University of Atlantia

The ideals of the SCA are showcased nowhere better than the pas d'armes. Learn what it means to compete a plaisance while showcasing the knightly virtues. Topics will cover challenges, field presence and acting appropriately during these grandest of tournaments.

A pattern is where every armourer, and every peice of armour, starts; however, it's usually the last skill an armourer learns.  This class will give you the basics of how to make your own patterns, as well as guidance on how continue to advance your skills after the class ends.

This is a class for people who have wondered how to get started in the scribal arts.  I will go through basic supplies, how to get in touch with other scribes, and books to start you out.  There will be no C&I during this class, but if time permits I will talk about scroll layout.  Handouts will be provided.

An in depth discussion of the 16th c. Flemish male peasant costume as depicted in the paintings of Pieter Brueghel the Elder.

The class will be broken down into two parts. Part one will be an overview of Anglo-Saxon history from the end of the Roman Period( 3rd Century) through the Norman invasion of 1066.   Information will be based on primary sources including Gildas, Bede, and The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.   Part two will be an explaination of basic Anglo-Saxon Dress which will describe the difference between Pagan period dress, and regional variations after the 7th century.  Information will be based primarily on Secondary sources, such as Gail Crocker's Dress in Anglo Saxon England and lectures by Corinne Duhig, Professor of Archeology at Cambridge University, UK.

This class would cover some basics of herbs and oils useful at an event. I would like to cover everything from sunburn to muscle strain. I could offer a more advanced class for those that have a working knowledge of some herbcraft. I could also offrer a workshop on distillation of essential oils. I am a nationaly certified massage therapist with 12 years of training in herbs and essential oils. I can provide handouts and or cds of class notes.

To describe, demonstrate, and practice the basic dance moves in the SCA as well as the structure of popular SCA dances. This class will focus on the similarities and differences between many of the dances that are commonly seen and performed. Students of all levels are welcome, but this class will be structured for the novice.

a/k/a How to Document a Period Name -- This class covers the basics of constructing a name in the cultures most commonly used for SCA personas as well as how to find and evaluate sources for documenting period names. Intended for beginning heralds as well as anyone interested in learning more about naming practices.

We will examine various manifestations of the 14th-17th C European  witch-hunt mania, with special attention to the primary texts written and used by witch hunters, their tactics, and the types of witches they believed they fought.

Are you frustrated with bardic A&S requirements?  The song is period, isn't it?  What more do they want from you?  This class will give an overview of the research process, provide a useful outline for structuring your documentation, and cover some of the additional aspects of performance that you really can research, authenticate, and document.

These tricks are for pure entertainment only. Use of "most" of these tricks in a fight will get you summarily killed on the field of battle, but you may get style points. - Learn how to flip your sword into your hand while standing in line for the bear pit. - Kick your blade from the ground right at the cry of "Lay on." - Flip your sword like Mad Mardigan and have young Willow say "You are Great!." (Falling over afterwards is purely optional). We will go over how to do these, and more... It is not expected that you will have mastered the moves by the end, but you will at least have something to play with in your off time. We will also have time for you to show some of your favorite tricks too. Armor not required but bring a sword if you have one.

Spiff your stuff with intricate patterns from medieval Islamic art.  How to adapt calligraphy, interlaced designs, scrolling vines, and even (gasp!) figural depictions to embellish anything too slow to escape.  While class exercises are taken from Moorish Spain, the underlying concepts and principles apply throughout the Arab-speaking world.  Knowledge of geometry is helpful but not required.  Students should bring a compass, ruler, graph paper, eraser,  a #2/HB pencil and a 4H pencil.

For the beginner or less experienced brewer.  This class is an overview of the basic process involved and the equipment and ingredients you need  to brew each of the categories of beverage commonly found in an Atlantian/SCA brewing competition:  beer, mead, wine, cordials, vinegar, and non-alcoholics. While we will talk about modern techniques and tools, the emphasis will be on replicating period beverages as best we can.  We will discuss period sources most accessible for the beginner or newer brewer, and some of the common problems encountered using period sources.  Please note that as this is a dry site there will be no taste testing or sampling!

Required MOL class for becoming a warranted MOL in Atlantia.

