THE EARLY YEARS
 1971 TO 1976
 
 

 "Trimaris was born of a Book, a Knight, and a Student
 fitting our mandates rather well, wouldn't you say?"
     Taliesynne Nychymwrh yr anghyfannedd Llanrhyddlad

Only a small amount of information is available concerning these early years. Much of what is known comes from the memory of Paul Camp, also known as Erich M.F.W. Von Rabenskalt und von Kampf, the founder of Trimaris. This is the period of the development of Wyvernwood and the later creation of Oldenfeld, An Crosaire, and Sangre del Sol. The area known today as Trimaris started out as a part of the Kingdom of the East.  In early October, AS VII, however, sovereignty over the southeast was transferred by the Imperial Electors to the Kingdom of Atenveldt. The section which included Meridies and Trimaris was known at that time as the Southern Principality.
 
 

 AS VI (May, 1971 - April, 1972)
 
 

(The elegant prose following was printed in Vol. 1, no. 11, November AS XVII, Talewinds, "Early History of Ye Ancient Barony of Wyvernwoode" written by Erich von Kampf, CWC, Historian, Wyvernwoode, Anno Societatus XVII)
"In May 1971, Paul Eugene Camp, a mundane youth dwelling in Tampa, came across mention of the SCA in the introduction to a paperback edition of Poul Anderson's The Broken Sword.  A quick letter to Anderson, mundane pseudonym of the gallant knight Sir Bela of Eastmarch, KSCA, brought Camp much needful information relative to the Society, including the necessary contact address.  Thus, Sir Bela can be considered the spiritual father of Wyvernwood.

Through the enchantment of anachronism, Paul Camp was in short order transmuted into Erich M.F.W. Von Rabenskalt und von Kampf, a citizen of the Current Middle Ages.  On July 30, 1971, he became a formal member of the SCA, the first known citizen of the Imperium in the Floridian wastes.  He started thinking about gathering together like minded anachronists and forming a local group.  Before embarking on this task, however, von Kampf departed for the frozen northland of Tallahassee, there to spend a year's penance in obtaining a degree.  While in northern exile, he corresponded with two friends in Tampa, Patricia and Gary Riggs, about establishing the SCA in Tampa."
 
 

 AS VII (May, 1972 - April, 1973)
 
 

 The Shire of Wyvernwood was founded
 and became the first official group in Trimaris.
(the article continues) "Von Kampf returned to Tampa in June, AS VII (1972) and began seeking potential medievalists.  Pat and Gary Riggs became the first recruits, emerging from mundane darkness as Jessica and Garrel of Sherbrooke.  Von Kampf became acting seneschal for the newly formed Shire of Wyvernwood.  As he was, in his mundane persona, employed by the University of South Florida Library, the USF community provided the primary recruiting ground and meeting place for Wyvernwood.  This began the close relations between the University and the SCA that has endured to this day.  The newly formed shire was very much on its own in the early days, as the nearest outposts of medieval civilization were South Downs (Atlanta, GA) on the north and Draconia (Baton Rouge, LA) on the west.  At the time of its establishment, Wyvernwood was subject to the Kingdom of the East.  In early October, AS VII, however, sovereignty over the southeast, including Wyvernwood, was transferred by the Imperial Electors to the Kingdom of Atenveldt.

During its first year of existence, the shire built to a strength of around 20 persons.  The early populace was drawn largely from Tampa, though a strong contingent from across the Bay of the Holy Spirit (Tampa Bay) was also present."

Letters from Erik Ravenscold to Varina Katzimira (an early persona of Warjna) show that an interest in forming a auxiliary group in St. Petersburg came as early as 1-16-73.  Succeeding letters indicated that by May of 1973 a core group had been established and the group was flourishing.

(more from Erich) "The first slate of officers for the shire were Erich von Kampf, seneschal; Sir Koppel funem Lachsfalk, (who had previously been Brigantia Principal Herald of the East) pursuivant; Elly Sommer, Mistress of Arts; and Garrel of Sherbrooke, Knight-Marshal.  Among the leading citizens of early Wyvernwood were Garrel and Jessica of Sherbrooke, Karl of Odinvalla, Aleana of Dunsae,  Warjina Zem Llyscil, Mandrigal of Mu, Eisenhelm of Dragonlea, Ragnar Lodbjorn, Hewlin of Fenland, Alrick von Becker, Margaret McCubin, Nancy McMillan, and Rianna d'Astraven.  Two of these, Sir Koppel, a knight of the Eastrealm, and Hewlin of Fenland, late of Draconia, were veteran SCA members, whose experience proved invaluable to the developing shire.

