THE SHADOW KNOWS. Newsletter of the Shire of the Shadowlands. Capital of Ansteorra Domesday Edition. A.S. L (October 2015)

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1 THE SHADOW KNOWS Newsletter of the Shire of the Shadowlands Capital of Ansteorra Domesday Edition A.S. L (October 2015) Let us celebrate our wonderful populace!! Their Stellar Majesties King Sven Randullsson and Queen Antigone of York crown@ansteorra.org Their Stellar Highnesses: Prince Creppin L'Ostriche & Princess Toryn Sevenstitches coronet@ansteorra.org Shadow Wars November 6-8, 2015 Shire of the Shadowlands 1 The Shadow Knows: Newcomers' Edition

2 News this Month As the worst of the summer heat falls behind us, we enter one of the busiest times of the year. This month we have a demo for the Cub/Boy Scouts on Oct 20, 6:45pm at the College Hills Elementary school cafeteria in College Station. Dance practice will be held at the Ringer library, 6:30 pm on oct13 and Nov 24. Contact Lady Morina for more info. Craft Day at Nina & Demere's, Oct 17. Make glass beads, and stuff for our event. 1:00 pm till 6:00 pm. Details TBA. Craft day/final panic prep on Halloween, location, details TBA. There are many events this month but with Shadow Wars looming few of us will be partaking of the many options. This is the time for us to put the finishing touches on the work for Shadow Wars. Shadow Wars Event News We can make this a stellar event! Now is the time for everyone not already filling a position to stand up and claim a task for their own. Events like ours exist because people take jobs-- even a small task is important! Bob Squad! We need many volunteers for Bob Squad! We need volunteers at gate. These are jobs that do not require you to spend a whole lot of time, you can show up on the day and do them, and still have plenty of time to play! So, speak up and volunteer. We need everyone. There are six merchants expected at Shadow Wars whose goods range from lovely pins to hold veils, to solid pieces of worked iron. Some of our favorite merchants are planning to attend. The competitions are developing! Be sure to look at the lists and speak up about where you might like to compete for Shadowlands. There are quite a few positions we still need to have filled: parking, sanitation, bardic/performance arts coordinator, and non-traditional activities coordinator. The site for Shadow Wars is the Lake Hawkins RV Park, 156 County Road 3455, Hawkins, Texas Shire Goes To This month the Shire Goes to Gate s Edge 25 th Anniversary in North Houston. This will be a free event. Next month: SHADOW WARS! This event will be hosted by the Shire of the Shadowlands (that s us) and we will need everyone available to help in various ways. Please give of your time to help make this a successful event. Day-trip-able events October 2-4 is the Gate's Edge Fall Event in Houston. Shire of the Shadowlands 2 The Shadow Knows: Newcomers' Edition

3 The activities of the Shire of the Shadowlands: Populace 1 st Tues. 7pm summer: Isobelot's house Shadowlands.seneschal@gmail.com Archery Sun 10:30 Austin Colony Park shadowlands.archery@gmail.com Brewers -on hiatus Be a Social Shire Movie & Project Night 3 rd Tues 7:30 pm Nina & Demere's House nina@oakenstaff.org Chivalric Sunday 3pm Simpson Drill field/campus sir.rhodri@gmail.com Cooking Summer Break isabelotdeforens@gmail.com Plan to Participate For current information ALWAYS check the Shire Calendar at: wordfame Bardic 2 nd and 4 th Thursdays 7:00PM Emerging Tech Bldg. Room TBA paedrics@yahoo.com Rapier Wednesday 7:30pm Bee Creek Park staltus@gmail.com Dance Ringer library, 6:30 pm on Oct 13 and Nov 24. elwenaduialloth@yahoo.com HERE WE HAVE A PLACE IN WHICH TO RECORD THE COMMON CHIVALRY OF OUR SHIRE. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SEND IN THE NAMES OF PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO THANK AND A SPECIFIC EXAMPLE OF WHAT THEY DID. If you hosted an event please let me know because I want to include you even if nobody else thinks to send your contribution in I want no one forgotten!! CHRONICLER The officers and marshals of the Shire of the Shadowlands wrote letters of great quality for the Newcomer's Edition of our newsletter last month, and this month new articles were created by Kyria Anna Maleine. Much thanks to Honorable Lord Paedric Omullan for his extensive work to create posters and advertisements and other art to promote Shadow Wars. Much gratitude to Mistress Kaitlyn and Mistress Nina and Lady Diane for their efforts to help all our newcomers make garb. Considerable gratitude to Mistress Kaitlyn, Sir Rhodri, and Lord Staltus for their work as Marshals, helping each newcomer to explore the arts of archery, chivalric fighting and rapier fighting and become involved in the martial arts. For all of those persons who participate and help to make all the activities of the shire happen especially those who are not mentioned often enough THANK YOU! Shire of the Shadowlands 3 The Shadow Knows: Newcomers' Edition

