Lady Sorcha MacLeod - Tammy Ackerson - 107 S. Taylor St. Unit B - Laramie, WY 82070
[ whitestag@outlands.org ]
19 November 2004
Report: Quarterly to Laurel
Report: Monthly to Kingdom
Greetings unto Ibrahim and Ileana, Sultan and Sultana of the Outlands, Master François la Flamme, Laurel King of Arms, Mistress Leah de Montgomerie, Outlands Seneschal, the Outlands College of Heralds, and to all others who come by these letters, from Lady Sorcha MacLeod, White Stag Principal Herald!
Specific issues:
- I have received my signed warrant from Laurel, but it appears to have gotten misfiled during my recent spate of receiving files and getting things out of boxes and into filing cabinets. I have requested a new copy from the Laurel files, and the first one to turn up will be copied and mailed to the Crown and Kingdom Seneschal. My humblest apologies for the delay.
- There have been some issues with payments to Laurel and to the Heraldic Packet Service (Squidpak), and steps are being taken to resolve those issues. Communication has improved of late from the Exchequer office, and I have hopes that this will prevent further issues.
- I await feedback on suggested updates to the pertinent sections of Kingdom Policy to the Crown and Kingdom Seneschal for review, and to the Kingdom Exchequer for review of the financial policy, sent 14 July 2004. I have re-sent this information to the Crown and Mistress Leah for perusal on 17 October 2004. Having had a back-to-back Crown and Coronation, I have assumed this minor bit of housekeeping lost among more pressing business, and have therefore re-sent on 19 November 2004 to both the new Crown and Kingdom Seneschal.
- Vacancies in kingdom staff: Palmer Herald (permanent) - this office will be filled for the long-term on 01 January 2005 by THLady Alia Marie de Blois, Trefoil Herald (CoA commenter) - this office has been assumed as of 16 November 2004 by Baron Timothy O'Brien, and Laurel must approve the appointment after the generation of at least one timely Letter of Comment, Fretty Herald (CoA commenter), Stag’s Attire Herald (title currently not in use).
- Upcoming vacancies: Rampart Herald (01 January 2005). I have decided to perform the Rampart duties myself for a period of three to six months to allow for the completion of some new tools, to audit the office for potential resubmissions requiring payment to Laurel and determine how much of the surplus must be kept for those resubmissions, and to write a procedures manual for the office. Beginning on 2 December 2004, all submissions packets should be sent to me at the address in the Outlandish Herald and at the top of this report. THLady Alia Marie will spend December wrapping up the final letters for the year, and her work has been greatly appreciated.
- Transfer of files is complete. I am working on organizing the files.
- The White Stag Seal has been found, accidentally packed in with some of Baron Timothy's belongings during a move. He delivered it to me at Crown Tournament on 6 November. It is in poor shape and may need to be repaired or replaced.
Current activities:
- Updating Kingdom Policy pertaining to heralds. Goal: 15 July.
Updates submitted for review 14 July. Awaiting feedback. - I had requested that the kingdom consider transferring the $10 for the recently submitted Outlands Scribe's Guild badge from the general fund to the submissions fund, instead of from the Kingdom Scribe's budget. It would be a nice token of appreciation for the long service by the scribes in providing scrolls for the kingdom, and I have recently clarified my request with the Kingdom Exchequer. My original message was unclear as to what, exactly, the "Scribe's Guild" was, and, in fact, the Kingdom Scribe has chosen to use "Outlands College of Scribes" instead.
- Informational/Educational articles for Outlandish Herald. Goal: Each month.
Meeting goal. - Informational/Educational posts to Outlands-heralds list. Goal: Each week minimum.