The first event, which is commemorated in Wyvernwood's annual Baronial Bash, was an All-Hallow's Eve Revel, held at Ravenscold Hall in Tampa on Friday, October 27, AS VII (1972).  The first fighting event was held at Sherbrooke Manor, home of Garrel and his wife (initially known as Jessica, now as Geneva of Sherbrooke) on December 5, AS VII (1972).  This event received considerable press coverage, although more of a fighter practice than a tourney."

Wyvernwood held an event, revel or tourney almost monthly.  Most of the revels took place at the University Chapel Fellowship on the USF campus.  The tourneys were held at Sherbrooke Manor.  Gatherings were similar to the flyer which announced the event on 1-20-73, with a practice session- picnic held on the grounds of Garrell the Gross, Knight-Marshal of Wyvernwood.  There was weapon-drill, dancing and Medieval chess.  Also plans were discussed for a Medieval Banquet to be held in February '73.
 (Erich continues) "Although isolated from the rest of the Known World, Wyvernwood was not entirely cut off.  Several travelers from more civilized lands visited the Floridian frontier, notably Merowald the Green, Lord Sylveaston and his grace, Duke Cariadoc of the Bow.  Merowald visited Wyvernwood early in AS VIII.  Traveling incognito, he did not inform his hosts that he was in fact the heir to the throne of the Midrealm until just before vanishing over the horizon.  Thus, the Green Duke goes back a good long ways in Trimaris, and was the first royalty to tread our swampy shores.  His visit, by the by, resulted in the proliferation of the infamous Wyvernwood anthem "Praise the Wolf-Lord" to the Middle Kingdom, probably the first impact Wyvernwood had on the outside world."
 
 

 AS VIII (May, 1973 - April, 1974)
 
 

During its second year (1973-1974), Wyvernwood held six (6) major events, four (4) revels, and two (2) public demonstrations.   Additionally, semi-regular fighter practices and meetings were also held.
 (more from Erich) "During AS VII-VIII, links of friendship were forged with distant South Downs, with Hewlin and Erich making several trips up the Road of Heros (I-75) to South Downs, and South Downs gentles trekking to Wyvernwood in return."

Excerpt from the May 1973 Wyvernet (#1) "Last weekend, Erik of Ravenscold and Hewlin of Fenland made the horrendous trek to South Downs for their tournament.  It rained.  Of course, that didn't stop anybody.  The event was covered in some detail by the Atlanta paper...After the tourney... a revel was held at the residence of Lady Margaret the Dog.  Except for the rain and my horrible case of the plague, it was a most enjoyable experience.  At an evening summit session between Ulric Greywolf, Seven the Fierce (Seneschal of South Downs), Rebecca the Demanding (South Downs Mistress of Arts), and my unworthy self, many policy questions were worked out, and the alliance between Wyvernwood, South Downs, and Iron Mountain was confirmed.  Among the things discussed was the establishment of a system of warrior qualifications for proficiency in various weapons.  Also discussed was a principality in the South."

In the same newsletter was the following information "The S.C.A. marches onward!  We now have some people in Jacksonville, and Sir Koppel informs me that some people in Lauderdale are interested."

A May Revel was held on Saturday, 5-12-73, celebrating the approach of Spring in the ancient manner.  Festivities included dancing about the Maypole, medieval games, singing, dancing the Bransle and Fandarole, and the dread spectacle of the Tournament of Fools, by which the Queen of the May was chosen.  The event was held on the premises of A.L. Hendry & Co., in Tampa

From Wyvernet June 1973 (#2) "The Seneschal's Office has received from the State of Florida the papers necessary for incorporating the Society for operation in Florida.  These papers have been transmitted to the Royal capital for action.  Official registration is the last qualification we have to meet to be fully ready to baronialize ourselves."

Wyvernwood Spring Tournament
was held on 6-30/7-1-73, on the lands of Garrel the Gross and his Lady, Jessica of Sherbrook.  This became infamous as the "Tourney of the Molten Mail" because of the scathing heat and humidity.  The event had approximately 50 people attending.  The ceremony of the Wyvernwood Chalice of Heros was instituted at this event, and the victor and first Hero of the Chalice was Kalakon-Kal the Armless of South Downs.  He crowned as Queen of Love and Beauty the fair Rianna d'Astraven of Wyvernwood.  The flyer for this event listed other activities besides the normal fighting events were held, chess, battledore-and-shuttlecock and croquet for non-combat sport, swimming in Crystal Springs Park and the choosing of the Queen of Love and Beauty.  General revelry followed in the evening with blind man's bluff, tug-of-war, singing, dancing and "miscellaneous jollities".  On Sunday there was a return to the tourney grounds with challenge matches, "Outlaws and the King's Forester" and "Capture the Princess."

