University of Atlantia

This class is intended to give an orientation point to anyone interested in Chinese history. I will cover the major dynasties and periods of disunity from the before the Imperial system to the Ming Dynasty (end of the Middle Ages, 1368-1644). We will not go super in depth into any of these but several other dynasty specific classes will be held this session by a variety of instructors.

WHYYYYYYYY? The rules and regulations of why we do the job the way we do. Required to obtain an Exchequer's Warrant.

The goal of the Rapier 101 class is to provide individuals with the basic background required to begin a successful journey toward a marshal’s warrant. It is not an instruction in all rules of rapier combat.

While Arts & Sciences are a merged category in Atlantia, it wasn't and isn't that way throughout the SCA. Join the Deputy of Science to learn and discuss how Arts & Sciences were perceived in pre-1600 times and some challenges the SCA has seen in acknowledging work and research in these spaces without particular disciplines or topics dominating. Atlantia continues to encourage people to make their own decisions about how your A&S work should be described, but as we introduce new Royal Notables, how can we encourage the A&S community to learn about lesser known topics? Let's find a way to break down those persistent barriers.

This class will define skillfulness as understood by cutting edge researchers in the field of skill development. Students will learn how to evaluate skillfulness in themselves and others according to established and consistent metrics. This applies to *anything* at which anyone might want to become skillful.

With new English-language translations of archaeological reports and many recent findings from melting glaciers and ice fields, we know a lot more about early-period archery equipment now that was known just a decade or two ago. In this session I talk about these findings, show some of the books and other sources in which they are documented, and share my experience recreating a reindeer-hunting arrow based on those found in Lendbreen and related ice field and glacial sites in Norway from ca. 700 CE. A handout will be available but the class will not be recorded.

Alfonso X El Sabio ruled the Kingdom of Castile in the 13th century, and was known across the world for his promotion of arts, sciences, languages, and more. Join Magistra Beatriz for an overview of this singular era in Spain's history and how one ruler shaped a culture. Handouts will be posted prior to the class date, and can be downloaded in PDF form at: https://spanishseamstress.com/handouts-documentation

This class will cover such subjects as: 1. Design tools. 2. Designing for accessibility. 3. Determining target audiences. 4. Mindful design and the user experience. 5. Static media and interactive media design. By the end of the hour, attendees should have a grasp on how to create impactful websites and other forms of media. This class is a beginner's course, no previous knowledge of design required.

While the image of a jousting knight is iconic to the European Renaissance for equestrianism, there were many more disciplines of refined riding that treated the martial skill more like an art -- similar to dancing. Come learn about two of them-- what we call in the SCA "Riding Before a Prince" and "Rossfechten". These two disciplines are based off of extant riding manuals, and while there are competitions of them at SCA equestrian events, they are based in a martial A&S background. This class will cover a basic overview of the history of each activity, starting activities, next steps, and some additional A&S resources. Riding Before a Prince is a 16th-17th century precursor to modern dressage that originated in Italy before expanding to France, England, and more -- remember, nobles love fancy prancing ponies! Rossfechten is likened to "rapier on horseback" -- one of the seminal works is Fiore de Liberi! Lightly armored riders learn to fight each other with swords (and sometimes spears/lances) while delicately maneuvering their horses. As of 11/25/2024, Rossfechten is still an experimental program in the SCA. This class will not be recorded.

A friendly, energetic and long-living calligraphy hand, Carolingian was the hand of kings, education and learning. In this class, we will briefly review the history and then get our pens, ink and paper out and learn how to do this delightul hand, focussing on the round and gentle lower case. Easy to learn and covering many periods, it is an essential tool in the scribal kit of all calligraphers. A handout will be provided the day before for printing out prior to class.

An overview of the English Reformation, including its causes, timeline, and consequences, especially as it might relate to a 16th century English persona.

Orientation and fundamentals class needed to get or maintain warrant as a Seneschal in Atlantia. One of the two classes required for warranting. This class will not be recorded.

The First Emperor of Qin is a figure with a mixed reputation. He connected the borders of several states to create the first iteration of the Great Wall of China, created a new governmental system, and commissioned the famous terracotta warriors, on the one hand. And on the other, he was known for many centuries as a tyrannical despot that crushed the populace under his iron fist. Find out more about the origins of China's imperial system in this intro course to the Qin Dynasty (221-226 BC).

