Current Month

The following emails have been edited and reformatted for the web.

April, 2013

Greetings Unto The Mighty and Magnificent Barony of Dragon's Laire!

We want to thank Dame Madrun for setting up a fantastic Baronial Arts and Sciences Day Camp on March 16th. It was well attended and much fun was had by all. Much learning was gained by all who attended, as well as the comraderie that Dragon's Laire is well known for displaying. Thank you to all who took part and shared a little of themselves with all of us for the day.

Again, we would like to urge all of you to attend Druim Doineann's Maypole event over the weekend of May 2nd-5th. They need our support in all forms of martiallate; in all forms of the Arts & Sciences; and in service so that everything that needs to be done as part of running an event is done. If you would like to get involved, please contact the Autocrats, Careann MacFarlane & Eriu O'Tuathail. We plan to be in attendance ourselves and would greatly appreciateas seeing the Populace of Dragon's Laire take part.

We haven't had much luck in finding someone to act as Camp Coordinator for Dragon's Laire at May Crown. Most people to whom we've spoken are hotelling it, RV'ing it, or spending the weekend in another encampment. But no matter where you will be for the May Crown weekend, we would still remind and alert all that the Barony will have the Pavilion upon the Erics. This will be our Baronial home for the weekend and the Baronial banner will be waving brightly in the wind. Please plan on stopping in and saying hello. This would also be a great location to stage yourself during the Crown Tournament itself. You are all most welcome to join us there.

If there are last minute decisions to camp as a Barony and you are looking for a location, please contact us at . We'll help you establish a Baronial encampment. Let us know if you have any questions.

Our usual reminder that those who compete in Championships outside the Barony, display their talents, provide service, bring honour not only to themselves but also the Barony that is their home. Please let us know of your deeds and exploits, no matter where you happen to be. This way we can witness those deeds, provide enthusiastic support as possible, and tell the stories of the valor of Dragon's Laire around the Kingdom. If you plan on fighting in the Crown Tournament at May Crown, we would especially like to know so that we can be looking out for you in line to be introduced to Their Royal Majesties.

We are now into the season of June Faire!!!!! Please get involved! June Faire requires the assistance of many hands. No matter your knowledge or ability, the June Faire Board of Directors will find something for you to do. Our gratitude will be profound and sincere. If you have ideas or want to volunteer for something specific to do at June Faire, please contact the Autocrats: THL Adeleidi and Lady Aileen. They can also answer any questions you may have of the event.

Their Royal Majesties, King UlfR and Queen Caoimhe, will be in attendance at June Faire! We have had the honour of hosting the King and Queen for several years in a row now and it is indeed a great honour! Please come in your finest and be prepared to offer your finest in honour of your undoubted King and Queen of An Tir.

As we have been urging for a while now, we would like to see awards recommendations. Being that May Crown is relatively close to Dragon's Laire, as well as the fact that Their Royal Majesties will be in attendance at June Faire, it is important that you get awards recommendations submitted as soon as possible. Please include us on those submissions as we can add our words to yours for emphasis. If you see someone that you believe deserves recognition, but don't know what award should be given, send us that recommendation and tell us what you've observed. We'll help quantify that recommendation appropriately. Those goes for Baronial awards as well as Kingdom awards. We want June Faire Court to be epic in all senses of the word. Please submit your words!

We'd also like to start requesting items for the traditional 'Tax Court' of June Faire. Largesse is constantly needed. It is used to give to Their Majesties and to our Royal Cousins who give it out in gratitude for services given by the Populace all around the Kingdom. It is given as prizes. It is also a great way to demonstrate the talent and generosity abundant in Dragon's Laire. If you are not sure of just what to make and give as Largesse, please let us know and we'll talk you through it.

The June Faire Board is beginning to work with artisans of the Barony for donations of works of art that will become prizes for all the competitions slated to take place at June Faire. These prizes are cherished by all who receive them. There is something special about receiving a prize that was made by hand. It makes the experience that much more memorable for having been involved. It also makes June Faire event that much more special as an event.

After June Faire we will have a one week break before Serjeantry Trials on June 15th. The candidates have been working hard to gain the knowledge they will need to pass the Trials. Please support them in their Quests. We wish the best of luck to the candidates: Lord Myrick le Bear (Yeoman (Archer)); THL Aelianora de Wyntringham (Courtier of the Arts and Sciences); Lord Idomeneus the Crass (Sargent (Heavy Combat)); Lady Ceara of Clan Grigour (Courtier of Service); M’Lord Titus of the Myrmidons (Heavy Combat).

The current members of the Serjeantry are also working on their ongoing Quests, the stories of which you can read in The Flames and online. We urge you all to read of their endeavours for they will bring you inspiration and happiness that you are members of the Barony of Dragon's Laire. Please look to them all - Dame Madrun y Gwehyddes, Courtier of the Arts and Sciences; Master Cedric Wlfraven, Sargent; Don Talentus del Albero, Gallant; THL Jenae la Joyeaux, Courtier of Service; THL Caius Foxcotte, Gallant; THL Morgan van Daemerung (THL Ermenrich), Sargent; THL Magdalena del Albero, Courtier of Service; Alaricus Simmonds, Sargent; and Lord Alberto Martini, Courtier of the Arts and Sciences.

In closing, we speak our ongoing words of pride. Pride in being the Baron and Baroness of Dragon's Laire. The Barony most certainly the brilliance and song that is the Roar of the Lion! Listen to that roar carefully, for it is made up of the roar of the DRAGON!

In Continued Glad Service to the Barony and Crown of An Tir!

Arontius and Laurellen.
Baron and Baroness of Dragon's Laire.

Sent to the Dragon's Laire Email List on 04/09/2013

Past Months

The following emails have been edited and reformatted for the web.

March, 2013

This last month was a demonstration of our talent and mightiness of spirit as the Barony and the Baronial Populace took part in two tremendous Championships!

Congratulations are in order for those who took part in the Baronial Arts & Sciences Championship on February 9th. The scholarship displayed was epic, as was the creation of beauty and display of knowledge. We were proud of all we witnessed that day. Congratulations to THL Aelianora de Wyntringham for achieving the position of Arts and Sciences Champion and congratulations to Lady Andromacha for achieving the position of Bardic Champion of the Barony. We are pleased to be defended by you and look forward to your endeavours in your art forms this upcoming year.

This was also the first year of the new recognition of the 'Scholars of Dragon's Laire', a recognition given to those who prepare papers of research and present them for acceptance and review. Congratulations to the newly named Scholars of Dragon’s Laire: Dame Madrun y Gwehyddes and THL Aelianora de Wyntringham.

Master Arion the Wanderer and Lady Ela y Ynis Dewi also demonstrated a vast amount of knowledge in the Arts and Sciences Baronial Championship and should be congratulated for all of their efforts. They both did extremely well.

In closing for the Baronial Championships, we want to sincerely thank those who ended their tenure as Champions over the past year: THL Mateusz z Plocka and THL Ataliana de Segna. Thank you for all that you did in service to us and the Barony of Dagon’s Laire.

At the Candlemas Evening Court we presented the Cloaks of Office for the new members of the Serjeantry of Dragon's Laire: Master Cedric Wlfraven, Sargent; Don Talentus del Albero, Gallant; THL Jenae la Joyeaux, Courtier of Service; THL Caius Foxcotte, Gallant; THL Morgan van Daemerung (THL Ermenrich), Sargent; THL Magdalena del Albero, Courtier of Service; and Lord Alberto Martini, Courtier of the Arts and Sciences. We are extraordinarily proud of their accomplishments, both what they have completed and what they move forward to perform this upcoming year. Thank you all for displaying Dragon's Laire at its finest.

One note concerning Serjeantry - Due to an extensive and busy schedule, Sargent Jahnkin de Leeuw will be a 'Serjeant Emeritus' which primarily means that he will not be undertaking a Quest for this year. This is not an indictment of any kind as we have always stated that if 'Real Life' starts making real demands of a Serjeants time, going 'Emeritus' was perfectly acceptable. Sargent Jahnkin can come back into the Program at any time and become active the minute he undertakes a Quest and we've agreed to it. We wish him the best as he travels the world for the Navy this year.

This last weekend was held another set of Arts & Sciences and Bardic Championships, this time for the Kingdom of An Tir. We were exceedingly proud that Dragon's Laire was so ably represented. We had FOUR participants, including one contender for Kingdom Champion of Arts & Sciences. Master Arion the Wanderer entered the lists to vie for Arts & Sciences Champion of An Tir. His entries included ‘History of Die and Coin Styles’, ‘Norse Weathervane’, and a research paper, ‘Research Paper: Coin Blank Production Methods’. In addition, three others from the Barony presented single entries for judgment. They included Lord Alberto Martini, Courtier of the Arts and Sciences, who presented a 16th Century Silverpoint Portrait; Lady Ela y Ynis Dewi, who presented ‘Linen Rag Paper & Mould’; and Her Excellency Laurellen de Brandevin, who presented ‘Spanish Woman's Mourning Gown'.

