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.
After the Bear Pit Tournament, Donna Étaín O’Rowarke and Tiarna Bránn mac Finnchad took the field to determine the next Rapier Champion. A Bear Pit format was not used for this tournament as there were only two combatants, but the Baron requested that each round had different styles utilized so that both fighters would be able to showcase their skill in all aspects of the Rapier persuasion.
Donna Étaín O’Rowarke moves in for a killing blow against Tiarna Bránn mac Finnchad in the Rapier Tournament held at the Barony of Selviergard’s Warlord’s Tournament. August 12, 2017. Photograph by Halfdan Ôzurrson.
Adele mac Thomais takes aim while Lady Rainna Fathirsdottir watches on during the Archery Competition at the Barony of Selviergard’s Warlord’s Tournament. August 12, 2017. Photograph by Halfdan Ôzurrson.
With the last arrow was shot a grand feast was held under the Baronial pavilion which included not only food from the Autocrat team but also delicacies brought by those in attendance. Special guests from Erienwerder, who travelled far beyond the borders of Selviergard, were a welcome addition to the evening and more tables were brought in out of the weather, additional chairs were found, and everybody enjoyed spending time together while eating large amounts of food.
After feast Baron Halfdan held a closing court. It was here that the winners of the day’s competitions were installed as their respective champions of the Barony. Viscount Fergus mac Thomais once again claimed the title of Warlord and the position of Shieldmaid was bestowed upon Viscountess Margarita di Calvi as his inspiration. Tokens of the office were once again bestowed and three cheers exalted from the crowd. The position of Rapier Champion of Selviergard was given to Tiarna Bránn mac Finnchad, and while his Inspiration, Alberadis Wise was not present, the Baron had kind words for her as well. This year, the Archery champion went to Adele mac Thomais, the youngest person to hold this position in the Barony of Selviergard and, perhaps, even the Principality of Oertha. Baron Halfdan noted that although she was still considered a youth that her prowess on the archery range rivalled many adults who he had witnessed at many events. Baron Halfdan also made known his appreciation and high esteem of everybody who took part in the competitions; no matter if they won or not and that all of the competitors shone brightly that day in their efforts and participation.
Additionally, in court, Baron Halfdan recognized the bardic grace of Lord Rin McCray and named him the premier of the Order of the Laughing Lyre; a new award for excellence in the Bardic Arts for the Barony of Selviegard.
With the weather uncooperative many people decided to head back to their own homes rather than spend the evening camping. The wind and rain was rough that evening but not unbearable for two members of the populace who stayed overnight to help finish the celebration of the day’s event.
This year’s Warlord’s Tournament helped ensure that the traditions of the Barony of Selviergard continue along not only in the present but well into the future. In his missive to the populace later that week, Baron Halfdan made his thoughts known to everybody by writing “Thank you to the Autocrats who put on such a wonderful event, for without your efforts we cannot come together as a Barony to celebrate The Dream together. Thank you also to those that moved and helped set up things, those that brought tasty things to share, and those who were able to make it out to the Warlord’s event despite the wet weather so common in our lands this year.”
The Selviergard Associated Press
Originally Published in the October 2017 edition of The DragonTale
Originally Published in the October 2017 edition of The DragonTale
Event Date: August 12, 2017
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