What follows is an unofficial text dump of the Pre-Pennsic Handbook. The staff of Pennsic XXIV assumes no responsibility for any errors which have occurred as a result of translation to online format.
This text may only be re-posted as a whole, and must include this disclaimer.
For liability reasons, this post does not include the waiver forms which
are printed in the center of the actual book. These forms must be photocopied
from the originals. If you do not receive a copy of the Pre-Pennsic Handbook by
June 1, you may obtain one from the Autocrats General (listed below). Quantities
will be limited, so please check with others in your shire before you call.
* * * * * * *
This is the Pre-Pennsic Handbook, May A.S. XXX, Gregorian 1995, an
unofficial publication for the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. It is
distributed to a sampling of the Kingdoms that participate at the Pennsic War to
provide information that may be useful in making the War a fun event. Extra
copies can be obtained from the Autocrats General listed below. Information
contents (C)Copyright 1995, Society for Creative Anachronism, Incorporated.
Illustrations, backgrounds and artwork may additionally be protected by separate
copyrights.
PENNSIC XXIV STAFF
Anyone who wishes to merchant at Pennsic XXIV must contact Cooper's Lake prior to the War. Call (412) 368-8906 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Send any other correspondence to:
SCA: Pennsic XXIV
Pennsic XXIV P.O. Box 14299
Cincinnati, OH 45250-0299
Attention Seneschals and Chatelains!
Please cover the rules and guidelines throughout this handbook with your
group. Not everyone who participates in the SCA is a paying member, so many will
not receive this information in the mail. Even long-established members of your
group may be attending Pennsic for the first time, and will need your guidance
and assistance. Many gentles have arrived misinformed in the past...please help
your group benefit from the correct information. Thanks!
-The Pennsic XXIV Staff
War XXIV: From the Autocrats
Greetings to all, and best wishes in planning for your Pennsic XXIV Adventure! Throughout the Pre-Pennsic Handbook you will find a running theme: "Safety First...Fun Always!" We are your staff, and are attempting to provide the best possible stage for the SCA's largest annual event. Our staff members have been carefully sought out for the express purpose of limiting the impact of the twentieth century on your vacation in the Current Middle Ages. We have done - and will continue to do - everything possible to keep the staff and logistics in the background, while importance is placed upon the activities that draw you all to Pennsic XXIV.
The rules, policies, and procedures you will find herein are important. Please read them and comply. We will waste none of our space - or your time - on trivial rules. Safety and courtesy to others, mingled with healthy portions of common sense, are the basis for the way all of our departments will be run. If the staff asks you to do something (or not do something) there is a reason. If the sign says "don't park here or you will be towed..." it means just that. We will utilize every available asset to resolve problems in a swift, courteous, and acceptable manner. We trust that you, our guests, will do the same.
It is a privilege to serve as primary organizers of this enormous endeavor, and we thank everyone in advance for their kind and generous assistance. We are pleased to note some new appearances at Pennsic this year:
This year we will be providing special recognition to the hundreds of
folks who volunteer to man workstations at Pennsic.
Some "New Faces" for old names include the following:
Please take note that there are some small areas in which the twentieth century must invade our borders:
The autocrats and the staff wish one and all a pleasant, safe journey to
Pennsic XXIV, and stand ready to assist you in whatever way possible.
Aaron - Alexis - Mairin
Autocrats General, Pennsic XXIV
Pennsic XXIV Schedule of Fees
AS ALWAYS: PERSONAL CHECKS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED BY THE TROLL.
Pennsic Fees (Per Person)
Adults (18+) Final Weekend Friday 8/18- Sunday 8/20 $41.00 SCA Membership Discount -$10.00 Non-SCA Member Surcharge $3.00 Each night prior to 8/18 $4.00 Minors (6-17) Final Weekend Friday 8/18- Sunday 8/20 $22.00 Each night prior to 8/18 $2.00 Children (5 and under) Entire Period $4.00
Traveler's checks are accepted with proper identification. In accordance with SCA policy, there will be a $3.00 Non-Member surcharge in addition to the regular site fees. SCA memberships may be purchased during War Week from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. at a special tent just prior to checking in at Troll.
The chart below details the rate for Adult Non-Members, Adult Members,
Minors, and Children by date of arrival. There is no discount for Minors as
their rate is already calculated at one-half of the Adult Member rate.
Pennsic Fees (Per Person) Calculated by Arrival Date
The following chart has been modified... the original header had
the member/non-member prices switched!!! verified via email by T.N.Tumbusch
Non- Adult Minor Child
Arrival Date Member Member (6-7) (5 and Under)
------------ ------ ------ ----- -------------
August 5 $88 $75 $37 $4
August 6 $88 $75 $37 $4
August 7 $88 $75 $37 $4
August 8 $84 $71 $35 $4
August 9 $80 $67 $33 $4
August 10 $76 $63 $31 $4
August 11 $72 $59 $29 $4
August 12 $68 $55 $27 $4
August 13 $64 $51 $25 $4
August 14 $60 $47 $23 $4
August 15 $56 $43 $21 $4
August 16 $52 $39 $19 $4
August 17 $48 $35 $17 $4
August 18 $44 $31 $15 $4
August 19 $44 $31 $15 $4
The Troll Booth will close at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, August 19, 1994. No
one will be admitted after this time. Please plan carefully to arrive before
this time if you wish to attend. Please note also that the War ends on Sunday
(August 20). This is a change from previous years.