On Sunday, Master Arion presented alongside Master Eduardo for the Championship. From everything we've been told (as well as observed), it was incredily difficult for the judges to come to conclusion as to who should be named as Champion. We are incredibly proud of what Master Arion accomplished in presenting at the Championship and he IS a Champion in every sense of the word. Thank you, Master Arion, for the honour you brought to Dragon's Laire with your efforts.

Coming up in March we are eagerly looking forward to the Baronial Arts and Sciences Day Camp on Saturday, March 16th. There will be classes and demonstrations and much arts and sciences comraderie. We urge all who can to come and join us and bring along what you are working on. Bring along your curiosity so that you may learn something fun and new. It will be a fantastic day of knowledge and geekery.

Early Warning! We are starting now to urge as many from the Barony as possible attend Druim Doineann's Maypole event over the weekend of May 2nd-5th. They need our support in all forms of martiallate; in all forms of the Arts & Sciences; and in service so that everything that needs to be done as part of running an event is done. If you would like to get involved, please contact the Autocrats, Careann MacFarlane & Eriu O'Tuathail. They could use your help directly. Or let us know and we'll connect you with them or get you involved in some fashion.

We are looking for someone to act as Camp Coordinator for Dragon's Laire at May Crown. If you would be interested, please contact us. The Coordinator's job is not terribly difficult, but very important. They collect reservations of camping space for those of the Barony who wish to camp as part of the Barony. The Coordinator ensures that space is reserved and then maps out the reservations. We can connect you to those who have done it in the past. Please come talk to us if you have questions.

June Faire draweth nigh!!!!! It is time to get involved! If you have ideas or want to volunteer for something specific to do at June Faire, please contact the Autocrats: THL Adeleidi and Lady Aileen. They can also answer any questions you may have of the event.

Early Warning concerning June Faire - Both Their Majesties, King UlfR and Queen Caoimhe, will be in attendance! We have had the honour of hosting the King and Queen for several years in a row now and it is indeed a great honour! Please come in your finest and be prepared to offer your finest in honour of your undoubted King and Queen of An Tir.

Being that Their Majesties will be in attendance, it is important that you get awards recommendations submitted as soon as possible. Please include us on those submissions as we can add our words to yours for emphasis. If you see someone that you believe deserves recognition, but don't know what award should be given, send us that recommendation and tell us what you've observed. We'll help quantify that recommendation appropriately. Those goes for Baronial awards as well as Kingdom awards. We want June Faire Court to be epic in all senses of the word. Please submit your words to us!

We'd also like to start requesting items for the traditional 'Tax Court' of June Faire. Largesse is constantly needed. Largesse that is collected at the June Faire Tax Court primarily. It is used to give to Their Majesties and to our Royal Cousins who give it out in gratitude for services given by the Populace all around the Kingdom. It is given as prizes. It is also a great way to demonstrate the talent and generosity abundant in Dragon's Laire. If you are not sure of just what to make and give as Largesse, please let us know and we'll talk you through it. We'd like to thank M'Lady Diana of Kent for her wonderful donation of chain mail jewelry this last month. It was greatly appreciated.

In closing, we will repeat our words of pride. We are indeed proud to be the Baron and Baroness of Dragon's Laire. Certainly the most brilliant and mighty jewel in the Crown of An Tir! Listen to the Roar of the Lion, in it you will hear the ROAR OF THE DRAGON!

In Glorious Service to the Barony and Crown of An Tir!

Arontius and Laurellen
Baron and Baroness of Dragon's Laire.

Sent to the Dragon's Laire Email List on 03/07/2013

February, 2013

This year is already turning out to be a busy one! Many thanks to all the Baronial Populace who journeyed to the lands of Three Mountains to attend the Twelfth Night Coronation of Their Majesties, King UlfR Blodfotur Fallgrson and Queen Caoimhe (Keeva) ingen Domnaille. It was exciting to see so many of you represent the Barony of Dragon's Laire. We were especially grateful to all those who witnessed and took part in the elevation of Her Excellency Laurellen into the Order of the Pelican.

We sincerely thank all those who took part in the activities at Ursulmas. The fighters of Dragon's Laire left their marks in the Erics. We were especially pleased to hear of the many deeds of prowess demonstrated there as Knights and Fighters of Renown sought us out to relate the stories of the heroes who fought under the banner of Dragon's Laire. A special thank you to all who made the Dragon's Laire 'encampment' a special place to be, along with snacks so plentiful they lasted the entire day.

We also wish to thank those who represented Dragon's Laire so well the following weekend at Madrone's Arts and Sciences Championship. Dragon's Laire made up a sizeable portion of those in attendance that day and lent their considerable talents to the judging of the competitions and the running of the event itself. Thank you all for taking part.

This weekend is the celebration of Candlemas at Hyla School on Bainbridge Island. Thank you Renart for all your work in making this event happen, as well as a feast that is already sounding magnificent.

Dame Madrun has had her hands full with the setting up of the Championships themselves and the running thereof. Master Arion, THL Aelianora and Lady Ela all submitted works from their hands to win the title of Arts and Sciences Champion of Dragon's Laire. M'Lady Andromache has entered her work to be considered as Bardic Champion of Dragon's Laire. Our competition format allows for a single competitor as the submittal is judged 'against a standard' rather than against an opponent. We know that all will do well.

In addition to the Arts & Sciences and Bardic Championships will be the presentation of research papers and awarding of the title of 'Scholar of Dragon's Laire' to those whose papers are judged to be of quality. This is not a standard Championship in that more than one person may hold the title of 'Scholar'. We eagerly look forward to the presentations of the papers. We are excited about the prospects of this as it opens up more doors into academic research, which is one of the foundations of the Society.

We urge all who can to attend Candlemas this Saturday so they may witness the deeds of the competitors. The presentations of the works will all be epic in scope. We also wish input from all on the concept of the research paper presentation and the 'Scholars'.

At Candlemas Evening Court will be presented the Cloaks of Office for the new members of the Serjeantry of Dragon's Laire: Master Cedric Wlfraven, Sargent; Don Talentus del Albero, Gallant; THL Jenae la Joyeaux, Courtier of Service; THL Caius Foxcotte, Gallant; THL Morgan van Daemerung (THL Ermenrich), Sargent; THL Magdalena del Albero, Courtier of Service; and Lord Alberto Martini, Courtier of the Arts and Sciences.

All of them have completed major milestones on their Quest Journeys. Not all of them are complete yet, but have reached way-points that show their dedication towards completion. We are honored that they undertook and completed this journey and look forward to many deeds of valor, service and beauty for a long time to come.

Most of the members of Serjeantry have written papers of their Questing Journey that we hope to publish in The Flames and on the Baronial Web-Site as soon as possible. These stories of their Quest show all the hard work that went into making their Quests something meaningful to them, as well as something that is inspirational to the Barony. We urge as many as possible to read of these Questing Journeys in order that you to may be inspired to reach beyond yourselves and try something magical, something that is fulfilling and fun.

Questions have been asked about the ongoing Quests. What is their purpose? The original concept of our Serjeantry Program has a 'Round Table' set up once a year whereat the members of Serjeantry told the stories of their Quests for that year. What they learned. What they experienced. Their losses and wins. Hearing these stories told in the open in a group setting we feel will be extremely inspirational to all who hear them. This is part of the 'give back' to the Barony we feel that Serjeantry is to the Barony.

We make the Questing Journey more 'real' by having the Quests be declared at the beginning of the process. This puts the Journey into terms that can be understood by all so that the deeds of the Questers can be witnessed over the course of the Journey and that all can take part with the Questers, even in an observer role, and be inspired by the deeds witnessed.

On the first weekend of March we urge as many as possible to witness the deeds performed at the An Tir Arts & Sciences and Bardic Championships to be held in the Barony of Blatha An Oir. Master Arion the Wanderer has entered as a full competitor. We wish him success in his endeavors and we will be there to witness his deeds! Her Excellency Laurellen and Lady Ela have submitted single entries into the competition and could use your support at their presentations. In addition, many from the Barony are slated to take part in the running of the event itself. In judging of entries or the tallying of numbers, all efforts are needed in order to name new Kingdom Champions. We urge anyone with the means to make their way to the Championships over the weekend of March 1st through 3rd.

Lord Alberto is also submitting a single entry that doubles as his Quest for Serjeantry, a presentation of Silver Point artistry. Please attend his presentation and give your enthusiastic support.

Once again and finally, we urge one and all to send in recommendations to Their Excellencies of those people who should be recognized for all their efforts on behalf of the Barony. You do not even need to know what award to recommend. Just send us an e-mail or speak to us and tell us who should be recognized and what deeds they have accomplished that make them worthy of special recognition in Court. The awards given are how we say 'thank you' to those who work hard to make the Barony look as good as it does in all that it does.

Thank you all for all the things you do to support the Barony of Dragon's Laire. We ARE the most brilliant jewel in the Crown of An Tir. We are the roar of the Sable Lion!

