About Kennara Cempestrae i Holtasjon

(Mistress Warrior and Seer of the Forest)

I am the Woman who Runs with Wolves

Kennara Cempestrae i Holtasjon

  • Principality DEIB Officer (2021-Current)
  • Warranted Deputy of West Kingdom
  • Principality of Oertha A&S Officer (2021-Current)
  • Offices Held in Winter’s Gate
    • DEIB Officer (Founded Oerthan DEIB Office and Established Main Baronial Offices in Oertha)
    • A&S Officer
    • Chronicler
    • Baroness
    • Gold Key
    • Chatelaine
  • Awards Received (Limited to Kingdom)
    • Order of the Pelican 
    • Order of Grace
    • Queen’s Cypher
    • Leaf of Merit
    • Western Lily
    • Baroness
    • Gratia Coronae, Cypher of the
    • Queen’s Treasure
  • Guild Memberships
    • Oerthan Largess Anonymous-Founder
    • Apothecary and Leececraft Guild-Founder
    • Ivory Thimble Web
    • Wooden Spoon
    • Spinning and Weaving
  • Services and Principality Offices
    • DEIB Principality Officer (Founding)
    • A&S Principality Officers
    • Autocrat or Co-Autocrat: 25 Events
    • Coronet Autocrat: 2 Events
    • Principality Steward or Co-Steward 3 Events
    • Principality and Baronial Collegiums: 5 events
    • Served Principality of the Mists:
      • Largess Contributor-2
  • Feastocrat/Co-Feastocrat: 13 events
  • Continuous Largess Contributor
  • Assisting with West Kingdom Emergency Actions
  • Created Autocrat Handbook
  • Created “Circlet Court” a Baronial Resource for those Stepping Up into Baronial Office
  • War Activity ( 500+ total hours of War Service)
    • Volunteer Coordinator of An Tir West War 2019-current
    • Deputy Volunteer Coordinator: 2018
    • Taught Classes-8 (Taught at every War)
    • Water Bearer (3 wars)
    • Steward for 4 Coronets/Assistant for 3 others
    • Gate, Runner, Night Walker, Fire Walker and other positions as needed for Principality and Kingdom Events
    • Night Walker Crown (in Alaska-made sure inebriated individuals reached pavillions safely)
    • Volunteer Coordinator: 
      • Analysis of a War On-line Provided during 2020
  • Number of Courts-15
    • Co-Head of Court-1
    • Head of Court 5 Consecutive

 Curriculum Vitae un SCA in Detail 

Kingdom of the West/ Principality of Oertha/ Barony of Winter’s Gate                    (farthest Northern Barony and largest landholding)

Apprenticed to: Mistress Margery Garrett

Protegé to: Mistress Tama Katerina Evstokh’eva

Offices:

DEI Officer: 2022-current

  • Assist Barony in establishing equity for diversity and inclusion (currently office is being built in Kingdom and in Barony). Winter’s Gate is currently a “seedling ground.”

Chronicler of Winter’s Gate: 2018-2021. 

  • Create required Baronial Information. 
  • Create articles, including interview individuals when needed.
  • Upload and edit pictures.
  • List individuals who have won awards (new).
  • Maintain historical documentation of Winter’s Gate.

A&S Officer of Winter’s Gate: 2017-2021. 

  • Create and support A&S activities. 
  • Work on joint event with St. Boniface for an A&S Collegium. 
  • Encourage A&S displays. 
  • Feature competitions. 
  • Encourage A&S in the Barony of Winter’s Gate. 
  • Teach A&S classes. 
  • Plan A&S events & classes as needed. 
  • Maintain communication with A&S Officer of St. Boniface (college group), Canton of Bjarnarstrond and with Principality A&S Officer.
  • Assist constituents with reports. 

Baroness of Winter’s Gate: 2013-2017.

