Return to list of all Blackfox awards
This year’s annual Master William Blackfox awards almost didn’t happen. Normally, the nomination and judging process for A.S. 38 would have taken place during the summer months, and the winners would have been announced around Pennsic. This year, when I took over the office of Society Chronicler in July, the nominations process had not yet begun. Thanks to the dedication of the Kingdom Chroniclers, this process occurred in record time, and I am pleased to announce our winners.
This was my first year overseeing the Awards, and I was very impressed by the caliber of nominees in all categories. Running a newsletter at the local, baronial, or even principality level offers special challenges to the Chronicler: keeping up on news, encouraging members to submit content, funding, and production issues. Producing a good newsletter takes a significant time commitment and sensitivity to deadlines, and the workload never really lightens—as soon as you finish an issue, you start thinking about the next one. All the nominees should be proud of their accomplishments.
I would like to especially commend the newsletter for the Principality of Northshield, Northwatch, with a special “Lifetime Achievement” award for years of excellence as a newsletter stretching back before Northshield was even a Principality. As I write this, Northshield is spending its last few hours as a Principality of the Middle Kingdom. With Northshield’s elevation in status, the Northwatch will become a Kingdom newsletter and no longer be eligible for the Blackfox Awards. This special Blackfox Award will be presented to the current Chronicler, Lord Friedrich von Augsburg, but belongs to all who have ever worked with the Northwatch.
Nicolaa de Bracton
Society Chronicler
Best Overall Newsletter
The newsletter which best meets the needs of the local group or guild for which it is published. It should accurately reflect the status of the group and be a valuable tool for growth and promotion of SCA goals and ideals. Awarded to the newsletter and the Chronicler.
The winner: Fox Tales, Shire of Vulpine Reach (Meridies), Chronicler: Gysela von Tiefenbach
The remaining nominees:
- Æthelmearc
- Barony Marche of the Debatable Lands, The Althing, Chronicler: Lady Cecily of Whitehaven
- Ansteorra
- Barony of Stargate, The Two Towers, Chronicler: Lady Elies de Galice
- Artemisia
- Shire of Crystal Crags, The Scryer, Chronicler: Orianna de PoitouBarony of Arn Hold, Moose Call, Chronicler: Lady Auraelia de Medici
- Atlantia
- Stronghold of Raven’s Cove, Raven’s Cry, Chronicler: Lord Johannes Wagner
- Caid
- Barony of Starkhafn, The Baronial Banner, Chroniclers: THLady Bridhid Morie O’Flaherty and Lady Hadassah van der Meer
- Barony of Calafia, The Serpent’s Tongue, Chronicler: Lady Suzanne Delaplaine
- Calontir
- Barony of Three Rivers, The Barge, Chronicler :Lord Cathus the Curious
- Drachenwald
- Principality of Insula Draconis, Baelfyr, Chronicler: Lady Marina Olganova de Thoting Gravnel
- East Kingdom
- Baronie du Havre des Glaces, L’Echo des Cantons, Chronicler: Lady Marie d’Orléans
- Middle Kingdom
- Principality of Northshield, Northwatch, Chronicler: Lord Friedrich von Augsburg
- Shire of Rivenvale, Rivenvale Review, Chroniclers: Lady Rayne of Rivenvale and Lord Rickard de Als
- Trimaris
- Barony of Wyvernwoode, The Wyvern’s Tale, Chroniclers: Lady Gwenhwyfr and Lady Bryndis Fasthaldi
Best Layout and Design
For the best-looking newsletter. Awarded to the newsletter and the Chronicler.
