The Arms of Master Wilhelm von Lich – Image Courtesy of the Memorial Shield Project – SCA

For many years, the legacy of Calontir has been preserved with images so that we can remember the important events in our lives. Master Wilhelm von Lich was a leader among the Calontir Civilian Press Corps, and he could often be seen taking pictures of the happenings at our events.

Today, Calontir mourns his loss. Master Wilhelm von Lich passed from this life on December 6, AS LVII.

Master Wilhelm was a kind man who loved serving his Kingdom. With his sharp eye and his camera, he gave us the photos of our Calontir journeys. Master Wilhelm also served Calontir as a Chiurgeon and was recognized as a leader amongst our care-givers. His service as a Chiurgeon brought him recognition from Their Majesties King Damien I and Queen Issabell I. Those same Royals elevated Wilhelm to the Order of the Pelican during their second reign.

Calontir will remember his smile, his gentle courtesy, and the many contributions he made to our Kingdom over the years. May his friends and family find comfort in their time of grief and may they feel the love this Kingdom had for Wilhelm.

“Oculus qui meminit” – The eye that remembers

Master Wilhelm von Lich’s images may be viewed here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/vilhelm_lich_photostream/albums

Sing Non Nobis!

The Arms of Mistress Marie – Image courtesy of the Memorial Shield Project – SCA

Fyrdmen raise your weapons to honor the passing of one of brethren. Mistress Marie of Cologne passed from this life on August 27th, 2022.

Marie was known for her kindness, generosity of spirit, and service to archers of Calontir. Whenever arrows were loosed on the archery range, Marie was often there. She was recognized as a Companion to the Order of the Boga-Hirth by King Joe Angus and Queen Phaedra in AS XXXVIII (2003). Her work in service to Archery, the Kingdom, and the SCA were recognized by King Martino and Queen Ariel in AS XLIV (2009) with Companionship into the Order of the Calon Cross. King Duncan and Queen Ylva admitted Marie into the Order of the Pelican in AS LI (2016).

To her friends, Marie was known for kindness and her support of the people of Calontir. Many remarked on her giving nature and how Marie had helped them when they were new to SCA. King Donnegal awarded Marie the King’s Favor in AS XLVIII (2013) for her generosity. May her kindness of spirit live on in all the lives she touched. Mistress Marie of Cologne will be missed at the Archery Range and throughout Calontir.

“Cor et Servitium” – Heart and Service

Master Thomas escorts Mistress into Court for the announcement of her Pelican

Sing Non Nobis!

On February 15th, Lady Jutte Roose van der Brugghe of Heraldshill (aka Royse Meingnes) died surrounded by her family after a battle with leukemia complicated by Covid.

From her daughter, Saerlaith ingen Chaicher: “Today is a very sad day in our family. Ruth Thorson, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a sister, and a friend has sadly passed away. She left us today after a very tough battle. We were able to see her and tell her that we loved her dearly before she took the leap into the great unknown. We are all better for knowing her and enjoying the small and great pleasures that she gave us. She was always there to kiss a boo boo or when things were tough for us to help us through our troubles. There are tough days ahead knowing that there is a great hole in our hearts that nothing can fill. All we can do is live on and honor her until the day that we can meet again and wrap our arms around her again. I miss you mom already.”

Jutte’s device, “Or on a bend engrailed purpure three roses Or”, was inspired by her love of roses and her three children.

Her first event was Gulf Wars: “TBT -March 2005 – My first contact with Calontir and SCA. Daughter pleaded with me to attend Gulf Wars with her. You didn’t know me but immediately invited me in and put a plate of food and a tankard of something in my hands. Most generous and fun group of people I had ever met! Been a card-carrying member ever since. Huzzah Calontir!”

The next spring, Jutte joined the ranks of wet and cold Hillians for Military History Days in Charles City, Iowa. “I can’t remember feeling more cold, wet, and miserable in my whole life! And it was a blast! I felt so proud showing my hometown what my Shire represents and what we do.”