HOW!! How to fill out the necessary quarterly reports. Required to obtain an Exchequer's Warrant.

This class is intended as a primer on how to be the marshal-in-charge of a moderate-to large-sized event. It assumes that the individuals taking the class are (or will become) well-grounded in their own disciplines.

Heralds in the SCA can be many things. Book, voice, tourney, display, court . . . and no one . . . NO ONE . . . is expected to be good at all of it. Or even care about more than their specific nook. For many branch heralds, they hold the job only because someone has to. Many others who might be interested don't know where to look or who to ask to figure out this tangled part of the SCA. We'll discuss what heralds do in the SCA, how the Colleges work, and how to best learn the job. Bring your questions.

Fire may no longer be the everyday necessity it once was, but studying and practicing period fire making methods can be an immersive (and fun!) way to learn more about those whose lives depended on it. In this class, I will discuss some documentable materials and techniques used in fire making prior to 1600 CE and demonstrate the initial steps of starting a fire with flint and steel (a fire making method appropriate for many personas). Handout - https://birtonbailiwick.files.wordpress.com/2022/01/period-fire-making.pdf

This class is a general overview of how martial activities are taught and pursued in the SCA, what we do correctly, and how to improve. The course is intended for anyone interested in developing a framework for their martial path, whether as a teacher, student, or curious observer. Time will be set aside at the end for discussion.

This class will outline the process by which a person becomes an expert in a skill, according to the very best available research. Students will learn what they need to do to achieve expertise in any endeavor. This applies to *anything* at which anyone might want to become skillful.

The most enigmatic and far-flung of the Indo-European peoples, the Tocharians thrived in the bleak deserts of Central Asia and grew rich on the Silk road, spreading culture and religion. Who were they? How did they get there? What was life like among them? Find out all that and more, along with language and persona creation tips.

Fashion in 13th century Spain exploded into a kaleidoscope of styles that seem strange to the modern eye, but show a blend of influences that reflect the cultures that made up this unusual period in history. This class will present an overview of major styles from 13th century Spain in preparation for the upcoming reign of TRHs Abran and Anya. Handouts will be posted prior to the class date, and can be downloaded in PDF form at: https://spanishseamstress.com/handouts-documentation

This course will cover the adaptations a left-handed fencer will need to make in order to meaningfully study and apply the theories of the Northern Italian Fencing Tradition (Fabris, Capoferro, Giganti, etc.). A small amount of familiarity with these systems is useful, but not required for the course. A good fit both for the leftie trying to use these systems written around two right-handed opponents, or the teachers trying to work with them.

For a long time I have been saying that riding horses and playing music are the same thing. People sometimes give me a crazy look when I say that, but it's true! In this class we will cover how establishing tempo, even rhythm, knowing when to breathe, and other musician skillsets are principles of thought that can help you and your equine have a more unified ride, lead to better balance and control, and even a horse that is equally muscled on each side of their body! This class will not be recorded.

This class will provide a research/information base for those wishing to recreate historically accurate clothing from the Song Dynasty, China. There are two distinct eras of Song Dynasty clothing, and that is Northern Song and Southern Song. This class will focus on everyday wear, leaning into fancy clothing a little bit.

After completing this class, you will be able to * explain the role of mounted archery in military history, * locate and understand relevant mounted archery safety procedures, and * select equipment that is appropriate for mounted archery. * prepare your horse for mounted archery. You'll also be able to identify (1) ground archery skills to practice that will improve your mounted archery and (2) equestrian skills you can practice that will improve your mounted archery.

I've spent the last few years making variants on the Viking-era six-board box, whose construction is based on the Mastermyr find, a smaller sea chest recovered from the harbor at Hedeby (Haithabu), and other similar finds. I've learned several mistakes to avoid and also a few tips that may be helpful to others who are seeking to make this iconic style of storage container. I'll share what I've learned so far and show examples of some completed and in-progress chests and the sources that inspired them. I'll also talk briefly about hinges and lock furnishings from this era.

