Thomas’ interview with Leo, our Chatelain (Feb. 2021)
SCA name: Lord Thomas of Mountain Freehold
Pronouns: He / Him
Chatelain: “What is your persona’s background?”
Thomas: I’m a 10th-century blacksmith from Birka, Sweden. I had a shop there, and my apprentice was Lady Guðrún’s younger brother, which is how we met. Once he was old enough, I passed my forge to him and set out to join the Known World with Guðrún.
Chatelain: “How did you get involved in the SCA?”
T: I hauled a pile of blacksmithing equipment to a Mtn Freehold Birthday Bash and demo in St. Albans. My first ever event and I did a blacksmithing demo! Then we went to a nearby church for a feast, it was wonderful.
Chatelain: “How long have you been playing?”
T: Since 2012, not long after we moved to VT. The Freehold really made us feel welcome!
Chatelain: “What are your passions/foci in the SCA?”
T: Feasts, brewing, and metalwork, in no particular order. Being an Underforester in the EK Foresters’ Guild has been a ton of fun, the classes are really interesting! I’m working on making my own period-correct hiking gear.
Chatelain: “Are you part of a household?”
T: Glory be to the House of D.E.R.P.!!
Chatelain: “What keeps you involved?”
T: I’m the Seneschal right now, so that keeps me involved. But seriously, it’s the connections I’ve made with the people here, and the real sense of community I feel at every meeting.
Chatelain: “Do you have any goals in the SCA? What are they?”
T: I’d love to be good enough at my various crafts to feel confident to teach more courses. I’d love to see the Freehold thrive. I have some ideas for websites and/or offices that I think should exist. I would love to go on a “mostly” period-correct hike/camping trip. Getting awards is always nice, and I’d love to earn a few of the higher ones. I’m just hoping that if/when it happens I’ll feel like I’ve earned them. I’d love to see the newer members of the Freehold make strong connections with the other members of our Shire.
Chatelain: “What kinds of things would you like to happen in the Shire?”
T: We’re all pretty burned out on Zoom meets, but I would love to find ways to keep our Shire connected, even if it’s not in person. We have some of really creative non-digital ways to connect everyone, like the Yule Gift Exchange. I’d love to see more things like that.
Chatelain: “Are there any things you would like people to know about you? Mundanely or otherwise.”
T: The catchphrase of the SCA is “welcome home.” I do my best to take those words to heart. I have been Seneschal twice now because I want to be there for my community, so don’t be shy about reaching out!
Contact: 233657@members.eastkingdom.org