Exceeding goal. I am pleased to announce that other heralds have taken up the torch and are also posting thought-provoking messages to the list, some at my request, and others by their own initiative. Since this has always been a goal for the College as a whole, and not one for me individually, I appreciate that others have stepped forward to promote education, and consider their posts as part of this goal. I continue to post roughly weekly myself, in addition to those posts by other heralds. - On 18 September, I posed a question to the outlands-heralds yahoogroup hoping to spark some good discussion and thought about heralds and heraldry. I asked that each heraldic rank - starting with the newest heralds on Monday, 20 September - take one day to post their answers to the list. The question was "What does it mean to be a herald?" and suggested things to consider were the duties of office, to whom obligations were owed, and when or where those obligations end. I am very proud of the Outlands College of Heralds. The answers received from heralds of all levels were considered and well-written, and I am very pleased with the results of this exercise. I refer interested parties to the archives of the Outlands-heralds yahoogroup.
- Lord AEthelwulf issued a challenge on 27 September, developed between himself and Master Adam Stedefast, to the field heralds of the realm, by which they may earn points toward a prize set to be given at Known World Heralds and Scribes held July 22-24 as a joint venture between the Baronies of Unser Hafen and Caer Galen (http://kwhss.sca.org/). Heralds may earn points by performing any of a number of field heraldry tasks, including heralding rounds, working as a personal herald for a specific fighter or fighters in processional, and participating in the weekly field challenge on the Outlands-heralds yahoogroup. These two fine gentlemen also plan to submit articles on field heraldry to the CoH Webminister for inclusion on the outlandsheralds.org site.
- All kingdom heraldic staff titles previously listed as Pursuivants are now officially changed to Heralds. The changes have been made in the master Morsulus database, and will be visible in the online SCA Ordinary and Armorial when the next update is released.
- I have personally been fairly busy with non-administrative duties. I heralded first and last rounds of Crown Tournament in both September and November. I wrote a proclamation for Giovanni and Cainnleach establishing a token to reward well-behaved dogs as part of the Outlands Royal Menagerie. This proclamation was read in court originally on 6 November, and read again on 13 November when the first dogs were so recognized. This is not a chartered award or order, but is a continuing token of affection and recognition that future Crowns may use at their discretion. Also, I handled the necessary alterations to the standard Coronation ceremony for the outgoing Crown, processed them in for their final court, and heralded the actual Coronation portion of the ceremony. By all reports, I was clearly audible in the rear of the hall, so perhaps my vocal ability improves. It seems to have gone well for being my fifth time having anything to do with court heraldry. I have discussed various points of heraldry with the Sultan and Sultana, and remain ever available to them as they have need.
- I am also honored to have received from the hands of Giovanni and Cainnleach, a Stag of the Outlands, conveying a Grant of Arms, for my service in the heraldic disciplines.
- In addition to my normal duties, I have been assisting the Laurel team in the initial mark-up of Letters of Intent and Letters of Comment.
- KWHS 2005 will be hosted by the Baronies of Unser Hafen and Caer Galen. I am handling organizing the heraldry track of classes, and am currently acting as the webminister for the event, though I am hoping to find another to take on the web duties soon.
Summary of Reports
Kingdom Staff - 91% of 11 filled positions. Kingdom Staff are required to report quarterly, but are encouraged to report more frequently.
Fretty [CoA Commenter] fulfills reporting requirement with LoCs. Fretty reports her resignation due to lack of interest by her commenting group. Her efforts are appreciated, and I hope that interest will pick up again in the future.
Trefoil [CoA Commenter] fulfills reporting requirement with LoCs. Baron Timothy has taken on the job, and we have taken steps to provide him with Letters of Intent to comment on. Appointment must be confirmed by Laurel King of Arms after at least one timely Letter of Comment.
Rampart [Submissions] – fulfills reporting requirement with LoIs. Notifications backlog is significantly reduced, and Rampart continues to work on that project. Emergency deputy is Master Walter Kempe of Falconhold.
Gimlet [Protocol] - Reports continued activity. Assisted the incoming Crown with their portions of the Coronation ceremony. Emergency backup is Baroness Anne Bigod.