The winner: Silversparren, Principality of Nordmark (Drachenwald), Chronicler: Lady Uvhild Ingesdotter Skragge
The remaining nominees:
- Æthelmearc
- Barony of Thescorre, Fewmet, Chronicler: Lord Eldjarn
- Ansteorra
- Barony of the Steppes, The Steppes Letter Chronicler: Lady Kynborough O’Malley
- Artemisia
- Barony of Arn Hold, Moose Call, Chronicler: Lady Auraelia de Medici
- Atlantia
- Barony of Tir-y-Don, The Nod-y-Rit, Chronicler: Lady Lavender de Morten
- Caid
- Barony of Lyondemere, The Tydes, Lady Christina O’Cleary, Chronicler.
- Calontir
- Barony of Lonely Tower, The Banner, Chronicler: Lady Samhthan ni Giolla Mhuire
- Drachenwald
- Shire of Adamastor, Storm Tidings, Chronicler: Lady Cassandra Tantifer
- East Kingdom
- Barony of Ruantallan, Quid Nunc, Chronicler: Lord Wynfrid aet Huntandune
- Meridies:
- Incipient Shire of Northover, The Littoral, Chronicler: Lady Lucia Borromeo
- Middle Kingdom
- Shire of Rokeclif, White Birch, Chronicler: Lady Eliane Halevy
- Marche of Gwyntarian, White Shield, Chronicler: Mistress Gwynhyvar (Chai)
- Trimaris
- Shire of the Storm, Eye of the Storm, Chronicler: Magistra Octavia Columella
Best Art
For artwork on the cover or interior of the newsletter. Awarded to the newsletter and the artist. I have chosen to recognize one color and one black-and-white cover.
The winners:
Normans, THL Isaac Bane, The Flamebearer (Color cover art – January 2004), Barony of Wiesenfeuer (Ansteorra)
Archers, Scott Campbell, Gyldenholt Press (Black & White cover art – November 2003), Barony of Gyldenholt (Caid)
The remaining nominees:
- Æthelmearc
- Woman with Sword, Lady Mattea di Luna, Full Tilt (Cover Art – June 2003), Barony of Delftwood
- Artemisia
- Hunter and His Dog, Master Armond, Moose Call (Cover Art – April, 2004), Barony of Arn Hold
- Atlantia
- Fighters, Lord Johannes Wagner, Raven’s Cry (Cover Art – March 2004), Stronghold of Raven’s Cove
- Caid
- Army of Caid, Lord Arkon Drakkengeist, Serpent’s Tongue (Cover Art – February, 2004), Barony of Calafia
- Tournament, Lady Marisse van den Berghe, Serpent’s Tongue (Cover Art – March, 2004), Barony of Calafia
- Italian scene, Muighein ingen Rudh, The Tydes (Cover Art – December, 2004), Barony of Lyondemere
- Calontir
- Dragon, Azenari Basandere, The Barge (Cover Art – March, 2004), Barony of Three Rivers
- Middle Kingdom
- Dancer, Dana, Glyph Notes (Cover Art – December 2003), Shire of Rokkehealden
- Drawing of Master Byron, The Writings on the Wall (Cover Art – Beltain edition, 2003), Canton of Three Walls.
- Meridies
- Pixies and Flowers, Alicia of Axemore. The Bayou Tapestry (Cover Art – May 2004), Barony of Axemoor
Best Special Issue
For Arts & Sciences issues, or other limited-focus issues of a geographic group (Canton, Shire, Barony, etc.). Awarded to the newsletter and the Chronicler.
The winner: Yesterday’s Memories – Tomorrow’s Treasures: Illiton 1976-2003. The Siren’s Song, Barony of Illiton (Middle Kingdom), Chronicler: Baintighearn Aimiliona Tevnane
The remaining nominees:
- Ansteorra
- April, 2004 Issue, The Bear Necessities. Barony of Bjornsborg. Chronicler: Lady Branwen le Baxtere
- Artemisia
- Arts and Sciences Special Edition, The Dragon’s Eye, Chronicler: Lady Magdalen de Valaencia, Shire of Stan Wyrm.
