For the Baroness! A New Champion is Found

The Barony of Eskalya, Oertha—It was time once again for the Barony of Eskalya to determine a new champion; and this year the trials were Norse in nature.  With a variety of activities and competitions that earned points; this was a fun way to show who amongst the populace would prove his or her mettle and be named as Champion.

The day opened with preparations for the event as the populace members filtered into the scenic outdoor site surrounded by trees on all sides with a beautiful view of the mountains in the distance.  The day was warm, but not too hot, which allowed a variety of activities to be enjoyed to the fullest.
The opening court of Gavin and Celestria, the Baron and Baroness of Eskalya also hosted the visiting Prince and Princess of Oertha as well as the Baron of Selviergard.  Opening statements were given and especially thanking members of the populace for attending and, from there, the activities would soon commence to entertain and test the skill of those who would take part.

There were several competitions throughout the day that the participant would receive one point for entering.  Additional points were given to those who placed in the competitions with the overall point score determining the Champion of the Barony of Eskalya.  The first competition was Axe holding--where competitors would hold two axes perpendicular to the ground and at arm’s length for as long as they could; in reality, a test of strength competition.

The Axe Holding competition starts at the Barony of Eskalya’s Baroness’ Champion event.  August 3, 2019.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.

Horses Brawl Welcomes Spring

“His name is Killer…Carrot Killer.”

--Baron Halfdan while showing off his war steed

The Barony of Selviergard, Oertha—The return of Spring was once again welcomed by the members of the Barony of Selviergard at their annual Spring Offensive event held in the scenic lands of central Selviergard this year.  The theme of the event, Horses Brawl, was an exciting and fun ‘equestrian’ activity to take part in as once again the Trollish traditions of Selviergard were upheld with mirth, merriment, and even a bit of mayhem.

Participants to the Horses Brawl Spring Offensive were encouraged to bring their own stick horse to take part in the activities; activities that included armored combat, jousting, and even a game of Buzkashi—a Middle Eastern variant of Polo.  The ‘steeds’ brought to the event showed great skill and ingenuity in showcasing a wide variety of different horses; from the massive warhorse brought by Viscount Fergus mac Thomais to a simple workhorse brought by Baron Halfdan of Selviergard and several other types of equines in between.
While the event officially opened on Saturday; several populace members took the opportunity to arrive on Friday to set up camp and enjoy the warmth of a campfire and friendship.  Stories were traded, marshmallows toasted, and laughter echoed into the woods late into the night.

Saturday brought the event and the activities centered around the equestrian arts and spending time around the campfire.  As the event prepared to get started people prepared their horses for the day, grabbed another tankard of water, and prepared to take part in the activities provided for the day.

“Killer” nuzzles Lord Hraði Kottr at the Barony of Selviergard’s Spring Offensive event.  May 18, 2019.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.

A Royal Collegium Entices Many

The Principality of Oertha, Kingdom of the West—Princess Vicana of Oertha invited teachers and students alike to attend a full day of learning at her Collegium held in the lands of the Barony of Selviergard in early April.  With the cold winters past and a full summer of planned events and activities on the horizon; Her Highness determined it was time to learn new skills and entertain new thoughts in preparation for a very full season in the lands of Oertha.

Paying the event registration provided the celebrant with a very useful site token crafted by Their Highnesses, access to all of the classes available, and a feast in the evening.  There were many people from all areas of the Principality attending, both instructors and students, and the hall was filled quickly.

Classes begin at the Princess’ Collegium held in the lands of the Barony of Selviergard.  April 6, 2019.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.

Oertha Celebrates as New Prince, Princess Found

The Principality of Oertha, Kingdom of the West—The Oerthan Winter Coronet and Investiture, held in the lands of the Barony of Winter’s Gate, was well attended this year by members from all over the Principality alongside honored visitors from Central Kingdom.  The North Pole Hotel, the location for the event, was warm and cheery and spectacular hosts for the bi-annual event to determine the next Prince and Princess of Oertha by Right of Combat.

The populace gathered together well before opening court to visit and trade tales.  In short time the call was made to prepare for court in which the room used was quickly filled with smiling and happy people eager to start the day.

