It should be known by most now that I am quittin SCA by the first of 2009. I didn't come to that conclusion lightly, nor quickly, and it wasn't done in response to a bad experience or politics or feeling unwelcome--far from it. I have always felt welcome and valued in the Shire of Blackhawk and the events that I've been able to attend. However, I am taking a more active role in my Mariner Ship, and should be doing more as chapter and Fellowship leader; stretching myself between three societies and being so deeply involved in all of them is unfair to all parties involved. I feel too close to my scouts and Dagorhirrim to leave them short, and so unfortunately SCA took the brunt of my life rearrangement.
Note that I did mention at the latest the first of 2009. I am remaining 'active' in SCA to follow through on my promises and help repay the kindness I was shown, or to pay it forward. This may mean I am less active in scouts and Dagorhir 'til January, but know that on the first of the year, I will have more time to dedicate to scouts and Dagorhir indefinitely.
I find I am relatively new to the Dagorhir scene in terms of chapter leaders. I have been a member since December 18th, 2001, but never fought anyone else until the next year when I started K'lar up in Appleton. As the first Dagorhirrim in Wisconsin, K'lar didn't fight anyone outside of our chapter until Rag XX, and it was an eye opener for me--new weapon styles, tactics, weapon types, roleplay, personas, the works. I got four other fighters to return with me the next year, and we have had a steady presence ever since.
To this day, the Fellowship seems to surround itself with Dagorhirrim who are more about having fun than necessarily being the best at what they do. We are decent fighters, great cooks, and better friends. As I see it now, we are rather small in comparison to any chapter or alliance out there, but as the year turns to 2009, I hope to return to recruitment with an energy that has seldom been seen, and bring the best personalities and qualities into the Fellowship. THAT...is what we're about, after all.
So to our members, keep your eyes open for any whom we would enjoy spending time with. Don't be afraid to look like a nerd or a geek when explaining the Great Game--it's time we rise above the ridicule and realize we love Dagorhir, something we need NEVER be ashamed of. To our friends and allies, or any who are simply curious about the Fellowship, feel free to visit our camp. You'll find hospitality, humor, and possibly tasty sustenance in return for good company or a well told story. Don't be shy...we're certainly not *smiles*
Sirilay