4 Shadowlands Officers & What They Do Seneschal: Lord Theophanes of the Shadowlands [Modern name: Bryan Wagner] The Seneschal acts as the local business manager for the group, helps facilitate answers to SCA questions, schedules Shire activities, and helps keep the group on course. Contact at: or Lord Theophanes is his given name, but most know him as Tiffani. A man of easygoing temperament, he is a citizen of the Byzantine Empire with interests in archery, food, and any other activity time permitting. Knight Marshal: OPEN Acting or contact: Sir Rhodri ap Gwythyr [Modern name: Paul Foster] The Knight Marshal is in charge of the Chivalric activities for the shire. This includes heavy fighting, armor, developing safe habits while fighting, and learning about chivalry (which is after all, one of the major reasons why anyone would choose to join our society). Sir Rhodri ap Gwythyr is an old Welsh Knight who has been in the SCA many years, done many brave deeds, and is a reliable source of answers if you are interested in Chivalry! Rapier Marshal: Lord Steven Paul Blakely (Staltus) [Modern name: Steve Herring] The Rapier Marshal over-sees all aspects of Rapier fighting. This includes helping each participant develop or acquire his or her own gear (he also carries the loaner gear to practices for new participants). The Rapier Marshal s job is also to ensure that fighters obey the safety rules of the Kingdom and are not presenting a danger to themselves or others. In light of that, go to and read the current Rapier Rules for Ansteorra. It is CRUCIAL that all the fighters make themselves intimately familiar with these rules. Fun must be done safely as possible! Contact at: Staltus@gmail.com Lord Steven Paul Blakely, also called STALTUS, is an edgy blade, certainly sharp enough for the task of teaching the safe handling of pointy objects; Lord Steven instructs all comers in the duck and thrust of rapier fighting. He is the proud holder of the Sable Thistle for Juggling, Sable Talon, and winner of Queens Rapier. Enjoy learning from this fine swordsman! Herald: OPEN Heralds make announcements and help members work out their names and devices. They will suggest sources for documenting your chosen name to period and also help you fill out the applications to register those names and devices. The Shire of the Shadowlands does not currently have a branch herald; if you need assistance with heraldry please contact: TH Lady Magdalena von Hallenberg or TH Lord Paedric for local help OR contact the Southern Signet at southern-scribe@herald.ansteorra.org Shire of the Shadowlands 4 The Shadow Knows: Newcomers' Edition

5 Historian, Minister of Arts and Sciences: HL Paedric OMullan [Modern name: Pat Mullins] The historian keeps track of the old tales of past members, adventures and misadventures of the populace of the Shire of the Shadowlands. He keeps documents, photos and other items of interest so they can be placed on display to illustrate the long and honorable history of this Shire. Contact at: or The Minister of Arts and Sciences is responsible for encouraging local members to participate in the Arts and Sciences. Honorable Lord Pædric OMullan is a late Elizabethan street performer and sometime Shakespearean actor. He has, in the past, been a jester, but now he s unemployed, so he is nobody s fool. He usually wears some combination of red, blue, and/or yellow, the colors of his arms. Pædric is Historian for the Shire of the Shadowlands and holder of a Star of Merit. His interests include (but are not limited to) Bardic (performance arts), Heraldry, calligraphy and illumination, pewter casting and drumming. Archery Marshal: Mistress Kaitlyn McKenna [Modern name: Robbin Foster] The Archery Marshal supervises the safety of all official shire archery activities, as well as helping new archers get started with archery. Marshal training is currently happening. If you are interested in target archery or combat archery, please contact shadowlands.archery@gmail.com. Loaner gear is available at practice. Mistress (or Baroness) Kaitlyn McKenna is a 15th Century Burgundian lady trapped in marriage with an old Welsh knight. She is recognized in the Arts and Sciences by the Order of Laurel and in many officer positions, but especially as an Exchequer, by the Order of the Pelican. Her interests include costuming, weaving, fiber arts, dance, archery, and anything to do with the 15 th century. Kaitlyn is a master instigator, inspiring and helping others to achieve their own goals. Look for a friendly lady with very nice garb. Kaitlyn McKenna participates in target and combat archery. She can help you make bow strings, bolts, arrows, leather chivalric armor, and general leather working. Exchequer: Lady Morina O'Donovan [Modern name: Renee Bolduk] The Exchequer is treasurer and keeps the ledger of expenses up-to-date and in agreement with the bank statements, sends reports monthly, quarterly, and yearly to the Regional Exchequer, runs all financial committee meetings(typically after Populace meetings), and maintains an up-to-date inventory list including that which is available for loan. To borrow inventory (usually armor or garb) for an event, contact the Hospitaler and then the Exchequer to sign it out. Contact at: shadowlands.treasurer@gmail.com Lady Morina O'Donovan is an Irish woman from the mid-14 th century. She enjoys music, dance, cooking, garbing, and various other fibers arts. She also has a strong interest in Japanese arts, particularly early period. Hospitaler: Livia Collari [Modern name: Calee McCallum] The hospitaler is the keeper of the loaner garb and general go-to person for getting started. They greet newcomers and help them become oriented to and involved in the present middle ages. The Hospitaler helps them to check out loaner items. Contact at: shadowlands.hospitaler@gmail.com or shadowlands.seneschal@gmail.com Livia Collari has a small son and an interest in the education of young people and the welcoming of newcomers to the Shadowlands. She enjoys archery, sewing, and Bardic. She is Italian. Shire of the Shadowlands 5 The Shadow Knows: Newcomers' Edition