From July, 1993 (#3) of the Wyvernet "It gives me great pleasure to announce that the Shire of Wyvernwood has been granted arms and may now display them on banners, hangings and what-have- you.  The Shire's arms are "vert, a wyvern passant argent winged and bellied and environed of a laurel wreath or" or in 20th century terms "a white wyvern in profile with gold belly and wings surrounded by a gold laurel wreath on a green field."

Listed in the next paragraph was the following information, "Erik von Kampf has been granted a device, sable on an Estoile d'or a death's head gules.  So if you see a shield coming with a weird gold star on a black field with a red skull in the middle of the star, I'll be right behind it."

Flyers retained in the files show some of the events that took place in the remainder of 1973.  On 7- 24-73, a picnic was held at the home of Garrell the Gross in which information on the society, i.e. fighting rules and equipment, how to behave medievally, and information about the Society in general was imparted to the citizens and semi-citizens of the Shire of Wyvernwood.

Black Death Revel
A revel commemorating the Black Death in which games, dances and music reflecting the Black Death, took place on 8-25-73.  Announced in the schedule of events "All revelers will, of course, be given a complimentary dose of plague remedy compounded from an authentic recipe of the period."  The schedule of events included the "Firing of the Wyvernwood Bombard", which was explained as having no significance to anything.  This event was pot-luck with Lord Mandrigal of Mu bringing the main dish.

The Second All Hallows Eve Revel
Was held on 10-27-73, at the Episcopal Student Center at the University of South Florida Campus.  The high point of the evening was a magic show by the "noted prestidigitator Karl of Odinvalla"

Taken from the Wyvernet December 1973 (#4) - Erik of Ravenscold handed the seneschalit to Karl of Odinvalla and the Mistress of Arts, Lady Rianna d'Astraven passed the office to Nell Westergard.  The Twelfth Night Revel was announced as "The Revel of the Fire-Drake" in honor of the comet that should be visible.  The event was to take place Saturday 1-26-74 at the University Chapel Fellowship.  Also planned was a pre-revel session at Nell Westergard's home on 1-19-74 for dance practice and plotting the future course of the Shire.

April, 1974 (#5) Wyvernet - There will be a revel on 4-20-74 at the University Chapel Fellowship at the University of South Florida entitled "The Revel of the Sorcerous Crystal" with the emphasis of getting the whole spectacle on film.  Everyone was encouraged to dress a magnificently as possible and bring decorations and period looking feast gear.  A special table will be set with selected dishes made from authentic recipes to get the genuine flavor of antiquity.  A combat demonstration will be held on the lawn.
 
 

 AS  IX (May, 1974 - April, 1975)
 
 

During the year (1974-1975) the Shire of Wyvernwood held ten (10) events. (per Erich von Kampf's article)

On 8-18-74, the first revel in the "Wilds of St. Petersburg", as it was called in the flyer,  was held at the home of Varina of Lyscil (Warjina).

(from Erich's article)  Wyvernwood's participation in the City of Tampa's "Celebration 74" on 9-27/29-74, marked a major transition point in the history of Wyvernwood.  It was the last major activity of many of the original members, many of whom were beginning to suffer from the dread "SCA Burn-out", and saw recruitment of several persons who would play key roles in the further development of the shire.  During the months following the event, Erich von Kampf, Garrel and Jessica of Sherbrooke, and Hewlin of Fenland faded away into mundanity.  Leadership of the shire passed to Aleana of Dunsea, who succeeded Karl as seneschal, with the support of such new members as John Urquhart, called Shark, Sieglinde von Truso and others."

Following the "Celebration 74" participation, flyers in record show a couple of events which took place in October '74.  These included a pot luck dinner and revel held on 10-12-74, at the University Chapel Fellowship hall to introduce new members into the shire.  This note was signed by Aleana of Dunsae, Acting Seneschal of the Shire of Wyvernwood.  On 10-26-74 a Revel was held at the home of Lord Mandrigal of Mu, with Varina of Llyscil as hostess.

The one remaining flyer in the records for AS IX, announced "Almost Twelfth Night" to be held on 1-4-75, at the Episcopal Fellowship Hall with feasting, music, dancing, games and fighting.  Dinner, "Duc de Potluck"
As reported in Vol. 1, #3, February ‘75 issue of "Notus" Approximately thirty people attended in costume and regalia, including four visitors from the Middle Kingdom. A good time was had by all, and Wyvernwood hopes to have another event some time soon. One visitor might be missing something, though: Aleana, acting Seneschal of Wyvernwood, reports that one silver goblet was left at the revel. "Notus" was the newsletter coming out of South Downs for the southern groups.

