October ~ Guild of the Month

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Greetings Bryn Gwlad and Friends, Today we introduce you to The Bryn Gwlad WoodWorkers  Guild ~ The purpose is to Highlight the guild and its leaders and show what it is all about.  The Bryn Gwlad Woodworkers Guild  Guild lead is  Úlfeiðr a Þróndheimi – Deputy is Dafydd de Mortemer The Woodworkers Guild is A New … Read more

DEI Focus: See Something, Do Something – Bystander Intervention

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This Week in DEI with Baroness Genevieve Choue discusses – See Something, Do Something: Bystander Intervention All too often, when unchivalric behaviors happen, there are people in a position to interrupt the behavior, provide education about the offensive behavior and/or be a support for the person who was the target of the behavior. Join “This … Read more

Sign up for Zombie tournament

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Greetings Barony and friends! Zombie Tournament is a fun mini event that happens at our populace in the park fighter practice on Tuesday October 26th, It is a Garbed and zombified event for fun and to reach out to the community – and lots of fun will be had !! Where is it at: Beverly … Read more

Presenting the Thorgeant

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Come join us at Asgardian Fjord Day for the evening Thorgeant. What’s a Thorgeant, you may well ask. It’s Freyja’s attempt to find a replacement Thor and Loki to retrieve Mjolnir from Thrym, the jotun who has stolen it. The real Thor and Loki have had a long, hard day and are too exhausted to … Read more

DEI Focus: Identifying and Addressing Cultural Appropriation

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In this class, Baroness Zahra will identify some of the different ways that cultures interact, including cultural appreciation, exchange, assimilation, and the problematic appropriation. We’ll talk about why cultural appropriation is so harmful, in both a modern and SCA context, and explore some ways of self-evaluating and addressing our own behavior to avoid it. A … Read more

Volunteers needed Click Here !

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Greetings Barony ! We have two events ASGARDIAN FIELD DAY & ZOMBIE TOURNAMENT! Asgardian Field day needs gate shifts filled ~ This event will be Nov 6th – This is our Fall Baronial event being held jointly with the Shire of Shadowlands – it will take place at DEANVILLE HALL, Farm to Market rd. 111, … Read more

Rapier Practice: Reopening October 5th

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Hi all, Given the decline in Covid-19 numbers, rapier practice will re-open October 5th. Note that in accordance with current Ansteorra rules (https://ansteorra.org/covid-19-information/) masking will be required. Note also that as of October 15th, participation will require either proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours. Look for an update with more … Read more

Fighter Practice and PiP back on! (See you Tuesday, 10/05)

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Greetings, Bryn Gwlad! Thank you for your patience and understanding while we waited out the most recent covid spike in the greater Austin area. Austin-Travis County has dropped down to stage 4, so in consultation with the rapier and chivalric marshals, I am reopening Tuesday fighter practice and Populace-in-the-Park. Please make sure you fill out … Read more

Oye’ Oye’ Shadowlands and Bryn Gwlad

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We are in need of volunteers for our upcoming joint event !! Please sign up using the following sheet !! If you have never done it, thats okay ! We will train you then you can do it everywhere ! Sign up you know you want to ~ If you have questions please contact Lady … Read more

DEI Focus: Impact vs. Intent, A Class

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Have you ever been in a situation where your intent has been misunderstood? Or you’ve been impacted by words or deeds that seemed dismissive due to different intent? This class will unpack the important relationship between intent and impact, the pros and cons to understanding each, how it applies to the SCA, and what can … Read more

DEI Focus: Chivalric Discussions

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Join us for a roundtable with six members of the Order of Chivalry to discuss how concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion have affected their journeys in the SCA and some of the different ways that DEI can and has already been incorporated into the armoured combat community. Our guests are: Duke Eliahu ben Itzhak, … Read more

September ~ Guild of the Month

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Greetings Bryn Gwlad and Friends, Today we introduce you to The Bryn Gwlad Fiber Arts Guild ~ The purpose is to Highlight the guild and its leader and show what it is all about. The Bryn Gwlad Fiber Arts Guild lead is Master Dafydd de Mortemer The Fiber Arts Guild is set up and run … Read more