Pennsic XXIV Site Rules
Please remember that the guiding principles of the Society are chivalry and courtesy to all.
Cooper's Lake Campground is private property with the right to refuse or
deny admission without cause of any kind. Violation of the established rules may
result in curtailment of activities and/or expulsion from the site without
refund of any kind.
General Site Rules
Unto all gentles and nobles in search of land to call their own, greetings from Sir David Dragonhawk.
This year's land procedures will be similar to those used in years past,
with just a few changes. As always, your packet must follow the rules listed
below or it will not be accepted.
General Rules
Correspondence sent anywhere else will be ignored. Note that Federal Express and United Parcel Service (UPS) cannot deliver directly to a P.O. box. Using these services will delay or prevent the arrival of your request. If first-class mail isn't fast enough, use Express Mail services provided by the U.S. Postal service. The staff of Pennsic XXIV is not responsible for land requests which are mailed incorrectly or lost by the U.S. Postal service.
Yours in service to the SCA,
-Sir David Dragonhawk
How to Succeed at the Pennsic Troll
Many policies at Pennsic War XXIV will be the same as last year, but a few have changed. Please read these rules carefully so you will not be surprised; then tell your friends. Following these simple guidelines will get you into the War and having fun as quickly as possible.
If you do not have proof of membership ready when you arrive you cannot come back with it after you unpack and get your discount refunded. Proof of membership includes: Your membership card; Your Kingdom Newsletter or TI mailing label; cancelled check proving that you sent off your dues prior to August 1, a letter from the Registry explaining why your card has been delayed; or you paid for a membership at the War which the Registry will sell on site.
These rules are listed at the Troll as they have been for years past.
Seneschals and Chatelaines, please cover these rules with your group. Not everyone who participates in the SCA is a paying member, so many will not see this article. Many people will be attending Pennsic for the first time and will need your guidance and assistance. Several gentles in the past have arrived misinformed, insisting they received their information from their seneschal or other officer. Please inform your group of the correct information.
Another gesture which will speed your progress through the Troll Booth is to have your waiver filled out prior to arrival. This waiver is bound into the center of this handbook and the Kingdom newsletters, and may be copied as needed. Please do not reduce this form when you copy it. Minor waivers will only be available at Troll.
Everyone who attends Pennsic must fill out a waiver for insurance reasons. Please fill it out entirely, including the section on medication, allergies, and/or health problems. This information is kept on file by your badge number at the Chirurgeon's Points in case of emergency, so any and all information is pertinent. Be sure to indicate if you are pregnant. If you are confined to a wheelchair, indicate the reason why. You may think some of these things are obvious, but in an emergency situation anything can happen.
Knowing these rules, which have been in effect and virtually unchanged for many years, will enable everyone to abide by them. Please do not attempt to finagle a deal once you get there. No exceptions will be made - what goes for one goes for all. If you do have any complaints, questions, or arguments, please do not address them to the people working at Troll who are checking you in. These folks are volunteers who are donating their time and following procedures set forth by others. If you need to speak to someone, ask for a Cooper or the Head Troll. One or both are most always there or can be quickly obtained. They are the ones in charge and enforcing the rules. Volunteers are simply doing what they are told.
Volunteering at Troll is a great way to have fun and meet people. You never know what sort of legendary folk will be checking in during your shift. All volunteers will be cheerfully accepted.
Be knowledgeable, be prepared, and help us make your Troll transition as smooth as possible. The faster you get through the Troll, the sooner you can set up camp and start the fun. We look forward to greeting you at the Pennsic War.
-Dame Madinia Devereaux O'Tuatail
Pennsic with Children
Coming to Pennsic with children means bringing all your normal parental responsibilities to a busy campground for a week or more. If this makes you feel slightly faint, then you have a good grasp of reality. Many have enjoyed the experience, but most parents who bring their children to the War have wished the kids were home with Grandma at some time or another. If you can arrange for your children to stay with a relative or friend during the War, please consider it...especially if you like to stay out late or if your children are age six and under.
There is a medium-sized, grassy playground area with a few swings, a sandbox and a couple of things to climb on. It is located in the center of the action, near the Camp Store, the A&S class tents, one of the Bath Houses and the main shopping section of Pennsic. It's close to Troll, Security, and the main Chirurgeon's Point.
In addition to the playground, there will be a Children's Point Grimm's Tent furnished with tables and chairs. For a few hours each day, there will be children's crafts/story/play sessions in this tent. We plan to have a morning and an afternoon session of children's activities and crafts, drawn from a range of traditional crafts and games. They are selected to suit early, elementary school-aged children, but younger and older kids may also enjoy them.
