At Coronation, Their Majesties warranted me as Kingdom Marshal of 'Fence for the East. I would like to take this time to thank Don Antonio Patriquin for his four years of service as Kingdom Marshal of Fence and hope that he enjoys his well earned retirement.

Anyone interested in the position of Deputy to the Kingdom Marshal of Fence should email me their resume. The resume should include any real life and SCA experience as well as a quick note as to the interest in the position and what you see yourself doing. If you have any questions about what a deputy does, please feel free to email me.

Lastly, I regret to announce that Master Gruffyd the Innocent, has decided to step down as Northern Shores Regional Deputy (Eastern Division). I would like to thank Gruffyd for his hard work. Any marshal interested in applying for the position of Northern Shores Region Marshal (Eastern Division) should contact me directly.

See you on the fencing field. Natalia

As you may recall from my last Pikestaff letter, I've been working on a revision to the EK rapier rules. The purpose of this revision is threefold: (1) to incorporate the experimental programs in Cut & Thrust Rapier and first authorization in heavy rapier (both of which programs have been safely ongoing for over a year), (2) to bring our rules in line with certain Society standards (which were revises approximately 18 months ago), and (3) to correct some typos and include some clarifications, which will not substantively change how rapier has been practiced in the East.

Posted HERE is a draft for your consideration. The draft should appear in redline, which will highlight the edits, additions and deletions I've made from the previous rules. Please send your comments and feedback within the next four weeks. It is my hope that the new rules (revised from this draft as necessary) will go into effect on or around June 1.

In Service, Antonio

First, after nearly three years of hard work and service to the Kingdom, Doña Emmeline Patterson has decided to step down as Southern Regional Marshal, effective immediately.  I'd like to thank her for her great contribution to the marshallate and to the Southern Region.  Doña Emmeline will be succeeded by her former deputy, Don Collin Monro.

Welcome, Don Collin, and thanks to both of you.

Don Collin is reachable via email at deputy-south@rapier.eastkingdom.org.

Meanwhile, all applications for the position of Deputy Southern Regional Marshal should be submitted directly to me.  Applications should include a brief description of your experience in SCA fencing, and the basis for your interest in the position.  Applications should be submitted no later than November 15, 2007.

Second, and after an even longer period of service, Don Fergus von Aichstadt will be stepping down as Cut and Thrust Deputy.  Don Fergus was instrumental in designing and implementing the first C&T program here in the East, and has done much to encourage the practice of the art.  My thanks.  Don Fergus will be succeeded in the position by Lord Jacobus Jaeger Draake.

In Service, Antonio

As you may recall from my last Pikestaff letter, I've been working on a revision to the EK rapier rules. The purpose of this revision is threefold: (1) to incorporate the experimental programs in Cut & Thrust Rapier and first authorization in heavy rapier (both of which programs have been safely ongoing for over a year), (2) to bring our rules in line with certain Society standards (which were revises approximately 18 months ago), and (3) to correct some typos and include some clarifications, which will not substantively change how rapier has been practiced in the East.

Posted HERE is a draft for your consideration. The draft should appear in redline, which will highlight the edits, additions and deletions I've made from the previous rules. Please send your comments and feedback within the next four weeks. It is my hope that the new rules (revised from this draft as necessary) will go into effect on or around June 1.

I am considering an omnibus amendment to the East Kingdom rapier rules, for January 2008. The purpose of this amendment would be, primarily, to permanently incorporate two long-running experimental programs: Cut & Thrust, and first authorization in heavy rapier. As of this writing, both programs have been in effect for a year or longer, and have proceeded without significant safety-related concerns. Accordingly, I think it's reasonable to consider ending the experiments, and amending the rules. I welcome your views, both on these programs, and regarding any other areas where you believe our rules should be changed or updated.

A variety of classes will be offered, ranging from topics in Historical Combat, Leadership and Melee tactics, Tournament Fighting, Arts & Sciences in the world of Rapier, and to round out the day a grand melee in the Armory’s 34,000 sq. ft arena!

The Autocrat for this event is Dona Alessandra Bentivegna da Faenza, called Yasmina.

The Chancellor of Classes for the event is Master Ian Muir. If you are interested in teaching a class, please contact Master Ian as soon as possible so that he can schedule it in the appropriate track.

While this event will not be featuring a feast, attendees are invited to partake of an evening of fine dining at the restaurant, located on the first floor of the Armory. The owner has graciously agreed to a special event pricing for your meals. As well, concession stands will be opened throughout the afternoon in the arena.

