The Reign of Donovan and Megha

Category: Announcement

  • A Gentle Reminder About Peerage Speeches

    A Gentle Reminder About Peerage Speeches

    Greetings East Kingdom,

    As we progress into the new year, Their Majesties want to gently remind folks that peerage speeches should be no longer than 2 minutes.

    There’s so many deserving folks getting awards in the East Kingdom, it means there’s a lot of court to get through. Keeping things to 2 minutes helps keep court moving, so event staff can pack up on time and make our landlords happy.

    Practicing ahead of time can help you gauge exactly how much time you have. Two minutes is both an eternity and a blink of an eye at the same time.

    Many thanks from Their Majesties and Eastern Crown Herald.

  • Applications for Kingdom DEIB Officer Sought

    Applications for Kingdom DEIB Officer Sought

    Greetings East Kingdom,

    Their Majesties Donovan and Meghanta seek a new Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Officer to help lead the kingdom.

    The Kingdom Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) Officer is responsible for recognizing, creating, and implementing plans to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the East Kingdom. They work with Their Majesties, the Kingdom Chatelaine, and others to further the objectives of the office and foster community engagement.

    Members of the East Kingdom populace interested in the role should send applications to Their Majesties, Their Highnesses, and the Kingdom Seneschal by January 31st.

    When applying, please include (at minimum) your modern name, your SCA name, your reasons for applying and your qualifications for the position.

    Please send applications to official SCA office email addresses and not personal addresses or social media messengers.

  • New East Kingdom Social Media Officer Selected

    New East Kingdom Social Media Officer Selected

    Greetings East Kingdom,

    Their Majesties Donovan and Meghanta are happy to announce that they have chosen Baron Fergus Redmead as the next East Kingdom Social Media Officer.

    The Kingdom Social Media Officer supervises the use of all official social media outlets of the East Kingdom, including those of local branches and other Kingdom Offices, in accordance with the policies of the Society Office of Social Media. They supervise and provides assistance in creating official social media presence for kingdom and local branch events, assists Kingdom Officers who wish to create an official social media presence for their Office, is responsible for the rostering of local branch social media officers, and maintains a current list of all East Kingdom branch social media outlets and their administrators. They report to the Kingdom Seneschal.

    Their Majesties thank Lady Ástríðr Eiríksdóttir for her dedication and service in the role.

    The office changeover is scheduled for Twelfth Night.

  • New East Kingdom Minister of the Lists Chosen

    New East Kingdom Minister of the Lists Chosen

    Greetings East Kingdom,

    Their Majesties Donovan and Meghanta are happy to announce that they have chosen Baroness Liadan Ingen Chineada as the next East Kingdom Minister of the Lists.

    The Kingdom Minister of the Lists office maintains accurate records on the fighting activities and the fighters of the Kingdom, coordinates the Crown Lists, and works with the Earl Marshal and the Kingdom Marshal of Fence to maintain a list of authorized fighters.

    Their Majesties thank Mistress Ellesbeth Donofrey for her years of service to the East Kingdom’s martial community.

    The office changeover is scheduled for Friday night court at Birka.

  • Using the East Kingdom’s Assistive Listening System (aka ALS)

    Using the East Kingdom’s Assistive Listening System (aka ALS)

    As Our kingdom gears up for Crown Tournament this weekend, We want to ensure that Our beloved Populace has information about, and instructions for, using our Assistive Listening System (commonly called ‘ALS’) during the event.  

    What Is It?

    This technology is a closed loop broadcasting system that enables anything within about a 5 foot radius of the microphone to be broadcast via a local network, enabling people who are not “up front” to hear what is going on. This broadcast can then be accessed by people attending the event via hearing aids or phone and earbuds. For many devices, automatic closed captioning is also available.

    How Do I Use it?

    We will make QR code cards available at the event site.  If you have never used the system before, you can access it during the event via the ListenWIFI app by scanning the QR code card, which contains the SCA-ALS network information. (You can install the app by going to the Apple Store or to the Google Play store on your phone.)

    If you run into any issues or have any questions, check out the Kingdom User Guide; there is also a list of Frequently Asked Questions.

    Who Is It For?

    The SCA-ALS is a powerful assistive device, but members of the Populace do not need to be Deaf or Hard of Hearing to benefit from this system. For example, members of Our Kingdom who toil in the kitchens during Court, or are sitting in the back of Court, can participate more easily using this technology.

    If you think you may benefit from this system, We urge you to give it a try.

  • Fall Crown Tournament Logistics for Combatants & Consorts

    Fall Crown Tournament Logistics for Combatants & Consorts

    Greetings East,

    This weekend is the East Kingdom’s Fall Crown Tournament, and Their Royal Majesties Donovan and Meghanta want to cover some last-minute important logistics about the event for Combatants and Consorts.