Children's Point is available to all children and their parents. Feel free to sit down, hang out, or talk to other people in the shade while you watch the kids on the playground. The tent is lighted in the evening, and becomes a place for teens to gather.
Other facilities at the campground include a "Family" Swimming hole (swimsuits or other clothing required). It can be reached by a short walk from the wagon track. The water is cold and somewhat deep for the little ones, but very refreshing for bigger kids.
If you or your children need a dose of the twentieth century, there is a
full range of fast food, stores and movies that you can head off to. Details and
directions will be available on-site.
Children's Regulations
Due to the number of children currently being brought to the War, some regulations for the playground areas are necessary to provide a safer environment for children.
Please remember that we are an organization based upon the principles of
Chivalry. Be considerate of both your children and other gentles as you attend
Pennsic and enjoy your time there. A variety of children's activities are
planned. Parents are encouraged to become involved and enjoy the classes with
their children.
Disabled Services
Greetings from Christoph Van Der Ross, Disabled Services Coordinator for Pennsic XXIV.
Reasonable requests for services such as handicapped parking, etc., should be sent to me at the address listed on the inside front cover. Please include your name, address, and telephone number in your request for services, along with a description of your disability and the functional limitations which it entails.
Pennsic is a large outdoor camping event, and thus poses some obstacles that are unchangeable. Within reason, however, we can try to make Pennsic a more enjoyable experience for us all.
At your service,
-Christoph Van Der Ross
From the Security Staff
Greetings from the Security staff of Pennsic XXIV. We hope you have a safe and enjoyable War. Our goal is to ensure a safe and accident-free vacation for everyone.
Security patrols exist to help you. They watch for unsafe conditions (such as unattended fires) and assist those who are injured - or those who have enjoyed their War too much - to their tents or the Chirurgeon's Points. Please help out if Security asks for your assistance or requests that a problem be corrected. All gentles are encouraged to volunteer for a shift at Security Point. It's fun, and you can meet interesting new people.
Please carry your site medallion with you at all times, and show it if requested by Security or the Cooper's Lake staff. Our Society is based on Honor and Chivalry...if you know of someone who hasn't payed the site fee, please don't let them stain the ideals most of us seek to follow. Try to convince them to show their honor to the Coopers for use of their lands by paying the site fees.
Pennsic Security is not a police force, and is not responsible for guarding your camps or valuables. We recommend that someone be in your camp to tend fires and mind tents at all times.
If you plan to bring minor children to the War, please be responsible for them at all times. Unattended or lost children may be returned to you by security. In the event of repeated problems, both parents and children may be asked to leave the War.
We are here to help you! If you need assistance from Security, feel free to ask. If you have any problems with any of the security helpers, please report them to security point.
Have a enjoyable and safe War.
-Your Security Staff
From the War Chirurgeon
Our sincerest wish is that the chirurgeons will have nothing to do but shop, visit with friends, play games, and let their first aid skills grow rusty with disuse. However, from past experience nearly 10% of the populace will seek the aid of the chirurgeons at some time during the War. A few simple precautions will greatly reduce your chances of getting hurt.
If you are a warranted Chirurgeon, apprentice, first-aider, medical professional, or just want to help out, please sign up at the main Chirurgeon's Point. Most Kingdom Chirurgeons have agreed to allow their apprentices to count Pennsic towards the required number of events to be warranted. The East, Midrealm, Atlantia, and possibly others will count each shift worked as a separate event. Check with your Kingdom's Chirurgeon for specific requirements.
We hope to offer both first aid and CPR classes again this year. If you are an American Red Cross first aid/CPR or American Heart Association CPR instructor and would be willing to help teach at the War, please contact the War Chirurgeon as soon as possible.
Volunteers are also needed for non-medical duties at the Chirurgeon's
Points. Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome.
Waterbearers Needed!
Waterbearers are needed for all of the major battles. It's a fun way for non-combatants to participate, and a great way to meet people.
If you plan to participate as a waterbearer, please sign up before the battle at the main Chirurgeon's Point. For your own safety and that of that of the combatants, waterbearer training sessions will be given.
Signing up in advance helps ensure that all areas of the battlefield are
sufficiently staffed with waterbearers. Training sessions greatly reduce your
risk of being injured on the field. Thanks in advance for your assistance and
consideration.
Grimm's Tent Registration
We are trying to streamline the process of erecting rental tents, and can
do it with a little help from you. If you have any questions, please feel free
to call me at (814) 459-4626 between the hours of 8 to 10 p.m. EST Monday or
Wednesday. My address is:
Wm Martin Britner
919 W. 10th St.
Erie, PA
16502-1136
Tent registration is for campers and encampments only. On August 5, 1995, when you or your land agent arrives for land allocation, the following information will be required:
We will try to accommodate you in every possible way, but we cannot guarantee your tent will be up at a particular time. The Grimm's Rental Contract states that all tents will be up by the Friday before the War. If an encampment is renting the tent, substitute the group name for the mundane and SCA names of the person renting the tent. A copy of the confirmation letter from Grimm's Tent Rental should also be in the packet in case of problems or questions.
