Crested Helms and a Grand Feast

“Did candy just explode out of that thing?  I think that’s candy.”

-Baron Halfdan while watching the Crested Helm Tournament

Barony of Selviergard, Oertha--In years past the then Canton of Ibnhir na da Abhan hosted a memorable event; one that celebrated the high Middle Ages with a tournament and crests and a grand feast.  This event celebrated by our Cousins was called the Boon Day Feast and, from apocryphal tales and the memories of those who were there, was quite grand.  The Barony of Selviergard, wishing to hearken back to those days and relive excitement and fun, hosted a Crested Helm Tournament and Feast; honoring the past while celebrating the present.

The wondrous crested helms for both heavy and rapier fighters were displayed upon a table so that all could examine the artistic skill of the heavy fighters before the tournament started.  People oohed and ahhed over the crests which included a stunning raven in situ, a fire-breathing vorpal rabbit (heraldically correct, mind you), a shooting star, an enormous heart, and many more.

Some of the crested helms are displayed before the Tournament.  March 23, 2016.  Photograph by Halfdan Ôzurrson.

After the armor inspection the Gallery followed the fighters to the field, at which time the historians took the time to photograph each individual fighter with their helms before the tournament started.  The goal of the tournament, done in a bear pit style, was to demolish your opponents crest without actually killing the fighter.  It was a little trickier than some of the fighters thought.  Several times the fighters clobbered their opponent and killed them without actually demolishing the crest.  After the regular tournament, the fighters had so much fun that they decided to partake in a Grand Melee following the same conventions of the original tournament—protect your crest.

There were several fighters for the heavy tournament; Viscount Fergus mac Thomais, Lord Canute Mjoksiglandi, Lord Hrathi Kottir, Lady Mor, Lord Sevastian, and Lord Bartram Sinclair.  During the tournament it was shown that Canute was the champion by being able to protect his crest from destruction at the hands of his opponents.

The Grand Melee is begun in earnest.  March 23, 2016.  Photograph by Yamano Yuki.

For the Rapier fighters, Donna Etain O’Rowarke, Tiarna Brann mac Finnchad, and Lady Angela of Eskalya.  The Rapier fighters too had to adhere to the rules of the tournament—kill you opponents crest and not the opponent.

Lady Angela of Eskalya and Donna Etain O’Rowarke duel during the tournament.  March 23, 2016.  Photograph by Yamano Yuki.

Three of the crests had surprises hidden inside of them.  Viscount Fergus mac Thomais’s crest, when slain, released candy to the delight of the young and young at heart.  Angela of Eskalya’s heart when hit, revealed red streamers that added to the enjoyment of all and afterwards she showed that bubble wands were hidden inside as well.  Lord Canute Mjoksiglandi’s crest was later revealed to be undead, and the undead skeleton of the rabbit was only revealed after Canute ripped the head off to show the populace.

After the tournament and the pick-up fights, Mistress Anna di Caterina Neri offered her second part to her Pinch Pot class of which she taught at the recent Bi-Baronial Collegium; the glazing of the pinch pots.  Armed with glaze and paint brushes, the students completed their works to be fired later on.  What came out of the kiln was unique and quite amazing.

The first set of finished pots.  March 24, 2016.  Photograph by Anna di Caterina Neri.

Before the feast, Baronos Halfdan had court.  It was there that several announcements were made about upcoming events and activities; the Cherry Blossom Festival in the lands of Eskalya and the Fighter Workshop scheduled in the upcoming month.  It was also in court that Baron Halfdan recognized the hard work and effort of Lady Mor and inducted her into the Order of the Gules Claymore, a recognition of service to the Barony.  The Baron concluded court with words thanking those who attended and who helped make the day enjoyable.

Feast was then served; three courses of magnificent food brought out to the hungry participants.  The first course consisted of salad of greens and Pottage of Turnips.  The second course was Pies of Paris and Roast Beef with Carmeline sauce.  Additionally, a Gravy of Small Birds was presented on Ryse of Genoa.  Lastly, and a scrumptious delight for dessert, was slices of Darioles and Tartys in Applis.  The courses were magnificently prepared by the Chief Cook and Autocrat, Mistress Clare Elana, and her kitchen crew; offering a glimpse into a menu that would have been prepared back in the time of our ancestors.

After the feast, Baron Halfdan called for a quick, informal court in which he recognized the work and skill of Mistress Clare Elana de Montfort and inducted her into the Order of the Or Claymore, an award for excellence in the Arts and Sciences, for her skill and artistry in period foods and her willingness and desire to teach others this art form.

With dishes cleared from the feast, the event was coming to a close.  The day ended with people packing up their things to head back to their homes

The Selviergard Associated Press

Published in the May 2016 edition of The DragonTale
May 1, 2016