- Artemisia
- Japanese Special Edition, The Gryphon’s Roar. Shire of Gryphon’s Lair. Chronicler: Lady Jaquelinne de Radonvilliers
- Atlantia
- Arts and Sciences Issue, The Nod-y-Rit, Barony of Tir-y-Don. Chronicler: Lady Ljufvina Bjornsdottir
- Drachenwald
- New Year Special Edition, Silversparren, Principality of Nordmark. Chronicler: Lady Uvhild Ingesdotter Skragge
- Anniversary Issue, Wizard, Shire of Nea Nikopolis, Chronicler: Lady Mairghread of Herth
- East Kingdom
- The Baronial Constitution and Standard Operating Procedure for the Barony of Ruantallan. Barony of Ruantallan, Chronicler: Lord Wynfrid aet Huntandune
- Meridies
- Championship Edition, The Bayou Tapestry. Barony of Axemore, Chronicler: THL Ifor de Leycester
- Middle Kingdom
- Tribute Issue to Baroness Maria Teresa, The Siren’s Song, Barony of Illiton. Baintighearn Aimiliona Tevnane
- Trimaris
- Gulf Wars Edition, The Wyvern’s Tale, Barony of Wyvernwoode. Chroniclers: Lady Gwenhwyfr and Lady Bryndis Fasthaldi
Best Special Interest Newsletter
This category recognizes guild newsletters, research newsletters, and Arts & Science focus newsletters (such as lace-making). Awarded to the newsletter and the Chronicler.
The winners (tie):
Pigments of Your Imagination (Æthelmearc Scribal Newsletter). THL Alienora Russeal, Editor.
Artes Draconis (Middle Kingdom A&&S Newsletter). Mistress Siobhan O’Neill, Editor.
The remaining nominees:
- Middle Kingdom – Northstar (Principality of Northshield A&S). Mistress Elysabet de Warren, Editor.
Best Regular Feature
For those cartoons, articles,and columns which appear regularly in the particular newsletter. Awarded to the creator or feature writer and the newsletter.
The winner: Middle Kingdom Gabriela’s Needlework Nook, Baroness Gabriela Maria del Celmentini d’Orvieto, Castel Rouge Chronicle, Barony of Castel Rouge.
The remaining nominees:
- Æthelmearc
- Cooking with Katja, Dame Katja Davidova Orlova Khazarine, Fewmet, Barony of Thescorre.
- Ansteorra
- Pun-ishment, Lord Killan MacRaith, The Thorny Truth, Shire of Rosenfeld.
- Artemisia
- From the Cook’s Corner, Mistress Casamira, Questing Quill, Barony of Loch Salann.
- Medieval People, or Who Are They Talking About? and The Library: A Readers’ List of Things Medieval and Renaissance, Lady Maeve McCrimmon, Questing Quill, Barony of Loch Salann.
- Atlantia
- Artist Corner, Lord Johanne Wagner, Raven’s Cry, Stronghold of Raven’s Cove.
- Who’s on Guard Duty? Lady Elizabeth of Hadley Hall, The Gatehouse, Incipient Canton of Sudentor.
- Caid
- Cook’s Corner, Lady Muirath, Tower Tails, Barony of Dun Or.The Page, Baroness Rheinwen Cyfawydd ferch Angharad, Gyldenholt Press, Barony of Gyldenholt.
- Calontir
- Meet the Member, Lord Ulfr Thyrison, The Aerie, Canton/Shire of Cum an Iolair.
- East Kingdom
- Featured Cover Photo, Lady Ivanor M’Quhairr, The Masthead, Barony of Dragonship Haven.
- Meridies
- Monthly Centerfold Calendar, Mistress Jordan of Ddornwyll, The Iron Baron, Barony of Iron Mountain.
- Middle Kingdom
- The Book Worm, Baron Torin of Hyrcania, Castel Rouge Chronicle, Barony of Castel Rouge.
