Gleaned from Facebook:
The first memorial shield from Calontir at Gulf Wars
Shield text reads:
Countess Erzebet von Schachendorf, second Queen of Calontir, who reigned with Thoman Shadan Secarius. This shield created in Her memory by Havarr Refskegg of the Barony of Three Rivers, Calontir, 03-2019, A.S. 53
Ed. Note: Baroness Elwyn of Fountaingrove was the second Baroness of Forgotten Sea; from 1979 to 1983 with HE Morgan Griffith of York, and from 1983 to 1988 with HE Davro son of Davril son of Davin
The photos have been corrected from an earlier version of this post.
Unto the Their Royal Majesties Xersis and BelAnna, Imperator and Imperatrix of Noble Calontir, and to all Peers and Populace of this Land comes these words of remembrance from the pen of Master Mellitus of Rouncivale.
Let candles be lit and let Glimgloria sing “Non Nobis”. Let the bards and historians speak on the deeds of Baroness Elwyn of Fountaingrove.
Baroness Elwyn served Calontir from the earliest days when we were a region of the Middle Kingdom. It is said that she was instrumental in the early growth of Calontir.
Elwyn began her journey in the SCA in the Shire of the Fountains, which would be absorbed into the Shire of Forgotten Sea. Elwyn was awarded arms by King Moonwulf and Queen Zarina of the Middle Kingdom in May of AS XIII.
Elwyn served as Baroness of Forgotten Sea from April of AS XIV to May XXIII. She served with Baron Morgan of York and Baron Davro son of Davril, and under their leadership, Forgotten Sea grew and prospered. Elwyn was the third person invited into the Order of the Cross of Calontir by Warlord Humpk d’Bohunk (HG William Vatavia) in his last court at Calontir’s first Coronet Tourney. King HE Thorvald Anlafsson the Golden and HE Queen Branwyn Whiteraven honored her as a baroness of Their Court when her tenure was done. As Regional and then Principality Seneschal of Calontir, it was her efforts that coordinated our transition from Region to Principality.
Though she has rarely been seen at events in recent years, the work she did so long ago lives on in our Kingdom. Elwyn was known for her singing voice and her love of dance as well as the kindness and generosity she showed to all whom she came across. Many of those who joined the SCA in those early days benefited from her guidance and are now counted as Peers of the Realm. Calontir, honor well the memory of Baroness Elwyn of Fountaingrove for her legacy lives on in you.
Our Dearest Kingdom,
We come to you today with heavy hearts. We are sad to announce that His Highness Titus of Aethelmearc, passed away last night after doing what he loved.
We want to clear up any rumors that might be going around. Their Highnesses were attending Battlemoor when he became short of breathe after fighting. He was taken to the hospital where he was found to have a blood clot, and he did pass.
We are so happy for the time we got to spend with them both at Lilies and here at Battlemoor. We please ask that you respect Her Highness’ privacy at this very difficult time. We grieve with Our Royal Cousins and Our Kingdom and thank you all for your understanding of privacy.
-TRM Ashir & Ashland
-TRH Xerxis & BelAnna
Viscount Brummbar von Schwarzberg passed from this world May 31st, 2018
Brummbar was the first Champion of Calontir, its first Warlord, and its third Prince. Some of his squires include Sir Lars Vilhjalmsson, Duke Thoman Shadan Secarius, Sir Mihangel ap Gruffydd, and Mistress Olga Belobashnina Cherepanova
But those accolades, though well earned, are not nearly the measure of the man. Those who remember him have stories to tell, but his shadow is long and even those who did not know him have been influenced by him all these years later.
From Syr Andrew Lyon of Wolvenwood:
As a member of Three Rivers in Calontir’s pre-Principality days, I have fond memories of Brumbar. His freon-can helm, his black round-shield with rope edging, and his skill at arms which seemed heroic to us kids. In court or at feast, he was stern yet kind, never haughty, and his love for the Society was crystal clear. Believe me when I say that the spirit of Calontir is to a large part due to the quiet solidity and sense of Master Brumbar.
