Griffin's Tor

Baron Rainer's Yule time chill

2012-01-17T08:14:00.000+02:00

So through the rains of summer and winds heralding the coming of autumn, did the valiant and noble defenders of Griffins tor bid welcome to a light hearted and relaxed tourney at Baron Rainer’s’ Yule time chill (even though it was after 12th night)

The past few days had been heavy with rain and wind, sowing doubt and uncertainty within the fair Baron. The fates had spoken in the past and mother nature herself , with her life giving rain, prevented the tourney from happening on the day of Yule.

The fates smiled upon the field this day, as they saw that the ladies of the shire were most resplendent , and that who, even the fates themselves, could let the heavens pour down on upon them.
And as became apparent later that day, the fates knew of some other glorious news and would not let the rains come to spoil this day.

Lord Caerthgyn, Lord Baldrich and young Lorcan presented themselves with grace and honour for all to see.
All combatants did meet each other in noble combat to the best of 3 rounds, where Lord Caerthgyn did try his luck at 2 swords and found it most enjoyable, young lorcan still finding his feet amongst the veterans of the field and Lord Baldrich trying out a different style of defense than usual.

The barrier proved a worthy adversary, with it deciding on when to stop the bout ( the barrier kept His Excellency and Lord Ragnarr busy during the bouts whilst they tried to tame it’s wild nature)

With the tourney complete, much revelry and toasting was had by all in attendance. Young Lorcan did find the sausage and chicken most enjoyable, with the recipe venturing home with him.

The fates still smile upon us, for we still celebrate that joyous news.

All may wonder what this glorious news could be, but that is a tale not for my telling.

Raiders on the horizon

2011-07-14T08:02:00.000+02:00

Through the fog of war do the flickering lights of crusading fires dance along the horizon. The wind that fuels this force of unknown horrors ,of creatures and demons never before seen on our shores, beasts from the far off lands of Adamastor, brings with it the stench of burning hope and conquest.

My ravens have not returned from the southern regions, hope of their return dwindles with the hour as the fires of conquest grow larger and ever present.
The wind whispers of great champions in their midst, hardened veterans of conquest , cruel and devote. It is these demons that hell hath not found or be it a plan from the great Adamastor, the Giant who sleeps his deep slumber.

But fear not, for the Defenders of Griffins Tor are stout and hardened to the cold of the northern winds, defending our humble dominion from all invaders, be they demon or man.
We shall celebrate on the eve of battle, honouring those that fall in battle and honouring those that carry on without the departed, for we honour those that go before us and those that follow. Lands of the Gryphon, king of all beast and man.

Defenders of Griffins tor… TO ARMS!!!!

Whispering winds

2011-06-09T19:57:00.000+02:00

I bid thee all greetings on this cold and dark night.

The winds of fate, whisper once more of dark omens and wondering strangers,
muttering names that hath not been heard in our lands for many an age.

What comes, be it man or beast from the distant lands past the great dragon
mountains, from the lands were the great Giant, Adamastor, sleeps his
eternal slumber we know not.

The fates hath spoken of a Blood moon, a moon that will turn blood red. On
the rising of the next full moon, when she has shed her crimson cloak, our
lands will come under siege from a force we have not faced before.

Noble defenders of Griffins Tor, prepare yourselves!

I have sent the Ravens forth, to search for what must come.

In strength

Baron Rainer

New year, wet weather

2011-01-10T13:53:00.004+02:00

Well, the Heavens have opened and hailed in the new year- literally.

With the ever present highveld thunderstorms, hail storms, flooding and daily down pours , promised well into mid February, it has been rather difficult to organise things outside like we usually do.

But as they say, if life gives you thunderstorms, learn how to dance in the rain.

So in the near future we will have an open movie night with a blazing fire to ward away the rain for a brief moment.

Fighter practice will commence again, when an indoor, covered area has been organised or the heavens permit us a day or two.

Classes are ideal for this time, except Rainer's which all seem to involve being outside and working with power tools.

This is a new, fresh year with old friends and new. Let's make it a good year full of creativity and good times.