Jutte’s favorite part of the SCA was the fellowship she enjoyed with the other members.  Many was the time you could find her milling through the merchants ostensibly checking on her merchant husband, Thorir, sharing coffee and cribbage at Odyssey Coffee, sitting around the campfire sampling the many fine potables made by fellow SCAdians, or telling one of her many “…there I was” stories.

“Just read a comment from another kingdom’s FB page. The person was asking about language that would be confusing to a newcomer. Brought back memories of the very first comments that I heard at my very first meeting. Two people were laughing and discussing how a fighter slid down a hill on his “scutum”. I misheard and couldn’t figure out what was so funny about what must have been a painful expedience. I still smile at that memory.”

Jutte enjoyed creating new garb, drumming, embroidery, needlework, stained glass and wire weaving. At Lilies War 2006 she stayed in a period pavilion of her own devising: a circular brown pavilion with gold trim all around the edge.  “When you try to explain to non-SCAers about camping, they usually groan and say negative things. They don’t understand. When I camp, I like comfort. I like to be able to sit in my little home away from home on a rainy day and relax… I made it myself using a 12-foot market umbrella from Sam’s. I think the whole thing cost me $125! Couldn’t afford store-bought, but it was cozy. Some people just put up their tent, throw in the bed and the ice-chest and go. Not me, even though I have gotten some groans and head-shaking from hubby about all the extra stuff.”

Jutte suffered an unfortunate shock during that same Lilies War when she witnessed her son, Iames, die in battle for the first time. “Aaach…but it was a wee wound and he was resurrected! What mother could ask for more!”

She tried archery, but it turned out that somehow, even though she was right-handed, she was left-eye dominant so that didn’t work out so well.  Jutte enjoyed the research aspect of the SCA the most, including researching her Scottish and Flemish personas.  “If I am on a quest to try something new, I enjoy spending hours finding out more about it.” About the only thing that she had no desire to do was to cook. “Nope, don’t want to. Can’t make me!” And yet when we did make her, the outcome was delicious.  Her Viking fløtbrød was especially addicting.

Jutte officially served her Shire and Kingdom as a voice herald, event steward, list mistress and group seneschal, but she served in so many other ways great and small.  From Brigida von München, “I know I have a lot of wonderful friends, but I need to single out Jutte van der Brugghe, Juliana Macnayre, and Anastasia da Carrara.  I had asked Jutte to revive her bookmaking skills for my [Pelican] ceremony on Saturday. She made the book and did the illumination, Juliana did the lovely leatherwork, and Stasi did the lovely calligraphy…   Ladies, know that I’m stunned by your work and collaboration!”

The family is planning a memorial in the spring.

Mistress Hertha Blair of Froggestow passed from this world on January 31st.

Image courtesy of The Memorial Shield Project – SCA.

Halidor Arkellsson
I just talked to Bobby Comstock, Mistress Hertha Blair’s Daughter. On the morning of January 31st, Hertha Blair of Frog Stow passed from this world. Rest easy sweet Lady. May you be in Chidiock’s strong arms.

Kristin Hacker
I met Hertha when I was 8 at our first newcomers’ moot. She wasn’t a Laurel yet. She taught me how to spin with a drop spindle and weave on a blanket loom. She is a part of every SCA memory I have from age 8 to 21. I saw her at my last event which was a QPT a few years ago. We also randomly ran into her and her daughter at the Nelson. My heart is broken.

Mike Jackson
Very few people know what a critical role both Hertha and Chidiock played in getting Calontir permission to use the park at Smithville for Lilies and later so many other events. Hertha set up a meeting with the park superintendent and Chidiock, Malachi, and I drove around the park looking at possible sites. The youth camp we now use was pretty much a wild gamble into having an event at a very primitive site.

