Event Info for the Newcomer (Starkhafn version) By THL Bernadeta Costa Tempest

Yule and General Indoor Event Info: Yule Theme (2022) * Garb * Court * (Largesse) A&S Sale * Annual Yuletide Cheer Brewing Competition * Arts and Sciences Display * Feast * Feast Off-Board Seating * Toasts * Serving Feast (kids) * Feast Gear * Table Decorations * Drinks (Tasting cup) * Yule Music and Dancing * Vigil * Small Gifts (Chocolates / cookies) * Shareable snacks * Santa Oz * Banners * Scents * Packing list * Getting called up in court * Tabletop Siege Engines

War Info: Coolers * Starkhafn Traditions

Anniversary Info: General Info * Fire

In between talk about "work" let's talk about something more fun: Yule. Since we have not had an in-person Yule for several years we have many people for whom this will be their first Yule. Starkhafn Yule has many wonderful traditions, and I would like to highlight a few of them over the next few weeks so that all of our newcomers have at least some ideas of what to expect.

The Theme of this year's Yule is German. This does not mean that you must go out and make or buy a complete new German outfit and table setting - it means that if you have multiple outfits and one happens to be German you should consider wearing that on the day. Or if you have ever wanted to make a German Outfit, now is the time. This is also an opportunity to do a bit of research into Germanic Yule traditions (we will not be sacrificing a horse and sprinkling blood over everything and everyone - sorry not sorry). You could also consider some German Table Decorations or Small German gifts. (more about all that later)

Tell us about your favorite German Traditions and Decorations.

When you arrive at Yule you will choose a table to sit at. Some groups have enough people to make up a whole table, but many other tables will be a combination of many different people and groups in the very best tradition. This is a great opportunity to meet new people - I can honestly say that I have met some of my best friends at Yule tables. This is not a popularity contest. With the exception of the head table, that visiting dignitaries will be invited to, you don't need to be a certain "rank" or active in a certain way to join a table. You can claim any unclaimed chair and part of a table.

Once you have claimed your spot you can work with your table mates to decorate your table. The tables or round, so if you have a big round tablecloth that is a good start - if you don't have one it is a good idea to at least bring a tablecloth that will cover your part of the table. Germanic Yule traditions are a treasure trove of decorative ideas. A few evergreen branches, a wreath, a log, candles. You can even add some carved wooden decorations and some straw goats.

Now about those candles: I know you want real fire but let's be realistic. Real candles are a huge fire hazard, and these days is it is possible to find imitation candles that look and feel much like the real deal, so let's be kind to the facility and to each other and NO LIVE FLAMES.

All that is required in terms of Garb is that you make some effort towards pre-17th century garb. Yule however is for many of us the one time in the year where it is cool enough and we are indoors, so we bring out our nicest threads. Since the theme of this Yule is "German" everyone is encouraged to dress in related fashions, and if tradition holds true there will be a fabulous photo of people in their most amazing Landsknecht fashions. I will not be in that photo, since I do not ‘yet' have fabulous German garb. This is also totally acceptable.

What if you don't have any garb? Or any fabulous garb? The Barony does have some loaner garb and many members of the Barony are happy to lend out their personal garb. You also still have a few weeks to get new garb sewn. As always, please reach out to the Chatelains (the people responsible for newcomers) or to any officer. If they can't help you, we most likely know someone who can help. If you are built around generous proportions, I have a whole closet full of garb I am happy to share.

I can hear you all groaning, but Yule court is not like other courts, this is one of the major events where specifically Starkhafn members are honored, so you at least have a chance that someone you know, and love will be getting an award. I think almost all of us can tell you about a special award or the first award we received at Yule. It is also not too late to send in some award recommendations both to the Barony and to Kingdom for people whom you believe should be getting awards.

This year at Yule court - drumroll please - someone we all love will be receiving her Pelican. Yule is small enough (200 people) that you have a good chance to have a good seat to be able to see and hear what is happening.

So, what do you DO during court? You stand up when everyone stands up. You sit down when everyone sits down. You try your best to keep quiet. People talking has a knock-on effect. When you start talking other people can't hear, so they start talking and then more people can't hear and start talking and it just gets worse and worse. Don't be that person, if you really have no interest in court there is space outside the main hall you can go, or better yet, volunteer to help out during court and give others the opportunity to attend.