Looking forward to seeing the fighters on the list this year, provided my armour still fits.

in honour and rain
Rainer

Play the game

2010-11-01T09:45:00.002+02:00

Rainer and I attended the Shire's Here be Griffins event this weekend. As I wade through the pile of laundry that needs doing, and I look about my living room - all resplendent in pieces of fabric, sewing tools, pewter engraving tools, serving dishes, cook books, mugs and plates that need putting away, I wonder why it is that Rainer and I play this game?

What is it about the SCA that draws us in? Why on earth do we keep on doing this?

This begs some reflection... It's true - the SCA isn't for everyone... many people find the idea of dressing in clothing typical of the medieval period or renaissance to be strange unto itself... the fact that we spend our free time (or not so free time, depending on crazy your schedule is) recreating a fantasy is even more bizarre...

But the SCA has given me so many gifts... as I ponder on it, I begin to realise just how beautiful these experiences are... I met my husband through the SCA, the SCA provides both of us with an outlet for our creativity, and it is a place where you can make some really good friends.

The SCA has added a certain richness to our lives... it allows us to, just for a while, suspend the reality of the daily plodding of life, to reach for something that beckons of mystery and a tinge of surreal wonder. It's a place of warmth... we laugh a lot in this place.

Make no mistake, being a small shire, there is much work to be done... and it can be overwhelming for those of us who do the work... and yes, we have experienced our fair share of politics through the years, not to mention burn out... But when all is said and done - playing this game adds to our lives more than it detracts... There's nothing quite like being in court, and witnessing a dear friend finally being recognised for their efforts... or waking up early in the morning, before anyone else is awake, taking a walk through the site and appreciating the quiet before the day's mad activity...

The SCA, besides being an intriguing subculture, is a 'dream within a dream'. It's difficult to describe it unless you've played for a while...

It's fascinating to see how the 'code' (honour, courtesy, faith, prowess, courage, honesty, generosity, loyalty etc.) that we attempt to live by during our events seeps into our daily lives... In a day and age where most of what we use in our daily lives is, in one form or another, derived from cold plastic - it's comforting to return to a place where the depth and warmth of wood, glass, iron, wool - all that is of nature and earthy in its character - is felt. There's a certain hominess to an SCA event site... a stirring of ages gone by, a whisper of mystery... an invitation to relish something different... and to allow yourself to be swept up in it...

updates and stuff

2010-05-06T08:11:00.001+02:00

Greetings all,

Things are happening within the shire.
Lady Rose held a banner making workshop recently, whereby Mateo has taken apon himself a challenge to make more bunting with painted tippets. Lord Rainer dived into the screen printing and had some interesting results, which will be seen at future events. Lady Rose has a challenging piece of artwork she is doing and lord Baldrich is discovering the art and technical fun of heraldry.

The Facebook page is up and running, with various discussions and photo albums being updated regularly.

in service and honour
Rainer

New heirs to the Kingdom

2010-05-06T08:06:00.004+02:00

Greetings.

Please raise a glass and call' Vivat' for our gracious and most glorious kingdoms' newest heirs.

Crown Prince Ulfr Blodfotur Fallgrson and Crown Princess Vicountess Caoimhe ingen Domnaille.

Long may they reign and prosper.
VIVAT!

Newest shire member

2010-05-06T07:59:00.003+02:00

Greetings all,

Please join me in welcoming our newest member to the shire.

Sophia was born to Lady Biringeira and Lord Rainer on the 30th March.
May she bring you all joy and happiness.

we are still here

2010-04-21T20:59:00.002+02:00

Unto all who reads this,

my humble apologies, i have been somewhat slack in updating what is happening within the shire, i shall do soon.....

so watch this space....

Rainer

There be Gryphons

2009-10-07T11:28:00.000+02:00

There be Gryphons
October 24th 2009, AS XLIV

As the Frost giants of Niflheim return to their own lands and the spark of Muspelheim warms the realm, so do the creatures of this world stir from their winter slumber. The first rains have fallen, the trees are in bloom and the Gryphons slowly wake from a long winter. The winter has been long, the landscape has changed and new horizons are in view, ready for the hunt.
Come join us, for feasting, frivolity and a ‘tourney of difference’. After the feast there will be an open fire lit, for the traditional SCA ‘there I was” stories.
This is a full garbed event, Wet site. Please bring feast gear and drink.

