Selviergard Celebrates Samhain

“Oooh…spooky.”—Baron Halfdan of Selviergard

The Barony of Selviergard, Oertha—The time had come for the celebration of the harvest as well as that special part of year when the veil between this world and the next is thinnest.  Festivities were planned and the populace was invited to a full day event with feasting, a tournament for both heavy and rapier fighters, and plenty of friendship and laughter throughout the day at the Barony of Selviergard’s Haunted Harvest Samhain held towards the end of October.

Members of the populace gather together at the start of the Barony of Selviergard’s Haunted Harvest Samhain.  October 27, 2018.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.

St. John's Dance Witnessed in Eskalya?

Event Report for the Barony of Eskalya’s Masked Ball Samhain

The Barony of Eskalya, Oertha—St. John's Dance, also known as the Dancing Mania, was a strange social phenomenon or real illness that occurred mostly in mainland Europe between the 14th and 17th centuries—with the earliest known occurrence happening in the 11th century in Bemburg.  The mania affected men, women, and children who danced until utter exhaustion, in some cases death, with no known reason as to why they started dancing.

The Barony of Eskalya featured something very similar in the middle of October during their Samhain event though there were no fatalities reported from this case.

With opening court, the Baronesses of Eskalya welcomed everybody to the Samhain Masked Ball.  After their opening statements the Baronesses of Eskalya recognized several individuals for their continued good works within the Barony of Eskalya.  Mistress Alienor FitzHenry was named a Courtier in the court of the Sister Baronesses and she was presented with a tippet for her position.  Additionally, the Order of the Caltrop, a baronial award given to those who have rendered exemplary personal service to the Baroness of Eskalya, was presented to Mistress Caitríona inghean ui Chionaodha and Mistress Alienor FitzHenry.

Additional awards and recognitions followed.  Hawise de Pevensey was recognized with the Silver Bough for her artistic ability within the Barony of Eskalya and Adelayde en Fiodoir was recognized with the Order of the Caltrop for her continued service to the Baronesses.

From there, the Autocrats of the event, Mistress Elspeth Buchannane of Loch Lomond and Viscountess Isabella Hawke gave brief announcements on what to expect for the day which included dancing, fighting, and feasting.

After court the day started with dancing.

Strange dances, such as Karabushka and Pavans, were performed with the knowledgeable Mistress Anna di Caterina Neri teaching and leading these popular dances to the populace.  While the dances did not last months, weeks, or even days as other outbreaks of the dreaded St. John’s Dance; the populace was well exhausted from hours of coordinated writhing and fancy footwork as prescribed my Mistress Anna di Caterina Neri.

In all, the epidemic was fun to witness.

Fun…or mania?  Dancers take part in favorite dances at the Barony of Eskalya’s Masked Ball Samhain.  October 20, 2018.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.

A Trip Down the Silk Road

Principality of Oertha, Kingdom of the West—The Shire of Hrafnafjordr hosted the Principality’s Summer Coronet and Investiture this year amid a beautiful weekend with many people from all over Oertha as together they celebrated the reign of Skeggi and Kharakhan, the Prince and Princess of Oertha, and welcomed Their Heirs to the Lupine Thrones.

Many populace members arrived on Friday to set up pavilions and encampments in preparation for a full weekend of activities that included tournaments, courts, bardic, and much more.  Additional time on Friday was spent visiting with friends and family and laughter filled the campsite liberally.

The event opened early on Saturday with a fundraiser breakfast being served and Turkish-style coffee offered.  Populace members waited for the event to officially open with court by relaxing and preparing themselves for the day’s activities.  Later in the morning it was time to start the event with the opening court of the day that would lead to the tournament to determine the next Prince and Princess of Oertha.

In opening court announcements were given regarding the event and upcoming activities.  The Autocrat of the event, Lady Sylvia of Thrace, welcomed all and gave information on what to expect during the weekend.  Additionally, Mistress Anna di Caterina Neri, the Principality Seneschal, had some words as well.

From there His Highness, Prince Skeggi of Oertha, welcomed all to the event in which he made known his appreciation for all those in attendance for what was to be a joyous weekend.  His Majesty, King Uther, had a kingdom court opened for business, first starting with calling Their Highnesses forward to swear fealty.

Afterwards Peers of the Realm were called forward to swear fealty as well and then His Majesty proceeded to inviting the populace to pay homage to the Crown of the West if they wished to do so.
His Majesty then called forward Lady Talorc Caer Arienrhold and presented her with a Court Barony.  In addition to her title she was presented with a baronial circlet for her new position within the court of the West.  There was much cheering from those in attendance.