An overview of melee command for the Rapier Field. We will focus on how to build small units by identifying strengths and weaknesses of individual fighters.

An Overview of Mining and Metallurgy in Period Times: This class will give an overview of mining and basic metallurgical practices in period times, from the Greeks and Romans to 1600. Emphasis will be placed on Biringuccio's "Pirotechnica" and Georgius Agricola's "De Re Metalllica."

A study of different medieval oak gall recipes

This class explores the use of the montante, a large two-handed sword from Iberia, which is larger than the typical German longsword but slightly smaller than contemporaneous German "battle swords." The montante is discussed in eleven surviving period texts, notably including Domingo Luis Godinho’s 1599 Arte de Esgrima. The only complete surviving work of its kind, Arte de Esgrima is representative of the earlier tradition of Iberian fencing, retroactively labelled esgrima común, despite being written after Jerónimo Sánchez de Carranza’s influential 1569 treatise on La Verdadera Destreza - the tradition which would dominate Iberian fencing for centuries. This lecture focuses on select elements from Godinho’s work, examining several of the fourteen "rules" (reglas) or situational applications of the montante. Emphasizing key techniques and actions, this class will provide viewers with tools which can help with interpret texts on the montante’s use more broadly. Comparisons to relevant external sources will be drawn where appropriate. This class aims to introduce students to the mechanics and usage of the montante, a lesser-known weapon in historical fencing. In addition, non-fencers interested in the culture of late 16th-century Spain and Portugal will find discussions on the montante’s role as both a status symbol and a practical tool of violence within the unique cultural and physical context of early modern Iberia.

Come learn about what being baronage is all about. Bring your questions and concerns. We'll alleviate your fears about the best job in the SCA. Everyone is welcome whether you intend to step up as baronage or not. Current and past Landed Baronage are welcome to share their insights too.

Conflict resolution and Baronial Pollings class needed to get or maintain warrant as a Seneschal in Atlantia. Second of the two classes required for warranting. This class will not be recorded.

How do you recreate a prehistoric brew without a historical recipe you can redact? In this class, after a brief overview of malting and all-grain brewing, we will discuss how we know about prehistoric brews, including textual, archaeological, and chemical residue analyses. Then we will lay out ways to recreate Iron Age brews from West Central Europe. We will discuss methods for small-scale malting, wild yeast capture, campfire brewing, and open ferments.

Online collegia, symposia, shindigs and other gatherings are happening everywhere! Not just for pandemics anymore! These are excellent ways to reach beyond geographic limits, include wider audiences, and promote your topic. This class will cover the foundational steps needed to create an online learning/sharing event, some of the tools publicly available, and examples of how some SCA and SCA-adjacent groups have already achieved significant outreach and education online. We will cover the differences between Official SCA online events and unofficial online activities. This class will be recorded and the recording will be published.

Conducting ethical research and documentation for the arts and sciences in the SCA need not be difficult. This class will walk attendees through research methods, style guides, and producing documentation with a focus on ethical sourcing. After completing the class, students should have a grasp of how to research projects on their own and create comprehensive documentation for education and competition. This class will not be recorded.

SCORES and how to run Gate and how to fill out the necessary forms after the event. This course is required to obtain an Exchequer's Warrant.

Foodstuffs are one of the oldest currencies in the world and are intimately tied with the concept of political power. The relationships between sociopolitical groups and food help paint a picture of the development of countries and cultures over time. This class will explore a series of food items, the cultures that brought them to the Iberian peninsula, how food culture and power hierarchies interact in that space, and recipes for each of those food items from the pre-Roman era to the age of Spanish colonialism. This class will be recorded.

This class will provide a research/information base for those wishing to recreate historically accurate clothing from the Yuan Dynasty, China. This can also be considered high imperial Mongolian clothing, and there will be a major difference between women's clothing, depending on if they are a Han woman or a Mongolian woman during this dynasty. This class will focus on everyday wear, leaning into fancy clothing a little bit.

I've been asked to develop a short introduction to equestrian activities for the Non Riding Person. There are two goals in the course (1) how to be safe around SCA Equestrian activities and (2) identify opportunities for those who don't own a horse to participate in equestrian activities. Owning a horse is a huge commitment, but there are still opportunities for Non Riding Persons to enrich their dream through SCA Equestrian activities. Legitimate and sensible safety regulations required that we be at the outskirts of most events; we still welcome everyone to participate. The second half of this presentation will invite students to participate more ways to increase that engagement to mutual benefit.

