Brand aux Deus-Leons

Sir Brand, at a Feaste. Pic by Wolfe, used with permission

Brand, by Brand.:-) What an interesting thing this Wiki stuff is. Of course, someone could put all sorts of odd things here... like the truth, (or rumors, not nearly as interesting, I assure you;-)

Knight, Pelican, WordSmith, IC, ETC, (see the OP) Poet, fundraiser, musician.  More anon.  Brand.

The newly registered name approved by the Heralds a couple of years ago.

Brand aux Deus Leons was Brand Deus Leons was Brand McLiam of Clontarf was Brand Faragar the Frank and a few others.

Brand aux deus Leons (then, Brand Faragar the Frank) and Siobhan Iyatrosakis created the idea of the Squire's Tourney

Brand on the SCA, written by Brand in AS LV (2021):

I discovered the Society in the winter of 1980-1981. As an actor, I thought it would be a great way to understand the reality behind many of the plays I loved (King Lear, Henry V, Romeo & Juliet…) Soon, I realized that in addition to immersive and interactive Theatre, the Society was a real-time modern way for people to experience History in a bone-deep way, and to create modern friendships and acquire skills and experiences unavailable in most any other fashion.
And, it was a group continually molded by its participants to be more inclusive and simply ‘better’ in accommodating the needs and interests of its participants. Not always with success, and occasionally with gaffs and gaps, but in general, the ‘stew’ of creativity won out, and the feaste was ever more bountiful for most, more tasty for the variety of ingredients, and heartier for the whole to sup.

New ways of running Gate were thought of. Card Weaving became a ‘thing’. Better sewing and armor patterns were introduced and better costumes and armor were made. (I mean, Freon Tank Helmets have a certain ‘something’ about them, but… ;-)
We went from Mimeographed publications to dot-matrix, then photocopies, to offset printing, and things like “computers”, “The Internet” and “World Wide Web” kept changing things, mostly for the better. “Merchants” and “Lights” were not always welcomed; now, they are essential to the success of our events. Activities for the Young have increased. New Peerages added. All “people-driven”.
The Society is truly participant driven. It is not first organized by any board of governance then the way to play given out, like Dungeons & Dragons. Yes, there is a Board of Directors, but the vast majority of innovation and content of what we do and who we are is created by the People who participate on the ground. It is from the participants who see a need, or who dream up a way for others to enjoy the Game more, and then try it out. And sometimes, others go, “Hey, that was fun. Let’s do it again!”

Gordon Redthorn Wrote:

Way back in AS 22 I was at Alpine Pass War I had just gotten past gate when Duke Torgul and a gentle whose name escapes me came up to my car, one of them said, "Hey Brand Great you could make it!" at this point the Duke hit him in the back of the head and said, "Try again." "Oh! Hey Gordon is this your first event?" I would have thought it an isolated incident except two more people thought I was Brand.

At Estrella War, the same year, I was there with Brand and helping him set up his tent when a family came up to me, called me Brand and asked if they could get their picture taken with me. Brand being helpful ran up with his banner and said, "Here Brand hold your banner, why I'll take the picture that way all of you can be in it." I'm sure the photo is one of their proudest possessions.

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In 1986 (AS something) I attended my first ever Bardic competition of note, the homey and wonderful Celtic Bardic at the Swiss Hall in Blatha an Oir. There I heard a wonderful poet, later singing some of the same songs I knew. He was chivalrous, and courteous, and flirtacious but honourable, paying due courtesy my mother, my sister and myself. Over the years I became good friends with this ginger-haired Knight, and few will bring as broad a smile to my face as fast, as good Sir Brand.

In his passion for education, he has interacted with some wonderful people, and when pressed, will tell you why it is he wears only one spur, and where the other lies. You will tear up with wonder and remembrance when you hear or are reminded of the tale.

A True Knight, of many of the Virtues, he is inspired by the brilliant talent and goddess-like beauty of his Lady, Cymbric, and knows that he is naught but for her.

• Briana*

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Once, at an event - I believe an Autumn War - Rodrekr ormstunga Sigmundarsun, at that point a squire, had asked Brand what it meant to be a knight. Brand said something about setting examples and chivalry, and that he would show him later. Rodrekr partook in the usual camp crawling that evening, coming back late, and perhaps a little in his cups. He retired to his wood sided hut.

Very early the next morning, while the sun was not quite fully up, and the mists were still in the field, Sir Brand strode into Carn's camp, holding a sword upon which many rolls of toilet paper were skewered, with more in hand. He banged repeatedly and loudly on Rodrekr's hut, shouting "Get up, Rodrekr! It's time to show you what being a knight is about! We have to deliver tee-pee to the biffies!" It was indeed truth that many of the biffies were low or out, service on that site being less frequent that one might like. Rodrekr emerged eventually, rubbing his eyes, but willing and in good humor, and joined Brand in his quest. Thus, all of Carn was shown that morning what chivalry truly is.

That is but one of my memories of Brand, who also hired Clan Carn for a song (of his composing), beating an offer of real coin. Carn made a wise choice - coins are spent, but songs - like the deeds of a good man - live on. --Michelino di Gino Martini 02:56, 2 September 2015 (UTC)

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Brand's Arms

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