My most cherished memory of Brumbar is not of tourney or court or feast, however. It is of the great privilege I had of being invited to play wargames at his home. I will never forget evenings spent with Brom Blackhand, Senor Juan (Dev), and Stephen Ironhand, rolling dice while Bear refereed a game. He had hundreds of painted miniatures and medieval terrain. He loved pulling out that hidden unit of undead or orcs and seeing how we’d deal with them, or not. The glint in his eye as the lead carnage unfolded on the table was just pure joy.
Bear was a wise, humble, brilliant man with a wry wit and a sharp eye for bull. You knew that he knew what was right and what was wrong. Bear pointed the way to adulthood for me and many others. Please, Calontir, for so long as the Falcon flies, forever remember the debt owed by the Kingdom to this fine man.
From Master Andrixos Seljukroctonis:
This is the way of our lifestyle: We see our friends on weekends, and for a week or so three times a year. Unless we are in the same town, or perhaps at weddings, we rarely meet our friends’ parents. And now some of us have reached the age when our parents, and our friends’ parents, start to pass away.
It is difficult to offer words of comfort to such good friends, about the loss of their first, and most influential mentor. I often fall back on the formulaic, yet deeply felt: I knew not the father, but based on the son, I am certain he was a good, good man.
Many of the newer Sons and Daughters of the Falcon never had a chance to meet Brumbarr. Many of those from foreign Realms never had a chance to meet him. To all of those, I can only say:
This man you may judge based on the Kingdom you know.
On March 26th Logan the Bowyer passed away. 
Logan was a brother Boga Fyrd, and a stalwart supporter of the Barony of Coeur d’Ennui.
Logan also acted as a court herald when called upon. In fact, he was always ready to perform any service for his Barony and Kingdom.
Most people remember his kindness, his willingness to help and his joy. He was always willing to help new archers, and to expand our understanding of the art. But it did not end with archery; Logan would help anyone with anything. Simply being there, with a smile and a willing set of hands, was his great strength.
He also loved the making of things, receiving a Leather Mallet for his cooking and woodworking. He loved learning, and would ask very tough, detailed questions in his quest to grasp a concept.
Logan embodied the yeoman archer of “Strike the Drum” and well deserves to have the song sung in his memory:
Courtesy of the Knowne World Memorial Shield Project
Lord Sveinn Njallson has passed after a valorous battle with 
cancer. He is survived by his lady wife, Lady Ragnheiðr Refsdóttir, and his son Kristian. He is preceded by his first wife, Dagny Vigunnsdatter, of blessed memory.
Sveinn was squired to Syr Duncan Eardstapa.
Svein joined the SCA in 1979. Though he could not travel extensively, he was a constant and stalwart member of the Kingdom of Calontir and of the Barony of Three Rivers. He served in the baronial guard for a time, also receiving the Order of Three Rivers Silver and the Baron’s Order of Gallantry.
His Kingdom awards include the Order of the Iren-Fyrd, Order of the Leather Mallet and Order of the Torse.
While he is remembered as a stalwart brother in arms, Sveinn is also remembered as being kind, helpful and welcoming to newcomers, always willing to share his knowledge of Norse lifestyle. Not seeking the spotlight, he nevertheless worked behind the scenes, quietly and competently, to insure thing ran smoothly.
Sveinn also participated in equestrian activities. From Sir Sato Jiro:
Sveinn, before his cancer was diagnosed had been coming to B3R equestrian practices regularly and was learning to do mounted combat on our mules. After he was diagnosed and had begun treatment he continued to come to practices and continued to ride for some time even while on harsh Chemo treatments. His refusal to give up doing things he loved (like riding the mules in combat) even when feeling unwell was an inspiration to many of us equestrians in Three Rivers.
In origin, the term chivalry means “horsemanship”, formed in Old French, in the 11th century, from chevalier (horseman, knight). Sveinn showed me he was a horseman and he was full of Chivalry with his bravery.
