts that will let you do heraldic submissions and conflict checking with a minimal training. We will cover how to quickly document a name, how to put together a digital heraldry mockup, and how to use the Complex Search Form for conflict checking even if you only sort of understand how it works. This class is for beginners who feel overwhelmed by heraldry and need an easy place to start.

Roundtable: Recruitment and Retention of Heralds

ML: 29

Instructor: Andreas von Meißen (he/him), Outlands

Offices at all levels of the SCA have been struggling with recruitment and retention, and the Heralds' office is no different. The goal of this roundtable is to share notes on how we can recruit heralds better and keep them around longer (and encourage engagement with the College of Arms). All experience levels welcome, bring your good ideas and cautionary tales, and let's talk about how we can grow our number.

Of Hunters, Heralds and Honours: The Boke of St Albans

ML: 30

Instructor: Dáire Ó Lochlainn (he/him), Avacal

In this class, the Boke of St Albans (1486) will be examined as an attempt to codify ‘gentlemanly virtues’ through its conflation of hunting/hawking with heraldry.  Looking in more detail at the structure of the Boke will demonstrate that the text may be viewed as a ‘handbook’ for the use/value of heraldry in the nascent Tudor period.

Mixing Names From Different Languages — A Roundtable to Discuss How and Why Changes Need to be Made.

ML: 31

Instructor: Sara al-Garnatiyya (she/her), Meridies

A roundtable led by Sara Pelican Queen of Arms regarding our current philosophy on mixed language names, and discussion as to why and how we need to change Appendix C.

This roundtable is open to all, regardless of skill level.

What is an Admin Herald?

ML: 32

Instructor: Alisone McCay (she/her), Ansteorra

What are admin heralds? How are they important to the college of heralds?

African Names

ML: 33

Instructor: Juliana de Luna (she/her), An Tir and Lillia de Vaux (she/her), East

In this class, we'll explore sources and data about names from across Africa - we'll look at data from West Africa, Central West Africa, and Ethiopia.

College of Heralds Imaginary Speakeasy Gathering

ML: 34

Instructor: Shauna of Carrick Point (she/her), Artemisia

All current and prospective members of the College of Heralds Imaginary getting together to plan future fun and games.

Roundtable on Consult Horror Stories

ML: 35

Instructor: Shauna of Carrick Point (she/her), Artemisia

A chance to share those stories of weird/awful/entertaining consults at tables or individuals.

Secret History of the College of Arms

ML: 36

Instructor: Shauna of Carrick Point (she/her), Artemisia

Discussion of the history of heraldry in the SCA.

Italian Multi-Tinctured Field Divisions

ML: 37

Instructor: Richenda du Jardin (she/they), An Tir

This class will examine the Italian practice of three or more tinctures in barry, bendy, and other field divisions. We will look at when these fields are charged or not, and what tinctures are most commonly combined.

You Cant Do That: Punning in SCA Heraldry

ML: 38

Instructor: Akiyama Kazuhiko (he/they), Middle

This is a light-hearted look at historical and SCAdian expressions of visual indicators of names (cants) in devices and badges. We'll discuss the structure of canting, what is or is not canting, and even do a heraldic exercise to create cants for some proposed names.

Summarizing Name Documentation

ML: 39

Instructor: Paul fitz Denis (he/him), Caid

Clear and readable submissions lead to a simpler decision process, more constructive commentary, and happier submitters. Summarizing effectively is an incredibly valuable skill for anyone working with name submissions: consulting heralds, commenters, and Kingdom Submission Heralds.  Summarizing is a skill that takes repetition to develop. This class introduces a summarization method and gives you some repetitions using it with example submissions — good, bad, and ugly.

A Few Tools, a Little Instruction, and a Vision in Your Mind: the Bob Ross Approach to Scribal

ML: 40

Instructor: Máel Brigte ingen Aimirgin (she/her), An Tir

Anyone who can wield a writing utensil can scribe.  We'll look at examples of art and calligraphy throughout our time period and across cultures that can be easily adapted by new scribes with little to no experience and a few simple tools.  Like the late great Bob Ross said, "there’s an artist hidden at the bottom of every single one of us."

Students should bring a pencil, a calligraphy pen (Speedball felt tips or Pilot parallels are great for beginners), and paper for drawing.