Sir Bartram Sinclair takes the opportunity to get some rest before the tournament at the Principality of Oertha’s Winter Coronet and Investiture.  January 19, 2019.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.

Yule Celebrations in Eskalya

The Barony of Eskalya, Oertha—The Barony of Eskalya celebrated the Yule season alongside the Barony of Selviergard this year as the Selviergard Yule was cancelled due to the large earthquake the day before their event.  Both groups came together with open arms and warm hearts to celebrate the season together.  It was also at this event that the Barony celebrated the reign of Clare Elena and Cynehild as the Sister Baronesses and welcomed in their successors, Gavin and Celestria, as the newest Baron and Baroness of Eskalya.

The event officially opened with the final court of Clare and Cynehild, the Sister Baronesses of Eskalya.  After opening words from the Baronesses there was a presentation of socks and other items gifted to Their Excellencies by Mistress Sorcha Careman, much to the delight of the Baronesses.  There were several presentations and words of thanks given to members of the court and populace for their works and assistance given to the Baroness Clare Elena and Baroness Cynehild during their reign.  The Baronial Court ended with kind words to the populace and then the court of the Prince and Princess of Oertha opened.

Clare Elena and Cynnehilde, the sister Baronesses of Eskalya, thank the populace at the Barony of Eskalya’s Yule.  December 8, 2018.  Photograph by Kolskeggr Ungi.

Selviergard Celebrates Samhain

“Oooh…spooky.”—Baron Halfdan of Selviergard

The Barony of Selviergard, Oertha—The time had come for the celebration of the harvest as well as that special part of year when the veil between this world and the next is thinnest.  Festivities were planned and the populace was invited to a full day event with feasting, a tournament for both heavy and rapier fighters, and plenty of friendship and laughter throughout the day at the Barony of Selviergard’s Haunted Harvest Samhain held towards the end of October.

Members of the populace gather together at the start of the Barony of Selviergard’s Haunted Harvest Samhain.  October 27, 2018.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.

St. John's Dance Witnessed in Eskalya?

Event Report for the Barony of Eskalya’s Masked Ball Samhain

The Barony of Eskalya, Oertha—St. John's Dance, also known as the Dancing Mania, was a strange social phenomenon or real illness that occurred mostly in mainland Europe between the 14th and 17th centuries—with the earliest known occurrence happening in the 11th century in Bemburg.  The mania affected men, women, and children who danced until utter exhaustion, in some cases death, with no known reason as to why they started dancing.

The Barony of Eskalya featured something very similar in the middle of October during their Samhain event though there were no fatalities reported from this case.

With opening court, the Baronesses of Eskalya welcomed everybody to the Samhain Masked Ball.  After their opening statements the Baronesses of Eskalya recognized several individuals for their continued good works within the Barony of Eskalya.  Mistress Alienor FitzHenry was named a Courtier in the court of the Sister Baronesses and she was presented with a tippet for her position.  Additionally, the Order of the Caltrop, a baronial award given to those who have rendered exemplary personal service to the Baroness of Eskalya, was presented to Mistress Caitríona inghean ui Chionaodha and Mistress Alienor FitzHenry.

Additional awards and recognitions followed.  Hawise de Pevensey was recognized with the Silver Bough for her artistic ability within the Barony of Eskalya and Adelayde en Fiodoir was recognized with the Order of the Caltrop for her continued service to the Baronesses.

From there, the Autocrats of the event, Mistress Elspeth Buchannane of Loch Lomond and Viscountess Isabella Hawke gave brief announcements on what to expect for the day which included dancing, fighting, and feasting.

After court the day started with dancing.

Strange dances, such as Karabushka and Pavans, were performed with the knowledgeable Mistress Anna di Caterina Neri teaching and leading these popular dances to the populace.  While the dances did not last months, weeks, or even days as other outbreaks of the dreaded St. John’s Dance; the populace was well exhausted from hours of coordinated writhing and fancy footwork as prescribed my Mistress Anna di Caterina Neri.

In all, the epidemic was fun to witness.

Fun…or mania?  Dancers take part in favorite dances at the Barony of Eskalya’s Masked Ball Samhain.  October 20, 2018.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.