After your land agent has gone through land allocation and has been assigned a section, they should then proceed to the Grimm's Tent registration table located in the barn. All information will then be verified with the letter of confirmation from Grimm's. The encampment will be located on the Grimm's map. All information should be to the Grimm's Liaison by 4 p.m. Saturday August 5, 1995. On Monday, August 7, 1995, the land agent should contact the Grimm's Liaison at the Autocrat's Tent (in front of the Cooper's store) between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. to find out on what day the tent will be set up. We can not be more specific than that. Please wait for the Grimm's Crew in your camp on that day. Once the tents are on the ground and the position is verified, no one need wait in camp any longer. The tent should be laid out in the encampment prior to the crew's arrival.
During setup week, the Grimm's Liaison will be in the Autocrat's Tent from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. every day. If your land agent arrives late, they should see to your tent as soon as possible at the Autocrat's Tent. All tents are prepaid, any tents that have been paid for but not claimed at the end of the day on Thursday, August 10, 1995 will be set up as single campers as space allows, after consulting with the Land Autocrat. Land Agents, please remember that these tents need three feet on each side for stakes, so a 12' x 12' tent needs 18' x 18' of space.
Remember, you have rented and paid for this tent, and it is up to you to notify either your land agent or me of this fact. If there is a problem during the War, I can be contacted through the Autocrat's Tents.
I look forward to helping you have a great War. Yours in War and peace,
-Lord Illiam Uaine
From the Chatelaine
Warmest greetings from Lady Anastasia Janvier, Kingdom Chatelaine.
I encourage first-time Pennsic visitors to talk to their local or regional Chatelaine and group members familiar with the event. Read up on past Pennsics and camping in general. A Pre-Pennsic Planner is available through the Chatelaine's office.
I welcome all newcomers to the SCA to visit Newcomer's Point, located once again in the barn. Chatelaines from many kingdoms will be there throughout the week to help you with any questions about "Who we are and how we play."
I encourage all Chatelaines attending the War to sign up for a 2-hour shift at Newcomer's Point. If everyone takes a turn, it lightens the load for all of us.
If you are interested in teaching a Chatelaine class at Pennsic, or have
an idea for a class, please contact Aethelmarc Chatelaine Dona Teresa Gabriela
at (716) 533-1077. Her address is Tracy Stoever, 149 Jeffors Rd., Rush, NY
14543. Check the Pennsic class schedule for actual times, and watch for early
bird classes if you arriving the Friday or Saturday before War.
Attention All Chatelaines
We invite all Chatelaines of the Known World to a Social Hour, Monday at 6:00 p.m. in the barn. This will be an informal gathering to exchange ideas, information, concerns and suggestions; as well as a time to get to know one another without the structure of a meeting.
If you can bring a potluck dish or drink to the social hour, please contact me as soon as you know when you will arrive at Pennsic.
Yours in Service,
-Lady Anastasia Janvier
From the Herald
Greetings from Lord Richard Morgan of Cumberland, Dragon Principal Herald of the Midrealm and Pennsic XXIV War Herald.
Herald's Point will again be located at the corner of the High and Low roads, and will offer heraldic consultation to all who ask. The following details are tentative:
Consultation: Consultation on name and device submissions will be given at the first Grimm's tent at Herald's Point. The Kingdoms of the East, Middle, and Atlantia will accept submissions. Other kingdoms may offer this service as well, but as of this letter no other kingdom has contacted us. We will offer consultation to all, whether or not your kingdom is among those accepting submissions. Stop by Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Announcements: Announcements will be made twice a day in the merchant areas, and messages posted on message boards throughout the camp. In the event of an emergency, the entire camp will be cried. We encourage everyone to check the message boards daily. Announcements should be brought to the second Grimm's tent at Herald's Point. All messages must be approved by authorized gentles before they are cried or posted.
Heraldic Training: Many senior heralds will be working the consultation tent, and all are more than happy to help those gentles with an interest in learning about book heraldry. If you are interested in learning about heraldic consultation and research, please stop by. We'll put you to work. There is no better place to learn than the Pennsic Consultation Tent.
The Laurel Road Show: The Laurel Sovereign of Arms plans to attend, and has scheduled a meeting for Friday evening of War Week to consider name and device submissions. If you would like to see how the acceptance of a submission is determined, please come. Time to be announced.
Herald's Reception: The Principality of Ealdormere will be sponsoring a Known World Heraldic Reception on Monday evening of War week, to be held at Herald's Point. Time to be announced.
The Art of Volunteering: Pennsic War is run on a volunteer basis, and Herald's Point is no exception. We will need strong voices for the cries, and strong legs for posting announcements. You do not need to be a herald to volunteer. It's fun, and you may learn something in the process.
May you have an exciting and fun War.