You just got word that your heraldry has passed! Learn the difference between a device and a badge, some of their uses, and ways to display them for maximum awesomeness. Includes examples of display from the Current Middle Ages, as well as discussion of period practice. This is an all-ages welcome class.

Agriculture and the demands of the seasons affected nearly everyone from the meanest serf to the highest royalty. In this overview, we'll talk about the general tasks, challenges, and harvests across Europe and the impact success or failure of the harvest had on the larger society.

Show and tell about how footwear affects rapier footwork

This class presents a high level overview of astronomy from the Greek geocentric model, through the Islamic golden age, and ending with the development of the heliocentric model at the end of period.

This class focuses primarily on Ramon Llull's Book on the Order of Chivalry, composed between 1274 and 1276. We will first establish the historical and cultural context in which this book is placed. We will afterwards discuss the austere style of prose, core philosophical themes, and the arguments Llull makes about chivalry, its ideals, and its place in Christian society. Lastly, we will discuss the impact of Llull's work throughout western Europe. Due to time constraints, this class is primarily lecture-based, though students are encouraged to ask questions and discuss ideas throughout.

This class will cover the basic equipment best for beginning archery with kids. We'll cover starter techniques, range safety, fun target ideas, and shooting scenarios appropriate for the young archers. This is a good class if you run an archery range at events and for parents who want to get their kids started in archery.

An introduction to being a royal retainer for those currently serving as a retainer, may possibly be a retainer in the future, or wonder what the people standing behind the big chairs are doing. We will discuss the responsibilities, etiquette, and expectations, as well as the benefits of serving your royals or baronage in this position.

The largest section of Fiore's 1409 combat system manual is the section on dagger plays. Continuing from part I that covered the first dagger remedy master (21 plates), this class will examine approximately the second quarter of the plays by examining the plates and translated text for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th remedy masters (18 plates) as well as pre-recorded video of the instructor performing the play. Most of the plays feature an unarmed defender dealing with a dagger-wielding attacker and showing them the error of their ways. Fiore says, "If I want a dagger, I will take yours." Due to significant grappling, there is very limited application of these techniques to SCA combat forms. Tips for slow speed, safe, performance of the plays will be provided as well.

Kingdom Events bids are not as hard as you thought they were! Come to the roundtable hosted by the Kingdom Bid Committee and learn about all the ins and outs of putting in a bid to run a kingdom event. We'll talk about the process of the bid, we'll try to de-mystify the Budget form, and we'll show you what a good (and a not so good) bid looks like. If you are working on an event and needs suggestions for staff, come to this class and we'll brainstorm with you! Bring your questions and your ideas. No experience necessary.

We all know what European regalia looked like--crowns, coronets, sceptres, and orbs--but how many of you know what the symbols of power in East and South-East Asia did and do look like? Join me for an overview of some of the traditional symbols of the right to rule in this realm of the world, both Period and contemporary.

How to set up and run an Event Gate. What forms are necessary, where the forms are sent after the event, proper cash handling by the Society rules. Mistress Adair and I will team teach this one because we have two different methods that are acceptable so you as Head Gate/Head Troll (choose your own title) can select the method you like to use for your gates.

This class will examine the patterns for the various equine garments included in "Drei Schnittbücher: Three Austrian Master Tailor Books of the 16th century" by Katherine Barich and Marion McNealy, with an emphasis on the Tourney covers (AKA Caparisons) and hoods. We will review the patterns and discuss ways to adapt them for use in the SCA.

A look at SENA Appendix I, equipping heralds with the tools they need to build and blazon armoury and to understand the basics of conflict checking, with diverse and elucidating examples.

This will be a discussion about transhumance, the practice of seasonal migration of domestic herds and flocks to advantageous grazing. We will look at the types of livestock moved this way, and where they went. We will also discuss the political, social, and agricultural impact it had.

This roundtable will be a discussion of women in rapier. The discussion will be led by a panel of women rapier fighters from all different award and skill levels. Everyone is welcome to engage in this conversation. This class will not be recorded.

