Theme
Whether for communication, trade, or warfare, the seas provided a vital method of transportation throughout the medieval period. Beginning in the 14th century, ship design changed rapidly seeing larger, multi-mast ships become common. This led to a new era of maritime trade and exploration that would usher in the "Age of Discovery."
At Gryphon's Fest this year, we'll explore this new age of maritime trade. We'll detail the various ports and what was needed to sustain maritime trade - ship design, maritime law - and more all in a self guided tour. Various boards with this information will be placed around the site. Upon arriving, attendees will be given a packet of event information containing a puzzle of a maritime incident. They will then be asked to answer various questions about the details surrounding the incident based on what they have learned. Their answers can be dropped off at Gate before it closes to be entered for a prize!
And of course, we'll have all the other things Gryphon's Fest is known for - Martial activities, classes, camping, bardic... This year, we will also include an auction!
Auction
Coordinator: Kajsa Nikulasdotter
The Gryphon’s At Sea Live Auction will be in the big tent after court ends. Bring friends. Bring your drinks. Bring your dinner. We’re going to have a lot of fun with Lead Auctioneers: Master Ravasz Janos, and Sir Duncan Fearmac MacLeod.
During the day there will be a SILENT AUCTION also.The Silent auction will close at the start of court. Silent auction items will be pulled for the Live Auction at the discretion of the auctioneers. Items that are won in the silent auction will be placed on display area, and may be collected after court.
There are three rules:
- All items must be paid for at the end of the auction by either cash or check.
- Please keep the noise down so the auctioneers and bidders can be heard.
- Have fun!
DONATION ITEMS should be brought to the auction area located on the south side of the big tent and logged in Saturday morning. Kajsa will assign an item number, and you will need to complete a brief form. Any details desirable for auctioneers or potential buyers to know about your donation are great to add to this form! EDIBLE donations please bring an ingredient list.
Contact Mistress Kajsa Nikulasdotter for questions by FB messenger (fastest) or by Email. Kajsa will be on site a full day before the auction also.
Site
Puddleford
18683 State Hwy CC, Warrenton, MO 63383
Site Information
Puddleford is a primitive site located approximately 1 hour west of St. Louis, MO. The site has limited running water.
Directions
From the north
From Interstate 70, take the exit for Hwy 47, south to Hwy CC. Take a left (east) and go approximately two miles.
From the south
From Interstate 44, take the exit for HWY 47, north to Hwy CC. Take a right (east) and go approximately two miles. Your GPS may suggest taking a right on Charette Creek Rd, but this is recommended against.
Food
There is not a planned inn or feast for this event. Rather, Saturday evening after court and immediately before the auction, we will be heating up the large grills and everyone is welcome to cook whatever they would like! We will be providing sides and a selection of drinks.
Other dining options are available in Warrenton to the north or Marthasville to the south (both approximately a 20 minute drive from site).
Martial Activities
Rattan Combat
Martial in Charge: Fernando Rodriguez de Falcon
Authorizations and Inspections
9:30am - 10:00am
Best Nautical Weapon challenge
Fighters are encouraged to bring a nautical themed weapon for a chance to win a prize. Perhaps a belaying pin? A spyglass? A paddle? A Fish? Even an anchor. The sea's the limit!
These weapons can be used in any of the following scenarios with the exception of the "You Can't Make Me Walk The Plank" Challenge.
Scenarios
Combat will begin at 10:00am and continue until fighters have had enough with short breaks between scenarios.
Mast Top Tourney
Fight across the spars and into the Crow's nest.
Naval Landing Melees
This scenario will involve fighting from a ship to the dock in various ways, including the gangway, jumping ashore, rowing in on small ships boats.
"You Can't Make Me Walk The Plank" Challenge
One fighter at a time will be put out on the plank, about to go to his watery grave, when a supportive friend throws him a weapon. He will either have to face a series of “sailors” with belaying pins coming out to try to “convince” him to go off the plank, or jump onto the ship to take as many of them out as he can, and/or “capture” the captain to force them to set him ashore.
Dawi's Wacky Weapons Tournament
This year with a nautical twist! Come fight with your wackiest weapon (or combination thereof) to take home the travelling BONE trophy.
Steel Combat
Marshal in Charge: Syele Pfeifferin (MIT) & Giacomo dalla Fattoria dello Stato
Authorizations and Inspections
Time: 9:00am
Round Robin, Steel Tourney
Time: 11:00am
Most points wins. Arms/legs 1pt, Torso 2pts, Head 3pts. First to six per a set wins the bout BOTH leave the field return to the line. Once a point is scored reset and begin anew. NO two handers (unless both parties agree). NO SPEARS. Line will run for 45mins-1hr.