Wharrow [On-line Roll of Arms] – continues working on cleaning up some of the graphics and adding new items to the Roll. Emergency deputy is Lady Halla inn heppna Knorsdottir.
Wimble [Precedence] – Reports updates made. Has delivered a backup of the database to myself as of 13 November. Emergency deputy is THLady Seuilla de Cordoba.
Palmer (Interim) [Emergency Replacement] – does not report currently under this title.
Kingdom Scribe – Mistress Bennet reports 48 scribes worked on 206 scrolls during the reign of Hoegaarden and Chiara, 30 of whom worked on 177 scrolls in conjunction with 23 new or "returning" scribes during the reign of Giovanni and Cainnleach. The 18 who worked during Hoegaarden and Chiara's reign that did not work during the last reign represent a normal fluctuation due to various reasons including mundane issues, needing a break, and changing SCA focus for a time. She has been in contact with the new Crown. I am pleased to know that Mistress Bennet agrees with my assessment that communication and cooperation between our offices and between our respective colleges is going well. Emergency deputy is Mistress Averil du Bois d'Avignon.
Plover [Field Heraldry] – The new Plover is Lord AEthewulf of Golias. He reports on the Plover Challenge and continues his promotion of field heraldry, in addition to having acted as Field Herald in Charge at Crown both in September and in November, and at the Sultana's tournaments at Coronation. Current standings in the Plover Challenge are available at: http://plover.outlandsheralds.org. Welcome to Lord AEthelwulf, and my thanks to Lord Cristobal for his prior service.
Blue Iris [Queen’s Herald/Royal Court] – The new Blue Iris is Master Adam Stedefast, who has posted an accounting of business for the first court of Ibrahim and Ileana to the outlands and outlands-heralds lists.
Weel [Herald Education/Publications] – Master Balthazar reports nothing new, but neglects to mention his beginning heraldry article published in the recent Tournaments Illuminated.
OCoH Webminister – THLady Alia Marie reports having updated the look and usefulness of the OCoH website, and plans to improve upon several areas in the near future. http://www.outlandsheralds.org
Baronies – 71% for October Baronies are required to report monthly.
Caerthe: I received communication in September from Aspen indicating computer failure. Mistress Fiachra has resent her August report and provided her September report in which she indicates minor activity levels. October report received and lists a few submissions sent to Rampart, and one check returned for lack of a signature.
al-Barran: Scorpion's report was quite detailed, listing the status of submissions, awards received by members of the barony, and miscellaneous heraldic activity. He is working on an appeal for a client, and he has new deputies specifically to handle shopping for materials for the Scorpion library. He reports having other heralds to assist in various duties.
Dragonsspine: Scalene sends a detailed report and outlines current plans to increase heraldic activity in the Barony. She reports new deputies, along with an accounting of finances and awards. Efforts to promote field heraldry are successful. She also reports on the participation of Chase, a Cornet-at-large within Dragonsspine, in announcement and processional heraldry. Scalene has discovered that while a deputy staff allows more heraldic activity to happen, that more heraldic activity tends to lead the populace to desire even more heraldic activity, and she comments that she needs more deputies. I have no doubts that her enthusiasm for the heraldic disciplines will draw others to her office.
Citadel of the Southern Pass: Rook reports planned consultation meetings and continued low activity levels. He also reports on submissions registered and two awards from Coronation and one from Crown Tournament. He has been doing court and field heraldry. He is working on a Reconsideration Request and a resource guide for heralds.
Unser Hafen: I initiated contact asking after the September report, Barbican reported an attack of Real Life, and indicated that she would pick up the September information in her October report. No October report has been received, and a message has been sent to the Coronet, the Seneshcal, and Barbican, explaining that a third missed report will result in suspension of the officer, and offering strategies for preventing that.
Caer Galen: Rayon du Soliel reported for September two items registered and no financial activity. There were a few awards for September, and Lady Regana reports court and consultation activity. She reports that Sir Magnus performed court heraldry for evening court at Caer Galen A&S. No report received for October - message sent to Rayon du Soliel inquiring.