-Lord Richard Morgan of Cumberland
Pennsic XXIV Combat Rules
All Society for Creative Anachronism armor standards will be enforced at Pennsic XXIV. All fighters will ensure that their armor meets those standards while they are fighting. Any unusual or non-standard armor will be brought to the attention of the Earl Marshals of the Middle and the East before it is allowed for use. If an item is rejected, an appeal can be brought to the Kings of the Middle and the East. Both Kings must agree to allow the item in order for it to be used. The decision of the Kings is final. Armor that has passed inspection will be marked with a sticker that indicates the number of the inspecting marshal and the number of the individual being inspected.
To be inspected, fighters must have their authorization card and their
Pennsic XXIV entry medallion with them, along with a mundane form of
identification. Without these items a fighter may not be inspected. Anyone
sponsoring a tournament is responsible for supplying their own marshals for
inspection.
Weapons Standards
Weapons are inspected to ensure that all parts of the weapon are in good/safe condition, and will be marked when passed. All weapons must meet the weapons standards of the Middle and the East Kingdoms. The kingdoms reserve the right to ban/reject a weapon even if that weapon would be legal in another kingdom. The decisions of the Earl Marshals of the Middle and the East will be final in this matter. Any weapon that a normal SCA fighter would consider unusual or unsafe must be brought to the attention of the Earl Marshals, and the decision to pass it must be a joint one. Rejected weapons may be "reworked" and re-presented for inspection.
No marshal will tell an individual to fix a piece of equipment and pass
it at the same time, assuming that the necessary changes will be made. If it is
a piece of required armor the person must be completely reinspected, including
the checking of identification. All other equipment and weapons must be
reinspected before it is passed.
Specific Weapon Standards
New fighters who wish to fight at Pennsic XXIV must be authorized by July
31, 1995. Fighters who authorize must have their authorization cards with them
by War. No card, no fighting.
Marshal's Tent
A central Marshal's tent will be set up on the main battlefields. This tent will be well-marked, and will have inspection times listed. This tent contains:
The Marshal-in-Charge is the Earl Marshal of the Middle Kingdom. He is assisted by the Earl Marshal of the East Kingdom. They shall select appropriate marshals to be in charge of each of the battles. The marshals in a battle are suggested to be equipped with a marshal's staff of black and yellow, a marshal's tabard, and a whistle. The use of armor, gauntlets, and a safety helmet are recommended. No marshal, having fought in a battle, shall return onto the field to help marshal, excepting Their Royal Majesties of any of the Kingdoms who wish to marshal.
All War Point Battles will be fought at a ratio between forces not exceeding 5:4, or 1.25:1. The Earl Marshals of the East and Middle will work with Their Majesties of the East and Middle to accomplish this.
No War Points shall be fought until there are sufficient warranted marshals present to ensure the safety of the fighters. The minimum numbers of marshals must be evenly split between those Kingdoms or groups fighting for the East and those fighting for the Middle. The Earl Marshals of the Middle and East shall determine this number for each battle before the start of the War. If half of the minimum number of marshals do not claim to represent one side or the other, the King of the underrepresented Kingdom shall appoint a sufficient number of his Chivalry to make up the needed difference. No steel weapons of any type shall be allowed on the field during War Points. This includes marshals. Marshals have the right and duty to remove from battle any person who is violating the rules of the list, including non-acceptance of blows. Marshals should keep in mind that all fighters are honorable people and treat them with courtesy and chivalry. Fighters should remember that the marshals are attempting to ensure the safety of all fighters present and treat them with courtesy. Remember, honest mistakes do happen.
A Marshal's Court will be in place and be prepared to address any serious problems which are brought before it. These problems can be brought by marshals or fighters. The Marshal's Court will be held immediately following each battle as needed. Marshals shall always be obeyed during the course of the battle. Holds will be called whenever a question of safety or other major problem arises.
Holds will be kept to a minimum to allow the continuity of the battle to be maintained. Marshals will be equipped with whistles by which to signal holds. As always, a hold can be called verbally by marshals or fighters. It is the responsibility of all participants to help maintain safety on the field.
Marshals have the authority to expel a fighter from combat. Infractions
of the rules and combat conventions in use at the War are grounds for review by
the Marshal's Court. Fighters are reminded to wait patiently during holds. No
tactical talking is allowed, but talking with your friends and "enemies" is
highly encouraged.
General Combat Conventions
Pennsic XXIV will follow the Society Rules for Combat at all times. The
following rules and conventions will also be observed.
Except in the case of shield walls, no more than four fighters shall attack a single opponent. When a fighter is a member of a formed unit (e.g. a shield wall) that is fighting a similar unit, he may strike and be struck by any opponent within range. If a breakthrough occurs in your segment of the unit, you may strike and be struck by a passing opponent. Only one blow may be delivered.
Attacking an opponent from the rear who is not aware of your presence is both unsafe and unchivalrous. It is not allowed. You may only strike an opponent under the following conditions:
If an opponent ignores your attempts to attract his attention, you may
not proceed to attack him. He may simply have felt that he was bumped by his own
team members. In such an instance, you should foul his weapon or shield with
your own weapon. This way, you gain the advantage of being to the rear of an
opponent without jeopardizing his safety. Deliberate refusal to engage an
opponent is grounds for removal from the battle, and marshals are encouraged to
remove any fighters who do not engage. Fighters without a weapon or a shield who
do not retire from the field are valid targets for attacks.