Ellen K. Herndon
She was a friend and mentor early on after I came into SCA. The few memories I have of the 80s include her and Chidiock. (One was of house sitting for them once when they were out of town. Don’t remember if I did good at it though.)
She was a beautiful woman, inside and out. I always felt peaceful around her. She taught me drop spinning and weaving (and answered other stupid questions on fiber arts and other things). As well as was my go-to for questions on herbs and herbalism.
She and Chidiock are dear to my heart, I am 🥰 they are together again.
Thank you for Messaging this to me Halidor. I would have missed it otherwise. Please let me know when and where on respects. 💔🌹

Mellitus
Mistress Hertha has left this world. She was kind to me and welcomed me into the Barony of Forgotten Sea when I came here from Standing Stones. She encouraged me on my path in the SCA. She is reunited with her lord, Master Chidiok after many years. She had a big impact on many and her presence will long be felt in Calontir. Rest well noble lady. You will be missed.

Courtesy of The SCA Memorial Shield Project

Sir Stephen Grimfalcon du Norfolk passed from this world on February 2nd, 2021

Some collected memories from those who knew him:

Baroness Gwendolyn Verch Morgaine
He was always so kind. When I was new to Calontir and traveled for work, we would get together for dinner on most of my visits to Wichita. He made me feel welcome, and I enjoyed our conversations. He will be missed.

Master Johann Steinarsson
Outside of the friends who brought me into the Barony of Vatavia, Sir Stephen was one of the first to approach me and welcome me as a newcomer. He was always kind and encouraging, forever had a smile on his face, and never a bad thing to say about anyone. Sir Stephen was one of those who kept me going when I was at my lowest points, and believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. He was, indeed, a true embodiment of chivalry. And his friendship touched so many of my fellow Calontiri. I will miss him so very much. Rest in peace, Sir Stephen.

Duchess Hywela frech ferch Wyddel
My Champion when I was Princess the first time. He made me feel like a Princess, too! RIP, Old Friend.

Master Donald Andrew MacDonald
I met him when i was 16 and he was running a hobby shop in town. He invited me out to the sca. He was pro fencing long before calontir was ready for it. He was loyal and welcoming and generaly a awesome person. He was my peer before i even wanted to be a peer.

Courtesy of The Memorial Shield Project – SCA

Sadly, I must report the passing of Countess Salamandra the Whitesmith, also known as Sally Heald.

Countess Salamandra the Whitesmith began her Society journey in the Shire of Mag Mor when others urged her to attend a small local event. Not too long after, she moved to the Canton (now Shire) of Crescent Moon to pursue her modern profession. In Crescent Moon, Salamandra encouraged the group’s the group’s young folk – Duke Chrystofer Kensor, Sir Angus of Blackmoor, Mistress Rhianydd Arbeth – just to name a few. In those early days, she often loaded several people into her van and traveled to distant events allowing local folk to know and be known by fellow Calontiri.

In A.S. XXIV (1990), Their Royal Majesties Tomuki and Fionna recognized Salamandra as a Mistress of the Laurel for her decorative metal work.

In A.S. XXX (1996) Count Chrystofer Kensor was victorious in Crown Lists and made Salamandra His Queen. She was an enthusiastic Patroness of the Arts & Sciences. They also traveled to Pennsic and led the Calon army to much glory.

At times after stepping down, Countess Salamandra’s participation in Society events ebbed, but she always maintained her interest in Calontir. Eventually she rekindled her interest in SCA merchanting, offering a variety of wares including gorgeous, beaded jewelry. In 2019 Salamandra moved back to Mag Mor – now a barony. She enjoyed participating in baronial activities and, at the time of her death, was serving as Baronial Minister of Arts & Sciences.

Salamandra never met a person who wasn’t interesting – she might disagree with you, but you were interesting and worthy of encouragement. She loved rocks, cats, horses, books, arts & crafts, and learning new things. She also deeply loved her chosen family. She was talented, funny, and optimistic – as well as stubborn, impulsive, and an inventor of words. We miss her sorely. Her memory will always be a source of encouragement and motivation for those who knew her.

A celebration of Countess Salamandra’s life and our memories of her will be planned for a later date – when we can meet, talk, laugh, and cry face to face. If you want to “do something” sooner, consider donating to a local no-kill pet shelter in her honor. – Isadora of Orange Woode

Sing Non Nobis!