DEI Focus: Inclusivity in Event Planning

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This Week’s DEI Focus Post is all about Inclusivity in Event Planning! Watch the discussion below! In this class, we will discuss site selection and evaluation, addressing accessibility concerns, potential pitfalls to avoid when planning an event, and examples of the many ways in which members of the SCA have successfully employed inclusive practices in … Read more

DEI Focus: “The Black Presence in Renaissance Europe”

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In “We Were There”, Harlie Des Roches will speak to her experiences as a Black reenactor and her research on the Black presence in Renaissance Europe. She’ll be reading a piece that she recently wrote called “We Were There” and answering questions afterwards. Baroness Sarafina Sinclair is a Laurel and Pelican living in the Midrealm. … Read more

Zombie Tournament

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Oyez , Oyez ! Bryn Gwlad and friends As the days grow shorter and hopefully cooler. The time draws near to fight the most epic of Battles at our very own populace in the Park – Prowess on the field as well as of the Arts no doubt will earn much word fame ! So … Read more

Fall Event Planning Meeting

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Monday 8/30/2021 7:00pm Join us to discuss the Fall Event. Topics covered will include schedule. Nicaize Maupetit is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: BG/SL Fall Event Planning meetingTime: 7pm Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/83733002482?pwd=M2YxWWFHRFhGZCtyMWdQMXZEK0lxZz09 Meeting ID: 837 3300 2482Passcode: 205876

DEI Focus: Invisible Illnesses

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Join us for a DEI topic focus round table discussing Invisible Disabilities and the SCA. Panelists include: Honorable Lady Castellana de Andalucia (they/them or she/her), Kingdom of Ansteorra Signorina Niccolina the Wanderer (she/ her), Kingdom of Atlantia Maestra Giada Alberti, Kingdom of An Tir Sir Donas (he/him), Kingdom of the Midrealm Lord Owyn De Wolfe … Read more

DEI Focus: Challenges Women Face in SCA Combat

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In “Challenges Women Face in SCA Combat”, Baroness Katrina (Wolverine) will be holding a conversation on what gender inequality looks like in the SCA fighting community from her experience of over a decade. She will discuss gender constructs in mundane society, how it affects combat in the SCA, and how we as a Society can … Read more

Site Token for Fall Event chat

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Wed 8/18 at 7:00pm we will be hosting a chat to discuss building our site tokens for the Fall Event Asgardian Fjord Day. Come join our meeting to see how you might be able to help ahead of our event in November making some awesome site tokens. Nicaize Maupetit is inviting you to a scheduled … Read more

August ~ Guild of the Month

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Greetings Bryn Gwlad and Friends, Today we introduce to you  The Bryn Gwlad Bardic Guild  The purpose is to Highlight the guild and its leaders and show what it is all about.  Guild lead is Master Thomas of Tenby  The Bardic Guild is set up and run by populace from the Barony of Bryn Gwlad, … Read more

The “New World” in the SCA — join the class tonight!

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What: The “New World” in the SCA: Creating Accessibility and an Inviting Atmosphere for Non-Eurasian Personas and CulturesWhere: Public Live Stream via FacebookWhen: 630pm CDTWho: All are welcome to attendWhy: This is one of several Virtual Pennsic Classes that you can watch! Brief class description: With distinct actions such as updating the SCA Mission Statement … Read more

Greetings Bryn Gwlad and Friends

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From the Barony MoAS Its August and well things are still weird – but Yay for the SCA and all our friends online !! As well as time to work on all the things – We have events coming up for Kingdom A&S – and the signups are live ! Here is a link to … Read more

Next fall event planning meeting: 08/04 at 7pm

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Greetings, Bryn Gwlad! We will be having our next planning meeting for our joint event with Shadowlands this Wednesday at 7pm via zoom. Come hear updates, share your ideas, and get pumped for our next event! Join Zoom Meetinghttps://arrivelogistics.zoom.us/j/92812049494?pwd=VDYzdDJWem1PSzZVVXJjZExuWnpZZz09 Meeting ID: 928 1204 9494Passcode: FallEvent See you Wednesday!Orazio, Seneschal

Join us virtually for Event Planning and Woodworking – Tonight!

