The History of
The Shire of Bitter End
The History of the Shire of Bitter End
Bitter End
The Shire of Bitter End is located in the Principality of Avacal. It is coterminous with the modern city of
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
Heraldry
Sable, a mullet of eight points elongated to chief and to base Or, within a laurel wreath argent and an
orle Or.
Timeline
November 1982/AS XVII
March 1983/AS XVII
July 1983/AS XVIII
September 1983/AS XVIII
March 1986/AS XX
First organizational meeting
Incipient status given to the shire
Name registered
Full shire status granted
Device registered
Bitter End is a mercenary shire composed of many different households that is well rounded in all
aspects of the game. We go through stages like many shires and baronies where for a while certain
martial areas take precedence, but this comes and goes and what one year may be a focus on rapier
is surpassed by a love of archery and heavy fighting.
This very welcoming shire strives to be open to all and especially the children of Avacal, as this is
where the first youth championship of the principality began. You will find that the members of Bitter
End are a service oriented lot as they try to be the nuts and bolts of the dream. We currently have the
past and present principality officers for equestrian in our shire with practices being held in the
hinterlands of the shire as we are almost the center of Avacal.
Host to the first Avacal Regional War Games
Youth championships-first ever in Avacal
Bitter End vs. Borealis was the original pairing for Winter War
Held up to three events a year-"To the Bitter End", "Silver Arrow", and "Harvest Feast"
Major Events
Silver Arrow – March/April
Harvest Feast – September/October
Current Defenders
Arts & Sciences:
Armoured:
Archery:
Rapier:
Youth:
Youth:
Lady Johana
Sir Ogedai Bahadur
Sir Kirk Einersson
Mr. MacLaren
Mason Jar Breaker
Caleb the Black
The History of the Shire of Bitter End
Peerage Defenders:
Hellenah of Burlea-> heavy defender--> later Queen of An Tir
Stein Vikingsson
Kirk Einersson
Douglas Cameron of Skye
Balderic of Newt
Morrigan Clubfoot
Sir Thorwulf
Best A&S story was the wining of the shire A&S championship through getting the judges tipsy
through their sampling of contestants mead entry
Households
Clan McLeod of Falcon's Ridge
Brotherhood of the lengthy skull
The Black Crow fleet
Current Officers
Seneschal
Exchequer
Arts & Sciences
Knight Marshal
Mr. MacLaren
Rhyannon Wettenhale
Thora Volunsdottir
Malcolm De Bruce
The History of
The Shire of Bordergate
The History of the Shire of Bordergate
Bordergate
The Shire of Bordergate is located in the Principality of Avacal. It encompases the modern cities of
Lloydminster, and Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada.
Heraldry
Argent, a tower sable within a laurel wreath vert, on a chief sable an estoile Or.
Timeline
1984/AS 19-20
5 local SCA members join the Barony of Borealis
1985/AS 20-21
Cold Lake becomes the Canton of the Lakeland. Llyodminster becomes
the Canton of Bordergate
1988/AS 22-23
Armour and fight practices grow in Bordergate
1990/AS 24-25
Moved Feast of the Evergreens to a larger hall since it was pulling an
attendance of 120 people.
1994/AS 28
Alfheim and Adeline become the Baron and Baroness of Borealis (both
residents of the Canton of Bordergate)
2004/AS 38-39
The Barony of Borealis dissolves due to restructuring, cantons within
the Baony (including Bordergate and Lakeland) also dissolve and regroup as independent shires. The “Modern” Shire of Bordergate is
created in Cold Lake, Alberta.
The Shire level event “Quad War” has grown so large it is taken over as
a Principality event.
2007/AS 41-42
SCA members in Lloydminster, AB (former canton of Bordergate) join
the current Shore of Bordergate.
2012/AS 47
The Shire of Bordergate is re-granted ownership of Quad War.
History
In the early 1980's a college student Guy of Aberdeen came back from Edmonton after attending
an SCA event in Borealis. He added his mother Mary of Richmondhill and her partner Alton
ofHarow House and family friend Roulon de Hatch. The group grew to 5 members which gave
Edmonton's Shire Borealis enough members to become a Barony in 1984.
