Fall Coronation 2023 - The Elevation of Ja’far to The Order of Defense

On Saturday, September 2nd Ja’far (Sergio) got elevated to The Order of Defense. This is the highest honor you can receive as a fencer in the SCA. 

Ja’far (Sergio) seated before the populace and surrounded by other members of The Order of Defense.

The first person to speak on his behalf was Mistress Julianna, a peer from a foreign land.

Dan spoke on behalf of The Order of Chivalry.

Davius (reading a speech from Matthias) spoke for The Order of Defense.

Ennelynne (Whitney) spoke for The Roses.

Finnguala (Susan) spoke for The Order of The Pelican.

Sayf spoke for The Order of The Laurel.

Rurik spoke as a member of the populace.

Sibilla presented him with his ceremonial sword.

Master Robert presented him with his medallion and white collar.

Swearing his oath of fealty to King Vincent (Nathan) and Queen Catherine.

Finnguala (Susan) presenting him with his scroll.

Standing before the populace as a Master of Defense.

From left to right: Blaze (Keith T.), Luther (Franco), Ja’far (Sergio), Hélèna (myself), and Javier. 
Photo by unknown.

Ja’far with all of his cadets.

Ja’far proudly displaying his new weapons belt.

Trimaris Memorial Tournament 2023

A lovely day at the Trimaris Memorial Tournament.

Myself and Rochelle. She had been coming to our weekly fighter practice for about a year, but this was her first SCA event.

Will getting authorization to fight in tournaments.

Myself, Tiger, and Rochelle.

Giovanni (Ryan) wearing his daughter’s hat discussing serious business with Ja’far (Sergio), with Aedric (Ed) and Rochelle in the background.

Photo by Edward Stapleton.

Since it was Rochelle’s first event I got to walk her into court. The court likes to recognize everyone who came for the first time and offer some gifts to choose from. Rochelle picked a lovely ceramic mug.

Photo by Edward Stapleton.

Getting ready to walk Ja’far (Sergio) into court.

Photo by Edward Stapleton.

Ja’far (Sergio), receiving his award for winning the cut and thrust tournament from Queen Catherine and Master Robert.

Myself and Rochelle.

Aedric (Ed) and Hiroshi, the event photographers.

Aedric (Ed) with his wife Janet.

Freyja (Sunny) with Xena. 

Brian on the monkey bars in deep discussion with Ja’far (Sergio).

Tiger relaxing under the pavilion.

Will.

Ja’far (Sergio) and Freyja (Sunny) being silly.

Ja’far (Sergio) going through his gift basket and dividing up the spoils with the household.

Late into the evening Oskar (Keith H.) hosted a secret fencing tournament. Brian competing against Octavian (Johann).

Luke with Octavian (Johann).

The final round between Brian and Luke. Brian emerged as the victor.

Oskar (Keith H.) and Brian with a picture of the prize. A lovely wood carving of an owl, befitting the Night Owl Tournament. The actual wood carving did not make it to the event, but would be delivered to Brian at a later date.

Gathering of the Clans, Roll for Initiative

A fun weekend at Gathering of the Clans, Roll for Initiative.

Blaze (Keith T.), Agustín (Sergio), Will, and Tiger.

Myself with the addition of Linea (Jen) to the group.

Finnguala (Susan) with Agustín (Sergio).

Photo by Sergio Roca.

Linea (Jen) and myself. 

During court that evening Agustín (Sergio) was asked to appear before King Vincent (Nathan) and Queen Catherine. 

Agustín (Sergio) was invited to join The Order of Defense, the highest honor possible for rapier fighters.

Surrounded by the other Master’s of Defense: Matthias (Todd), Oskar (Keith H.), Davius, Master Robert, and Miklos (Marc), they affirmed that he was worthy of the honor.

Waiting for my turn to congratulate him.

Oskar (Keith H.), Agustín (Sergio), Miklos (Marc), and Finnguala (Susan).

Oskar (Keith H.), King Vincent (Nathan), and Agustín (Sergio).

Oskar (Keith H.), Agustín (Sergio), King Vincent (Nathan), and Miklos (Marc).

Ephrem (Jacob), Queen Catherine, Agustín (Sergio), and Master Robert.

Photo by Gavine Armestrang.

Myself with Agustín (Sergio).

Myself with Linea (Jen), Oskar (Keith H.) and Agustín (Sergio) out celebrating with some ice cream.