Wyvernwood was not alone in the Land of Flowers at this time. Pensacola had a group called Sirenia. However, there is no mention in the information I have available as to when Sirenia was founded. The first mention of activity is in the April ‘75 issue of Notus. The event report states "The first tourney of Sirenia was held as scheduled. It was considered a success by all attending. We were honored by a number of lords and ladies form the Barony of Draconia. While we were disappointed that others from the knowne world were unable to attend, we understand that late notice and previously scheduled events made attendance difficult. We wish to extend great thanks to all whose help made the tourney such a success especially m'lord Becar Zorbec, who acted as Supreme Autocrat for this tourney and m'lady Melissa, and all the ladies who helped her prepare the revel feast. The events and winners were: several wars for possession of ‘the island', which involved several battles for the bridge. This was some very exciting fighting, for spectators and fighters alike, and we were lucky not to sacrifice any fighters to the river gods. A three man team melee list was won by a team named "the royalists", as it consisted of myself (Cynthia fitz Collins, editor of Notus), Raymond Zaborski, Seneschal of Sirenia, Lord Jack Nimble, Seneschal of Draconia, and Sir Francois, Lord Duvant, KSCA. The prize was a gallon of mead, presented by three lovely Sirenian ladies. The list for Champion of Sirenia was won by our acting knights marshal. Becar Zorbec, after a series of hard fought battles. A new game for the ladies, named "Queens Guard" was introduced. The winners were Molly of Draconia and Jennifer of Sirenia. They were awarded a lady commander's medallion crafted by Raymond Zaborski of Lech, and a hand painted seashell displaying the Siren, crafted by Medea Tajarina Paribanou. This was quite an exciting game and the visitos from Draconia planned to take it back for introduction to their barony. The revel and feast was most successful. The legion of the founding of Sirenia was introduced as were a few personal legends. A war dance from the far land of Albania, which had been taught to all interested fighters during the afternoon, was performed around the fire, crating a most spectacular sight. The weather gods, who had smiled upon us during the day, turned cool during the night and a new sport, named "fire huddling" was introduced. Altogether quite a success.

The May ‘75 issue of Notus listed the groups that existed at that time in the Southeast, along with the Seneschals and addresses. Those groups were:
The Barony of South Downs, Atlanta GA, Lady Margarethe;
Barony of Draconia, Baton Rouge LA, Lord Jack Nimble;
Shire of Wyvernwood, Tampa FL, Aleana of Dunsae;
Shire of Iron Mountain, Birmingham AL, Ulric of Wolfhaven;
Shire of Thor's Mountain, Knoxville TN, Eric of Telemark;
(no group name), Rome GA, James of Rome;
Sirenia, Pensacola FL, Raymond Zaborski of Lech;
(no group name, later to become An Crosaire) Gainesville, FL, Dale P. Hamilton (no SCA name);
Shire of Misty Mountains, Montevallo AL, Lady Laurallyn of the Swan;
Shire of Grey Niche, Memphis TN, Llewelyn ap Meriadudd of Gwynedd;
Shire of Nytha Dhui, Nashville TN, Susan of Stoke Hill;
Shire of Murfreesboro TN, Lord Ronald of Elrod;
(no group name, but later to become Windmaster's Hill) Raleigh NC, Brian Maoleaoin.
 
 

 AS X (May, 1975 - April,  1976)
 
 

Wyvernwood records show that the year AS X was busy for the shire and the other populace in the area.  Some of the events and dates are as follows:

On 6-28-75, a revel was held at the Episcopal Center "to prepare for a pilgrimage to our far neighbors in Sirenia (Pensacola) to help defend their fair land against a Sea Invasion in mid-July"

On 8-30-75, a revel was held at the Episcopal Center with the listed autocrat, Varina of Lyscil.  No other information was available as to what took place.

The next issue available of "Notus" was October ‘75 which contained a report of a  meeting in South Downs, on 9-12/14-75 for the Principality-in-formation of the Southeast. The representative of  King Pontius, Master Michael, Lord Moria stated that the Principality should be able to have a Coronet Tourney next spring, with the official coronation of the first Prince in the fall of 1976 (or possibly sooner). Answers to questions from the various persons showed that the King had granted full principality authority to officers at the present time and that the principality could in fact be considered a working unity with His Majesty retaining the title of Prince until such time as the official coronation. So at this moment in history, the groups in Florida became a part of the Southeast Principality.

Announcements in the November ‘75 issue of Notus stated that Lord Riekin ap Wald was the Principality Science Officer. The then Lord Riekin was living in Louisiana. Also announced was the formation of two new shires in Louisiana, The Shire of Axemoor (New Orleans) and a shire in Shreveport as yet unnamed, with Lord Riekin as seneschal.
One of the items I found interesting in this issue of Notus was an article concerning the name of the new principality. Apparently the name Meridies was not a greeted with great enthusiasm, however, no one could agree on an alternative.