Beautiful, Brilliant Words

ML: 41

Instructor: Máel Brigte ingen Aimirgin (she/her), An Tir

Ever wonder why awards tend to sound similar?  Want to try your hand at wordsmithing but don't know where to start?  Have you been asked to craft something towards a particular culture with which you're unfamiliar?

This class will cover how wordsmithing works in the SCA and provide resources on how to get started as well as how to tailor towards specific cultures and time periods.

Adapting Medieval Documents as Scroll Texts

ML: 42

Instructor: Alys Mackyntoich (she/her), East

This class will discuss how to adapt medieval legal documents for SCA purposes, where to find them, and how to make them work in an SCA context.

Conflict-Checking for Names

ML: 43

Instructor: Alys Mackyntoich (she/her), East

This class will discuss the basic principles of name conflicts, with practice applying them.  It will also teach out to use the search engines of the O&A to search for conflicting names

Recent Changes to SENA

ML: 44

Instructor: Jeanne Marie Lacroix (she/her), Trimaris

The Standards for Evaluating Names and Armory, commonly called SENA, are constantly evolving. Sometimes the changes are small; sometimes they are large. This class will look at the changes to SENA in the last year or so. We will also take a brief look at how those changes happen.

History of Monastic Sign

ML: 45

Instructor: Nicasia Leontodes (she/her), East and Tegan de Moreton (she/her), Atlantia

Monastic sign language, also known as monkish sign language, is a system of gestured hand communication by monks and nuns who observed the Benedictine Rule, emphasizing that spoken speech should be intentional, humble, and respectful rather than be negative or about trivial matters. The Benedictine Rule is estimated to be written in 530 AD by Saint Benedict of Nursia. This class will briefly cover Monstastic signed communication's history and cultural practices of the monks and nuns that used it.

Signing Scrolls: Using Manual Language in SCA Court

ML: 46

Instructor: Tegan de Moreton (she/her), Atlantia and Nicasia Leontodes (she/her), East

Join us as we take a close look at the structure of typical scroll language and some texts from some very punny scribes! This course will be an in depth analysis of the language(s) in our award scroll texts and the myriad of ways we can represent them using American Sign Language (ASL). An understanding of basic ASL vocabulary is encouraged, but not required.

Working with Sign Heralds for Royalty, Scribes, Heralds, Marshals and Populace

ML: 47

Instructor: Tegan de Moreton (she/her), Atlantia and Nicasia Leontodes (she/her), East

This class will cover the ways you can help make SCA events, especially court more accessible for Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Learn how you can help the sign heralds prepare for signing in court. A short description of what skills and experience is needed to become a sign herald is included in this class. If you are a landed Baron or Baroness, Royalty,  Marshal, court herald or just curious, this class is for you.

The Past and Future Medieval Names Archive

ML: 48

Instructor: Ursula Georges (they/she), Middle and Elisabetta Tommaso di Carduci

What is the Medieval Names Archive (MNA)? Where did it come from? What makes it different from other name resources? What are our hopes for the future of the MNA? Our panel will share some of our favorite MNA resources, describe the current update process, and consider the future shape of the MNA. Bring your ideas and questions!

The Customer is Not Always Right

ML: 49

Instructor: Corbin de Huntyngfeld  (he/him), Ansteorra

Customer service in heraldry.

Armorial 101

ML: 50

Instructor: Corbin de Huntyngfeld  (he/him), Ansteorra

Basics of armorial heraldry

Constructing Dithemic Middle English Place-Names

ML: 51

Instructor: Scolastica la souriete (she/her), East

This class covers the composition of traditional English dithemic place names, starting with the relevant rules from SENA, the construction of existing place names, sources and their strengths and weaknesses, and how to put the your data from sources together into appropriate supporting documentation that demonstrates that your constructed place name is correctly formed.

Come Finish Your Article

ML: 52

Instructor: Juliana de Luna (she/her), An Tir

Bring your works in progress! We'll talk about how to get that article done, wherever you are with it.