  • Spearheaded and networked with various Laurels and Pelicans across Knowne World to create an Autocrat and Feastocrat Handbook specific to Winter’s Gate:
    • Used by Shire of Hrafnsfjord.
    • Adapted and used by Barony of Selviergard.
  • Established Order of the Arctic Fox (Rapier Champion, Commander of the Cavaliers).
  • Established Order of the Shooting Star (Inspiration/ Light of the Commander).
  • Invested in and addressed Regalia Needs by involving the Populace in the creation of regalia.
  • Networked with other Baronies within the Principality.
  • Established and connected with other Baronial Officers, Baronies and Shires to create cohesiveness between groups.
  • Worked continuously to ensure the health and on-going life of the Barony of Winter’s Gate as a whole.
  • Redirected Baronial tone towards one of fun and frivolity.
  • Addressed individual concerns, quarrels, conflict and issues that arose, whilst keeping the confidentiality of those members.
  • Communicated with members in order to promote their dreams and their strengths.
  • Worked with Baron to establish conflict resolutions.
  • Encouraged members to seek out and learn new skills.
  • Meet members at their level of participation.
  • Ensured that every member is important to life of Barony.
  • Encouraged members to teach and fulfill service needs of Barony.
  • Worked in conjunction with the College of St. Boniface to address the needs of Student Body.
  • Worked with and supported Baronial Officers as needed..
  • With Populace support and inspiration, increased Baronial participation and membership.
  • Designed and created a Winter’s Gate Baronial War Tabard.
  • Created a place for younger members of Winter’s Gate to serve at Court (Fairy Court).
  • Assisted in the creation and purchase of new Circlets for Winter’s Gate.
  • Promoted members who serve in the background.
  • Presented awards based upon individual deeds and skills.
  • Rewrote Step-Up Oath to address the needs of the Barony.
  • Rewrote Step-Down to address the completion of goals.
  • Liaised with local LARPing group to demo at Comic-con 2015.
  • Fulfilled re-written oath to King and Queen.
  • Fulfilled goals that the Baronial Heads created at the beginning of the Office.
  • Focused on the needs of Rapier fighters and supported changes.
  • Changed the schedule of the Captain of the Guard and the Commander of the Cavaliers from a six-month term to a one-year term.
  • Created a revolving court in order to include all members of the populace.

Gold Key: 2010-2013.

  • Store garb.
  • Repair and make garb for Newcomers. 
  • Set up Gold Key garb making days.
  • Provide a sense of confidence for those who are unused to garb. 
  • Wash garb.
  • Encourage Newcomers to wear garb appropriately. 

Chatelaine of Winter’s Gate: 2009-2013.

  • Established and met personal requirement to host one demo a quarter.
  • Worked with military personnel for a smooth Kingdom transition.
  • Conversed with members both in-coming and out-going.
  • Contacted current members to meet the needs of new members.
  • Worked to garb new/ potential members with Gold Key.
  • Instigated “Gold Key” workdays to create new garb.
  • Greeted new and interested potential members.
  • Scheduled Demos quarterly in conjunction with other officers.
  •  Provided a “Meet the Newcomer Family” write-up for Chronicler. 
  • Networked with other Baronies or Kingdoms for members in transition.
  • Discussed and verbally advertised SCA specific crafts and activities.
  • Called members or participants if unseen for period of time.
  • Created items for Newsletter introducing new members and updating the Barony on upcoming demos.

Awards Received:

  • Award of Arms Apr 24, AS XLIV (2010) Kenric & Rolynnda (Oertha)
  • Award of Arms Jul 22, AS XLVII (2012) Taran & Helen (Oertha)
  • Queen’s Cypher May 3, AS XLIX (2014) Violante (West)
  • Snowy Owl Jan 20, AS XLVII (2013) Rurik & Trava (Oertha)
  • Argent Flame Dec 18, AS XLV (2010) Magnus & Esperanza (Oertha)
  • Argent Flame Feb 16, AS XLVII (2013) Kennric & Katerina (Oertha)
  • Argent Flame Jan 18, AS XLVIII (2014) Nathan & Lilla (Oertha)
  • Coronet’s Favor (Oertha) Jan 17, AS XLIX (2015) Gregor & Isabella (Oertha)
  • Coronet’s Favor (Oertha) Jul 19, AS L (2015) Shawn & Arabella (Oertha)
  • Light of Winter’s Gate May 30, AS L (2015) Braun & Cempestra (Winter’s Gate)
  • Diamond Willow Sept. 2nd, ASL (2016) Kennric and Dagmar (Oertha)
  • Order of the Estoile: Oct. 15 (2017) Baron Hans and Baroness Elena
  • Leaf of Merit: July 18th (2017) King Henrick and Queen Annora
  • Order of Grace: Dec. (2018). Prince Culunn and Princess Sefa
  • Please see: http://heralds.westkingdom.org/Awards/individual.php?namecode=8323 for more information on awards.

