The magical hall begins to fill as the event starts at the Barony of Eskalya’s Samhein event. October 28, 2017. Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.
The Autocrat for the day’s event, Syr Verica of Lighthaven, welcomed one and all as they made their way to the event. Upon sign-in, participants were given a wand of their very own and the opportunity to draw a slip of paper that told them what magical item was inside these unique site tokens.
Upon the setting and decorating of their tables; celebrants took the opportunity to have a snack and visit with fiends. Many people from the both the Barony of Selviergard and the Barony of Winter’s Gate were able to attend as well, and with the addition of many newcomers, there was plenty of visiting and laughter to be had.
An opening court was held in which the Baronesses of Eskalya welcomed one and all to the event. The Autocrat had some announcements to give in which she told the assembled populace what was planned during the course of the event; planned items such as contests and tournaments and even a potluck feast towards the evening. Additionally, Lord Collum of Selviergard performed a sonnet that he had written in honor of the sister Baronesses. From there the populace was invited to have fun as the opening court ended.
After court the Captain’s Tourneys took place outside. The weather, while cool, was still comfortable to witness the fighters compete for the honor of being the Heavy or Rapier Captain of the Guard for the Barony of Eskalya. The gallery, formed on three sides of the tournament field, watch in glee and anticipation while the fighters prepared themselves for the coming battles.
The first tournament was to determine the Heavy Captain of the Guard for the Barony of Eskalya. In this tournament three fighters took the field: Lord Sevastian Agafangilovich Golytsin, Lord Conner Ulfsson, and Lord Guðleifr Bjornòlfsson. Baron Hans of Winter’s Gate took the bye fight to help test the mettle of the fighters who vied to be acknowledged as Captain by his sisters in the Barony of Eskalya. The tournament was run in a traditional style in which all fighters took the field against each the other with two defeats eliminating them from the competition. The fights were fair and clean, and one fighter clearly winning the tournament to take the day as the Heavy Captain of the Guard.
A brief recess was called while the gallery went inside to warm up with some Butter Beer that was graciously provided by the Autocrat and her team.
After the gallery returned the Rapier fighters were ready to partake in the Rapier Captain Tournament. The fighters, numbering three, were Donna Étaín O’Rowarke, the Honorable Lady Kharakan Saran, and Lady Angela of Eskalya. The tournament was run the same as their heavy counterparts and the fights, as always with the rapier community, were quick and deadly. One person made their way through the tournament to win the title of Rapier Captain of the Guard.
THL Kharakan Saran and Lady Angela of Eskalya face each other on the tournament field at the Barony of Eskalya’s Samhein event. October 28, 2017. Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.
After the tournaments the Autocrat held a Quidditch Race in which teams of three, given a magical broom, relay raced down the way and back again before passing off the broom to the next teammate. Both young and not so young took part in this activity and there was much laughter.
Another activity that was quite popular with all was the Wolf Paw Maurader’s Map; complete with Hogwarts Themed prizes for all. Participants walked down a hallway with numbered papers taped to the floor under their feet. In a line they marched to magical music until the music suddenly stopped. Upon collecting the numbered paper that the participant landed on, they would then take them to the Autocrat’s helper and awarded a prize. Prizes ranged from a house elf of their very own, to golden snitches, to even the fabled Elder Wand for one special winner.
There was still plenty of time to continue schmoozing before feast began. It was a great opportunity to ask for treats, or to have a laugh with friends, or to even view the different table top decorations presented. One such notable decoration was made by Viscount Fergus mac Thomais. He crafted two items for his table: a replica of a Quidditch field and a tower surrounded by Dementors. The Dementor tower had moving parts in which when the key was turned the ghastly ghouls moved around the tower.
Additionally, on display were some Arts and Sciences competitions hosted by the Barony. The first was the Barony of Eskalya’s Tri-Wizard Largess Tourney (affectionately called the Largess Dobby…er, Derby, by some.) Here, items were crafted and offered unto the barony for their coffers to be given as largess. Entrants were able to pick one item from those entered and the other items were then given to the Baronesses. Additionally, one of the contests for the Principality Arts and Sciences Competition took place. The contest was for Hats and Headcoverings in which participants would accrue points for the year-long competition and there were several entries at this event.
A feast was held as the light began to diminish outside. A grand potluck was set and there was plenty of food for everybody to enjoy. Toasts were given, stories of SCA Magical moments were told, and there was warmth and cheer in the hall as participants feasted upon a variety of foods.
A closing court was held after feast in which the Prince and Princess of Oertha were invited to hold court and the baronages of both Winter’s Gate and Selviergard were invited to sit in state as honored guests.
In the court of their Excellencies, Baroness Clare and Baroness Cynehild, final announcements for the day’s events were given—including the winners of the different contests throughout the day. In this announcement, it was made known that Lady Iriniia Myshkinova won the new garb competition while Viscount Fergus mac Thomais had won the tabletop decoration competition and awarded with tokens and thanks from the Autocrat. Furthermore, Lady Ceara der Alcan was admitted into the Order of the Silver Bough, a baronial award to commend outstanding achievements in the field of arts and sciences. Finally, the items entered in the Tri-Wizard Largess Tourney were presented to the Baronesses for future distribution as their Excellencies see fit.
In the beginning of the court of Their Highnesses, Duncan and Violet, there was a presentation of a wand for His Highness by Lady Rainna Fathirsdottir. Throughout the entire court His Highness practiced his “flick and swish” upon the populace much to everyone’s mirth. From there, court continued with Their Highnesses calling forward Bear and Jake, both newer members of the Barony of Eskalya. Alongside these two gentles was also called forward Lord Guðleifr Bjornòlfsson who introduced these two gentles to the Society. Their Highnesses noted how quickly Bear and Jake adapted to Society and presented them with Awards of Arms. From there, Her Highness asked that Lord Guðleifr Bjornòlfsson accept the position of Princess’ Escort in which he responded in the affirmative. Additionally, Syr Verica of Lighthaven was honored with admission into the Order of the Diamond Willow, a Principality-level award for those who excel in the arts and sciences within Oertha.
With kind words and thanks to the populace, so ended the Court of the Prince and Princess of Oertha.
However, before the close of the event, it was realized that the winners of the tournaments were not announced. In an emergency court; Their Excellencies of Eskalya proclaimed that Lord Sevastian Agafangilovich Golytsin had won the heavy tournament and his inspiration, Lady Angela of Eskalya had won the rapier tournament—and since her lord was already the Champion of the Barony of Eskalya; Lady Angela of Eskalya was named Captain of Their Excellency’s Guard.
The hall was cleaned quickly, with everybody lending willing hands to clean up the hall. Syr Verica of Lighthaven noted many people in her missive after the event and thanked each and every one of them for helping her and the Autocrat Team in various duties noting “Thank you to ALL who took the time to come join in the festivities of our Eskalyan Samhein Event. Pumpkins and candles floating above us, we enjoyed a magical day of activities, contests, fighting, and most of all camaraderie. 'Family' coming together in a shared dream!”
The Selviergard Associated Press
Unpublished
Unpublished
Event Date: October 28, 2017
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