University of Atlantia

This class is designed to give fighters a system to help analyze, evaluate and adapt their defense against attacks. The system that we will be using is designed to classifying and analyzing defenses universally across all combat forms. It looks at the core principles that can be found in rattan, rapier, cut & thrust, hand to hand and a variety of other types. This class is half discussion and half practical demonstration, so please bring your gear. Suggested weapons to bring are: long swords, rapiers, sword and shield, bucklers, spears, daggers, sickles, etc. Weapons and gear are subject to instructor approval before use. Slow work only as to to show how the concepts work.

Want to learn how to make a crane? A hat? A flower? Bowl? Come to Origami to learn the beauty and practicality of Origami! Children are welcome!

What was it like to bake for the masses? What does 30 pounds of dough look like in one mixing? Join in this hands-on class to work up a full-sized batch of manchet dough. Participants will be able to take dough home with them to finish.

Tips for left handed fighters and for those right handed fighters who have trouble fighting them.

"This class will cover the basics on how to teach archery to beginners as well as critiquing more advanced archers. Topics covered: a) How to teach physical skills with an emphasis on basic archery. b) Spotting problems with archery technique c) Proper archery technique and why it is correct. d) Effective teaching techniques for specific form problems."

Why is it easy to start projects and hard to finish them? Why do you have time to check Facebook but not to practice your music/swordplay/other skills? We'll talk about goal-driven and process-driven practice, the roles of importance and urgency in how we select what tasks to do, and how realistic it is (or isn't) to add another thing to do to our already jam-packed lives.

Have you ever wanted to join in the dancing, but didn't know how? Think you can't dance? If you can count to 4, step forward and backward, you can do these simple dances. We will cover English country dance, as well as a few court dances as time permits.

This class will look at dining practices and etiquette prior to 1650, including timing, foods, dishes, utensils, and basic manners.

In this roundtable discussion Ladies Alexandria Wright and Daniela Schwartzhaupt talk about how they work together to make both of their jobs easier and more efficient. Attendees will be able to pick their collective brains about how they handle different situations.

A discussion of the world in which women lived, were educated, worked, and worshipped in the Middle Ages. We will discuss the worlds of the lady, the peasant, the townswoman, and the nun.

This is the required course to become warranted as an Atlantian Minister of the Lists. We’ll cover general procedures, forms, event prep, reports, and common issues encountered at the MoL tables.

Come learn basic embroidery stitches that are used throughout many different regions and time periods. This hands-on class will cover as many stitches as we can in 2 hours (i.e. backstitch, stem stitch, satin stitch, split stitch, etc.). This class is for anyone from the absolute beginner to someone wanting a refresher. Come and have fun! Kits will be provided by your own pair of scissors would be a nice addition.

This class is intended as a primer on how to be a marshal for armored combat. We cover rights duties and expectations that are set for those who would volunteer to serve in this capacity

"Are you new to the SCA? Or new to sewing? Want to know what to wear and be able to get dressed quickly? This 2 hour workshop will include an overview of basic garb, how to obtain clothing and materials at a bargain, and how to make your first garb. We will layout and cut a pattern for a geometric tunic (good for ladies and lords) and even start you sewing your first outfit! We will also cover accoutrements with period sources and recreated samples for your perusal. If you are able, bring along a basic sewing kit, sewing machine, and 3 yards of pattern material (paper, tru-grid, junk material) and 4 yards of sold colored cotton, linen, or wool You can still attend without materials- we will have some on hand donated for free and some for purchase if you’d like something nicer. "

This class will be a mix of discussion and demonstration, and will include hands-on components. Discussion will cover the evolution of wool, wool types (to aid in understanding archaeological texts) and also sheep breeds descended from animals spread across Northern Europe by the Vikings. Following the discussion there will be a demonstration portion of the class showing how wool was processed and manufactured in the Viking age. During this time students will get to handle many different types of wool and have the opportunity to try to comb, spin or weave fibers. There will be combs and spindles to test out as well as a miniature warp-weighted loom for weaving.