Over the next year it was decided to make Cold Lake an official SCA group as the Cantons of
the Lakeland, a Canton under the Barony of Borealis. There was a problem maintaining the required
number of memberships resulting in the decision to make the Barony an area Barony consisting of
four Cantons; Aquilon in Edmonton, Schwanstein inCamrose, the Canton of the Lakelands and the
Canton ofBordergate in Lloydminster.(Agroup started by Derik the Exile and his friend William the
Boisterous.
"The Feast of the Evergreens" came about as our yearly feast and because of their high standards
and skill in the kitchen Mary and Roulon were awarded with the Baronial Golden Spoons for
excellence in feast preparation and cooking.
The History of the Shire of Bordergate
This was the start of the history of being the group to go to if you wanted the most incredible feasts.
As a side note, it was the Canton of Bordergates event called Border War that evolved into the event
now known as Quad War.
Cold Lakes Military base was the next influx of new blood to the group bringing experience and
ideas from far flung kingdoms and groups. Our first heavy fighter and archer, Daniel of
Staford Pelcame to us from Ontario Daniel lived and breathed Medieval recreation. He went on to
become one of our Baroness' Yeoman. Liz came to the group from the West Coast with vast
amounts of officers positions under her belt. Matsuda, our Oriental expert and expert in most things
medieval and historical joined us just after and our heavy numbers were up to 2. There were more
members added to the group as we continued to grow.
In 1988, after seeing a demo of heavy fighting that featured Daniel, Matsuda, Derik and William, the
group added Alfheim and Adeline to the Roster. Daniel of Staford Pel gave Alfheim armour patterns
to use, which he took to Lloydminster and with the help of a shoe repair shop owner and a lot of
ales, Alfheim derWundersman became the third heavy fighter in the group. During the armour
building in the shoe shop, some customers happened in and recognized what was going on since
they were the rest of the heavy fighters of Bordergate. His Grace, Vik Vikingson, (just Vik back then),
Basil the Lost, Barry and Derek the Exile. They offered good advice and arranged for an armour
making session in Cold Lake for the end of April 1989. By the end of that weekend, the group was
up to 6, adding more military members: Al-Kamir or Little Al, Allen of the Lakelands or Big Al
and Jonny of the Lakelands.
The group had tripled in numbers and was up to 2 fight practise's a week and one monthly meeting.
The Feast of the Evergreens had grown accordingly. In Feb. of 1990 we moved from the small hall
at the Leisure Sport Village (with 23 people) to using all 3 halls with an attendance of over 120. New
members were also added. Ceric/ Mark Fiebott, (who later started the group in Gleichen),
Valerie Yoricsdotter, Ruth of the Lakelands, Igraineof Hybernia and Marcus Winyatt, (who later
became one ofAdelines Saergentry. Again, there were many others in the group but there members
became instrumental in both officers positions and activity within the group.
The group meetings hosted at members homes grew so successful that a larger space was needed
and the group continued to grow. During this time members joined that are still active in the SCA,
including Rowyn the Bard, Sue of theLakelands (Kataryna) and Housecarls to Alfheim, Almaric and
Graeme. The awards recieved soared as well with AOA's,Goutte's, Jamb's, Decorated letters and
Golden spoons. In the fall of 1994, Alfheim and Adeline became the Baron and Baroness of
Borealis at an event called Matsudas Wake.
Members of the group traveled extensively during this time and the numbers had grown to 50 active
members with an army of 12. Through this time the group had been operating under the name of
theLakelands which was later changed to Stonewolf.
Quad War was added to the list of hosted events when it's cocreator, Derek the Exile asked to move
it from Wainwright to it's present location.The Canton folded and was restarted as a Shire. The Shire
asked for and was granted the right to use the nameBordergate.
In 1999 Alfheim and Adeline stepped down as Baron and Baroness and were made court Baron and
Baroness of AnTir. They became the first peerages of the group and were awarded Pelicans for
Service.
Through the next couple of years the group grew in leaps and bounds. With too many members to
list by name. By 2004, Quad war had grown so large that it was made into a Principality level event.
For many years, the groups fight practices have been held on the base and Tomas Alverez was the
officer in charge.
The History of the Shire of Bordergate
In 2007 the number of permanent building at the Quad site had almost doubled on Merchants row,
one of which wasO'Malleys Bakehouse. During this time the group in Cold Lake was joined by a
welcome addition of members from Lloydminster, which included the household of the Hospitailers.
