Day in the Uttermost West
(2014-04-12 - Site opens at 9 AM & Closes at 9 PM)
Dun Carraig

The year is 473 of the Hijra (1095 to the Franks) and the place al-Andalus, at the westernmost end of the civilized world. There in the strange and wondrous city of Valencia the Faithful serve side-by-side with the infidel in war and peace, under the rule of that mighty captain Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar. Though he is but a Frank he treats the Faithful as he treats his fellow Christians: justly, with respect and honor. For this they call him al-sayyid, “The lord,” while to the Franks he is campeador, “champion.” To his court El Cid invites the Moslem and Christian nobles of the land for a grand tournament and feast. And drawn by his fame come also many nobles of lands far distant from al-Andalus, even beyond the Western Sea. It is said he wishes to forge a grand alliance against the Almoravid Berbers, who have invaded from the south across the strait of Gibel Tariq. But El Cid’s task will not be easy: he has been exiled more than once from King Alfonso’s court and still has enemies there. Also there is treachery and faction even among the Faithful (regard it not, O Heaven!): spies from Marrakesh, ingrates from Zaragoza. And of course the infantes de Carrión will make mischief wherever, whenever and however they may. To this marvelous, perilous garden of glory and intrigue which is Valencia, then—come, O traveler, come!

Website:  http://www.duncarraig.net/uttermostwest

Martial Activities:  Tourneys will be held for both armored and rapier.

Arts & Sciences Activities: Competitions:
In the fair lands of Valencia, Muslim, Jewish and Christian cultures combine; each influencing the other’s art, food and music. Such “culture clashes” are not unknown in the Middle Ages: the Normans left their mark on both Italy and Ireland, a few centuries later the Teutonic Knights would launch an invasion of Prussia. There is a 10th century casting mold from Denmark that features both Thor’s hammer and cross designs. Not all of these interactions were peaceful, but each left both cultures forever changed. Entrants are encouraged to enter an item demonstrating the influence of two or more cultures within the item. There is no restriction on the type of item to be entered, but documentation is required in order to understand the unique contribution of each culture. Given the short time to the event, works in progress are happily encouraged.

As we in Dun Carraig are also fond of the colors gules and argent (red and white/silver), cross botonies and of our beloved Seadog, we are hosting a second competition for items that feature these elements. Documentation is not required for this competition, as we seek only to encourage gentles to express their love of our Barony and its people.

For additional questions or concerns, please contact Mistress Molly (Leesa Orton) via e-mail: ldmolly69[AT]gmail.com.

Games: Would you like to play a game? A variety of games from King Alfonso X\'s Book of Games will be available throughout the day. Drop in and play a game or two, or while away the whole day. Best everyone at your game of choice, and win one to take home. Games will include:

Tables (precursor to Backgammon)
Grande Acedrex (Great Chess)
Chess of the Four Seasons (4-player chess)
Tables of the Four Seasons (or Backgammon of the World)
Alquerque
Chasing the Hare (similar to Fox and Geese)
Astronomical Tables (or Backgammon of the seven planets)
and others

The games table is an all-ages activity. Children are welcome, but need to be supervised as per the usual society rules, since it\'s not specifically a kids\' activity with supervision provided.

For those who want to read up or practice, redacted/translated rules are on websites by Modar Neznanich, Kadon Enterprises, Masters Traditional Games, Justin DuCoeur, Damian Walker, and a thesis written by Sonja Musser Golladay.

Cost:  
        Adult, Member:         $10.00 Day-Trip    $9.00 Feast    $0.00 Camping
        Adult, Non-Member: $15.00 Day-Trip    $9.00 Feast    $0.00 Camping
        Youth (5-17):            $5.00   Day-Trip     $9.00 Feast   $0.00 Camping
        Child (0-4):               $0.00   Day-Trip     $0.00 Feast   $0.00 Camping

Make Checks Payable To:  SCA-MD, Inc., Barony of Dun Carraig

Site:  Christ Church Durham Parish 8700 Ironsides Road, Nanjemoy, MD 20662. Site opens 9am, closes 9pm.

Site Restrictions:  In addition to the kingdom law prohibiting smoking in main areas of an event, the site does not allow smoking anywhere in the building. If you smoke outside, please smoke away from the tents and list field and clean up any cigarette butts. The site is discreetly damp. Beer and wine only, not in original containers. Site does not allow pets. (Service animals are, of course, welcome.) Parking is slightly limited. Please carpool if possible, and please park close to others so as many cars as possible can be accommodated. The site has one handicapped-accessible restroom. Most of the building is accessible, with both stairs and a ramp at the outside doors. However, the downstairs, where classes and the baronage room will be, is only accessible by stairs. If you have a mobility issue, please let us know what classes you\'d like to take when the schedule is announced, and if it\'s at all possible, we\'ll make sure those are upstairs.

Feast Information:  A scrumptious Andalusian feast is being prepared by Master Cadfan ap Morgan Godrudd. He can be contacted at feast AT uttermostwest DOT duncarraig DOT net with any dietary concerns. Subject to availability, the feast will include:

Lemon-herb tabbouleh bread
Roast lamb breast stuffed with ground hazelnuts and almonds
“The Royal Sinhaji” – a mixed hot-pot of roasted beef, poultry and chicken sausages (judging by our source, the Anonymous 13th-Century Andalusian Cookbook, the people of Al-Andalus were simply mad for sausages: they simply made them out of virtually anything other than pork--lamb, chicken, eggs and apples are mentioned).
Muqannawa, a sweet bread filled with crushed nuts and sugar, and soaked in honey and melted butter.

Merchanting Information:  Merchants can contact the Event Steward to reserve field or hall space.

Other Information: Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/228434753989216/

Event Steward\'s Information:  Adriana Michaels (Kelly Keck), 17826 Piney Point Road, Tall Timbers, MD 20690,  Phone: (301) 576-0561, E-mail:  Event Steward[AT]uttermostwest.duncarraig.net

Reservations: Lady Serena Giovanna de Verona (Bobbi Sprouse), 22693 Athlone Drive, Great Mills, MD 20634-2465, DC E-mail: reservations[AT]uttermostwest.duncarraig.net

Directions:

Take your best route to US 301 toward La Plata, MD. From 301, turn onto MD-6 West, Port Tobacco Road. (From Virginia and points south this will be a left turn. Heading south from Brandywine and Upper Marlboro, it will be a right turn.) Follow Route 6/Port Tobacco Road for about 11 miles. Turn right onto MD-425 S/Ironsides Road, and follow it for 1.5 miles. The church will be on the left.