Site: Abery Hall (Rainer's Abode)
Site opens: 11:00
Site closes: Late
Cost R120 (SA) includes feast, lunch and afternoon snacks

Directions, notification of allergies, bookings, crash space, etc to be forwarded to the event stewards no later than the 18th October.

Event steward:
Lord Rainer Wulfgar, (Russell Abery)

Lady Biringeira, (Janita Abery)

Feast steward
Lady Rose Chandler, (Janine Russon)

Marshall in charge
Lord Rainer Wulfgar, (Russell Abery)

Raiders from the south

2009-07-16T07:45:00.005+02:00

Greetings, from the cold and frosty Rainer.

The Raiders have come and gone , but the chill of their presense still lingers. The morning still mourns their coming, as the blanket of ice still covers the dawn and the sun gives little warmth.

The crops are black, the grass is brown and a little circle of burnt ash is all that remains of the memory of their passing. Yet still we are cold.

Just as the cold winds of the south drove them north, so now the warm winds of the north shall drive them south again, returning peace to our shores.

Our Noble defenders did us proud, and rightly so, as they were given the elixir of the Griffin by our Muses', these maidens of Good and wonder . So full of glorious food and drink we were, that even after the deathmist rolled in, the fires still burnt hot and merryment was had by all that braved the cold north winds.

Many a tale was told that night and well into the morning till sleep and cold drove them into their chambers.

I must be thee farewell, and continue the tale of the Raiders from the south another time.

in service and honour
Rainer Wulfgar

Footfalls in the frost

2009-06-30T14:54:00.002+02:00

Greetings m'lords and ladies
It is good that you are keen to go into battle to defend our shire from brigands and such.
Our first concern is to the safety of our people and with such an honour bestowed apon thee, it is with good faith that we go to our defences.

To all whom shall 'battle' with these heathens, your armour must be ready. The knight Marshall shall check and make sure that you are ready for the coming times.

Too arms has been called, as the 'heathens' will be within arrow range on the 11th day of July at our gathering,
So, we must arm our noble combatants wisely in aid to strengthen our defensive position.

In strength and honour
Rainer
acting War Chief of Griffins Tor

Whispers from the trees

2009-06-30T14:50:00.002+02:00

Too all, i bid thee welcome and good day.
With the winds of chill and snow from the south, come the whispers of foreign feet. My bones tell of a small party of fighters travelling north, with intent, what intent they do not show.
My lord's and ladies, a call to arms. All fighters need to arm up as i foresee only a month or so before they are on our doorstep.

Time is short,
in honour and strengthRainer

Winter is on it's way home

2009-06-09T07:01:00.004+02:00

Well, it has been a bit quiet around here lately, but that can only mean busy people making lots of armour and in my case a lot of mess in the workshop.

So to keep everyone in the grand picture, here is a brief update on the goings on of the Shire.

Aldrich, Clive and Ian are busy making armour, currently working on their Wisby coats and dô.
Rean, as of last time we met, was busy with a lorrica segmentata.
I am trying out some vambrace and floating cop patterns.
Lady Biringeira is busy with some rather delicate embroidery and occasionally patching up holes that I seem to make in myself whilst armouring.
Lady Rose is scribing away and is well on the illuminated path.
Lady Genevra and the Admiral are rather busy with her new ward, Sasha, but i expect we shall be seeing them again soon.
Bartholomew and Catherina are busy with various crafts and are looking forward to some events closer to the north.
Lord Caerthgyn is on a 'walkabout' and his current whereabouts are sort of known, but not confirmed (this elusive beast was last seen in the edenvale area, but we have since lost contact with him)

So, after that brief monologue of happenings, onto the future. We, as a shire, are still here and growing. Things are looking good and with the winter months about to start there trip back home, we have alot planned for the coming months.

