The Barony of Selviergard, Oertha--The Barony of Selviergard hosted their official Spring welcome with a grand camping event. Spring Offensive, the traditional celebration of the season and the birthday of the Barony, was well attended by over sixty people from all over the Principality and even some from other kingdoms. Held in the scenic Lake Lucille Campground in Central Selviergard; the three-day event held on Memorial Day Weekend had something for everyone who attended. No matter if you liked to fight in epic battles, partake in bardic well into the night, or just enjoyed spending time with family and friends the Autocrats had you covered at Selviergard’s Spring Offensive.
Many travelers who would camp for the spectacular weekend arrived on Friday night. While space was at a premium the populace who were camping were found room around the site. Campsites and pavilions went up rather quickly with many hands making the work easier. The beautiful display of a variety of different pavilions and tents lent to the medieval atmosphere that the Autocrats had so much desired.
After the tents were set up, the bardic fire was attended by many.
Saturday morning brought the vast majority of the events activities, such as the Siege of Paris and fighting classes. The sun shone quite brightly as the fighters armored up and prepared themselves for the upcoming hours of intense battles. Three fighters took the opportunity to get authorized as well, including Baron Braun of Winter’s Gate, Lady Talorc Caer Arianrhold, and Connor Ulfsson of Eskalya.
The fighters prepare themselves the Siege of Paris by discussing strategy amongst themselves. May 28, 2016. Photograph by Halfdan Ôzurrson.
From there the battle began in earnest. Armed with swords, shields, and the occasional vorpal bunny spear the attackers launched out in their longboat to meet the opposing team’s ship. Two combatants on each side were given the ends of a rope which represented the ship, and the rest of the fighters had to stay within the vicinity of the rope to ensure that they didn’t fall overboard and meet a watery fate.
Great battles were fought and many warriors slain before the gates of the city were even reached by the attackers.
After the ship battles the attackers moved against the gates themselves. The defenders worked hard in protecting their gleaming city, the jewel of the realm, the City of Paris. Calls for defense on one side or the other, the occasional declaration of “Good!”, and the cheers of the populace watching the battle filled the day. Some of the attackers and defenders fell off the side of the bridge, while others hurled themselves into the fray with a battlecry to distract the enemy and allow their compatriots a chance to get a good clean killing shot. The battles were numerous and fierce, and very entertaining.
Defenders and Attackers meet on the field with spear and swords. May 28, 2016. Photograph by Halfdan Ôzurrson.
After the battle, the only two rapier fighters who showed up with armor, Donna Étaín O’Rowarke and Tiarna Bránn mac Finnchad thought about what to do. With not enough people to lay siege or to defend a great city the rapier fighters instead sported in the woods in a variety of differing locations to test their skills. From balancing on a log to sitting on a moss covered rock and to fighting with a rose bush in between them; the two combatants showed prowess in the woods as they both attempted to slay the other.
Donna Étaín O’Rowarke and Tiarna Bránn mac Finnchad battle in the woods as the only two rapier fighters for the day. May 28, 2015. Photograph by Halfdan Ôzurrson.
After the battle there was a fighting class on Distance and Measure in the form of a circle and how fighters could use it to effectively defend from and attack their opponents. The class easily translated into Rapier for those so inclined and was an interesting class to attend.
Kubb, the favored game of the Tyrant of the Eagle River, was enjoyed as well. Many new to the game watched the fierce competition between the two teams from the sidelines or, in some cases, tried their hand at the interesting game that involves throwing sticks at pieces of wood. The game is affectionately called “Viking Lawn Bowling” by many of those who enjoy the game and is quite descriptive of the activity.
Saturday nights bardic was well attended. The campfire once again bringing those together who wanted to share songs and stories, the latter of which there were a couple of quite memorable stories to the delight of all…rest assured that no dashing debonair young squire was harmed in the bardic circle that night.
Sunday morning, with sunlight streaming and a slight breeze, sincerely promised yet another glorious day. Archery, a bear pit tournament, and closing court were scheduled for the day and there was much to do as we enjoyed another full day of activities.
Archery took up with skillful archers targeting a soldier behind the walls of Paris. Viscount Fergus mac Thomais, the Autocrat for the event, brings archery competitions like this to life, using his imagination to craft spectacular three dimensional targets that always tie into the storyline of the event. No wall could protect this soldier as Oerthan archers rained down death upon him multiple times.
In between things to do, Mistress Margarita di Calvi brought out a class designed for the youth but was so interesting and fun that many adults came over to see what was going on. If you have never made your own butter this class was a great opportunity to learn and see the process. From milk to butter was an intriguing experience and one that has many applications in this, our Current Middle Ages.
Fighters were preparing for the Bear Pit Tournaments when all of a sudden the heavens opened and let out a torrential downpour alongside thunder and lightning. The rain was quick and unrelenting, and the lightning flashes quite exhilarating. Some of the field temporarily flooded but as quickly as it had come, the storm passed on allowing the tournaments to begin.
Another class was given before the Bear Pit Tournaments on how to effectively use a great weapon. The class was well attended by many.
The three Bear Pit Tournaments, each fifteen minutes long, took place with the populace watching from the main pavilion. Many fighters took part in this competition to test their skill and mettle against one the other. With the ground slightly slick, the fighters struggled to stay within the circle while facing their opponent. Many good and solid blows were landed and the excited cries of “Out!” from the populace watching filled the site.
Lady Talorc Caer Arianrhold moves in against Lord Canute Mjoksiglandi during the second Bear Pit. May 29, 2016. Photograph by Halfdan Ôzurrson
Under the permanent pavilion, the Baron of Selviergard held final court for the event. His Excellency again welcomed into his court the Prince of Oertha and his visiting brother, the Baron of Winters Gate. In the final court the Autocrat and his team made final announcements and announced winners.
Baron Halfdan also took the time to recognize the Autocrat and Co-Autocrat of the event with bronze rings as his tradition, thanking them for the event. He also called forward Connor from the lands of the Barony of Eskalya and offered him admission into the Order of the Forget me not, noting Connors service to not only His Excellency but many others in the Barony. Baron Halfdan also had Mistress Saphira the Navigator and Lady Talorc Caer Arianrhold, both from the lands of Winters Gate, brought forward and gifted them with amber for, as the Baron put it “you stood well in the Bear Pit—no small a task, and you showed courage and determination that is truly inspiring no matter what your gender.” He complimented Baron Braun on bringing two Valkeries down with him from those frozen lands. Last, but not least, Baron Halfdan recognized Tristan of Selviergard and, with a gift, thanked him for his tale of which many of the populace had enjoyed the night previous.
With that, court was closed and the rest of the evening was spent having fun.
Bardic was, once more, enjoyed by all. One of the competitions for that night would be Heraldry in the theme of “A Knights Tale.” Master Rodrigo de Reinosa took the circle and announced his lady, while Sir Kenric Maur would try to one up him with tales of his lady, “Dagmar the Bloody.” Both these notable worthies did an excellent job with their grandiose words and style. Other participants to the heraldry contest at bardic worked up the courage as well and gave rousing A Knights Tale-style speeches and introductions. The display was a welcome addition and wondrous competition that showed off not only the heraldic ability of many but also honored the recipients of such tales.
The event officially closed on Monday, with thanks from the Autocrats for attending. It is safe to say that the weekend was indeed a wonderful event filled with battles, vibrant colors, comradery, and fun…surly a welcome to the season of Spring worthy of the Trolls.
The Selviergard Associated Press
Published in the July 2016 edition of The DragonTale
June 25, 2016
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