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.
After the tournament the tokens from the gallery’s choice were counted, and the winners were announced. Master Brann Mac Fynin was noted for his ferocity on the field and named The Great Bear and Baron Halfdan presented him with a tabard representing his role in the hunt. Both Donna Étaín O Rowarke and Lord Colum Mac Eoghain Uí Niall were recognized for chivalric valor on the field and both were to be named as the White Stag by the populace’s choice. However, the Baron stated that only one mythical beast had been spotted in the woods and Lord Colum Mac Eoghain Uí Niall would take the part of the White Stag in the hunt and was presented with a tabard as well.
From there, the fighters were led to the woods where the hunt would take place and shown the boundaries and told the rules of the hunt. As there were only three fighters the rules of the hunt were altered from the original description in the event copy but only slightly. To have more possible fighting for all those involved; the bear was allowed to attack the Stag but only after defeating the hunter.
In the first hunt; the hunter made way through the woods in search of the elusive White Stag. Sadly, the Great Bear snuck up upon the hunter and devoured her before deciding he was still hungry. The White Stag, watching the hunter meet her end, moved quickly to the enchanted glade where he would escape the jaws of the ravenous bear; thus escaping for yet another year.
The White Stag prepares to escape the woods at the Barony of Selviergard’s Summer Hunt. Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson. June 30, 2018.
The scenario was played out twice more to allow each fighter the opportunity to take part in a different role. The clash of steel, the tromping of underbrush, and the occasional “RAWR!” could be heard throughout the woods.
After the hunt the rest of the day was spent with pleasant diversions including a game of bocce and, later on, the traditional Selviergardian game of Rock—which was a wonderful opportunity for those who had never played this game to learn it. Later in the evening a feast was held with glazed ham and chicken provided by the Barony alongside wondrous and scrumptious dishes brought by the populace.
A final court was held after feast in which Baron Halfdan thanked his co-Autocrat and gifted her with a bronze ring as his tradition. Additionally, the winners of the various competitions were announced and prizes were bestowed to the winners. For being chosen as the Great Bear, Master Brann was given a leather satchel with various trinkets in it. Both Stags were given drinking horns with a stag engraved upon it. Additionally, Lady Ciara Inghean U Beirichtir was given a bauble for the best decorated rock, and Lady Jenness was bestowed a set of candles for her part in hosting the event.
Bardic was held overlooking the river far below and songs and stories were told to celebrate the day’s activities. Additionally, there was a bardic contest, the theme of which was “hunting.” Master Brann Mac Fynin won this contest with his rendition of “The Highwayman.”
The bardic went late into the night with many stories and songs and plenty of laughter among friends and family.
Bardic is enjoyed at the Barony of Selviergard’s Summer Hunt. Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson. June 30, 2018.
Sunday’s weather was beautiful but this was the day that the event was winding down and it was time to start taking down camps in preparation to head home. Farewells were given after things were carefully packed and it was time again to head off to homes both far and near with fond memories of a fun event.
While the White Stag has once again evaded capture; we celebrate the coming together as a group to enjoy the summer months. The event, while small, captured the essence of family as we all gathered to have fun in the midst of a beautiful location and plenty of cheer. As Baron Halfdan stated in his closing remarks “sometimes it’s the smaller events that are the most fun.”
Will the great White Stag be spotted again? Will the majestic creature once again visit the lands of Selviergard prompting another hunt? Perhaps he will, and if he does return we will be ready to meet him for another grand adventure in the Barony of Selviergard.
The Selviergard Associated Press
Originally Published in the August 2018 edition of The DragonTale
Originally Published in the August 2018 edition of The DragonTale
Event Date: June 30 - July 1, 2018
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