In the opening court, Baron Fathir and Baroness Étaín welcomed those who made it out to the event including the Prince and Princess of Oertha and the Baroness of Eskalya. They then thanked various members of the populace who helped make Their reign successful with a gift of hand-made boxes and kind words to all.
However, throughout the final court, participants became aware of something wrong with the Baron as he became progressively more debilitated which many thought to have been linked to a strange elixir presented by a member of the Barony of Winter's Gate.
An emissary from the Barony of Winter's Gate offers Baron Fathir a mysterious drink before Court starts. August 9, 2014. Photograph by Halfdan Ôzurarson.
Baron Fathir collapsed and, eventually, expired. As his body was carried away from court, Her Excellency proclaimed that she could no longer be Baroness without her lord husband by her side and gave the sacred circlets over to the care of the Prince and Princess of Oertha until another person could be found to take up the silver-bound thrones of the Barony of Selviergard and administer the lands in the name of the Crowns of the West.
Baron Fathir eventually expires during Court, prompting Baroness Étaín to step down as Baroness. August 9, 2014.
Prince Gregor asked the populace who should be the next Baron of Selviergard, and in true Byzantine fashion the populace proclaimed that Halfdan should become the newest Baron. Prince Gregor and Princess Isabella then decided to discuss the matter amongst themselves and closed Their court.
In the interim, people either attended Ritter Brion's class on Marshalling or simply worked on projects until Their Highnesses Court reopened. This was a great opportunity to take a break and enjoy each other's company and grab something to eat as well.
The Investiture of Halfdan as Baron of Selviergard was done in a Byzantine ceremony adapted by Mistress Cynehild from the 10th century Book of Ceremonies. Called before Their Highnesses, Halfdan swore Fealty to the Crowns of the West and was installed as Baron of the lands of Selviergard.
Halfdan is installed as Baron of Selviergard by the hands of Prince Gregor and Princess Isabella. August 9, 2014. Photograph by Marjorie de ffeyrefeld.
The Bear Pit Tournaments to determine the next Warlord and Rapier Champion of Selviergard, following directly after the Investiture, were no less spectacular. Many fighters from all over the Principality took the opportunity to show off their skills and prowess in a style of tournament that can often be brutal but also fun to watch. After the Axe Oath, the fighters took to the field to accrue points by defeating their opponents or simply pushing them out of the ring. In the end it was Lord Sevastian who took the title of Rapier Champion of Selviergard alongside his Inspiration Angela of Eskalya and Viscount Fergus MacThomais who took the title of Warlord of Selviergard alongside his Inspiration Mistress Margarita di Calvi, who was named Falcon of Selviergard.
There were several competitions throughout the event. In one, Bears in Any Mode, the populace showed their creative skills in a wide variety of different art forms. The winner, Yuki of Selviergard, showed off her skills with an embroidered cup cover while Baroness Elspeth took a second place with a drawn bear in Byzantine clothing (looking very similar to the Baron himself) that was drawn that day. Huzzah for all of the entries which were most spectacular and imaginative!
There was a bardic competition, "Bears, Bats, and Rooks…Oh My!" that had no entrants. According to the wishes of His Excellency, this competition will be moved to an event in the future so that the bardic arts may be enjoyed by all.
The amount and variety of classes taught at this event was amazing. With visitors from Central Kingdom and even our very own volunteering to share their information there was something to work on or learn for everybody. Ritter Brion of Bellatrix, the West Kingdom Knight Marshal, was able to teach a classes on Marshalling and Combat Technique. His lady, the talented Mastarinna Ula Brennasdottir taught a variety of classes such as how to be on a retinue, 16th century German headgear, and surcoats. Additionally, Mistress Caitríona inghean ui Chionaodha taught a class on Silk Banner Painting to encourage people to enter in the upcoming competition for Oertha's Winter Coronet.
Ritter Brion of Bellatrix teaches a well-attended class on Saturday. August 9, 2014. Photograph by Halfdan Ôzurarson.
As daylight started its retreat and the stars tried their best to shine through the lighted sky; the event became a relaxed affair. There was much visiting between old and new friends happening and projects being worked upon.
The evening of the event saw a feast which migrated over the encampment of the 501st Gladiatorial Legion who welcomed all with open arms. Feast was spread out and enjoyed by all with people eating with friends both new and old…a typical Selviergardian-style feast! At the end of the feast was a bardic; and while it rained but a bit on the participants the songs, roaring fire, and good company kept all warm.
A feast of shared food is enjoyed by those who attended the event. August 9, 2014. Photograph by Halfdan Ôzurarson.
The end of the event, in which took place the final court of the event, saw the Autocrats noticed for their hard work towards making such a successful event. They were gifted bronze rings from the Baron's own hands as a continuation of the tradition of ring-giving from the early days of the Barony of Selviergard. Additionally, Baron Halfdan thanked all those who crafted clothing for him for his special day; Countess Alyssia of Cameo Keype, Baroness Elisheva bint Sitt al-Sirr, Baroness Ellisif a Reikiavik, and Tiarna Brann mac Finnchad. The final words for the day were directed at the assembled populace members, thanking them for attending the event and showing support for the Barony of Selviergard.
In all, the event was a spectacular success, a success that couldn't have been possible without the efforts of many people and the participation of an entire populace. With the weather holding out for the most part throughout the weekend Oertha as a whole was able to celebrate the reign of Fathir and Étaín and welcome in Halfdan as the new Baron of Selviergard.
The Selviergard Associated Press
Published in the September 2014 edition of The DragonTale
Event Date: August 9-10, 2014
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