6 WEB Minister: Mistress Nina of the Lost Caverns [Modern name: Kim Schreuders] The Web Minister manages the Shire s web presence, including the website at: and the Yahoo Group at: If you have any problems or suggestions relating to either of these tools, please let me know. Contact at: vs.shadowlands@gmail.com Mistress Nina of the Lost Caverns is an indeterminate (vaguely 5 th century) Gaul with a much later period name. The Gauls were the barbarians that the Romans tried to bring into their fold, with only marginal success, as they slowly migrated west across most of Europe. Nina has interest in many, many aspects of the SCA with an especially strong interest in weaving and other historic technologies, history of the SCA and administering the SCA so that everyone can have fun. Mistress Nina hosts the Movie and Project Night on the 3 rd Tuesday of each month. Chronicler: Kyria Anna Maleine [Modern name: Ann Seeton] Produces a newsletter each month to be handed out at the Populace meetings. Everyone is welcome to contribute to make our newsletter wonderful. Contact at: shadowlandschronicler@yahoo.com Kyria Anna Maleine is a 10 th century Byzantine; the daughter of a powerful Cappadocian family. She is living and studying in Constantinople during a time of (relative) peace and culture under the powerful Emperor Basil II ( ). Occasionally, you can find her at Archery, Movie & Project night, and Bardic. SCA Student officers and advisors at TX A&M TAMU Advisor: Sir Rhodri ap Gwythyr [Modern name: Paul Foster] The TAMU advisor is a member of the staff at TX A&M and makes possible the existence of this group on campus. Without this person, the local student body might never know the fun that can be had through the SCA. Contact at: sir.rhodri@gmail.com Sir (or Baron) Rhodri ap Gwythyr is an old Welsh Knight who has been in the SCA many years, done many brave deeds, and is a reliable source of answers if you are interested in Chivalry! He is also a Knight, Pelican, Baron, and Lion. TAMU Back-up Advisor: HL Nicholas Demere of the Oaken Staff Contact at: paul.schreuders@tamu.edu [Modern name: Paul Schreuders] TH Lord Nicholas Demere of the Oaken Staff is an Anglo-Saxon living in Britain, just after the Battle of Hastings. Though his name is now Nicholas, this was due to an accident with a Herald and a time machine, and so he usually just goes by "Demere." Ask him for the story sometime. Demere also does lampworking, a medieval method of making glass beads and other small glass objects. TAMU Student President/Senechal: Andrew of the Shadowlands [Modern name: Andrew Graf] The TAMU SCA President is in charge of getting rooms for the SCA to use on campus. The President is a contact person for students and the other student officers. This is an important position and looks good on a resume! Contact at: Andrew is a student in the Entomology department. He participates in rapier and archery. Shire of the Shadowlands 6 The Shadow Knows: Newcomers' Edition

7 TAMU Student Treasurer: Jeffery of the Shadowlands [Modern name: Jeffery Demievilla] The TAMU SCA Treasurer is in charge of handling the money for the on campus group. It is an essential office and looks good on a resume! Contact at: Jeffrey.Demieville@gmail.com Jeffery is a 3 rd year Agricultural/Biological Engineering student. Jeffery of the Shadowlands is interested in 12 th century Scandanavia, archery, leatherworking, and the making of chainmaille. OFFICER'S REPORTS From the Archery Marshal: For October, I'm going to start up the Thursday, daytime, archery practice again. 11:30 am to 1:30pm (ish) at Austin's Colony Park Range. Hoping those who can't make Sunday practice can make it to Thursdays. The fall fun shoot for Archery will be on Sunday, Oct 11. Pumpkins and skulls and all sorts of stuff to shoot. --kaitlyn Shire of the Shadowlands 7 The Shadow Knows: Newcomers' Edition

8 From the Historian: Greetings! In September was held our annual demo on the Drill Field for Open House at TAMU. It was there that Sir Randall der Kreiger, Michael der Kreiger, Borijigidun Monggulun, Livia Collari, Miriel of the Shadowlands, and Guillaume of the Shadowlands all became members of the Order of the Shire of the Shadowlands (OSS). In that same month were held newcomer meetings, and a newcomer s trip to Defender of the Fort in Raven s Fort. At Raven s Fort did newcomer Nate of the Shadowlands receive the Award of the Sable Shield. And that same day did Krag von Bergen, a former long-time member of the Shadowlands, become a Laurel. Also in that month was held a demo at Larry Ringer Library in College Station. In service, Honorable Lord Paedric OMullan, From the Minister of Arts and Sciences: Many new members have expressed an interest in A & S. An A & S Showcase was held on Sept 22, at which several aspects were displayed and demonstrated for the newcomers. Bardic Guild will begin meeting twice monthly as soon as rooms can be arranged. Other guilds may be re-forming as well. In service, HL Paedric OMullan From the Chronicler: Greetings good gentlefolk of Shadowlands, This is our first annual Domesday Edition. I hope the focus on developing and sharing a persona will prove inspiring. The Who's Who of the Shire of the Shadowlands should demonstrate the variety possible and serve to further introduce our newest members to our local populace. The articles on Starting Points, and examples of how individuals have developed and are still developing their personas, are offered in the hope that all will find them interesting and useful. I am hoping to have a deputy chronicler sometime soon. There is so much more that could be done with our newsletter, we only need the people to get involved to do it! The Wordfame and News sections always need input from the populace-- please me tidbits you come across! This is our newsletter and the more input from everyone, the better it becomes! In service, Kyria Anna Maleine Shire of the Shadowlands 8 The Shadow Knows: Newcomers' Edition