    1. Check-in with the Minister of the Lists for Combatants and Consorts closes at 10:30am. Please be ready to get lined up for the procession shortly after that.
    2. Based on the current number of entrants, Their Majesties will be running two round robin pools to determine the 16 person double elimination tree. If Their Majesties see more drops on Saturday, They may revise this plan.

    Further info on the event and tournament format can be found on the EK Event Page and TRM’s Reign Blog.

  • East Kingdom Fall Crown Tournament Entrant’s List

    East Kingdom Fall Crown Tournament Entrant’s List

    Greetings,

    Their Majesties along with Baron Thomas of Effingham, Seneschal of the East Kingdom, have released the entrants for next month’s Fall Crown Tournament.

    1. Duke Randal of the Dark fighting for Duchess Katherine Stanhope

    2. Viscount Culann mac Cianain fighting for Duchess Ro Honig von Sommerfeldt

    3. Jarl Valgard Stonecleaver fighting for Lady Catelin Straquhin

    4. Don Millicent Rowan fighting for Earl George Emerson True

    5. Sir Sigurdr Beserker fighting for Doyenne Pagan Graeme

    6. Master Tiernan Mac Ailpin fighting for Master Aciterix Caldius Juilius Cittinius

    7. Lord Bran Finn Mac Aeda fighting for Hlǣfdīġe Sunnifa Heinreksdottir

    8. Doyen Richard Crowe fighting for Lady Ameria Browne

    9. Baron Giles William Trout called Billyfish fighting for Baroness Maegwynn Filia Brun

    10. Sir Pandarus fighting for Sir Timeria Sthenone

    11. Lady Gunnr Mackinnon fighting for Muinteoir Roibeard Mac Neill

    12. Master Robert Tytes fighting for Master Yin Jinyu

    13. Lord Bregowine of Horseheath fighting for Baron Gerhardt

    14. Baron Aelfwine Akeworthe fighting for Mistress Vitalia la Soleil

    15. Lord John the Long fighting for Scholar Thora Kottr

    16. Lord Lucius Cornelius Fabullus fighting for Propraetrix Iulia Baebiana

    17. Honorable Lord Albrecht Østergaard fighting for Baroness Daniela Rosa da Venezia

    18. Honorable Lord Andromedes Leonida fighting for Lady Aoife inghean Ui Briain

    19. Lord Thorbjorn Thorfinssen and Lord Jadin Tenax, fighting for each other

    20. Lady Wylet Fraysser fighting for Lady Julianne Le Rat

    Eastern Fall Crown Tournament will be held in the Barony of Carolingia on November 1, 2025.

    Format & Conventions

    Fall Crown will be fought under armored/rattan rules and conventions.

    Details on the tournament format are below.  Please direct any questions to Donovan and Meghanta.

    1) Round Robin:  Probably four pools, subject to change based on number of entrants or other concerns.  Bring your best, single pass, refight doubles until clean.  If necessary, ties will be resolved first by comparing who beat who in the pool, with fight-offs as needed.

    2) Sweet 16:  Double elimination tree.  Bring your best, single pass, refight doubles until clean.

    3) Semi-finals:  Winner’s list vs loser’s list.  Winner needs one victory to advance to the finals, loser needs two.  Bring your best.

    4) Finals.  These will be best 4 of 7.  The first pass will be greatsword, subsequent passes will be rotating non-repeating weapon forms.  The loser of the previous pass chooses the form for the next pass. 

    If the combatants reach a 3-3 tie, the combatants will each bring their best form for the final pass. 

    Note: If you are planning on choosing a particularly specific weapon form (Dane axe, 6′ spears, something that nobody has thought of) consider bringing a matched set to ensure that your opponent will be able to meet you.

  • New Minister of the Lists Sought

    New Minister of the Lists Sought

    The following missing was written by Mistress Ellesbeth Donofrey, East Kingdom Minister of the List. Originally published in Pikestaff.

    [Editor’s Note: When applying, please include (at minimum) your modern name, your SCA name, your reasons for applying and your qualifications for the position.]

    Greetings,

    As you may have heard during the last Curia, I will be stepping down. In order to effect a smooth transition, anyone interested in serving as Kingdom Minister of Lists is invited to submit a letter of application by October 30th.

    I would ask that you address it to Their Highnesses (editor note: email trm@eastkingdom.org and trh@eastkingdom.org) and copy both myself and the Kingdom Seneschal.

