Conversations with Eric & Stephanie Saffron

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric & Stephanie Saffron

Eric & Stephanie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The Knightly Order of the Fiat Lux was founded in Charlotte by folks who wanted to use their medieval arms and armor to make a difference. Through growth and changes over the years, we have now expanded to have members throughout the Carolinas. In that time, we have supported dozens of charities, from national organizations to local ones, through our fundraising and educational efforts.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
While growth often comes with pains, we have been able to roll with the punches. As an example, with the reduction of in-person events after the onset of COVID-19, we adapted to doing some online fundraising events that ensured we met our fundraising goals. We’ve also refocused and reorganized to go from a chapter-based organization to one tight-knit network.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The Knightly Order of the Fiat Lux is a 501c3 non-profit organization based in education. We offer educational shows for local schools, camps, libraries, and other organizations. Proceeds collected from our shows at festivals and fairs are donated to other charitable organizations with a focus on those that support children, veterans, and education. Our shows feature full-speed, full-contact medieval combat, performance whip-cracking, and a dose of humor, song, and dance.

Each Knight and Squire in our organization would likely tell you something different that they are most proud of. However, we all strive to exemplify an ideal of chivalry fit for the modern era, doing what we can to better our community and act honorably.

There are many organizations that teach and perform various kinds of combat, including our friends in the Sword Conservatory and the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism). What makes us different is that our focus is on community through education and service.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
For Stephanie, some of her favorite resources have been those that are medieval-adjacent, even though not all of them are “historically accurate”.

Books: “Life in a Medieval Castle” by Joseph Gies and Frances Gies and the Janet Arnold “Patterns of Fashion” books

YouTube Channels: Living Anachronism (fantasy-medieval crafting and costuming), Morgan Donner (historical costuming), Bernadette Banner (historical costuming using period methods), Abby Cox (video essays on historic life), and Tasting History with Max Miller (food history)

Bonus (a game): Dungeons & Dragons (in various editions) plays a role in our organization, allowing us not only to use the game to bond over, but also hosting the occasional charity benefit game.

In addition to these historical and fantasy related resources, she would also like to mention that “The Bullet Journal Method” by Ryder Carroll and “How to Keep House While Drowning” by KC Davis have both helped immensely inside and outside of the organization.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tkofl.com

Image Credits
Eric Saffron