Septentrian FAQ v1.0 Compiled by Laird Colyne Stewart, Septentrian Historian, July AS 38, with the help of many, including Shiekh Valizan Rakkas al-Bassim, Ra'ee al-Saleh and Their Excellencies Septentria, Corwyn and Domhnail Galbraith.Table of Contents The Barony What is Septentria? What is a barony? When was Septentria founded? Who is in charge of the barony? How many cantons are in the barony, and what is a canton anyway? What Kingdom is Septentria in? Does the barony have a webpage? What is the barony renowned for? What officers does the barony have? What is Septentria's heraldry? What does the bear represent? What do the chevronels represent? What does Septentria mean? Military What are the Iron Companions? What is the Eoforwic Citie Guard? What is the White Bear Fian? Traditions What is the Feast of the Bear? What is armoured strip the willow? What awards are given out in Septentria? What champions does Septentria have? Baronial Associations Is there a Baronial Archive? What is the Septentrian Engineering What households are based and/or active in Septentria? What is the Ursus? Royalty Who were the first King and Queen of any kingdom in the Knowne World who were from Septentria? Who were Ealdormere's first Prince and Princess who were from Septentria? Who were Ealdormere's first King and Queen from Septentria? Miscellaneous What kingdom level initiatives have been executed in part or in whole by Septentrians? Where can I go for more information on Septentria and the SCA? The Barony What is Septentria? Septentria is a Barony within the Kingdom of Ealdormere, which is one of the nineteen kingdoms that make up theSociety for Creative Anachronism (SCA). Mundanely, Septentria encompasses southern and central Ontario, from Orangeville in the west to Peterborough in the east, Toronto in the south and Midland to the north.

What is a barony? A barony is a geographical area within a kingdom, ruled by a Baron and/or a Baroness at behest of the Crown (the king and queen). A barony must have at least 40 paid members of the SCA. When was Septentria founded? On May 13, AS 13 (in mundane years that would be 1978). Who is in charge of the barony? As stated above, a barony is ruled by a Baron and/or Baroness as appointed by the Crown. In Septentria new Barons and/or Baronesses are selected by the people of the barony, assuming the choice is acceptable to the Crown. While the baron and baroness are very important figureheads, they have a lot of help in running the barony from their baronial officers. The current baron and baroness of Septentria are Their Excellencies, Percival de Laroque and Christiana Mcnamara. For more on the current Baron and Baroness of Septentria, go here. For more information on past Barons and Baroness of Septentria, go here How many cantons are in the barony, and what is a canton anyway? A canton is a local level group of the SCA with at least five paid members of the Society. There are currently nine cantons in Septentria.They are: Ardchreag Caer Draeth Eoforwic Monadh Petrea Thule Skeldergate Swan’s Deep Vest Yorvik What Kingdom is Septentria in? Septentria is part of the Kingdom of Ealdormere, which consists of most of the lands mundanely known as Ontario. For more information on Ealdormere, go to the Ealdormere webpage at www.ealdormere.ca Does the barony have a webpage? Yes it does, at http://septentria.ealdormere.ca/ The barony also has an email list you can join by going to http://septentria.ealdormere.ca/maillist.htm What is the barony renowned for? Septentrians are known for a number of things, but some of the most famous may be:

i. The arts and sciences are very active in Septentria, led by the current baron and baroness. Septentrians are cooks, carvers, metal workers, researchers, textile workers, spinners, costumers, armourers, bards, and so forth.

ii. War efforts. Since its inception, septentria has always made a significant contribution to the kingdom’s war effort, supplying fighters and good with which to purchase mercenaries.

iii. Generosity and hospitality. Septentrians have a tradition of supporting others by gifting them with rings and tokens, and it is a rare Septentrian camp that does not welcome visitors and ply them with drink and food.