Exchequer 101 and 201 are required for being a warranted exchequer and deputy exchequer. This course covers the documentation needed to get started as an exchequer, what is required to hold the office and the rules and responsibilities of the office. This class is also open to anyone interested in becoming an exchequer or seneschals who want exchequer training.

This class provides an instructional framework for people running practices to develop a full curriculum for the first 1000 hours of someone's develoipment as a fighter. The framework can be applied to any style, system, weapons form, or rules set. Students need to bring paper and a writing instrument.

Are you new to the society, or have you only gone to a few events? Still confused about what there is to do and what we are about? Come meet the Kingdom Chatelain (the officer in charge of welcoming you to the society) and get a grasp on the basics. Learn about what essentials you should have for an event, basic customs and protocol, how to get involved, persona and heraldry, as well as much more. Come with questions or sit and listen, we promise you will learn a lot! Donation to the collection jar if you take a handout.

A step-by-step instructional overview on how I cast period replica buttons and tokens out of pewter. A handout will be included with this class.

Every motion of the sword is a guard to the knowledgeable fencer - N. Giganti This class aims to help you become the knowledgeable fencer. We will cover practical applications of the "standard" 4 Italian guards and then throw it all away with understanding how to effectively counterposture any situation. Request students have mask, gloves and sword although some loaner gear will be available.

We'll cover targets ideas and construction (on a budget), equipment, prizes, shoot ideas and organization. When you're done with this class you'll feel confident enough to run a shoot at your next event.

The Christian religion practiced in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and parts of England in the Dark Ages was like no other. Embracing the natural world with passion and allowing its unique character to nurture poets, saints, kings and commoners in equal measure, this introduction to Celtic Christianity will answer the questions of what white martyrdom is, who St. Bridget wanted to offer a lake of beer to, how to choose a soul-friend and make-up tips for the fashion-forward Irish missionary going abroad.

Branles are French dances from Arbeau, whose dance manual was written in 1589. This class is to be a mix of easy to moderate dances. This class will teach all the steps you will need and the dances will be simple. No experience necessary.

Being a good cook is only a starting point. There are many good cooks in the SCA; fewer good feast cooks. Planning, pricing, pacing, preperation , presentation, are just some of the things a head cook needs to be able to do well. We will cover the logistics side of feast cooking, from menu planning, to site considerations, to shopping, to crew assembly, to precook, to presenting, and finally to cleanup and follow up.

What's a bardic circle? We'll cover what the "bardic arts" are in the SCA, then talk about do's and don'ts for your first performance: ideas for repertoire selection, how to introduce yourself, and bardic circle etiquette - things that will help you connect with your audience, and things that won't.

Paternosters, Tesbihs, Malas- every time period has prayer beads. The addition of this accessory can complete your portrayal of your persona. Learn the rules for making a paternoster (rosary) that goes with your garb and is affordable. Kits ($4.00) will be available and a handout.

Becoming a better fencer takes skill, dedication, and practice. But practice takes time, and is limited by the need to balance employment, family, and other time commitments. An SCA fencer can expect to reach a highly competitive level in around 6-10 years. Learn how to accelerate this by making practice a lifestyle, and how simple modifications to your every day activities can lead to faster skill improvement on the fencing field. Class will provide both the conceptual framework and simple examples of activities that students can translate into their own daily routines. Learn how to make everyday a training day with Provosts Connor Levingestoune, Caitilin Fheichin, Allesandro Andretti, and Benjamin Lilje.

New to the SCA or just wondering what people mean when they talk about being a Pursuivant, Minister of Minors or a Chronicler? See all the shiny hats, but don't know what they mean or how to talk to them? Understanding the terms of our unique society will enhance you experience in the SCA. A light hearted discussion on terms distinctively ours.

Whether you are going on a Pilgrimage to Pennsic or your local event, have you ever thought about wearing a Pilgrims Bag instead of carrying a bulky basket? You can free up your hands, don’t have to worry about where you left your basket, and it is a great way to keep you modern items out of sight. Learn how you can make a Pilgrims Bag, out of cloth or leather.

This course provides students with an overview of the poetic and musical characteristics of three popular vocal music genres of 14th century, Italy. Listening examples will be provided.