An overview of quartz sphere jewelry in history, and also the Viking Sunstone and it's usage.

This class will encompass the administration, safety and logistics for running target archery at an event. We will cover how to design an archery contest, setting up an archery range and scoring

We frequently use Persian Miniature Paintings as the basis for garb. But how much context do we have for these paintings? Who commissioned them? Who painted them? Were they even Persian? How did Islam impact subject matter and style. This class aims to add nuance to our understanding of "Persian Miniature Paintings" and focuses on the Il-Khanid dynasty of the 14tj century.

We'll look at a few recipes, multiple sources, and interpretations across cultures. This class is aimed at those thinking about picking up a period recipe for the first time and getting an idea of what to look for, ingredients to avoid, easy substitutions for ingredients we can't find anymore, and preparing a dish pleasing to a modern palate.

Do you want to share your energy and excitement about your SCA interests beyond your local area? YouTube is an excellent way to do that, even for folks with no plan to become famous social media influencers. This class will discuss planning your video, equipment that you can use, and how YouTube works. The class instructor has a small YouTube channel that he has been running for 9 years that has about 40 videos and about 160 subscribers.

How and where to find information for scribes in any kingdom in the known world . Who to contact , where to find information to complete assignment/ commissions and how to package for mailing or delivery .

"Dozens", rap battles, and tiraeras are older than you think. Troubadours of 13th century Iberia dueled each other verbally, getting personal! It was a way to fight without spilling blood. The first half of the class will cover the surviving "songs of scorn and ridicule" themselves, their forms and subject matters, the circumstances under which these duels were held, and some famous "duelists" including kings of Castilla and Portugal. The second half of the class (if class members care and dare to) would be a duel, subject matters to be determined during the class, in good-natured fun. There are adult themes, just enough to have this be for the grownups only, no one younger than 18, please.

I'll be giving an overview of the textiles and garments found in Mawangdui I, intact tomb of the Marquise and Marchioness of Dai. I'll also touch on my own structural reconstructions, as well as working class clothing (the Marquise's robes being ill suited to the diverse active endeavours of an SCA event).

Help me help you. I've taken on the role of maintaining the websites for Kingdom Level Events. This class/discussion will focus on standardizing websites so that we can get a website up quickly once a bid has been accepted. We will also discuss what to keep on websites between events to make them newcomer friendly. Focus is on Kingdom of Atlantia events and websites, but open to students and ideas from other Kingdoms.

Ever wonder where people find medieval names? How those cool shields and banners are designed? Why are those people wearing funny capes over their clothes and yelling? Ever wanted to join us? Come learn about the various facets of heraldry within the SCA, particularly Atlantia. All ages welcome. Class will not be recorded.

This class will cover the start-to-finish process of growing and processing flax plants into linen thread. We'll go over the medieval process/history of flax, and I'll share my own recent experience growing and processing flax.

Join members of the Atlantian Rapier War Council as they provide a deep dive on the activities, challenges, processes, and strategies behind the SCA's very complex rapier melee system. During the class we will cover... - Understanding process of how a warlord is selected, why we have one, their staff, and their relationship with the crown and other martial activities - Maintaining a solid War Council through scheduling melee events and practices, working with rapier martials, and teaching - Preparing for war! The responsibilities of the Rapier Warlord, their Council, and all fighters - Learning what tactics and strategies make Atlantian Rapier great All are welcome to attend, but an understanding of SCA rapier combat and rapier melee will help participants better understand the subject matter.

This class explores the history of comets throughout the SCA period looking at the understanding of what these objects were as well as how authors in period described several notable comets. This class may be recorded.

