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Download class schedule (with adjustable timezones!)
Note: Classes coded as blue in the schedule are designated to not be recorded
Class Descriptions
Summarizing Name Documentation
Clear and readable submissions lead to a simpler decision process, more constructive commentary, and happier submitters. Summarizing effectively is an incredibly valuable skill for anyone working with name submissions: consulting heralds, commenters, and Kingdom Submission Heralds. Summarizing is a skill that takes repetition to develop. This class introduces a summarization method and gives you some repetitions using it with example submissions — good, bad, and ugly.
Instructor: Paul fitz Denis (he/him) Fri - 7-8:30pm, Sun - 3:30-5pm
The Grinch's Guide to Early Period Scrolls
Early period cultures may not be book-literate or may have few surviving examples of calligraphy and illumination. However, these cultures practice other arts that can be adapted for use in SCA award scrolls. Instructor’s survey of Anglo-Saxon, Irish, Norse, Migration and Roman treasures in jewellery, metalwork, and carving will help you learn how to incorporate their designs in a variety of scroll formats that honour the recipient's persona AND are fun and satisfying to make.
Instructor: Patrikia Asa Gormsdottir Fri - 8-10pm
Personal Devices from Ancient Greece
Devices from Hoplite shields: evidence, design and charges
Instructor: The Honourable Gwyn Cantor (they/them) Fri - 8-9pm
SENA Appendices A, B and C and their power for personal name submissions
SENA has three useful appendices to help with personal name submissions: Appendix A: Patterns That Do Not Need Further Documentation by Language Group; Appendix B: Types of Bynames Appendix C: Regional Naming Groups and Their Mixes. Let's review the power of these to reduce your work with submitters to get them what they want. Also recognize when you need help.
Instructor: Arwyn of Leicester Fri - 8:30-9:30pm
Charge Group Theory
A look at SENA Appendix I, equipping heralds with the tools they need to build and blazon armoury and to understand the basics of conflict checking, with diverse and elucidating examples.
Instructor: Autrou Ollivier Le Floch (he/him) Fri - 9:30-10:30pm
Gender in SCA Names
Adapting to a Changing World: This class will discuss the tools and resources in place for people wanting non-binary or gender-neutral names. We will also open the floor for discussion of what other changes people desiring such names would like to see in the rules or practices of the College.
Instructor: Mistress Alys Mackyntoich (she/her) Fri - 9:30-10:30pm
A Historic introduction to Arabic Calligraphy for SCA Scribes
A brief orientation to what hands were used when by who, and introduction to the tools and techniques used and how they differ from European tools.
Instructor: Raqiba Um Ishaq Sarah bint Abu Zakariya (called Sara) (she/her) Fri 7-8pm
Education Roundtable (Heralds AND Scribes)
Roundtable to discuss educational wishes, needs, potential proposals, suggestions and gripes.
Facilitator: Wu Yun daren (any except neo pronouns) Fri 7-9pm
Pigments in Manuscripts of the Global Middle Ages
Illluminated manuscripts were not the sole province of the European Middle Ages, with examples of decorated "books" spanning much of the globe in the SCA's time period. We will look at a selected few examples from across the world, through the lens of scientific analysis of the pigments and inks used to create such beauty.
Instructor: Magnifica Beatrice Domenici della Campana (she/her) Fri 9-11pm, Sun 2:30-4:40pm
Is it Marshalling? Working Through SENA A6F
SENA A6F, Claims through Marshalling, has been completely rewritten as of the October 2024 LoAR (SENA Nov. 30th revision). This class will examine the new standards and work through examples to determine is armory is considered marshalled under SENA.
Instructor: Dame Jeanne Marie Lacroix (she/her) Fri 9:30-10:30pm, Sun 1-2pm
A Comparative analysis of different brazilwood ink recipes
Compare different recipes and different manufacturing of brazilwood ink.
Instructor: THL Alfhild de Foxley Sat - 10-10:30am
Armorial Book Club
We'll look through an armorial and discuss what we find
Instructor: Iago ab Adam (he/him) Sat - 10-12am
Marshaling Your Art: Martial Sources for Martial Scrolls
A survey of materials, including fencing manuals, fechtbuchs, triumphal Processions etc as inspiration for martial oriented scrolls.
Instructor: Master Albrecht Stampfer Sat - 11-12pm
German-Region Armory, Sans Contrast
A survey of patterns of design in German heraldry that deviate from the contrast requirements of our Core Style rules.