In 2010 Balinor and Oswyn opened an archery range on their acerage and at the peak of activity the
Shire boasted 31 archers. Many of whom have Royal Rounds scores. Also in 2010, a group of Shire
members attended Winter War and were spilt in their loyalties. With half our members supporting
either side we were guaranteed to be on the winning side either way.
In 2012, The Shire asked for and was granted the ownership of Quad War once again In 2012
Renee de Carr became one of the esteemed members of the Borealis Sargentry. The Shire has also
had members hold Principality level Championships and Baronial Level Championships, and
members that have held Principality level positions. Though this doesn't name all our members
individually, the Shire has a roster of 74 truly amazing individuals.
Events & Activities
Annual Events
• Champions Revel - Until 2014, this was the defender’s tournaments event
• Quad War – As of August 2014, this event has returned to our shire and we hold or
defenders tournaments at it. It is the single largest event in the Principality of Avacal.
Regular Meetings
• Weekly Fight & A&S nights on Wednesdays
rd
• Monthly Tavern – 3 Saturday of the month
Officers
Seneschal
Deagan O’Malley
Exchequer
Reina de Carr
MOS
Marcus Wynniatt
Chatelaine
Escalus
The History of
The Shire of Cold Keep
Complied by Mistress Natal’ia Volkovicha
Cold Keep
The Shire of Cold Keep is located in the Principality of Avacal. It is coterminous within the modern city
of Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
Heraldry
Per chevron Sable mulletty Or and Azure, a tower Argent and in base a laurel wreath Or.
Timeline
1992/AS 26-27
First Organizational Meeting, Incipient shire status granted
1994/AS 28-29
Name passed. Shire granted full status.
1995/AS 29-30
Cold Keep hosts Crown Principality of Avacal Champions Tournament
1997/AS 31-32
University of Northern British Columbia Medieval Club is formed.
1999/AS 33-34
Cold Keep hosts Avacal Coronet Tournament – Angar and Valeria become
Tanist and Tanista
2003/AS 38-39
Cold Keep hosts Avacal Coronet Tourney – Steinn and Gemma become
Tanist and Tanista
2007/AS 41-42
Cold Keep hosts Avacal Coronet Tourney – Kvigr and Linet become Tanist
and Tanista
2008/AS 42-43
Cold Keep hosts Avacal Coronet Tourney – Toryn and Natal’ia become
Tanist and Tanista
2011/AS 45-46
Cold Keep hosts Avacal Coronet Tourney – Toryn and Evja become Tanist
and Tanista
History
Cold Keep has a long history of being active in all areas of the SCA. We have an active armoured
combat group that runs practices in conjunction with the University of Northern BC’s medieval club, a
strong tradition of great archery and rapier combat, and talented artisans who research and recreate
in all areas of the Arts and Sciences. Our generous populace frequently supports fundraising efforts
and spearheads fundraising efforts within the shire for improvements both at shire and principality
level.
From their humble beginnings as a remote isolated shire to an interprincipality hub and meeting
ground, Cold Keep is now home to a number of peers, a well-known household and a strong tradition
of multigenerational family-oriented play. And we also have awesome summers.
Events & Activities
Annual Events
• May Defenders – the event where the defenders for heavy armoured combat, rapier combat and
Arts and Sciences are chosen
• Autumn Celebration – the event where defenders for archery, bardic and youth are chosen
• Yule – an unofficial social gathering in December to celebrate the winter season. Annual
unofficial bum-wrestling champion is chosen
Regular meetings
• Bring a friend to coffee – monthly social to encourage members to bring newcomers out to learn
a period craft
• Heavy practice – biweekly practices at UNBC with the UNBC medieval club
• Archery practice – weather dependent, summer months only, a weekly archery practice
Officers
Seneschale
Exchequer
Branch Marshal
Chatelaine
Arts and Sciences
Chronicler
HE Natal’ia Volkovicha (Joanna Garbutt, 107 Crieff Place,
Prince George BC V2M 6W3)
Archos Markus Pheilsmid (Jeff Betke, 328 Beech Cres,
Prince George BC V2N 1K9
HL Khudyka Dobrakovich (Greg Garbutt, 107 Crieff Place,
Prince George BC V2M 6W3)
Lady Anastasiia Ivanovicha (Stacey Linton, 7131 Westgate
Ave, Prince George BC V2N 0A4
HL Caterina da Milano (Nikki Moorhead, 204 Gordon Cres,
Prince George BC V2M 4R1)
HL Caitlin the Rose (Judy Johnson, 433 Brigade Dr, Prince
George BC V2M 4N7)
The History Of
The Shire of Rhuddglyn
By: Manyra Thorinsdottir
The History of the Shire of Rhuddglyn
Rhuddglyn
The Shire of Rhuddglyn is in the Principality of Avacal. It is coterminous with the modern
City of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada.