Now, what do you do when you get called up in court? At the Monthly Tourney in November, we will give a very quick class and demonstration of going up in court. You don't have to worry about getting in wrong - many of us still get it wrong in the excitement of the moment, but by showing you what is going to happen hopefully we can take away some of the stress of getting called up in court.

For more info on getting called up in court see Getting called up in court.

How do I do an Award Recommendation:

Step 1: Find the Award you think best fits what the person has been doing:

• Here is the Baronial List: https://caidwiki.org/index.php?title=Starkhafn
  
• And here is the Kingdom list: https://caidwiki.org/index.php/Awards
  

• http://heralds.sca-caid.org/op/

• At Baronial Level: https://starkhafn.sca-caid.org/awards/
  
• Or at Kingdom Level: https://wp.sca-caid.org/award-recommendations/

Here's how it works: Most of us are used to bringing a bit of extra cash to Yule. We used to spend it on raffle tickets and hope to win something awesome. Unfortunately the Kingdom of CAID does not allow raffles anymore. In California raffles are seen as gambling and thus forbidden. In Nevada - they dont mind you gambling, but they do want you to pay taxes on your winnings, and that is an anthill we would rather not kick open. So we have had to adjust what you are able to spend money on at the event. However, at many previous events the raffle was the only reason the event broke even, or made any money for the Barony. The Barony does not exist to make a huge profit, but there are some things the Barony does have to pay for every year (and if you are wondering about that you are welcome to attend the monthly business meeting - online for your convenience or to volunteer to be part of the financial committee.)

Combined with this was the fact that we would all see awesome handmade largess in baskets that the Barony gave to other people and people would say: "I would pay for that!" So now you can. As per our Baronial Arts and Sciences minister, Lucia Mason:
Bring your Arts and Sciences/Largesse item(s) with you to the Largesse Show and Sale tables Yule. Bring one item or a hundred. Clearly label each item with the maker, ingredients or fiber content (for those with allergies). We will have cards there for you to set the suggested donation amount that you would like someone to give to the Barony of Starkhafn for your item(s). When someone donates that amount of money for your item(s), awesome! You've used your talents to raise money and made someone at Yule very happy. If your item doesn't receive a donation, that's awesome, too. Your item will become largesse for the Baron and Baroness of Starkhafn to distribute as they see fit. Best of all, we in the populace get a chance to own some of the amazing Arts and Sciences items created by some amazing artisans.

When you attend events, you will often see that the event site is noted as: Wet, Damp, Dry or Discreetly Wet / Damp. - What does that mean?

• Wet means that alcoholic drinks brought from home and in clearly alcoholic containers are allowed, if you are allowed to partake of such, of course. We are the SCA, so we still would prefer that you not display any obviously modern containers, but if you choose to set up a whole display of various bottles, no-one is going to stop you.
• Dry is the exact opposite: No alcoholic drinks of any type in any container are allowed. This is especially true when the event is at a school.
• Discreetly Wet / Damp usually means that wine, beer and mead is allowed, but no hard alcohol. Discreetly wet generally, means that while the drinking of alcohol is not prohibited, it should be done with discretion. No-one is going to check what is in your cup, but the cup should be filled up in such a way that no-one sees the labeled or clearly alcoholic container. Also do not dispose of the alcohol container in the event site trash, take it back home with you and dispose of it there.

Once again per our awesome Baronial Arts and Sciences Minister: The Rules: You must be over 21 to enter or taste. Be prepared to cheerfully show your ID if you have a "baby face". Enter as many brews as you like. All bottles must be clearly labeled with the name of the brewer, brew, and ingredients. For health and safety, disposable tasting cups will be provided and must be used. No personal drinking vessels will be filled. Judging is by Populace Choice. Each taster gets 1 vote. Any bottle not claimed after judging is complete will be emptied and disposed of. Cheers!

