The baronial pavilion was set up early on Saturday morning to provide some protection from the elements while people prepared to watch the day’s proceedings. Hot food was provided by the autocrat alongside cookies pressed with a heraldic bear provided by Baroness Cynehild of Eskalya and other fine and tasty snacks brought by attendees.
The opening court started under the pavilion just as the weather was turning nice. As is his custom; Baron Halfdan once again gave his oath to the Barony of Selviergard--pledging to protect and defend the lands and to provide opportunities for fighters, artisans, and those who tread the path of service to practice their art. From there, Baron Halfdan released Viscount Fergus mac Thomais and Viscountess Margarita di Calvi, the Warlord and Shieldmaid of Selviergard, with kind words and a token of his thanks. Donna Étaín O’Rowarke, the Rapier Champion, was released with words and gifts as well. From there, Fergus mac Thomais was again called forward and released as the Archery and Thrown Weapons Champion and thanked for his service. Finally, but not least, Adele MacThomais was released as the Youth Archery Champion.
From there, those who would participate in all the competitions that day were called forward to take part of the Axe Oath in which they pledged to defend and support the Barony of Selviergard if they were to win the tournaments and become the champions for the coming year.
After the Oath, Baron Halfdan made an announcement in court in which he declared the creation of the Barony of Selviergard’s College of Bards; a group designed to help foster the bardic arts in all its diverse incarnations in the Barony of Selviergard. He then announced that Lord Rin McCray would be the first of this College and two more people were to be named later in the year as the ministers of this new and exciting initiative in the Barony. Lord Rin McCray graciously accepted the position.
The day was made brighter by a surprise visit from Søren and Alienor, the Prince and Princess of Oertha, who came out to watch Selviergard’s finest compete in the Bear Pit Tournament and other activities.
With the rules for the tournament stated and understood; the Heavy Bear Pit Tournament started. Viscount Fergus mac Thomais, Donna Étaín O’Rowarke, and Tiarna Bránn mac Finnchad entered the list in hopes of becoming the next Warlord of the Barony of Selviergard. The battles, as with all Bear Pits, were quite brutal with each fighter putting in great effort to hold the circle by either pushing their opponent out of the ring or slaying them where they stood.
Donna Étaín O’Rowarke faces against Viscount Fergus mac Thomais in the Bear Pit Tournament at the Barony of Selviergard’s Warlord’s Tournament. August 12, 2017. Photograph by Halfdan Ôzurrson.