Merchants are invited to attend and showcase your wares. There is plenty of space available, and there is no Merchanting Fee to pay. If you are in need of tables they are available for $5 each. If you are interested in merchanting please contact the Autocrat at the email address listed above.

Reservations are appreciated but not necessary. The reservations clerk is Baroness Roberta McMorland. The site fees for the day are as follows: Adults: $10.00, Youth (6 – 17yrs): $5.00, 5yrs and under: Free. Adult Non-members and those without proof of membership will be also be charged the $3 Non-Member Surcharge at the door. Please make checks payable to “SCA, Inc – Barony of Thescorre” (please do not include $3.00 NMS with reservation).

For more information, see the event website: www.thescorre.org/calendar/events/rapier_academy.htm

As a result of numerous out-of-Kingdom failure reports, I have decided to ban the use in this Kingdom of rapier tips manufactured and/or sold by Darkwood Armory (pictured here: www.darkwoodarmory.com/otheritems.shtml). Fencers should not install these tips on any blade to be used in practice, melee or tournament. Fencers currently using these tips are strongly encouraged to replace them as soon as possible, and in any event no later than July 27, 2007 (the first day of Pennsic).

For the inspecting marshal, if you don't know the manufacturer of a particular tip, you should ask the fencer (and fencers, you should be able to answer this question).

And as long as we're talking about tips, it's useful to review the relevant EK rule: "Prior to having a tip applied, the point of Heavy Rapiers must be cut or filed so that the tip is either flat, or rounded, with no sharp edges or burrs. Heavy Rapiers must be covered with a tip that presents a blunt striking surface of at least ½" (12 mm) in diameter. This is most often done with an archery bird blunt of the appropriate diameter. A washer or metal casing shall be put in the end of the tip to prevent the end of the blade from wearing through the tip. Tips must be firmly taped or fastened in place using contrasting colored material as described above."

If you have any questions, please contact me directly. Thank you.

In Service, Don Antonio Patriquin, East Kingdom Marshal of 'Fence

Beginning February 1, 2007, the marshallate began an experimental program permitting new fencers to obtain a first authorization in heavy rapier.  Fencers wishing to so authorize should speak with the Marshals-in-Charge of their local practices.  Marshals wishing to train new fencers for "heavy first" authorization should speak with their Regional Marshal.  Please see the EK fencing site for more information.

Also, two important notes for the upcoming Pennsic War.  First, I'm honored to announce that His Highness has selected our Deputy KMoF, Mistress Nataliia Anastasiia Evgenova Sviatoslavina vnuchka, to command the Eastern rapier armies. She will be working hard over the coming months to coordinate and build the Eastern forces; please lend her your support.  Second, this year we are making common cause with the archers of the East. Mistress Nataliia, in coordination with the Captain-General of Archers Master Mark Squirrelsbane, will be working to cross-authorize  fencers and archers to help bolster the ranks of both.  I encourage all you to dust off your bows.  Those in need of training and loaner equipment should contact Mistress Nataliia directly.  The Eastern army needs you!

In Service, Antonio

A belated Happy New Year.  And with the new year, a little record-keeping is in order.  To that end, I have asked the Regional Marshals to collect proof of membership from all warranted marshals-at-large.  If you are a marshal (or think you are), please contact your Regional Marshal to find out what information he or she needs.  A list of currently-warranted marshals is available at www.eastkingdom.org/fencing/marshallist.html, which list will be updated in the coming weeks.  Thanks for your help.

In Service, Antonio

After nearly two years of dedicated service to fencing, Don Rufus Fletcher has decided to step down as Northern Shores Regional Deputy (Eastern Division).  In large part, it is the efforts of the Regional Marshals that make fencing in the Kingdom possible, and I would like personally to thank Rufus for his hard work.  Rufus, enjoy your retirement; I hope to see you on the lists.

Rufus has been succeeded by his deputy, Master Gruffyd the Innocent, effective as of November 1, 2006.  Any marshal residing in Northern Shores who wishes to serve as Gruffyd's Deputy, may apply directly to my office (which applications will be forwarded to Gruffyd).

Also, a follow up to last month's announced retirement of Don Pierre:  I'm pleased to announce that our new Central Region Marshal is Lord Caine Ramsey.  Please do take it easy on him, at least to start -- we don't want to scare him off.

The position of Deputy-CRM is now open.  Those interested should apply to Caine (at deputy-central@rapier.eastkingdom.org) and myself at their earliest convenience.

In Service, Antonio