This class will introduce SCA target archery and provide a primer on considerations for choosing archery equipment suitable for SCA use that is a good fit for the new archer. Participants will be able to: * Identify, locate, and apply the documents regulating SCA target archery * Identify the types of archery equipment permitted in the SCA * Summarize the key features of different types of bows and arrows used in the SCA * Better evaluate their options for the selection of SCA archery equipment

We frequently use Persian Miniature Paintings as a basis for garb. But how much context do we have for these paintings? Who commissioned them? Who painted them? Were they even Persian? How did Islam affect subject matter and style? This class aims to add nuance to our understanding of "Persian Miniature Paintings" and focuses on the Timurid dynasty of the 15th century

Learn proven methods of resolving conflict between two people, both as a participant and a mediator. You will be able to take home two simple processes that can be used to facilitate a conversation between two people intending to clear up a conflict. Examples will be given and at least one practice conversation will be done during class. Methods based on the Clearing Model from Woman Within International with additional material from the book Crucial Conversations and The Conscious Leadership Group (https://conscious.is). The SCA Anti-Bullying Policy has brought to light the importance of resolving conflicts ourselves before harsh consequences result. SCA members, officers, and leaders of all kinds can benefit from using these methods. I learned these techniques from over 20 years working as a volunteer officer and participant in the Woman Within program (www.womanwithin.org) and close ties with the ManKind Project program (www.mkp.org). This class is especially recommended for SCA Seneschals.

Have you ever considered translating and interpreting fencing manuscripts but aren't sure where to start? This class will cover translation, interpretation, and the implementation of new fencing plays into your repertoire.

Although the arts flourished in all periods of Chinese history, the Song Dynasty is especially renowned for the proliferation of high quality art in all sectors. Many of the art forms developed in the Song Dynasty went on to directly influence the lasting art forms in Japan (think painting, calligraphy, pottery, armour, tea culture, clothing). Come join Wol-bi-ssi as she teaches about the poetry of the Song Dynasty.

Your branch is holding an event, now how do you get the word out? You need enough attendees to cover your site costs, you need volunteers, and you want everyone to be well-prepared for a happy day. I'll start with the rules that affect SCA event "advertising." I'll introduce the different platforms you might use. Then spend most of our time on “best practices” for social media ad campaigns, with specific examples of communications for different types of SCA events.

This class will offer insights on how to develop a personal strategy for getting your best and most consistent performance as an athlete, using insights from 3 decades of student-athletics and competitive athletics, neuroscience, and psychology.

The complex search form at oanda.sca.org has been enhanced. This class will cover the new things you can do with it. Among the new capabilities: Entering charge names instead of having to look up cryptic codes in my.cat Searching notes Searching by record type Searching by date/kingdom If time permits, there can be broader discussion of how to formulate searches.

Hey! You. Do you have a local established practice / hangout / A&S circle? Do you want it to grow? Bring more people into this lovely hobby? This is a discussion focused on the structure that the Isenfir and Black Diamond areas have been using recently to help increase local engagement. Please feel free to come with feedback on what your area is doing too! I can talk about our area all day but I would love to hear from everyone else too. This class is open to all ages. Covers no sensitive topics and requires so little basic background that even I can teach it. I do not plan to record the class but will not restrict it if you would like to. Class Outline: Introduction What is a demo? Is your area ready for a demo? Prework / preparation Pre-demo vibes check. What are you demoing? Who is the lead? Support roles? What is the objective? Day of tools Contact sheets Demonstration areas Vibes check (again) Demo Review / Feedback Week after contact Are you really ready?

Pop-history often teaches that the Christian Church was antagonistic to astronomy. In contrast, many Christian apologists claim that religion inspired astronomers. This class explores the relationship between astronomy and the Church in depth. Class may be recorded.

You may be familiar with the British “tragedy of the commons,” but Spain has an entirely different story to tell. We’ll dive into the Iberian forest commons and key changes in land use such as occurred during the Reconquista.

The SCA has it's own unique rank structure and it's not always apparent to newcomers who is who. This class will introduce participants to the accessories and items of clothing, "regalia," that identify members of the SCA who hold special ranks. Participants will be able to: * describe the difference between Awards, Grants, and Patents of Arms (AoA, GoA, & PoA) * identify the royal and bestowed Peerages * recognize common SCA titles of rank * identify the different items of regalia reserved by law in the SCA and some more commonly recognized by tradition

We will study and practice a user friendly set of capitals that work well with Carolingian and even Uncial or Humanist hands. In this class, we will get our pens, ink and paper out and learn how to do this delightul set of capital letters, focussing on the round and gentle upper case. Easy to learn and covering many periods, it is an essential tool in the scribal kit of all calligraphers. A handout will be provided the day before for printing out prior to class.

