Announcements

Sign the Gulf Wars Muster!

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Illustration of the Battle of Barnet (14 April 1471) on the Ghent manuscript. Public domain in the US

Calontir, the drums of Gulf Wars are sounding!

The time is coming to march to battle, ply our crafts, loose our arrows, and mount our horses!  Soon, we shall gather in long-awaited companionship under the Royal Pavilion to raise our voices in merry song and share cups of hot broth!
Will you join us?  Stories will be written, and your Gulf Wars story begins by adding your name to the muster.
If you are planning to go OR if you think you’ll probably go, please sign the muster.  Letting us know that you’re coming will help us plan camping space, buy soup kitchen supplies, and understand the composition of the Army.
We’re looking forward to seeing you there!
General Rhianwen

Retirement of the Unofficial Calontir Google Calendar

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HL Allison has made some great technical updates to the Kingdom Calendar, so it now integrates with Google calendar (along with Timely, Outlook and Apple).

The Subscribe button is at the bottom of the calendar page – https://calontir.org/events/

With that in mind, I am going to retire the unofficial Calontir Google calendar after 11 (!) years and shift to helping with the official calendar.

Thank you.

Mistress Sofya la Rus, OL

Shire of Heraldshill

Announcement: From The Kingdom Seneschal, Implementation of COVIDSafe Policy

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Detail from the Hunterian Psalter, Glasgow University Library MS Hunter 229 (U.3.2) circa 1170. Public domain in the US

Good Evening Calontir.

In the Spring of last year it became clear that a plague was operating among us in the form of a virus. Since that time we have done the best we can to protect the populace, while coming up with new ways to do the things we love. For a time it became necessary to suspend all in person activities, and we were forced to interact as best we could on-line. In the Spring of this year vaccines became widely available to the people of our kingdom. The decision was made to resume in-person activities, and we have worked through several different restrictions intended to keep our activities from becoming a source of spread for this virus. Some of those restrictions proved unnecessary, and were discarded when that became clear. The time since the introduction of the vaccines has provided us with a wealth of useful data. The vaccines have continually proven to be effective armour against the virus. As well we know, no armour is perfect, but the failure to wear it will eventually result in injury. As transmission rates increased throughout the Summer, it became clear that unvaccinated individuals were primarily responsible for the continued spread of the virus. It is also understood that, while rare, there will always be some individuals who cannot receive any of the vaccines for medical reasons. Without an effective means of verifying either vaccination or a negative test for the presence of the virus, most of the wars planned for this Fall were cancelled.

In response to hundreds of petitions, the SCA Board of Directors announced on September 27th the creation of a new policy they dubbed “COVIDSafe”. It created a uniform standard for requiring either proof of vaccination, or proof of a negative COVID test, prior to entering an event without the creation of anything which might resemble a medical record. This policy was the tool many had requested, and was made optional so that it could be applied in places and times where it was needed. It was left up to the kingdom Seneschals, in consultation with the Crowns, to determine when and how to deploy that tool. Recognizing that the scope of this policy extends to more than just the weekend activities we generally think of as events, and, as such, adoption would require provable need, planning, coordination, training, and agreement, I announced that the policy would not be adopted at that time. At the time of the announcement I called for people to send in their questions and comments regarding the policy so that they could be considered in the Witan meeting held at Crown Tournament a short time later. I held multiple meetings with the local Seneschals and Baronages to obtain their input prior to the Witan meeting. I examined the data for the states which make up our kingdom, and drafted a criteria for adoption, review, and suspension of the policy. I brought all of the input I received from the populace, the local Seneschals, the Baronages, and the data with me to the Witan meeting. The discussion was wide ranging, and additional concerns were raised. Their Majesties and Their Highnesses are in favour of adoption. Having examined the data, I agree with Their assessment, and take responsibility for the decision to implement the COVIDSafe policy in Calontir.

Since that time, the great officers of the kingdom have been engaged in an effort to craft the implementation plan, training materials, and communication methods necessary to ensure the success of the policy here in Calontir, while addressing as many of the raised concerns as possible. Key points of our implementation plan are currently under review by SCA corporate. Once their review is complete, and their approval obtained, we will be conducting a series of training sessions for the local officers, event stewards, and anyone else who wishes to attend. At that time, we will launch a new webpage with details for the adoption criteria, implementation plan, training materials, and frequently asked questions. In the meantime, I’ve established the following town hall sessions to answer questions about the policy. They are open to everyone who wishes to attend.

Monday, October 25th @ 7:00 PM
Tuesday, October 26th @ 7:00 PM
Thursday, October 28th @ 7:00 PM
https://societyforcreativeanachronism.my.webex.com/…

Thus far our events this year have been primarily outdoors where the risk of viral spread is greatly reduced. As we move inside, the risk of viral spread increases by orders of magnitude. For this reason, it is our goal to have the COVIDSafe policy in place by Toys for Tots. The exact date for implementation will be announced once our plans have been approved by SCA corporate.

