What Really happened?
Well, let's start at the begining. And when we reach the end, we'll stop.
When I first became involved in the SCA, I was with the House of the Great Wyvern.
This household was greatly involved with Clan Ironhawk, both from the Western New York area.
I began my SCA career as an underling in a newly reformed household, and very shortly became
the House Marshall - which is much different from an SCA marshall.
For starters, I was not able to authorize any fighters, or oversee any tournaments.
My job was basicly to make sure that new fighters in the household were
getting their armour together and training for authorizations. This was a fairly simple,
yet time consumming job - since our whole household was new, and the Lord of the House
had not fought in several years.
I frequently would attend Clan Ironhawks private practices in order to learn more,
and be on top of current laws. This worked well for everyone.
Ironhawk got more fighters at it's practices - which meant better training
for it's fighters, and my fighters got to train with experienced people.
There was also a double exposure for us. Ironhawk is a Jappanese House,
while Wyvern is a Viking House. We were trained in 2 very differnt styles at the same time.
This all started in January of 1993.
Then came Pennsic War. My first WAR. Wow. If you've been there, you know.
Well, anyway, I was still a few weeks from my first
Authorization, so I didn't get to fight in my first war. But that was ok,
because I had so much to keep me busy already. The night-life, for starters.
So, I spent a good many mornings in camp staring into a cup of coffee.
I should probably mention that the camp was a joint camp of Wyvern and Ironhawk.
It was really Ironhawks camp, they just let us stay there.
The lord of Ironhawk was involed with keeping fighters prepared for the battles,
and the Lady of Ironhawk was a merchant. They also had 2 children at the
time (their family has since grown). With busy scedules, it was difficult for them
to work out who was going to be where and when.
So, I would babysit for them on occasion. I would also play with them,
and other children periodically.
This is no large feat by any means. I come from a large family, and have always enjoyed
spending time with kids. I would have done it anyway. But, for some reason,
Ironhawk thought that this was a big deal, and put me in for an AOA.
The current royalty also seemed to think that was a big deal, so
they issued me my Award of Arms - for my work with children at the War.
By the time it went through, I had moved to Ohio, and didn't
even know anyuthing had happened - until Ironhawk called my after
they presented him with my award.
That's the story. I was in the SCA less than a year, and I recieved my AOA for something
that I was going to do anyway. I recieved it the same way I
recieved my High school diploma, no pomp, no cerimony, just a
simple "you got it". It really doesn't make much of a difference to me,
I had already started my own household at that point, and my Household, and it's
attached fighting troop - Robin's Roughnecks- grow based on my reputaion - not my SCA status.
This marks the end of this story. Keep an eye out for tales and history
involving Lord Robin Ofthe Whip.