Heraldry
Per chevron inverted argent and gules, on a flame azure a flame Or. All within a laurel
wreath counterchanged.
Name & Device
The name Rhuddglyn means Red Valley in Welsh. It refers to the iron rich cliffs that
surround part of the South Saskatchewan River which runs through the towns of Medicine
Hat and Redcliff.
The device represents the red valley and the flame represents the nearby natural gas
deposits. The surrounding achievement represents our love of pets in the supporters, the
flowery meadows and grain fields in the compartment and the goal of excellence through
attention to detail in the motto.
History
During the reign of Nicholaus Barchatov and Alyssia of Cameo Keepe, 42nd King and
Queen of the Kingdom of An Tir, The Honorable Lord Emeric and Lady Manyra returned to
An Tir from their travels in Ealdormere. They settled in an uncharted part of the Principality
of Avacal and immediately set out to gather others to join under the Lion and Gryphon
banners. Banns were read that a meeting would be held at the library on August 22nd, AS
37/2002 to learn more about these Current Middle Ages. People from all over the area
gathered, listened and stepped forward to learn more. It was clear that much work was
ahead but the newcomers were eager and willing. These people would be the firm
foundation for what would become the Shire of Rhuddglyn.
During the court of their Highnesses Ivar and Asney, the 13th Prince and Princess of
Avacal, at Myrgan Wood’s 23rd Anniversary on October 12th, AS 37/2002, the group
formally presented a rune inscribed stone to Their Excellencies Roaul and Roxanne, 3rd
Baron and Baroness of Myrgan Wood, requesting their support and sponsorship. The
appeal was graciously granted and a great friendship was forged between the two groups.
In February, AS 37/2003, the petition to become an incipient branch was sent to Their
Majesties, Davin and Groa and to the Kingdom Seneschal, Viscountess Callista. The reply
came back 3 month later on May 12th, complementing our organization and welcoming us
as an incipient shire and a part of An Tir.
The History of the Shire of Rhuddglyn
That winter, we began to plan for our first event: “A Night in Byzantium” which was to be
held on March 13th AS 38/2004. The night before was cold and windy but the sun came out
the next day as Rhuddglyn welcomed over eighty travelers to their hall, including Their
Highnesses Avacal, Prince Murchad and Princess Morrigan.
Preparations, by then, were underway to apply for full shire status. The name Rhuddglyn
and the device were registered with the College of Heralds in May AS 40/2005 and a
petition for elevation was sent to Their Majesties, Skepti and Taisiia in June. That request
was granted at the July Coronation of Their Majesties, Uther and Angharad and a date for
the ceremony set for Avacal Coronet November 26th, AS 40/2005.
Since our first meeting, we have grown to be a strong part of the local community and the
SCA Community. We have been a part of the Brooks Medieval Faire, local retail store
celebrations, museum programs, classroom demos, and parades. Our members travel
throughout Avacal to principality and local events and have an extended circle of friends
who also join us for our yearly event. We volunteer in many areas and take every
opportunity to learn, have hosted four Coronets, welcomed many Royalty including Their
Majesties Thorin Njalsson and Dagmaer in Hvassa in November 2011. We are proud of our
group and its place in Avacal.
Such is a short History of the Shire of Rhuddglyn, where it is known that untold glories are
still to come.
Events:
Feast of Red and White - October 18, 2014
A beautiful fall day spent outdoors in red and white splendor.
Avacal June Coronet - June 4-6, 2014
Their Highness of Avacal Toryn Davinsson and Evja Torynswife held a tournament to select
Their Heirs. Kvigr Ivarsson and Svava Suanhuita were victorious.