Sirens-Vs-Sailors
Time: 1:00pm
So you’re stuck in a dinghy on the ocean and there are hungry Sirens around! Two players (MODS if available) are Sirens all others are Sailors. Sailors are “in” the boat (2-4 fighters to the boat per bout). Sailors MUST keep one hand on the boat at all times are be dragged down to the depths of Queen Magdalena’s Locker. Sailors may wear a buckler on the hand holding the boat to protect it. If a Sailor is hit in the hand holding the boat (or arm if holding a buckler) they are DEAD DEAD. Sailors must sail from one side of the ocean to the Island on the other. One Siren on either side of the boat. Sirens may attack while sailors are on the water. Whoever makes it to the island/safety wins. No Two handers.
Kill the Sirens
Time: 2:00pm
So you’ve been marooned on an island by Sirens. Scenario will be 2V1 or 2V2 (depending on the number of Sailors). SIRENS, are standing between you and sweet, sweet freedom. Sirens (MODS if available). Start with only daggers, as Sailors die the sirens may change out their weapons for the dead's weapons systems. Sailors may choose to team up with another sailor or face off with the Sirens alone. Whoever makes it to the boat lives and wins!
*So long as all participants in a bout agree Sailors and Sirens may use two handers and spears.
Archery
Marshal in Charge: Dammo Utwiler
There will be four 90-minute shoots beginning at 9:00am, 10:30am, 1:00pm, and 2:30pm. The one beginning at 10:30am will be the shoot for the baronial championship.
Equestrian
Marshal in Charge: Maria Arosa de Santa-Olalla
Please fill out this Google form if you are planning to bring equines so we can make all the appropriate accommodations!
If you are more comfortable with contacting the MiC directly, please contact Maria Geeslin by Email or on Facebook.
To make it a little easier for those that are traveling long distances early arrival is permitted, per the site owner. Please reach out to Maria if that’s something that you are interested in.
Negative coggins and health certs (if you are out-of-state) will be checked per Missouri State regulations.
Activities
In anything equestrian, schedules are ALWAYS tentative due to cranky animals, weather, etcetera. Please keep in mind that this is a rough schedule and start times may ebb and flow slightly.
Meet & Greet Tack-Up Class
Time: 8:30am
This is an introductory class for anyone interested in SCA Equestrian or equines in general. Participating equine owners will introduce themselves and their equines. We will cover safety precautions, how to get involved, and will pair up students with equine owners to learn to groom and tack equines for the day.
Authorizations
Time: 9:30am
Maria's Quick Warm-Up Course
Time: 10:00am
“Aquatic” themed warm up course to get your mounts thinking, encourage confidence, and mount-rider team building. Points are awarded based on obstacle completion. There is a small gait bonus to encourage brave riders and mounts.
Sheep Stealing
Time: 11:00am
Those dastardly English thieves have taken over a Spanish vessel carrying precious marino sheep!
Baronial Champion Challenge
Time: 1:00pm
Mistress Ise has thrown down the gauntlet in an inventive, exciting and fun challenge. Will you rise to the occasion?
Mounted Archery
Time: 2:30pm
Those dastardly English thieves have taken over a Spanish vessel carrying precious marino sheep!
Glow in the Dark Soccer
Time: Dusk
Glow in the dark horse soccer with a huge 45” horse ball!
Arts & Sciences
Organizer: Rochwen Morwenna
Classes
Anglo-Saxon Alliterative Poetry Workshop
Taught by
Shoshanah bas Nachmann
Time: 10:00am
Location: Big Tent
Description
Examination of the rules used in Old English alliterative poetry, such as Beowulf, as well as the intended aesthetic. Followed by a workshop in which we produce--in modern English--poetry in the AS alliterative tradition.
Courtesans 101
Taught by
Duchess Catalina de Arazuri
Time: 10:00am
Location: Courtesan College & Salon
Description
What to know more about the Known World Courtesans? Join Duchess Catalina as I tell you about our vision.
Let's Make a Map
Taught by
Sancha Lestrange
Time: 10:00am
Location: Big Tent
Description
We will show some examples of period maps, emphasizing how they were frequently drawn by people who have never been to
the place in question. Then we will have a hands on activity to create our own maps.
Construction and Play of Beginner Level Line (Board) Games
Taught by
Lady Apple
Time: 10:30am
Location: Youth Tent
Description
This class is designed so that participants can learn period 2 person games as well as simple methods of construction of games. Materials provided by instructor.
Women in 13th c Spain
Taught by
HL Adalyde Heloyz la Cantora
Time: 11:00am
Location: Courtesan College & Salon
Description
Discussion on contract marriages, courtesans, the laws, etc.
Pulled from the Aegean Sea: the Antikytheran Device
Taught by
Shoshanah bas Nachmann
Time: 11:00am
Location: Big Tent
Description
Story of a bronze orrery--a geared model of solar system movements--dating from ~100 BCE, pulled from a shipwreck in 1901. Brief description of what it could do and what it might have been used for.