Instructor: Ascelyn of Ben Dunfirth, Armiger (any/all) Sat - 2-2:30pm
Insular (Celtic) Art 201 - Upgrading Your Illumination
A class focused on noticing and knowing the details that make Insular art what it is. What colors did they use, how much space do you need, those tiny while highlights, and more. (This class was taught last year at this event and at least one person has requested it be taught again,)
Instructor: Honourable Lady Alikina filia Elpin Sat - 2-3:30pm
Protocol Across the Known World: A roundtable
Join heralds from across the Known World for a discussion of inter-kingdom anthropology when it comes to protocol.
Instructor: Magistra Nika Dmitrieva doch' Zvezdina (any/Nika) Sat - 2-3pm
Shoes & Ships & Sealing Wax: the Joy of Customizing and Personalizing Scrolls
There are lots of ways, big and little, to make a scroll unique to your recipient. Why do it? Because it's fun, it's a challenge, and people love seeing that they were thought of. Join me for a discussion of various ways of Customizing and Personalizing Scrolls with lots of photos of examples.
Instructor: Meadhbh Ramsay Sat - 2-3pm
Herding Cats: How to "Kingdom Signet"
What does the Kingdom Signet do? A two-time Ealdormerean Signet explains the rules, responsibilities, challenges, tips and tricks to successfully serve changing reigns and expectations, ensure award recipients are honoured, and support and encourage the scribal community.
Instructor: Patrikia Asa Gormsdottir Sat - 2-3pm
Scribal texts from a 16th c source: The Book of the Courtier
Explore Castiglione's Book of the Courtier to learn the desireable traits in gentlemen and gentlewomen of the Renaissance. It's a great source for original scroll texts for recipients of any rank.
Instructor: Dame Genevieve la flechiere, she/her Sat - 2:30om
So You Want To Be a Scribe
Learning about all the tools and equipment and resources needed to become a scribe Lady Auriana Maria Ravenstein Sat - 4-5pm
Italian Academies Names from 1400 - 1600
Covering naming patterns of the academies of Italy during SCA period.
Maestro Avenel Kellough he/they Sat - 5-5:30pm
Cutting a quill from bird to ink
We will discuss every aspect of quill feather calligraphy, from finding the right feather, curing the quill techniques (what works, and how to screw it up) cutting the nib, and advantages to using a quill - plus possible problems.
Instructor: L'Honorable Seigneur Baudouin de Domrémy (he/him) Sat - 5-5:45pm
Conflict Checking with the O&A (Ordinary)
There are multiple ways to conflict check. In this class, we'll talk about the "old-fashioned" way, using the Ordinary. We'll start with how to figure out where to look, then how to find the most likely conflicts quickly and efficiently. It's a great alternative to the complex search form.
Instructor: Dame Juliana de Luna (she/her) Sat - 5-6pm
Practically Period: Creating the best balance between completely period scribal materials and supplies you can actually use.
In the most authentic world we'd do our scrolls on vellum or on paper straight from a later-period paper-maker. We'd use out iron or oak gall or carbon ink with our quill pens and paint with lead, mercury, arsenic sulphate...In the mundane world we have cats that try to drink the paint water, or we're not quite comfortable with quill pens yet.
Learn what materials were period, what materials are reasonable substitutes, and where to get ""very period"", ""pretty much period"", and ""decent substitute"" materials; along with some tips to describe why you used the materials you did should you be writing up documentation at some point.
If you have a favorite supplier in or out of the SCA, feel free to share that information with the class.
Instructor: Honourable Lady Alikina filia Elpin Sat - 5-6pm
What Do You Mean Red & Blue Don't Make Purple??? - Basic Colour Theory for Painters Despite what we were taught in kindergarten RED & BLUE do not always make PURPLE. Sometimes it makes BROWN. WHY??? How DO you make a vibrant PURPLE then?
So WHY do some colours work together and others don't? This basic Colour Theory class for painters (in any medium) will examine COLOUR and how colour works or doesn't, definitions, MODERN & PERIOD COLOUR SCHEMES, themes & meanings, colour MIXING, useful colours for building your kit, tips & sources of inspiration for choosing your palette, and a peek at modern & period examples for illuminators. We will also look at popular questions like ""How do I make BLACK and WHY ON EARTH WOULD I WANT TO?""... ""How do I make SKIN TONES?""... ""I can make YELLOW OCHRE myself??""... And of course PURPLE!!!"