Lord Cuilén Kirk of Moray passed from this world this week after battling colon cancer.

He was a brother Fyrd, both Iren and Boga, as well as companion of both the Torse and Leather Mallet.

Best story is Him, me and Mama Z all went to gulf wars together. He was new to brewing and had not sealed his kegs right. The vibrations caused a leak and we were breathing in the fumes from the excess pressure and shaking for 10 hours. Almost like a mist of mead in the van. Everyone was a bit giddy. – from Jeff Angus

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Calontir used to use gulf tubes with tennis balls on the end for combat archery. Needless to say they didn’t go near as far or fast as other kingdoms arrows. Which of course meant many shied away from missile combat. Not so Cuillen. He embraced the limitations. And not as far or fast is still better than nothing. Trimaris in particular seemed to have endless numbers of crossbows and was always opposite us at the Gulf War ravine battle. Cuillen understood his limitations. He and our few other archers were patient, but when they struck it was always to take out the other sides best spears at a critical time. This of course inspired the crossbows to focus on him and not me. He largely ignored their crossbows as to far away too shoot effectively. But even so he still kept them from getting too close. For this and so many other reasons I will miss him dearly. – Daniel Berg

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Nobody mundanely or in the SCA could make a better Blueberry mead.

A service for Cuilén (mka Christopher Roehr) will be held at the American legion post on Saturday July 17 at 1p.m. The address is 9655 Midland Blvd., Overland, MO 63114.

Sing Non Nobis!

THL Paul Adler passed from this world on May 4th.

Paul had been in the SCA since 1979, starting in the Midrealm in the Shire of Mynydd Seren.

Paul was for many years a fighter, and earned his Iren Fyrd.

He held a variety of local offices in the Shire of Calanais Nuadh, including seneschal, A & S minister, and knights marshal. He also served as Kingdom A & S minister, organizing Queen’s Prize and Kingdom A&S events. For all these services he was awarded the Cross of Calontir.

He earned his Silver Hammer as a bright metal caster. His persona was German, and he was meticulous in his efforts to be period accurate in his art. The fruits of his art were donated to the Kingdom and Crown, in the form of many award medallions, brooches, and rings.

Paul was a great teacher, on subjects as varied as metal casting, ‘The Song of Roland,’ metallurgy, alchemy, and sacred geometry.

Paul was a good and gentle man who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

From Constellation shines a star
Above the peaks, a distance far
From thence proceed in ages past
A gentle man whose die was cast
And yet this treasure Falcon claims

Some Remembrances from Facebook:

Heartbroken to hear of the loss of HL Paul Adler (Vince Zahnle) today. A very kind man, always willing to lend a helping hand. He touched many lives, more than he may have realized. The SCA may not have recognized him as a peer, but I know one when I see one. My heartfelt condolences to his wife, the poet Lady Dulcibella de Chateaurien (Lucy Zahnle) and their family. – Ki no Kotori

This sad news has only recently arrived, over long winter roads.

Malkin Grey, mundanely known as Debra Doyle, 67, died October 31, 2020 of a sudden cardiac event at home in Colebrook NH.  She was best known in Calontir for the essential Calontir hits “Varangian Song”, “Raven Banner”, and “Song of the Shield Wall”, which she co-wrote with Peregrynne Windrider.  She and her husband James D. Macdonald also coauthored many SFF stories and novels in the 1990s and 2000s.

Ms. Malkin was born November 30, 1952 in Florida, and grew up mostly in Texas.  She received her AoA in Atlantia in A.S. 12 and was elevated to the Order of the Pelican there in A.S. 18.  Her final home was in the East Kingdom.

Varangian Song by Malkin Gray (Debra Doyle) and Peregrynne Windrider (Melissa Williamson)
Raven Banner by Malkin Gray (Debra Doyle) and Peregrynne Windrider (Melissa Williamson)
Song of the Shield Wall by Malkin Gray (Debra Doyle) and Peregrynne Windrider (Melissa Williamson)