1.9 What officers does the barony have?

The barony currently has the following officers:

i.Seneschal. The seneschal is the barony’s legal representative. Seneschals are facilitators and problem solvers. They are also knowledgeable in kingdom and Society laws.

ii. Herald or Pursuivant. An officer who is responsible for the practice and promotion of heraldry.

iii.Exchequer. The barony’s treasurer.

iv.Marshal. The marshal is like a head referee; the marshal makes sure all the other marshals in Septentria are enforcing the safety rules. The marshal can also work in the lists at events (help run the fighting), do armour inspections and run authorizations (along with other marshals).

v.Minister of Arts and Sciences. The MoAS helps promote the arts and sciences throughout the barony. This can be done in a number of ways, including sponsoring competitions, organizing workshops and so on.

vi.Chronicler. The person who puts together and distributes the barony’s newsletter. The baronial chronicler also acts as a resource for local level chroniclers if they have a problem.

vii.Signet. An individual that helps the kingdom signet, by ensuring that scrolls are created for awards.

viii.Archery Marshal. This marshal is in charge of promoting archery and enforcing safety rules throughout the barony.

ix.Rapier Marshal. This marshal is in charge of promoting fencing and enforcing safety rules throughout the barony.

x.Scout Marshal. This marshal is in charge of promoting scouting and enforcing safety rules throughout the barony.

xi.Thrown Weapons Marshal. This marshal is in charge of promoting thrown weapons and enforcing safety rules throughout the barony.

xii.Web Minister. The web minister maintains the barony’s webpage and is a deputy of the baronial chronicler.

xiii.Historian. In charge of recording the barony’s history.

To see who currently holds these offices, go to http://septentria.ealdormere.ca/officers.htm

1.10 What is Septentria's heraldry?

The barony’s arms are “Gules, three chevronels braced argent, overall a laurel wreath vert, and in chief a bear passant argent.”

1.11 What does the bear represent?

The bear represents the northlands.

1.12 What do the chevronels represent?

The chevronels represent the three original groups that banded together to form Septentria (being Eforwic, Ben Dunfirth and Noerlanda).

1.13 What does Septentria mean?

Septentria is derived from the Latin septentriones, meaning north, northern region, or north winds.

2. Military

2.1 Whatare the Iron Companions?

The Iron Companions are the armed forces of Septentria. The Companions include armoured combat fighters, fencers, archers, scouts, cavalry and thrown weapons. The Iron Companions were founded by Baron Corwyn Galbraith and Baroness Domhnail Galbraith in February AS 37. (They are descended from the Isen Gesitha, which was the baronial army founded by Baron Cynred and Baroness Gaerwen, who reigned before Corwyn and Domhnail.) When someone pledges to the Companions they are given an iron arm ring to show their allegiance. When someone retires from the Companions, they return their iron ring, and are given a copper ring. Their iron ring will then be passed on to a new Iron Companion.

For more information on Septentria’s armed might, including past and present units, go to http://septentria.ealdormere.ca/gasitha.htm

2.2 What is the Eoforwic Citie Guard?

Originally known as the Eoforwic Citie Militia, the Guard was founded by Lord Grimwolf the Hairy. Since Septentria did not field very many fighters at that time (around 1992), he built up a force based on the pay of one silver penny for each fighter that attended Pennsic XXI as a militiaman. (Offers of beer after the battles helped recruitment as well.) Then mayor, Lord Gunthar Wahlstedt of Bremen, then promised to set up a refreshment tent during battles for the Militia (much like our present day Commissariat.)

The Militia fielded forty fighters that year including many from outside Septentria’s boundaries. They fought so well together that the Lord Mayor upgraded them to being a Citie Guard. The Prince of Ealdormere, His Highness Kildare Silverwolf Thorkillson, wore the Militia’s badge at war (a blue tower on a white field).

Since then the Guard has been Eoforwic’s fighting force, whose membership is open to any that want to join. It is led by the Captain of the White Tower, who is usually, but not necessarily, the group’s knight marshal.