Sigriðr galdrakona "GALA" Eiriksdottir Sat - 7-8:30pm
Using Procreate for Quick Device Creation and Consults on the Fly
Learn the basics of using Procreate on the iPad to quickly create a heraldic device, allowing the client to see their ideas and changes in real time! This class will specifically focus on the Procreate software. While concepts covered may translate to other software, we won't be covering how to use any other programs.
Instructor: Lady Thora Brandsdottir, she/her Sat - 7-8pm
So You Want To Write A Names Article?
In this class, we will discuss how to find data, mine the data, and compose it into a names article. Several different methods will be discussed, and attendees are encouraged to add their insights and questions.
Instructor: Mistress Alys Mackyntoich (she/her) Sat - 7-8pm
Inkscape for Armoury
An introduction to using Inkscape, an Open Source vector graphics program, for electronic emblazoning of heraldic devices and badges. We will briefly cover the Inkscape user interface, a few useful tricks, and some resources available to the digital heraldic artist, including tracing and vectorizing existing art. No experience needed, open to anyone interested.
Instructor: Baron Vemundr Syvursson (he/him) Sat - 7-9pm
Writing scribal text in the knowne world
Where to find examples , how to alter test to personalize
Instructor: Thl Elizabeth of Roxbury mill Sat - 9-10:30am
Scripting SCA Peerage Ceremonies
How do you find that sweet spot for a peerage ceremony--persona-appropriate, kingdom culture-appropriate, but not too long and with an eye to good theatre? Nika has been writing ceremonies for nearly three decades and has learned many Valuable Lessons by making dreadful mistakes (e.g. making the Crown speak Latin) and, eventually, by getting it right. We'll talk sources, basic requirements, the difference between fealty and a ceremonial oath/promise, and how to find little cultural tweaks that will liven up even a bog-standard ceremony.
Instructor: Magistra Nika Dmitrieva doch' Zvezdina (any/Nika) Sat - 9-10am
Intro to Names and Heraldry
Newcomer level class, explains the basics of design and registration.
Instructor: Nobilis Thory Vedardottir, they/them Sat - 9-10am
Sign Manual
Handwritten signatures and authentication in mediaeval and Renaissance chanceries
Instructor: Dame Lyonet de Covenham (she/her) Sat 10-11am
How to use Canva (free software) to design a scroll layout
How to use the website Canva to create simple scroll designs. Ideal for folks who are addicted to their lightbox and love being able to print images or words out to trace.
Instructor: Anya Con Mhara Sat 10-11pm
Constructing Dithemic Middle English Place-Names
This class covers the composition of traditional English dithemic place names, starting with the relevant rules from SENA, the construction of existing place names, finding and reading sources and how to put the your data from sources together into documentation that shows how you constructed place name is correctly formed with appropriate supporting documentation.
Instructor: Dame Scolastica la souriete she/her Sat 10:30-11:30pm
SCA Phonetics Workshop
This class provides practice in discerning and transcribing pronunciation differences in SCA-relevant words. Most suited for people who have attended my Brief Introduction to Phonetics class or who have prior knowledge of the basics of phonetics and the IInstructor: nternational Phonetic Alphabet Noble Rebecca Whieldon Pyke Sat 11-12pm
Using Genealogical Sources to Document Names
We will start by looking at guidelines for determining if a genealogical source is useful for documenting a name for SCA purposes. Then we will briefly look at how to use genealogical sites such as FamilySearch and Ancestry.com, and archival sources such as France's archives départementales en ligne and OpenArchives for Dutch and Belgian records to document SCA names.
Instructor: Dame Jeanne Marie Lacroix (she/her) Sat 11-12pm, Sun 8-9am
Heraldic IT Systems: A Roadmap for Geeks, and How You Can Get Involved
Decades ago the College of Arms ran on paper letters and reference books, but nowadays websites and databases are critical to our operations. This session will review these essential systems, both official Laurel resources and those run by individual heralds, from the perspective of technology: servers, software, interfaces, and more. We'll talk about current development plans, the gaps that remain to be addressed in the future, and how new folks with technical skills can find a way to get involved and contribute to the College's digital future. (Non-technical folks are welcome to attend, but this session will assume some prior familiarity with the worlds of web development, databases, programming, or server operations.)