Many Thanks! Arontius and Laurellen
Baron and Baroness of Dragon's Laire.

Sent to the Dragon's Laire Email List on 02/07/2013

January, 2013

Welcome to Gregorian Calendar Year 2013! Although not quite the same pace as 2012, 2013 will have many reasons for us to show the rest of the Kingdom of An Tir why we are the greatest place to live in all of An Tir!

Over the weekend of January 12th and 13th is Twelfth Night in the Barony of Three Mountains. Normally, we host a gathering for members of the Barony in attendance. This year is slightly different in that Her Excellency Laurellen will be elevated to the Order of the Pelican over the weekend of Twelfth Night. Friday night a vigil will be held in her room where she will be seeking the advice and goodwill of all who wish to attend the vigil and meet with her. We urge all members of the Barony to seek out her vigil on Friday and speak to her. On Saturday evening, a party will be hosted to honor the elevation, also in her rooms. Again, please come and join in on the celebrations.

Her Excellency Laurellen's Elevation is due to happen during the Final Court of Their Majesties Vik and Astrid. But at this time we do not have a clear idea of when. As soon as we do we will pass the word. We hope that all within the Barony have the chance to witness the elevation. The clothes alone that she has built for the occasion are breath-taking and worth the viewing.

Saturday evening at Twelfth Night is scheduled the Kingdom's Rapier Championship. If you are planning on competing for the Championship, please let us know so that we may take the time necessary to witness your deeds and honor your deeds appropriately.

Also, if you are performing other deeds of Service, or of the Arts & Sciences, at Twelfth Night, please let us know so that we may attend if at all possible and give you the attention and recognition deserved for your efforts.

We are looking forward to Aquaterra's Ursulmas celebrations over the weekend of January 26th / 27th. Ursulmas is the unofficial start of the Tournament Season in An Tir, where the best from all corners of the Kingdom come together to show their might and prowess in martiallate competition. The Heavy, Rapier and Youth Combat Tournaments are exceptional examples of the best in An Tir fighting. The archery tournaments bring the most fearsome archers from around the Kingdom together to show their accuracy.

Many from the Barony will attend and compete in the Ursulmas competitions. As has been our mantra from the first day of our tenure, we wish to recognize those who compete in these Tournaments from the Barony. By this competition, the combatants bring honor not only to themselves, but the Barony they represent, the Mighty Barony of Dragon's Laire. Please let us know of your plans in this regard so that we may be sure to provide witness to your deeds, and recognition.

The honor to the Barony comes not only from the martiallate combatants, but also those who compete in demonstration of the Arts and Sciences. If you plan on demonstrating your skills, showing your projects, and providing classes at Ursulmas, please also let us know. We want to ensure that we witness your actions as we are able, as well as direct other interested folks to witness your deeds. Which are surely just as important as those who perform in the martiallate competitions.

The other often overlooked honor brought to the Barony are from those who perform service so that events can happen at all and that others may attend. Dragon's Laire routinely provides people who give of their time and service at gate, set-up, marshalling duties, and other activities that allow Ursulmas to happen and be the grand event that it is.

The Ursulmas planning team plans a stop in Dragon's Laire on their 'Road Show'. This will be at our Social of Tuesday, January 15th. This is a great opportunity to pre-register for Ursulmas and get involved. Do you have questions about participating in any particular function at Ursulmas? The Ursulmas Team Chairwoman will be on hand to answer all of your questions.

After Ursulmas, Candlemas will quickly follow. The Arts & Sciences, Bardic and Scholar Championships will all take place at Candlemas. As of this missive, we have participants in all three categories. We are extremely honored and look forward to the displays and presentations. We urge everyone possible in the Barony to attend and witness the deeds of those undertaking the Championships.

Candlemas is set for February 9th at the Hyla School on Bainbridge Island. THL Renart is autocratting as well as providing a feast. We are especially looking forward to the feast as Renart is renowned as a cook. Please contact Renart if you have the opportunity to help with the event, or the feast. He can surely use the assistance.

Because of scheduling issues, Candlemas had to move from its original date of February 2nd to February 9th. This move puts it right on top of Druim Doineann's Holly And Ivy. We wish to extend our deepest apologies to the Shire of Druim Doineann for this scheduling conflict. It is always our desire to support our neighbors to the north as they have been longtime friends and compatriots. If there were members of the Populace who already had it in their plans to attend Holly and Ivy, we would be happy to encourage to continue in your plans of attending. Supporting their events is always what we should strive to do.

At Candlemas, those who completed their initial Serjeantry Quests from the Trials held in August of 2012 will receive their cloaks of rank. We are proud of all those who undertake the quest of Serjeantry, and wish to extend our gratitude to those who completed both Trials and Quest. The purpose of the Serjeantry is to display the best of the SCA in their knowledge and their actions. They hold the honor of the Barony in their deeds and those from around the Kingdom measure the chivalry and courtesy of Dragon's Laire by how the members of Serjeantry display themselves and their actions. They are also a resource for knowledge of many aspects of the SCA, as well as assistance in activities you may have in mind. Please seek them out.

We urge all the members of the Populace to send in recommendations of awards to us so that we may formally recognize those deserving. This applies to both Kingdom and Baronial Awards. We can add our voice to those recommendations going to the Kingdom. Keep in mind that during our tenure we have added a number of awards to the roster within the Barony. You do not even need to keep them all straight in your mind. Just give us the names of those you think deserving, and why. We'll do the rest. The awards we give are how we say 'thank you' to those who provide of their service and talents to the Barony and make us, as a branch, look as good as it does in all that we do.

As usual, we salute one and all in the Barony of Dragon's Laire. You are indeed a Might Folk! Hear the Lion Roar for it is the Barony of Dragon's Laire providing the voice of that Roar!

Many Thanks! Arontius and Laurellen.
Baron and Baroness of Dragon's Laire.

Sent to the Dragon's Laire Email List on 01/03/2013

December, 2012

Greetings Mighty Barony! We would like to thank everyone who attended Dragon's Laire Yule last Saturday. Our especial gratitude goes to HL Gabrielle and HL Theodoric, our event steward and feast steward respectively. The Longbranch site was, as always, a beautiful site, the event went well, and the food was great. We also would like to extend our thanks to those good gentles who helped serve, who helped at gate, and who helped us with Court. As always, many hands make light work and we appreciate the efforts of all our populace. We were especially gratified by the Grand Processional participation. It was everything that we hoped it would be and we thank everyone for playing along.

At Yule, we also accepted Letters of Intent for Serjeantry. We wish the best of luck to the candidates: Lord Myrick le Bear (Yeoman (Archer)); THL Aelianora de Wyntringham (Courtier of the Arts and Sciences); Lord Idomeneus the Crass (Sargent (Heavy Combat)); Lady Ceara of Clan Grigour (Courtier of Service); M’Lord Titus of the Myrmidons (Heavy Combat).

The Wool Applique Bags class is coming to a close and we will begin the process of creating wool bags for the Kingdom.

The call has gone out for largess for Estrella. Her Excellency has a list of people who are interested in participating but would like to solicit more participants. Please let her know if you have any questions. The current plan is to get started on the applique for these largess bags in the next week or so and hand them out to willing stitchers with the idea that they will be due back no later than the end of February so that we can construct them and get them to TRMs in good order. Stay tuned for more information.

We again encourage everyone to send in your recommendations for awards! We want to hear from you! Please send us an e-mail or note about a deserving person or persons. Did they perform some act of service that was amazing or difficult or thorough? Did they create art or manufacture something that amazed you with its beauty? Did they perform feats of combat that left you speechless? Then let us know so that we may formally recognize them in Court. Please e-mail us those recommendations to .

Her Royal Highness has sent word that She seeks members for Her Royal Guard for Their upcoming reign. Specifically, they seek the finest Archers, Rapier Fighters, Heavy Fighters, Cut and Thrust Fighters, and Equestrian Riders of the Kingdom. They have asked the Barons and Baronesses of the Realm to send them recommendations of whom may be of service to them. Those who wish to serve need not have experience in the guarding of Royalty, but passion and enthusiasm are a must! If you are interested, please speak to us and we'll see if this is a path that would be right for you. If so, we'll send in a Letter of Recommendation immediately.

In January, Twelfth Night awaits in the Barony of Three Mountains. Her Excellency will be elevated as a Companion of the Order of the Pelican. Normally at Twelfth Night, we host the Barony in our rooms in an effort to bring the Barony together and support those for whom it is their first Twelfth Night. This year, with Her Excellency’s elevation, the usual gathering will take on a different flavor as Friday night is scheduled for her vigil in preparation for Saturday’s elevation. We encourage all from the Barony to drop into the vigil room and give her words of encouragement and advice in preparation of her joining the Order of the Pelican. More information to follow as we get closer to Twelfth Night.

In closing, we wish everyone the joy of the Fall and Winter seasons. It was a long, but rewarding, event season in 2012. We have much of which to be proud, and much reason to celebrate. Many thanks to all who made this past year such a success.

