ARCHERS, WAFFLES, FOOD, AND FELLOWSHIP!!

Greetings from the Captain of Archers!!

As the winter season slowly concludes, I wanted to gather the Archers of the Hael together to share a meal, plenty of laughter, a lot of talk about the lonely waffle, and most of all fellowship!! 

Looking back on the winter indoor season, as a Baroness and a Captain, I am proud to see all the archers who keep coming back and most grateful for two archers, Rebekah and her fiancé, John, who have shared in my quest to grow the Barony archery program and have helped to spread the word about how fun it is to shoot a bow and arrows and have brought their friends and an extended family member to take part in the joy of the sport!!

The archers share their joy of participating in archery practices and sharing comradery on and off the range. I have been told by one of our newer archers, the reason she keeps coming back to practice, is because she remembered when she came to her first practice, how "nice and encouraging" the person running practices was and how they really took the time to teach her the skill of archery. Her desire to give back to the Barony archery program, in which she finds so much joy, has created more unification amongst the archers. As goes the saying, it takes an army of many, not just one, to bring an activity like archery to life. All the archers who come to practice each bring their own contributions to inspire, have fun, enjoy the company of their fellow archers, and most of all to support one another in their archery prowess!!

The whole reason for bringing the archers together off the range was to share with them honors they have achieved during the winter shooting season at Doc's archery. Archers were each awarded with a certificate with their score from the Gwyntarian Winter Challenge. All the archers were also gifted with lonely waffle belt favors. 

The history of the lonely waffle started at Valentine's Day tourney at practice over a year ago. The archers were taken by the lonely waffle being the only food item that did not have a partner and was at the bottom of the target all by his lonesome waffle self :) Ever since then the demand for the lonely waffle continues from the archers!!

The results of the Gwyntarian Winter Challenge are as follows:

OPEN HANDBOW:

Hound - 105

Baron Magnus - 102

Muirin - 92

Baron Caleb (not pictured) - 86

Æthelred (not pictured) - 83

Rebekah - 69

Baroness Thalia - 67

Genichi (not pictured) - 56

Abdul - 54

John - 52

Bonnie (not pictured) - 14

OPEN CROSSBOW:

Robert of Hazeltine (Bruce Lamb) - 88

Thank you to all the archers who came out tonight to join in the festivities and for those who were not able to join, we missed you and will catch up with you all at a later date!!

Yours In Service,

Baroness Thalia Papillon

Captain of Archers

A Journey to Serve Continues...

Tonight was the Baronial vote of confidence to determine if the Barony preferred that we continue for a fourth year as Baron and Baroness or if our term would end after three years. Her Excellency and I both agreed our work was not done and that we would like to finish out the full four-year term. Thankfully the Barony agreed. Her Excellency and I would like to extend our thanks to Barony for their confidence in us and we are excited to continue to serve as the Baron and Baroness of Hael for the next two years. Thank you to all the people who supported us and gave us kind words of support during this process. 

Thank you to Bobby and Melissa for your monumental efforts organizing and overseeing the voting process. Bobby this would be a difficult task in the best of times and given your trials the past few months your dedication to the Barony was nothing short of heroic. Melissa, while you are not new to the SCA you are certainly new to the responsibilities of being a Seneschal. You stepped into that role with almost no notice and performed exceptionally. 

Now that this process is out of the way it is time to look ahead to the next two years and continue to strengthen and grow the Barony, and we look forward to sharing that journey with all of you. 

YIS,

Magnus and Thalia…and of course Hael Yeah! 

The Court Report of their Excellencies; Thalia Papillon and Magnus de Lyons, Baroness and Baron of the Rhydderich Hael, held at Summer’s End in the Canton of Beau Fleuve August 31, AS 59 reported by Baroness Miriel du Lac Dragons Tongue Pursuivant.

Their Excellencies welcomed the populace and thanked them for their attendance.

Baroness Thalia Papillon, the autocrat of the event stood and spoke of the events for the day. Archery, Rapier Fighting, Heavy weapons, Thrown weapons, and the delicious dayboard food. Then her Excellency Thalia thanked her staff for the event.

Their Excellencies called for Baron Caleb Reynolds and asked him to talk of the A&S Competitions for the day. Baron Caleb spoke of the two competitions for the day, the “Fake it Until You Make It” Competitions winner was Lord Éadaoin Ruadh. The “Tools for Our Labor” competitions winner was Hazel Ferris

Hazel Ferris was asked to stay, and Their Excellencies gave a scroll and medallion for a Golden Alce, awarded to her earlier in the year by Their Majesties.

Ima’nishi Gen’ichi Ie’sade and Lady Logan Latta de Kent are asked to enter court. Their Excellencies spoke of a bardic activity they had hoped to run that day. Then they asked them both if they would like to perform for the populace, each performed a story to please the crowd. Their Excellencies thanked them for their time on this day.

