The Elevation of Erich Hundeman to the Order of the Chivalry...

In the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA) we have Society wide Orders; Laurel for Arts, Pelican for Service, Master of Defense for Fencing, and Chivalry for Knighthood/Master of Arms. In a elevation ceremony here in the East, The candidate will hear affadavits from selected representatives of the Orders as well as the Ladies of the Rose (former Queens of the Society). Erich Hundeman recieved his elevation to the order of the Chivalry yesterday. I had the honor and priveledge to represent the Chivalry at his Ceremony. The following were the words I used to express myself in regards to Erich. His Majesty East Kenric, "Who claims the right to speak for this candidate Erich Hundeman from the Order of the Chivalry" "I, Tanaka Raiko The 859th Knight of the Society and the 110 Member of the Chivalry of East claim that right. Erich, I have know you for many years and through those years I was always reminded of the Seven Virtues of Bushido when thinking about you. 1. Rectitude - Conforming to the regulations and principals by adhering to what is righteous and morally right 2. Courage - is the eminence of psyche and strength of mind that make a human face obscurity and peril 3. Benevolence - is a desire to do well to others that is confounded by and act of kindness by being charitable 4. Respect is considered and a manifestation of a personal quality or ability that is wielded by honor, admiration and a high regard 5. Honesty - is the quality or fact of being truthful through an act or condition 6. Honor - a senes of loyaltyand honesty or having integrity in ones beliefs and actions 7. Loyalty - the adherence to a sovereign You Erich possess one more trait, you are the embodiment of Perserverence. You tried, and fought and tried, and fought and tried...Continually over the years to get you to this point. You are my friend. Now I get to call you my Brother. Your Excellences, Your Majesties, You Citizens of the East I cannot recommended this man any higher. He is a member of the Chivalry. " Words by yours truly, at the knighting of Erich Hundeman, at the Southern Region War Camp

Aesa's Quest - One Woman Warrior's way

Aesa is a dimiutive, yet spirited and tough young woman. She exudes energy and confidence with her ready smile and intelligent dark eyes. She asked me for a squire's belt signifying that she would be my student and my responsibility. I told her that I would put her to quest for that belt. Her quest is to fight 25 Squires and 25 Knights and ask them all what does it mean to them to be a member of the chivalry in the SCA. Simple. Straightforward. Yet, there is a profundity intrinsic to the simplicity of the quest. She and I get to learn about her and the education will also be both physical and existential concerning the Society for Creative Anachronisms. SCA's armored combat is not just for hulking muscle bound men brooding through their dark eyes and sullen brows. There are no weight classes. No gender classes. No limits. You fight to the best of your ability. The real opponent in this journey isn't Conan across the list field from you. The real opponent in this is almost always yourself. Yes, Aesa is diminutive but she approaches this quest with a sense of wonderment, grimness, audactiy and dispatch. There's more courage in her than I've seen in men 3 times her size. Female fighters are real and celebrated in these current Middle Ages. Follow her here, or at the Shire of Rusted Woodlands in the SCA

Medieval Fashion Show Friday, a 14th Century Corizina with case legs and Great Helm

In the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA) one of the activities we do is sword fighting, well armored combat with a variety of weapons actually. We fabricate, wear, and brandish the arms and armor of many of the Dark Ages, Medieval, and beyond. Toward that end I present to you Lady Caterina Maddalena de' Gabrielli in her 14th century Corazina (coat of plates), Great Helm, and plate arms and legs although the sword is not a SCA legal weapon, this is her actual fighting kit. Lady Caterina Sword fights at a Northern NJ SCA fight practice in the Shire of Rusted Woodlands.