Your hard work is appreciated greatly. Vivat! Dragon’s Laire!

Arontius and Laurellen.
Baron and Baroness of Dragon's Laire.

Sent to the Dragon's Laire Email List on 12/06/2012

November, 2012

We would like to give our deepest appreciations unto all of the Populace who took part in the Fundraiser at Delilah’s house on October 27th. The weather was terrible, cold and wet, and there was a lot of effort required in order to earn our reward. But the Baronial Populace came through as usual, they did so willingly and with evident joy. You were all definitely an inspiration. Everyone involved at Delilah’s were extremely pleased by the performance and hard work put forth by the Barony and a check for $1,000 was gladly given to us for our efforts. Great Work! Many thanks to Lord Alberto / Albrecht for his organization and leadership in this.

In October, on the 20th, the first Serjeantry Orientation Meeting was held and was well attended. Many good questions were asked and answered. If you could not attend for any reason, please contact either of us or our Serjeantry Secretary, Dame Madrun. We would very much like to sit down with you and go over the requirements and expectations prior to your turning in a Letter of Intent to us. We want to make sure you understand what you are about to undertake as well as clear up any confusion. As a reminder, Letters of Intent for Serjeantry are due at Yule Feast this year. The Letters must be done by hand in calligraphy and the Letters must give the following information: the Persona Name, a short background of the person, and which branch of Serjeantry they wish to pursue. Please speak to either us or to the Serjeantry Secretary if you have any questions.

On Saturday, November 10th, we encourage everyone to come and enjoy the Baronial Arts and Sciences Day Camp that will be held VFW Hall in Silverdale. Every one we've held has been a full day of arts and sciences learning and demonstration. As well as the sharing of like minds on similar subjects. They have always been well worth attending and this looks to be just as much fun. A number of classes and presentations are planned for this day. Please speak to Her Excellency or to Dame Madrun if you have any questions.

On Saturday, December 1st, the Baronial Yule Feast is scheduled to be held out at the Longbranch Hall. No formal Championships are held at Yule as we consider it a day for the ‘Baronial Family’ to come together in fellowship and enjoy some well prepared food together. THL Gabrielle is the Autocrat / Event Steward for this event and has a vision of seeing this be a bardic themed event. We encourage all to get involved ‘bardically’. His Excellency is already planning for dance to happen during the day. Her Excellency Brighid is being ‘persuaded’ to put together some Readers Theater. If you want to perform, sing in honor of the Yule Season, play an instrument, we enthusiastically encourage you to do so!

We are also going to try a Grand Court Processional for the Yule Court. It is our vision for the entire Barony present to be formally announced into Court in order of position on the Kingdom Order of Precedent. We want extreme ‘Pomp and Circumstance’. Bring your Banners! Bring your regalia! We want extreme pageantry! We’ll be speaking of this more as November progresses. Or come and speak with us directly if you have questions.

If you want to get involved in the creation of Applique Wool Bags, to learn how to make them for yourselves, or to make a set to give to the Kingdom as Largesse, Her Excellency is running a series of classes at the Tuesday Social nights to show people how easy they are to put together. Each week’s class notes will be posted to this site for those who cannot attend themselves: . Please speak to Her Excellency if you have any questions.

It has become something of a tradition now that His Excellency does his best to recognize as many as possible from the Barony who took part in events and activities in the Barony and around the Kingdom. The intention being to record that recognition for history’s sake and to recognize those who perform acts of service, art or martiallate excellence. These acts bring honor not only to the individual, but to the Barony as a whole. We hope that the inspiration of these deeds compels others to greater and more acts of service, arts or martiallate prowess. We would like to point out, however, that this recognition does not have to come from Their Excellencies alone. We encourage all who witness the deeds of the members of the Baronial Populace to speak of those deeds. Write of what you witness and post the tales on the Baronial e-list. We want as many as possible to be recognized for their good deeds.

We again encourage everyone to send in your recommendations for awards! In the Society, the way we recognize those who labor willingly and give of themselves freely is by the giving of awards. We want to recognize all those deserving people, but we can not be everywhere and witnessing everything that happens in the Barony and Kingdom. We need your help! We need your recommendations for awards! You don't even have to know what award you want given to the deserving person. Just send us an e-mail or note and tell us what you witnessed. Did they perform some act of service that was amazing or difficult or thorough? Did they create art or manufacture something that amazed you with its beauty? Did they perform feats of combat that left you speechless? Then let us know so that we may formally recognize them in Court. Please e-mail us those recommendations to .

Her Royal Highness has sent word that She seeks members for Her Royal Guard for Their upcoming reign. Specifically, they seek the finest Archers, Rapier Fighters, Heavy Fighters, Cut and Thrust Fighters, and Equestrian Riders of the Kingdom. They have asked the Barons and Baronesses of the Realm to send them recommendations of whom may be of service to them. Those who wish to serve need not have experience in the guarding of Royalty, but passion and enthusiasm are a must! If you are interested, please speak to us and we'll see if this is a path that would be right for you. If so, we'll send in a Letter of Recommendation immediately.

In January, Twelfth Night awaits in the Barony of Three Mountains. Her Excellency will be elevated as a Companion of the Order of the Pelican. Normally at Twelfth Night, we host the Barony in our rooms in an effort to bring the Barony together and support those for whom it is their first Twelfth Night. This year, with Her Excellency’s elevation, the usual gathering will take on a different flavor as Friday night is scheduled for her vigil in preparation for Saturday’s elevation. We encourage all from the Barony to drop into the vigil room and give her words of encouragement and advice in preparation of her joining the Order of the Pelican. More information to follow as we get closer to Twelfth Night.

In closing we wish everyone the joy of the Fall and Winter seasons. It was a long, but rewarding, event season in 2012. We have much of which to be proud, and much reason to celebrate. Many thanks to all who made this past year such a success. Your hard work is appreciated greatly.

Vivat! Dragon’s Laire!

Arontius and Laurellen
Baron and Baroness of Dragon's Laire

Sent to the Dragon's Laire Email List on 11/01/2012

October, 2012

Greetings Unto The Mighty Barony of Dragon's Laire!

The Martiallate Championships of Last Chance were spectacular! We were proud to witness the glorious deeds of valour and chivalry performed on the fields of combat, for the honour of carrying the bright name of 'Champion of Dragon's Laire'. Congratulations Unto Lord Idomeneus the Crass, of the Myrmidons, as our new Champion of Heavy Combat; M’Lord Christopher Stanley, as our new Champion of Rapier; THL Thorfinn Kolsson, as our new Champion of Archery (Baronial Protector); M’Lord Stephen of House Awry, as our new Champion of Thrown Weapons; and THL Ivan Leskov, as our new Equestrian Champion. We know you will serve your term with great honour. Thank you.

There were no competitors for the title of Youth Combat Champion. So the Youth Combat Minister, Lord Myrick, is going to reschedule that Championship for a later date so that we can seek those who would like to represent the Barony in this capacity.

We would also thank those who stepped down as Martiallate Champions that same day: Heavy Combat - THL Richard Dragun; Rapier Combat - THL Caius Foxcotte; Archery - Arcos Alaricus Simmonds; Youth Combat - Caitlyn of House Llyra Tor; and Thrown Weapons - M'Lord Rodrek Eirikson.

Many thanks to Lord Myrick and his Team for the hosting and running of Last Chance. It was a fantastic way to end the Camping Season for us, especially on such a high note. The weather was great. Everyone who attended had a good time. The feast was a great mingling of friends old and new. A very good event.

On October 20th, we will be hosting a Serjeantry Orientation Meeting at the home of the Serjeantry Secretary, Dame Madrun. This will be your opportunity to learn what Serjeantry is and the process of becoming a Serjeant. We will be handing out a check-list of every requirement that will be expected from this year's class and this will be your chance to ask any question that you can possibly think to ask on the subject. The checklist for this upcoming class will be the clearest and most straight-forward so far and we are excited to see the results. Even if you have not yet decided that you are definitely going to take this path, come to the orientation anyway and listen to the presentation and the questions. It will be interesting. The orientation will start at 11AM on Saturday, October 20th. If you would like directions to Dame Madrun's house, please contact her at caldera@olympus.net.

As a reminder, Letters of Intent for Serjeantry are due at Yule Feast this year. The Letters must be done by hand in calligraphy and the Letters must give the following information: the Persona Name, a short background of the person, and which branch of Serjeantry they wish to pursue. Please speak to either us or to the Serjeantry Secretary if you have any questions.

Later in October we encourage all who can to take part in the Fundraiser set for October 27th in Port Orchard. The graciousness and generosity of our host, Delilah, will help our Barony a great deal. Even though this is a fundraiser, it will also be a great opportunity to introduce our way of live and what we do to a new audience. We might even gain a few new members from this. As many people as possible will be needed for this to be a success. We urge you to contact the coordinator, Lord Albrecht (Lord Alberto), our Chatelaine, if you can help. He can be reached at .