Instructor: Boaire Mathghamhain Ua Ruadháin (he/him) Sat 2-3pm
Vocal projection and elocution for heralds
Tips from Ealdormere's Roaring Pursuivant about how to project and be heard clearly. Instructor has a degree in music.
Lady Isabella von Sachsen (she/her/they) Sat 4-5pm
Dürer's Gothic Alphabet
In his treatise Of the Just Shaping of Letters, Albrecht Dürer walks the reader through the steps needed to write his lowercase version of Gothic Textura Quadrata. Following Dürer’s method (mostly), we’ll work our way through the alphabet. This class is suitable for beginning scribes as well as intermediate calligraphers. Students will leave with an understanding of the order and direction of strokes and how slight changes to the order results in a variety of letters.
Those wishing to participate in the hands-on portion should print the worksheets (sized for a 3.8 mm nib) ahead of time.
After January 18, handouts, supplies list, and additional resources can be accessed here -- https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DL6e08LoWhLyl72tg9CSRgjdA7h7vSWr?usp=sharing
Instructor: Mistress Alicia Langland Sat 8-10pm
Recent Changes to SENA
The Standards for Evaluating Names and Armory, commonly called SENA, are constantly evolving. Sometimes the changes are small; sometimes they are large. This class will look at the changes to SENA in the last year or so. We will also take a brief look at how those changes happen.
Instructor: Dame Jeanne Marie Lacroix (she/her) Sat 8-9am, Sat 9-10pm
Dithematic Names in Indo-European Languages
Dithematic names, personal names made up of two distinct elements, are found throughout Indo-European languages, from Ireland to India. This class will discuss how these names are constructed, how they were used and changed over time, and how dithematic names compare between languages. We will also cover how these names were used in a broader cultural context and how people can create new dithematic names from existing patterns Instructor: Kallinikos Gavras Sat 8-9pm
Harmonious Balance or Jarring Juxtaposition: Integrating multiple sources as a Scribe How do we as scribes integrate multiple sources to create a new scribal work of art that will be pleasing to the recipient and also faithful to the historical aesthetics we wish to honour? Where do I even start, with setting up a scroll layout? How can I blend elements but avoid turning my work into Frakenstein's Monster, or a slot-machine of different elements? This class will examine some of the presenter's own work and will cover many different source types, not limited to books/documents.(Jewelry findings and stained glass can be wonderful sources for images and motifs).
Instructor: Piero di Paxiti da Vincenza (he/him) Sat 8:30-10:30pm
Aztec illumination
Learn about aztec manuscript production, and how to use the manuscripts for awards scroll purposes.
Instructor: Baroness Isibel inghean Uilliam mhic Leoid, CE (She/Her) Sat 9-10am
Intermediate Inkscape for Armoury
A continuation of the Introduction to Inkscape class including open questions and demos. Instructor: Baron Vemundr Syvursson (he/him) Sat 9-10pm
Armory Conflict Checking with the Complex Search Form
For heralds who already know the basics of armory conflict checking, this class will teach the use of the Complex Search Form. Attendees should already be *fluent* in charge group theory and conflict checking rules under SENA. Students will learn techniques for searching for armory conflicts by coding with the Complex Search Form, as well as an overview of the codes used for that Form and in the O&A database. Class will also touch on "Traps" inherent in the Complex Search and how best to avoid them to more quickly find potential conflicts.
Instructor: Magnifica Beatrice Domenici della Campana (she/her) Sat 9-11pm
Formatting basics and beyond
Advanced class--Using the considerations of pen width to establish staves, rational page construction will be discussed. The content will be directed primarily at constructing Gothic and humanis miese-en-page, but considerations will be shown if time permits for Caroline and Ottonian layout as well.
Instructor: HL Iohannes Weisswald Sun - 1-2pm
Submitting Names that Use Chinese Characters
A brief overview of how to construct East Asian (Japanese, Korean, Chinese, etc) names, with a lean towards understanding the names patterns that are known, and how to plug name elements into those patterns.
Instructor: Lord Choi (he/him) Sun - 2-3:30pm
Oops! NOW WHAT DO I DO? - Fixing Scribal
Errors "After hours of love and toil, you're nearly finished your painstaking project when **SPLAT**... DISASTER!!! NOW what do you do? DO NOT DESPAIR!! We can fix this... probably!!! This tongue-in-cheek class is meant to allow us all to laugh at our mistakes (because we've ALL been there) by looking at PERIOD and modern SCRIBAL DISASTERS and how those artists fixed... or DIDN'T fix... them. We will look at humourous, useful & artistic ways to erase, disguise, integrate, ignore and whimsy our way into saving our own works of art from ending up in the purgatory pile of sadness."
