Welcome to Skyia's

	Hi, My name is Skyia (pronounced sky-ahh), and thanks for visiting my homepage. The name is from Celtic lore of a demi-goddess who trained the greatest of the Celtic warriors. Her name is spelled Scathach, but then I would spend all my time correcting pronunciation. As you will be able to tell from the pics, I am very much the "Amazon". There is a good reason for this, really... and not just because my father was 6'6"...(I am 6'2-1/2").. At an early age I was introduced to horseback riding (first lessons at age 5) and then archery (42lb recurve bow at age 13). I got my first sword at a Renaissance Faire last year, and since then I have been training in sword combat. During Faire season I can be found at many southern California Ren Faires as Skyia, amazon warrior. More information can be found at Renaissance Home Page where you'll find alot of information about Ren Faires, or learn about the sword I use for combat practice at Starfire Swords . Mine is a two handed broadsword - 5 pounds of steel with a 28 inch blade gives a great clash when struck against another blade.
	I was a fan of the Hercules/Xena television shows before I got my outfit for Faire, and although I did not use Xena as a model, it's very possible that I was influenced. I am flattered to be mistaken for her at times by children and adults. If you like the TV shows as I do, then check out Xena: Warrior Princess and Hercules Legendary Journeys, or link to one of the best Xena websites around at Xena: Warrior Princess Information Page. Perhaps you will see me fighting with Kevin Sorbo or Lucy Lawless someday... I had a great time meeting the stars at the recent Herc/Xena convention in Burbank, and I AM looking for work in the field. Since that time, I have joined the folks of Sword Play Fencing Studio in Burbank and started training in stage combat. There is a good chance that you will see me on a new TV show to be aired this fall.... The Privateers is a great looking new series about space pirates. Do check out this site, give them your support, and tell them you want to see me. (grin)
	I have been training with both longsword and longbow, and I am having alot of fun. I am currently having a longbow made for me that will be 78 inches tall with a draw of approximately 70 pounds. Live steel combat does interest me, but it will be a while before take that step. I recently acquired a matching Goshawk Ring dagger for my side ring sword. (Time now to learn florentine style) Some great sword fighting can be seen on Highlander: The Series and Adrian Paul does a fantastic job.... excellent sword work and choreography.... most impressive.....sad to see the series coming to an end.
	I have been shooting a recurve bow and a compound bow since I was 14, but after shooting a longbow at Santa Barbara Ren Faire last summer (and having it blow up in my face) I now have a new passion (and respect) for the grace and elegance of the older form. I recently had another longbow break in my arms, a 70lb bow made from english yew. (no injuries this time) The one pictured below is a 74" longbow with horn tips (similar to the one Kevin Costner used in "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves").
	I may make an imposing figure, but I do smile alot, and enjoy good times with friends. I like time after Faire when the Faire Folk get together to chat and share dark ale, honey mead, and other fyne drynke. This is a shot from Crossroads Faire in Orange, CA. I hear that Claudia Christian from Babylon 5 also has an interest in Renaissance Faire, and I look foreward to meeting her there sometime.

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That's about it... few other things I guess...here are a few of my hobbies:

Renaissance Faire, Archery, Swordfighting, Horseback Riding, Leather, Wicca, Beekeeping, Tai Chi, Riding Motorcycles, Raising Snakes(big ones), SCUBA, and of course, Renaissance Faire!!

I will be attending the DragonCon Sci-Fi convention in Atlanta on June 26-29 as a guest and also with the folks from The Privateers. Be sure to look for me there.

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