Armor Inspections
All armor must be inspected before participating in any of the War Points, Friendship Battles, tournaments, or other fighting activities at War. Inspections will be done at the marshal's tent on the main battlefield. Fighters must bring their site medallion, their authorization card, and a form of mundane identification to be inspected. Anyone hosting a tournament is responsible for performing their own inspections.
If you have a large group of fighters who wish to be inspected, you may
contact the Earl Marshal of the Middle. If possible, he will arrange a team of
marshals to come to your camp and help inspect the fighters. Each kingdom should
supply marshals in proportion to the number of fighters present at the War.
Kingdom Earl Marshals wishing to handle the inspections of their Kingdom's
troops may request a marshal to aid them from the Earl Marshal of the Middle
Kingdom. The inspection point will be manned from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting
Monday, August 14, 1995. Inspection point will close 15 minutes before each mass
battle (30 minutes before the Woods Battle) to allow time for everyone to get to
the battlefield. It will remain open during the champions battles at the
discretion of the Earl Marshal of the Middle Kingdom, provided he has sufficient
volunteers.
Scouts
Scouts will be killed by an opposing fighter getting within 10 feet of an
undefended scout and declaring them dead. Under no circumstances will a scout be
touched with a weapon. Marshals are encouraged to remove any fighter who
violates this rule. Marshals are also encouraged to "kill" scouts who allow
themselves to be placed in an obviously dangerous position. Scouts may not kill
other scouts. No scout may carry any item that would cause them to mistaken for
a fighter (i.e., shields, weapons, etc.). Scout helms will be marked by the
solid white diamond pattern identifying them as scouts and by the kingdom tape
denoting which side they are on. Scout Helms must be constructed in accordance
with their kingdom rules and in such a way as to survive one heavy blow from a
rattan weapon. Scouts will be allowed in all battles. All scouts will be
required to wear a helmet, and strongly encouraged to wear elbow and knee pads,
groin, throat, and kidney protection. Scouts may not touch nor move any banner.
If combat archery is used, there may be additional rules for scouts.
Combat Archery
And Thrown Weapons
Combat archery and thrown weapons (axe, javelins and such) may be allowed
at Pennsic XXIV. The exact implementationis still under discussion. For more
information on the use of these weapons at Pennsic, please contact one of the
following after June 1, 1995:
per discussion with Count Sir Jafar, Combat archery will only be allowed in the friendship battle. Thrown weapons will be allowed in all battles. -- Filip of the Marche
Count Sir Jafar al Safa
m.k.a. Scott Hall
1085 E. 74th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46240
(317) 257-5207
Baron Sir Pieter van Doorn
mka Vance VanDoren
3220 SR 26 West
West Lafayette, IN 47906
(317) 497-4875
No calls after 11 p.m. EST
War Points
The War Points for Pennsic XXIV will be different from any previous War. There are only three War Points to be won. Each War Point consists of several different parts. The following chart shows the Pennsic XXIV War Point structure.
Unto the good gentles of the Known World, greetings from Sir William of Fairhaven, Pennsic XXIV Battlefield Coordinator.
I have been tasked with organizing the many tournaments that will be held this year. Any Kingdom, household, or similar group wishing to hold a tournament at Pennsic this year must contact me in writing with contest details as soon as possible. In addition to the Field Battle area, there will be eight permanent fighting lists set up at the south end of the battlefield. Four of these lists will be designated for fencing and four will be designated for heavy combat. Please indicate the day and time you would like to have your tourney.
Slots will be filled on a first come, first served basis. You may wish to include an alternate day/time for your event in case the slot you request has already been assigned. If a particular time slot has been filled and another request for that slot is received, I will contact the second group to arrange another time. Once your tourney time and date have been set, I will confirm it to you in writing.
Chivalry and Courtesy,
- Sir William of Fairhaven
Tentative Battlefield Schedule
Battles which will determine War Points include the Field, Unbelted Champions, Belted Champions, Town, Bridge, Pass, Royal Champions, and Broken Field Battles.
Numbers for the champions battles are as yet unknown. Participants in the Royal
Champions Tourney will be selected from the other two champions battles as they
occur.
Archery at Pennsic XXIV
Greetings from Lady Arwenna of Kelsley, Midrealm Archer General.
Much of the archery at Pennsic XXIV will be similar to recent years. The Archery Champions Shoot constitutes one-third of the overall Champions War Point and will consist of three shoots to be described below. The Archery War Point will be decided by two shoots: an Advancing Warrior and a Clout Tower Shoot, similar to previous years. Should each side win one of them, the War Point will be decided on the basis of overall points scored. I encourage each of you to shoot both shoots to your best ability; every point earned may be the deciding factor in the final score.
There will be a full week of activities to test your mettle or just for fun. Check the on-site program for more details.