Courts Served On:

  • Principality of Oertha: Head of Court (Princess Ann)
  • Principality of Oertha: Head of Court (Duchess Eilis)
  • Principality of Oertha: Head of Court (Princess Vicana (2 Separate Courts) 
  • Principality of Oertha: Lady-in-Waiting (2019) Princess Isabella
  • Principality of Oertha: Lady-in-Waiting (2018) Princess Sefa
  • Principality of Oertha: Court Artisan: (2017) Princess Violet
  • Principality of Oertha: Minstrel of Merriment: (2013) Princess Tama Katerina
  • Principality of Oertha: Lady of the Chamber: (2012) Princess Trava
  • Barony of Winter’s Gate: Lady-in-Waiting: (2011) Baroness Gwynth
  • Barony of Winter’s Gate: Guard (2010) Baroness Margery

A&S Work:

Classes Taught:

  • Grief and Assisting to Deflect Grief Hijacking
  • PTSD at War: Established a Safe Space for we who survive PTSD to share and answer questions in a Roundtable and Discussion Classroom Zoom Setting. (Kingdom Level. DEI. 2022)
  • Beginners Guide to Basic Viking Embroidery: (Kingdom Level An Tir) 2019
  • Medieval Hygiene for War and Camping Events: (Kingdom Level An Tir) 2019
  • Medieval Hygiene for War and Camping Events: (Kingdom Level An Tir) 2017 
  • Herbal Soap and Bath Items Using Medieval Recipes: (Travel to Shire) 2018 (Baronial) 2013 
  • Herbs, Hand-creams and Lotions: (Travel to Shire) 2018, (Baronial) 2011
  • Circlet Court Question and Answer on Baronial Office: (Principality-wide) 2016
  • Herbal Dye Basics and Mordants: (Baronial) 2016
  • Bad Girls of the Medieval Era: Bi-Baronial Collegium: (Principality) 2015
  • Medieval Hair and How to Create “The Look”: (Baronial) 2014
  • Medieval Make-up and How to Make it: (Baronial) 2014
  • Herbal Dye Workshop (2-day event): (Baronial) 2012
  • Herbal Teas and Medicines: (Baronial) 2011
  • History of Medieval Herbs, Gathering and Storage: (Baronial) 2010 

Guilds

  • Founding Member of Oerthan Largess Anonymous: (Principality Level) 2016 
  • Established an Herbal and Leechcraft Guild: Baronial 2013 -> Principality 2013 -> Kingdom 2016 -> National 2017

A&S Resources

  • Created Autocrat and Feastocrat Handbook for Barony of Winter’s Gate: (Baronial) 2015 
  • Established Facebook page for Apothecary Herbal and Leechcraft Guild: 2013
    • Used by Shire of Ravensfjord, Alaska
    • Used by Barony of Selviergard
  • Established research website with sub-topics highlighting:
    • Herbs and leececraft
    • The Courtesan and Venetian Style of Dress
    • Greenland Dresses and Research
    • Current Projects
    • Aeltheng, Past Arts and Science Projects
    • Recipes and Resources for Food in the Medieval and Renaissance Era

Educational Research

  • Greenland Dresses and Lifestyle of the “Viking Woman”
  • Life, Dress and the Necessity of the Courtesan in Renaissance Italy
  • Medieval Ideas of Beauty and Breasts
  • Herbs in Medieval Texts (including translations and application)
  • Bestiaries
  • Herbal Dyes and the uses of Period Specific Mordants
  • Women’s Health and Herbs in Medieval and Renaissance Times
  • Feminine Hagiography
  • Cooking and Spices for Health in Medieval Times
  • Witchcraft and the Concept of Magic
  • Embroidery of the Vikings
  • Viking “Bling” beads and jewelry
  • Crisis Management Plans (in progress)
  • Oseberg Tapestry Reconstruction (in acrylic not weaving)
  • Oseberg, Birka, Hedeby, grave finds and grave digs for reconstruction purposes (in progress)
  • I tend to contact authors for information and references. Although I have developed a few contacts some of my networking is on the fringe. I have included my communications because reaching out to those who are actually in the field doing the research is important to the educational process. (I can provide e-mails if needed) Networking and contacting scholars and authors who are currently in the field or associated with medieval life including: Andy Orchid (back in 2010), Margo Anderson (past efforts to have her teach in Oertha: this fell through due to “red-tape”), Dr. Judith Jesch,  Dr. Eleanor Rosamund Barragclough, The Viking Ship Museum, Amica and Maria Historical Textile Reconstruction Oslo, Norway.