9 Who s Who in the Shire of the Shadowlands Anastasia Moray [Ashley St. John] is a fine upstanding young women of the middle ages with a spirit of service to her fellows. Andrew of the Shadowlands [Andrew Graf] is a late period Rapier fighter with a passion for creatures of the insect or arachnid persuasion and a liking for Archery. He would like to try Chivalric Fighting, his favorite country is Germany, and there is no period equivalent to entomologists and anyone like that would likely be called crazy. Kyria Anna Maleine (5L) [Ann Seeton] is a 10 th century Byzantine. Her family were Dynatoi, possessed of extensive lands and considerable wealth, whose members served in religious, civil, and military roles. As befits a woman of her birth, she is highly educated and reads incessantly. She enjoys living in Constantinople where a distant uncle has a palace with several excellent houses connected to its gardens. She is only somewhat younger than the autokratōr Basil II (reigned ), and expected to be called upon to serve as a companion to Anna Porphyrogenita but she hoped to avoid such tedious service. Fortunately for her, her service was greatly shortened by the wedding of Anna Porphyrogenita to Vladimir of Kiev. It was quite romantic with the great ruler of the Kieven Rus converting to Orthodoxy and tearing down the temple he had built to replace it with a Cathedral in order to win the heart of Anna Porphyrogenita. Kyria Anna Maleine eventually wed a bit scandalously when a highly successful Scotsman, an engineer in the army, impressed her with his brilliance and wealth and eventually whisked her and their large family away to his homeland. In the current middle ages she is still living in Constantinople and can be found occasionally at Archery, Movie & Project night, Bardic, or working on the newsletter. Ashley of the Shadowlands [Ashley Cross] is a lovely young maiden of the middle ages. Lady Borijigidun Monggulun [Holly Melendez] roams Inner Mongolia circa 13 th century. You can find me around the kingdom doing archery shoots, leather work on the side and pursuing combat archery and heavy fighting. I also represent my household, House Der Krieger, in competitions. Brenna Clare [Penny Roberts] Participates in all fiber arts and loves dance and music. Caedmon [Jeff Cargill] and the Pale Dragons Are a family of fighters who to the very smallest members demonstrate the finest characteristics of chivalry. Lord Caradoc ap Owain [Troyce Wilson] is a long time resident of the current middle ages and has been active as a swashbuckler and in calligraphy. Currently, he studies and plays Viking era England. Shire of the Shadowlands 9 The Shadow Knows: Newcomers' Edition

10 Don Connor MacGillivray (11R) [Benjamin White] is a courtier in the court of Elizabeth I and has holdings in Scotland, London and Germany. He frequently travels to various courts about Europe for both personal business and in service to his Queen. He prefers the relative comfort of travel over land than by ship and tends to travel in the company of ladies who require protection against the unsavory elements that all too often reside in low places. He is skilled at arms and practices often and is frequently called upon to lecture on the both the art of defense as well as on matters of comportment, that so often serve as a noble s shield in courtly matters. He is well versed in dance and etiquette, a scholar of the arts of war and governance and considers himself to be somewhat of a philosopher of natural science. Within the SCA, Connor originally hails from the Kingdom of the East and is a member of their Royal Majesties Order of the Golden Rapier for his skill at instruction and his prowess with arms. He has previously served as master instructor at the Carolingian Academy of Defense and as a Lieutenant in the Gryffon Guard, before his relocation to the Kingdom of Ansteorra. Master Francois la Flamme prefers to simply be called Francois. Baron Gavin MacIain [Chester Childress ] was born in Scotland and traveled the world. He is a Chivralric fighter, Raiper fighter, and leather worker. Guillaume of Shadowlands [Mark Dinhobl] is a 14 th century Norman. Honorable Lady Isabelot de Forens (3) [Anna Lichorad] is 13th century French lady from the Burgundy region of France. Her father died with no male heirs but was enlightened and left his lands to his only daughter to manage. She enjoys cooking, managing the household accounts, dance and shooting archery. Lady Isolde die Waeyer [Lauren Norman] is a wealthy young woman living in Antwerp in the early part of the 16th century. Her late husband, Heer der Waeyer, was a merchant who made his fortunes in the first economic boom of Antwerp and sought a much younger wife, in hopes of children and an eventual family business empire. Tragically, Heer der Waeyer died before these dreams could come to fruition, of causes unknown. Any assertions that Lady Isolde, the good-looking household cook or a carefully-placed bit of hemlock had anything to do with Heer der Waeyer's death are most certainly malicious falsehoods. Ahem. Within the SCA, Lady Isolde resides in the Barony of Stargate, more commonly known as Shadowlands South. When not acting in her notterribly-official role as a Southern Ambassador, Isolde enjoys making things in kitchens (mostly messes and noise), feeding anybody who stands still long enough, costuming, dancing, and other miscellaneous domestic arts and sciences. Jeffrey of the Shadowlands [Jeffrey Demieville] is interested in Scandinavia circa 1100CE; he can be found participating in archery, and A&S projects utilizing leather and chain. Lord Josef Gustavson (6) [Joe Bolduk] is an 11th Century Viking. He is head of the Shadowlands brewing guild, and is also a blacksmith, time and space permitting (it's not right now). When Lord Josef received his award of arms, he was a Connecticut Yankee at King Ulsted's court. Shire of the Shadowlands 10 The Shadow Knows: Newcomers' Edition