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Join us tonight for two virtual activities! #1 Woodworking Our Woodworking Guild will be having a virtual meeting in the Bryn Gwlad Discord Server to talk about projects, tools, and the up-coming in-person meeting! Meet the guild, talk about your projects, or just hang out and enjoy the discussions. #2 Joint Event Planning Meeting Bryn … Read more

New historian

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Sigrun de Birca is now the new baronial historian. Thank you for taking on this task.  I look forward to seeing what energy you will bring to the table.

Fall Joint Event Update: “Asgardian Field Day”

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Thank you so much to everyone who has attended our first two meetings. I am very excited to see how the Asgardian field/fjord day theme is coming together. However, we are still sourcing a site, key staff, and working out individual activity plans. If you are interested in helping out please contact me or attend … Read more

July ~ Guild of the Month

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Greetings Bryn Gwlad and Friends, Today we introduce to you ~ The Bryn Gwlad Scribal Guild  ~ The purpose is to Highlight the guild and its leaders and show what it is all about.  The Bryn Gwlad Scribal Guild   Guild lead is Lady Genevieve of Hellsgate   The Scribal Guild is set up and … Read more

Herald Training Class (Virtual)

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Greetings Barony – Your Herald – Sigrun de Birca will host a training meeting on Wednesday July 14th from 6:00 to 7:00 pm via the Baronial Discord server ! The nights topic will be over the Basics of what to do as a Baronial or group Herald ! What do you actually have to know? … Read more

Joint Event Planning Meeting – Tomorrow, July 12th!

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Join us tomorrow, July 11th, at 7pm in Zoom for our second Planning Meeting for our upcoming Joint Fall Event with Shadowlands! All are welcome to attend! Help us plan the event!Join us for the meeting!Bring your ideas! Primary goals of the meeting: Finalize the Name/Theme of the Event Choose a site We’re currently looking … Read more

Fall Event Planning Meeting 07/05 at 7pm

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Greetings Bryn Gwlad! We will be meeting on zoom this upcoming Monday, July the 5th to start work our fall event. Things we will discuss:SitesThemeCompetitionsCampingAnd more! Pull out all those favorite sites, kooky themes, and crazy competition ideas you been thinking about and we can work together to put together a great joint event with … Read more

June ~ Guild of the Month

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Greetings Bryn Gwlad and Friends, Today we introduce you to  The Bryn Gwlad Dance Guild ~ The purpose is to Highlight the guild and its leaders and show what it is all about.  The Bryn Gwlad Dance Guild  Guild lead is Lord Tuathal O’Sheils along with Deputy Her Excellency, Mistress Myfanwy Ferch Eifion The Dance Guild … Read more

In-person events are happening! Here is what you need to fill out to participate.

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Greetings Bryn Gwlad! In order to comply with society requirements for in person activities, I have created the following form that all participants will need to fill out when attending any local meeting, guild event, practice, or revel. The form asks for your SCA and mundane name as well as a good contact number and … Read more

Bardshal Midsummer Revel

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Greetings Barony ~ these are exciting times and we are actually going LIVE PLAY !! June 19th 2021 from 10am to 6pm What a great time to celebrate our friendships and kinships with a day event. We will be able to reacquaint ourselves with our personas, our fighting, and our arts !! The Barony needs … Read more

Populace in the Park is back June 1st (and other reopening updates)

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Greetings Bryn Gwlad, Based on recent guidance from the kingdom seneschal and the vote of the populace at business meeting, we are restarting Populace in the Park, or PiP, to coincide with rapier and chivalric practice on Tuesday nights. The first PiP will be June 1st, watch the calendar for official details and please reach … Read more

WOODWORKERS GUILD

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CANCELLED for tonight only: The inaugural meeting of the Woodworkers guild is being rescheduled for, Weds June 16th and the 3rd Weds of every month there after – Sorry for the short notice Cancellation but the Guild lead is Ill and we have no deputy yet – please let us know if you are interested … Read more

Woodworkers Guild Meeting

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Greetings populace and friends, The first monthly WOODWORKERS GUILD MEETING will take place this Thursday – May 20th at 7pm on Discord ! After this date the meetings will be the 3rd Wednesday of each month – Virtual or place will be determined monthly ! Úlfeiðr a Þróndheimi Looks forward to seeing you all there … Read more

Online Platform Survey April 2021 – View the Response Summaries Now!

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Webminister Badge

Last week, I conducted a survey of the populace in order to gather information related to how you use online platforms to engage with Bryn Gwlad online. I’ve summarized the results (and made pretty charts and tables), and have them available for you to view here!