The class will go over the changing shape and patterns of hosen, doublets, and gowns for men 1400 - 1475 using English, French, and Burundian artwork. I will include my interpretation drawings of pattern shapes

Cased Greaves and Vambraces are considered to be the single most difficult peice of armour to make.  We will explore the whys of that, as well as breakdown the process of creating Greaves and Vambraces into a step-by-step process, pointing out the things you must do and as well as the pitfalls to avoid.

Have you ever been four days into a two-week war and realizes that you have already worn the entirety of your garb? Been faced with the thought of wearing the same things over and over again send you money waving to the nearest merchant? No worries there is a way to stretch your wardrobe with out breaking the bank; and the key is organization. This class will give you the basics on how through organization and creating of specific accessories one basic look can be converted multiple ways and for multiple occasions.

An overview of stitches and techniques used for hand sewn garb. Class will also discuss button hole, eyelets and buttons. Handout will be available.

Ever wondered what to do when you're called into court? Confused by coronets? Need to learn to bow or curtsey? This class will cover basic etiquette at SCA events as well as specifics for court.

The class will concentrate on this style of dance and cover some of those commonly done in the SCA, including Gathering Peascods, Rufty-Tufty, and Black Nag. No experience necessary, all steps will be taught.

This class will build from Name Construction 101 and further teach heralds how to match name elements to specific times and places.

For most of the SCA time period, Spain was part of the Islamic world. We will look at the timeline of events as well as cultural and social aspects.

So you think you want to write a song.  Where to start?  What to write? By the gods!  Were’t there some direction!  Well, curse the heavens no more, my friends.  Come and learn the basic primise of songwriting and obtain a formulaic cheat sheet to ease your muse’s frustraited cries.  All welcome.

This will be a class on basics of shoe and pouch stitching based on extant finds from books like Purses in Pieces, Dress Accessories, Shoes and Pattens, and Stepping Through Time. I will include information and artwork on 15th century shoes, boots, and pouches.

Overview of arrow building using the simplest methods. Will include shaft selection, tapering, decoration, sealing, points, nocks, and fletching. I will bring specialized tools for display (not to actually demonstrate, which would take too much time) including a tapering tool, cresting lathe, and fletching jig. Also will bring examples of various arrows. A handout will be provided. Bad jokes are optional.

This one is for beginners who have wondered how those intricate interweaving borders were done. Hands-on class. No artistic talent needed. Knotwork is not just for scrolls.

Learn about the common motifs used on late Elizabethan swete bags found museum collections. Using patterns provided by the teacher, you will compose your own design in period style that would look correct to the Elizabethan eye. Tracing paper and patterns provided. Please bring a pencil and an eraser.

In studying and reconstructing recipes from any period, it is helpful to know how the kitchens that were used were constructed and what kind of equipment was available. Through the use of slides, some taken from from photographs taken by the instructor, others from the web site of the cooks at Hampton Court Palace kitchens, we will explore kitchens from this period. We will also take a brief look at how cooking facilities differed in southern Europe, particularly Italy.

No partner needed, no experience needed, just a desire to have fun, and learn something new. Dances will depend upon interest of the participants. Possible dances include: Gelosia, Anello, Petit Vriens, and Amorous. Musicians are always welcome.

Coverage of the basic rules of SCA Armory, including use of color, charges, and treatments, suitable for those thinking of designing their own personal Device and beginning Heralds dipping their feet into the world of Armory

The history of hounds, hound coursing and the theory behind coursing as practiced in the SCA.  This is the class portion of the requirements for becoming a warranted Hounds Marshal in Atlantia

Have you been asked to MoL for a youth armored or rapier combat activity but don't know where to start? We'll cover the procedures and forms and have time for questions. This class is designed for MoLs but marshals are welcome, too.

Discuss sources, venues, instrumentation, successes and challenges in performing and promoting music from the Middle Ages in an SCA setting, then practice playing and singing some of the best surviving melodies. Bring recorder, guitar, harp, voice, drum or other instrument, as well as a music stand if possible.

Want a new challenge? Want people to think you are even more insane than you really think you are? Are you actually insane?  Learn how to take just a dagger against anything else on the list. Armor and weapons if you want to practice the moves.