    Per Kingdom Law the responsibilities of this office are as follows:

    “7. The Kingdom Minister of the Lists:

    a. Maintains accurate records on the armored combat and rapier activities and the authorization status of the armored and rapier combatants of the Kingdom.

    b. At every Royal List / Crown Tournament, coordinates the official record of fighters, assuring that all entrants are authorized. They also prepare, coordinate and maintain the official records of the double elimination tournament and any other tournaments held in the course of the Royal List.

    c. Provides the Earl Marshal, Kingdom Warlord, Kingdom Marshal of Armored Combat, and Kingdom Marshal of Rapier with information necessary for the performance of their duties and receives any assistance necessary for the performance of the Lists Office.

    d. Works with the Kingdom Marshal of Armored Combat and the Kingdom Marshal of Rapier to maintain a list of authorized fighters. This list is made available to all Ministers of the List on a local or regional level, as well as the Earl Marshal and their Deputies. e. Works with the Crown’s Champions of Arms and Rapier Champions to coordinate the tournaments to choose their successors.”

    You can expect to spend approximately 20+ hours a month on average, obviously some months will be heavier than others, for example, leading into Pennsic. You will need to work closely with the Marshalate throughout the year as well as different offices in the Heraldic office for Crown Tournament.

    You will often be called upon for help or to find help for events throughout our Kingdom. You will also have the opportunity to work with a wonderful group of volunteers from our database admin to our MoL’s in training and you’ll have the second-best seat in the house for major tournaments!

    I am happy to discuss things in more depth, feel free to reach out.

    Yours in service,

    Mistress Ellesbeth Donofrey
    EK Minister of Lists

  • Court Summons Process & Opt-Out List

    Court Summons Process & Opt-Out List

    Greetings East,

    Their Royal Highnesses Donovan and Meghanta will be continuing the tradition of Court Summons leading up to each Royal Progress event they’ll be at. 

    The goal of the Court Summons is two-fold:

    1. Give folks who prefer to know when they’re going to be called into a court a heads-up, so they’re not surprised in the moment
    2. Let friends, family, and loved ones know they’ll be called into court

    Of course, not everyone wishes to be on the summons. Therefore Their Highnesses will also be continuing to let the citizens of the East Kingdom opt-out of these summons.

    To opt-out of Court Summons, please fill out this form. 

    You may opt-out at any point by filling out the above form, regardless of the time of year. If you filled out a form for Their Royal Majesties Ryouko’jin and Indrakshi, your name is already on the opt-out list. If you’re unsure, it does not hurt to fill out the form again.

    If, for any reason, you wish your name to be taken off the opt-out summons list, please contact the East Kingdom Scheduler’s office.

    We also highly encourage folks to list their Court Summons preference in their EK Wiki, regardless if they want to be on the public summons or left off.  

    If the Schedulers don’t have confirmation that a person wants to be left off the summons, they will be added to the summons. So, please make your preference known and easily found.

    The first Court Summons for Their Highnesses’ Coronation will be coming out soon, so please fill out the Opt-Out form by Wednesday, October 1st if you can. Again, you can opt-out of the list at any time, however.

    Thank you and keep an eye out for Their Highnesses’ first summons, coming soon!

  • Fall Crown Letters of Intent: Now Open!

    Fall Crown Letters of Intent: Now Open!

    It’s that time of year again! Soon Donovan & Meghanta will be crowned king and queen of the East, and shortly thereafter, they’ll be searching for heirs.

    If you are interested in reigning and serving the East in this capacity, Baron Thomas of Effingham, the Seneschal of the East, is now collecting Letters of Intent. You may fill that out via the Seneschal website.

    Note: Pairs intending to fight for each other must each fill out the form as a combatant.

    Letters of Intent must be received no later than 11:59pm Eastern on October 2, 2025.

    For eligibility requirements, please review East Kingdom Law Section II.C. (https://www.eastkingdom.org/offices/law-policy/)

    Eastern Fall Crown Tournament will be held in the Barony of Carolingia on November 1, 2025.

    Format & Conventions

    Fall Crown will be fought under armored/rattan rules and conventions.

    Details on the tournament format are below.  Please direct any questions to Donovan and Meghanta.

    1) Round Robin:  Probably four pools, subject to change based on number of entrants or other concerns.  Bring your best, single pass, refight doubles until clean.  If necessary, ties will be resolved first by comparing who beat who in the pool, with fight-offs as needed.

    2) Sweet 16:  Double elimination tree.  Bring your best, single pass, refight doubles until clean.

    3) Semi-finals:  Winner’s list vs loser’s list.  Winner needs one victory to advance to the finals, loser needs two.  Bring your best.

    4) Finals.  These will be best 4 of 7.  The first pass will be greatsword, subsequent passes will be rotating non-repeating weapon forms.  The loser of the previous pass chooses the form for the next pass. 

    If the combatants reach a 3-3 tie, the combatants will each bring their best form for the final pass. 

    Note: If you are planning on choosing a particularly specific weapon form (Dane axe, 6′ spears, something that nobody has thought of) consider bringing a matched set to ensure that your opponent will be able to meet you.