I mention this in the slideshow, but want to emphasize it here as well:

The goal of this survey is NOT to change how people use online platforms, it’s NOT to create TODO lists for officers, and it’s NOT to prove one platform is “better” than another.

The goal IS to gather information, to understand how the populace use online platforms, to get a sense for how people engage with Bryn Gwlad, and provide interesting information to officers and the populace in the hopes that it can be made useful.

See the full presentation here!

Please feel free to reach out to be via email (webminister at bryn-gwlad.ansteorra.org) if you have questions, comments, suggestions, or more.

Lady kolfinna inn kyrra Ottarsdottir
Bryn Gwlad Webminsiter

See the full presentation here!

Fall Event Survey, Tell us What you Think!

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Greetings Bryn Gwlad, As discussed at the March business meeting, here is the survey to help guide our discussions on what kind of event we want to have this fall. Apologies on the delay getting this out. Please fill this out some time before business meeting this upcoming Monday. hard URL: https://forms.gle/CETVEp1ev7jRmwCN6 See you all … Read more

Garb – Constructing all the Things. Links that might help!

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Just sharing a few links related to basic construction of clothing and accessories. Happy afternoon! Archaeological Sewing Costuming links – leather and odds and ends Costuming links – hats, embroidery, decorations Having more links you want to share?Post them in the comments below!

Events For the Day – How do we begin ! The new normal and What to bring

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Eventing will begin soon and everything has changed – In this new beginning we will need to be covid aware, social distancing, and out doors: Lets start with the basics : Be aware that none of this is a hard and fast “have too” these are written as an example to help you create your … Read more

Late-Period Construction, Some Examples

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In the SCA, “late period” is often used to refer to things dating between 1100 and 1600, though the term varies dramatically depending on what culture or geographic location you’re looking at. Here are some links to examples of late period construction: An Overview of Men’s Clothing in Northern Italy c. 1420 – 1480 Isabella’s … Read more

A & S – reopening Guidelines

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Here are general guidelines for A&S activities. These are based on the Marshalate Plan, but there are some modifications. These rules are specifically for A&S classes for SCA participants, not demonstrations for the general public. These only pertain to in-person meetings. Virtual classes, get togethers, etc. are HIGHLY encouraged and unrestricted. No one is required … Read more

Baronial Birthdays

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I want to start putting a list of birthdays in the barony in the monthly newsletter if you would like you can add your birthday info to the google form https://forms.gle/ummCeCZG6Y4T9g2f6

Greetings Barony – News from the Cooks Guild

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Alas our leader for the Cooks Guild ~Johnathan Blacklock~ is needing to step down. Lord Blacklock has been a driving force for this guild, has moved it forward in the culinary Kingdom and given it LIFE ! He will be greatly missed at the helm , but he is one of us , so I … Read more

Greetings Good Gentles of Bryn Gwlad and beyond

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Welcome March ! We have so much Greatness to look forward to! So many exciting adventures for the year – Do not let the coldness of winter and the Ails of 2020/2021 get you down , the thaw is underway and we shall prevail !! Let me start by sharing some exciting news ! I … Read more

Early-Period Clothing! A couple of articles and videos for your afternoon

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Generally in the SCA, the term “early period” refers to things dating between 1100 and 1400 or anything earlier than that. (Yes, it’s a vague term and “early” changes depending on what geographic location you’re talking about. But, that’s okay.) Here are a couple of links that focus on early period “viking” construction. Check out … Read more

Research is Hard. Where do you even begin???

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This is by no means a comprehensive collection of research starting points. This won’t get you information on all cultures, but hopefully these will give you some starting points, some inspiration, and some educational spaces to explore. These links will take you to external sites. Ancient Origins – “Our goal is to highlight the very latest … Read more

Kingdom Round Table is Tomorrow!! Prepare to attend classes!