How to Cry Like a Herald
Taught by
Shoshanah bas Nachmann
Time: 1:00pm
Location: Big Tent
Description
Workshop on being heard and understood at a distance, with emphasis on voice projection and enunciation. Useful for Court Heraldry and Field Heraldry, as well as Town-Cry Heraldry.
Courtesans in Late Period Venice
Taught by
Lady Elisabetta di Tres Fiumi
Time: 1:00pm
Location: Courtesan College & Salon
Description
A discussion on the difference between a courtesan and a prostitute, Venetian attitudes towards courtesans, and a brief look at one of the most famous Venetian Courtesans.
Contraception in Medieval Europe
Taught by
Baroness Slainey ni Chiarain
Time: 2:00pm
Location: Courtesan College & Salon
Description
It is all based on surviving medieval document (I'm a historian, not an herbalist).
Caesarea Marítima: An Ancient Harbor in Israel
Taught by
Michael of Safita
Time: 2:00pm
Location: Big Tent
Description
Decades of archaeological excavation have revealed fascinating story of Herod the Great, Capture of the city by Arabs, capture of the city by Cruasaders,
and defeat of the city by Mamluks. Hands on includes pottery shards, coins, and a 3-D copied skull.
Celestial Navigation
Taught by
Jon Chesey
Time: 3:00pm
Location: Big Tent
Description
This class explores how the concepts from the celestial sphere were used in period for navigation. It is based on the 16th century Arte of Navigation
by Martin Cortes and includes a hands-on use of instruments.
The Scent of a Woman in 16th Century Venice
Taught by
Baroness Antonia Stefani
Time: 3:00pm
Location: Courtesan College & Salon
Description
Discussing the history of perfume and bring essential oils so we can create our own custom scents for a small materials fee.
Witches and Monsterous Feminine (18+)
Taught by
Lady Pádraigín AnEinigh
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Courtesan College & Salon
Description
If knowing who (mostly women), why (the patrarchiy), and how (horrific) were monsterized in the Middle Ages peaks your interest,
join me as I magically condense my semester-long class into an hour (or so). Please note the class does involve graphic content,
swearing, a couple of tangents, and some arm waving.
Drum Circle
Time: 8:00pm
Location: Courtesan College & Salon
Description
Join us for a little drumming and dancing before we head over to the fire pit for our traditional singing circle.
Competitions
International Creation
For this competition, enrants are challenged to display a creation that would have been possible thanks to international maritime trade linking at least three countries or cultures. Entries should include documentation on how the countries or cultures were brought together through trade.
Youth
Organizer: Yseult de Michel
All Youth activities will be in the Youth tent behind Gate and next to the playground.
Classes
Roman Mosaics
Time: 9:00am
Come put together a Roman style mosaic using tiles! Materials will be provided. All ages are welcome but children get priority. A $5 donation is appreciated but not required.
Youth Bardic
Time: 12:00pm
Join us to sing favorite sea and Calontir songs!
Shipbuilding
Time: 1:00pm
Assemble a mighty ship from a collection of materials. You'll have 90 minutes to build your ship. We'll then break for an hour for things to dry and then test them out! Prizes for most period design, best at floating, and more!
Activities
Monster Scavanger Hunt
Monsters have invaded Gryphon's Fest! Explore the site and find the information boards which will have wanted posters for the various monsters and creatures. Then hunt around the site for the one you like the most, and if you find them, you can take them home!
Please, no more than one creature per child.
NOTICE: This activity is not an official Youth Activity. The SCA will not provide supervision, background checked or otherwise. Children must be supervised in a manner in accordance with the Parent/Guardian/Liason Youth Supervision Guidelines of the Kingdom of Calontir.
Merchants
Coordinator: Cara of Caer Rede
If you would like to be a vendor at Gryphon's Fest, please contact Cara of Caer Rede.
Attending Merchants
- Bast's Creations
- Painted Sky Pottery
FAQ
What are the COVID guidelines for this event?
As this event is outdoors, masks are not required, but are always encouraged for anyone who would like to use one. Calontir is following the SCA COVID-safe policies which require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test result from a medical provider (i.e. no at-home tests accepted) from within the past 72 hours.
Is there pre-registration?
Yes! You can pre-register here.
Is pre-registration required?
Pre-registration is not currently required by society or kingdom law. While we strongly encourage it, as it helps speed things up at gate and reduces clustering, we will not be requiring it!
If I miss the pre-registration deadline. Can I still attend?
Yes. You may register at gate.
What forms of payment are accepted at Gate?
Cash and check only.
Will there be an inn or feast?
We are not planning on having an inn or feast at this event. However, we will have an open grill on Saturday evening. For more information, please see the section regarding food in the Site section.
Is the site pet friendly?
Yes! However, pets must be leashed at all times.
Is there a schedule available?
Times for many of the individual activites are now available under their respective sections. We will post a master schedule closer to the event.
Is this a wet site?
Yes!
Schedule