In November we encourage everyone to come to the Arts and Sciences Day Camp that will be held on Saturday, November 10th, in the VFW Hall. Every one we've held has been a full day of arts and sciences learning and demonstration. As well as the sharing of like minds on similar subjects. They have always been well worth attending and this looks to be just as much fun.

In the Society, the way we recognize those who labor willingly and give of themselves freely is by the giving of awards. We want to recognize all those deserving people, but we can not be everywhere and witnessing everything that happens in the Barony and Kingdom. We need your help! We need your recommendations for awards! You don't even have to know what award you want given to the deserving person. Just send us an e-mail or note and tell us what you witnessed. Did you perfom some act of service that was amazing or difficult or thorough? Did they create art or manufacture something that amazed you with its beauty? Did they perform feats of combat that left you speechless? Then let us know so that we may formally recognize them in Court. Please e-mail us those recommendations to us.

Her Royal Highness has sent word that She seeks members for Her Royal Guard for Their upcoming reign. Specifically, they seek the finest Archers, Rapier Fighters, Heavy Fighters, Cut and Thrust Fighters, and Equestrian Riders of the Kingdom. They have asked the Barons and Baronesses of the Realm to send them recommendations of whom may be of service to them. Those who wish to serve need not have experience in the guarding of Royalty, but passion and enthusiasm are a must! If you are interested, please speak to us and we'll see if this is a path that would be right for you. If so, we'll send in a Letter of Recommendation immediately.

In closing we wish to thank all the Populace for all of their support and service during the last six months of hard work. Your willingness to support both us and the Barony of Dragon's Laire is something in which we hold great pride and thankfulness. We can not find the words to adequately thank you all as a matter of fact. Thank you.

Never forget that you are members of The MIGHTY BARONY of DRAGON'S LAIRE! BEWARE THE LAIRE!!!

Arontius and Laurellen
Baron and Baroness of Dragon's Laire.

Sent to the Dragon's Laire Email List on 10/09/2012

September, 2012

August was an incredibly busy month. We wish to thank all of those who worked hard to bring about a month full of fun and exciting events in Dragon's Laire. Many thanks to Dame Gwenllyn and her Team for providing for Summer Madness and the Baronial Picnic. Many thanks to THL Loric and the Archers for the Huntsman's Challenge. Many, many thanks to Lady Aileen and her crew for shepherding the Baronial Serjeantry Trials. The dedication and efforts of these good gentles was an inspiration to all.

Our sincere and heartfelt congratulations are extended to those who passed the Serjeantry Trials on August 18th: Master Cedric Wlfraven, challenging for the title of Sargent. Don Talentus del Albero, challenging for the title of Gallant. THL Jenae la Joyeaux, challenging for the title of Courtier of Service. THL Caius Foxcotte, challenging for the title of Gallant. THL Morgan van Daemerung (THL Ermenrich), challenging for the title of Sargent. THL Magdalena del Albero, challenging for the title of Courtier of Service. Lord Alberto Martini, challenging for the title of Courtier of the Arts and Sciences.

All of these Candidates now enter into the Questing Phase of the Serjeantry Program, which will require courage, dedication and hard work. All of the Candidates could use your assistance as fellow members of the Populace of Dragon's Laire. It is also right and honourable that you should assist them as you are able. What they do on these Quests brings not only honour to themselves, but brings honour, pride and wordfame to the Barony of Dragon's Laire as a whole. They work for you as much as they work for themselves. They deserve your respect, honour and goodwill. We are inspired by what they do and what they bring to Serjeantry and to Dragon's Laire.

In addition to the class undertaking their initial Quest, the existing members of the Dragon's Laire Serjeantry announced their ongoing Quests for this year on August 18th. Sargent Alaricus was also given his Cloak of Office as a Sargent. He recently completed his Quest of learning to shoot archery from a moving horse. On August 18th, he announced his Quest for the upcoming year to be to shoot his Umi (sp?) from horseback. But he also included in his Quest the creation of more period and elaborate arrows made by hand.

Courtier Madrun completed her Quest earlier this year and was given her Cloak of Office at June Faire. Her Quest was the creation of a draft of an article on tablet weaving which will eventually be publishable by the Complete Anachronist (or similar publication). Her continuing Quest for the upcoming year is to continue down this path towards publication. She was assisted in this Quest by the Weaver's Guild of Seattle, who awarded her a Grant to continue research in this endeavor.

It is now time to start thinking of the next class of Serjeantry. Normally, Letters of Intent would be accepted at Candlemas. However, we have decided that we need to move the process up some for 2013. Our three year tenure as Baron and Baroness comes to a close in November of 2013. We have not yet decided whether we will ask Their Majesties for a Confidence Polling or a Turnover Polling next summer. In the event that it does become a Turnover Polling, we do not want to turn over our Coronets to our Successors and leave them with having to make the final decision as to whether or not to accept members into the Dragon's Laire Serjeantry. We do not think that would be fair to them as it is a very difficult thing to do. So we will be accepting Serjeantry Letters of Intent at Yule Feast, 2012. This will mean Trials happening in June of 2013 and the completion of initial Quests by Yule Feast, 2013.

To facilitate the process this year we plan on implementing an Orientation Session for those interested in joining the Serjeantry Program this year. Sometime in October we plan on holding at least one, but possibly more, sessions where the outline of Serjeantry is presented. This would be all the requirements of what would be expected to pass the Trials. This would give potential candidates the opportunity to read the rules and guidelines up front and ask questions to ensure they understand what will be expected of them. Also presented will be the timeline of the Trials for 2013, including all the dates of Pre-Trials Testing and the Trials date itself. With this presentation we hope to ensure that all involved in the process know what is expected of them and when.

Dragon's Laire truly showed its Might and Power in how it handled September Crown. It was held on a brand new and unknown site. A site with unexpected challenges. We were filled with pride as we watched the Populace meet the challenges with a willing hand and good cheer. The Kingdom could have complained bitterly over what was given to them, but because of the Stewardship and hard work of Dragon's Laire, all who attended left with good things to say about the event. Thank you all for making it a truly successful event.

Congratulations to all who were recognized by Their Majesties with awards at September Crown. Special congratulations to Dame Madrun for her admittance into the Order of the Laurel and to Master Andras for his admittance into the Order of Chivalry.

Thank you very much for all the enthusiasm and happiness shown when Their Majesties offered Marquessa Laurellen admittance into the Order of the Pelican. The elevation itself will take place at Twelfth Night in the Barony of Three Mountains. We hope that as many of the Populace as possible will be able to attend and witness the Ceremony.

Over the weekend of September 28th through 30th, Last Chance Tournament is scheduled to happen at Silver Spurs in Bremerton. This event will be shepherded by Lord Myrick the Bear. The assistance of all will be needed to ensure the success of this event. Please help as you can.

Last Chance is the event where the Martiallate Championships of Dragon's Laire are decided. This includes Heavy Combat, Rapier Combat, Archery, Thrown Weapons, Equestrian and Youth Combat. The formats are being finalized now and they look truly exciting to witness. Please consider entering. Being a Champion of Dragon's Laire is a source of Pride for the holder of the Title, and it is also a source of inspiration to the Populace as a whole. Please let us know if you have any questions.

Don't forget about our upcoming Fall A&S Day Camp, scheduled for November. There will be more information as we get closer to the day but currently on the schedule will be a discussion and information on largess bags as well as a couple of classes on late period clothing, which we will be stepping into as we move into our Third Age of Artonius and Laurellen. Stay tuned!

We urge one and all to send in recommendations to Their Excellencies of those people who should be recognized for all their efforts on behalf of the Barony. You do not even need to know what award to recommend. Just send us an e-mail or speak to us and tell us who should be recognized and what deeds they have accomplished that make them worthy of special recognition in Court. The awards given are how we say 'thank you' to those who work hard to make the Barony look as good as it does in all that it does.

Finally, many thanks to THL Oliver Tarney for having been our Seneschal of Dragon's Laire since our elevation. We are grateful he was there when we needed him. Welcome to THL Magdalena del Albero, our new Baronial Seneschale. We look forward to working with you.

Thank you all for all the things you do to support the Barony of Dragon's Laire. Dragon's Laire IS the most brilliant jewel in the Crown of An Tir. We are the roar of the Sable Lion!

Many Thanks! Arontius and Laurellen
Baron and Baroness of Dragon's Laire

Sent to the Dragon's Laire Email List on 09/06/2012

August, 2012

Greetings Unto The Mighty Barony of Dragon's Laire,

We were impressed and inspired by all the support given by members of the Populace of Dragon's Laire to events and activities all around the Kingdom in the month of July. We want to thank everyone who supported An Tir / West War directly with many hours of service to Kingdom and Crown. We saw many from the Barony providing service at July Coronation, service that was appreciated a great deal from Their Royal Majesties and Their Royal Highnesses. Lastly, we wish to thank all those who supported both the Barony and the Shire of Druim Doineann at Hot Summer Lights. Your efforts were appreciated by many.

