Knights do battle at Lake Villa
Warriors in armor wielded swords to win the favor of gentle women clad in lace-trimmed gowns at Gavin North's West Campus Community Center in Lake Villa Saturday.
The Society for Creative Anachronism, an international group that re-enacts and recreates medieval times, held the Middle Kingdom Academy of Defense with sword fighting, archery, feasting and crafts. The costumed re-enactors transformed the grassy field into a medieval festival with brightly colored tents and banners.
"I joined because I always loved playing with swords," said Timothy Lyon of Sycamore who has been a member for 32 years. "Movies about the musketeers were popular at that time."
Lyon, who portrays Sir Logos Vom Schnecke, taught a class in the etiquette of the 16th century duel. He wore a buff coat and an elaborate hat with feathers.
John Seaton of Fox Lake started the event to teach the skills of defense. He portrays Alexander de Seaton of Altavia and has been involved in the medieval lifestyle for more than 11 years.
"It has become the premier teaching event in the kingdom," Seaton said.
Each member creates a persona by choosing a medieval name, costume, time and trade. Two local chapters of the association, the Shire of Ravenslake and the Beaver Academe of Offense, are hosting the 11th annual event that continues through 5 p.m. today.
About 100 members from throughout the Midwest attended Saturday, said Marie Schorn who served as the troll collecting fees at the entrance.
Combatants demonstrated rapier fighting, similar to fencing, and armored fighting, fought with sticks of rattan instead of swords for safety reasons.
Adam Velez of Vernon Hills sparred with Mark Gipson of Elkhorn, Wis., using several types of swords. He joined because of a love of history.
"It's a romantic bunch of people having fun with recreating a different time," said Velez, who is known as Adrian Flechyr.
Gipson showed the different types of weapons used by the combatants in the pas d'arms demonstration: pole arms, long swords, side swords. All participants wear armor.
"It's all about the accessories," said Gipson, who portrays Kevin O'Shaughnessy.
Besides her duties as troll, Schorn of Evanston also taught a class in lace making. A member since 1983, she has written books on lace embroidery and needlework.
"I enjoy the costumes and the skills needed to create these," said Schorn, who recreates the persona of Arrienne Ashford.
The society has its roots in a theme party in 1966 in Berkeley, Calif., by a group of science fiction and fantasy fans. Members incorporated as a nonprofit educational society and started forming groups, and now the idea has spread throughout the world.
Locally, the Shire of Ravenslake, part of the Middle Kingdom, covers Lake and McHenry counties. For more information, see www.ravenslake.com.