Then Ustadt Abdullah al Rashid was called into court to announce the winner of the Rapier Tourneys. Ustadt Abdul called forward Lord Richard of Heronter as the winner of the First Blood Tourney, then called forward Lord Marcos Baltanas as the winner of the Off-Hand Tourney.

Next called into court was Ustadt Abdullah al-Rashid, their excellencies spoke of Abdul’s participation in their Champions tourneys for the past year. Having participated in the most competitions Abdul was named Baronial Ironman and awarded a scroll.

His Excellency Baron Magnus de Lyons stood and spoke of a Thrown Weapons Tourney he hosted for the event, he spoke of all the outstanding prowess on the throwing field and he called for the winner Meinolf.

Her Excellency Baroness Thalia stood and talked about the Archery Tourney she ran that day. Her Excellency called for the Winner Lord Hiro Himoura.

Their Excellencies asked for the presence of Hound, they spoke of his prowess on the Archery line and how he had represented the Barony well at the Baronial 7 Pearls event. For this they called forward the Order of the Dragon Combatant and made Hound a member of the Order.

Then Their Excellencies called for Eldara de la Luna, they spoke of how she embodied the characteristics of a certain Baronial order, with how she helped wherever she was needed, jumped into multiple activities, and made friends with members of the barony. For this Their Excellencies called forward the Order of Dragons Concordium, and inducted Eldara into the Order.

Her Excellency Baroness Thalia Papillon stood and spoke of a young lad known as Nikoli who participated in the Archery that day, and how she was impressed with his ability and enthusiasm. So, she wished to gift him with a piece of Largess, being an awesome Rubber Ducky!

Having no further business their Excellencies court was closed.

Haelies represent at College of Three Ravens

College of Three Ravens was held in the Barony of Thescorre on February 22nd, 2025.

The joy of attending this event is to see fellow members of the Rhydderich Hael who are willing to travel outside of their local group to share their knowledge and research in the Arts + Sciences!!

For the 3 Ravens event this year there were three members of the Hael who took the time to put together classes for the event. The total number of classes taught by all three people was four, which was a great contribution to the event. 

THL Meuric Ap Gwillim taught a class on Balms, Salves, and Ointments

The description of the class is as follows: An overview of the differences between them as well as examples of several of the most common balms, Salves, and Ointments

Baronial 12th Night 1/08/2025

As the year of 2025 is now upon us, the annual Baronial Twelfth Night celebration was held at the Eldredge Bicycle Club.

It was wonderful to see so many people in the Barony gather together for food, fellowship, and plenty of fun and laughter!! A festive atmosphere was created with medieval Christmas music courtesy of our bardic champion, Lord Genichi.

We were happy to have two new people join us for their first activity with the Barony!! We welcomed Angus and Anna to our group and 12-night celebration. Angus + Anna moved up to Niagara Falls from Virginia. They were members of the Barony of Bright Hills in the Kingdom of Atlantia. 

During the course of the night, there were some games and contests held. Baron Magnus brought his illustrious game of pitch car, which quite a few kids enjoyed.

There was a foam Ax throwing competition that was run by Baron Magnus, which ten people took part. The winner of the competition was Ustadt Abdul with 6 points. He was awarded a handmaid prize courtesy of Baroness Thalia.

There was also a Balloon-man fencing tournament courtesy of Baroness Thalia, which also had 10 people participate. The winner was so spirited and excited as she was the only one who was able to pop her opponent's balloon, so The Honorable Lady Genevieve was named the winner and awarded her very own miniature fencing sword!! 

Well done by both winners!!

It was great to see so many people participate in the activities!!

Thank you to everyone who came and brought delicious food to share. Everyone's contributions are very much appreciated!!

Baronial Champions 2024

 Hello, good people of the Barony!! 

Thank you for your interest in the upcoming Baronial champs. We are deciding on times and dates for champs' activities. Listed below are the current updates. Please check back for additional information on social media. If you have any questions, please reach out to both of your Excellencies via Direct message. Unless otherwise noted, all champs' activities will be in garb. Spectators are welcome and encouraged to wear garb.

- Two - part Arts + Sciences; 1st part online starting week of June 10, 2024; Submission deadline extended to July 5th, 2024; 2nd part in person - July Baronial meeting - July 9, 2024

- Bardic - details to be determined

- Fencing champs - July 3rd, 2024 - Veteran's Park, 777 Niagara Street, Tonawanda, N.Y. @ 7:00 p.m.

- Archery + Thrown weapons - July 7th, 2024, 2-5 p.m. at Abdul + Genevieve's 2924 Stoney Point Road, Grand Island, N.Y.

- Will be reaching out to current champions to finalize details 

We look forward to watching the competitions and look forward to who our new champions will be!!

