Eoghan ÓBriain
Name/Blazonry
Lord Eoghan ÓBriain
The Acadamy of Saint Gabrielle has agreed that this name would have been appropriate for an Irish Gentleman in the early 1600's. It has not, however, been submitted as of yet.
Or, a duck rising displayed azure, in base a fjord proper. This blazonry, also, has not been submitted as of yet.
Persona History
Eoghan ÓBriain was born the second of only two sons in 1587 in Dublin, Ireland. His Father, Cormac ÓBriain, was a wealthy sea merchant specializing in exotics from the Far East. His mother, Aibhilín inghean Uí Ruairc, died during his birth. His elder brother, Fearghus, died fighting under the command of Hugh ÓNéill against the English in 1601. At a very early age, Eoghan would "stow away" on his father's ships as part of the crew. He visited many ports throughout England, Spain, the Mediteranian, and even as far as Persia before his 16th year. He learned fencing, archery, sailing, and woodworking during his travels. At that time, his Father began grooming him to take control of his trade. He was sent all along the coasts of Ireland and the British Isles to establish contact and open the lines of communication with his Father's associates in those areas. While traveling through the Orkneys, he came upon the lovely Lady Mairghread inghean Dubhghaill and began courting her. Their courtship has not ended. Despite his great love and devotion, Eoghan refused to marry Mairghread. He could not bear the thought of leaving her a widow should he be taken upon by privateers during his voyages. So, he would ensure she was well cared for, leaving money and fine jewelry with her each time he would visit. Thusly, he continued to travel all along the coast lines further south on his task to take over for his Father. In 1605, he began a journey to the far eastern shores of China, where the finest of his Father's trade originated. He spent 6 years making connections and affirming his possition as his Father's heir. In 1611 Eoghan received word that his Father was dying. He returned home to find his Father had died and he had left his beloved Lady Mairghread with a daughter. He took full possesion of his Father's estate, and full control of the trade. He called for his Lady to join him in Dublin. There, they had two more daughters. When his eldest daughter, Mara inghean Eoghain, grew to 10 years, she began to "stow away" on Eoghan's ships, much to his amusement. Not so coincidentally, members of The Iron Ring, a German Mercenary Band, were to be seen on those very same merchant ships.
SCA History
I was introduced to the SCA in the Summer of 1992 in the Shire of Shittimwoode. I only attended 2 events and one demo that summer. Then I joined the US Navy and was sent to NAS Lemoore, California. This is when I married Lisa, my lovely Lady, and we began our family. Once we were able to settle down a bit, we began playing in the Barony of Nordwache. We were there for just over a year attending local and inter-kingdom events, but never really lending assistance more than the occasional water bearing. Then the Navy moved us to NAS China Lake. There we played with the Barony of Naevehjem. We took a more active part in the business of the Barony, although at that point neither of us became officers. I found a love for fencing at an annual inter-branch fighter practice. I went looking for a practice and found a mentor. Don Donn the Bald offered me a Red Scarf and his tutelage in exhange for nothing but a hunger to learn and the manner of a Gentleman. I have both. We attended many more events. We each received our Award of Arms. After three years Naevehjem the Navy moved us back to NAS Lemoore and Nordwache. Our activity in the Society dropped drastically. We attended a few events. Brought a few friends. But nothing more than that. Finally, I was Honorably released from service after serving a tour in Afghanistan in October of 2002. Job offers led us back to Nordwache. But, still our activity was slight. Three years we lived and did not play in the High Desert of the Mojave. Both Lisa and I have always held An Tir dear in our hearts. We have always beleived we are a part of this wonderful kingdom and no other. I beleive we stopped being a part of the SCA because we couldn't be a part of An Tir. Then, in 2005, I was offered a job by the largest private employer in Oregon. After all of the technicalities worked out, we joyously returned to our glorious Pacific Northwest and the majesty of our Kingdom of An Tir. Within weeks of our arrival we attended 12th Night Celebration sponsored by Three Mountains. Very soon there after, we began attending Dragon's Mist's Friday Revels, and were welcomed back with open arms. In the three short years since we've returned, I have volunteered to be the Youth Archery Marshal for our branch, began regular Youth Archery practices, and insisted Dragon's Mist begin competitions for a Youth Archery Defender. We met Earl Edward Ian Anderson who invited us to be a part of his War Band, Havoc. I received my authorization in An Tir to fence. In October, 2008. I was appointed Seneschal of Dragon's Mist. I have never been more involved than I am here. I have never wanted to be more involved than right now. I am extremely excited about the future of Dragon's Mist, An Tir, and the Society.
Affiliation
Youth Archery Marshal and Seneschal of Dragon's Mist
Primary Support crew and Rapier fighter for the War Band, Havoc
Friend of The Iron Ring.
Student of Fence to Don Donn the Bald
Interests
Fencing
Fencing is my true passion in the SCA. Despite how little time I have to pursue it, I truly enjoy the art of the sword.
Archery
It's fun. I'm not very good, and I don't plan on ever being any good. Mainly, I'm interested in archery because this is my daughter's main interest. I'm taking steps to allow the next generation to find their place in the SCA.
Woodwork
(Sigh) If only I could keep my workshop clean.
Completely Non-Related
Xerox your life.
That way if you loose it, you'll always have a copy.