blackrams

Who are the Blackrams?
Alexander is a Warder of the Bronze Ring and is an Andelcrag Native
Alaina is a Court Baroness who isn' t from Michigan, but has called it home for over 20 years
We have been married for over 19 years and SCA members since 1994.

Why do we have this page? Because it is a good way for many people to meet us from the Barony of Andelcrag and the internet is the new communication source. Not that Alaina is good at Web pages, but there you go.

Where do we live? On a hobby farm in Marne, MI
Do you have any kids? No. We have not been granted children, so we live vicariously through other peoples children. We are also a house of rescue for animals.
(we have 1 dog , 3 cats, 2 sheep and 2 donkeys which is why we don't camp much)(click underlined portion for photos of our girls)

Why is it necessary to let people know about you? Because informed people make better decisions.

What is good to know about you? Alexander is hearing impaired and if you talk clearly and to his face he can mostly understand you. He is not versed in sign language, but is into texting, AOL Instant Messaging and using Captel Phones. Is this an impairment to the job of Baron? No, not at all

So can you get off work for events in the Barony? Yes we can but we need to know approx 8 weeks in advance for scheduling with the boss. Only exception will be a go-live for Trinity Health and that would be known months in advance. Alaina could be there, Alexander could not during those weekends (one a year)

Thoughts on the various facets of the Society
What is your theory on camping? It's nice to do once a year, but with the farm it is difficult to get extended time off
What are your thoughts on Heavy Weapons combat? Enticing to watch (Alaina), Alexander (authorized) has fought in the Woods battle at Pennsic as spearman twice(has problems hearing commands now).
What are your thoughts on Fencing? Fun to play once in a while (Alaina, authorized and a marshal), Alexander (authorized, adult and youth marshal) Has tried to keep fencing alive in Andelcrag and now with practice and education we have probably the best fencers in the Midrealm.
What are your thoughts on Archery? Wow, such marksmanship, makes me wish I would have kept with it. (Alaina) still have my bow, just no back strength. Shot once at Pennsic and found we were not as good as we used to be.
What are your thoughts on Equestrian? Well as the lead member of the manure scoopers union at the house, Alaina is in awe of the pagentry and fine horsemanship of the equestrian riders and handlers. Though will not be attempting with our donkeys as they are retired. Alexander agrees.
What are your thoughts on A&S? Without A&S we would turn from what we've grown to become centered in education into a free for all mentality and really, we are here for the fun, enjoyment and education that brings us together

What enamours you on Andelcrag? The people, the sense of being in a large family, and the bounty that we offer the world.

What are your big plans to enhance the Barony?
Patronize arts- new artist each month - special web page (Andelcrag has talent, it is time to let everyone else see)

Fighter trading cards - cause Alaina has trouble remembering names - in and out of armor photos, what ladies can call to spur on the fighter (heavy, fencing, archery, thrown weapon, equestrian)

Communication: We are large and need to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Courtly games during event days, feast, etc , silly things as well, I mean Alexander has monkey. You make your own conclusions.

Colouring books, suitcase of toys for during court for the kids to be put back after court, there are lots of good people already starting/doing things for children. We need to support this and continue it.

But really, keep alight the sense of FUN that is Andelcrag

Foster the activities that the populace enjoys

Encourage the gentle as well as the combat arts

Short, fun courts

Continue kinship with the other Baronies of Pentamere

Create and foster a semi annual Baronial Artist Patronage, and Artist of the Month

Foster cooperation between the different cantons of Andelcrag

Promote unity between the cantons of Andelcrag by hosting more inter canton events

Alexander arms blazon: Per saltire gules and sable, two rapiers inverted in saltire and overall a ram's head caboshed argent.

Alexander is a member of the Order of the Bronze Ring (06-22-99) for excellence and leadership in rapier combat. He received a Purple Fret (07-19-03) for his service at multiple events. He is also a member of the Order of the Silver Oak (06-15-97) and the Order of the Cavendish Knot (09-16-95). He received his Award of Arms (09-16-95). He was Regional Fencing Marshal for Pentamere, a position that he served well for 4 years. In the Barony of Andelcrag, Alexander is a member of the Order of the Salient Hart (01-17-98). Alexander was the Baronial Fencing Champion in 1997, 2000 and 2009. He is also a Defender of Andelcrag and has been granted the Award of the Butterfly from Baron Garth and Baroness Kassia for continued support of the fencing community.

Alaina arms blazon: Argent, on a bend purpure between six roses purpure slipped and leaved vert, two pairs of scissors argent.