11 Mistress (or Baroness) Kaitlyn McKenna (4L) [Robbin Foster] is a 15th Century Burgundian lady trapped in marriage with an old Welsh knight. She is recognized in the Arts and Sciences by the Order of Laurel and in many officer positions, but especially as an Exchequer, by the Order of the Pelican. Her interests include costuming, weaving, fiber arts, dance, archery, and anything to do with the 15 th century. Kaitlyn is a master instigator, inspiring and helping others to achieve their own goals. Look for a friendly lady with very nice garb. Kaitlyn McKenna participates in target and combat archery. She can help you make bowstrings, bolts, arrows, leather chivalric armor, and general leather working. Livia Collari [Calee McCallum] Our acting Hospitaler, Livia, has a small son and an interest in the education of young people and the welcoming of newcomers to the Shadowlands. She enjoys archery when she can make it out, occasional sewing, and can be found participating in Bardic when it does not conflict with small person's bedtime. Her persona is Italian. Honorable Lady Magdalena von Hallenberg [Holly Compton] People call me Maggie. I have been playing in the SCA since Maggie currently lives in a Kloster in late 13th century Lower Saxony (Northwest Germany) and is a canoness, not a Nun. She studys a form of embroidery that was only done for about 150 years here. Other manifestations have been: a Scottish Widow in the Reformation age who hates the English, farms peas and really wishes her sheep did not have Scabies. Some days she is Catholic, others Protestant. It all depends on to whom she is talking. Those were dangerous times. She embroiders and plots how to kill off any remaining men in the family. She does glass etching and pewter coasting in stone among other things. For a while She was a completely misunderstood French Woman escaping from the plague, but that is another story. Someday she wants to be a Roman lady with a lovely garden. For now, she will settle for her clothes. Maggie builds wood things for camping, is a fan of period music, and does a bit of heraldry. Modern Maggie lives in Loch Soillier which is Clear Lake, but comes to play here because she loves the Shadowlanders. Honorable Lady Mirabelis Zabaneh (8) [Kristen Flitcroft] of the horse clans. I am a Middle Eastern persona of the Byzantine era, and a member of the Calvary of the Kingdom of Ansteorra. Miriel of the Shadowlands [Kelsey McCleskey] is a 14 th century lass from merry ol'england. She loves Middle English language, fiber arts, archery, equestrian activities, music, dancing, and whatever else might catch her fancy next. Lady Morina O'Donovan [Renee Bolduk] is an Irish woman from the mid-14 th century. She enjoys music, dance, cooking, garbing, and various other fibers arts. She also has a strong interest in Japanese arts, particularly early period. Honorable Lord Nicholas Demere of the Oaken Staff [Paul Schreuders] is an Anglo-Saxon living in Britain, just after the Battle of Hastings, where the Normans soundly defeated the Anglo-Saxons. Though his name is now Nicholas, this was due to an accident with a Herald and a time machine, and so he usually just goes by "Demere." Ask him for the story sometime. Demere also does lampworking, a medieval method of making glass beads and other small glass objects. Mistress Nina of the Lost Caverns (2) [Kim Schreuders] is an indeterminate (vaguely 5 th century) Gaul with a much later period name. The Gauls were the barbarians that the Romans tried to bring into their fold, with only marginal success, as they slowly migrated west across most of Europe. Nina has interest in many, many aspects of the SCA with an especially strong interest in weaving and other historic technologies, history of the SCA and administering the SCA so that everyone can have fun. Shire of the Shadowlands 11 The Shadow Knows: Newcomers' Edition

