For your convenience, here are my major links available on this page. You can also access most of them by reading the text following the list.
I am not of your time. I, Ognyen Fenlander, was born around the year of our Lord, One Thousand Seventy, near the old borders of Mercia and East Anglia, in the land which rightfully belongs to the Anglo-Saxons: England. I lived in the fens west of Ely and was raised with great suspicion, if not hostility toward those most foul Norman invaders. I made my living off the land by hunting, fishing and crafts, becoming nearly self-sufficient. Another occupation of mine was that of a guide through the treacherous and oft deadly fens. For loyal Saxons, I led them to their destinations; for Normans and sympathizers, I gave oral directions and hoped they'd stray slightly and be devoured by the swamp. Around the year 1100, I found myself whisked away to the Current Middle Ages of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. (SCA)in their year, Anno Societatus (A.S.) XXIII.
The SCA is a different world where many times and cultures merge into one. Through books, made available by the Mundanians (people of your time who maintain very close ties with the SCA), I am exposed to my past and future, as well as many other cultures. I am finding this diverse knowledge most fascinating and regularly incorporate my learning into my lifestyle.
I found the SCA through my Mundanian sponsor, Paul. One fine day, shortly after he and his family returned to the USA from a USAF assignment in England (Dec 88), his wife showed him an article in a newspaper, saying, "Here's something you might be interested in."
Paul went to a fighter practice and heard about the group's next feast. It was about that time I was taken from England to live in the kingdom of Calontir and the Stronghold of Lost Forest (West Central Missouri). During my time in Lost Forest, I performed many offices, but I attended few events in comparison to many SCAdians.
At the start of A.S. XXX, Paul moved me to the Midrealm's Principality of Northshield,shire of Rudivale (Grand Forks, North Dakota). I worked as assistant chatellaine for demonstration coordination and held the office of signet. Rudivale is a wondrous place and there, verily, lives the Dream. Despite the weather and mosquitoes (which I perceive as uniting factors), they stay most friendly and active. Again, Paul moved. We returned to Lost Forest in mid A.S. XXXI (Dec 96).
I've not been as active as I would like, due to Paul's other obligations; his Church, family and school take precedence over my life. I have, however, been active enough to have been noticed a bit. In A.S. XXIV, I accepted an invitation to the Brotherhood of the Phoenix, now known as the Phoenix Family. I received an Award of Arms in A.S. XXV, was granted companionship in Calontir's orders of the Golden Calon Swan for arts and Leather Mallet for sciences in A.S. XXVI and XXIX. I was given a coin of the realm during the first reign in Calontir of His Grace, Conn MacNeill in appreciation of a carved antler gift, and from the first reign of Her Grace, Brayden, a "royal cookie" for a princess' scepter. Despite all this, what I am finding that makes me feel most appreciated, is when gentles seek my opinion on issues which concern them, and when my advice or practical guidance is sought in their pursuits of the arts and sciences.
This, do I humbly submit to you readers,
In Service,
Ognyen Fenlander
Anglo-Saxon , etc. websites
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