Alaina is a member of the Order of the Evergreen for excellence in one or more of the Arts, Sciences and research (06-24-00). She is also a member of the Order of the Cavendish Knot (01-21-99), as well as a member of the Order of theWillow (07-20-96) for costuming, and has received her Award of Arms (09-16-95). OPF 9-18-04 for stepping in at last minute to do the Donnerhsafen feast (the first time) Alaina was elevated to the Andelcrag Baronial Order of the Salient Hart (06-19-98). She served as Baronial MOAS for the Barony of Andelcrag for 5 years. She has also been active in the Arts and Sciences competitions and has taken on the responsibilities of being a regional and kingdom judge for many years. Alaina is stepping down after 5 years of Regional MOAS in April of 2010. Has been a Scribe of the Midrealm for 7 years, and she was also the Dread Pirate of Andelcrag for two years and became a Defender of Andelcrag. Alaina became a court Baroness under the last reign of Felix and Madeleina on her birthday June 17 of 2006. And was granted the Award of the Butterfly from Baron Garth and Baroness Kassia for continued support of the fencing community.

What officer positions have you held?

Alaina: Seneschal of Rimsholt from April 1997 to January 1999. Baronial Mistress of Arts and Sciences from January 1999 to 2004. Marshal of Fence since 2000. Currently Regional MOAS (2005-present)

Alexander: Marshall of Fence for Fourteen years, Group Marshall of Fence for three years in Rimsholt, Pentamere Regional Rapier Marshall for four years (2000-2004).

At what events have you served as Autocrat/Feastocrat?

Alaina: Rapier Collegium Autocrat May 1998, Middle Kingdom Academy of Defense co autocrat July 2000, Known World Costume Symposium co autocrat 2002

CoFeastocrat at Andelcrag Allthing 2002, Feastocrat 12^th Fight 2003 and 2004, list mistress for many rapier tournaments, and has done two feasts for Donnershafen on short notice. Sometimes being in charge is not as important as helping out, sometimes at a moments notice. In this regard, I have spent many a feast on my feet serving, in charge of servers and helping cook. Also helping with things like troll, helping schlep things, running errands and helping with a quick mend. Being able to be relied up on to get the job done is a large weight off others who take up the mantle of autocrat and feastocrat.

Alexander: Rapier Marshall in Charge (RMiC) for Border War for 4 years (1997-2000), RMiC for Lightning on the Mountain 1998 and 1999, and RMiC for Crown Tournament 1999. RMiC for all Pentamere Regional rapier championships during his time as Regional Marshal. Alexander has been instrumental in making sure events go right, from hauling haybales, to moving portos with his truck and burly assistants, setting up lists, sometimes asked at the last minute to help make many an event run smoothly. Chief AV coordinator for KWCS.

What are your personas?

Alaina: 1580 Northern Germany living abroad, currently in northern Italy. Daughter of a spice merchant, travels the seaways and the Silk Road bringing spices and delicacies to the content of Europe, England and Ireland. Enjoys sewing and embroidery. Was taught to fence from husband Alexander (for purely defensive reasons).

Alexander: 1580 in Northern Germany, living abroad, currently in northern Italy. Eldest son of a landowner, was schooled in various countries. Learned the art of the Rapier form the French and Russian Masters. Traveled to the Holy Land with his brother on pilgrimage and had many various adventures. Enjoys woodworking and woodcarving.

What are your hobbies?

Alaina enjoys the gentler pursuits of the SCA. She enjoys costuming, embroidery, spinning, gardening, cooking, lace making, (tatting and bobbin lace,starting punto in aria), making fencing armor and fencing accessories, cooking with period recipes, making beer, and research in costuming, food, and customs. Also trying new things like making pins. Pins were used all over and for many things, its very interesting. Alaina has received multiple first places at Kingdom level representing Andelcrag in costuming and embroidery for many years, second places in stained glass Pentamere level A&S competitions. She made the fencing cloaks for the Royal Rapier Guard, and fencing armor for our Duchess Madelena and Duke Felix. Alaina has also been seen once in a while fencing. She is protoge/apprentice to Mistress Sibohan O Neill for 16^th Century Italian garments.

Alexander enjoys the combat arts. He is a Marshal of Fence, was on the Queens Rapier Guard for three reigns, and on the Pennsic Rapier Champions Team for many years, including this year on the team (2009), hand picked by those in charge to represent the best of the Midrealm in Fencing. Alexander is the current Baronial Champion of Fence for Garth and Kassia and was also champion for Benedict and Emma�s first as well as and last years. He has been the Defender of the Canton of Rimsholt for two years. He is apprenticed to Master Bjorn hinn Heppni in woodworking, and enjoys reading, and closed captioned movies. He also enjoys grilling all year long, and finding new things to do with his tractor. Alexander has been seen from time to time, hanging around with a character named Monkey.