Ok, you guys are not going to believe this, but I have nothing to add: As per our awesome Baronial Arts and Sciences Minister:

We're going to have an Arts and Sciences display at Starkhafn Yule this Year. It's going to be different.
1. This is not a contest.
2. There will be no judges.
3. If you have documentation, you may share it, if not, that's fine; it's not required.
4. Each participant will receive a little book for feedback (helpful hints, writing down sources, contact information for future communication). I would also like to have a noisy Arts and Sciences display area because I want the verbal feedback (and exchange of ideas) to be buzzing. So, participants may wish to choose to stay by the items they're displaying.
5. Non-participants are also welcome to hang out at the Arts and Sciences area to work on projects, or just chat.

Yeah, right, like I would ever not have anything to say :-) A few notes because I wasn't sure if I would be able to enter so I asked - always ask - all of us officers are happy to answer any questions and to assist you in any way that we can. Your entry does not have to be complete, bring what you are working on. You don't have to stay with your entry the whole time. I will be running around doing various things, there will be little cards saying: "I am not at my display right now, please leave a comment in my book"

The Feast menu is available on the website and the Book of Faces (FaceBook) event announcement https://fb.me/e/3GX1NSShz. If you have not figured it out while reading through the menu, the feast will have a very strong medieval German influence. Some feasts are done with only medieval recipes cooked in medieval style. Since our event site would rather object to us starting a fire in their kitchen and modern hygiene practices differ a lot from what was considered acceptable in period, our feast will be a mix of the medieval and the modern.

As you can see, the feast is broken down into 5 courses. Each course is a set of dishes that is brought out at the same time. As with this feast you usually have "Starter", a "Soup", 1 or more "Mains", usually featuring different types of meats, or meats cooked in different ways, and finally a "Fruit" or "Sweet" Course. For those of us that usually only eat - at most - 3 courses, this can be a lot. Pace yourself.

The food is also often not something you would normally eat at home. If you are not sure about a particular dish or course, start with a small bit and then take some more if you like it. Dishes are served per table, so use the size of the dishes and the amount of people at your table as an indicator of what is a chivalrous portion.

Allergies are always a concern. If you have allergies, please contact the Feast Steward, her email is available on the website https://starkhafn.sca-caid.org/events/#Yule. While it is often impossible to consider everyone's allergy and dietary concerns, at the very least she will be able to share with you what dishes to avoid. Details about all the ingredients used will also be available on the day.

There are many reasons why people choose not to participate in Feast - and this is a totally valid choice. However, even if you choose to not participate in the feast, you might still choose to spend the time with friends.

During the feast you have 2 options: If you would rather not be in the hall at all, there will be space in the second room where you can hang out and relax. Just be aware that the feast is a major part of this event and will go on for several hours. The second option is to choose to do "Off-board" seating. You will still be seated in the hall but will not be served a feast. You must still pre-reg and make sure that your seat is reserved.

For the ease of the Feast Steward, off-board seating, during feast, will be at separate tables than those partaking in feast. While this might seem a bit unfair, having 20 tables and then trying to dish up so that some tables get food for a different amount of people is a logistical nightmare. Don't worry, we won't move you to the worst spots, but it will most likely be the spots furthest from the Kitchen. Off-board tables will be right next to feast tables, so you can be seated right next to your friends, but make the feast crew's life much easier.

And of course being off-board does not mean you don't get to eat at all - if you choose to participate in off-board seating you are still most welcome to bring your own dinner.

There is a tradition of making toasts in the SCA. (Who am I kidding, there are many different and contradictory traditions of making toasts in the SCA). What most agree on is that there are toasts to the King, the Queen (separate), the Prince and Princess (often together), Visiting Kings and Queens, The Hosting Baron and Baroness, Visiting Barons and Baronesses, the Feast Steward and their Kitchen Staff and Absent Friends. The Baron and Baroness would like to add to that, a toast to our Frontline Workers: Police, Nurses, EMTs etc. The usual tradition is that the Highest-Ranking peer (as per the OP) starts everything off by toasting the Queen. (This could include or exclude the Head table - I told you guys there were a lot of contradictions here). After that toast follows at about 10 -15-minute intervals. Since there are 5 courses, there is plenty of time for toast.