Service Work

Baronial

  • Consolidate all Baronial A&S Officers in Shires, Cantons, or Grassroots i.e. St. Boniface and Canton of Bjarnarstrond for reports, 2018-current. 
  • Held several offices: Chatelaine, Gold Key, Baronial, Chronicler, A&S, 2010-current
  • Created a much-needed area for the Baronial Office, The Circlet Court, for those new to the Office and those currently holding the office to network and find resources,  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1730362650547137,  2013-current.
  • Event Steward and Land Manager for events as needed, 2010-current.
  • Attended and taught workshops for St. Boniface at UAF, 2010-current.
  • Participated in Community Fundraiser as Medieval Guests to the Chocolate and Wine Fundraiser for the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, 2012.
  • Participated in Spooky Train, sponsored by SCA, a Halloween Celebration for young train-riders (not an appropriate time to decide to recreate the Spanish Inquisition…just saying), 2009 and 2010.

Principality

  • Education Steward for Perfectly Plausible Feast, 2020. (Currently contributing articles, setting up preliminary class structure.)
  • Participate in Principality events and volunteer as needed, 2011-current.
  • Contact for Hospitality for events i.e. tents, sleeping arrangements etc., 2012-current.
  • Created the Facebook page for the Apothecary Herbal and Leececraft Guild. https://www.facebook.com/Herbal-and-Leech-craft-Guild-Winters-Gate-546433802068663/?fref=ts, 2013-current.
  • Secretly a member of O.L.A, Oerthan Largess Anonymous. Founding Member in creating the Guild to provide largess for Barony, Principality and Kingdom. 2017-current.
  • Participated in a Principality Fundraiser Breakfast, Summer Coronet, 2016.
  • Served at feasts for Royalty, Step-up Baronial events and any needs of the Principality, various since 2011. 

Kingdom Level / Interkingdom / Wars 

(I have worked at every War I have attended or Stewarded)

  • Chicken Wars, 2016: Water-Bearer. 
  • Great Western War, 2016: Water-bearer for both full days of War at Sheva Shack-“Hail Hydrate!” (I’d like to add that of all the services I have done, I was so honored to have been able to participate in War and to make sure that ALL fighters [both heavy and rapier] received hydration. I was truly humbled to be included in such a wonderful event. The ability to serve so completely changed my entire outlook as a Baroness and as a member of the SCA).
  • Great Western War, 2016: Assisted as needed as the guest of Ermine Company. (Receiving an invitation to stay and invited to participate in the Ermine Co. life was a wonderful gift)
  • Great Western War, 2016: Assisted in an Herbal Class as a consultant
  • West/An Tir War, 2017: Volunteered to serve in various capacities including: Gate, Water-Bearer, Firewalker, Volunteer Point, Runner, Clean-up, Any and all “Minion Needed” volunteer activities,
  • Estrella War. 2018: Water-Bearer for War. Assisted in organizing “Helga Ball.” Assisted in set-up (arrived early), and take-down.
  • An Tir/West War, 2018: Deputy to Volunteer Director. Set up war. Set up camp boundaries. Answered questions or directed questions to the appropriate sources. Coordinated Volunteers. Did anything that needed to be done.  Watched Gate, Taught Classes, Fire-walked, assisted with directing new members, and addressed members in need, (i.e. those who were physically in the wrong place to camp). Assisted with Largess and gift donations to other volunteers at war. Encouraged volunteer participation. Organized volunteer times, shifts, areas, and coordinated gifts for volunteers. Coordinated Crisis and worked as a liaison during Crisis, comforted those who were impacted by crisis.
  • June Crown, 2019: Assisted in set up. Water-Bearer (there were no official Water-Bearers so I made rounds as Water-Bearer anyway). Assisted in serving Royal Feast. Made “Drunk Rounds” and assured that those intoxicated arrived back to their encampment without issue. Liaison to SCA-ians visiting from outside Principality assured lodging and food.
  • An Tir/ West War, 2019: 24 hours before An Tir/ West War began was asked to take on Stewardship from Deputy Volunteer Coordinator to the Volunteer Coordinator for the entire war. Set up War, sat Gate, networked with other An Tir Officers of the War, collected volunteer gifts, networked with merchants, either sent runners or did it myself, visited encampments to take down names of volunteers, watered volunteers, assured safety, registered volunteers in “Award Recommendations” for both Kingdoms, worked to create volunteer lists, assured volunteers were at correct place, ran errands, solved issues associated with volunteers, ensured proper set-ups for Gate, Parking, etc….assisted in mapping area, watered volunteers, encouraged new members (and volunteers), visited encampments and open camping to inquire about needs, checked Honey Buckets, created drawings for volunteer gifts,  bolstered morale of volunteers, solved any issues… (didn’t sleep 🙂).
  • Great Western War: Assisted at Gate, Taught Classes, Constabe, Fire Walker, Night Walker, Head Quarters, walked perimeter, ensured safety during COVID-19

