Newcomer's Resources & Information
Within the Adrian Empire, you can advance and earn rankings in four disciplines areas. You can earn knighthoods in Combat, Arts & Science, Archery and Ministry. Each of these disciplines have their own requirements for the path to knighthood, and you can choose to focus on any individual, or all areas at the same time. Below is a brief explanation about each discipline and contact information for our Minister in this position should you have any questions. They would love to hear from you!
Adria and Combat
There are three levels of combat that we practice regularly in Connacht. All combat is to the touch, and each level has different armour requirements to promote a safe learning environment. All combatants must pass a written safety exam and be authorized before they are allowed to compete.
Our beginner level is Shinai combat, which uses a Shinai (Kendo/bamboo sword) which engages our new fighters while teaching them the basic techniques and control of swordplay. Shinai combat can be learned by anyone ages 12 and up.
Our next level of combat is Renaissance combat, which uses a rapier sword. Similar to Muskateer style fighting, this style of learning is open to anyone ages 14 and up, and utilizes more finesse and technique. Currently our members focus on 13th and 15th century fencing styles.
Our final level of combat is Armoured Combat. This level has very strict full armour requirements, as the combatants fight with live steel weapons. They fight with a variety of weapons such as longswords, spears and maces. Our current armoured combatants focus on studying period german longsword techniques and applications.
For more information on any of the above combat levels, or armour requirements and rules, please contact our Minister of War and Joust: Ruger Silverhand at offhandruger@yahoo.ca
Adria and Arts and Science
Some of the most interesting advancements, and tools were created by artisans and scientists of the time period. This discipline focuses on the physical recreation and understanding of items and objects used during the medieval lifestyle. This can range from anything such as song and poem, blacksmithing, weaving, tool construction, armour formation, calligraphy and illumination, glass lampworking, leatherworking, period cooking and feasts, and the list goes on! If they created it, thought it, studied it, so can we!
Our A & S enthusiasts can work on projects which can be entered, and judged by a panel at our monthly events. Each entry builds towards achieving a Knighthood in Arts and Science. We also work hard to host and teach classes to spread and share knowledge and skills within the group. We are dedicated to learning and encouraging the styles and techniques which our modern day is founded on.
For more information, please contact our Arts and Science Minister Melora at meghandesnoyers@hotmail.com
Adria and Archery
Within Adria we have many areas in which you can partake in Archery events. There is no age requirement for archery so it is an excellent way to get kids involved in medieval life! We have monthly target shooting tournaments, in which you may use a standard recurve bow, or for those looking for a more period feel, you can explore your archery options with a European period bow; such as a longbow, or horse bow. We keep archery interesting and challenging with a variety of target shooting scenerios, long distance shoots, and combat archery! Our Combat archery uses foam headed arrows which are safe to shoot during war scenerios at combatants, and provide archers who may not otherwise fight a way to be involved in our combat battles!
Whether you are looking for tips and advice, good archery links or are interest in shooting, please contact our Archery Minister Ormr Raizer at desnoyers@shaw.ca
Adria and Ministry
Our Ministry discipline focuses on recognizing those individuals who excel at service, behind the scenes work and organizing events. Whether you run a class, organize an event, or always have busy hands, helping members we want to recognize and celebrate your hard efforts! Ministry is an integral and key part in making sure our Duchy runs smoothly, and efficiently.
We also have a set of people who have volunteered to be “Ministers” within the organization and hold an office within their area of specific interest. This allows there to be a designated contact to field specific questions, however you do not need to hold an office, to earn ministry points. Ministry is also a great way to get to know the members in the group, and all help, whether big or small at any event is greatly appreciated!
To find out how you can help, or what events are coming up, please contact our Hospitaler Rowan Silverhand at rowan_silver_hand@yahoo.com
Link Exchange
These links represent resources and merchant websites that many of our members have used, and continue to support.
These artisans have earned our trust through their high commitment to service and through the quality of their products.
If you have accessed additional resources that our members may find valuable, or if you have received less than excellent
service from any of the ones we have provided here, please contact us at info@connacht.ca
Resources
Adrian Empire
The Adrian Empire is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to the study and recreation of Western European culture between the years 1066 and 1603. Our members work to recreate the arts and skills of this era. We also include other cultures that commonly interacted with the Western Europeans during our time frame. This exciting development means there is now even more rich history, culture, and tradition to explore! Please check out the Empire's website for more information on the Empire and it's chapters. In addition this link is also where you can find access to the manuals, rolls, heraldy and additional member information. Connacht is an established chapter of the Adrian Empire.
Merchants
Medieval Trading Post
A group of artisans that have banded together to provide the best possible service and quality of medieval garb, banners, armour, swords and accessories.
Primitive Panthers
This company is a very professional and knowledgeable provider of period canvas tents. They have a impressive selection of tents as well as essential camping gear and trinkets. They pretty much offer everything you pay need or want to establish your period encampment. Our only friendly word of advice is be cognisant of the shipping rates to Canada depending on the size and weight of your parcel.
Weaponry
Please keep in mind the legal requirements for combat armour and weaponry. If you are unsure regarding armour and safety requirements please contact our minister of Joust and War at offhandruger@yahoo.ca to ensure your items of interest are legal on the listfield.
Kult of Athena
The craftsmen of Kult of Athena carry a wide variety of in-stock weapons, many of which are suitable for Rennaisance and Armoured Combat.
Deltin
This company specializes in producing swords and daggers.Their blades are very durable and highly regarded by many of our members.
Stone Keep Armoury
These artisans provide an great selection of instock items for armoured combat. Their collection includes individual pieces, paired sets as well as leather components that you can use to construct the elements of your steel kit.