Each year we strive to make your visit to the Archery Range as pleasant
as possible. In return, we ask that you follow a few simple rules so that the
range remains safe and organized. Please take the time to read them through. If
you understand what is expected of you, you will save yourself time and possible
aggravation.
Archery Equipment Standards
If you hear "hold!" while shooting, immediately let down your bow, remove the arrow from the string, set down the bow and step back from the line. If shooting Crossbow, point the weapon at the ground and remove the bolt. If the hold will be lengthy, unspan the crossbow by hand if possible. If you are unable to do so, request the marshal's permission to discharge the weapon into the ground. Do not do so without the marshal's consent. Please be patient during the hold, the marshals will attempt to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.
This will consist of two shoots and will be won by the side that takes both. Should each side win one, the total number of points scored in both shoots will be added. The side with the most points overall will be declared the winner. Only one attempt at each of the two shoots is permitted per archer while scoring is in effect.
This is one-third of the Champions War Point. It will be decided by whichever side takes two of the three parts of the Archery Champions Shoot. Champions Teams will have a maximum of thirty archer champions from each side. One shoot will be similar to the Roving Range Shoot at Pennsic XXIII, with figures at various distances and positions. The second shoot will be a longer distance shoot at three warrior figures at a maximum of 120 yards. Archers will move in toward the target figures by unknown amounts of distance at various stations until they are no closer than 20 yards. The third shoot is a timed team slot shoot with a target similar to last year. The object is to kill the enemy soldier in a narrow slot area without killing the friendly fighter. Hits on the latter will be penalized points. Final details are not available at this time.
Archery at Pennsic should be safe and enjoyable. It is hoped that many of
you will take the time to participate not only in Archery War Point but also in
the many other activities held at the range. If you should need further
information, please contact one of the following:
Lady Arwenna of Kelsley
C/O Pat Kelley
1390 Goodyear Blvd
Akron, OH 44305
Lord Krakken Gnashbone
C/O Dean Whitehead
19 Belmont St.
Lowell, MA 01851
Rapier Combat at Pennsic XXIV
The Middle Kingdom will host fencing for the first time at Pennsic XXIV. Many thanks to the East Kingdom marshals for their long service.
Scheduled activities will begin with the Fourth Annual Rapier Party on Sunday evening, August 13. Various kingdoms will sponsor tournaments, and Lord Grimkirk ap Greymoor will sponsor the Third Annual Pennsic/Known World Rapier Workshop late in the week.
Marshals of all Kingdoms are encouraged to teach and marshal all week. All authorizations are to be performed before Noon on any given day (it's the marshal's vacation too!)
For Kingdom-sponsored Tourneys, armor will be inspected to the standards of the Kingdom that granted the Fencer's authorization, but weapons must meet the standards of the Kingdom sponsoring the Tourney.
Fencing activity during the battles is dependent upon marshal
availability. When free bouting with an opponent from another kingdom, remember
that calibration and target areas vary, and different Kingdoms call blows
differently. Things are a lot simpler if you check these out by talking with
your opponent before the bout.
-Baron Master AElfred of Chester
Arts & Sciences
Arts & Sciences activities will follow a format similar to that in years past. Many Middle Eastern-related classes will take place near the lake at Orluk Oasis. We hope to have Known World Sharing Sessions on specific topics of interest such as cooking, brewing, lace-making, and so on. Let me know if there is a topic you would be interested in discussing with others, and if you would be interested in moderating one of the sessions. I would also like to place "unofficial" A&S related activities on my master schedule for your convenience. Write to me if you have any such activities planned. The master schedule will be at the A&S table in the Barn from Saturday, August 12 on. Sign-up for classes with size limits will also be at the A&S table. Sign-up will begin the day before the scheduled class as it was done last year.
Some of the planned classes include: making toys for children; waste-free garment cutting; Gothic calligraphy; Muslim scrolls and Islamic calligraphy; footwear; Japanese comic theatre, graphic arts, ranks and titles, tea ceremony, poetry; madrigals; a reading of The Merry Wives of Windsor; English and Scottish ballads; bobbin lace; sign language; historic battles; belt making; kitchen sanitation and feasts; dances of all types; Welsh personas; Middle English; and much more.
Of special note is a Music Composition Workshop for which pre-Pennsic registration is required. It will provide in-depth, constructive feedback to music composers and arrangers. Works must have been submitted in advance for evaluation. See page 24 for more details.
Children's activities (ages 5-12) will again take place in the area in front of the merchants. Classes will run from Monday through Friday, approximately 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will include storytelling, crafts, dancing, chainmail making, embroidery, etc. Children can also learn to play the recorder. Fee is $2.00 and class meets for 12 hour each day. There will also be a Pages' School for children ages 8-17 that will meet from 9-11 a.m. daily. Pages must commit to attending all sessions. They will learn basic SCA courtesy, how the Society works, what a modern page can do, basic dance and heraldry, and much more. For further information on Children's Activities please contact Mistress Caroline de Mercier (Carol Mercer, 625 N. Bess, Marissa, IL 62257, 618-295-2907).