Looking at the Roles and Responsibilities of Marshals and Ushers in the Practicum and looking beyond the policy. Armor for your discipline is optional, but encouraged.

Learn how to work a consult table, by working the consult table!

Historic examples are used to inspire students to design their own silk war standards and pennons;  class will learn basic silk painting and how to build poles tall enough to fly standards 20’ up.

his class will take a look at the organization, construction and types of early period necklaces.  It will cover examples of 7th Century Frankish, 6 -8th century Anglo-Saxon, 9-10th Century Scandinavian.  We will look at archeological evidence, grave finds and other historic disucssion on jewellery, glass and stone beads.  The second part of the class, the student will be able to make their own necklace.  Instructor will provide beads, stringing material and some tokens and other bits and pieces to make a necklace of various types.  Material cost will cover cost handout and material.

Basic Exchequer class required for all Exchequers

This class will discuss 15th century headwear and methods for constructing the hennin.

Learn how to make crossbow bolts for your target archery crossbow using a standard Jig or Jo Jan jig.

An overview of the equipment, techniques, ingredients, and procedures involved in brewing all-grain beer.  This focuses on modern brewing technique, but they will be compared with period technique.  There will be NO repeat NO alcohol present in the class.  There will be the ingredients (pre-fermentation), but absolutely *no* finished beer present.

Introduction to Anglo-Saxon Manusripts with special focus on the Lindisfarne Gospel and 9th century manuscripts of Continental Influence.  The majority of the class will be  dedicated to Analysis and reproduction of design elements from the Lindisfarne Gospel, including  Interlace, Trumpets and Spirals, and Zoomorphic Motifs.

These easy dances come from 16th century France. No partner needed, no experience needed, just a desire to have fun, and learn something new. Possible dances include: Horse's, Maltese, Washerwoman's', Scottish, and Pease Branles Musicians are always welcome.

continuation of Armory Construction 101, with further development in animal positions, differencing, etc.

This is the required class for all Atlantian Combat Archery Marshals to maintain their warrants, and for those who would like to become CA Marshals.  In this class we will go over current CA rules and discuss upcoming changes to this heavy fighters weapons form.

Learn how to MOL at an equestrian event, what paperwork is needed for sign-in and how to do equestrian authorizations. Learn about typical equestrian tournaments and activities

This class teaches how to engage your opponent's blade and keep his line of attack closed, which allows you to attack in safety and more easily defend yourself. Students will need a heavy rapier.

We will discuss the two variants of Mongol pants as well as variations from other cultures along the Silk Road.  We will then create a pattern for each student to take home.  Students should bring a soft pencil, a measuring tape and scissors suitable for cutting paper/interfacing.  "Tru-Grid" paper will be supplied or students may bring their own.  No fee if student brings their own Tru-Grid paper. ** Tru-Grid is available at Jo-Ann Fabrics - Any gridded paper is acceptable as long as it uses 1 inch squares.

This class will discuss the various components of clothing worn by women in the 15th century. Different layers will be discussed, as well as techniques for making the V-necked gown seen in England, France and Burgundy.

Bring your uncrested arrow shafts to crest. Cresting jigs will be available. A simple cresting can be done in 30 minutes on a dozen shafts. Limited amount of shafts will be available for purchase. (Due to amount of cresting jigs class size is lmited.)

1 hour class of the historical evidences of painted fabric for wall and other decorative uses.

How to take a recipe from ye-old days and get its meaning

The discipline specific required training class for rapier MITs or for rapier marshals wishing to satisfy their every 2 years training update. Learn the process of becoming a rapier marshal, recent and upcoming rules changes, and get your marshaling questions answered.

Elegant processional Basse dances of the 15th century are among the earliest European choreographies. Explore the extant sources, choreographies and music, and then learn the dances Alenchon, Franchoise Nouvelle and the commonly-performed Danse de Cleves.

Learn how the conflict rules work and how to effectively check for conflict. Conflict checking will primarily focus on using the on-line conflict checking tools.

Stretching from the Baltic to the Black Sea, Lithuania was the biggest nation in Europe around 1400 CE. Overview of Lithuanian history from ancient tribes to the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Also learn about Baltic garb and jewelry.