A brief overview on the history of 14th century houpelandes followed by step-by-step instructions on assembling a G63 pattern. Instruction sheets and pattern are included for this class.

A discussion on the Historic Martial Art of war. This will be a discussion on mixed arms combat and the eventual growth to modern combat at the birth of effective firearms.

This class covers the complete process of making wooden arrows for SCA target archery. It covers materials, design, proper construction, tuning of arrows to your bow and finishing techniques.

This practical session will teach the student how to create a flat knot - precursor to the Turks Head and the 3 lead 4 bight Turks head knot. Class limited to 12 and pre registration comes with a printed handout and kit to practice the knot. Sit in students with their own equipment are welcome. http://traynedbandes.com/blog/2014/02/14/turks-head-knot-by-ester-pickering/

No experience necessary. We will cover some common SCA dances - Gathering Peascods, Rufty Tufty, Hearts Ease, and Chestnut.

Interested in brewing but baffled by the backdrop? We'll talk terms for wine, beer, mead, and cordials; discuss sources and caveats; and generally help get you up and running on brewing for the ages. There is likely going to be a one-page handout with some terms and useful web links. Donations are welcome but not necessary.

You have researched and planned a banquet fit for kings! You are ready any number happy feast-goers. You have thought of everything... right? This class is designed to discuss staffing of the modern medieval kitchen from a practical point of view. Head cooks of the day had any number of workers assisting them in various tasks. In our volunteer-run modern medieval kitchens this is not always the case. Join us as we look into the staffing of our kitchens both then and now.

Required class to become a warranted Rapier Marshal in the Kingdom.

Everything you need to know in order to become a Minister of Arts and Sciences in Atlantia. You do not have to be an MoAS in order to take the class, just interested in what the job entails.

Required entry level class for target archery Marshals-in-Training and for warrant renewal

A beginners class (but anyone is welcome) to learning the basics of scroll layout and design, how to get inspiration from medieval works of art, and hands on experience with layout and technique. Instructor will provide paper and books for students to look at. Students need to bring: a ruler, a pencil and eraser

Everyone loves a bardic, right? You just get some people together and the magic happens! This class is about how to make the magic happen, how to get started, and the difference between private, semi-public, and public bardics, and how to handled each of them. This class will also include suggestions for getting everyone happy and performing, group singing and the every popular "filk" song.

"Feeling overwhelmed by all the fancy people and formal goings-on at Court? Be thou not afraid! Here's a low-key talk-through (and probably walk-through, using class attendees) of what goes on in Court, who sits where and does what, and - most important of all - what YOU do if your name is called! There is no handout - bring notepaper and pen if you like. "

This class will cover the forms and procedures used in the ever-growing Atlantian Equestrian divisions.

This class covers basic terminology and the building blocks of poetry. Then we will discuss basic forms including couplets, tercets, quatrains, quintains, sestets, septets, sonnets and some of their variations.

An introduction to creating herbal infusions for culinary and medicinal use. The course will cover preparation of herbs, various infusion methods, and we will make an herbal infusion in class. Please bring your own heat resistant, sealable container if you would like to take some home with you (canning jars work great!). Please note, the instructor will provide handouts and materials. While there is no class fee, donations will be accepted to help offset the cost of course materials. Be sure to contact the instructor (esaingheandonnchaidh@yahoo.com) with any allergies, including nut allergies. The instructor will do her best to avoid known allergens, and will post allergen warnings as needed; however, no guarantees can be made and all attendees take responsibility for their own health upon entering the class.

Ever wonder how to make those beautiful spliced loops on the ends of your tent ropes? Well, this class is for you. We will teach you the "eye splice" and the "back splice" to avoid those unsightly knots on your loops, and those annoying "cows tails" on the ends. If we have time we will try the "crown knot"......an ornamental stopper knot to replace those ugly "figure eight knots". All materials and tools will be provided......just bring yourselves. Suggested reading: "Ashley Book of Knots". Perhaps the definitive work on the subject.