The month of August is an incredibly busy one for the Barony. We want to remind all to pace yourselves and ensure your own needs are met as you are lending a hand to the Barony. This is oftentimes forgotten in the mad rush to get things done. Doing this will help the Barony in that calm and efficient people are the result of people taking care of themselves. We need this attitude to be prevalent in all that we do.

The first weekend of August has Summer Madness on the Baronial schedule. This is our camping picnic weekend. We want this to be as relaxing and as enjoyable as possible. But even a relaxing event needs some help with infrastructure set-up and tear-down. Please lend a hand to the Event Steward, Dame Gwenllyn, if you can. The Feast-Steward, THL Theodoric, could use some help as well.

A short Court is planned for later in the day on Saturday. Primarily, this is set for those who passed the Serjeantry Trials last year and completed their Quests to tell us what they did on their Quests, what they learned from it. This way the Populace can itself can take inspiration from their example, and maybe see what new resources the Barony has available. This Court will also be where the Serjeantry will relate what their Quests for the upcoming year will be.

Also scheduled for the Picnic are the dancing and bardic testing for the Serjeantry candidates in the current cycle. Several of them have family obligations for later in the day and so may have to perform earlier, but we tentatively scheduled most for later in the day. Since the schedule of the day was kept loose on purpose, the exact timing of the testing will be determined sometime during Saturday itself.

Over the weekend of August 11th/12th is scheduled the Huntsman's Challenge. This is being stewarded by THL Loric and is primarily an archery themed event (although other activities will be ongoing during the day). Please attend the event if possible as it needs your support. Archery themed events are the minority in this part of An Tir and we want to see this flourish. Dragon's Laire has a strong archery community and this is their opportunity to promote it and show its power and beauty.

August 18th is the day of Serjeantry Trials for this year. At the time of this report there are eight candidates who will be undergoing testing on this day: Master Cedric, Don Talon, THL Jenae, THL Caius, THL Nidda, THL Magdalena, and Lord Albrecht. Please come and witness the accumulation of all the knowledge they have attained and have increased over this past year. Lady Aileen is the Event Steward for the Trials (Thank You Aileen!) and she could use your help in ensuring the Hall is ready to support the candidates in their Trials period. We also wish to thank THL Theodoric for providing lunch during the Trials. It will be difficult to leave site to grab food, so having it available is a special treat. Thank you!

The Serjeantry Candidates have worked hard over this year. This is especially true when it is considered how many other activities they have done alongside the learning and gaining of knowledge. One has become a Kingdom Champion. All of them have been members of Royal Retinue. Their determination and efforts have been a source of pride and inspiration to us. It may seem that word is overused, 'inspiration', but inspiring is the only thing that can accurately describe how we feel about them.

We wish to also deeply thank Dame Ellen, THL Madrun and THL Alaricus for all of their efforts in coordinating and judging the Serjeantry process this year. We could not have done this at all without their constant help and attention to detail. Thank you sincerely for all your help in this.

A contingent of the Barony is traveling to the lands of Blatha An Oir and Glymm Mere over the weekend of August 18th/19th to participate in Autumn War. We are truly sorrowful in the way the calendar dates fell into place this year and are already working to ensure that the same thing does not happen next year. We are brothers and sisters to those in Blatha An Oir and Glymm Mere and we will truly miss seeing them that weekend. In our stead our Baronial Champion of Combat, THL Richard Dragun, is slated to represent the Barony so that all at Autumn War understand that we are there in spirit, if not in actuality. If you are traveling to Autumn War and wish to camp with the Barony, please contact THL Adelheidi to reserve space.

The end of August brings with it SEPTEMBER CROWN as hosted by the Barony of Dragon's Laire. The help of the entire Populace is needed in order for it to succeed. No effort is too small to not be appreciated. Please get involved. Please speak to the Event Steward, Master Arontius, or the Volunteer Coordinator, M'Lord Emil, if you have any questions on what you can do to support the event. The Kingdom will be in our lands and we wish them to leave in awe of what can be accomplished by the efforts of Dragon's Laire and the direct help of the Western Region of An Tir.

We wish to thank everyone on Team Haggis III for all of their hard work and input in the planning process. We wish them a truly successful event.

At September Crown will also be witnessed the ascension of THL Madrun into the ranks of the Order of the Laurel, as announced at July Coronation. Congratulations, Madrun!!!!!! We urge everyone in the Barony to come and witness the Ceremony and speak their wisdom to her at her vigil. We know that she'll appreciate all the kind and wise words that can be offered.

We ARE the Mighty Barony of Dragon's Laire! The Dragon is what gives the Lion of An Tir its truly Mighty Roar!

Arontius and Laurellen
Baron and Baroness of Dragon's Laire

Sent to the Dragon's Laire Email List on 08/02/2012

July, 2012

Greetings Unto The Mighty Barony of Dragon's Laire!

June was a busy month for the Barony, but it was only the start of a important Tournament Season. A season with many activities planned and opportunities to help the Barony shine like the brilliant Kingdom jewel it is. We ask all of you to please do what you can to assist in the many events and activities sponsored by Dragon's Laire this summer.

We wish to thank all those who took part in Honey War. Even though it was the weekend following June Faire we were proud at the number of fighters who showed up to march onto the War Field under the Banner of Dragon's Laire. It was truly a memorable sight! And one we would like to repeat as often as possible.

We also wish to thank all the artisans who made the long journey to the Inlands Region to bring their talents and presence to Iron and Ink as hosted by the Canton of Silverhart. It connections such as this that truly carry the word-fame of the Barony to the far corners of the Kingdom.

This first weekend of July sees the Barony hard at work to support the Kingdom, both administratively and on the War Field, at An Tir / West War. We hope that the War is enjoyed by all and that all make the journey to and from safely. We eagerly await stories from the War of the mighty feats accomplished by the Baronial Populace in attendance!

In July, over the weekend of the 21st and 22nd, is the Kingdom of An Tir's July Coronation. We have a small Baronial Encampment being arranged. THL Elisabeth Trostin is taking the reservations for that encampment. Please contact her at if you'd like to reserve space in the encampment with fellow members of the Populace. We also have space reserved on the Erics for the Barony. However, because of the tight conditions of site we will not know for another week or so whether or not we will have that space or not. The Barony of Madrone has graciously volunteered space under their pavilion for a gathering point should we have need of it. Many Thanks to our Cousins of Madrone!

Serjeantry testing will also pick up speed in July, with testing occurring over various Monday evenings leading up to the Serjeantry Trials themselves on August 18th. We ask that you all give your support, and witness the deeds of the Serjeantry Candidates as they progress towards their goal. They have been diligent and hard working and we have been impressed with their willingness to work together and innovate ways of learning all the requirements of Serjeantry.

We ask that all in the Barony witness the hard work of the following candidates: Master Cedric Wlfraven - Sargent (Heavy Combat); Don Talentus del Albero - Gallant (Rapier Combat); HL Jenae la Joyeaux - Courtier of Service; HL Caius Foxcotte - Gallant (Rapier Combat); HL Nidda Ridarelli - Courtier of the Arts and Sciences; HL Ermenrich "Morgan" Guotmann - Sargent (Heavy Combat); Lady Magdalena of Dragon's Laire - Courtier of Service; Lord Albrecht Van Beek - Courtier of the Arts and Sciences; and Elen m'Maredd (continuing her candidacy from last year for Courtier of the Arts and Sciences). We wish to hear of their deeds, please come to us and speak of their Courtesy and Chivalry, of their efforts on behalf of the Barony and of the Baronial Populace. If they succeed in their Period of Trial, they will be the Baronial Serjeantry, Champions of all that is Dragon's Laire.

In addition, over the next month and a half, be on the look out for classes to be taught by the Serjeantry Candidates that are a requirement of the Trials period. At least some, if not most, should be happening at a Tuesday evening Social / Fight Practice.

Concerning the current members of the Dragon's Laire Serjeantry: At the Baronial Picnic on August 4th, we will listen as THL Madrun y Gwehyddes speaks to us of the Quest she undertook upon the completion of her Trials last December. At June Faire she was given her Serjeantry Cloak, from the hands of Her Excellency, forever marking her as having completed that Quest and becoming a true member of the Serjeantry of Dragon's Laire. We are eager to hear her tale! AT June Faire we were also incredibly pleased to place the Cloak upon the shoulders of THL Jahnkin de Leeuw. However, he will be in service to another great power and will be unable to relate his tale until the Tournament of Last Chance in September. THL Alaricus Simmonds, who himself was in service to another great power earlier this year, is working on his Quest. We look eagerly towards the completion of his Quest sometime this Fall, and the telling of his Tale of Questing.

As the Tales of Questing are told, we will hear also of their commitments to their next Quests and so the 'give back' to the Barony will truly come around full circle. The members of the Serjeantry travelling the world, learning of new things and imparting that wisdom, knowledge and experience back to the Populace. This passing of knowledge and skill is what will continue to help our Barony to grow and strengthen over the years.

If you have questions on what the Serjeantry Program is, how it runs and how you might become part of the process, please come and speak to one of us or one of the current members of the Serjeantry.