Finally, here is a story shared by Lady Pádraigín an Ein i gh:
Not many know this, as I officially joined SCA later in my life – but I’ve known a very special, wise, clever and amazing man known as Sveinn (Duane Nelson) for a while now.I was 13 when I met him and his first wife at a NYE party hosted by Jennifer Llewelyn. The funny thing about SCA people is they don’t see a teenager or a toddler, they just see smaller humans and treat them with respect and inquire and show genuine interest. I was f—ing shy when I was 13, and I remember reading this book at the start of the NYE party and Duane came up to me and just started to inquire about the book and talking to me like an adult – a new thing for me to experience. He recommended some authors I might like and to this day, they are some of my favorite authors.I will never forget heading to my first(ish) event (I was there a total of 3 hours, so I don’t really count it) that same year and every time I saw Duane, he’d always ask how I was doing, was I enjoying myself, had I drank water, you know the typical SCA hospitality questions.When I officially joined the SCA 6 years ago, I walked up to Duane and asked if he remembered me and he gave me the biggest hug and said, “Welcome Back, of COURSE I remember you.” He was, in part one of the reasons I decided to jump in feet first with the SCA. He was a familiar face in an unknowing crowd and that was always comforting.A few months ago my goddaughter and I met Duane and Rebecca at Central Reform Congregation for an evening service. Rebeca was walking my goddaughter through the service, as she is planning on converting.Afterwards we went out to dinner at Ari’s. And I will never forget what Duane said after her ordered the lamb chops: “Always order the lamb chops. Our own lives are fleeting and precious if you want the lamb chops, order the damn lamb chops.”May Vallhalla greet you with songs and mead a’plenty.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help with final expenses.
Photo courtesy Mistress Rhianydd Arberth
Baron Sir Cormac O’Sullivan passed away on Monday, February 26, 2018.
Courtesy of The Knowne World Memorial Shield Project
Memorial visitation will be March 6, from 4 PM to 8 PM at Calterra Funeral Home, 5140 Daggett Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110. Funeral Mass will be March 7 at 10 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 4200 Delor St., St. Louis, MO 63116
Baron Cormac was the second baron of the Barony of Three Rivers, serving from 1990 to 1995. He is remembered fondly by many as their “first Baron”, and a great inspiration in their SCA experience.
He is also remembered for his exuberant performances of songs like “Haul Away Joe”, and his recitation of Shylock’s speech from the Merchant of Venice. He was always smiling, and his joy in life and the SCA was infectious, bringing everyone along with him for the ride.
Sir Saito remembers:
Baron Sir Cormac was the first knight I met in the SCA 30 years ago. He immediately impressed me with his kindness to strangers. He also, for the many years I fought with him, inspired me to remember SCA fighting is more about honor and fun than victory. He ALWAYS was smiling a big grin inside his helmet. Always. I never saw him without that grin, ear to ear, as he smashed people with his mace. He was the knight that made me want to be a knight. He was also a funny guy who could make me laugh. He used to use this line on young new fighters like myself 30 year ago. It went like this “Young man” he told me “Now try not to hurt this old, slow, tired knight. Come closer so I can hear and see you better” He would then explode into a grinning whirlwind of mace and shield. I use that line myself for many years now in his honor. It saddens my heart to think his inspiring light isn’t shining still.
Courtesy of the Knowne World Memorial Shield Project
Lady Ciarnait inghean uí Mheadhra (Elizabeth Ravenscroft) passed away on Thursday morning, February 22nd, 2018. No information on memorial services was available at the time of publication.
Over the years she was apprenticed to Mistress Bess Darnley, then she became the protege of Countess Comyn Hrothwyn of Goldum Aecum (Shadow) Bess returned to Canada. She also was fostered as apprentice to Mistress Luciana di Ridolfi of blessed memory.
She was a strong and supporting member of the Shire of Dun Ard, who worked hard to maintain the group. Between her work and health her activity level in the SCA dropped off over the years but any event held in Dun Ard had her hand in planning in some capacity.
She was also a talented costumer, who produced beautiful Elizabethan garb.
Bess: “She truly was a gentle soul who had no real idea of the positive impact she had on people around her.”
Shadow: “She always had a willing, open heart and an ‘helium hand’ when helping others discover her love of costuming and the SCA. Her life didn’t allow her participation sadly but she was there helping in the shadows. She will be missed.”