An account of the court of Magnus and Thalia, Baron and Baroness of the Barony of the Rhydderich Hael in the Kingdom of Æthelmearc, held at the Festival of the Passing of the Ice Dragon, the 6th day of April in the 58th year of the Society (2024 in the Common year) in the Barony of the Rhydderich Hael. Reported by Dame Zofia Kowalewska

Their Excellencies welcomed all to the celebration of Ice Dragon. They then proceeded to welcome their Majesties, His Highness and Their Majesties from the Mid with gifts.

Lord Marcos Baltanas, the event Autocrat, was called in. He thanked his staff and hoped all had a wonderful time.

Their Excellencies then wished to do something special for Daniel who was unable to make the event. A brief video was recorded for him wishing him well.

Some old Business - Jadzia was called forward to receive her recognition from Summers End for best Youth Archer - (Scroll by Plinia Epicurius Curia and the Hael Scribal Guild.)

On to Ice Dragon Business -

Baron Andriú was called in to announce the winners of the Youth Fighting (as they were tired and wanted to go home). Hjotr Sigvaldson and Arinbjorn Lodenhodi were celebrated and received Shield Scrolls. (Scrolls by Eladora de la Luna, Yvette and Lord Marcos Baltanos). Baron Andriú also gave tokens to their Excellencies, Majesties and Highness as a gesture of good will.

Estaban was awarded the Dragon Scale for his dedication to Our Barony- (Calligraphy/Illumination by Baroness Thalia and words by Baron Magnus.)

Lord Marcos Baltanas was added to the lists of the Dragons Combatant for his continued Martial Prowess (Calligraphy/Illumination by Baroness Thalia and words by Baron Magnus.)

Lady Eby Jousie was named newest member of the Dragons Concordium for helping everywhere (Calligraphy/Illumination by Baroness Thalia and words by Baron Magnus.)

For their work on the Kingdom Scroll Project, THL Genevive O’Conner, Master Abdullah al Rashid, Terence and Daniel Lillis, Lady Coria of Deerness, Lady Cacht, Baroness Elisabeth Johanna von Flossenburg and Lady Simonetta d'Alfassi were added to the Order of the Portcullis

(Words by Baroness Thalia. Design by Dame Eleanore Godwin. Calligraphy by Dame Zofia Kowelewska. Each scroll was painted by the recipient. )

In Tournaments:

Heavy Weapons Winners:

Division 1 - Duke Cygnus the Blissful.

Division 2 - Sir Richard Larmer

Overall Winner - Duke Cygnus the Blissful.

(Calligraphy/Illumination by Baroness Thalia and words by Baron Magnus.)

Fencing - Noble Fuego ran the tournament and announced that Don Salvadore de la Torres was the winner (Scroll is a work in Progress)

In the Arts and Sciences World - Dame Edith of Winterton was called forth and thanked all the entrants and staff for another successful year.

CATEGORY WINNERS:

Drusillus von Oberbessenbach: 14th and 15th C. Shoes (Animal Arts)

Terence: Making our First Mead (Beverages)

Caterine de Troyes: Four 14th C. Dishes to Balance the Humors (Culinary Arts)

Meuric ap Gwillim: Bone setting and bone setting tools in the Middle Ages (Curiosa)

Frusina Pisica: Blackwork Embroidery (Fabric Decoration)

Birna Hakadottir: Nalbinding the Coppergate Sock (Fiber Arts)

Zoya Dragomirova: Rus Headwear (Metal Working)

Rhion Elandris of Glyndrvdwy: 14th Century Dagger Box (Studio Arts)

Coinneach Mac an Leigh: King Rene's Chandelier (Woodworking)

Gesa van Wellenstein:

The Headcollars or Halter (Animal Husbandry)

Horse Management during the 13th and 14th Century (Literary Arts)

The Art of Riding (Performance Arts)

Maximilian On Horseback (Scribal Arts)

Æsa Helgulfsdottir:

The Amulet Necklace of Birka Bj. 968 (Applied Research)

The Beads in Birka Bj. 968 (Ceramics, Glass, and Stone)

A Theoretical Viking Wood Balm (Chemistry, Alchemy, and Potions)

The Textiles and Clothing of Birka Grave Bj. 968 (Fabric Construction)

The Knife of Birka grave Bj. 968 (Mixed Media)

First Place: Æsa Helgulfsdottir

Second Place: Gesa van Wellenstein

Third Place: Drusillus von Oberbessenbach

According to Tradition, we ask that their Majesties, His Highness and Their Excellencies select their Choice as well.

Majesties Choice: Gesa van Wellenstein

(Scroll by Baroness Katherine Kiersey)

His Highness Choice: Drusillus von Oberbessenbach

Their Excellencies: Coinneach Mac an Leigh

(Scrolls by the Dame Zofia Kowelewska, Mistress Jenna McPherson and the Hael Scribal Guild)

Being no further business (phew!) court was closed.