The Wedding of Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon - October 19, 2013
Celebrate this grand occasion of the uniting of the Kingdoms of Aragon and Castile.
Return to Byzantium - October 20th, 2012
Almost 10 years to the day that the idea of Rhuddglyn came to be.
November Coronet - November 26th, 2011
Their Highness of Avacal Toryn Davinsson and Evja Torynswife held a tournament to select
Their Heirs. Ogedei Bahadur and Maiosara thugater Azarionos were victorious. Their
Majesties Thorin Njalsson and Dagmaer in Hvassa were also in attendance.
Feast of Plaid - September 17, 2011
Even the gaudiest of plaid is welcome.
Feast of Elizabeth - September 11, 2010
Attended by Their Highnesses of Avacal Kirk Einarsson and/or Bryjna Lovisdottir of
Axewater
The History of the Shire of Rhuddglyn
Haust Veizla (Fall Feast) - September 19, 2009
Attended by Their Highness of Avacal Steinn Vikingsson and Gemma Delaroche. A
wonderful celebration of all things Norse including a roast pig.
Avacal June Coronet - June 2-4, 2009
Their Highness of Avacal Hjalti the Wonder Viking and Eirika mjöksiglanda held a
tournament to select Their Heirs. Steinn Vikingsson and
Gemma Delaroche were
victorious.
Masquerade Ball - September 13, 2008
Full of Elizabethan mystery.
Feast of Dragon's Fire - September 15, 2007
Attended by Their Highnesses Kvigr Ivarsson and Linnet Grimolfsdottir. The theme of the
day was “Dragons and Medieval Folklore.”
Avacal War Practice – March 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011
Many classes and skirmishes were held to prepare for the upcoming war season.
Beyond the Bamboo Curtain - September 16, 2006
An amazing medieval Japanese feast which actually featured very little fish.
June Coronet - June 3, 2006
Their Highness of Avacal Kvigr Ivarsson and Shunzei no Chikakawa held a tournament to
select Their Heirs. Wernar Ivarson and Tatiana the Outspoken were victorious.
Feast of Avalon - September 17, 2005
Bobbing for apples in the fall!
A Night in Byzantium - March 13, 2004
Their Highnesses Murchad and Morrigan and 82 people from all over Avacal attended
Rhuddglyn's first event.
Officers
Seneschal:
A&S Minister
Exchequer
Webminister
Volund (Mark Normoyle)
Magy of Aberdeen (Maggie Keough)
Giovanni Orseolo (John Baatz)
Mistress Manyra (Keri-Anne Lawton)
The History of the Shire of Sigelhundas
The History of
The Shire of Sigelhundas
Complied by Robert Johnston
The History of the Shire of Sigelhundas
Sigelhundas
The Shire of Sigelhundas is located in the Principality of Avacal. Its borders are coterminous
with the modern city of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Heraldry
Azure, two talbots salient respectant argent supporting in chief a sun Or charged with a laurel
wreath vert.
Founded
January 1990/AS XXIV
October 1990/AS XXV
January 1992/AS XXVI
July 1992/AS XXVII
September 1992/AS XXVII
February 1997/AS XXXI
August 1998/ASXXXIII
February 2000/AS XXXIV
November 2002/AS XXXVI
August 2004/AS XXXIX
November 2012/AS XLVII
First organizational meeting
Incipient Shire status granted
Countess Melissa Kendall becomes Shire’s Royal Patron
Name and device passed
Full Shire status granted
Hosted Avacal Investiture
Hosted Avacal Investiture
Hosted Avacal Investiture
Hosted Avacal Winter Coronet
Hosted Avacal Investiture
Hosted Avacal Winter Coronet
History
The furthest eastern shire of Avacal, and originally a part of Valley Wold, Sigelhundas began
by building momentum, and peacefully split from their parent shire to form a group unto
themselves. Sigelhundas (loosely translating to “sun-dog”) refers to the ice crystal formations
in the air, which are frequently seen bracketing the sun in winter.
Known for many events over the years, including their (now sadly discontinued) DanishFrisian Pillage Practice and Spring Tea, and many Pirate Taverns, Sigelhundas typically
have at least one springtime Viking-style camping event a year, along with a tavern or ball
come the autumn. And despite their locale on Avacal’s eastern fringe, events held in
Sigelhundas are often frequented by Royalty, and attract visitors from all over the principality.
