Who is Master Gulliver Blackrune in the SCA?

This is a big one. The SCA is an international research and re-creation group that studies and re-creates the middle Ages. Members of the SCA study a wide variety of subjects. We share our interests with each other and with the public. We hold public demonstrations of medieval sword fighting and medieval arts and science. We frequently speak to school and scouting groups. If you are interested in arranging a demo, let me know and I will connect you with your local chapter.

Persona

Who are the two Gulliver Blackrunes?

The main one is a Semi-retired Soldier of Fortune on the High Sea, known as Michael Gulliver Blackrune or by the longer name, Michael Gulliver Runenoir de la Vendome. One is a Norman a crusader-mercenary during the Third Crusade, known simply as Gulliver Blackrune.

Who is Gulliver Blackrune?

The first is a crusader-mercenary during the Third Crusade, a Norman who has served with the Templars and was once the Preceptor of the Order of the Purple Cross or the Temple's Hope. This secular confraternal order was dedicated to assisting pilgrims in their passage to the holy sites of Outremer. In war it took service with the Blackrune Free Company.

Born June 15, 1170 in Normandy. He followed an English Templar, Baron Taliesin, on Crusade with Richard of England, the lion hearted. Subsequently served in various campaigns with the Templars and with the Blackrune Free Company. While in Acre he met a Varangian named Stromburg Blackrune, and through discussions and revelations discovered him to be the son of the man his mother had known, briefly during a raid, and therefore was my brother. Together with diverse others we created the Blackrune Free Company serving in Palestine for a time before returning to France to various other campaigns.

While in the Holy Lands, and after leaving the Templars, he founded a confraternal organization called the Order of the Purple Cross. Its activities were similar to the Templars, the protection of pilgrims, though with a decidedly secular attitude. This group provided soldiers for the BFC for many years but eventually dissolved as its founders approached old age and sought solace in the monastic life again. While monastic life is severe he became an advisor of note and a preacher, taking holy vows in his late life.

The last record of him was in Constantinople on December 30, 1270. A Templar priest took his confession at the Hagia Sophia when in extreme old age. He had sold his worldly possesions to raise what little money he could and had taken a place on a merchant caravan heading to Cathay. He claimed to be going to convert the Emperor of China to Christianity.

Who is Nathanial Gulliver Runenoir de la Vendome?

The other is a late 16th century cavalier of French extraction. Having spent 30 years embroiled in the French religious wars of the period, he tired of the hard life and sought softer living. Now a semi-retired gentleman adventurer, who spends much of his time aboard the ship of his sword-brother, Captain Corba ap Allen, seeing the world. This cavalier's name is Nathaniel Gulliver Runenoir de la Vendome.

Born June 15, 1585. Served in Various campaigns for France until his semi-retirement in 1632. Since then he has spent most of his time in the foredeck of the good ship Indigo Rose, reading his silly books and engaging in merchant affairs on the high seas.

Late in his military career he took service with the Third Auxiliary Dragoons, a light mounted infantry group in French service.  For reasons unknown he and the king of France squabbled, (it is rumored over gambling debts of the King's).  Soon after he was told that while he remained a peer of France he must go into exile.  So he traveled to the islands of the Caribbean and has taken up the trade of barrister.  He may be found at any of the more exciting taverns though he travels extensively.

SCA-Beyond Persona

The Order of the Pelican is a service award of great note that I received in May of 2002

In service to me are three Proteges: Lady Elspie, Lord Caspian Blackrune, & Lord Lot Ramirez

I also hold an Award of Arms, the Order of the Dolphin, Order of the Harp Argent (Bardic Performance), Order of Athena (with Augmentation in lieu of a second award), Order of the Crossed Swords, and the Captain General's Award for Leadership. I am on the Blackrune Mug of Service and the Mug of Valor.

I am a skilled leather-worker & woodworker. I can talk the talk of most medieval arts and sciences.

I am a Senior Marshal.

Here are some pictures from my elevation procession

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