“The War of the Chicken [has] come to Oertha / Easily
destroying fields and cattle…”
--from a missive by Mistress Cynehild
Cynesigesdohtor
Barony of Selviergard, Oertha--Amid a weekend of egg puns, rooster crowing, and splendid
pageantry did the Baronies of Selviergard and Eskalya, alongside the entire
Principality, celebrate the fifth Chicken Wars in the lands of Oertha. At this Chicken Wars; Mistress Anne of
Bradford and Mistress Else Hünrvogt both led their armies against the other for
the sole reason, it would seem, that both exalted ladies had a chicken as part
of their heraldry. But truthfully; who
needs any reason for a war!?
The two armies clashed on a pleasant field in the lands of
Central Selviergard amid some sun and some rain late in the month of
August. The War was met with great
enthusiasm and mirth with many people attending from around the Principality
and from Central Kingdom. The two Captains
were in attendance as well, travelling all the way from their holds in Central
Kingdom; helping to bring together a Chicken Wars for many who have never been
a part of it before.
Autocratted by Sir Viresse de Lighthaven and Mistress Clare
Elana de Montfort; the event was a wonderful addition to the calendar and one
of the most highly anticipated events in the lands of the Principality of
Oertha this year. The autocrats worked
hard to make sure that none were disappointed.
While cloudy with some rain on Friday, the sun came out
especially for the event on Saturday during opening court in which the
assembled royalty welcomed all to the event.
Their Highnesses, the Prince and Princess of Oertha, as well
as all of the baronages in the Principality were in attendance for this
spectacular event. From the South in the
ancient lands of Eskalya came Baroness Elspeth with her fighters in tow, eager
for battle. From the North, from the
honorable lands of Winter’s Gate, came Baron Braun and Baroness Cemper with their
militia eager to trade blows with any and all.
And from the pristine lands of
Selviergard Baron Halfdan, called the Tyrant, attended as well to lend his stalwart
soldiers into the fray.
The rapier fighters took to the field first under command of
their respective Captains. While small in
number, the Rapier community put on a good display of heroism and valor while
they vied for the coveted chicken of the opposing team. The chickens were snatched, rescued, and
snatched again leading to laughter and cheers from those watching the Rapier fighters.
The Rapier fighters take to the field for honor and glory…and a
chicken. Photograph by Halfdan
Ozurrson. August 20, 2016.
After the Battle of the Chicken the Rapier fighters then
donned “eggs” on their helms as each team worked hard to ensure that the
opposition’s eggs were well scrambled.
The visage of the fighters wearing large eggs on their helms was quite a
sight to witness.
After the Rapier fighters it was then time for the Heavy
fighters to take the field. Once again;
two armies, one under the banner of Viscountess Anne of Bradford and the other
under the banner of Mistress Else Hünrvogt, clashed upon the
field. Each army intent on proving their
valor and skill for the honor of their commanders. With twenty-four heavy fighters on the large
field protecting the valuable chicken of their team, the battles were epic and
worthy of great tales for many years to come.
After the field battles, the fighters donned “eggs” on their
helm, dutifully attached with care and precision. The goal of the fight was to knock off, or alternatively,
destroy, the egg of your opponent.
Combatants don “eggs” on their helms in preparation for part of the
battle. Photograph by Halfdan
Ozurrson. August 20, 2016.
After the end of the fighting; stories were passed around of
epic moments in the battles as people settled down to eat or visit. There was to be a court to end the day as
well as other opportunities and amusements to partake in before the bardic fire
was lit.
Children’s activities took place in this lull. From “egg” stomping to spearing “eggs”; the
youth of the Principality showed expertise and skill with their fun and entertaining
diversions. The children’s smiles,
shared by all, was quite a testimony to the fun that they had.
There was a court to close out the day. In court, Baron Halfdan recognized Lord Kolskeggr Ungi and Lady Ciara der Alcan, both
members of the Barony of Eskalya with admission into the Order of the
Forget-Me-Not; an award for service to the Barony of Selviergard for those not
a member of that group. Additionally,
the Prince and Princess of Oertha recognized Lord Colin Jak Leslie and Lady
Isabella de la Haye with the Order of the Wandering Wolf; an award for those
who have made a difference in the lands of Oertha but do not reside there
anymore.
An All Peers Meeting with their Highnesses was held after
court. The topic of Newcomers was
discussed with many of the populace members bringing forth ideas speaking their
thoughts in an open and safe venue. His
Highness, Prince Kenric, agreed that the meeting was quite successful.
The Barony of Selviergard invited all in attendance to
participate in a series of demonstrations at the annual Houston Founder’s Day
activities after the meeting. There were
two demonstrations provided and many of the populace from all corners of the
Principality came out to help Selviergard share The Dream with those who have not yet met us. From the coordinator’s missive, Mistress
Margarita di Calvi, the demonstration was quite a success.
Bardic was graced with tales and songs. Many of the songs presented were traditional
and well-loved in our group.
Additionally, new stories and songs were brought out alongside stories
of the dread Red Bandit, which was a competition of the event. The bardic fire burned low and afterwards,
people eventually went off to seek their warm beds.
The rain could not be held off forever, and on Sunday the showers
came back to the lands. Unfortunately,
the Archery competition and some other fun activities could not take place as
it was too wet. Rumors say that the Red
Bandit himself made a pact with unseen forces to prevent these activities...of
which the autocrats mentioned that they might seek retribution against the foul
outlaw in the coming years—for vengeance, it is said, is a dish best served
cold; much like egg salads.
There were several contest throughout the weekend with many
fine and excellent entries. The Late
Period Garb winner was Mistress Sorcha Caraman who graced the weekend in a
wondrous outfit. The Red Bandit Story
held at Bardic was won by the word-skills of Drake and Gypsi Klara of Biglands
and Lord Rin McCray. The Best Egg Dish
was won by the skill of Lady Ciara der Alcan while the Best Eggs in Any Mode
was triumphantly won by Mistress Sorcha Caraman and House Comitatus. The Red Bandit Eye Mask was won by Lord Hraði Kǫttr of Ravensfjord and the self-proclaimed winner of the
Chicken Coop was Nikor of the Isle of Oaks.
Congratulations to all the entrants to the competitions and the winners
as well.
With another successful Chicken Wars completed there was
much talk about the return of the Red Bandit sometime in the future and we can
all rest assured that these lands of the Principality will surely welcome the battles
once again.
The Selviergard Associated Press
Published in the October 2016 edition of The DragonTale
September 26, 2016
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