Horses Brawl Welcomes Spring

“His name is Killer…Carrot Killer.”

--Baron Halfdan while showing off his war steed

The Barony of Selviergard, Oertha—The return of Spring was once again welcomed by the members of the Barony of Selviergard at their annual Spring Offensive event held in the scenic lands of central Selviergard this year.  The theme of the event, Horses Brawl, was an exciting and fun ‘equestrian’ activity to take part in as once again the Trollish traditions of Selviergard were upheld with mirth, merriment, and even a bit of mayhem.

Participants to the Horses Brawl Spring Offensive were encouraged to bring their own stick horse to take part in the activities; activities that included armored combat, jousting, and even a game of Buzkashi—a Middle Eastern variant of Polo.  The ‘steeds’ brought to the event showed great skill and ingenuity in showcasing a wide variety of different horses; from the massive warhorse brought by Viscount Fergus mac Thomais to a simple workhorse brought by Baron Halfdan of Selviergard and several other types of equines in between.
While the event officially opened on Saturday; several populace members took the opportunity to arrive on Friday to set up camp and enjoy the warmth of a campfire and friendship.  Stories were traded, marshmallows toasted, and laughter echoed into the woods late into the night.

Saturday brought the event and the activities centered around the equestrian arts and spending time around the campfire.  As the event prepared to get started people prepared their horses for the day, grabbed another tankard of water, and prepared to take part in the activities provided for the day.

“Killer” nuzzles Lord Hraði Kottr at the Barony of Selviergard’s Spring Offensive event.  May 18, 2019.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.

Everybody made their way to the tournament ready to start the fun.  The first activity was several quick games of Buzkashi; a game involving horses and the carcass of a goat or calf (a large plush item representing a calf was used instead—for reasons).  Baron Halfdan and the Autocrat for the event, Mistress Étaín O’Rowarke informed the assembled populace members about the game and its rich history and modern popularity especially in the Middle East.  The first rounds were free-for-all and were used to determine the captains for the team portion of the game.

After the individual bouts the captains were announced, and they then chose their teams and took part in several rounds of team Buzkashi.  The game was fast and furious as the combatants each vied to get the “calf” to the goal post and at least one of the legs was ripped off accidentally in the process.  All in all, the game was amazing and fun to watch.

After Buzkashi it was time for the tournaments.  The Rapier Tournament, which consisted of Donna Étaín O’Rowarke and Lord Colum Mac Eoghain Uí Niall, was fought on horseback and was a joy to watch.  The best three out of five fights determined the victor of the tournament which was no small task for to fall off your horse meant defeat.

Donna Étaín O’Rowarke and Lord Colum Mac Eoghain Uí Niall exchange blows while on horseback at the Barony of Selviergard’s Spring Offensive event.  May 18, 2019.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.

From there, the jousting field was set up for the heavy fighters.  While running their ‘horses’ as fast as they could; Sir Gregor Hawke, Viscount Fergus mac Thomais, and Lord Hraði Kottr took turns charging their opponents while attempting to hit them with a spear—the efforts of which would gain them a point if successful.  After several passes the fighters switched to regular weapons while retaining the jousting field and continued the tournament on horseback.

At least two horses were seriously maimed in this battle; but the Selviergard Veterinarian was on hand with some duct tape and the horses were fixed up in time for the next round.

Viscount Fergus mac Thomais and Sir Gregor Hawke joust at the Barony of Selviergard’s Spring Offensive event.  May 18, 2019.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.

After the fights the populace made their way back to camp and preparations were made for a quick baronial business meeting around the campfire.  Additionally, Baron Halfdan held a brief court to conclude the activities for the day.  His Excellency took note to thank Baron Gavin and Baroness Celestria of the Barony of Eskalya for attending as well as all those in attendance from near and far.  It was here the Mistress Étaín O’Rowarke, the Autocrat for the event, made her announcements and named the various winners of the day as well and presented them with the prizes for their efforts.  Master Fergus won the Best Warhorse, Lord Colum won the Rapier Tournament, and Master Fergus and his team won the Buzkashi game.

The prizes were bars of chocolate, much to the delight of the recipients.

Baron Halfdan then presented the Autocrat with a bronze ring from his own hand, as is his tradition, and he thanked her for a wonderful and memorable event noting that the event was fun, exciting, and would be memorable for many years to come.

With three cheers court was concluded and the populace was released to eat dinner.

A cake was provided not only for Baron Halfdan and Mistress Margarita di Calvi, whose birthdays were in the month of May, but also for the Barony as well since Spring Offensive is recognized as the birthday of the Barony of Selviergard.  The populace was invited to partake of the cake in celebration.

As evening slowly made its way, a bardic was enjoyed by the campfire and went well into the night with many stories and much laughter shared.

Bardic is enjoyed at the Barony of Selviergard’s Spring Offensive event.  May 18, 2019.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.

The next morning brought the end of the event as pavilions and tents were packed into waiting vehicles.

In a message after the event from His Excellency; Baron Halfdan noted that “We spent the day showcasing our 'equestrian' skills while having fun celebrating the return of Spring to the lands of Oertha.”  And indeed the Trolls of lore would be quite pleased with how their descendants, the good people of Selviergard, celebrated the season—with mirth and joy, with combat and song, and with good friendship and welcoming arms to one and all.

Truly, this will be a Spring Offensive to remember.

The Selviergard Associated Press

Unpublished

Event Date:  May 18, 2019