If you feel moved to make a particular toast, please reach out to the Chamberlain. Other than the highest-ranking peer, you do not have to anyone specific to make a toast. To miss-quote one of our Barony's favorite orators: "All you need are pretty words". (no need to Pace-For-Effect, but if you feel you have to … )

If no-one has made a toast for the last 10 mins. and you feel comfortable to speak, catch the Chamberlain's eye (or the eye of someone at her table). She will nod at you and you are welcome to stand up and speak. If no-one has spoken in the last 15 mins. they are waiting for you :-)

Serving feast is an honor. It is entirely possible at a feast to look up and to see the King or Queen standing there offering you a plate. The head table is often served by Peers.

For the Yule feast each table will be required to supply a server for each course. This can be the same person (easier on everyone), a different person for each course, or you can play rock-paper-scissors before each course to see who gets to have the privilege of going to fetch the food. All that is required is that one person from each table shows up at the start of each course to receive the food for your table.

If you have older children, serving at a feast can be a wonderful way to keep them busy and entertained during the feast (that will most likely go on for several hours). My daughter loved serving at the feast, it was the highlight of the event for her. One year she was put in charge of water and drinks, and it was a greater honor than any of the awards she received. (On a side note - serving drinks and water are for older kids, those containers are big and heavy) The little ones can be very useful collecting empty dishes once they have finished eating their part of the course.

While the tasks they are set are entirely up to the Serving Coordinator for the day, it might be an idea to teach them a bit about serving before the day. Have them practice pouring from a big container to a little one without drowning anyone. Set up an obstacle course with tables and chairs and baskets and people and have them practice getting through it will also not spill the dish or drink they are holding. (I can only do this with something spillable in one hand, a plate in one hand and a drink in the other and something is going to hit the floor)

Huh? Feast Gear is plates and cups and knives and forks and all the other bits and pieces you need to eat feast. This is just to remind you to BRING YOUR FEAST GEAR. I would like to pretend this is only for newcomers, but not that many years ago I unpacked my art and some decorations and some snacks and my companion said: "Maybe we should put those snacks on a plate". And I just stared at him …oops …

So, what do you need? A plate, a cup, a bowl: A knife, a fork, a spoon. This is all you actually need.

Experience has taught me that it is actually a good idea to have more than one of each. A big plate and a small plate, 2 small bowls rather than one big one, a big cup for water and a smaller cup for adult beverages. A sharp knife and a butter knife, a fork (and a threrk and a twook, just because you can) and a big spoon to serve yourself, a little spoon to eat. It is also a good idea to bring some napkins (cloth to look pretty, and paper because you don't want to ruin your good cloth ones).

A lot of people have beautiful pottery tableware. Others stick to unbreakable wooden and metal tableware (check that they are food safe). A lot of people have a lot of tableware. Thrift stores are a good place to start your collection. Don't go crazy, start with the basics - they seem to breed in their baskets so you will soon find yourself with many many more.

I am going to do an entirely separate post about drinks and tasting cups.

No-one in the SCA should EVER serve any alcoholic beverage to anyone under the age of 21. There is no exception to this rule. This is about much more than you and your own personal preferences and beliefs: This is about jails, and lawsuits and things much bigger than our little Barony.

A lot of groups avoid stress around this issue by just making everyone who wants to partake in anything alcoholic show a form of ID. If you have a problem with this you are welcome to contact the Seneschal, the Baron and Baroness and they will be happy to meet with you. Everyone else please make sure that you bring some form of identification with you if you plan to enjoy any of the alcohol present (or even if you bring your own). If you want to take part in Judging the Brewing competition, have an ID available. We have an amazing group of brewers, and they will often share in their bounty. If you look young (lucky you!!) please just have an ID easily available and be willing to show it to anyone who asks.

This brings me to the second point: "No" is always a valid answer when offered alcohol. You do not need to justify your choice any further, and no-one should require any further explanations, or be pressuring you in any way to change this choice.

If your answer is "Yes", a tasting cup is a great idea. Taste is personal. Many people really dislike the very dry red wines that I adore, while I will always decline partaking in almost all unmixed hard liquor. I don't care how good it is, it is just not my thing. I like some meads; some are just not my thing: often the ones I don't like are actually really good - just not my thing. A small tasting cup gives you the option to try something, or try many things, without getting stuck with a big tankard of something that someone else would have enjoyed much more.