From here, King Uther took the time to address the assembled populace about recognizing compassion and kindness in the Society.  It was here that he encouraged everybody to write out a thank you note during the event and to present it to another person so that the recipients of these kind words would be encouraged to continue their works and deeds that exemplify the Society that we live in.

The court then transferred back to Prince Skeggi and Princess Kharakhan as they concluded court for the morning in which several awards and recognitions were given to members of the populace.  The Order of the Orion was presented to Lord William the Archer for his skill in archery within the Principality of Oertha.  While Lord William was not present, Baroness Elena of Winter’s Gate accepted the award and scroll on his behalf.  Additionally, the Order of the Argent Flame was presented to Adelaide the Weaver and Arnthorr Hesthofdi for their exemplary hospitality.

More awards and recognitions followed with Sir Culann mac Cianain being presented with the Order of the Oerthan Sword and Lord Bartram Sinclair being presented with the Ash Leaf by Their Highnesses.  The Oerthan Sword is a Principality award presented to those whose martial prowess and chivalrous behavior on and off the field is exemplary and the Ash Leaf is presented to those who excel in the fighting aspect of the Society on a kingdom-level.

With awards and recognition bestowed upon members of the populace it was time to start the ceremony to begin the Coronet Tournament.  Seven fighters were called forward to take part in the Invocation.  After presenting themselves and their Consorts to the populace and the Prince and Princess of Oertha; the fighters concluded the ceremony by taking the oath and choosing their opponents for the first round of the tournament.

Entrants to the Coronet Lists swear of the Axe of State at the Principality of Oertha’s Summer Coronet and Investiture.  July 21, 2018.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.

A New Warlord is Found

The Barony of Selviergard, Oertha—Amid the scenic landscape of Southern Selviergard and overlooking the great Eagle River did the Barony hold one of their traditional events to determine new champions.  This event dates back to the very beginning of Selviergard while it was inhabited by the Trolls and, still today, we hold this event that draws in fighters who wish to prove their skill in the most brutal of all tournaments: The Bear Pit. 

The event, hosted by Lord Rin McCray, was well attended by many populace members from both the Barony of Selviergard and the Barony of Eskalya and featured not only the tournaments for heavy and rapier, but other fun activities as well.  The weather was fair enough for an early August event, much better than some years in the past.

The site officially opened on Friday afternoon with several people making their way to the cozy campground to prepare for the activities on Saturday.  After setting up their camps many of the populace took the time to sit around the bardic fire to visit with each other and renew the bonds of family and friendship or to make new acquaintances.

Saturday morning saw the rest of those who would celebrate the event.

In opening court; Baron Halfdan welcomed all to the event stating that he looked forward to seeing not only the tournaments but the competitions as well.  From there, the Autocrat gave his announcements.  Here, Lord Rin McCray publicized the various contests that would be held throughout the day that included bardic and heraldic competitions.  It was after the announcements that the Warlord and Rapier Champions were released with gifts from the Baron and the Axe Oath given to those who would take part in the Bear Pit Tournament to determine new baronial champions.

After opening court, the fighters prepared for the tournament—a Bear Pit Tournament that tests not only the skills of the fighters but their endurance as well.  Ten minutes in the Bear Pit saw five fighters; Sir Bartram Sinclair, Sir Sevastian Agafangilovich Golytsin, Viscount Fergus mac Thomais, Lord Connar Ulfsson, and M'Lord Gudleif.  As with all Bear Pit Tournaments the fighting was fierce and involved a lot of pushing to try to get opponents to step out of the circle.  At the end of ten minutes, however, a clear winner was determined by the List Mistress.

Viscount Fergus mac Thomais and Lord Connar Ulfsson battle in the Bear Pit at the Barony of Selviergard’s Warlord’s Tournament.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.  August 4, 2018.

The White Stag Escapes for Another Day

The Barony of Selviergard, Oertha—The White Stag had been spotted by the baronial huntmaster in the lands of the Barony of Selviergard and it was once again time to sound the horn and gather together to take part in the hunt for the mythical creature. Combatants from around the Principality were invited to take their place in the quest for the White Stag; an event held at one of the Baron’s hunting lodges in the mountains surrounding Central Selviergard.