So , dust off those costumes, clean that armour, Spring is just around the corner.

In service and honour
Rainer

May Events

2009-05-04T08:22:00.001+02:00

Well, winter is definetly here and with the late rainfall it's going to be colder than usual. The armouring of the shires combatants is going well, with a couple of pieces to show currently, well on our way to be finished before the september Event and our first tourney in quite sometime.
Pictures will be posted soon....

The next Gathering will be at Rainer's abode on saturday 9th May. There will be a brief business meeting, basically to cover where we are and what we need/want to do. A combat practice and general get together.

All the fun and games will begin at 13:30.

All are welcome.

Armouring, cont.

2009-04-06T10:39:00.003+02:00

Well, after the last workshop we are now on the path to armoured bliss.
As a continuation of this, i will be holding an armouring session on the 11th April to continue with current projects (unfinished pieces from the class, etc)

All are welcome,
as usual please bring along any food and drink that you require.

The traditional fire can be ignited afterwards for those wishing to incinerate some meat.

in service
Rainer

Armouring Workshop- Updated

2009-01-28T19:37:00.008+02:00

Greetings all.

The armouring workshop will run over the weekend of the 21st and 22nd of March, and not the previously advertised weekend in February.

I will cover the basics such as:
Armour requirements, combat rules and regulations (Rules are Rules!)
Pattern sizing, taking measurements and pattern making.
Basic raising and sinking techniques, edge reinforcing.
Articulation and riveting
Tool modification
Safety in the workshop, aka 'how not to cut your fingers off'.

The intention is to leave the workshop with a couple of pieces of armour, ready for combat (we may even try them out if time permits).

The workshop is open to all interested parties.
Please bring along any hammers or tools that you think you might use, as there is a limited amount available for use.
Time will be from 10:30 till 20:00 on the Saturday and 10:30 to 16:00 on the Sunday.
Please bring your own drink and food for the workshop, a fire will be lit after the workshop on Saturday for those wanting to 'tan some meat'

Venue- Lord Rainers' abode
Directions available on request.

New beginnings

2008-11-13T07:21:00.006+02:00

Greetings all,
As we hurtle rapidly towards the end of another year, let us spend an afternoon in genteel pursuit of a time when life moved, perhaps, a little slower. I am opening my abode on the either the 6th / 7th December for an afternoon of crafting, fighting and fellowship. This is an informal event, and garb is not expected. (My own expectations don't allow me to fit into my current garb!) I'm hoping to make some batches of sekanjabin, and just have a good, relaxing time. Please bring any pending projects (armour, craft etc) that you are working on.

We can order pizza and perhaps watch a video, if the afternoon extends into the evening. Of those of you who would be coming, please let me know who would prefer athe Saturday or Sunday. I will decide on the date in the next week or so.

Details:
Time: From about 2pm onwards.
Date: Either the 6th or 7th December (confirmation to be announced soon).

I look forward to seeing you all again.
In Service,
Ginevra dell'Acqua

June Potluck

2008-06-11T10:35:00.005+02:00

Greetings, good gentles.

Let the warmth of fellowship banish from our hearts the winters chill! All are invited to attend an informal potluck evening at my abode at the end of this fine month.
We will have good cheer, good food, good companions, and such activities as recommend themselves to our weatherbeaten minds.
The afternoon will offer time to practise - combat, craft and conversation, and in the evening we will eat and regale ourselves with a tale (ok, a DVD) of Dangerous Beauty!

If any good gentle has the means to regale us with any other suitable tale, please put forth your suggestions.

The details for the occasion are as follows:
Date: Saturday 28th June
Time: From about 2pm onwards - supper at about 6:30pm
Contact: Lady Ginevra / Stacey

Please bring with you an appropriate medieval dish to feed approximately 4-6 adults. That way we get to try things we may not normally cook. Note that bread and cheese can qualify as an appropriate medieval dish. I need to know what you plan to bring to make sure that we don't get 4 main courses, and no dessert. (You understand, of course, that 4 desserts and no main meals is less of a problem!) Please post to the list for recipe suggestions
- there are plenty of people here who are knowlegable about period cooking.
Please let me know about any dietary restrictions - we may be able to make a plan.