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Kingdom Round table is tomorrow! This is the bi-annual Ansteorran event where officers take classes related to their field, officers renew their warrants (by attending classes), and the Greater Officers of State give the State of the Kingdom presentation — the status report of the offices and affairs of the Kingdom. Officers, attend your classes! … Read more

February 2021 Newsletter

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Full Newsletter Open offices currently acceptingapplicationsExchequerQuartermasterApplications can be sent to:https://ansteorra.org/seneschal/apply-for-an-office/Quartermaster: Send applications to Seneschal andB&B Upcoming Events CandlemasMemento moriFebruary 6, 2020https://ansteorra.org/bryn-gwlad/events/candlemas/ Memento mori and the Danse MacabreDuring the height of the black death the richwould shutter themselves away., party drink,and dance. These parties were commonduring this time because many believed ifthey were fated to die … Read more

Structures, Dwellings, and Tents

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The SCA is heavily centered on camping, gathering for weekend events, and decorating our homes away from home. But… what types of tents are out there? What can you make, what can you buy? Check out this collection of links and articles available from Stefan’s Florilegium! Specifically, this article detailing how to make a wedge … Read more

Invisible Disabilities and the SCA – Upcoming Panel Discussion

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What: Online Event, details and updates on FacebookWhen: Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 1:30 PM CST – 3:30 PM CSTDuration: 2 hrPublic  · Anyone on or off FacebookTopic: Join us for a DEI topic focus round table discussing Invisible Disabilities and the SCA. Panelists include: Honorable Lady Castellana de Andalucia (they/them or she/her), Kingdom of Ansteorra Signorina … Read more

Candlemas 2021 Class Schedule and Links

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Complete Schedule Time Instructor Room A Room B Moderator Sigrün de Bîrca Willoc mac Muiredaig 10:00 AM Escarlata Leticia Itzel de Granada Eating your Grief: A facetious fact finding of funerary feasting —no class— 11:00 AM Anne von Wiese —no class— Attaching and Styling Hat Feathers: Demo 12:00 PM ————- LUNCH BREAK LUNCH BREAK 1:00 … Read more

Ansteorran Woven Regalia – Inkle Loom Patterns!

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Do you have an inkle loom or another tool that lets you do warp-faced weavings? Looking for small projects to take on? Well, you can satisfy your need to weave and help the Kingdom at the same time! The Kingdom of Ansteorra gives regalia with some awards. It can range from circlets to cloaks, pendants … Read more

Hardened Leather Armour and Resources to Make It

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These are a few resources shared y Bryn Gwlad’s own Sir Maelgwyn. These should help you in your quest to make your own leather armour. First, this article at Greaving has good coverage of making greaves! There are seven steps to the grieving process:  shock, pain, anger, depression, hope, reconstruction and acceptance.  Many of these steps … Read more

Want to find people talking about SCA or Period topics? Check out these blogs!

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These links will take you to external sites that have no affiliation with Bryn Gwlad. The Realm of Venus Welcome to the Realm of Venus, a site about the clothing and accessories of the men and women of late Renaissance Italy, with a focus on sixteenth century Venice. Whether you are a costumer in the … Read more

Knights! Chivalric Combat! Heavy Fighting! What is it, and how do I get started?

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Are you interested in chivlaric combat? Reach out to our Knight Marshal to ask about upcoming practices or check out the resources below! A big part of getting into chivalric combat involves identifying what weapons, armour, and equipment you will need to buy or make. The links below are a small sampling of the options … Read more

Wool and Linen — Staples for Constructing Clothing

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Do you have ideas for clothing, but don’t know where to shop for fabric or accessories? Don’t worry! It’s where we all begin, and we are happy to share resources. There are many, *many* vendors that sell fabric or clothing that fit the SCA aesthetic (anything pre-1600). Take a gander at these sites for inspiration. … Read more

The History of Bryn Gwlad — The Beginnings of the Barony

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Check out this piece of Bryn Gwlad History as told by Cynric of Bedwyn, Historian of Bryn Gwlad circa 1994. THE BRYN GWLAD CHRONICLE Cynric of Bedwyn, Historian Final Version, 10/21/1994  Part 1 Before Bryn Gwlad  CAVEAT: History is, under the best of circumstances, subject to the interpretation of both  chronicler and reader. While the following account does … Read more

Dialogue and Debate: What should we strive for?