Due to their small membership, the core group of members forming the backbone of
Sigelhundas’ officers tend to be multi-disciplinary, with each officer having held a variety of
offices over their tenure. Those members that remain tend to be fiercely loyal, and
determined to pitch in to help in any situation.
Annual Events
Late May – Catherdal Village Arts Festival
Throughout Summer – Picnics in the Park, Potluck lunch and Medieval games, in garb
Late August - Vígvöllr undir Norðrljósum – Battlefield under Northern Lights (Viking style
Camping event and Heavy Defender Championship)
The History of the Shire of Sigelhundas
Autumn - Fall Tavern of some description
Regular Meetings
Meetings are held every week in room CL412 at the University of Regina, second week in every month being
Curia.
Fight practises are held weekly on Tuesdays in the Language Institute at the U of R, or outside if the weather is
nice enough, usually preceded by a dance practice.
Officers of Sigelhundas
Seneschal
Exchequer
Herald
Chronicler
Arts & Sciences
Chatelain
Marshal
Modolfr Ingimundarson
Kristine Rubrecht
Allasone Nin Laran
Wynfryda
Kristine Rubrecht
Gosfrei Kempe
Sinji Takanoma
The History of
The Shire of Valley Wold
The History of Valley Wold
Valley Wold
The Shire of Valley Wold is located in the Principality of Avacal. It is coterminous with the modern
city of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Heraldry
Or, a portcullis sable within a laurel wreath vert, within an orle Gules.
The first part as told by Hl. Sgt. Edward De Wolfe
In the year 1984 in the month of August, young Frederic de Wolfe left the fair Barony of Borealis to
make his home in the wilderness valleys of Midrealm. It was here that he formed a band of friends
and called themselves Crystal Keep. Frederick de Wolfe would become our first heavy fighter at 15,
the first to fight in a crown tourney and also our first to fight as an archer.
In March of 1985, a demo would be held in Regina (then known as Dragonskull ) to help promote a
first attempt of that incipient shire. Some members of Crystal Keep would attend.
Then on May day 1985. Edward de Wolfe would also make the long journey to our fair region. That
same month the two brothers and another lord journeyed to Myrganwood's Weasel Bob event.
Frederick de Wolfe was declared the winner of the tourney.
The following month these three would go to Dragonskull to do a fighters practice.
February 1986 brought King Eirik and Queen Melissa, TRM's of An Tir to Myrganwood. At least seven
members and their friends went.
1986 would see the S.C.A. in our Shire almost vanish. All but Edward de Wolfe would go their
separate ways. The summer of 1986 saw the joining of Eric Greyslayer and De Wolfe attain the rank
of Sergeant to the Baroness of Borealis.
August saw growth in the shire, Geoffrey Lawrence, Josef ad Dhib (Thurgood of the Myst), Elrich of
York, Eric's brother Gary, and Ken all took up arms.
In October 86 Sgt. Edward de Wolfe, lady Bronwyn Rowan Lascelles (first event), Eric Greyslayer
and his lady wife attended Myrganwood's seventh anniversary event. Sgt. Edward de Wolfe would
win the tourney and become the Champion of Myrganwood.
So ends Edward's tale.
The History of Valley Wold
The following is heavily edited of notable dates
May 1987/AS XXII
1st Sable Mustela household tourney and feast, Edward de Wolfe first
seneschal of Valleywold /Crystal Keep
June 1988/AS XXIII
Valley War I - Will's farm. First Eye of the Ferret (A&S in the shire) given
to Josef ad' Dhib
November 1988/AS XXIII
First Ferrets Feast and tourney
Jan 1989/AS XXIII
Saskatchewan is given to Antir by Midrealm.
September 1989/AS XXIV
First Shire Champion tourney at Connor's Park. Jean Pappineau won the
day.
February 1990/AS XXV
First Feast of the Doves - Angharad autocrated.
March 1990/AS XXV
M.J.S.C.A. incorporated
October 1990/ASXXVI
First Avacal Regional Newsletter by Bronwyn Rowan Lascelles editor
May 1992/AS XXVII
Received notice of Shire status from kingdom seneschal
March 1996/AS XXX
Avacal A&S / Rapier Champions - Valleywold hosts event.