Autocrating Experience:

  • Oertha Principality Coronet. 2021. Co-Autocrat
  • An Tir/West War, 2018: Volunteer Coordinator Deputy, 2019: Volunteer Coordinator for An Tir, 2020: Volunteer Coordinator for West
  • Fall Captaincy, 2019: Land Manager
  • Yule, 2018
  • Fall Commanderacy and Scottish Tournaments, 2018
  • Collegium with St. Boniface, 2018
  • Yule, 2017
  • Wolf Wars, 2017: Tri-Baronial War incorporating Winter’s Gate Captaincy
  • Michaelmas Italian Feast and Masked Ball, 2016
  • Yule-Co-Autocrat, 2015
  • Fair Demo, 2015
  • Winter Coronet, 2015: Co-Autocrat
  • Fair Demo, 2014
  • June Games and Hunt/ Frolic in the Forest, 2014
  • Heart’s Revel, 2014
  • Fair Demo, 2013
  • Heart’s Revel, 2013
  • Michaelmas, 2012
  • Renaissance Day at the Fort Wainwright Library, 2011
  • Spring Captaincy, 2011
  • Heart’s Revel and Masque, 2011
  • Fall Captaincy, 2010

Feastocrating Experience: 

  • Princess’s Tea, Summer Coronet, 2019
  • Kitchen Minion, Crown, 2019
  • Western Russian Feast, Yule, 2018 
  • Scandinavian Feast, Captaincy, 2017
  • Viking Feast, Yule, 2015
  • English Feast, (Co-Head Cook) Michaelmas, 2014
  • Russian Feast, (Co-Head Cook), Michaelmas, 2013
  • Japanese Feast (Co-Feastocrat), Captaincy, 2013
  • Roman (Co-Feastocrat/ Head Cook), Heart’s Revel. 2013
  • German Feast, (Co-Head Cook), Michaelmas, 2012
  • Middle Eastern Feast, Captaincy, 2011
  • Spanish Feast, Yule, 2016

Largess Contributions:

  • Prince Cruscillus and Princess Vicana, 2021-2022
  • Prince Gregor and Princess Isabella, Summer 2019 & Summer 2014
  • King Hans and Queen Helga, 2019 & 2018
  • Prince Cruscillus and Princess Vicana, Winter 2019
  • Skeggi and Kharakhan, Winter 2018
  • Prince Culann and Princess Sefa, Summer 2018
  • King Heinrich and Queen Annora, 2017
  • King Miles and Queen Zenobia, 2017 
  • Prince Duncan and Princess Violet, Summer 2017 & Summer 2015
  • Soren and Alienor, Winter 2017
  • Prince Kennric and Princess Dagmar, Summer 2016 & Winter 2014
  • Prince Shawn and Princess Arabella, Winter 2016 & Winter 2015
  • Queen Violante, 2014
  • Prince Nathan and Princess Lilla, Summer 2013
  • Prince Kennric and Princess Tama Katerina, Winter 2013 
  • Rurik and Trava, Summer 2012 & Summer 2011
  • Magnus and Esperanza, Summer 2010
  • Baroness Elena and Baron Hans, 2017-present 
  • Baroness Cemper and Baron Braun, 2013-2017
  • Baroness Gwynth Rhianna of the Sea 2011-2013
  • Baroness Margery and Baron Griffin, 2005-2011
  • Visiting Royalty (Kings and Queens, assorted Kingdoms) 
  • Anonymous contributions through OLA to various Kings, Queens, Crown Princes and Princesses of the West and An Tir.