Greetings unto the many people of Skraeling Althing,
Thank you — for being you!
Let Us begin with this first necessary thought. The past year has been a momentous one, it almost goes without saying–not only in all our lives personally but also in our lives as SCAdians. In this changing landscape we are living with, We have never been more proud of the resiliency of the people of Skrael.
You have all been outstanding in your willingness to adapt and overcome the many hurdles faced together in keeping our Society, its activities and its ideals vibrant in a pandemic environment. We applaud all your ingenuity for technological, creative, and digitally-socialized solutions to keep our ties alive. Thank you for all that you do and will continue to do as we forge ahead, embracing change as it comes. As always, we remain optimistic that these Times will quite soon become a shared memory to speak proudly of around campfires and bardic circles.
Welcome to our virtual visitors
If you are reading this and are newly discovering the SCA, and the Barony of Skraeling Althing–welcome and well met, digital traveller! We look forward to meeting you in person one day soon. Meanwhile, please consider reaching out to your local group to see how you can join us from the comfort of your home and see what the SCA and its people are all about.
Awards and Recognition
We know the populace is keenly aware that over the last year or so we have not been able to meet in person at events, and thus our ability to hold courts has been suspended. Yet, We wish to remind all of those in Skrael that we can still find ways to recognize the tremendous work going on behind the scenes to ensure that we have as much opportunity for fun online as possible — via classes, online social gatherings, and even fully virtual events.
This all takes much coordination and effort to pull off! So please, do keep sending us your thoughts, kudos and award nominations. We would very much like to ensure that people receive the recognition they have earned in a way they are comfortable with (virtual or in person in the future).
Practicum
The canton of Caldrithig hosted a fully virtual Practicum event in February 2021, and it seemed to Us that the event was very well attended. In a novel twist, We we very proud that Caldrithig hosted attendees from all over the Known World *because* it was a virtual event. We consider that a truly wondrous achievement and laud the event staff and teachers for creating this opportunity to showcase the Barony. Wassail!
At the pleasure of Their Majesties, We held a virtual court after classes concluded for the day. In summary of the court business We:
- Reminded the populace that our taxes for Storytelling/Sharing stories of Skrael’s people and history will continue during these Virtual Times.
- Presented Writs to two deserving individuals, asking them to join Us for a future court: Margaret Taylor and Lady Dubhessa Ui Uilliam. We also issued a summons to Her Ladyship Emelote of Calais to address rumours of shenanigans.
- Reminded the populace that We will be reaching our three years of service as your Baroness and Baron later this autumn. We encourage all nobles of the Barony to reflect early on their possible interest in taking on this noble and rewarding position. We are happy to answer general questions about this role at any time.
Making MAYhem virtual event – May 1, 2021
COMING SOON: The canton of Greyfells will virtually host their “Making MAYhem: A Historically Adequate A&S Event” fun arts and sciences event on May 1 (also the SCA’s new year!). They describe the day as “unconventional” and frankly We cannot WAIT to see it unfold! Please visit the event page linked above to learn about the entry categories and stay tuned for updates. Thank you Greyfells for your passion and creativity!
In parting, let us all take a moment together to reflect on past challenges met, and our continuing, shared hope for days ahead. The SCAdian landscape may never be the same but We are certain these Times have brought the Society some very positive innovations in how we enjoy the SCA together. We hope that the gains of the year will simply become an ordinary and accessible part of that future.
We remain yours in service,
Avelyn & Dafydd of Skraeling Althing