This will be a non-garb event.

Looking forward to seeing many faces again.
In Service
Ginevra

Intro to SCA Combat

2008-03-20T07:28:00.004+02:00

To all aspiring fighters, consorts and anyone who wants to come along.

Lord Rainer will be hosting a “SCA combat intro” on Saturday 5th April from 11:00 am at the abode of Lady Biringeira and Lord Rainer.

Some thngs that i will cover are,

Power generation- how to make that shot count.
Shot execution- how to get the sword from point A to point B
Armour- What works and how to adjust what you have to work
Basic drills and pell work
Weapons- what you can be hit with
Shields- what you can hide behind
General discussion on SCA combat and styles

Please bring along anything that you wish to eat and plenty of drink. Those wishing to “cook a little meat” over the flame can do so, with prior notice so that I can get a fire going.

For any further information please contact Rainer.

In service and honour
Rainer

Yule update - just a little tardy!

2008-03-07T22:00:00.004+02:00

Greetings good gentles,
First of all, let me apologise for my almost unbelievable tardiness in updating this page! As the only one at Yule with a camera, I should have posted ages ago. Nonetheless, I feel that as I am managing to get these images to you before the next event, I'm at least keeping things in chronological order.

Yule was good. It was a rare treat to see everyone, and to indulge in good food and better conversation. Ruth and JP brought recorders, and persuaded me to join in. My young daughter, never having encountered such a strange, anachronistic way of making music, attempted to better the sound by stuffing my recorder with lavender leaves, while we were playing. It's very hard to maintain one's gravity and breath control when one's instrument is assaulted by a determined toddler. Fortunately, the other musicians escaped her attentions, and we were able to entertain the other gentles present with our efforts.

This event was a potluck, and I'm afraid that I have left it so late to make this report, that I have all but forgotten what we ate. I remember some particularly fine cakes* that I think originated with the good lady in the middle of the picture above, but the rest escapes me.

Nonetheless, my camera does not suffer from the same less-than-perfect memory as I do, and so while I cannot regale you with a description of the food, I can at least provide you with a picture of the good gentles of the shire enjoying it!

And now I must return to my kitchen, to investigate the progress of 24 boiled eggs, and Chickpea soup. Tomorrow brings with it an event attended not only by our local shire members, but by Sir John Peregrin of Restormel and Mistress Honor of Restormel.

There will be fighting! There will be feasting! There will be merriment and dancing! There will, in the not too distant future, be pictures.

*delicious biscuits

Event Announcement - A Knight's Tale of Two Cities II

2008-01-20T20:31:00.001+02:00

A Knight’s Tale of Two Cities II
8-9 March 2008, Johannesburg, South Africa

The Incipient Shire of Griffin’s Tor is proud to announce a weekend of chivalrous arts and gentle musings in honour of our esteemed visitors from far flung Italy. Various classes and discussions will be the order of the day, as well as the occasional bruise (ego or otherwise.)

Site:
The abode of Lord Rainer and Lady Biringeira

Provisional Schedule:
Saturday: Site opens at 10am, and closes at 5pm. (There will be a casual braai after the day’s activities. The braai is self-catered and is not included in the cost of the event.)
Sunday: Classes begin at 10am to 11:30am. Site opens at 11:30am and closes at 5pm. (Details of classes will be published at a later date.)

Cost:
The cost of the event will be confirmed once the menu has been finalised. The current estimated cost is as follows:
Saturday informal lunch: R40 p/p
Sunday formal lunch: R80 p/p
No charge for children under the age of five years.
Please inform the Event Stewards of any allergies or dietary requirements.
Reservations should be made by the 29th February 2008. (All bookings made after the 29th February will incur an additional cost.)

Event Stewards:
Lord Rainer Wulfgar (Russell Abery) and Lady Biringeira de Vasconçellos (Janita Abery)

Marshal in Charge:
Lord Rainer Wulfgar (Russell Abery)