During the day the very talented "Early Music Las Vegas" will be performing. I have heard talk of 2 sets of 45 mins of Medieval Yule-time Music. I can not even start to tell you how privileged we are that they are willing to come and entertain us. This is not a few friends who have been practicing in their garage for the last month. They have been studying and practicing individually and together for years.

So, what if my friends and I have been practicing in my garage for the last month? The SCA is, and always tries to be, welcoming to everyone. If you and your friends have been practicing together, or if you want to move your singing out of the shower and into public, or if you have done really well at the war bardic competitions … hint … hint … please reach out to the event organizer, or one of your heralds (or, as always, any one of your officers) and we would love to have you perform. Feast is 5 courses long so we need time to digest and would love to have all of our talented bards perform.

After the feast we will take a bit of time to move things around and then there will be DANCING. Dancing in the SCA seems to go in cycles. When I first started everyone danced at every event. I will never forget my brother (who many said has 4 left feet, since no-one with only 2 feet should be able to be that uncoordinated) being taught: "sword foot, shield foot, sword foot, shield foot - turn" Dancing with him was viewed with equal delight and horror (ladies of generous proportions and advanced years expect a "lift" to be a courtesy jump, not an airborne adventure of unknown duration and directions as my brother was enthusiastic about the "lift" part, but not very aware of how it fitted into the dance). So, clearly, no experience nor skill is needed.

Please don't leave after feast. Help to clean up, join in the dancing. Honestly, some of the best times are had before and after the "formal" parts of events where we all let our hair down and just enjoy each other's company.

A vigil is a time of purposeful reflection and consideration for a person getting ready to join a peerage order (Knight, Laurel, Pelican, Master of Defense). This is called being Elevated to the Order of (Knight, Laurel, Pelican, Master of Defense). To assist the vigilant in reflecting on the codes and responsibilities that they will soon take up, other Members of the Orders, Dignitaries, Friends and Family and also General Members of the Populace are welcomed to spend a bit of time giving advice, sharing experiences and joining in reflection.

The vigil is initiated by the King and/or Queen and they will also traditionally be the first to speak to the vigilant. Generally, there is a Vigil list, so if you are interested in speaking to the person you will be added to the list and usually also told how long you can expect it to be before it will be your turn. There will also be a Vigil book, so even if you do not specifically wish to speak to the person (and honestly the person will not remember half of what happens on the day) everyone is encouraged to sign the Vigil book and leave a personal note. It can be as simple as a congratulations, but often treasured is a note of what inspires you regarding the person.

We will have two Vigilants at Yule: Our beloved former-Baroness Gyda Magnusdótter will be reflecting on her elevation to Pelican (that will happen later in the day) and former-Calafia fighter that now help strengthen force: Siegfried von Aschaffenburg will be reflecting on his elevation to Knight (that will happen at Coronation). Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to take some time to join them in their reflection.

Yule-time is a time of sharing. For many this means the sharing of food and hand-made gifts. I am not telling you this because I want chocolates and home-made cookies, I am telling you this because many people love to bake and make fudge (oooh, fudge …) and there will be some people at Yule handing out small bags of cookies or individual chocolates. You are in no way obliged to bring anything, you are in no way obliged to do or be anything other than kind and chivalrous, but there will be sharing of small gifts between friends, at tables or with the wider populace. If you love baking or making small holiday gifts, it will be greatly appreciated by those of us who like eating 😊

Please bear in mind that a lot of people have allergies, so it is a good policy to have an ingredient list available if anyone asks and to know that even with an ingredient list many people would prefer to be extra careful. Please know that if someone kindly declines your gift it does not reflect on you in any way.

The event starts at 2:30 and Feast starts at around 6:00. Many people will eat before they come to the event, but many other people will bring a light lunch, or at the very least some shareable nibbles. Many will place shareable nibbles in the middle of the table. Once again, I am not telling you this because I feel you need to bring nibbles, all of these little blurbs are written to give you an idea of what to expect so that you might choose which to participate in, and which you would rather pass on. (except for bringing Bernadette home-made cookies, that is obviously mandatory).