Friday night was overcast weather, but the clouds gently covering the highlands surrounding the lodge high up on the mountainside were a sight to behold.  Several individuals made it out early to prepare themselves for a full weekend and spent the evening around the table sharing stories and renewing the bonds of friendship.

Saturday, the day the majority of the activities would take place, was greeted with many of the populace gathering together; all ready to take part in a day full of activities.  An opening court officially started the event.  The Co-Autocrat, Lady  Ástríðr Þórudóttir, welcomed everybody in attendance and gave information on what to expect for the day.  Baron Halfdan was ready to witness great deeds and, deeming that it was time for the tournament to begin, closed his court and officially started the day.

As there were no heavy fighters present; the tournament and hunt would end up focusing around the rapier fighters.

The tournament opened with three rapier fighters:  Donna Étaín O’Rowarke, Master Brann Mac Fynin, and Lord Colum Mac Eoghain Uí Niall.  Several rounds of excellent fights between the combatants offered the gallery an opportunity to make their decisions as it was the gallery that would determine who would be the White Stag, who would be the Great Bear, and who would hunt the beasts.

Donna Etain O’Rowarke and Master Brann mac Finnchad clash in the tournament to determine who will take part in the Hunt at the Barony of Selviergard’s Summer Hunt.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.  June 30, 2018.

Selviergard Celebrates Fifteen Years

The sun was shining and the breeze was fair as the Barony of Selviergard celebrated one of the most important happenings in its history.  Observed every five years but kept in the hearts of many Selviergardians every year; this year’s celebration of the group becoming a barony was held in Talkeetna deep in the wild woods of Northern Selviergard.  It was here that people from all over the Principality came out to celebrate and rejoice together with tournaments, food, competitions, and bardics.

The start of the event was on Friday and the day saw many pavilions being set up with practiced ease.  The encampment circled the Eric where most of the activities would take place.  Pavilions from those of the Barony of Selviergard as well as the Barony of Winter’s Gate and even far-off Ravensfjord were beautiful to behold and provided an excellent atmosphere for the weekend-long celebration.  While there was no scheduled activities for Friday night many took the opportunity to visit with friends and family after setting up their home-away-from-home.

Saturday morning saw more visitors to the event and, later in the morning, Baron Halfdan of Selviergard held a court in which he welcomed all to the event including the Prince and Princess of Oertha as well as the visiting Baron and Baronesses of Eskalya and Winter’s Gate.  After words from Master Fergus mac Thomais, the Autocrat of the event, it was time for Baron Halfdan’s opening statement inviting all to take part in the celebration.  With a heartfelt recollection of an amazing journey that the Barony of Selviergard took fifteen years ago, Baron Halfdan wished the Barony a very, very happy birthday and gave word for the activities to commence.

The Heavy Tournament was first activity to take place.  Based on the ‘Book of the Five Rings,’ each individual tournament featured a different combat style.  The Earth Tournament was polearms and great weapons, the Water Tournament showcased Florentine, the Fire Tournament was represented by a round robin, and the Wind Tournament was fought by offhand single sword.  The winner of each tournament would then take part in the Champion’s Tournament to determine the overall winner.  Because of the large number of fighters and the overall length of the tournaments; some of the individuals ‘Rings” were changed with only the Void Tournament being cancelled.

Fighters take part in the Tournament of the Five Rings at the Barony of Selviergard’s Fifteen Year Celebration.  May 26, 2018.  Photograph submitted by Trevor Mora.

Stabbings at Ides of March; Royalty Safe

he Barony of Selviergard, Oertha—People from all over the Principality of Oertha gathered together to celebrate the Ides of March; an event centered around celebrating the most auspicious and warned about dates in history in true Roman fashion.  Besides spending the day lounging around in togas and stolas, attendees at the Barony of Selviergard’s anticipated event had plenty to do.  There was a dagger tournament for both heavy and rapier fighters, games of chance to play and place wagers on, a variety of competitions with Roman themes, and fine foods to enjoy.

With the arrival of Skeggi, the Prince of Oertha, and the addition of Clare and Cynnehild, the Sister Baronesses of Eskalya, the opening court of the day took place.  Baron Halfdan of Selviergard welcomed all to the event and wished everybody the best of luck in the tournaments and games planned for the day.  The Autocrat of the event, Master Sextus Valerius Crusillus and his co-Autocrat, Lord Ryoturu Komori, was then called forward with announcements regarding the event in which they gave information on the upcoming activities for the day.  From there, the Seneschal of the Shire of Hrafnafjordr, Lady Sylvia of Thrace, presented a gift for his Excellency: a vase, decorated in the Greco-Roman style, that was recently uncovered in a major archaeological expedition—and the gift was well received by the Baron of Selviergard.  From there, His Excellency called his officers forward and presented them with hand-embroidered belt tokens made by the hand of Yama No Yuki-san and His Excellency gave many thanks for the officers continued works and efforts that benefit the Barony.