This class discusses what a concussion is, common symptoms, factors that make them more likely, and possible consequences.

Explore the origin of the world's favourite drink--tea! Wolbi-ssi teaches not only the proliferation of this drink, but also the differing approches to it as a commodity throughout Chinese Mediaeval history.

Recreational camping is generally not authentic for the time period covered by the SCA - sleeping outside only became something some people in Western society did for fun in the late 19th century. That being said, it's a lot of fun to get out in the woods in garb with only what you can carry on your back, cook over a campfire, and sleep in wool blankets under the stars. Backcountry camping in the style of a previous time period has long been popular with those portraying 19th century Mountain men and 18th century longhunters, but those interested in earlier periods are beginning to give it a try, as well! I will discuss ideas for putting together camping gear based on extant artifacts and medieval representations of hunters, pilgrims, and soldiers, and discuss some of the gear that I have used for medieval-inspired overnight backpacking trips. The focus will be on artifacts and artwork from Europe in the 10th - 15th centuries (I have a 14th century English persona), but some earlier and later pieces will likely be discussed, and the ideas for approaching a camping kit should be applicable to many different periods and cultures.

The horses look pretty out on the field, but what are they doing? What makes it hard? How can you tell if they did something really cool when hitting stuff isn't involved? Was that fancy dancing deliberate, and what is it called? Will cheering scare the horses? Learn how to impress everyone with your commentary on the next equestrian challenge! At the end, we'll chat about what your persona might know. No horse-y knowledge required.

This is discussion of the job and expectations of a head retainer. What can you expect as a head of a royal retinue or ask of your head retainer? How can you avoid burnout (yours and those you're herding)? What kind of organizational tips and tricks can be employed to make the job easier? Also, how can you effectively communicate with the royals or baronage, retinue, and others with whom you will be interacting?

A survey of La Verdadera Destreza on Spanish literature of the late 1500s.

This class focuses on the period history of constellations that led to our current system. We'll explore their origins, how they were taught, and how they were depicted, throughout history. Class may be recorded.

Spanish theatre has several qualities which make it unique. We look at the major playwrights & genres that set it apart from other European theatre, and then see how it influenced the development of the earliest western-style theatre of the New World, particularly with regards to the birth of Nahuatl theatre. Nahuatl plays are the only extant scripts in an indigenous language from all of the colonial Americas.

The University as an educational institution developed in western Europe in the Middle Ages and still exists in a remarkably similar form today. For many people outside the SCA, participating in a graduation ceremony might be the only obvious creative anachronism dress-up that they ever experience. We’ll look at the history of this institution, the reasons it came to exist the way it did, and what persists still in education today. We will discuss the background of students and teachers, their daily life, what they studied, and the rules under which they lived. We’ll also hear about times when the peculiar nature of the universities as systems shaped major events in history. https://sites.google.com/view/owen-caerleon/medieval_university

Learn the basics behind getting dressed for an SCA event! Explore the amazing range of possibilities, price points, and periods that can add layers of fun and immersion to being in the SCA.

Learn what to do for serving as a Minister of Arts and Sciences (MOAS) for your local SCA group. Class will cover the resources available for MOASs, requirements vs. "nice-to-haves", and plenty of time for Q&A. DEIB guidance is included in this class. Focus will be on Kingdom of Atlantia procedures, but non-kingdom specific guidance is included. All kingdoms welcome! Class will be recorded and published after University.

Do you have an SCA passion or interest you’ve wanted to share but are not sure how? Have you wanted to instruct in university but the prospect seemed overwhelming? Join us for a discussion on how to pick a topic, build objectives and an outline, select support materials and decide the best ways to engage your audience. Seasoned instructors welcome to share their insights!

Trace the history of the chatelaine from Rome to 1650. See examples of recent discoveries and items that one would carry on a chatelaine. Learn how to tell the difference between a Victorian chatelaine and a Renaissance or Roman one.

A discussion of the direction of the Royal Guild in the new year, and what goals we can accomplish together. A Q&A with the Council

In this class we will review the ciphers cataloged by Giambattista della Porta, their origins, and their implementation. The focus of this discussion will be the 1563 edition of 'De furtivis literarum notis...' (On secret notations for letters commonly called ciphers).