This is the discipline specific class required to become a Youth Armored Combat marshal. This class along with Field Marshalling 201 are the required classes to become a Youth Combat Marshal in Training (MIT).

This is the required class for all aspiring youth rapier fighters and their parent(s),  will include an overview of the rules, armor conventions and construction, weapons, etc.  handouts will be provided.

We will cover how cuts are generated and delivered. Subjects including body movement, skeletal alignment and power generation will be covered. Material covered in the class will draw from historical fighting manuscripts. Participants must have at a minimum an SCA legal fencing mask, some sort of hand protection and a wooden or steel sword simulator. Longswords are preferred but single handed swords will work as well. Some loaners will be available. Additional safely equipment is encouraged dependent on your comfort level. Such additional equipment might include padded backed or hard leather backed gloves, gorget, and leather vambraces.

Come experiment with egg tempera on a Cennini wooden panel. We will be using egg tempera in tubes because of time and health constraints. Each student will create a small panel of the Virgin Mary. Please bring your own brushes. I'll have a few to lend but not enough for all. Small brushes with good points are best. You may want to bring an apron as well.

Learn to draft a pattern for a late 16th century Spanish doublet for any body type from measurements that we will take in class. The drafting method used requires a minimum of measurements and very little math skill. Class fee includes personal period measurement tape, pattern, and handout. Also discussed will be the various styles that employ this basic garment shape, and instructions for altering the basic pattern. You will leave class with a basic doublet pattern ready for fitting.

This 2-hour class will start with an overview of grisaille (monochrome) painting in the late Middle Ages. The bulk of the class will be hands-on instruction in the techniques of grisaille using authentic materials (tempera paints made from ground pigments and glair). Students should bring a selection of paintbrushes (including old brushes suitable only for mixing paint), an eggcup-style mixing tray, at least one water glass, paper towels, and a pencil. The instructor will provide pigments, binder, and paper.

A discussion of silk painting and it's uses with an emphasis on banners. The class will cover materials, patterning and painting techniques. (

We will examine effective battlefield strategies for combat archers drawn  from the 36 stratagems of the Senryaku.  Special attention will be paid to coordinating fires and working as part of a combined-arms team.

Melees are often described as organized chaos. Learn how to get more organization and less chaos. We'll cover the duties and skills needed to be a small unit commander as well as be the mid or overall leader of an army. From a framework to put it all together to drills to help you improve your leadership, you should walk away being able to take charge of any army in 15 minutes or less.

Very little information survives regarding Scottish clothing, but that doesn't mean you can't dress like a proper Scot! It includes an overview of Scottish political and trade relations from the 10th century to the 16th, and how these helped to guide fashion.

Time traveling tunics is a class about the differences in early period clothing. The class will discuss clothing, jewelery and accessories for three different cultures. The class will primarily focus on women's clothing.

This class will cover some of the more interesting ones of this type, including Whirliygig and Parsons Farewell. Some prior dancing experience would be appropriate.

Commentary isn't just for Heraldic Experts helping Laurel: it can help less experienced folks learn, from reading it and later through writing it. Learn the basics of effective heraldic research and presenting it in commentary.

An introduction to the Nine Worthies and their place in the pantheon of the exemplars of chivalry. A discussion of what made them famed and esteemed, and why.

Participants will make a youth combat single handed sword for divisions 2 or 3 and learn about weapon construction. Division 2 is for youth combatants aged 10 to 13. Division 3 is for youth combatants aged 14 to 17. The fee is for those participants wishing to make a weapon in the class. Participants will keep the weapon they make in class.

Required class for all Youth Rapier MIT (and Junior Youth Rapier MITs).  Handouts provided.

We will cover principles and techniques of the Zornhau (Wrath Strike) found in the Fechtbuch (fight manuals) of medieval Germany. Participants must have at a minimum an SCA legal fencing mask, some sort of hand protection and a wooden or steel sword simulator. Longswords are preferred but single handed swords will work as well. Some loaners will be available. Additional safely equipment is encouraged dependent on your comfort level. Such additional equipment might include padded backed or hard leather backed gloves, gorget, and leather vambraces.