If you wish to bring some Yule-time shareable nibbles you are most welcome, but keep in mind that at 6:00 there will be a fabulous feast with 5 courses, so don't ruin your appetite!! If this is just one more thing to add to a growing and seemingly endless list, don't give it an extra moment thought. There will be yummy Vigil snacks and many people will have food and snacks to share - you will not starve.

Event staff … sit down, eat something, drink something … breath. Now please add that to your list and make sure to not forget it on the day.

Every year Yule is enlivened by the visit from Santa Oz. Santa Oz will bring gifts for all the children attending. There will also be a chance for photos with Santa Oz.

A big focus of the SCA, the Barony and our Baron and Baroness is our children. Anyone walking around Great Western War would have noticed the abundance of trick-or-treat flags, and all the children who participated brought home not only an abundance of candy, but also many small toys and games. Our Baron and Baroness maintain a wonderful Children's basket that they fill with toys and tokens that they hope the children will enjoy. Everyone is welcome to contribute to this basket. Hand made toys are much sought after and greatly appreciated. So are store bought ones. Our Baron and Baroness like dragons. Medieval-ish books are also always in great demand. Not surprisingly many of our children have great interest in everything medieval.

If you are bringing your children to Yule, there unfortunately may be times that they are a bit bored. That is the reality of an indoor event. There will be some entertainment for them: A cookie decorating table and some other children's activities. There will be coloring papers and crayons available. For the older children (8+) I highly recommend serving at feast. (more about serving at feast later) This was one of my own daughters favorite things to do at Yule.

Please prepare your children, especially the little children, for the appearance of Santa Oz so that they feel able and confident to come and choose a gift. They are welcomed and they are beloved.

Unfortunately we don't have the option to hold our event in a true medieval feasting hall, but guess what: even during the middle ages when events were held spaces were decorated with banners and painted cloths. Even the most awe inspiring spaces of the Medieval World, the great cathedrals, were decorated with painted cloths at certain times of the year. We happily follow in this fashion to decorate our hall during Yule.

The Barony itself also has many banners and this is a great start, but many members of the Barony also have beautiful silk and other banners. If you are willing and able to bring your banners, it will be greatly appreciated.

Once you get on site, please find the Captain of the Guard and state clearly: "Oh, Captain! my Captain!". He will then assist you in putting the banners up.

On a more serious note: We want to leave the hall in a better state than we found it. This includes not damaging anything. Command Hooks (and similar) are the best thing ever. You can put some hooks up on the wall to hang your banners from and then take it down after the event with no damage to the walls. We will have some available, but if you bring your own you do not need to hunt down the guardian of the hooks and can go ahead and hang your banners in any unclaimed spot. Please stay safe!!

The write up is 100% just from me and in no way linked to any office or position I hold in the SCA. We have several people in our Barony who have major allergies related to scents, one potentially fatally so. This is a really difficult thing for many of us. We have been taught all our lives that smelling good is part of being clean. To now be told that this basic hygiene practice for many of us, can make someone very ill is really hard to both understand and know how to react too.

So let's start with what scents? I promise you that if you were to try right now to eliminate all scents you will find it impossible. Except if you specifically seek it out, all basic hygiene products are scented. Your soap, your shampoo, your deodorant, they even add extra scent to your toothpaste and your mouthwash. The laundry room is a battle zone of different scents, so scents are deeply impregnated into every piece of clothing you wear. All cleaning products are scented these days. The problem is not just the scents, the main problem is often the chemical concoctions used to make those scents "long lasting".

So, clearly it is impossible for the layperson to avoid all scents, do we just give up then? Every little bit helps. The Yule decorations you bring with you really don't need to be scented, we will have yummy food smells filling the hall. Maybe you use stick deodorant rather than spray on the day of the event to cut down a bit on the spread of the scent. Maybe when you do the laundry with your garb you don't automatically reach for the "extra long lasting" fabric softener (that is bad for your natural fibers in any case). Maybe, you will at least think long and hard if you really need to wear perfume for the event and hopefully you will be willing to forgo it this one day of the year to support your fellow SCA members.