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The SCA is composed of a diverse population. We have different experiences, we have different beliefs, and we have different backgrounds, and we are all committed to valuing the worth of all individuals and promoting a safe and respectful environment. We want to work together to explore our histories, our passions, and our hobbies. But, … Read more

The Lions Den Presents “Creating Accessibility and an Inviting Atmosphere for Non-Eurasian Personas and Cultures”

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Tonight! 9PM CST Zoom! Details can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/427702998235464/ Summary of details for this public event: Full title: The “New World” in the SCA: Creating Accessibility and an Inviting Atmosphere for Non-Eurasian Personas and Cultures. Although the class starts at 7:00pm PST we will be online at 6:30pm PST and hope many of you … Read more

In-person activity update

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Greetings Bryn Gwlad! I have an update on the Baronial reopening plan. Shortly after business meeting the southern regional seneschal received an appeal and, in consultation with the kingdom seneschal and Crown, decided to approve the appeal. This means that the Baronial reopening policy has been overturned. I have reached out to the martials and … Read more

Candlemas Classes

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Greetings, Candlemas will be upon us before you know it. If you are interested in teaching a class at Candlemas. Sigrun de Birca will be our class coordinator she can be reached via email (starlasjy @ gmail.com) or via the Bryn Gwlad Facebook Group. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc7TV3zZv2-GcDXlYk6DwXNibg9H91lEg3XgbWyuooA16eKCg/viewform?usp=sf_link

You have the power to Recognize others!

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Have you seen someone making great SCA art? Have you seen someone doing awesome research? Have you seen someone demonstrating combat skills? Have you seen someone teaching? Have you seen someone volunteering to help with things? Have you seen someone you think should be recognized for what they’re doing? Our Fall Event is fast approaching!This … Read more

Taverns, Castles, and Keeps! Oh My!

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Our virtual event is quickly approaching! The month-long building challenge in Minecraft starts on 1 September!!! As part of our event will be a building competition throughout the month of September up to and including the weekend of the event.  What: Minecraft Building Bryn Gwlad challenge Where: Bryn Gwlad hosted Minecraft server, Bryn Gwlad Discord server When: … Read more

Walking in Someone Else’s Shoes

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What is this? WALKING IN SOMEONE ELSE’S SHOESAwareness Training Activity (Feb 2019)Gigi Coulson, Interim Society DEI Officer This is an Awareness Training Activity created by Gigi Coulson. The activity consists of two parts: Reading the experiences and feedback shared by people on the following categories Comfortableness with the Climate of DEI in the SCA Do … Read more

Covid 19 Update for the Barony

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Greetings, populace and friends of Bryn Gwlad! I am writing you to provide an update on the state of activities within the barony and our plans locally for when we will resume in-person activities. Currently, Bryn Gwlad just entered our second week at phase 1 on the Ansteorran Martialate Practices Reopen Plan. The officers of … Read more

Equity and Inclusion 101 – Slides

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Equity and Inclusion 101DEI in the SCA Gigi Coulson, May 2019 Goals of the presentation: Build a shared understanding of the concepts of equity and inclusion Increase awareness of DEI in the Society Develop skills to promote equity and inclusion Sections of the presentation: Terms DEI Officer, SCA Mission, Core Values, Chivalric Virtues, Agreements we … Read more

Special edition: BG at home

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your friendly neighborhood chronicler here. what have you been working on during this time. The halberd will be putting out a special edition which will include: Photos of you at home in garb projects you have been working on songs and poems favorite recipes mask making outreach projects All the things that have kept your … Read more

DEI – What does that mean?

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You’ve probably seen or heard the terms “diversity”, “equity”, and “inclusion” before. We’ve said them a number of times in this blog already. …but what do they actually mean? What does it mean to “be diverse” or “foster diversity?” Can you have a “diverse person?” What does it mean to “be inclusive?” What does it … Read more

Greetings

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I am Goldweard. I will be the new chronicler for our fair barony. For those who wish to know more about me, feel free to navigate to my SCA wiki page. I look forward to serving the barony during my tenure.