2.3 What is the White Bear Fian?

In the Ursus #134 (see Section 4.6), the White Bear Fian is described as "the Baronial fighting Order. Candidates are first examined by their Excellencies to find if they are 'courteous, able at archery, proficient at song, story, chess or dance, and knowledgeable or skilled at an art or science'. If they are found suitable, they may then offer challenge for entry.

"Since the Fian is self-governing, the fianna (members) determine who among them will fight the best-two-of-three challenge, and the manner and style of fighting. Unsuccessful challengers may challenge again.

"The White Bear Fian is charged to uphold the honor of the barony, and the honor of combat, above any other affiliation. It is modeled after the legendary fianna who guarded Ireland's shore independent of any petty king or clan."

The first members of the Fian were Master Alasdair of Raasay, Lord Ceallac cu Meallian, Earl Syr David Martin Failsworth, Duke Sir Finnvarr de Taahe and Lord Tai Chin Wu. They were founded during the reign Baron Aedan and Baroness Caffa (first Baron and second Baroness of Septentria) around AS 26.

For more on the White Bear Fian go to http://septentria.ealdormere.ca/gasitha_wbf.htm

3. Traditions

3.1 What is the Feast of the Bear?

Feast of the Bear was an event held by the shire of Noerlanda back before Septentria was founded. As the years passed the event became synonymous with the barony because of the image of the bear. (After Septentria was founded, its first baronial fight practice took place at a Feast of the Bear.) As such, the Feast of the Bear is now thought of as a baronial event, and though it has not been held in many years, a new Feast of the Bear is being organized by the Royal Citie (canton) of Eoforwic for September AS 38 (2003).

3.2 What is armoured strip the willow?

Strip the Willow is a medieval dance. At one time Ealdormeean fighters, led by Septentrians would do this dance—in full armour—on the battlefield.

3.3 What awards are given out in Septentria?

Septentria traditionally gives out five awards.

The Award of the Bear’s Claw (ABC): This Award was created at the 10th Pennsic War and was given to those gentles who gave a significant contribution to the war effort. It was initially bestowed only for service directly related to fighting and archery for the Barony's martial efforts on behalf of the Middle Kingdom at Pennsic. It was traditionally only given out at the Septentrian court at Pennsic. Its first recipients were Helmut of Greenland and Broder from Castel Rouge. Since the inception of Ealdormere as a Kingdom, Ealdormere has been able to fight on its own behalf. This lead the Bear's Claw being given for any martial activity and support wherever and whenever Septentria goes to war for Ealdormere. It is now bestowed at any Septentrian Court to recognize war efforts.

The Order of the Bear’s Heart (OBH): The Order of the Bear's Heart is given to gentles for their extraordinary dedication and service to Septentria. The kind of service is not prescribed, merely that the service be long-standing and of significant import to the Barony.

The Award of the Golden Bear (AGB): An award recognizing skill in the arts and sciences.

Personal Baronial Tokens (PBT): The personal baronial token was first awarded at Snowed Inn in February AS 36. It was cast by Lady Fursto de Robnye from a mold created by Lord Ulrich von der See, of beloved memory. It is awarded to those the Baron and Baroness wish to personally recognize, and carries no precedence.

An award of recognition: Most Barons and Baronesses of Septentria gave out a special award of recognition at the Baronial 12th Night held in January. Their current Excellencies of septentria have not yet unveiled their award.

To see some recipients of these awards, go to http://septentria.ealdormere.ca/orderofprecidence.htm

For more on awards, both past and present, go to http://septentria.ealdormere.ca/awards.htm

3.4 What champions does Septentria have?

Septentria has had champions in the following martial fields: armoured combat, fencing, thrown weapons, and archery. There is also usually a baronial bard and a harpist.