"Entering an A&S Competition or simply displaying your work can be a scary adventure. In this class you will learn what to expect and what the judges expect of you. We will look at some score sheets, discuss documentation and ways to display your work that get attention. "

This practical session will teach the student the Greene Dorge purse string. This was a common pattern for use on Sweet Bags and the one I used on my bag. The class comes with a printed handout and kit to practice the weave. Link for an image of the purse string from my blog: http://traynedbandes.com/blog/2014/02/09/fingerl

Don't know what a piva, sempio, or ripresa is? Fear not! Despite the strange-sounding step names 15th century Italian dances are quite fun. Come flirt with all the interesting people and show off your fancy clothes, while learning the basics that will enable you to do many of the 15th century balli. Depending on time and number of students we will try out dances such as: Petit Riens, Amoroso, Anello, Gelosia and Rostiboli Gioioso. No partner needed, no experience needed, children are welcome with an adult.

A lecture on the construction details of textiles identified as outer tunics at the Viking Age settlement of Hedeby, with comparison to broadly contemporary tunics from elsewhere in Denmark.

New to the SCA? Wonder what to pack for lunch when going to your latest event? Very easy and also medieval recipes to fill your basket whether you're providing for yourself or ten people. A recipe handout and examples of tasty tidbits will be available to try.

The chivalric hero's life is much more than tournaments and war. The adventure begins at entry of an innocent into the world, continues with an initiation into the arts of peace and war, encompasses the acceptance of the responsibilities of family and community, and then preparing for the world to come. The instructor will discuss how period chivalric literature explains the ideal life of a knight.

A walk through of a method to turn the ointment/medical canisters from the Mary Rose. This will be a display and discussion of the process using modern techniques. Time permitting, we will also discuss using period turning techniques to achieve the same results.

This class describes a method of using goal-oriented sparring to make every practice and event a valuable learning experience regardless of the opponent. Student will leave the class with an action plan. Students need to bring a writing instrument.

A discussion on two main forms of trim weaving: Inkle weaving and Card/Tablet weaving. There will be a brief lesson on finger weaving to teach some basic weaving concepts.

Want to know how to run the most popular tournament styles in Atlantia? Want to be able to follow along with Crown Tourney? Or wuld you like to know how to run a Magic Tourney? Or a multiple-pod round-robin tourney... all on index cards? This class will discuss how to properly run the elimination-style tournaments used in the Kingdom. It will also discuss how to properly run many of the non-elimination-style tournaments used in Atlantia

These terms are used frequently when discussing swordplay. Come learn the practical understanding of these concepts and how they impact your fighting. We will turn these concepts around to improve your understanding of when you are vulnerable and when you may strike safely. Request students have mask, gloves and sword although some loaner gear will be available.

Required class for Combat Archery Marshals. Covers the rules and conventions for Combat Archery in Atlantia.

These English dances are from a 1500 ledger book not discovered until 1995. The style is different from the other English dances you have seen. No experience necessary. Dances include New Yer, Rawty, Roye, and Ly Bens

The circular cut pouch is the most common form of coin purse in the Middle Ages. A very interesting example can be found in the Bryggen Museum in Bergen, Norway. Found during the excavations of the medieval harbor quarter the coin purse is dated to between the late 13th to early 14th century. It differs slightly from the plain style coin purse in that it has a decorative binding around the middle which forms a permanent cup and holds the pleating in place. In this class we will make our own coin purse in the style of the one from Bergen. Supplies: soft, relatively thin leather; a pattern (circle and slits); a ruler; scissors; a sharp knife or punch; and a cutting surface.

Tips on how to herald courts. How to set up precedence, setting dockets, processions, etc.

Some of the most beautiful works of art in illumination are found within letters. We'll take a look at different examples of illuminated letters and then start on creating one for use as a scroll blank or a standalone piece.

It's all so confusing! How do I know what to call people, when to stand or sit or, God help me, bow or curtsey? Relax! It's not so bad as all that. A long-time member of the SCA will help to decode it all for you and help you feel comfortable in the SCA environment.