Update on in-person events

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Greetings Bryn Gwlad! I have an update from the SCA’s board of directors concerning events for the rest of the year. To read their full resolution you can find it here. The long and short of it is there will be no in-person kingdom-level events through January 31st. I know this is disappointing but it … Read more

Automatic Cross-Post from Website to Email List

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Good evening! Your neighborhood, friendly Bryn Gwlad Webminister here! I have been working on a project to establish an automatic cross-posting from our website blog to the Bryn Gwlad Email List. This will allow us to move one step closer to having a centralize source of Baronial Announcements and Info (the next step will be … Read more

Purpose for the DEI Blog

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“The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Office of the SCA is committed to promoting the values of inclusion throughout the SCA. The focus is equity, which is just and fair inclusion into an organization in which all can participate, prosper, benefit, and reach their full potential.” https://www.sca.org/dei-office/ What do “diversity”, “equity”, and “inclusion” even mean? … Read more

Hospitaler Hump Day – SCA 101 recap

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Greetings from your friendly neighborhood hospitaler. I am going to start up a string of hump day posts to help you make it through the week with some SCA resources, tips, stories, videos, and other errata. I hope you find it useful. On Monday our Bryn Gwlad Newcomer’s Academy held it’s very first virtual class! … Read more

Virtual Combat Resources!

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Have you been searching for a way to keep up your combat skills while we are sheltering in place? Well, SCAdians all around have been putting together online classes, demos, and discussions that you can join in on! Knowne World SCA Virtual Fighter Practice (Facebook Group) SCA Virtual Classroom and Artisan Display (Facebook Group) Virtual … Read more

At-Home Archery Drills!

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For all the archers that don’t have a range to visit or cannot shoot safely at home. Here are some exercises to help us maintain or build our strength. Stay safe and healthy. Looking forward to when we can all shoot together again. Practice will remain on hiatus until we receive word that it is safe to gather for shooting. Miss seeing all of you.

At-Home Archery Drills, courtesy of World Archery

Lady Maria Donald of Windmasters Hill
Bryn Gwlad Archery Marshal

Photographer’s Series – #6

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Assignment 6: take the best 5 images you created and make them even better!

This is all about post-processing using tools like Capture One, Photoshop, Lightroom, Camera RAW or whatever tool you prefer. Use skills you have or ask questions.I can help you with this at almost any skill level—seriously.

If you do not have a tool you like, most have free trials you can download.Capture One even has completely free versions if you use Sony or Fuji cameras.

Maybe Knott
Photographer’s Guild Principal

Check out the Photography Guild Page and Share your progress, ask about specific phot-editing tools, and join the discussion on the Photographer’s Guild Facebook Group!

Photographers Series – #5

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Assignment 5: time to use the skills from 1-4. Create 5 great images of your chosen subject in good light!

So you have worked on finding good angles and perspectives for your subject. You have learned about light angles and how they look on your subject. You have explored how window light works (which contributes a lot to the use of strobes, if you have not tried that yet).

Now take your chosen subject and try to create five distinct images using what you learned in the first assignments.If your subject is a person or pet, how can you get the best or most interesting expressions?

If you are not already using RAW files on your camera, please start doing so. You can set your camera to shoot RAW plus jpeg, so you still have jpegs you might be used to. But, trust me, you will be happier in the future if you get in the habit of shooting RAW now. (Plus, you’ll want RAW files for the next assignment!)

Maybe Knott
Photographer’s Guild Principal

Check out the Photography Guild Page and Share your progress and join the discussion on the Photographer’s Guild Facebook Group!

Photographer’s Assignment Series – #4

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Assignment 4: use a reflector.

This can be combined with assignment three to further explore window light. Or you can use the light-source from assignment two.

Grab something white and something black. A piece of poster board is ideal, but many items can work (hold up a t-shirt, paper, a bed sheet…be creative). Hold up either white or black item near your subject (start with opposite from window and then experiment.

What do you notice? How can you make the shadows lighter or darker? How many different ways can you make your subject look better or worse? Learning what doesn’t work is often as valuable as what does.

Maybe Knott
Photographer’s Guild Principal

Check out the Photography Guild Page and Share your progress and join the discussion on the Photographer’s Guild Facebook Group!

Photographer’s Assignment Series – #3

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Assignment 3: use a window for light

So this is fantastic for people, naturally, but window light is also fantastic for food or almost anything.

The relationship of the light source to the subject, as we learned in the last experiment, makes a difference. So does the angle and distance, as we learned from the first. So keep going as long as patience lasts and find out new things!

Maybe Knott
Photographer’s Guild Principal

Check out the Photography Guild Page and Share your progress and join the discussion on the Photographer’s Guild Facebook Group!