I want to thank everyone who contributed their thoughts to the discussion of this new policy. The decision to adopt the COVIDSafe policy was not based on fear, or whim, but on a need demonstrated by the available data. The decision to eventually suspend the policy will be based on the same criteria. In this continued time of difficulty, we have all been required to do things we would rather not. This COVIDSafe policy is a tool designed for a purpose. That purpose is to prevent our activities from becoming additional focal points for the spread of the virus, and to see us through the remainder of the pandemic as safely as possible. Every pandemic eventually ends, even though the viruses which cause them do not go away entirely. We will reach a day when this policy is no longer needed, and on that day we will rejoice together as one kingdom. Until that day, we will continue to do the best we can for the kingdom we love. We are Calontir. We will endure.

In Service,

Announcement: From Their Royal Majesties – Crown List

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Calontir,

Below is the list for Our upcoming Crown Tournament. Thank you to all who submitted letters to continue to uphold Calontir traditions and work toward the betterment of our Kingdom.

Sir Mathieu Chartrain for Her Grace Aislinn Morcroft

Hertzog Hirsch Ross Eichmann for Hertzogan Magdalena vander Meere

His Grace Tristram of Lindesfarne for Mistress Rhianwen ferch Bran ap Gruffydd

His Grace Caius Equitius Rectus Xerxis for Honorable Lord Andromir Vukovic

His Excellency Duncan Bruce of Logan for Her Excellency Ylva Jonsdottir

Lord Jon Chesey for Their Excellency Yseult de Michel

Sir Sean of the Chipendales for Mistress Meadhbh inghean uí Shuibhne

Sir Duncan Mac Torquill for Honorable Lady Maria Arosa de Santa Olalla

Riddari Arnfast Rikkardsson for Honorable Lady Aesileif Jotunsdottir

Master Jack Banyard for Mistress Caera Wythers

Master Jurgen Weiter von Landstuhl for Mistress Helena Soranzo

Lord Christopher Atrox for Mistress Miranda Logansdottir

Honorable Lord Cearr mac Brendan for Lady Fionnghuala inghean ui Fhallamhain

Honorable Lord Visvamitra Yavana for Lady Korinna the Scythian

Honorable Lord Orren Tokesson for Lyra of Spinning Winds

Lord Melchor Eichmann for Lady Lisette of Three Rivers

Lord Rheinhart Eichmann for Lady Furia Cincinnata, Swan

Lord Emerick Blackpool for Lord Oswyn Moon

Lord Develin Ó Sirideáin for Lady Jöka in Raudi

 

Gulf Wars XXX Postponed

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It is with broken hearts that we must announce the postponement of Gulf Wars XXX from October 2021 to March 2022 during its traditional time.While our original deadline was September 10, the registration numbers are less than half of the required number to have even a small war. We do not see any way that the number would grow in such a way as to allow for the October war.

All current registrations will be transferred to Gulf Wars in March 2022. If you would like a refund, please follow the standard refund request that is on the website. No refund fee will be taken out.

We look forward to seeing everyone back at King’s Arrow Ranch in March 2022.

In Service to Dream,
Mistress Kendra Dey, OP & Mistress Magdalena de Segovia, OP

Autocrats, Gulf Wars XXX/October 2021

Master Stephan of Durham
Gleann Abhann Seneschal

From Their Royal Majesties: The Cancellation of Lilies 2021

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Unto the populace of Calontir and the Known Worlde. Our dauntless people and stalwart cousins.

It is often the privilege of the Royalty of Calontir to bring great joy to populace. We get to give awards, muster armies, and recognize great achievements; but occasionally it is our responsibility to make tough choices and to deliver unwelcome news. Today, unfortunately, is the latter.

In consultation with the Lilies Event Stewards and the Lilies Committee, We feel it is necessary to cancel Fall Lilies.

Currently, Covid-19 infection rates and hospitalizations are at the same level, or higher in some areas, as they were this time last year. We feel that this would be poor timing for a large, multi-day, inter-Kingdom event at a site with limited hygiene facilities. We know that these numbers could change over the course of nearly a month, but have decided to make this announcement now, out of a preference for caution when it comes to the wellbeing of Our populace and to ensure that everyone was given enough forewarning to make adjustments in their plans

For now, We intend to continue having regular local weekend events. These smaller events allow us as a Kingdom to continue with the business and fun of the SCA while limiting possible exposures and continuing our protocols of contract tracing and health guidelines compliance. As of now there will be no changes to the Calontir Guidelines that We published in an earlier missive and the rest of the Kingdom Calendar remains unchanged.

It has been wonderful to see you all at events again and we desperately wish to continue to do so. However, we must remain dedicated to the health and safety priorities we are all dependent on, and Our commitment to our communities is as strong and stoic as ever.

We are positive many of you have pre-registered, and you will be getting more information regarding your refunds in a few days.

If you have any other questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to us via our email, Falcon-Crown@Calontir.org.