If you are interested in teaching a class at Pennsic please contact me (see inside front cover for info). While the deadline for classes to be listed in the Pennsic bulletin is May 1, there may still be slots available for teaching. Dance instructors should contact me for scheduling. Musicians or music groups should contact me if they wish to use A&S tents for practice. You should also contact me if you wish to use the Barn, any A&S tent (including Orluk Oasis and Messy Classes), or the Bathhouse. The master schedule will be posted at the A&S table.
I invite A&S officers of the Known World to assist in staffing the A&S table in the Barn from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A willingness to help is the only experience necessary!
In service to the Society and Learning,
-Alys Katharine
Dance at Pennsic XXIV
There will be dancing in the barn every evening (with the possible exception of Tuesday), from dark (or from the time Court ends, if there's a Court that evening) till the wee hours. A Ball is planned for Friday night. Dance classes will be offered during the day as part of the A&S class schedule.
Please contact me if you'd like to help, if you have any questions, or if
there's any way I can help you.
Dani Zweig
7634 Westmoreland Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15218
Phone: (412) 271-5279
dani@telerama.lm.com
-Dani of the Seven Wells
Pennsic Music Challenge
This is not exactly how it appeared in the newsletter, but I'm running it and this is
more official
Greetings all from Filip of the Marche!
The Music Challenge is on this year!
Announcing: The Pennsic Music Challenge
When: August 17th, 1995 1100 -- 1500
Where: The Barn
Details:
(412) 361 3626 (no calls after 11 pm EST) I have an answering machine. ask to leave a message on it.
Leave Group title, Entry area(s), Piece Title(s), address (email
preferred) and phone number of the group contact.
Hope to be hearing from you soon!
-Filip of the Marche
Known World Choir
At Pennsic XXIV, the Known World Choir will perform works by Machaut,
Dufay, Josquin, Palestrina, and Byrd. All singers and "loud" instrumentalists
(e.g. players of cornetto, shawm, sackbut) should contact:
Angela E. Parsons
947 Homeview Dr.
Louisville, KY 40215
(502) 361-3026
Please state your voice part or instrument. I look forward to making music with you!
-Lady Elfrida Scholastica Eliensis
Music Composition Workshop
Greetings unto all from Ellisif Flakkari!
At Pennsic XXIV I will be leading a music composition workshop. Composers and arrangers are invited to submit work for critique and discussion. Submissions will be distributed to all participants and the moderators of the workshop before Pennsic for comment; at Pennsic we will meet to discuss the pieces, answer questions, share sources, and generally try to help each other improve in this area. (We expect the meeting to be Tuesday or Friday afternoon; see the schedule in the on-site book.)
You may submit one piece or several short works in the same style; please limit your submission to about 10 pages. Please indicate the period/style of the piece(s). Feel free to include notes about inspiration, techniques you were trying, problems, questions, your background, sources , or anything else you think might help others understand your work better. Please don't be intimidated by this list, though; include as much or as little of this information as you like.
If possible, include a tape of the piece to be distributed with the written music. I will produce computer-generated recordings of pieces submitted without tapes, but will not be able to record lyrics. Tapes will be returned at War.
The workshop is limited to 12 participants. The deadline for submissions
is June 26. I expect to be able to confirm the date and time of the workshop by
June 1. There is a fee of $10 to cover duplication/mailing costs; any excess
funds will be returned at Pennsic. Make checks payable to Monica Cellio. Send
submissions to:
Once again Pennsic will take place at Cooper's Lake Campground, RD #2, in
Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. All gentles wishing to attend are urged to examine
the appropriate maps before setting forth on their journeys. As gentles travel
to Pennsic from all over the Known World, specific directions to the site are
given on a local scale.
Take your best route to Western Pennsylvania. If this lands you at the
Pittsburgh International Airport without a car, be sure you have made
arrangements for someone to meet your flight. Pennsic will not be providing a
shuttle service to or from the airport.
If you reach Western Pennsylvania by car, you are probably on I-80, I-76 or I-79.
If you are travelling by commercial-scale bus or bringing your castle in
a semi-trailer, you will need to contact Cooper's Lake Campground directly for
directions that permit large vehicle access. Currie Road crosses a one-lane
bridge distinctly unsuited to buses and semis.
The Pre-Pennsic Handbook was prepared by Lord Valentine Warner, with lots
of help from Meriel FitzWilliam and the Pennsic XXIV Staff.
Cover artwork was provided by Lady Elspeth Grizel of Dunfort, and colorized
by Meriel FitzWilliam. The Cover background pattern was created by Lord
Torskiriel Du Mai. Interior art is the work of Baroness Anne of Winterskye.
Page imaging and color separations were done by the Type One Graphics
scriptorium; printing by Central Printing.
Hypertext Document is Filip of the Marche's fault.. blame him :)
Monica Cellio
7634 Westmoreland Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15218
(412-271-5279)
mjc@cs.cmu.edu
Directions
Then...
Credits