COVID-19 Update from Kingdom Seneschal

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Greetings Ansteorra,

I hope all are well and finding ways to deal with our mutual isolation. Thank you to all who have been helping put out content for people to enjoy and to all the groups having virtual meetings. Connection is still needs, glad to see folks doing so.

Originally, we had announced that all SCA Official activities would not happen in Ansteorra until March 30. Given that the situation is what it is, and mostly that it is so fluid and not predictable, I, in agreement with the Crown, am going to change that statement to not include an end date. For now, we will continue the “no official activities” for as long as needed. We will wait and see how things are looking, we will comply with government directives. I will make sure to update as we move forward. Let me know if you have questions.

We are still planning on Coronation to happen, along with Queen’s Champion and King’s Champion, on May 9th. We have been given permission by Society to hold a Virtual Event for Coronation, if needed. This permission also includes the ability of the Crown to give awards at that time, up to and including Peerages. Hopefully, we will not have to do that, but it is good to already have permission if needed.

Take care of each other, stay safe. We are Ansteorra, we are stronger than anything this situation can throw at us. We will rise again.

Avery
Kingdom Seneschal

Photographer’s Guild Series – #2

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Assignment 2: Pick a single subject and a light source. Keep the subject and camera in the same place and move your light source to different places.

The light above or at least at the same height is “traditional” since the sun is above, but you should feel free to experiment with it. Play with light behind, change angles around the subject. Change angle up and down. Change the way the light faces if this can be changed. So many options.

Maybe Knott
Photographer’s Guild Principal

Check out the Photography Guild Page and Share your progress and join the discussion on the Photographer’s Guild Facebook Group!

Photographer’s Guild Assignment Series – #1

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Assignment 1: pick a subject and photograph it or them from five distinct angles.

You can be in front, next to, behind, above, below, closer or further away. This could be something you have made, a family member, a pet, garb, armor or anything else.

Maybe Knott
Photography Guild Principal

Check out the Photography Guild Page and Share your progress and join the discussion on the Photographer’s Guild Facebook Group!

Photographer’s Guild Assignment Series

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Virus keeping you from going to events? Want to get your camera out and learn, practice, and discuss photography with other people? Well, the Bryn Gwlad Photographer’s Guild has an assignment series for you! Every few days, Maybe Knott (Guild Leader) will be posting assignments to the guild. Look for assignments posted here, and join … Read more

16 Mar 2020 – COVID-19 Update

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Announcement from the Bryn Gwlad Seneschal: UPDATE: All baronial activities are now cancelled until March 30th per our Kingdom Seneshcal. We will be notifying Sherwood that we will be suspending our participation for the season. Please stay tuned on details on when we will arrange to remove our booth and demo items out at Sherwood. … Read more

Greetings from the Baron & Baroness!

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Good day, good Gentles, and Welcome to the Fairest Barony in the Knowne World!

Let us extend the hand of friendship and fellowship to those brave individuals who have chosen to find out what all those people in costume are doing! We are people from all walks of life and careers: high-tech and low, college age, middle age, mom-and-dad age and children. But we all share the love of Things Medieval. We thrill to the stories of knights in shining armor and ladies fair, to minstrels singing heroic tales in the Great Hall—and we yearn to wear a sword, or don a flowing gown and veil and enter those stories. Here in the Society for Creative Anachronism you can do exactly that! Come and join us; be a part of our Baronial Champions Tournament where armor glitters and knights compete for honor and glory. Or our Feast of Candlemas, where artisans and scholars display their work, where song, poetry and dance abound, and candlelight flickers over a feast fit for a king! Welcome, my friends, to this great barony, and the Current Middle Ages.

If you have seen great acts of skill, guile, service, or note worthy actions by the populous of Bryn Gwlad or wish to contact the Baron or Baroness for any other reason please feel free to email us.

Don’t forget great acts can be acknowledged at the Kingdom level, too.

Gavin mac Giolla Ruaidh & Wentiliana le Chandeler
Baron and Baroness of Bryn Gwlad

An Archer’s Journey

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Years ago, I was invited to attend Pennsic War by a friend of a friend who was a vendor.  This was my first introduction to the Society.  It was the equivalent of drinking from the firehose.  After a week of that craziness, I was overwhelmed, but I wanted to know more.  I’d always been a fan of the Renaissance Fairs, and thought that this was just an extension of that.  I was pleased to find that it was… and wasn’t!

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