12 Honorable Lord Pædric OMullan (5R & 7) [Pat Mullins] is a late Elizabethan street performer and sometime Shakespearean actor. He has, in the past, been a jester, but now he s unemployed, so he is nobody s fool. He usually wears some combination of red, blue, and/or yellow, the colors of his arms. Pædric is Historian for the Shire of the Shadowlands and holder of a Star of Merit. His interests include (but are not limited to) Bardic (performance arts), Heraldry, calligraphy and illumination, pewter casting and drumming. Honorable Lord Plachoya Sobaka [Harry C. Billings]. He is very fine instructor in the many uses of the bow, the making of arrows and bow strings. He can be found at the archery range. He prefers to be called Plachoya. His Excellency Sir Randall der Krieger (9L) [Randy Wrinkle] Participates in Armored {Chivalric} combat. His Excellency Sir Rhodri ap Gwthyr (9R) [Paul Foster] is an 11th Century Welsh Knight. Fostered young to a Frankish noble, he had the chance to learn many different cultures and ways. He somehow survived the First Crusade, during which he was taken as squire and trained in combat by a Scottish Duke. Recognized for his efforts in many different roles by the Order of the Pelican, he has also served on the Board of Directors of the SCA. He is very big and easy to spot. He also prefers to be called Rhodri. Mistress Shanahan the Fey [Diann Thedford] is a Norsewoman of strong Celtic descent from roughly the 12-13th century with a heavy dose of the Middle East thrown in for spice. She is a trader who has been around for a long, long time and has seen a great many things in a great many places. She was one of the original Nine Founders of the Stargate, back when there was no other group in Texas or Oklahoma. She received an Order of the Laurel before they started to recognize the art form for which it was received. She was most known for her beadwork and embroidery, though over the years she has dabbled in a wide range of arts and sciences. Lord Steven Paul Blakely (11L) [Steve Herring] aka STALTUS, is an edgy blade, certainly sharp enough for the task of teaching the safe handling of pointy objects; Lord Steven instructs all comers in the duck and thrust of rapier fighting. He is the proud holder of the Sable Thistle for Juggling, Sable Talon, and winner of Queens Rapier. Enjoy learning from this fine swordsman! Lord Theophanes of the Shadowlands [Bryan Wagner] is his given name, but most know him as Tiffani. A man of easygoing temperament, he is a citizen of the Byzantine Empire with interests in archery, food, and any other activity time permitting. Lady Tressa de Crauford [Tracie Lang] resides in the lowlands of Scotland circa 14 th century. She is a lady in waiting to her liege Lord and Lady. She is currently on the market for a wealthy Scottish Highlander Laird. Yen of the Shadowlands [Yen-Ting Guo] is a young man of the middle ages, and a Chivalric Fighter who would like to explore other activities time permitting. Shire of the Shadowlands 12 The Shadow Knows: Newcomers' Edition

13 Starting Points There are almost as many starting points for persona development as there are persons in the SCA. Persona development is about YOU. What you like, who you are, who you would like to be. Activities Activities make wonderful starting points for developing a persona. What do you love doing? Many a fine persona has begun as simply as discovering something you love. For example: If your persona is a Rapier fighter, he or she comes from the later portion of the SCA period. Other activities to consider, Bardic, Cooking, Weaving, Calligraphy, Pottery, Blacksmithing, Merchant, Crusader... Each suggests something for your persona. Just think, a period engineer would be the person designing siege engines-- and they were VERY important people in period! Geography Geography has been the starting point for many a persona. Are you fascinated by Spain, or France, or Scotland, or...? Once a place is chosen many other traits fall into place. A person from Constantinople will not dress the same as a person from Scotland, nor will they dress the same as someone from Scandinavia. Foods will vary, as will the jewelry and armor and... so if you are fascinated with a particular geographic region, you are already well on your way to a persona. Time Period Centuries vary a good bit, after all, each is a 100 year period and a good bit can change over that amount of time, and yet, a lot stays the same. Time periods are also measured in the reign of a particular monarch, or a particular dynasty, or a particular level of technology. A Rapier fighter will be later period than a Chivalric fighter. A person who is fascinated by the Macedonian dynasty of the Byzantine Empire will choose the late 9 th through middle 11 th centuries. Clothing If you absolutely LOVE a particular style of clothing-- that clothing will be appropriate for a range of time period, cultures and geography. Clothing makes a marvelous starting place. A loose fitted tunic can be early period almost anywhere-- which is why newcomers are urged to make a quick T-tunic as their first garb. This need not be boring! Trim can make that simple tunic Byzantine or Viking. So, is your favorite dress 12 th or 14 th century and where was it worn? Cultural or Religious group Viking, Norman, Coptic, Korean, Catholic, Orthodox, Rus, Varangean, Gaelic, Roman, French, Romani, German... they each have many pieces for a persona. Geneology If you are interested in your family tree, you may find your persona developing out of what you have learned about your own ancestors be they Irish, Spanish, Russian, Greek... There you have it. Have fun and remember none of this is set in stone. Shire of the Shadowlands 13 The Shadow Knows: Newcomers' Edition

