Baroness' Champion

The Barony of Selviergard, Oertha--Cloudy with some rain; the event celebrating the choosing of a new Baroness' Champion was not the driest event in Selviergardian history, but it was definitely a fun event that will be remembered fondly by many people.

The event opened with the Court of Fathir and Étaín, who took the opportunity to have Court on the Bear Pit field when the sun broke out during the event. Four heavy fighters and three rapier fighters swore the Axe-Oath; declaring themselves ready for the tournament.

The Opening Invocation and Axe-Oath before the Bear Pit Tournament.

The first business of the day was Bránn mac Finnchad's Prize Tournament for the West Kingdom Guild of Fence. A Prize Tournament consists of the applicant being tested on the rapier field by other members of the Guild. Brann successfully fought for his Prize and is now known as a Free Scholar, the second tier within the Guild.

Additionally, Bránn mac Finnchad was taken on as a Cadet by Étaín O'Rowarke in a ceremony following directly after his Prize fight; officially proclaiming himself as Étaín's student in the Arte of Fence.

From there, the Rapier Bear Pit Tournament started; much to the delight and awe of those watching the proceedings. There were three weapon styles in five minute sessions; single sword, sword and off-hand item, and daggers. The fights were fluid, entertaining, and quite brutal. In the end, it was Bránn mac Finnchad who won and attained the position of Baroness' Rapier Champion.

The Baroness' Champion, Sevastian, duels Angela of Eskalya to retain the honored title and duties.

After the rapier fighters, the heavy fighters took the field. The four stalwart fighters walked onto the field with hopes of taking the coveted title and duties of the Baroness' Champion. Additionally, Sir Rurik and Sir Kenric filled in as by-fighters to move the fighting along and help test those in the Tournament.

Following the same style as their Rapier counterparts, the fighters fought in three five minute segments with different weapon styles allowed during each bout; sword and shield, great weapons, and, the baronial favorite, daggers.

The fights were extremely fun to watch as each combatant vied for control of the Bear Pit; oftentimes simply pushing their opponents out of the small circle with force.

At the end of the Bear Pit Tournament for the heavy fighters there was a tie; Ciáran Ó Cearbhaill and Bránn mac Finnchad. The two fighters dueled it out to determine the winner. In the end, it was Ciarán Ó Cearbhaill, who won the tournament and the title of Warlord of Selviergard; the Baroness' Champion.

Sir Rurik Varyag and Fergus Mac Thomais in the Bear Pit Tournament.

After the tournaments, the weather was still nice enough to enjoy the event out from underneath the pavilion. The autocrat brought forth games of skill; such as spear throwing and hammer tossing much to the delight of many, many people.

In the final court of the day, Baron Fathir and Baroness Étaín thanked the outgoing Champions and welcomed in the new. Additionally the Baroness of Eskalya, invited all of Selviergard to attend her upcoming Baroness' Champion event in Eskalya.

A group dinner followed, an activity that Selviergard excels at, and general schmoozing and socializing in through the night, followed by a small bardic with those that stayed with the few campers late into the night.

In all, the event was a spectacular celebration. The fighting was intense, the companionship exemplary, and Selviergardians proved yet again that no matter what the weather, we are always willing to come out and play.

The Selviergard Associated Press
Originally published in the September 2013 edition of The DragonTale
Event Date:  August 10-11, 2013