Life is a learning process. We have been able to learn to not feed some of our friends peanuts, while still being able to enjoy them ourselves. I truly believe that we can learn to not leave a wave of scents behind us, while still feeling clear and enjoying the scents ourselves where it can't hurt others.

So, of course, everyone has been taking notes and have a comprehensive packing list ready as well as notes on what they plan to do over the weekend? Not? Don't worry, we have you covered. Here is a complete Yule packing list for the general attendee, obviously most people will not need everything on the list, it is just all the things you should consider. (believe me, some of us have a rather longer list)

1: Garb (don't forget the bling - this is a great event to actually wear your award tokens)
2: FEAST GEAR
3: Plastic Bag for Dirty Feast Gear
4: Table Decorations
5: A&S items (Sale and Display)
6: Money for the Largesse Show & Sale
7: Bottles for Yule Brewing Competition.
8: Tasting Cup
9: Personal Drinks
10: Snacks / Lunch
11: Small Gifts / Gift Snacks
12: Banners

Here is a very helpful hint: As you are packing for the event take photos of what you are bringing. You might be busy when the tables are being cleared at the end of the day and a photo is a great way to help others (and even yourself) figure out what needs to go back home with whom.

Isn't that my name? Wait, was I just called up in court? Oh dear, what do I do?

First: Stop and breathe, all of us still have a moment of panic when we are called up in court, but being called up in court is a good thing, really. Also remember no-one is expecting you to get this perfect, we know you are new and we (that includes the people on the thrones) understand what you are feeling right now.

Second: Congratulations, your hard work has been seen and is being recognized. Take a moment to appreciate that you are being rewarded, not punished.

Third: While you are going through one and two, stand up, wave, do something to show you have heard and recognized your name. The first thing everyone needs to know is that you are present in the hall and know you have been called.

Now comes the hard part: What do you do? It really is not that hard. I will talk you through it:

Make your way to the back end of the central aisle. If you have a significant other and that significant other is readily available, take the person with you. If you do not have a significant other, or your other is off doing something else, don't worry: Someone will be there for you. We will have people posted in the back of the hall to walk anyone who needs them.

When you reach the back of the aisle, put your hand on the arm of the person who will be walking you into court. This is actually the part that most people get wrong. Halt for a moment at the back so who-ever is walking with you can catch up, this avoids the crazy scrambling halfway down the aisle. A lot of people will acknowledge the people in the Thrones before starting to walk, just a head nod to say: I am here and I am ready.

Walk calmly towards the front of the hall.

When you reach the first set of seats you are entering the Royal / Baronial presence. This is where you fully acknowledge them. Stop, do your best bow or curtsy. Right now all the women are thinking: "I don't know how to curtsy" This is fine, a bow is also totally acceptable, but doing a curtsy is actually not that hard. Put the toes of your left foot behind your right foot so that the toes are facing towards the right. Keep your body straight upright and bend both knees sliding down as far as you are comfortable. Come back up. Put your feet together again. It is easy once you know what you are doing.

Let go of the arm of the person walking you, they will wait here for your return. Walk to in front of the thrones. At Yule this most likely will mean going up stairs. Hold on to the railing. Before you go up, consider: Can I get up from my knees? Can I get up from my knees with a little assistance? If you can get up, put your knee on the pillow. Really, on the pillow. The pillow is there to cushion your knee, not just to look nice. If you have trouble getting up from your knees it is fine. No-one will be offended if you choose to stay standing.

(Other person - at Yule there will be a chair for you to sit in, during normal courts it is a good idea to take a knee a bit out of the way, you don't want to block the view of the people behind you).

Look at the people on the thrones, listen, enjoy your moment.

If there are any special instructions while at the thrones, the people on the thrones or the Herald will let you know.

There is a good chance that there will be an award token on a string that will be put around your neck. The best way to deal with this is to stick your head out and then sit still. If the person putting it over your head runs into trouble you can reach out and help, but first give them the time to do it themselves.

Get back up. If you need a bit of assistance, don't just scramble about, say something: someone will be happy to lend you a hand.