4. Baronial Associations

For full information on baronial organizations go to: http://septentria.ealdormere.ca/organizations.htm

4.1 Is there a Baronial Archive?

In July AS 32, the Septentrian Baronial Chronicler, Hlaford Cynred Broccan, he who would go on to become Baron of Septentria, stated his intention to create a baronial archive wherein would be stored copies of the Ursus, local newsletters, event flyers and other items of historical value. This work would continue for many years, as other Septentrians would continue this important work. There is no central archive, but many people have their own personal sections of the archive. http://septentria.ealdormere.ca/organizations_archives.htm

4.2 What is the Septentrian Engineering Corps?

The Engineering Corps is a loose organization, under Thegn Cynred Broccan, who have worked on several work projects including the mead hall in Bonfield and the divan chair for then Queen Joleicia at Pennsic War XXXI. http://septentria.ealdormere.ca/organizations_engineering.htm

4.3 What households are based and/or active in Septentria? http://septentria.ealdormere.ca/organizations_households.htm

There are really too many to list. However, some names you will likely encounter include:

House De Taahe: House de Taahe was formed by Duke Sir Finnvarr de Taahe and his brother Barinn de Taahe in A.S. VI at a melee tournament in North Woods (Middle Kingdom), to give a name to the brothers' team.Like all long-lived households it has been through many transformations since. It has been part of Ealdormere from the very beginning. It is still primarily Finnvarr's household, though it has and has had many other distinguished members: warriors, cooks, riders, artists and even a few heralds and monarchs. Camping together in style at Pennsic is one of the household's chief group activities. House de Taahe and other allied households are sometimes referred to as "Greater House de Taahe," which is either a joke or a conspiracy aimed at world supremacy, depending on who you ask. barbute.com/detaahe/

House Fenrir: This notorious house is composed mostly of Norse and Celtic personas based loosely near or in the eleventh century. A wandering band of merchants, artisans and mercenaries, Fenrir has become trapped on Ealdormerean soil after their leader left the household and took their ship with him. Their mercenary instincts make them easy to hire to tend bar, make clothing or jewelry, throw an axe or knife or beat people with sticks. They can be found in various parts of Septentria, having negotiated a contract of residence with their Excellencies, Domhnail and Corwyn. Always willing to share a beer, song or story few are turned away from their tables and fire.

House Fettered Fleur: The Household of Sir Menken Brechen and Dame Eleanor Cadfan (currently the Baron and Baroness of the Barony of Skraeling Althing). Though based in another barony, Menken and Eleanor have members of their house who live and/or play in Septentria, and so consider their house to be active in Septentria. www.fetteredcockpewters.com/household/home_page.htm

House Galbraith: A 10th Century Gaelic house with an interest in all things Medieval. Perhaps best known for their artistic talents and birthday party bashes at Ealdormere War Practice.

House Hrogn: The Household is actually called The Hrogn fra Osis, which in Icelandic means 'The Spawn of Osis'. However, most people use simply use House Hrogn, or (less often) Spawn. The household was formed almost nine years ago at Pennsic [approx. 1992] by then Viscount Thorbjorn Osis Brandson (the third Prince of Ealdormere) and his lady, Countess Caitlin Stuart. Osis won the Midrealm Crown twice afterwards and he and Caitlin became a Duke and Duchess of the Middle Kingdom, thus making the Hrogn a Ducal household, the first by a couple to reign entirely from Ealdormere.
After Ealdormere was given Kingdom status,Osis became what would have been the first War King of Ealdormere, but while returning from Baron Wars in the Middle Kingdom, he was killed in a car accident. He was buried about a month into his reign. Caitlin chose to continue the reign as a testament to the man who won it for her.

Members of the House wear the Household badge, which displays both the Wolf's Head cabossed of Osis, and the Rose of Caitlin.

House MachLachlan: The Household of Syr Evander MacLachlan, his consort, his squires and their consorts. Many of Evander's squires come from Septentria, as Evander once did himself.

N.B. The writers of this document have left it up to the individual households to decide whether or not they consider themselves to be active within the barony.