Best Article
Recognizes the author of an outstanding article. Awarded to the writer and the newsletter. Note: In future years, this category will be divided into two categories: Best Article and Best Poetry/Fiction.
The winners (tie):
“To Sail by the Emperor’s Command”, Lord Sverrir Valthjolfrsson, The Aerie, Canton/Shire of Cum an Iolar (Calontir)
“Proper Italian Ladies Did Not Leave the House with Naked Heads (unless, of course, they were Venetian)”, Lady Genevieve D’Valois, Fox Tales, Shire of Vulpine Reach (Meridies)
The remaining nominees:
- Æthelmearc
- “On the Trail of the Ancestral Fruitcake”, Vrouw Odriana vander Brugge, The Althing, Barony Marche of the Debatable Lands.
- Ansteorra
- “The Musician: Rhythm”, Master Rumil Fletcher, The Flamebearer, Barony of Wiesenfeuer.
- Artemisia
- “The King and the Prince” (poem), Branwyn Pengrych, Beaul nam Beinnean, Barony of Sentinel’s Keep.
- “The Man who Would Be King,” Lord Ely of Castle Silveroak, The Scrye, Shire of Crystal Crags
- Caid
- “Coffee in the Middle Ages and Renaissance”, THLady Mairin ben Dhiarmait, Tales from the Mist, Shire of Winter Mist.
- “Siege Engines in the SCA”, Master Quinn Phelan, The Serpent’s Tongue, Barony of Calafia.
- Middle Kingdom
- “The Basics of Cordial Making”, Lady Cianna Kharleen, The Skein, Barony of Jaravellir.
- “How to Conflict Check Your Arms Submission”, Lady Aryanhwy merch Catmael, Northwatch, Principality of Northshield.
- Trimaris
- “Eating at War Made Easy”, Lady Catherine Russell, The Wyvern’s Tale, Barony of Wyvernwoode.
Special Commendation:
Northwatch, Principality of Northshield (Middle Kingdom), Chronicler: Lord Friedrich von Augsburg
Honorable Mentions:
These are nominations which didn’t fit into the above categories, yet are still deserving of recognition for their exceptional work and/or dedication to producing the best possible newsletter for the local group served.
- Ansteorra
- Over the Edge, Shire of Gate’s Edge, Chronicler: Lady Caitlin nan Cnoc Airgead. “Lady Caitlin has limited resources and no publishing background, but makes superb use of what she has. She is always on time, and always tries to meet the needs of her group.”
- Caid
- Tales from the Mist, Shire of Winter Mist, Chronicler: Lady Killyr of Kilernan. “Monthly features of interest, herb of the month column, Words of Distinction column, and has worked hard to add more and more to the newsletter of a small shire.”
- Drachenwald
- Wizard, Shire of Nea Nikopolis, Chronicler: Lady Mairghread of Herth. “The Shire of Nea Nikopolis shares a common Drachenwald problem, which is that it is a small group very isolated from regular contact with the rest of the kingdom. Wizard has impressed me with its will to fill that gap; it is nicely produced and designed, and seems to me to perform an important educational function for a new and inexperienced group.”
- The Wobbly Wheel, Barony of Knight’s Crossing, Chronicler: Dame Honor of Restormel. “Wobbly Wheel…is notable for its strong focus on newcomers and newcomer information and education, and for its meticulous attention to the barony’s administrative details, particularly business meeting minutes.”
- East Kingdom
- In a Nutshell, Canton of Gleann nam Fedras Dubh, Chronicler: Lady Katrine Lyndesay. “Well done and always full of stuff. It’s loaded with information.”
- Meridies
- The Waterspark, Shire of Lagerdamm, Chronicler: Lady Resa de Oliphant. “Excellent educational newsletter with recipes, patterns, and interesting facts.”
- Middle Kingdom
- Song of the Amphitere (poem), Lady Eliane Halevy, Village Idiot, Barony of Windhaven. “Nice piece of poetry written for a baronial investiture.”