Isabeau la Rôdeuse
Persona
In the Year of Our Lord 1412, in the village of Domrémy within the marches of France, was born Isabeau la Rôdeuse unto humble farming folk. Being their only child, she was set early to the tending of beasts, the gathering of eggs, the milking of kine, and the watching of sheep upon the commons. Much was expected of silence and obedience in those days, and thus she learned to move quietly and observe the ways of both man and animal.
In the seventeenth year of her life, being the year 1429, Isabeau departed from Domrémy in the company of her childhood companion, Jehanne, journeying toward Chinon, where great matters concerning the kingdom were then unfolding. The roads were troubled with soldiers, mercenaries, beggars, and pilgrims, and many hardships befell them as they travelled.
One cold night, whilst we slept beside a small fire beneath the trees, armed men descended upon our camp. Jehanne cried aloud unto me that I should take her horse and flee with all haste, and that I must not look behind. Thus did I obey her command, though my heart was filled with dread and sorrow. I rode hard into the darkness whilst the thunder of hooves sounded behind me. Only after many miles did the sound fade, and I slowed, not knowing in what direction either road or fortune carried me.
Thereafter I wandered through many lands and provinces. By virtue of my knowledge of animals, there was seldom want of work, for farmers, carters, drovers, and travellers alike had need of skilled hands. In exchange for my labour, I received bread, broth, rough clothing, shelter from rain, and, at times, companionship around the hearth. Thus did I learn the customs, tongues, and manners of many peoples. At certain seasons, it became necessary that I attire myself in the garments of a young man, for the roads were perilous to women travelling alone. In such guise, I passed more safely among camps, ports, and market towns where rough men gathered.
In one great city by the sea, whose name I shall not set to parchment, I entered service to a merchant and keeper of rare beasts. Never before had I beheld such creatures as were kept within his train. There were tall, spotted beasts with necks longer than a lance; mighty grey creatures with great ears and long, grasping noses by which they gathered food; and enormous cats, some black as night, some striped, some marked with spots, and others crowned with manes like kings.
There were also strange hopping creatures with powerful hind legs and long tails; sleepy, furred beasts that clung unto trees; sharp-toothed reptiles with lengthy jaws; and a small, furry creature whose tail and nose seemed near equal in length. Many evenings I sat wakeful in wonder, believing that Our Lord’s world was far broader than any priest in Domrémy had spoken.
When the merchant departed upon another venture, I was bidden to continue in service and tend the creatures during our travels. Little did I know that our next journey would be across the sea itself. Great was my fear when first I boarded the ship, for the waters seemed endless, and the vessel groaned as though alive. Yet, in time, I learned the motions of the waves and the manners of sailors. At length, we came ashore upon a distant island unlike any land I had known before. Even now, I strive to regain steady footing upon solid earth. The women here speak but little in public, whilst many of the men are stern and reserved. Food is taken whilst seated upon the floor, and sleeping is likewise done there. Most curious of all are the houses, wherein the inner walls slide aside and are fashioned from wood and paper so thin that light shines through them like dawn through linen.
What further adventures await me in this distant realm, God alone may know.
Whereabouts
Isabeau currently resides within the Shire of Trinovantia Nova in western Ealdormere.
Heraldry
- Device: Vert, two natural tigers sejant erect affronty proper maintaining and surmounted by a fess Or.
- Motto: Don’t worry, you’re biodegradable
Current Office(s)
Chatelaine at Large - Kingdom of Ealdormere (2024 – present)
Current Appointments
- Deputy for Toronto-Westward - Ealdormere Page Fellowship (March 2025 – present)
- Delegate - Provincial Committee of the Western Shires (2025 – present)
Past Offices
Exchequer – Incipient Canton of Carreg y Blaidd (1994 – 1997)
SCA History
Isabeau joined the Society in 1994 as a “Thuligan” of Petrea Thule (Peterborough). From there she helped create the proto-Incipient Canton of Carreg y Blaidd (Cobourg), moved to Ben Dunfirth (Hamilton), then on to the March of Saint Martin (Sarnia); and now lives in Trinovantia Nova.
Coming back to the society with medical issues, has provided a new series of opportunities to challenge her physically, mentally and socially. Volunteering is where her passion lies. Advocating for changes within the animal sector, single parents, mental health, environment, fundraising, medical awareness, and support. Helping others is gratifying. If you ever need a hug, come find me - no questions asked.
Interests
- Accessibility education
- Connecting people and resources - sewing patterns, Adopt-A-Jock, etc.
- Known World Kingdom Cultures
- Scavenging resources
- Organizing
- Arts & Science
- Animal Armour and defence tactics
- Willing to dabble in just about anything
Awards
- Award of Arms – June 8th, 1996 (Pikeman’s Pleasure)
Other Activities
- Updated the accessibility portion of the Steward’s Handbook – 2025
- Repainted the Ealdormere camp walls - 2024
- Connecting people and resources
- Newcomers and questions
- Enjoy learning new skills, asking questions; shenanigans, malarkey, and tomfoolery abound
Contact Information
Isabeau can be reached via email, or by Discord (Isabeau).
External Links
Add a link to your blog or other external website.
