A Royal Collegium Entices Many

The Principality of Oertha, Kingdom of the West—Princess Vicana of Oertha invited teachers and students alike to attend a full day of learning at her Collegium held in the lands of the Barony of Selviergard in early April.  With the cold winters past and a full summer of planned events and activities on the horizon; Her Highness determined it was time to learn new skills and entertain new thoughts in preparation for a very full season in the lands of Oertha.

Paying the event registration provided the celebrant with a very useful site token crafted by Their Highnesses, access to all of the classes available, and a feast in the evening.  There were many people from all areas of the Principality attending, both instructors and students, and the hall was filled quickly.

Classes begin at the Princess’ Collegium held in the lands of the Barony of Selviergard.  April 6, 2019.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.

With the main theme of any Collegium being ‘learning’, the day started without preamble and delved right into classes.  There were a variety of teachers offering classes that ranged from Camping in Comfort at SCA events, Heavy Combat Fighting, Autocrating, Period Fishing, Pottery, Basic SCA Furniture, Dancing, Preserving Your Local History, and many, many more.  Instructors took over two, and sometimes even three, classroom areas to teach their knowledge to excited participants.  As the weather was nice some classes were also held outside.

Lady Rainna Fathirsdottir and Lady Fionnguala MacGille Finnan learn basic pottery at the Princess’ Collegium.  April 6, 2019.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.

Feast was served shortly after the last class ended.  The feast, consisting of stuffed pork, vegetables, bread and two varieties of pies (all created on site by the talented Mistress Margarita di Calvi) and, in typical Selviergardian tradition, there was plenty for everybody to have their fill.  Toasts were given and the gentle chatter of those who shared their tables with others filled the hall.

Their Highnesses held a closing court of the day.  In this court, which included the Baron of Selviergard and the Baron and Baroness of Eskalya, was where the Prince and Princess thanked all those in attendance.  Instructors were called forward and bestowed with gifts from the Autocrat as well as the Baronages of Selviergard and Eskalya.  

Words of thanks were also given by Their Highnesses to the autocrat of the event, Master Fergus mac Thomais, along with a bronze ring from Baron Halfdan’s own hand as is his tradition to give to all autocrats of events in his lands.  Before the end of court there was a performance by The Squire Choir who entertained the populace with a poem in honor of Her Highness…the first performance of the Squire Choir here in the Principality of Oertha.

The Squire Choir makes their first performance in Oertha towards the end of court at the Princess’ Collegium.  April 6, 2019.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.

The end of the event was met and members of the populace with minds filled with new ideas and new information made their way home.  Collegiums are a great way to share information and to inspire others.  There are many, many things to be interested and take part in here in the Society and Collegiums are a wondrous way to showcase just some of the options.

The Selviergard Associated Press

Originally published in the May 2019 edition of The DragonTale

Event Date:  April 6, 2019