If it is safe to do so, back away from the thrones while still facing the thrones. If it is not safe, no-one is going to judge you for turning around. Not safe has different meanings for different people. For some even slightly uneven ground can be a challenge. We don't want anyone to hurt themselves. At Yule this might include stairs, we would rather people turn around before going down the stairs than fall down the stairs!

When you reach the person walking you, put your hand on the arm again and bow and curtsy again. Turn around and walk back to the back of the hall.

I am going to do a quick summary:
1: Acknowledge that you are in the hall.
2: Make your way to the back of the hall.
3: Pause: Hand on arm.
4: Walk to the first set of chairs.
5: Bow or Curtsy
6: Walk to in front of thrones
7: Knee on pillow
8: Listen
9: Get back up.
10: Back towards the first set of chairs. (if safe)
11: Bow or Curtsy
12: Turn around.
13: Walk to the back of the hall.
14: Go sit back down :-) You did it!!

Right before court we will do a quick run-through of this so that everyone knows what is required and also so that we can address any possible site specific challenges.

We will have Tabletop Siege Engines. There will be Tabletop Siege Engine RULES. The rules will be available before Yule, so that you can know what you will be allowed to bring, and when and how you will be allowed to use them.

What are Tabletop Siege Engines? Well, it is exactly what it says it is - tiny little siege engines that fit on your table and can be used to attack other tables or passersby. I have seen Catapults and Ballistas. Not so many Trebuckets or Battering Rams. Siege Towers will be great once I teach my hamsters to attack.

Usually something fairly soft is used as ammunition, and something that is easy to clean up. One year we carved tiny little sheep and covered them with wool, but they were not the best ammunition since everyone pocketed them.

Coolers in fact have 2 functions at war, so it is smart to team up with a few people and have at least two coolers with different functions. One cooler is for long term storage and to keep things that are dangerous when left to heat up, cold. The second cooler is to keep your drinks cold.

First let's talk about long term storage: Pre-cooked dinners, meat, dairy - these things need to be kept as cold as possible and even frozen. This can be done even for multi-day wars. You need to keep 2 things in mind:
1: Put everything in the cooler as cold as possible,
2: Keep that cold in the cooler as much as possible.

Scientifically cold does not exist, cold is the lack of heat, but in the real world you can deal with that cold as if it is a thing. Freeze as much as possible and pack them tightly so that you start out with as much "cold" in the cooler as possible. We would pre-make meals and freeze them flat in zip-lock baggies packed tight against each other and they would remain frozen even during a week of Estrella. In addition to ice, pack extra space with frozen water bottles. Less meltwater to deal with and they can be used for hydration during the war. Only open this cooler if you really have to (3 times a day at mealtime). Keep the cooler in a shady spot. During the day wrap the cooler in a thick blanket or in some wet towels.

The drinks cooler is only for drinks. It keeps getting re-filled with ice and the ice melts (often in less than a day) I pack some zip-lock baggies and put some of the ice in the baggies so that I can use that ice in my drinks.

The most important part of camping in hot weather is water. Make sure you have plenty of water and more importantly, that you drink plenty of water. I used to have this deal with my kids that they could drinks as many sodas / sports drinks as they wish as long as they drank a bottle of water for each other type of drink. They used to come up to me and down a water bottle before going to fetch their next soda (normally sodas were greatly restricted in our house) thinking that they were gaming the system when in fact they were doing exactly as required. Plus, after drinking the water they would be so full it would take them hours to finish the soda

This is actually a good system of drinking adult beverages as well, one glass of water for each glass of adult beverage.

While sodas are obviously not the best choice to add to your fluid consumption there are a few things that are almost as good as water: Milk, Aloe Vera juice. Herbal teas (and you can drink it iced with a bit of honey), cucumber juice and fruit and vegetable infused water. For a in-period option try Sekanjabin.

A few things that are good for hydration in moderation: Coffee (yup, a cup of coffee is as good as water if you are used to drinking coffee and keep your consumption under 32 ounces.) Coconut Water, (better than water for hydration when taken in moderation) and juices (while juices are great - some more so than others - the high sugar and calorie content can have other implications).

Avoid fizzy drinks and alcohol … well, yeah, that is not going to happen so instead be smart when drinking fizzy drinks and alcohol and alternate it with plenty of water.