Ed. Note: A previous version of this article misstated the order of Elizabeth’s peer relationships. This has been corrected.
Photo by Raziya bint Rusa
Crossposted from the East Kingdom Gazette, for those Calontiri who knew His Grace Kenric:
“When righteousness and mercy are associated in the ruler’s authority, he may, while soothing the hearts of his subjects, inspire them with reverence, and, whilst correcting, sooth them. So spoke Alfred, great King of the Saxons, and it is as if he had known Kenric ætEssex.” – From the ducal scroll of Kenric æt Essex
Duke Kenric æt Essex, Knight, Laurel, has been declared lost at sea following a boating accident on Friday, January 12th. Kenric was one of the most highly accomplished and beloved citizens of the East. He and his wife, Avelina Keyes, reigned three times as King and Queen of the East. He was the only person in the history of the East to be inducted into five orders of High Merit. Prior to his first reign as King of the East, he served as East Kingdom Brigantia Herald for four years, then subsequently as Kingdom Chamberlain for two years, and at the time of his death was serving as East Kingdom Marshal of Armored Combat.
Kenric was a fixture in his home Barony of the Bridge for decades and was a leading member of Duchy Von Drachenklaue and of House Silverwing. He recieved his Award of Arms in the Fall of 1994 from Lucan II and Jana II and was shortly thereafter inducted into the Pillar of the Bridge for his contributions to his local group. He was a companion of the Order of the Sagittarius (1998), of the Silver Crescent (1999), of the Maunche (2000), of the Tygers Combattant (2001), of the Chivalry (2002), of the Silver Rapier (2014), of the Laurel (2014), and of the Golden Rapier (2017). In addition, he held the rank of Master Bowman.
He was recognized with the Queen’s Honor of Distinction by Caitlin and by Jana IV, and with the Queen’s Award of Esteem by Caoilfhionn II, and he was recognized with the King’s Cypher by Lucan for his personal service to the Crown during three different reigns, as well as twice by Brennan.
For his courtesy and deportment in the Crown Lists, he was awarded the Shield of Chivalry four times. He twice served as Queen’s Champion of Arms and also won the position of King’s Champion of Arms three times. He was recognized with the Order of Valor of the East by Darius II and Roxane II at Pennsic 32 in recognition of his valor on the battlefield.
Kenric was a skilled metalworker, who at this past Pennsic was one of Champions representing the East for the Arts and Sciences War Point. He also did extensive and immersive research on Anglo-Saxon culture and language, learning to read and speak Anglo-Saxon English and striving at all times to make his person and persona as historically accurate as possible, to make history real and tangible to enhance both his own experience and that of those around him. To note only one vivid example, he was a performer in a battlefield telling of Beowulf at Pennsic XLII during his first reign. As one audience member described it, “when it came to be his turn he rose from his high seat to speak just as the sun was setting. He was exactingly dressed for the role, and as the light shifted from the setting sun to the torches in the tent, the Anglo-Saxon King of the East spoke the words of King Hrothgar in the original language that the poet put in that king’s mouth. We were transported.”
Kenric and Avelina reigned three times in the East. At the end of their first reign, Kenric “retired” his original persona and name of Kenric of Warwick, and at the Coronation of Edward II and Thyra held elaborate funeral rites for the death of the King, culminating in the elevation of Prince Edward and Princess Thyra to the Crown. The story of the passing of King Kenric captured the imagination of many in the East, and a number of artworks, stories, and songs were inspired by the life of “Saint Kenric of Warwick of Blessed Memory”. During their second reign, Kenric adopted the persona of Kenric æt Essex, cousin of the original Kenric, who had married Avelina and who again reigned in the East. During their third reign, Kenric instituted King Kenric’s Challenge, whereby he pledged to personally reward any and all Eastern Citizens who completed two, three, or four war point activities in armored combat, rapier, archery, or thrown weapons at Pennsic War.
Kenric is survived by his beloved wife, Duchess Avelina Keyes, and their daughter, as well as a wide circle of family and friends. An interfaith Memorial Service will be held this Saturday, January 20, 2018 at noon at Saint Benedict’s Church in Warwick, RI.
Photo by Raziya bint Rusa
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