As mentioned, the Baronial Picnic, or 'Summer Madness' is the weekend of August 3rd through 5th. This is designed as a relaxing weekend of having fun with your fellow members of the Dragon's Laire family. We look forward to seeing as many of you out there as possible in the Uplands of Port Gamble.

The following weekend of August 10th through 12th we will also be looking for the Dragon's Laire Populace in the Port Gamble Uplands as we attend the Huntsman's Challenge, the Archery themed event being stewarded by THL Loric. We look forward to seeing archers from around the Kingdom in attendance.

Saturday, August 18th, is schedule for the Serjeantry Trials of 2012. We have a location, the VFW Hall, reserved for that day. But we need an autocrat to shepherd the event. If you would be willing, please speak to us. It is a great way to learn some of the basics of managing an event as it is a very easy event to run.

Quickly taking shape on the horizon is September Crown over the weekend of August 31st through September 3rd, hosted by Team Haggis III. As a reminder, Team Haggis III IS the Barony of Dragon's Laire. Every one of you and we need your help if it is going to be successful. All the usual areas still need assistance, including gate, parking, and camping. But there are plenty of other ways to get involved. Please check in with His Excellency if you have questions and want to help.

Finally, it is time to start thinking of June Faire, 2013. There are only eleven months of planning left! :-) If you want to work on the Board of Directors for June Faire, 2013, please speak to us, the Seneschal, or one of the Board Members from 2012. It is a very rewarding experience. It is the thing we do that defines us best throughout the Kingdom. June Faire needs you! Please consider applying to become part of the Board.

As we continue wearing the Coronets of Dragon's Laire, we are continually impressed at all the things you do as the Populace of Dragon's Laire. It is your hard work and talent that make this the magnificent place it is and the envy of all the Kingdom. We sincerely thank you for all of your efforts.

Long Live the Mighty Barony of Dragon's Laire!!!

Arontius and Laurellen
Baron and Baroness of Dragon's Laire

Sent to the Dragon's Laire Email List on 07/05/2012

June, 2012

First, our thoughts go out to a member of the Baronial Populace who is recovering from major surgery. We fervently hope that THL Xian has a speedy recovery!

Second, we wish to thank those who carry the flag of Dragon's Laire into battle and bring word-fame unto it. In this case we speak of those fighters who attended Art of War and won the Championship of the day. We salute your victories and wish you much success utilizing those skills gained over the course of the summer.

May begins the Tournament Season of An Tir and this year will be an especially busy one for the Barony of Dragon's Laire.

We especially encourage all to attend our neighbors to the North, the Shire of Druim Doineann, as they host the Kingdom to their May Pole Celebrations on the weekend of May 5th and 6th. We also encourage all the Populace possible to attend Glymm Mere's May Faire over the weekend of May 12th and 13th.

The weekend of May 18th through 20th is May Crown in the Shire of Dregate, in the modern city of Omak, WA. We will most certainly be in attendance that weekend as the next King and Queen are chosen through combat to represent the Kingdom of An Tir. It will be a wondrous celebration and a victory of epic anticipation.

Dragon's Laire is planning to host an encampment at May Crown. THL Mateusz z Plocka (the Baronial Arts and Sciences Champion) is our organizer for the encampment. We encourage all who attend to camp with your Baronial Family over the weekend. Please send the dimensions of your tentage and space to THL Mateusz at hl_matuesz@yahoo.com.

As has become tradition, we plan on hosting a Baronial Bardic Saturday evening around the camp-fire at May Crown. This will start after evening Court and after everyone has had a chance to grab a bite to eat for dinner. Dame Gwenllyn will bring along her song-books and we encourage all to bring their favorite songs and stories of the day and to share of the camaraderie around the Bardic Fire.

The Barony also has space reserved around the Erics and we plan on raising the Baronial Pavilion for the Crown Championship. Consider it your home around the Erics. Please bring a chair and something to drink as we watch the battles upon the Fields of Tournament.

After May Crown, we will be allowed one weekend of rest before JUNE FAIRE!!!! Everyone in the Barony will be needed to help ensure the success of June Faire. We wish to acknowledge the hard work put into the preparations of June Faire by the Board of Directors, headed by THL Madrun and Lady Magdalena. They have done a magnificent job and this will undoubtedly be one of the best June Faires ever. If you do not already have tasking to perform at June Faire, please speak to them as soon as possible. They have plenty of things that still need someone to help.

The Tournaments at June Faire will be magnificent to behold this year. We have concentrated a number of years in building up the Arts & Sciences Village to the magnificence it currently is and want to start including the marshallate activities in that focus. This will be a several year process, but this you will be seen much more emphasis on the marshallate activities at June Faire. Please encourage everyone possible to spend some time cheering on those who fight with sword, rapier, bow and axe!

Their Royal Majesties will be in attendance, which will mean a Royal Court on Saturday evening. Please come prepared for such. Mainly something to eat and drink after a long day of eventing. Upon completion of Court, we would very much like to host a June Faire Baronial Bardic and are looking for someone who would volunteer to shepherd such a gathering. If you are interested, please come and speak with us.

We still seek Largesse in any and all forms. People most love to receive items that are made by hand. Items of largesse make the absolute best prizes in any forms of competition and Championship. When largesse is given to visiting Royalty, it shows the talent possessed by the members of the Baronial Populace and carries our word fame to all the corners of the Kingdom, and the Knowne World. No items is too simple to not be received with excitement and gratitude. Please come and speak to us if you have any questions. We can be reached most easily at .

After June Faire begins the Serjeantry Testing Season, culminating with the Trials scheduled for August 18th. We are still looking for an Event Steward to set up the Day of Trials itself. It is an easy event to set up and organize and is a great way to learn how to be an Event Steward.

The Serjeantry Candidates have been working hard to learn and hone the skills they need to pass the Trials. So as to not have a Day of Trials that is multiple days in length, we have taken many of the elements of the Trials and spread them out over the summer so that much of the testing will be complete prior to August 18th. Most of this testing will be happening over multiple Mondays over the summer. If you are interested in witnessing the testing, please contact us for details. We cannot accommodate dozens of people at each of the tests, but we could accommodate a handful if you are so interested. Please let us know.

Please also relay what you have witnessed of the candidates since they submitted their Letters of Intent. We want to know of their dedication, their hard work, their willingness to support the Barony. These anecdotes tell us of the candidates worthiness to be considered as a member of the Dragon's Laire Serjeantry. Please seek us out and relay to us your stories of their deeds.

The Baronial Picnic is August 3rd through 5th. We would appreciate seeing as many as possible attend. The following weekend, August 10th through 12th is the Huntsman's Challenge, an archery themed event being stewarded by THL Loric. But many activities besides, or complimentary to, archery are planned. THL Loric can really use your help in running this event. Please contact him at woodhaven-woods@comcast.net.

Over Labor Day weekend, Dragon's Laire is hosting SEPTEMBER CROWN!!! YOUR HELP IS NEEDED!!! Please contact His Excellency Arontius to get involved. There are still many jobs that need hands to help guide them. No effort is too small to be of assistance. Team Haggis III is officially the name of the Event Team, and since it is being hosted by Dragon's Laire, ALL of the members of Dragon's Laire are members of Team Haggis III. Please get involved. Your help is definitely needed!!!

In closing, we hold our glasses high to you, the Populace of Dragon's Laire! Vivat! Dragon's Laire! You are indeed the heartbeat of the Kingdom of An Tir!
Arontius and Laurellen
Baron and Baroness of Dragon's Laire

Sent to the Dragon's Laire Email List on 06/05/2012

May, 2012

Greetings Unto the Mighty Barony of Dragon's Laire!

J

une Faire XXX was magnificent in practically every way possible. Thank you to everyone in the Barony for lending a hand and helping to make June Faire happen. We had many, many people come to us and tell us how much fun they had, how much they learned, and how smoothly the event ran for them. We know there were behind-the-scenes wobbles, but they were invisible to those attending June Faire, which spoke to how well run the event was. Congratulations to THL Madrun, Lady Magdalena and the entire June Faire Board of Directors for a job well done.

We were immensely proud of what the Barony accomplished and want to thank you all personally for all your hard work. Your efforts make us, the Baron and Baroness, look good in the process and we are humbled by your generosity in doing so.

Our Baronial Seneschal, THL Oliver, will soon be putting out the call for the creation of the June Faire XXXI Board of Directors. If you felt a thrill of excitement to be part of such a larger-than-life experience as June Faire, maybe you should consider taking on one of the Board positions and live the entire experience. We guarantee excitement and a true sense of fulfillment upon completion.

We want to thank all those who camped with the Barony at May Crown. The May Crown experience was enhanced with the feeling of family that was created. Much fun was had in the sharing of food, as well as the sharing of song around the Bardic campfire on Saturday night. We enjoyed the weekend with all of you very much.

The Barony worked hard at May Crown as well, supporting the Kingdom very well in various functions supporting the event directly or supporting the King and Queen at the event. Thank you to all for defending the word-fame of the Barony and ensuring the name of 'Dragon's Laire' continues to be spoken with awe by all who witness our deeds.