The Officers of Selviergard are given tokens of their offices at the Barony of Selviergard’s Ides of March event.  March 17, 2018.  Photograph by Ally of Selviergard.

From the Icy Cold a New Prince is Found

The Principality of Oertha, Kingdom of the West—The icy grip of winter held the land for all it was worth and snow lay thick on the ground; but the great hall where the Principality of Oertha’s Winter Coronet and Investiture was held was warm and brightly lit—a wonderful space to celebrate the reign of Prince Duncan and Princess Violet and welcome Their successors.  With esteemed visitors such as Hans and Helga, the King and Queen of the West and Prince Tuomas and Prince Snorri of the Mists in attendance, as well as welcomed visitors from various places in the West and even a few from faraway An Tir, the hall was filled with good cheer and much visiting as all eagerly awaited the events and activities for the weekend.

A brief court opened the event and it was here that Their Majesties accepted Fealty from those who wished to do so—including populace members who were invited to give homage to the King and Queen of the West in which many took the opportunity.

Members of the Principality of Oertha pay homage to the King and Queen of the West.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.  January 20, 2018.

Selviergard Celebrates Yule

“The season of joy and mirth for all,

With sounding cheers throughout the hall

Old years celebrated and new years hailed

For Selviergard memories of Yule regaled”

-from Sharp Pointy Teeth and Other Tales, The Selviergard Chronicles

The Barony of Selviergard, Oertha—The populace of the Barony of Selviergard gathered together to celebrate the season of Yule with feasting, cookies, fighting, and even a gift exchange in one of the traditional events within the Barony—Yule.  The activity, held in Central Selviergard, was well attended not only by local members of the populace but by visitors from the Barony of Eskalya and the Shire of Hrafnafjordr as well.  Also in attendance for the festivities were Their Highnesses, the Prince and Princess of Oertha, who made the trip from the lands of Winter’s Gate.

Yule was hosted by Mistress Margarita di Calvi and Mistress Nemonna Vicana and featured a wondrous amount of food, activities for the youth, and ample space for a variety of activities that showcased the glory of Selviergard in yuletide cheer.  The site token provided, silvery snowflake ornaments, were also presented and an iconic representation of the event.

The first part of the day was spent visiting with friends and family as is traditional with all Yules.  People gathered together to enjoy each the others company and visit; activities important to any event but to Yule especially.  The sound of laughter and talking filled the well-lit hall and friendships were made or renewed once again in Selviergard.

People start to gather around the food at the Barony of Selviergard’s Yule.  December 10, 2017.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.

Eskalya Celebrates a Very Russian Yule

The Barony of Eskalya, Oertha—Once per year the various groups of the Principality hold a Yule event to celebrate the upcoming holidays; and such events are so near and dear to many people’s hearts that many people travel great distances just to attend them.  The Barony of Eskalya celebrated this years holiday season with a very special Russian-themed Yule complete with dancing, competitions, and a feast.

The Autocrats of the event, Lady Ciara der Alcan and Mistress Elspeth Buchannane had plenty planned for the celebrants of Yule—a full schedule of interesting things to do and witness, but they also allowed plenty of time for visiting and whimsy.  Upon arrival, visitors to the Eskalyan Yule were welcomed not only with glad greetings but also with a small tabletop gnome of their very own as a site token.

Lunch was provided for all to enjoy.  The food table was set with Boolochky-Chanezhky, a type of Russian sweet roll (along with a selection of jams and jellies) as well as a delicious mushroom soup that was a delight to savor.  The lunch was a welcome addition to the event and devoured readily by those in attendance.

After lunch there was a demonstration of period rapier techniques from the Historic Recrudescence Guild, a group of living historians who educate and perform at a few select events in Alaska; the most notable being the Three Baron’s Renaissance Fair.  With these welcome visitors the assembled populace was able to witness a wonderful demonstration that was filled with useful information and provided entertainment for those witnessing the display.

Members of the Historical Recrudescence Guild demonstrate period fighting at the Barony of Eskalya’s Yule event.  December 9, 2017.  Photograph by Yamano Yuki.