14 Kyria Anna Maleine: Persona development by an obsessive personality Sharing my process to get where I am, so far, in the development in my persona in the SCA. Just so you know, I am massively geeky and tend to love researching. Not everyone does, but I do. There is not one single aspect of my chosen period of time that I do not find utterly and completely facinating. So if this example seems obsessive that is because it is and that is perfectly OK. Like everyone, I started out having no clue who my persona might be. Everything seemed equally interesting. I admired Mistress Kaitlyn's later period garb and the beautifully decorated simple tunics made by Mistress Nina. Chivalric, Rapier and Archery are wonderful, the weapons awesome and the armor seriously cool. Period cooking and beverages are delightful and who doesn't love to eat? In no way could I do it all. Somewhere I had to begin and so I simply started to narrow it all down using my own self as my primary reference. First, I fell in love with the Patristiç period of writings during graduate school (MA in Theological Studies) so I knew my persona needed to be Christian and able to read. Right there, that set in motion what ultimately gave me my persona. This just goes to show that what you love as a modern person might be a good starting point for what your persona may love in her period. At the same time, I have a friend who is Orthodox and developing a Korean persona. Becvause of her, I wanted my persona to be pre-schism (so pre 11 th century) and to have met a Korean(so somewhere along the Silk Road). Originally we thought Venice but then decided further East would be better which brought us to Constantinople. At this point I knew VERY little about Constantinople and the Eastern Roman Empire except what I had read in Dr. Warren Carroll's history textbooks (which, by the way, are THE reason I love love love history). Second, I needed a name. At first I was Anne of Wellborn, called Forgetful. This was fun, and documentable. At this point my persona's story included marrying a Scottish lad who had been gaining his fortune by serving in the Varangian guard so the name would work for when she was living in Scotland. As you can see, I did not stay with this name, and the Scottish connection isn't all that important and is likely no longer part of her story not that I know for sure. Third, I did a lot more reading. This reading led to consideration of clothing options. I discovered I love the fabulous fabrics, the brocades and silks, embroidery, trim, pearls, etc. of the Byzantines. Next I began to read up on the various dynasties and finer points of clothing. Anna Muthusius wrote several books on Byzantine Silk-- awesome reading!! I decided I wanted to be 10 th century to avoid the Iconoclast period which ended with the advent of the Macedonian Dynasty. I wanted my female persona to be well educated. The Byzantines tended to educate their daughters when the empire was stable enough to allow for it-- at least in the power families of the empire. The Reign of Basil II was one of relative peace, stability, and growth in the economy, education and culture. There were facinating stories and relationships with other cultures and the clothing was not yet so heavily influenced by Western European fashions as it would be during the mid to later 11 th century and there I had my time period: Macedonian Dynasty, reign of Basil II and his immediate predecessors: 10 th Century. Shire of the Shadowlands 14 The Shadow Knows: Newcomers' Edition

15 Having become Byzantine (or Eastern Roman) I switched my persona's name to Anna, which is easily documented for 10 th century Byzantium. As I explored family names, I found a family tree for a very powerful and incredibly wealthy family of the Cappadocian region. The historical record indicated 7 offspring, but only two names and that a third was a girl were all that is known-- so the family tree had four blanks. I chose one of those blanks, and created a fictional family tree for my persona linking her to this and other powerful families. All names are gendered, so my persona uses the femininzed Maleine. She has family connections to several other powerful families and in the future I could add to her name as was customary at that time. Finally, I recently switched from using the western designation of Lady, to the eastern eqivalent of Kyria (kee ree ah) after discussions with others whose interest is in Byzantine personas; a couple of graduate students(byzantine studies) were talking about researching titles and equivalencies, and documenting them so I asked. My current garb is a proper cut for my period but I am researching silks, patterns of brocade and planning for better garb. Jennifer Ball's book on secular clothing has been helpful and I wait impatiently for Timothy Dawson's book on court garb and other clothing which is due out in December 2015 (his book on armor for my period is excellent and well illustrated). But Anna Muthesius' books on Byzantine Silk improved my understanding of the fabrics in use more than any other scholar's work. I have explored what they ate, food preservation, the varieties of plants they grew, their pleasure and kitchen gardens, what spices they used, lighting, pottery, liturgy, architecture, letter writing, their language(by the 10 th century Latin had long since died out in the Eastern Roman Empire and Greek was the language used in documents), differences between the various themes and Constantinople... the possibilities for projects are endless! The stack of books to read about her world is quite tall and keeps growing. So the Shadowlands Chronicler in persona is Kyria Anna Maleine, a 10 th Century Eastern Roman of a powerful Cappadocian family who is living in Constantinople during the reign of Emperor Basil II; I do not yet have the perfect garb, or shoes, or feast gear, or pavilion or... I expect it will take years for me to get there, but the journey is amazing! Shire of the Shadowlands 15 The Shadow Knows: Newcomers' Edition