Senatus Populusque Romanus
Lucian and Tamar

From Their Royal Majesties

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Ave Calontirii,

Some brief announcements that may not yet have come to your ears. Please feel free to forward far and wide.

Our Crown Tournament will be held on October 9th in the Barony of Mag Mor.

Unfortunately, this will conflict with this year’s Fall Gulf Wars XXX, so We will not be calling a muster for the war.

With that being said, We are accepting Letters of Intent to fight in Our Crown Tournament at this time.

If you wish to compete, please submit your letter to Us and the Kingdom Seneschal no later than September 25th. This due date is the same weekend as Masters of the Duel.

In accordance with Section VI of Kingdom Law:

  • Any resident combatant and consort may submit a Letter of Intent.
  • The letter must include proof of residence within Calontir and active paid membership with the SCA

We would also ask you for a few sentences on why you wish to be the Crown Prince and Princess of Calontir.

Bona Fortuna
Lucian and Tamar

Gulf Wars Pre-Registration

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Greetings Calontir!

During most years, we have a pretty good idea of what to expect with attendance at Gulf Wars. The numbers vary some due to different factors, but they tend to stay within a range.

This year, with Gulf Wars being on a different date and with all the other factors involved, we have no past numbers to go off of.

So I would ask that if you are planning to go to Gulf Wars in October, PLEASE take a few minutes to go pre-register so that we can get an idea of what our attendance will be.
I look forward to seeing you all there!

https://members.sca.org/apps/#MtgDetail/00001020

In Service,
Maighstir Donnchadh
Gulf Wars Exchequer

From Their Royal Majesties: Current Rules for Calontir Event Attendance

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Calontir,

We know that the current rules for events and gatherings are changing frequently, so wanted to provide some clarity with where our current Kingdom rules differ from the BoD minimum requirements.

This list will also be uploaded [to the Calontir Facebook, and (PDF attached) if you would like to have a copy available at events or meetings for any reason.

If you have questions feel free to ask—Our email is always open, but please apply these in the spirit of safety in which they are intended, refrain from Rules lawyering, and DON’T BE THE REASON WE HAVE TO MAKE ANOTHER RULE.

Current Rules for Calontir Event Attendance (as of 8/5/21)

  • These rules apply to both events and local meetings, practices, and gatherings.
  • These rules are in addition to, not in place of, the Society level rules from the BoD.
  • These rules are the MINIMUM requirements, and local group leadership may enact more stringent requirements if the local health conditions warrant.
  • All Local, State, and Federal Guidelines are to be followed, including masking and gathering size limits.
  • All attendees to any event, meeting, or practice, must be signed in on a roster including current accurate contact information.
  • If you are fully vaccinated and it has been long enough that the vaccine will have reached maximum efficacy, you may choose not to wear a mask while outdoors.
  • Everyone must mask indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
  • Masks must be worn covering the nose and mouth.
  • You may bring your own food to an event and you may share it with others.
  • Food may be served in an official capacity, such as an inn or vigil table, with the following requirements:
    • Anyone making or handling food must be masked and gloved
    • Anyone serving food or in the preparation or serving areas but not actually handling food must be masked.
  • If you would usually be required to be masked, you must distance a minimum of 6 feet to unmask for eating or drinking.
    • Vaccinated members of the populace may be closer than 6 feet outdoors, but must still distance to eat or drink indoors.
    • Unvaccinated members of the populace must distance at least 6 feet to eat or drink both indoors and out.
  • Feasts will not be allowed at this time.
  • Water Bearing may be provided from the communal coolers, but only into personal containers, not our traditional shared jugs.

Requests from the Crown

  • If you are medically able to get the Covid Vaccine, please do so.
  • Please do not attend gatherings if you are not feeling well.
  • Please respect the comfort levels of those who wish to follow more stringent masking and distancing practices than are strictly required
  • The SCA is an organization of chivalry and community. Please remember these values and help us all set a good example for the rest of the Known World.

 

Download (PDF, 316KB)

Sign Ups for Virtual Heralds Point 2 Are Open

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Gleaned from the SCA Heralds email list:

The SCA College of Arms will be hosting a Virtual Heralds Point for approximately 2 weeks, from Aug. 8-22, with a Zoom event for consultations from Aug. 14-15.

Links to the sign-up forms can be found at http://heraldry.sca.org/heraldspoint/

All submitters must pre-register before August 5 to take part. That’s this Thursday.

We will again be taking electronic payments via PayPal for submissions. So if you’ve been putting off submitting, this is the time to do it!

The hope is that it will be very flexible, a submitter can enter their ideas and preferred forms of contact, and a herald will get in touch and try to help them through the process, either slowly by email over the course of a number of days, or in one hit over a Zoom meeting, whatever it takes.

Yours in Service,

Dame Lillia de Vaux for Virtual Heralds Point Staff

The Bavarian Herald Jörg Rügen around 1510. Public Domain in the US