Outgoing and incoming A&S champions from ValleyWold
August 1997/AS XXXII
Investiture/ champions - Valley wold hosts at scout camp
December 1998/AS XXXIII
Coronet 6 - Shamus wins fighting for Esperanza
February 1999/AS XXXIV
Investiture @Valleywold - Shamus & Esperanza Invested as 6th prince
and princess
Current Officers
Seneschal
ShamusVandePontSeele
Exchequer
Mora of Lincolnshire
Herald
Lara Usagi
Knight Marshal
Robert of Caithness
History of
The Shire of Vinjar
Complied by: Shire of Vinjar
The History of the Shire of Vinjar
Vinjar
The Shire of Vinjar (Grande Prairie, AB) is located in the Principality of Avacal.
Heraldry
Quarterly sable and gules, a goblet argent within a laurel wreath Or.
Timeline
Date
November 1998
September 1999
July 2002
September 2002
February 2004
Event
first organizational meeting
Incipient Canton status granted
Vinjar name and device registered
full Canton status granted
full Shire status granted
History
In AS XXXIII (1998) from a small group of interested gentles known as Swan’s Keep began
a vibrant and enthusiastic group presently known as the Shire of Vinjar. Through the growing
process Vinjar blossomed in wine and mead-makers, artisans in a variety of media, and
warriors of great reknown. Our combat archers are so prized that they are often sought as
mercenaries in battle.
Citizens of Vinjar have many talents that are shared far and wide. The Arts and Sciences
have an enthusiastic participation with a gild of artisans in fabric, leather, metal, glass, wood,
and ink. There are games masters, cooks, brewers, archers, fletchers, weavers, dancers and
glass artists. There is such a variety of things made and produced in Vinjar that we like to
display these wares at our annual Vinfest celebration.
We also have our very own baron and baroness, Magnus and Sidonia, wellsprings of tales
and stories of Vinjar’s beginnings.
Two things of note for the shire are that we have a serf that is literate and reads during
feasts, and members of the Shire have won the Inter Kingdom Combat Archery Competition
for the past 10 years.
Our membership is of all ages, from those born into the group to those of an age to be
(pseudo) grandparents to the small.
Vinjar’s lands are widespread in the north of Avacal and boast two castles. We feast grandly
every month to which we welcome newcomers and visitors with open arms.
As time passes, the young members of our group move on to education and employment
elsewhere in the mundane world, thus reducing our variety of capabilities. Enthusiastic
The History of the Shire of Vinjar
newcomers constantly renew us, but still we revel in the return of old friends to our
encampments at yearly events.
Events and Activities
Annual Event: Vinfest – Held on the last weekend in September, it includes tournaments of
archery, heavy fighting, rapier, and, recently, youth combat. An Arts and Sciences display is
also held. Our Shire Champions are chosen at this event. It is culminated with a grapestomp and a prepared feast.
Other Gatherings and Events:
- A potluck feast is held on the second Saturday of every month. A volunteer host sets
a theme for the evening.
- Fighter practices are held on Wednesday evenings each week and may include
heavy fighters, rapier fighters, and archers. Changes flow with the times, and at
present, archery is most prominent with both target and combat components.
- Our Arts and Sciences group meets monthly on the third Monday evening, except in
July and August. We have presentations of various crafts from the Middle Ages.
- Business meetings are held three or four times a year as needed.
Officers of the Shire of Vinjar
Seneschal
Deicyn Moel (Dave Pearcy)
9937-76 Ave Grande Prairie AB T8V 3Y5 780-538-3946
Exchequer
Joscelin (Crystal Ibach)
8637-70 Ave Grande Prairie AB T8X 0C8 780-538-9133
Arts and Sciences
John of Vinjar (John Gallagher)
Box 17 Site 12 RR2 Sexsmith AB T0H 3C0 780-568-2528
Chatelaine
Emily the Serf (Emily Sylvester)
Box 17 Site 12 RR2 Sexsmith AB T0H 3C0 780-568-2528
Marshal
Siobhan (Shawna Thiessen)
9825-91A Ave Grande Prairie AB T8V 0H1 780-538-1714