Fontaine dans Sable: Black Fountain reports that his submissions deputy, Lord Fergus, is back on his feet, and notes the details of submissions status, financial activity, and vocal heraldry. It would seem that there are several fine gentles doing voice heraldry in Fontaine, and I encourage them to send their information for the roster.
Shires, Cantons, Colleges - 50% of 12 filled positions for the quarter Branch officers except for Baronial Pursuivants are required to report quarterly. Shires, Cantons, and Colleges are not required to have branch heralds. If I haven't heard from you in the last quarter, send a report right away.
Aarquelle - Vacant Bede's College - Vacant Blaiddwyn - Ecgþeow reports having taken over the office from Lord AEthelwulf, who will be moving on to kingdom staff office in the near future. Welcome to the College!
Bofharrach - Vacant Drygestan - Vacant Dúthaich Beinne Áird - Baroness Christina reports some submissions activity and two awards this quarter.
Gleann Medonach - Lord Lance - no report. Hawk’s Hollow - Herr Conrad reports in detail on the submissions, awards, and other heraldic activity of his canton. He also pitched in to make sure the awards from a baronial event were reported when the court herald was out of commission for knee surgery. Conrad also very kindly supplied White Stag with throat lozenges at the November Crown, which saved my voice.
Hinterland - THLord Peregrine - no report. Kahlland - Vacant Nahrun Kabirun - Gideon reports some submissions activity in this quarter. Northwolde - Vacant Plattefordham - Lord Aelfraed - no report Rio de las Animas - Freiherr Gerhardt - no report Saint Golias - Vacant Scola Metallorum - Lady Tangwystl - no report Scorpions Hollow - THLady Margaret reports steady activity in submissions, vocal heraldry, and display projects. She has obtained the petitions for the shire's upcoming change of name and device submissions. Congratulations to her for her article on a point of Scottish heraldry for the Hepburn family being considered for publication in the History Scotland magazine. I hope we may see this scholarly work for ourselves in the near future.
Three Spires - Vacant Tygre's Keep - Vacant White Mountain - Vacant Windkeep - Lord Cameron - brief report of status of submissions, no new activity.
At-Large Heralds
Earl Cathyn Fitzgerald (al-Barran) reports the care and feeding and aiding and abetting of heralds for Rampart meetings and of Rampart herself. He has also coached some new heralds on court heraldry, and is working with HL Alia Marie on a plot, er, scheme, um, teaching tool, yes, teaching tool to give some newer heralds court experience in mock courts once her tenure as Rampart ends.
Herrin Katrein Adler (Caerthe) reports some mild activity.
Chase (Dragonsspine) has been doing quite a bit of announcement and processional heraldry, and is currently the only minor on the roster. His skill and enthusiasm have sparked good-natured competition among other voice heralds to best his efforts, and even spurred one individual who does not normally do heraldry of any sort to make a pretty processional speech when asked to fill in. Additionally, Chase ran cards for both the September and November Crown Tournaments. He has been a fine addition to the Outlands College of Heralds, and I encourage all branch heralds to be aware that the youth of our kingdom may be interested and useful additions to local heraldic activity. Minors may be rostered with parental consent, and may perform any heraldic duties that interest them, save that they may not handle money.
Lord Fergus MacLennan (Caerthe) is the court herald in Caerthe, and sends court reports diligently.
Administrivia:
Finances are in the hands of the Kingdom Exchequer. Rampart reports to the Exchequer each month on checks received for which groups, submitters, and items, and she also requests payment to Laurel for submissions likewise itemized.
My emergency deputy is Maistre Louis-Phillipe Mitouard, Palmer Herald, whose contact information is on the enclosed roster. On 1 January, HL Alia Marie de Blois takes on the Palmer title for the long-term, and Maistre Louis-Phillipe has my gratitude for his service as I found my way.
In service and in duty,
Sorcha White Stag