Look what we can do!




These are just a few items created by guild members and I am looking for more photos.  If any of you have any please forward them to me!

It's Been Awhile...

Greetings all,
It has been awhile and I am remiss in my duties.  No excuses, but I am back on board and raring to go! I wish to invite you to a meeting to explore, hands-on, the world of scribery.  I have been thinking about the best way to teach and learn and I feel just jumping in and getting a feel for the tools is an excellent start.  From there you can branch off and learn different hands, or learn how to make the inks or tools, really your only limit is your imagination!

There have been some suggestions as to what we can create next: a map, an award, personal arms for members...Bring your creativity!

The Task

After the excitement of the holidays I know I have been itching to get back into the medieval swing of things and as such I have come up with a task for you to attempt.  I realize it can be difficult to make meetings regularly due to distance, prior engagements and, at this time, weather so this is something you can do at home.  I ask that everyone take some time and create a simple calligraphy project.  Take a letter, word, or short phrase that you like or admire and make it beautiful.  I am asking any who can make it to the March event to bring their piece and we can display the works of the scribal guild.  This is a small project that can be worked on at home or if you want to team up that would be wonderful as well.  Be creative and enjoy the process.

Here are some examples of letters and words, feel free to Google as well!












Walnut Ink

At the last meeting the guild created walnut ink in a dark sepia tone.  There are many ways of making ink but there are two main types: iron/tannin based and carbon based.  The iron and tannin ink is a chemical reaction between iron (ferrous sulphate) and any plant matter that at has tannins.  Walnuts, oak galls and certain types of vegetation, naturally produce a 'tea' when soaked and then by boiling this down you get a thicker more concentrated liquid.  With the addition of iron (we used rust collected by one of the members) the chemical reaction happens and the liquid turns black.  The depth of the black depends on the concentration of the tannins.  A weaker mixture will produce a lighter ink. 

We experimented with the fruit of the black walnut, using approximately 20 and soaking them for a few weeks in rainwater.  We strained the water and began reducing the liquid on the stove.  When the water level was down by about half we added the iron.  From there it is a matter of colour preference, we continued to boil the ink down to get a richer colour.  Finally gum arabic was added so the ink would bind to paper or parchment. 



What an honour, this particular batch was sent as a gift to an Emperor and Empress of the Adrian Empire!

Designing Scrolls

At the last meeting the guild discussed the design for a new scroll.  Through the ideas and suggestions of all a design and the layout were decided upon.  The guild took the concept of what the scroll was for to choose what the border would look like.


Taking design cues from the content of the scroll is very helpful in the creation of the embellishments ie: if the scroll is for an archery knighting then having archery related art in the borders just makes sense.  Alternatively who the scroll is being made for can affect the art as well, perhaps they already have awards or a personal design, these can be included in the scroll art as well.  All in all the scrolls the guild will be producing, aside from being works of art, will be personal and thoughtful as well.

The Charter

I. Purpose: 
To gain and share knowledge and appreciation of medieval scribal arts. The guild encourages members to strive to become masters in their chosen scribal art and to use their knowledge to teach others. 

II. Membership:

A. Requirements: The guild is open to all members of the Adrian Empire who have:
An interest in any/all parts of medieval scribal arts.
A willingness to participate in meetings, classes and demos
A willingness to work on a variety of projects either solo or with other members of the guild.
B. Joining the GuildTake the guild oath which is performed by a Guild Master or the next highest ranking guild member if the Guild Master is not available.
Provide your contact information to the guild
Help in the continuing education of other members of the guild and empire by participating in demos, submitting articles and papers and holding classes.
C. Leaving the guild:
To leave the guild a member must submit a letter of intent to withdraw from the guild to the Guild Master. No reasons need be given and when notice has been given the member will be released from the guild. Any titles and ranks achieved within the guild will be relinquished. To rejoin at a later time the member must petition the Guild Master for the return of previous ranks and titles.

