But only Caesar should have been wary of this day, not the populace who came out to partake in the
activity. The event opened with people getting themselves set up in the main room by arraigning tables around the main hall where the fighting would take place later on in the day. Tables were colorfully decorated and laden with snacks in preparation for the event’s different activities.
Lady Silvia of Thrace, Her Highness Arabella of Oertha, and Lady Celestria Textrix enjoy the event. March 12, 2016. Photograph by Halfdan Ôzurrson.
A brief opening court started the event. Baron Halfdan welcomed the Prince and Princess of Oertha and the Baroness of Eskalya to the Barony of Selviergard’s Ides of March celebration. The Autocrat had some announcements as well, which included welcoming all in attendance. The start of the tournament was scheduled shortly after the opening court, which allowed the populace members not getting ready to take part in the tournament to visit with each other and to play a couple of the games.
There were several games available to play throughout the day. Many of the them, such as Felix Sex,
Duodicem Scripta, and Tali were games quite popular in Roman times and played by all social levels of Roman society. Others, such as Gluckhaus, while not Roman, was also quite popular at the event. Players took the opportunity to compete against each other in order to win more coins for their purses—one of the contests of the day.
The Principality Arts and Sciences Competition for Needle Books also took place at this event; one of the six categories for the Arts and Sciences Competition progressing though the year. Needle Books that populace members worked on were displayed for all to see; the skill and craftsmanship of the artisans quite apparent to all who saw them.
The first tournament was the Rapier Dagger Tournament. Both Donna Étaín O’Rowarke and Tiarna
Bránn mac Finnchad readied themselves for a grueling competition while Baroness Elisheva bint Sitt alSirr, the appointed banker for the event, opened the betting for the tournament. Through several bouts both combatants showed skill and grace as they both vied to win the tourney. Faces were jabbed and togas brandished as weapons with the populace cheering for each fighter.
Tiarna Bránn mac Finnchad and Donna Étaín O’Rowarke prepare to stab during the Dagger Tournament. March 12, 2016. Photograph by Halfdan Ôzurrson.
After the Rapier Tournament the heavy fighters took to the field to participate in the Heavy Dagger
Tournament. Baroness Elisheva once again opened the betting for the fights; setting odds on numerous victory conditions. Three fighters, Dominus Sextus Valerius Crusillus, Lord Hraði Kǫttr, and Lord Fellbjorn Gunnarsson participated in the Roman-themed tournament. The fights were brutal and heroic; and each contestant wielded their daggers well. Lord Hraði armored up as a pit fighter; bravely taking the field in minimal armor but definitely looking the part. While there were only three fighters who participated the tournament; the fighting quite a spectacle to behold.
Dominus Sextus Valerius Crusillus and Lord Fellbjorn Gunnarson attack with daggers. March 12, 2016. Photograph by Yamano Yuki.
Bardic, a favored pastime by many, was held in between the tournaments and the feast. Songs favored
by Oerthans were valiantly and tastefully sung much to the delight of all. After the bardic there was, of course, food. A feast of a dizzying array of scrumptious nourishments were offered unto the hungry populace.
After feast, Baron Halfdan held a closing court in which announcements were made, presentations were given, and in which to acknowledge the winners of the tournaments. The Autocrat for the upcoming Cherry Blossom Viewing in Eskalya came forward and enticed the populace with event details including showcasing some of the prizes for the activities. Additionally, Dominus Sextus Valerius Crusillus passed on his dagger to Lord Hraði Kǫttr; acknowledgment of the fighter’s skill on the field with daggers that day.
The Autocrat was brought forward with her final announcements in which she thanked all those who
were able to attend. As is his custom, Baron Halfdan bestowed a bronze ring to the Rolynnda for her
hard works and efforts to create a memorable event. Baron Halfdan then called forward Tiarna Bránn
mac Finnchad who had won the Rapier Tournament and bestowed upon him a dagger for his victory on the field. Baron Halfdan then called forward Lord Fellbjorn Gunnarsson who won the heavy tournament. As Fellbjorn was not on site, his Knight came forward and accepted a dagger as a prize on his behalf. His Excellency then had Yamano Yuki-san brought before him. It was Yuki who, throughout the day, had amassed an amazing amount of coins—the most of anyone that day, and she was bestowed with a gameboard crafted by the Baron himself. Towards the end of court Lord Hraði Kǫttr was also called forward and, for his willingness to enter the tournament field as a pit fighter and wear so little armor to help accent the tournament, was bestowed a hat from the Baron himself with a note from the Baron that it “might help keep you warm.”
Their Highnesses, Prince Shawn and Princess Arabella, also had business in court. It was here that
Princess Arabella named Tiarna Bránn mac Finnchad as her Rapier Champion and bestowed a rapier
blade unto him as token of her esteem.
After court, the hall was quickly cleaned by many helpful people and the populace members traveled
back to their own homes content with a spectacular day.
Selviergard’s third Ides of March was a spectacular event in which the glory of Ancient Rome was
brought into the forefront of Selviergard history. The event was well received by many and the smiles
on people’s faces was a welcome sight. As Baron Halfdan stated in his missive to the populace shortly after the event “I had a lot of fun and it was a joy to see so many people in attendance at this event!”
The Selviergard Associated Press
Published in the April 2016 edition of The DragonTale
April 13, 2016
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