The flyer for 11-15-75, announced "An unrevel" (quote marks are mine, no explanation as to what an Unrevel is/ was listed in the announcement) will be held at Sieglinde Von Truso and Lellavene of Normandy's home for singing, tale-telling, dancing and merry making.

A weekend revel was held on 12-13/14-75, autocrated by Ernst of Arrowwood and his lady Elysonne at their home in Winterhaven.  Carol singing, dancing and a bardic circle was planned.

The listing of officers for the Shire of Wyvernwood for AS X is as follows:
 Seneschal - Aleana of Dunsae (Laurie Hendry)
 Deputy Seneschal - Taliesynne (Kem Cason)
 Herald - Taliesynne,
  Deputy Herald - Muireann Deora-De' (Elizabeth Luntz)
 Knight Marshal - Sakura Tetsuo (Steve Bloom)
  Deputy - Augustin von Schwarzwald (Aguie Rodrigues)
 Mistress of Arts - Sakura Kimineko (Kimmy Bloom)
  Deputy- Gwynnedd (Sarah Sanders)
 Master of Sciences - Bronislous Vilnius (Bill Zukauskas)
 Mistress of the Lists - Sieglinde von Truso (Vicky Sanders)
 Chronicler and Mistress of Music - Varina Katzimar of Lyscil (Suellen Plonski)
  Scribe - Mandrgal of Mu (Ray Caughlin)

The events, demos, picnics and revels listed in the files continued in 1976, most of which were recorded in hand written flyers or in letters.  Some of the activities were:
  2-3-76 Demo at the University of South Florida
  2-4-76 Slide presentation and panel discussion at the University Center
 (From Notus, March ‘76) House Iron Flower and several of our other members presented a demonstration at the USF (University of South Florida) campus. The demonstration was angled to glean new members (which we have done, several ladies and three new fighters)
  2-7-76 "A Medieval Afternoon", medieval seminars, House Iron Flower, fighter practice, and a demonstration of other society arts and crafts.
  2-14-76 Medieval picnic and fighter practice at Shangri-La, Thonotosassa and revel  at the University Chapel Fellowship Hall.
  2-15-76 Wyvernwood participated as guest performers, in the New College and Ringling Museum Medieval Faire in Sarasota
(From Notus, March ‘76) Began a true medieval weekend. First we had a picnic at Shangri'La (USF property in Thonotosassa). There followed a mass exodus to the USF for an evening Revel, with a bardic circle. One of the new members, Aton, proves to have a lovely voice and quite a flair with a guitar (he is also one of the fighters). February 15 continued out medieval weekend theme with most of Wyvernwood attending the New College-Ringling Medieval Fair, a most impressive display, I might add, despite the mundanes, to whom it was geared. Over 100 (felt) banners snapped at the breeze, and a great pavilion was erected for the King and Queen of the fair, overlooking the fireld and bay. The surroundings, spectacular and most medieval in flavor. On the whole, the fair was a terrific success although there were two things that irked Wyvernwood specifically. The jousting was a "jest" (to bup it in the kindest terms). Milady Muireann Deora-de remarked on T.H. White's comment in Sword in the Stone that one might just as well hold the lance sideways, thereby being certain to sweep the other knight off his horse. This is literally the way the joust was performed. The second pet peeve was the archery. Compound (pulley activated) bows with sights and bow mounted quivers just are not medieval. Alas, we could not say anything about it, so it could not be helped - if only we had been sponsoring it. Varina of Lyscil, Chronicler, Shire of Wyvernwood.

 The Shire of Oldenfeld founded
In February, 1976 The Shire of Oldenfeld (Tallahassee) was founded. The name chosen is a back- formation from "Tallahassee" which can be translated "Old Fields".  Since Tallahassee is in the mundane county  Leon, we chose a lion as the central point of our device.
(From the Lion's Tale, August ‘77) History of Oldenfeld, Chapter 1. In the dim recesses of memory, prior to recorded history, there comes to the area now known as Oldenfeld several and various gentles from two kingdoms. These gentles sowed the seeds of culture and learning in this fertile land and then passed on to more mundane commitments. So it came to pass that in AS X when Echargary of Shadow Valley and Aethelthryth of Acleah tried to establish an SCA group in Tallahassee, Oldenfeld was ready. After several meetings to find a name for the shire, to design a device, and to choose a slate of officers, it was decided to hold a revel. And so it was that in March AS X the shire of Oldenfeld was born. The baby shire was lead by Oriette of Orgonthroth, Seneschal; Joda of Maynard, the bold, Knight Marshal an herald; and Aethelthrth of Acleah, Minister of Arts. After the moon had waned and waxed again, Hrafn Haruthi became Herald and Asdis Shadowdaughter was named deputy Seneschal. The lords of the shire had received missives of a tournament to come and decided to begin construction of arms and armor with which to participate. Thus the Armorer's Guild was formed as the Knight Marshal began to train new fighters.