Non-Traditional Scrolls

ML: 53

Instructor: Nerienda of Elmet (she/her), Outlands

Have you seen a non-traditional, functional scroll before? Maybe you wondered how someone thought to make a table, a game board or a plate with the award text on it. There are so many different ways to make a scroll and you don't need to be great at drawing in order to get in on this fun and creative process. Even more, I find that creating a scroll someone can use is very rewarding. 

I would love to share pictures and hold a discussion on non-traditional scrolls I've made and seen. I will also share tools that help with getting the right look for those who are not confident with freehand drawing. From an amphorae or a serving tray, to a table or stool, these scrolls are unique and fun to make. 

My main method is with pyrography with leather or wood and I lack artistic training, but now I've made four peerage scrolls. One collaboration was a rapier scabbard and now I'm working on medieval shelves. I would love to discuss what ideas you might have for a functional, non-traditional scroll and give you a head start on creating your own.

The Planned Page

ML: 54

Instructor: Margarette la Gantiere (she/her), East

Design principles for scroll design. This class introduces design concepts that can help scribes compose a balanced page design when combining elements from exemplar scrolls while creating a unique design.

Beginning Conflict Check with Charge Group Theory

ML: 55

Instructor: Arwyn of Leicester (she/her), Avacal

Beginner Conflict Checking using Charge Group Theory. Review of Basic Conflict Rules using examples with Charge Group Theory. This will not include how to search for conflicts but how to take that list and identify those that are in conflict from those lists. Examples will use charge group theory to break down and identify conflicts. Prerequisite: A basic understanding of charge group theory is important because we will only review this briefly. 

Armory Conflict Checking with the Complex Search Form

ML: 56

Instructor: Beatrice Domenici della Campana (she/they), Northshield

For heralds who already know the basics of armory conflict checking, this class will teach the use of the Complex Search Form.  Attendees should already be *fluent* in charge group theory and conflict checking rules under SENA.  Students will learn techniques for searching for armory conflicts by coding with the Complex Search Form, as well as an overview of the codes used for that Form and in the O&A database.  Class will also touch on "Traps" inherent in the Complex Search and how best to avoid them to more quickly find potential conflicts.

Diapering: It's Not for Babies (But it is For Scribes)

ML: 57

Instructor: Malyss Makneile (he/they), An Tir

A walk through how to do various forms of background diapering, with period examples, from simple through to complex

Illumination 100.5: Scribal Warm-Ups and Art Fundamentals

ML: 58

Instructor: Ailbhe éccnaid (they/them), Lochac

Entry level beginner art and illumination, with a focus on safety and warm ups. I will also give some exercises to improve art in future and ways to think about illumination and to break down shapes!

Researching Regional Style Armory: How-To

ML: 59

Instructor: Emma de Fetherstan (she/her), Ansteorra

Everyone likes regional style armory, right? In this class we'll learn how to identify regional patterns in your favorite armorial, putting you on the road to being able to design armory that is truly persona-appropriate. We'll discuss how to spot the trends that define a region and even how to use them for an Individually Attested Pattern (IAP) when necessary. Bring your questions and favorite cultures, and we'll go digging!

SCA Specific Signs for Sign Heralds & Populace

ML: 63

Instructor: Tegan de Moreton (she/her), Atlantia and Nicasia Leontodes (she/her), East

This class will cover the ASL signs used for our common words or phrases, No prior ASL knowledge required. Like many large hobby groups, new jargon is created to better facilitate communication among members by creating new words or adapting existing ones to describe concepts, activities, or objects unique to their shared interest. A Pelican within the Society is not the same thing as a pelican in the modern world. Unique signs were created by Signing Communities within the SCA, particularly our Deaf Populace, meaning we have SCA jargon for both spoken and signed languages that do not mean the same thing (or anything!) outside of an SCA context. This class is to show how these signs are standardized within the Known World. Accessibility is not possible if signs are made up on a whim. This class is here to demonstrate that the SCA has standardized signed jargon that parallels our spoken jargon. These are based on American Sign Language and explains how to describe SCA jargon in ASL.

So you want to be a Sovereign of Arms? / AMA with the Sovs

ML: 64

Instructor: Birgitta Lulli (she/her), Drachenwald

Interested in learning what it's like to be a Sovereign of Arms? Curious as to what the qualifications are? Got a specific precedent you're curious about? Come join the current and past Sovereigns of Arms for a Q&A!