Nykera Drago D'Argento
Nykera Drago D'Argento
Quick Facts
- **SCA Name:** Nykera Drago D'Argento
- **Pronouns:** She/Her
- **Kingdom:** An Tir
- **Primary Branch:** Blatha An Oir
- **Persona:** Venetian Pirate / Privateer, circa 1540
- **Interests:** Scribal arts, bead art, fur fiber arts
Persona Overview
Nykera Drago D’Argento began her Society journey in the Kingdom of An Tir and continues to reside and serve within the Kingdom. She is a wandering Venetian privateer of the mid-16th century, shaped by the maritime power, mercantile ambition, and political intrigue of Renaissance Venice. Neither wholly outlaw nor fully sanctioned, she moves between ports, courts, and coastlines, carrying knowledge, stories, and craft alongside trade goods.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Nykera is recognized for fostering large-scale scribal community engagement both within An Tir and internationally through education-focused and service-oriented creative initiatives.
Name & Meaning
The name Nykera was chosen for its strong, distinctive sound and adaptability across cultures. Drago evokes both personal ferocity and Venetian symbolism, while D’Argento (“of silver”) reflects ties to trade, craftsmanship, and the shifting light of the sea.
Persona Details
Time Period & Region
- **Date:** circa 1540
- **Region:** Venice, Italy (with Mediterranean travel)
- **Role:** Privateer, artisan, and itinerant craftswoman
Backstory
Operating under Venetian letters of marque, Nykera balances loyalty to her city-state with the practical freedoms of a wanderer. Between voyages, she turns her hands to meticulous arts—scribal work, beadwork, and fiber—skills refined during long periods ashore and through exposure to diverse regional traditions.
Awards & Recognition
| Award/Order | Kingdom/Branch | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Blossom | Blatha An Oir | Apr 27, 2019 (AS LIII) | |
| Royal Service Token | An Tir | Jul 19, 2019 (AS LIV) | |
| Award of Arms | An Tir | Aug 9, 2019 (AS LIV) | |
| Baroness' Favor | Blatha An Oir | Sep 18, 2021 (AS LVI) | |
| Royal Service Token | An Tir | Jan 8, 2022 (AS LVI) | |
| Jambe de Lion | An Tir | Feb 19, 2022 (AS LVI) | |
| Panther's Torch | Blatha An Oir | Feb 19, 2022 (AS LVI) | |
| Forget-me-not | An Tir | Jul 9, 2022 (AS LVII) | |
| Sable Scrivener | An Tir | Dec 3, 2022 (AS LVII) | |
| Baroness' Favor | Aquaterra | Jan 28, 2023 (AS LVII) | |
| Briar | Blatha An Oir | May 27, 2023 (AS LVIII) | |
| Sanguine Thorn | An Tir | Aug 20, 2023 (AS LVIII) | |
| Forget-me-not | An Tir | Jan 12, 2024 (AS LVIII) | |
| Goutte de Sang | An Tir | Jun 29, 2024 (AS LIX) | |
| Bountiful Hand | An Tir | Jan 10, 2025 (AS LIX) |
Activities
Arts & Sciences
- Scribal arts
- Bead art
- Fur and fiber arts
Service
- Artistic and organizational service to branch and kingdom
- Community education and creative facilitation
Community Leadership & Founding Projects
Nykera Drago D’Argento is the founder of several long-running scribal community initiatives that support education, creative accountability, and connection across the Society.
- ScribeTober — Founder of the Facebook-based scribal challenge community with over 600 members worldwide.
- Rebellious Mercenary Scribal Guild — Founder of an independent scribal collective encouraging accessible, experimental, and service-oriented scribal work.
- 100 Days a Scribe — Founder and current organizer of the ongoing creative challenge hosted across Facebook, Discord, and Instagram.
Heraldry
Device
- **Status:** Unregistered
- **Notes:** Personal device reflecting individual symbolism and artistic identity.
Companion & Affiliated Orders
Nykera is frequently accompanied by her trusted fur companion, Baxter the Black, a Newfoundland–Poodle mix often referred to as her partner in crime. While not formally titled within the Kingdom, Baxter remains a recognizable presence alongside Nykera at events and within creative projects.
Together, Nykera and Baxter founded the Order of the Golden Paw, along with its sister orders, the Order of the Golden Hoof and the Order of the Golden Claw. These informal recognitions honor the companionship and contributions of animal companions—both living and passed—who support members of the Society.