Instructor: Sigriðr galdrakona GALA Eirikdottir Sun - 2-3:30pm
Ink and Paint: a Review of a Survey of the Scribes of the Known World
A presentation and review of the results of a survey that will be going out at the end of November, discussing all manner of things scribal, from geographic location, to materials, and more.
instructor: Meadhbh Ramsay Sun - 2-3pm
Non-paper scrolls
When Royals made a decree, although many times it was written down on paper/parchment, there are also lots of examples of a physical, 3D, object being the item that held the words. Let's talk about these, and maybe a few anachronisms that also make for good 'scrolls'.
Instructor: Magister Rigel Galea Sun - 4-5pm
Objects as scrolls
A scroll is a commemorative document that puts down into solid form a commemoration of the award. It doesn't have to be a 2D parchment/paper. It can be made of wood, glass, ceramic, metal, rock, etc. And it can be an object. In this class we'll discuss what types of objects you can make, out of all of these materials, and we'll touch on European and non-European cultures across the time that the SCA covers.
Instructor: Magister Rigel Galea Sun - 5-6pm
Brief Introduction to Household Names
This class will discuss how to construct registerable household names for multiple languages and cultures. Known patterns for household names will be discussed, as well as how to document new designators for households.
Instructor: Mistress Alys Mackyntoich (she/her) Sun - 9-10am
How to analyze Arabic Alphabet Calligraphy for distinguishing features to imitate
A look at a number of period calligraphy sources, and analysis of them. General categories of calligraphy styles, specific letter treatments, spacing, and treatments of letters that go above and below the line of writing are all discussed.
Instructor: Raqiba Um Ishaq Sara bint Abu Zakariya (called Sara)(she/her) Sun - 9-10am
Heraldic Consultation - Helping Folks Find Their Heraldic Selves
A conversation about consulting with newcomers, and long tenured members of the SCA. When consultation is a teaching experience for heralds, with the goal of helping someone to find their medieval name, and/or armoury!
Instructor: Dame Sciath ingen Chaennaig Sun -1-2pm
Brief Introduction to Phonetics
This class introduces heralds to basic concepts in phonetics, the International Phonetic Alphabet, and how SCA heralds can improve their heraldic practice through using the IPA.
Instructor: Noble Rebecca Whieldon Pyke (they/them) Sun 1-2pm
Beyond Banners and Shields: Introduction to Heraldic Display
Learn the difference between a device and a badge, some of their uses, and ways to display them for maximum awesomeness. Includes examples of display from the Current Middle Ages, as well as some discussion of period practice.
Instructor: Pendefiges Nest verch Gwilim (she/her) Sun 1-2pm
Introduction to Family Search
Family Search is a very powerful research tool for names, especially when a potential submitter arrives with a name in hand, but little documentation. This class will include a basic introduction to Family Search, as well as going over some of the quirks in using a resource that wasn't created with heraldic name researchers in mind.
Instructor: Doña Alexandra (Shandra) Vazquez de Granada (she/her) Sun 2-3pm
SCA Armorials and You: An Introduction and Best Practices
The SCA features more armigerous individuals than most real-world heralds ever had to deal with; putting together a roll of arms for your kingdom can be a daunting task as a result! This class is an overview of how the Ealdormerian Roll of Arms came into being, as well as a discussion of tools, tips and best practices.
Instructor: Meister Dietrich von Sachsen (he/him) Sun 2-3pm
Your first scroll
Your First Scroll is a class for beginning scribes and prospective royalty. Other topics that could be discussed is signature development and scroll personalization.
Instructor: Baroness Isibel inghean Uilliam mhic Leoid, CE (she/Her) Sun 3-5pm
Secret History of the CoA
History of heraldry in the SCA
Instructor: Shauna of Carrick Point Sun 3-5pm
Heraldic Achievements or Coat-of-Arms: Designs for SCA Artists
I will be showing elements of Heraldic Achievements for use on banners.
Instructor: Raven Mayne Sun 5-6pm
Taking the scary out of scribing
How to navigate the scribal process, where to find the information needed to complete scroll assignments . Etc
Instructor: Thl Elizabeth of Roxbury mill Sun 8-10am