On 3-20-76, a Revel was held at Dunsae Hall, in Wyvernwood,  home of Aleana of Dunsea, with feast prepared by the shire. (this was apparently the first time this occurred, all other revels or picnics were pot-luck).  Instructions on SCA protocol are featured as "we may be sooner than you think faced with entertaining royalty"

from "Early History of Ye Ancient Barony of Wyvernwoode" written by Erich von Kampf, CWC, Historian, Wyvernwoode"Under Aleana's leadership, the shire continued its development.  In 1975 ten major events were held.  By 1976, Wyvernwood was an active, viable unit of the SCA, and was instrumental in the forming of three new shires in Florida (Oldenfeld, An Crosaire and Sangre del Sol).  In that year, Wyvernwood was created a barony of the Imperium Societatus, with Lord Taliesynne Nycheymwrh as Founding Baron.  With the transition from shire to barony and the enfeoffment of Taliesynne as first Baron Wyvernwood, the early phase of Wyvernwood's history was concluded." (thus ends Erich's tale)

 The Shire of An Crosaire founded
 In March, 1976 The Shire of An Crosaire (Gainesville) was founded
(Talewinds, Vol.1, no.9, September AS XVII)  In late 1975, sparked by the example of Wyvernwood (and the relocation of one of it's members), the first four gathered to talk of shirehood, still a year to come.  But two of the four, Aerdynn Wynnon (the first seneschal) and Dafydd Seren yr Draig (a natural born herald) remained to found the shire in September of 1976.  along with Sir Tetsuo Sakura and Lady Kimineko Sakura, Gwynnedd ap Gwynnedd, Sieglinde von Truso and several others.  With the efforts of her own members and the support of the Barony Wyvernwood, An Crosaire began to make her mark on the University of Florida with demonstrations, meetings, and assorted appearances at Madrigal Dinners, movies, and the like.  This was a time of flowering when such notables as Jed Silverstar, Siobhan ni Filidheacht, Cedrin Etainnighean, Holtmar, and Cher de Bellevue joined the shire under the Seneschallate of Lord Semus McCryu McHoo.

On April 2, 1976, many fighters traveled with their retinues to the Shire of Sirenia, there to do battle in a great tourney for the Coronet of Meridies. Friday was spent in finding ye field of honor, near whence were tracks of gigantic monsters which had torn up many firedragon trails. Saturday morn  court ws held to the empty throne and the Principality officers and the fighters presented themselves. The fighters were then charged with the rules of the list and all swore to honor their ladies and their opponents.  In the afternoon the sounds of battle attracted many of the local peasantry and a bailiff. All present saw the field narrow until only Sir Francois, John the Bearkiller, Sir Jack Nimble and Cedric Fils de Guillaume remained in the running. Further bouts left only Sir Francois and John contenders. Many a might blow later the French Knight finally convinced his squire that he should wear the coronet first and amidst over a hundred cheering lords and ladies, Sir Francois du Lac becomes Regulus Primus Apertus Meridies, First Prince Apparent.
 The night's feast and revel was the largest gathering yet seen in the Principality. The folk of Sirenia fed the populace on local seafood, such vegetables as are known to have no ill effect on one's vitality, and large quantities of beer. The Prince Apartus then pledged justice to and asked loyalty from all the peoples of Meridies and commanded the entertainment to begin. The bard Skylark obliged by singing so appealingly that she enticed more than a few lords and ladies to sing with her.
Before the revel ended a troupe of Shakespearean actors from Sirenia had presented the kitchen scene from Twelfth Night, jongleurs from Thor's Mountain had entertained with a variety of song, and musicians from over the principality had performed divers pieces on divers instruments.
 Sir Francois then held court and bestowed some well deserved awards granted by His Majesty King Dennis. John the Bearkiller, Taliesin and Cathol McEden were given awards of arms, and Sekura Tetusa amd Mistress Cynthia were given grants of arms and awarded the Order of the Light.
 Later that evening, both lords and ladies joined in combat, blindfolded, armed with had-and-a- half pillows. Sir Francois and Kalakon Kal had a pointed argument concerning the honorific "Frenchy" as applied to Norman Crown Prince. It was finally agreed that the term was fitting when applied by a vertical Kalakon Kals to horizontal Norman Crown Prince. Gradually lords and ladies struck camp and bestrode their firedragons to return to their castles.
 
