For the Baroness! A New Champion is Found

The Barony of Eskalya, Oertha—It was time once again for the Barony of Eskalya to determine a new champion; and this year the trials were Norse in nature.  With a variety of activities and competitions that earned points; this was a fun way to show who amongst the populace would prove his or her mettle and be named as Champion.

The day opened with preparations for the event as the populace members filtered into the scenic outdoor site surrounded by trees on all sides with a beautiful view of the mountains in the distance.  The day was warm, but not too hot, which allowed a variety of activities to be enjoyed to the fullest.
The opening court of Gavin and Celestria, the Baron and Baroness of Eskalya also hosted the visiting Prince and Princess of Oertha as well as the Baron of Selviergard.  Opening statements were given and especially thanking members of the populace for attending and, from there, the activities would soon commence to entertain and test the skill of those who would take part.

There were several competitions throughout the day that the participant would receive one point for entering.  Additional points were given to those who placed in the competitions with the overall point score determining the Champion of the Barony of Eskalya.  The first competition was Axe holding--where competitors would hold two axes perpendicular to the ground and at arm’s length for as long as they could; in reality, a test of strength competition.

The Axe Holding competition starts at the Barony of Eskalya’s Baroness’ Champion event.  August 3, 2019.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.

From there, the second competition was wrestling in which three combatants took to the small tournament ring and, with interlocked hands around their opponent, attempted to force the other either down to the ground or out of the ring.  The cheering from those watching the competition was loud and vigorous with each person encouraging the combatants on to victory.  From there, the armored combat Bear Pit Tournament took place with the same three combatants alongside Gregor, Prince of Oertha, taking to the field.

Lord Kollr Ulfsson and Timothy of Eskalya clash in the Bear Pit Tournament held at the Barony of Eskalya’s Baroness’ Champion event.  August 3, 2019.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozzurson.

After the tournament there was fish throwing or, as Baron Halfdan laughingly called it, Fish Chucking.  Here the populace attempted to throw a ‘fish’ the furthest distance possible with His Highness easily winning the competition for distance.  After this fun competition there was a tug of war contest in which contestants laid on the ground with the rope under their head and at the call of lay on, got up as quickly as possible and attempted to pull their opponent towards them.  Lastly there was the bardic competition in which stories were told to the amusement of all with a variety of different tales told.

Feast provided was potluck with the addition of scrumptious Norse delights brought to the event by the Feastocrat team.  A non-formal affair; feast was enjoyed by all with the sound of laughter ringing through the site as the day’s highlights were recounted with gusto and cheer.

In the final court for the day the Autocrat of the event, Dame Elspeth Buchannane of Loch Lomond made known the winners of the various competitions and presented them with prizes for their efforts and skills.  From there, Baron Gavin and Baroness Celestria of Eskalya thanked the Autocrat of the event with a token of esteem, a ring made by the hands of the Baroness herself.  Last, but not least, Lord Kollr Ulfsson was named as the Baroness’ Champion and presented with the regalia for both him and his lady.

Gregor and Bella, Prince and Princess of Oertha took the opportunity to have a brief court in which they called forward the Autocrat of the event, Dame Elspeth Buchannane of Loch Lomond, and thanked her for her service and a wonderful event.  Additionally, Their Highnesses also called forward those who slaved in the hot kitchens to provide amazing foods for the potluck in which they were thanked profusely.  In a final bit of business; Their Highnesses proclaimed that for the duration of Their Reign that potatoes would be considered a period food item—much to the cheering of the gathered populace.

With three cheers court was concluded and the populace was released to start packing up their gear in preparation for the close of the event.  With help; everybody was able to finish packing their vehicles before the gates closed for the night.

It was another fine event in the Barony of Eskalya where people came together to enjoy the late summer day while participating in a variety of fun competitions.  As Her Excellency, Baroness Celestria noted in a missive to the populace; “Baron Gavin and I would like to thank those gentles came out to join us for Baroness’ champion event this weekend. Though our numbers were [few], we very much enjoyed all the activities and camaraderie.”  His Highness, Prince Gregor also took the opportunity to comment about the event saying “What brings the most joy to this old heart was the togetherness we all shared today. It was one solid group of people hanging out together enjoying each others company the entire time. That was nice on so many levels!”

The Selviergard Associated Press

Unpublished

Event Date:  August 3, 2019