Seville was one of the largest, most prosperous cities in early modern Europe; famous for it's wealth and culture, along with it's crime. From petty thieves and prostitutes, to noble con men and corrupt clergy, we will take a take a look at renaissance Seville's criminal underbelly.

In this lecture class, learn about one-piece shoes from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age. Students will learn how to pattern, construct, and finish their own one-piece shoes, along with tips and pointers for wearing these shoes at events.

This class will cover everything about what Commedia dell' Arte is and how we bring it to life in the SCA. Commedia is 16th century Italian comedy theater, and its popularity in the SCA is rising. Why? How does one get started? How does one get good at it? Where is it happening? We will cover a lot of information about Commedia in 50 minutes, very quickly, including where to get resources for further learning. Class WILL be recorded. The Instructor, Dame Sophia the Orange is a Laurel in Commedia and has been studying Commedia for 24+ years with teachers from America, England, and Italy.

The office of the Chronicler is one of the most important in the Kingdom. It's so important that Kingdoms and Baronies are required to have them. Why? Because we are the eyes, ears of our groups and the information we provide in our newsletters is archived and and added to the history of our group. We are the reporters and the bringing of information to the wider audience. Whether a seasoned Scadian or a new to the SCA reader, our newsletters are selected views into our hobby and it's history.

Pennsic is a wonderful SCA event and attending this class will help you to both prepare and have the best time possible... We will discuss how to prepare for Pennsic, what you will need to do and bring. We will answer questions you may have on how to manage to get your things to Pennsic and what you can expect when you finally get there and get set up. All are welcome - I've had 40-year veterans learn something new! There is an extensive class handout (essentially the class notes) that will be made available as a PDF. Please have a way to jot down questions, there will be plenty of opportunities to ask them! Time permitting we'll also take a quick look at budgeting for the trip/what expenses to expect. This class will NOT be recorded.

How I research and personalize scribal assignments. Where I go and the process I follow to complete scrolls.

How MOLs and Marshals work together makes a huge difference to how smoothly the field runs at an event. Come join our discussion and learn what MOLs need, what Marshals need, what anyone who steps near or on the field might need, and what will help make sure that everyone on the field is having the best time possible ...within our policies and rules. Your co-hosts of this Roundtable will be Mistress Ceridwen ferch Owain and Mistress Maddelena Salutati...and the cast of thousands. If your SCA path takes you to the martial field / by the MOL table in any capacity, this roundtable will probably have some information you'd find interesting...even if you are not a marshal or an MOL. This roundtable will not be recorded.

Come explore the Liber Cosmographiae, a manuscript by John de Foxton and written in 1408. Foxton uses the mnemonic of poetry to hold his cipher that teaches the reader the computus (the science of calculating times and dates using a combination of mathematics and astronomy) for determining the date of Easter.

Learn about the miniature portrait tradition popular in early modern Spain. This class will discuss how the Spanish tradition of miniature painting differs from the more widely-known English tradition from the same time period, and the historical contexts in which these works were made.

This class will review some basic fire safety principles that arise during SCA events and in the mundane world. The discussion will focus on identifying fire hazards and simple strategies to reduce risk. A significant number of burn injuries occur each year related to camping activities, particularly around campfires, so we'll discuss some Do's and Don'ts about campfires and cooking fires. We'll also discuss fuel-fed cooking and heating devices and some hazards more unique to the SCA environment. At the end of the class, participants will be able to: * Identify common fire hazards often encountered at SCA events. * Identify hazards associated with: - campfires and cooking fires - tentage and tiki torches - fuel-fed heating and cooking devices * Select and use the proper fire extinguisher for different classes of fire.

Learn about how to pattern and sew your own Bronze Age woman's tunic based on the finds from Denmark using period-appropriate materials and methods, as well has how to adapt this shirt for modern sewing. This sweet little tunic is fun to make, and such a great addition to your garb wardrobe!

Have you ever looked at an artefact and wondered EXACTLY what it's made of? This class will include a brief overview of several different types of surface characterization and some how to tell if they're right for different objects. I will also be including some of my own research as a case study.