 

 AS XI (May 1976 - April 1977)
 
 

Oldenfeld Revel
May, 1976  the Shire of Oldenfeld held a Revel
(continued from the Lion's Tale, August ‘77) As XI dawned with a visit from several of the gentle folk from Wyvernwood: Lord Taliesynne Nychemwyrh, Alix d'Audincourt, Bronislaus fo Vilnau, Lord Tetsuo Sakura, Kimineko Sakura, Yari the Seeker, and Strider (Muireann Deora-de). They provided some sorely needed instruction on heraldry, precedence, fighting, armor and weapon construction, and cultured life in general. Oldenfeld turned our in force and welcomed these travelers with a revel feast. In return, the gentles introduced us to the bardic circle.
 When the emissaries from Celebrin's Lair had returned to their shire, the newly formed sewing guild went into mass production of caftans while the armorer's guild imbibed great quantities of ale and designed their guild badge - giggling greatly all the while. Thanks to the might efforts of thes folk, every gentle had a caftan in time for the First Florida Memorial Tourney and there was sufficient equipment to field one fighter. At the end of the moon's cycle came the great pilgrimage to Torreya State Park and the Memorial Tourney. This marked the first principality event in which citizens of Oldenfeld participated. Hrafn Haruthi became the first Oldenfeld fighter to participate in the list - and he died nobly. Roy MacRonald MacKnute and Joda of Maynard, the Bold fenced with Prince Apparent Francois and generated much interest in fencing. The feasts and revels were enjoyed by all, and Oldenfeld's House Firedrake was made autocrat for the Second All-Florida Memorial Tourney

Wyvernwood Memorial Tourney
On 5-28/31-76, the first Wyvernwood Memorial Tourney was held in Torreya State Park, FL.  A call went around the land "A great sadness has come upon the Land of Flowers (Florida) and a great anger!  Our beloved and gentle Wyvern, Celebrin - Silver Web, has had her lair in the Forest of Torreya ravished!  In doth, gentles, the barbarian tribes of the Scarlet Nape - the Dastards! have even dared to thieve her precious eggs!  These addleheaded miscreants are using the eggs to light their dreary dung huts.  As all Folke know, Wyvern eggs are touched with Faerie fire and do glow.  We shall have a protector for our gentle Celebrin. Nevermore shall these moat-breath, scarlet nape trolls desecrate the brood of our Celebrin - Silver Web"
 Contests were held - Best Medieval Campsite, awarded with a lantern post with a bas relief gilded carving of a volant, stooping Wyvern;  Best Medieval Presence - awarded with a ring bearing a dragon menuki; Brewers - awarded with a beer stein; Vintners - awarded with a gold and bright enameled drinking horn; Bakers - awarded with a cutting board with a bas relief carving of a volant Wyvern; Calligraphy & Illumination - awarded with gold ink and pens; needlework - awarded with a needlework carry bag; Costume - awarded with a belt pouch; Entertainment- awarded with a leather music folio; Archery - awarded with a tooled leather bracer; Weapon Throwing- awarded with a leather pouch tooled with a Wyvern, containing sharpening kit. And finally the Plastic Turkey award for the most violence to the medieval mood.

(continued from the Lion's Tale, August ‘77) Following the Memorial Tourney, Oriette of Orgonthroth left Oldenfeld for the wilderness around central Florida. Asdis Shadowdaughter became Seneschal and proved to be a very able leader. House Firedrake had expanded to include Biserko Brosnic and Allisandra the Quick-Tempered. Milady Meen journeyed to Oldenfeld on several occasions to instruct the populace in medieval presence prior to the coronation of our first prince, Baron Sir Francois, Lord Duvant.

 The Shire of Sangre del Sol founded
In June, 1976 the Shire of Sangre del Sol (Ft. Lauderdale/Boca Raton) was reformed The populace of Sangre consisted of Sir Koppel fun Baurieux (Kenneth Levinson); Talisman (Susan Trautman); Joanna de Bocage (Kathy Owens); Samira Habiba (Kay Hutchinson); Elizabeth Fitzrandolph (Becky Peters), Elizabeth the Ballad Singer, and Silvyn MacLeish (Suzanne Williams).  They acquired the nickname "Koppel's Harem" as there were no other men in the group until Sir Koppel has the brilliant idea of leaving introductory SCA flyers in a game store in Ft. Lauderdale.  As the result, five prospective members (all males) inquired about joining the group.  The ladies decided that the first project will be designing a more "catchy" flyer and placing it around in areas that males who might be interested in the SCA would be likely to see.

On July 31, 1976 Wyvernwood announced a revel commemorating the Sacke of Rome to be celebrated by a sacke race (single elimination) the victor to be awarded with a flagon of sake. Clan Alexander wishes it to be known that the sacke will be confined to the race - not the environs of Alexander Keepe.