16 A Few Useful Links: for a page of interesting materials and specifically to a pdf of interest: Also a delightfully direct page for helping students do the SCA on the cheap: a place to find solid scholarship for your personas's time and place. is a nice place to begin looking at interesting topics. (general information), (lots on encampments an excellent information on men's garb) and (very good information on women's garb) for those seeking a place to begin Byzantine. Facebook Connections Enchanted Ground: Being In Persona At Events is a wonderful page for learning how to explore your persona. Like in a cosplay-- you can seek to become your period persona by applying historical details such as greetings, and manners, while leaving out things like bad hygiene and slurs against other people even if it is period. Better SCA Camping has long wonderful discussions on period and persona correct tents and gear. SCA Persona Research This page has a focus on researching the historical facts for your persona. Like where to go to learn more about names and how to dig around for those bits of historical documentation you need and desire. Ask the Laurels is another good opportunity to ask questions. There is an Ask the for most people of rank. SCA Byzanteam and Byzantine Army are interesting pages for anyone interested in a Byzantine persona. There are also pages for other regional or cultural interests. There are pages based on interests like SCA Cooks and Medieval Food Lab for the culinarily inclined. Did You Know? The 50 Th anniversary of the SCA: a.s. li (June 17-27, 2016) Have you made plans to attend? Hotel Reservations opened up in May. Shire of the Shadowlands 16 The Shadow Knows: Newcomers' Edition

17 What do I own? What do I own? Is a very good starting point for brainstorming your persona. It is a question with a constantly changing answer, and yet, once you have fallen in with a particular activity, say heavy fighting, you will begin to make your own armor. Suddenly, you can respond to the question, What do I own? by saying, I own a set of gauntlets and a sword. This leads to the next great question: Who Would Own These Things? Given gauntlets and a sword, and perhaps the soon to be purchased helmet, you can respond with the answer of Some sort of Fighter. Now, another person might respond to What Do I Own? With I own a recorder and a drum, both of which I like to play. And the easy answer to the second question, is Some sort of Bard or, if you are the person with a sword and newly made or acquired armor, maybe, a fighter who also likes to drum around the fire in the evening after a day of fighting. If I own a loom, and a basket of thread to use on that loom, and have a desire to use that loom, well, the next answer might be that my persona likes to weave. All sorts of possibilities there, from she weaves for a living, to she weaves for her family, or she weaves trim, or she is studying to weave a tapestry or maybe she just wants to trim her tunic. So ask yourself, in my persona, what do I own and what can that suggest about who I am? It may be the start of a beautiful persona. Thanks and Credits Shadowlands Badge, Shadowlands Arms, Shadowlands Army recruiting Poster, and two shadow wars images by HL Pædric OMullan (William P. Mullins) all rights reserved; Summer In The Shire by Kyria Anna Maleine(K. Ann Seeton) all rights reserved. All items used with permission from the original creators. Fine Print This is The Shadow Knows, a publication of the Shire of the Shadowlands of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. (SCA). The Shadow Knows is available from Ann Seeton, PO Box 9224, College Station, TX 77842, or online at It is not a corporate publication of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. (SCA) and does not delineate SCA policies. Copyright 2015 Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. For information on reprinting articles, photographs, and artwork from this publication, please contact the editor, who will assist you in contacting the original creator of the piece. Please respect the legal rights of our contributors. Shire of the Shadowlands 17 The Shadow Knows: Newcomers' Edition

18 Shire of the Shadowlands 18 The Shadow Knows: Newcomers' Edition

19 Shire of the Shadowlands 19 The Shadow Knows: Newcomers' Edition

20 This Month In History : October The farming year was tied to the weather, during our period, in the month of October, the typical farmer in the British Isles would be found finishing up the last of the ploughing for the year, and the weather he liked best, and which was common, was dry. (source: ) October 2015 (as L) November 2015 (as L) December 2015 (as L) January 2016 (as L) Calendar of Events {from the Ansterorran calendar} Gate's Edge Fall Event - Gate's Edge (Houston, TX) *PED* Shire Goes To Namron Protectorate - Namron (Norman, OK) RP, LC, WSC *PED* Coronation & Kings Champion - Kingdom of Ansteorra (Texas and Oklahoma) RP, HP, GTT Quest for Valhalla - Bjornsborg (San Antonio, TX) *PED* Out of Kingdom: Diamond Wars - Kingdom of Calontir (Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, N. Arkansas) - Viola, AR Samhain Celebration - Eldern Hills (Lawton, OK) *PED* Seawinds Defender - Seawinds (Corpus Christi, TX) *PED* Siglo de Oro - Bryn Gwlad (Austin, TX) Shadow Wars - Shadowlands (College Station, TX) (Shared) *PED* Queen's Champion - TBD TBD QP Out of Kingdom: KWAR & Costuming Symposium - Kingdom of the Middle - US (Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky) Bordermarch Autumn Melees - Bordermarch (Beaumont, TX) (Nov 19-22) *PED* Yule - Dragonsfire Tor (Stephenville, TX) Stargate Yule - Stargate (Houston, TX) Tournament Of Champions - Kingdom of Ansteorra (Texas and Oklahoma) TBD GTT 12th Night - Steppes (Dallas, TX) Crown Tournament - Kingdom of Ansteorra (Texas & Oklahoma) TBD RP Roundtable - Kingdom of Ansteorra (Texas & Oklahoma) RP, HP SHIRE GOES TO! Is an event where the shire pavilions and other equipment and multiple persons from the shire will be attending. If you need a ride or help with garb contact the Hospitaler. Shire of the Shadowlands 20 The Shadow Knows: Newcomers' Edition