4.4 What is the Ursus?

The Ursus is Septentria’s newsletter. For information on the Ursus, go to http://septentria.ealdormere.ca/ursus.htm

5. Royalty

5.1 Who were the first King and Queen ofany kingdom in the Knowne Worldwho were from Septentria?

Finnvarr de Taahe and Caellyn FitzHugh reigned as King and Queen of the Middle in AS 12, though Septentria was not formally recognized as a Barony until May AS 13. So that distinction falls instead to Hugo von Feuerklippe and Caitlin Stuart I, who reigned as King and Queen of the Middle Kingdom in AS 16.

Other Septentrians who reigned in the Middle Kingdom include: David Martin Failsworth and Tangwystl Siwan Failsworth in AS 26, Thorbjorn Osis Brandson I and Valthona Cuthbert in AS 29, and Thorbjorn Osis Brandson II and Caitlin Stuart II in AS 31.

5.2 Who were Ealdormere's first Prince and Princess who were from Septentria?

In AS 23, Ealdormere was given principality status, though at that time the King and Queen of the Middle were also the Prince and Princess of Ealdormere. When the first coronet tourney was held to determine a ‘home-grown’ prince and princess, it was David Martin Failsworth and Tangwystl Siwan Failsworth who emerged victorious.

Other Septentrians who reigned as Prince and Princess of Ealdormere include: Thorbjorn Osis Brandson and Ragnheithr Thorbjarnarsdottir in AS 26, Cordigan d’Arnot and Diane d’Arnot in AS 28 (before Ramshaven split off from Septentria), and David Martin Failsworth II and Elina de Braose in AS 29. In AS 32, Berus Wolfsonne and Marion FitzWilliam reigned as the last Territorial Prince and Princess of the Principality of Ealdormere.

5.3 Who were Ealdormere's first King and Queen from Septentria?

David Martin Failsworth and Elina de Braose reigned as the first King and Queen of Ealdormere in AS 33, though by this point David lived in Ramshaven. So this distinction goes to David and Elina’s children, Thorbjorn Osis Brandson and Caitlin Stuart (also in AS 33).

Other Septentrians who reigned in Ealdormere include: Edouard Beausoleil and Eanor of Amberhall in AS 34, Berus Wolfsonne and Marion FitzWilliam in AS 35, and Aaron Preslee and Rustique du Sorde in AS 36.

5.4 Have there been kings or queens from kingdoms other than Ealdormere or the Middle who hailed from Septentria?

In AS 31, Edouard Beausoleil and Eanor of Amberhall reigned as King and Queen of Drachenwald.

For more information on Ealdormere’s royalty and nobility, go to www.ealdormere.sca.org/royals.shtml

6. Miscellaneous

6.1 What kingdom level initiatives have been executed in part or in whole by Septentrians?

Commissariat: The Pennsic War in AS 32 saw the birth of the Ealdormere Commissariat. This support unit fed the warriors of Ealdormere on the field, providing them nourishment and strength to carry on the fight. Members of the commissariat came from across the land, and the first Commissar was Hlaford Cynred Broccan (who was one of the three founding members). At the time of this writing Lady Gabriel de Champagne, of the canton of vest Yorvik, serves as the Commissarina. For more on the Commissariat go to http://www.ealdormere.sca.org/commiss.shtml

Games Guild of Ealdormere: On November 3, AS 36, the Games Guild of Ealdormere had its charter signed by Their Majesties Aaron and Rustique. The Guild’s founder and head was Laird Colyne Stewart. Currently the Guild has over twenty registered members (from several kingdoms) and over thirty additional unregistered members. For more on the Games Guild go to http://colynethorfinna.tworavens.org/GamesGuild/index.html

6.2 Where can I go for more information on Septentria and the SCA?

The Kingdom of Ealdormere www.ealdormere.ca

The Society for Creative Anachronism www.sca.org/

Resources for Newcomers, presented by the SCA, www.sca.org/newcomers.html Online SCA demowww.scademo.com