On September 18, 1976 the Shires of Axemore/Sirenia filmed "Prince Rupert in the Cave of the Assassins" with the filming being done in Sirenia. The film is to be shown in Axemore at the Mardi Gras Film Festival.

September 1976 issue of Notus listed the groups and seneschals for the Principality of Meridies:
Shire of An Crosaire, Gainesville FL, Aerdynne
Shire of Axemoor, New Orleans LA, James Wolfslaw
Barony of Draconia, Baton Rouge, LA, Elaine Darkenlight of Silver Sea
Shire of Sirenia, Pensacola, FL, Aarinson Ursai
Shire of Oldenfeld, Tallahassee, FL, Asdis Shadowdaughter
Shire of Wyvernwood, Tampa, FL, Alis d'Audincourt
Shire of Sangre del Sol, Boca Raton, FL. Ladomia Diaz de Valencia
Barony of South Downs, Atlanta GA, Lord William Coiquitt
Shire of Nytha d'Hui, Nashville TN, Gwyndolyn of Ashwood
Shire of Bryn Madoc, Athens, GA, Aedward the Saxon
Canton of Greenwood, Rome GA, James of Rome
Shire of Thor's Mountain, Knoxville TN, Karl the Wanderer
Shire of Grey Niche, Memphis TN, Andras Salamandra
Also listed were forming groups
Chattanooga TN
Starkville MS

  Wyvernwood was elevated to Baronial status
On October 29th  1976 the new Barony of Wyvernwood celebrated it's 4th Anniversary by holding the First Annual Wyvernwood Drunk and Baronial Celebration. The following was reported in the November ‘76 issue of Notus: Three foolhardy souls ventured from their warm and friendly castles in Bryn Madoc and South Downs to visit the good gentles of Wyvernwood. After a tedious journey of some twelve hours, we had begun to suspect the baronial engineers of adding miles to our road. When we arrived, we were assured by Lord Taliesynne that this had in no way been true. After our journey, we were pleasantly surprised to discover that the event began on time, although we were somewhat doubtful that we could possibly be at a society event. We attended several most informative and non-boring classes during the day, and in true student fashion, slept through several others, but in all fairness, I have never slept through better classes in my career as a student. In addition to the theoretical side of class work, Siglinda offered a supplementary class for one hour's  credit in lab work to those who sided with the preparation of the feast. Which only goes to show that she ain't no dumb peasant after all. The highlight of the event was by far the east and revel, during which Lord Taliesynne was crown Baron Wyvernwood. The actual crowning of the new Baron was done by Sir Woodford, Lord Lorien, Baron Ty Ysgither, who is much less stuffy than his name would have you believe. Sir Woodford, as a historical note, has now crown all of the reigning barons and baroness in the kingdom, a legendary feat, as well as having knighted our first members of the chivalry. After his crowning, Lord Taliesynne held court and presented to the citizens of Wyvernwood gifts for their support and recognizing their many hours of service to the Barony. The citizens then presented their newly crown Baron with their gifts of devotion. (Having previously begun the Annual Drunk portion of this event, I apologize for not remembering these many gifts.) With ceremony out of the way, the Bardic Circle began with MOST impressive entertainment by all of the citizens of the Land of Flowers, as did the annual Drunk. Soon, however, the drinking by far outdid the singing, and the populace settled down to the serious matter of drinking to the health of all attending, and especially that of their new Baron. Most active in their efforts were Alix d'Andincourt, the Baron Wyvernwood and someone by the name of Rebecca the Demanding, (who ever that may be). Somewhere during the next hours of potable beverages, there became a new brew in the Principality, titled Seneschal's Brew and consisting of Lowenbrau and white wine. No one will take the blame for this despicable brew, but it is rumored that only seneschals can stomach it. Eventually, Dylan crawled off to our tent, a casualty of some dwarfish brew in his chalice. Ammalynn did also, but managed to shake off the mystical effects and rejoin the company a few hours later. It was decided, aft some consultation with the remaining company that a virgin sacrifice at dawn was not in order, as no one felt capable of the cashing down of the sacrifice. Shortly after, the dwarves entangled us all in their enchantment and chased us off to our tents for something called sleep. Their powers seemed to not be up to par, however, as we all managed to revive several hours later, and brave the mosquitoes to survive. Wisely, we avoided another dwarvish enchantment named radioactive water and packed our persons back into the fire chariot for the long journey northwards. Fond memories, however, we always remain with those who attended the First Annual Wyvernwood Memorial Drunk. Reported by Lady Rebecca of Twywn (aka Rebecca the Demanding)

An Crosaire Revel
In November, 1976 The Shire of An Crosaire held their first Revel