March 14, 2020
Greetings Skraels,
We had planned one of our usual notes to the barony, where we update folks on what’s been happening and our upcoming plans. But the news of the past few days has overtaken Us, and there are unfortunately more important things to talk about.
We always talk about how “real life trumps game”. Usually we use the expression when talking about someone not being able to make it to an event. But right now, something is happening in all our lives, and it is unfortunately impacting our hobby.
Firstly, We wanted to recognize our local, baronial and kingdom officers for all of the work they are putting in on behalf of all of us. Officers are working hard to make the best decisions they can, to protect all of us while minimizing the impact of the current pandemic on our game. This is their hobby as well, and making those kinds of decisions is never fun. But it is necessary, and We thank you and know that the barony supports you as you make these tough decisions.
Our community is made up of many people with compromised immune systems (or those of us who are close to them). It is important that we as a community do what we have to do to help protect those individuals. At the same time, we are all contributing to helping reduce the burden on our health care workers and the health care system. So secondly, We wanted to thank the many members of Skrael who provide health support to our communities. We know this is a difficult time, and you are the front line. Thank You!
While this is a time where large gatherings are discouraged and SCA events may be affected, we don’t need to be removed from our friends and the broader SCA community. The advantage we have over our medieval counterpart is that we have the ability to share information and see each other at a distance instantaneously. We would encourage Skraels to take advantage of technology to stay in touch. Virtual A&S nights are possible, or teaching skills via video conference. Connecting via social media, email or phone is just a few buttons away. Let’s be conscious of staying connected, so that while we may be at a social distance, we are not cut off.
We know that while we may not be getting together as often as planned, we are together in supporting each other. Keep those connections in these challenging times, for it has always been community that sees us through.
In Service to the Barony of Skraeling Althing,
Avelyn & Dafydd