"To the bears we will go with swords held high,
The best are sought, a new Warlord to find."
-from the Warlord's Song
The Barony of Selviergard, Oertha--Amid a bright and warm weekend, nestled in a quiet sylvan glade with family and friends, with banners fluttering in the slight breeze and amid the laughter of youth, did the Barony of Selviergard hold a tournament to determine new champions of the land.
Baron Halfdan's court officially opened the event on Saturday morning where he welcomed everybody to the tournament and set about to start the day's activities. Fergus mac Thomais, Warlord of Selviergard, and Sevastian Agafangelovich Golystin, Selviergard Rapier Champion, were released with thanks from His Excellency and gifted with items of esteem for both themselves and their Inspirations. From there, those that sought to enter the tournament were called forward to swear the Axe Oath and prepare themselves for the tournaments.
The Rapier Bear Pit started with quick blades and artful dodging as the entrants to the list each vied for dominance in the field. The following fighters entered the lists for the title of Rapier Champion: Donna Étaín O'Rowarke, Mistress Cynehild Cynesigesdohtor, Lady Angela of Eskalya, and Tiarna Brann mac Finnchad.
After that the Heavy fighters took the Bear Pit. Each combatant was ready for a chance to become Warlord of Selviergard and honor their lord or lady as the Falcon. The following fighters took the field: Viscount Fergus mac Thomais, Lord Sevastian Agafangelovich Golystin, Lord Bartram Sinclair, Lady Moria Canmore, and Fellbjorn Gunnarson. Additionally, Viscount Sir Kenric Maur also took the field as a bye fighter to test the skills of the next Warlord.
Viscount Fergus mac Thomais and Lord Sevastian duel in the Heavy Bear Pit. August 1, 2015. Photograph by Yamano Yuki.
The sunny day was something to behold and enjoy before the harsh winter months come to the lands. A kubb game, one of the Baron's favorite pasttimes, was brought out in which several people partook in. The game was simple to understand but took some skill to play. Many people took turns playing on teams and throwing sticks at the kubbs while the gallery watched in the shade of the large pavilion. In all, the game of kubb was quite popular with many people who tried their hand at the diversion.
After the game of Kubb another game was played. The time-honored game of Rock, a traditional Selviergardian amusement, was much enjoyed as people threw rocks around the site with smiles on their faces and laughter in the air. Rocks were lost, rocks were shattered to pieces, but through it all, it was Tiarna Brann mac Finnchad who won the most amount of points at the end of the game. Coincidentally his rock along with few others, having escaped major damage, was still able to finish the game.
Participants in the game of Rock have fun throwing things. August 1, 2015. Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.
Afterwards, the activities changed to those of learning new skills as Viscount Sir Gregor Hawke opened a class on fighting techniques and was very well attended.
This was also the time that the 'Ring of Power' was lost by the children on the roof of the pavilion where many an adult tried their hand at rescuing it. With teamwork and some tools, the ring was rescued and sent along with the youth; albeit to be played with away from the pavilion.
Food was brought out, many of which was prepared by the Autocrat, for a simple but delicious feast enjoyed by all who were able to stay later on in the evening. Meats delicately cooked to perfection and fruits and breads, among other items, were gracefully enjoyed by many. Toasts rang throughout the feast which emptied many a cup and some songs were sung around the pavilion, lending to a wonderful medieval atmosphere.
Baron Halfdan's court opened after feast. His Excellency recognized several worthy individuals for their service and deeds in the barony. Viscount Fergus mac Thomais was awarded the Gules Claymore for his unending service in multiple areas of the barony. Additionally, Master Rodrigo de Reinosa and Mistress Étaín O'Rowarke were inducted into the Order of the Gules Claymore for their service especially as the third baron and baroness of these lands. Last, but not least, Fellbjorn Gunnarson was invited to the Order of the Sable Claymore for his skill on the field of battle.
Evening court also brought more recognition. Viscount Fergus mac Thomais was recognized as the Warlord of Selviergard alongside his lady wife, Mistress Margarita di Calvi as Falcon of Selviergard. Donna Étaín O'Rowarke was also recognized as the Rapier Champion of Selviergard alongside her lord husband, Master Rodrigo de Reinosa as her Inspiration.
The night brought on a small but wonderful Bardic around a campfire. Songs were sung, tales were told, and the few in attendance enjoyed the evening with friends both new and old. The bardic lasted far into the night, and the last of the revelers made their way back to their encampments by the light of the full moon high in the sky. The next day brought about an archery contest. Under the watchful eye of Baron Stephen de la Bere, the scores for the Inter-Kingdom Archery Competition and Royal Rounds were dutifully recorded for the archers that day. Many arrows were loosed, many points were scored, and friendly competition ruled the activity.
Though plagued by "The Pile of Pain" (also termed as "The Pit of Despair" by Baron Halfdan), a pile of debris that tended to eat arrows, the archers did their best and successfully completed yet another IKAC competition whose scores were sent to Central Kingdom.
Rapier Champion and Warlord of Selviergard partake in archery as well. August 2, 2015. Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.
Baron Halfdan had one more court before the end of the day. Prizes were given out for the various activities and competitions throughout the day. In addition, Baron Halfdan thanked the Autocrat and the Co-Autocrat and bestowed upon them bronze rings which is his custom.
The end of the day was still warm and quite sunny as the participants at the Warlord's Tournament in Selviergard closed up the event and prepared for the journey home. Tents were packed away to be brought out once again when the warm winds blow gently in our lands and the sun stays up later to take part in our bardics sometime in late Spring. Unto the autocrat and co-autocrat for the event; your service and skills did not go unnoticed and are appreciated beyond measure. Events do not "just happen" but take time, effort, and sanity to successfully complete.
To all those who attended, to all those who helped out, to all those who participated in any competition in any form, and to all those who laughed and smiled and had a wonderful time; thank you. Events like these are memorable not because historians write about them in dusty tomes, but because people had fun and enjoyed themselves as the Barony of Selviergard and the Principality as a whole is well known for throughout the realm.
The Selviergard Associated Press
Published in the September 2015 edition of The DragonTale
Event Date: August 1-2, 2015
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