Congratulations unto Crown Prince Vik Vikingsson and Crown Princess Astrid of the Fjordlands for becoming the Royal Heirs of An Tir. May your reign be joyous for all in An Tir!

The weekend of June 9th and 10th is HONEY WAR in the lands of Glymm Mere. We know that you are all tired from the epic that is June Faire, but the forces of Blatha An Oir need us to help defend their lands and way of life. We will be in attendance on Saturday, June 9th, and hope as many of the Dragon's Laire Populace as possible can as well. There will be War Points for every conceivable activity: Heavy Combat, Rapier Combat, Archery, Thrown Weapons, Arts & Sciences and Service.

Many of the Baronial Populace will be traveling to An Tir / West War over the Independence Day weekend (July 4th - 8th). We wish we could join you; but alas, we have other obligations we must attend. We ask for deeds of battle and deeds of joy be relayed to us after the epic journeys in support are complete.

The weekend of July 20th through 22nd is July Coronation, hosted by the Barony of Three Mountains. We have asked for space upon the Erics to set up our Pavilion so that all may partake of its shelter as the new King and Queen of An Tir have the Crowns placed upon Their heads. The Event Stewards have spoken much of how efficiently we will need to utilize the event site space so as to fit everyone on site, so come prepared to be very neighborly.

We have not yet named a Camp Coordinator for July Coronation. If you would be interested at all in taking on this job, we would sincerely appreciate it. It is relatively easy. You collect names and space needs and submit a group request to the Event Stewards. Then claim the space on site accordingly. Please come speak to us if you will be present at July Coronation and can help.

Unfortunately, we only have the time to day trip on Saturday at July Coronation as His Excellency has a flight out of town on Sunday. We will not be able to join the Baronial Encampment for the weekend. But we would still like to encourage a Baronial Encampment to happen. We would very much like to have a Baronial Bardic around a fire pit and will stay as late into the night as possible on Saturday to support it.

Now that June Faire is complete, we will now start focusing on the Summer Serjeantry Trials. Testing for the candidates will begin fairly shortly, with the Day of Trials scheduled for August 18th. If you are interested in following the process in person, please let us know and we'll make arrangements for you to attend various testing scenarios as possible. If you are considering the challenge of the Serjeantry Program, this is a great way to see what is required of the candidates.

During the Baronial Picnic event of 'Summer Madness', our two new Serjeants, THL Jahnkin and THL Madrun will tell the tales of their Quest. They will at that time name their Quest for the following year. We are eagerly awaiting the telling of these tales.

It is time to start gearing up for September Crown. We really need the Barony to come together and support this Kingdom event as hosted by Dragon's Laire. This is a great way to show the Kingdom why we are indeed the 'Mighty Barony of Dragon's Laire'. We can use any and all help. Please speak to His Excellency and he will get you involved in any way possible.

Lastly, we want to speak of volunteers. The SCA is a Volunteer Organization. Without our Volunteers, we could not function and we would not exist! Our volunteers are our most precious commodity. But even more than that, they are members of our Baronial Family. Please treat any who volunteer their time and energy with respect and courtesy. Even the smallest of contributions benefit all greatly. Please keep this in mind at all times. If someone comes to you and asks to help, turning them away is the last thing you want to do. If your post is full at the moment, there are other things that can be done. Take a minute or two to give some real consideration to what you say next. Please remember that many hands make light work and no offer should be dismissed or turned away.

We wish to thank the Barony for the chance to be the Baron and Baroness of the Greatest Barony in all of An Tir. It was a strange feeling this last weekend to realize that it was His Excellency's Twenty-Fifth consecutive June Faire. That's as many June Faires as his Protégé has been alive! :-) But it has been a magical experience every step of the way, and we want to thank you all for making it happen.

Huzzah Dragon's Laire!
Arontius and Laurellen
Baron and Baroness of Dragon's Laire

Sent to the Dragon's Laire Email List on 05/02/2012

April, 2012

Greetings Unto The Most Honourable and Glorious Barony of Dragon's Laire,

Congratulations are in order unto THL Nidda Ridarelli for her having won the right of bearing the honour of the Kingdom of An Tir as the Kingdom Bardic Champion! Huzzah! THL Nidda’s display of Shadow Puppetry was immensely interesting and fun to watch. We were honoured to bear witness to her deeds and we are especially honoured to be the Baron and Baroness of the Barony producing a Kingdom Champion for two years in a row! This is indeed a marvelous achievement. Many thanks to all who traveled the long roads to Tir Righ to assist the Kingdom in the Arts & Sciences and Bardic Championships over the weekend of March 3rd and 4th, in the Shire of Danescombe.

Many thanks to THL Madrun, Arts and Sciences Minister of the Barony, for shepherding the Baronial Arts and Sciences Day Camp on March 31st in the VFW Hall. It was an extremely inspirational and well attended gathering. We saw many different arts and sciences on display and are eagerly anticipating the next gathering. Many thanks also to all who participated and attended. You all created a wonderful synergy that added to the occasion. Thank you.

At the Arts & Sciences Day Camp, Her Excellency Laurellen led the charter meeting of the ‘Kingdom Single Entry Support Group’. A rather large group attended that first meeting, which we hope generates a large group of attendees at the 2013 Kingdom Arts & Sciences and Bardic Championships. If you are interested in joining the group, Her Excellency Laurellen has formed an e-list now. Send a request to join to coronets@dragonslaire.org and she’ll add you to the group. The current plan is to meet on a monthly basis and create a plan that supports presenting a single entry next year as well as encouraging each member of the group in their own individual quests of creation.

Our neighbors in the Shire of Druim Doineann have their event of Maypole scheduled for the weekend of May 4th – 6th. We encourage any who can to attend and support them.

Over the weekend of May 18th – 20th the Shire of Dregate will be hosting the Kingdom of An Tir May Crown at the Okanogan County Fairgrounds. We are planning a Baronial Encampment and THL Matuesz z Plocka (the Baronial Arts and Sciences Champion!) has agreed to act as the coordinator for the encampment. If you are planning on attending and camping with the Barony, please send him space reservations at hl_matuesz@yahoo.com . As has become our tradition, we want to host a Baronial Bardic and gathering on Saturday night at May Crown. Dame Gwenllyn and THL Ian have access to the music we usually sing around the Baronial Fires. Please plan on joining us, if even for a short time.

As is also traditional, we plan on having the Baronial Pavilion on the Erics at May Crown. So plan on using it as your home throughout the Crown Tournament as needed.

As we start the build up towards June Faire and the Tournament Season, we are looking for donations of artwork and skill crafted by the Populace of Dragon’s Laire for use as Largesse to be given as part of our travels about the Kingdom, as well as to those members of the Royal Establishment who visit the fair lands of Dragon’s Laire. This Largesse demonstrates the knowledge and skill of the Populace to all the Knowne World, as well as our generosity of spirit. Many of these items also make for wondrous prizes to be given out to the Champions of all the Tournaments at June Faire. If you have something you can donate, or if you have any questions, please contact us at coronets@dragonslaire.org.

The Serjeantry Class of 2012 is hard at work in the gaining of knowledge needed to pass the Serjeantry Trials. They have had brilliant ideas and have been enthusiastic! We are looking forward to seeing them fulfill their destiny in their Trials of Serjeantry this summer. Since there are fourteen members in the class this year we have spread the various testing attributes over the course of the summer months, culminating in the Day of Serjeantry Trials. At this time this is scheduled for August 18th. We are looking for someone who would be willing to be an Event Steward for this one day event. It does not have to be listed in The Crier, or even on the Kingdom Calendar. The only requirement to make it official is a listing in The Flames of the Dragon. This is an easy-to-run event and a great way to learn how to be an Event Steward. If you would be interested in doing this, please contact us.

Since the testing is of the Serjeantry Candidates is spread out over the months of June through August, let us know if you are interested in attending any one or more of these testing sessions. We know there are those who are contemplating the undertaking of the Trials and witnessing the testing is a great way to learn what is involved.

With the Summer Tournament Season about to take off for the year, with a Royal Visit to June Faire, now is a great time to submit recommendations for both Baronial and Kingdom Awards. You can make recommendations for Kingdom Awards online at . Please let us know the recommendations you make so that we can add our voice to yours for the consideration of Their Royal Majesties. We are also always looking for recommendations for Baronial Awards. Take a look around you and let us know who amongst the Populace needs to be recognized for their deeds of valour, service, and the creation of beauty. These recommendations can be sent to us directly at coronets@dragonslaire.org.

One final note, June Faire is coming, the Thirtieth Anniversary of June Faire. It will be here in TWO months. Please get involved. We want this to be the most spectacular June Faire ever!

Vivat! Dragon's Laire! Long Live The Kingdom of An Tir!
Arontius and Laurellen
Baron and Baroness of Dragon's Laire.

Sent to the Dragon's Laire Email List on 04/02/2012

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