III. Ownership:
The guild will provide copies to all artists involved in group projects (by two (2) or more members) and the guild will retain the originals. All personal projects remain the property of the individual artist but the guild may make copies to keep for its archives.

IV. Ranks:
A. Novice - Someone who:

Is new to the guild and scribal arts with no experience.
Has no arts list entries in scribal arts. 
This level may request apprenticeship with another guild member of Master or above or work on their own receiving help and guidance from many members.

B. Apprentice - Someone who:
Has been entering arts lists with scribal entries.  This level may still apprentice with a Guild member ranking Master or above or work on their own receiving help and guidance from many members.

C. Journeyman - Someone who:
Has been entering scribal items on the arts lists for at least one year.
Has worked a demo.
Has had a journeyman’s win with a scribal entry in a tournament.
Is able to independently research and write short articles regarding scribal arts.
Has two (2) articles published in the local chronicles. 
A journeyman who is apprenticed to an individual may terminate their apprenticeship at this time if they feel confident to do so.

D. Master - Someone who:
Has completed the prerequisites for journeyman.
Has run a class on a scribal art.
Has received a masterwork on the knight’s list for scribal work
Has published an additional two (2) articles in the chronicles.
Continues to participate in demos.
Completes a presentation of their portfolio including art and research pieces
V. Oath

Guild Member’s Oath:

Here do I swear by mouth and hand to be an honourable and chivalrous guild member; To uphold the rules of the guild; To treat other members as I would be treated; To speak the truth and act in good faith and honour. My honour is my guild’s honour. So say I <name>

Guild Master’s Oath:
On my part I hereby swear to protect you in all things guild; To treat you fairly; To provide what knowledge I know; To seek out what knowledge I don‘t. My honour is your honour; Our honour is the guild’s honour. So say I <name>

VI. Definitions and Explanations:
A. Apprenticeship:
Members in the levels from Novice through Journeyman may approach members of Master to request apprenticeship with that member. This must be approved by the current Guild Master/Mistress and be mutually agreed upon by the parties. This relationship shall work similarly to that of Squire/Knight with the focus of training to be that of the medieval scribal arts.


B. Articles/Research Papers:  These are papers written with the purpose of sharing information with the public, other members of Adria, and other guild members. They need not be complicated and lengthy, they are meant to show a grasp of researching and an understanding of your chosen topic.

C. Classes: Classes may be held at Adrian events and must conform to the Rules of Adria regarding classes. In order for the class to count toward guild ranks it needs to be scribal in nature. A copy of the class sign in sheet needs to be handed in to the Guild Master within 10 days of the class.

D. Demo Participation: Demo participation doesn’t need to be scribal in nature just coming out and helping in any capacity will count toward your guild ranks.

E. Rules: Any guild member may present a new rule or amendment to a rule at guild meetings where a vote will be taken. In the event of a tie the Guild Master will be the decider.

F. Scribal Arts Entries: These are arts list entries which include any and all aspects of medieval scribal arts.

VII. Guild Master/Mistress

A. Selecting a Guild Master/Mistress
The rank of the Local Guild Master shall be subject to that available among its members. Ideally, they should be of the highest ranking member, but if no one of Master or above is available to take on the position a Journeyman or Apprentice may fill the position.

The Guild Master shall be elected by the membership of their guild on a yearly basis.
The election for Guild Masters shall be held on or around the time of the ImperialWar (or between August 1st and September 30th.)
They may serve as many consecutive terms as the membership wishes to elect them.
In the event that a Guild Master must step down during their term, the members shall convene to elect a successor to finish out the term. They will then hold elections on the regularly scheduled date.

B. Guild Master/Mistress Responsibilities:
The Local Guild Master (or Guild Mistress) shall be in charge of:
Keeping the guild records.
Keeping the guild member records (to include addresses, and documentation of classes, demonstrations, participations, etc.
Approving advancement of its members.
Mediating disputes within the guild.
Providing badges for each member that correspond with their ranking as described above.
Be elected by the membership of each respective region on a yearly basis