Ever looked at a medieval timber framed building and wondered, "How the heck did they build that?" Wonder no more. Covered in this class will be an introduction to timber frame joinery, the jargon of a timber framer, and a discussion of forms commonly used in the 1500s.

"A class on simple ways of identifying natural and synthetic fabric content in fabric Why identification is important, what fabrics to use in the context of the SCA We will go over Wools, Linens, Cottons, Silks and a few other fabrics You will receive a sample book to take home Examples of fabrics will be available for testing and touching"

A small project appropriate for new or returning embroiders utilizing 3 basic stitches. The class will also look at embroidery tools, terms and resources.

"So I made a tunic, but I want something more fitted. Now what? You have come to the right place! We will make a pattern for a fitted kirtle, also known as a petticoat bodies. This can deliver worn on its own, or as an underdress with many different later period dresses. All you need are basic sewing skills. Supply list : 1 yard of fabric to make the pattern which becomes the lining Basic sewing notions, pins, tape measure, marking pencil or pen, scissors, needle and thread."

This course provides new autocrats with an overview of the event planning process from beginning to end. Topics include: roles and responsibilities, general policies, event themes, site assessment, staff selection, budget planning, and other major tasks and associated timelines.

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

This course focuses on what we do (and do not) know about sports-based concussions, and how that relates to fighting in the SCA. We'll talk about diagnosis, contributing/risk factors, and treatment and recovery. This course is intended for both rattan/heavy and rapier fighters. (Some portions may also be relevant to youth fighters and their parents.) Please note: The instructor is not a licensed health professional, but is instead a researcher who studies sports-related concussions.

Tailored for newcomers, this class is a basic intro to designing your device. Topics will include tinctures, fields of division, charges and some of the rules we follow.

A brief look at the history of mathematics in Europe and the Near East through the medieval era. Most of the discussion will be on broad historical developments with brief forays into some specific topics, if attendees are interested. I can focus on history or mathematical concepts, as the class wishes.

You may have seen the shenanigans of commedia characters on stage, but have you ever met the characters behind the mischief? Join Lady Avelina del Dolce and members of commedia troupe, "Vagando Stolti" from the Barony of Lochmere, as they teach a class about the characters of commedia dell'arte by becoming the stock characters themselves. This is an interactive class for members of any experience level, interest level or age. Join us for fun, foolish times!

"This class will demonstrate how to use inexpensive materials to construct fun targets. Many of these materials can be found and repurposed into your target making. The purpose of this class is to illustrate how you can create fun shoots for your events or practices based on all my years of playing in the SCA. We will have several sample targets pre made that will be used for discussions. These discussions will be focused on how archers can shoot targets many different ways. This class is designed for new and experienced archers looking for some inspiration. "

A couple of more interesting dances from Playford 1. Some prior English Country dancing preferred as these still use doubles siding arming heys.

There's rarely only one right way to make something. Explore the range of styles found in Italian partlets, and find something to your liking (or that fits your persona's timeframe). For those unfamiliar, the partlet is the garment that fills in the wide neckline of a woman's gown.

You can't plan for every contingency...sometimes you can only roll with the punches. This class is one cook's journey through madness, mayhem and the (now) ridiculously funny.

Ever get a scroll assignment that you needed to get done quickly and still wanted it to look special or want to make something shine when held up in court? In this hands on class students will learn a quick and inexpensive way to create an illuminated border using patent metal leafing materials that can be obtained at a local Arts & Crafts store. Students will leave the class with an illuminated notecard.

The office of the Chatelain needs you! Everyone in this kingdom has the opportunity to make a good first impression on a potential members. It really does go beyond being friendly and we want to help you learn how to be an ambassador for our organization. In this class we will talk about ways members of the populace can make that good first impression. How to approach people and make them feel welcome. What to say, what not to say, and when to get an officer to help you out. Donation to the collection jar if you take a handout.

You can add a roundtable, brewing class, beer-making demo, Guild competition or tasting to your event! Alcohol has its own special needs. Find out what they are and how to handle them in this one-hour class from someone who's added brewing activities to events in Atlantia every chance she got in the last eight years. There is likely going to be a one-page handout with some useful web links. Donations are welcome but not necessary.