Oertha's Prince and Princess Revealed!

The Principality of Oertha--Winter’s icy fingers gripped at the witness’s cloaks in attempt to draw them away to the warmth of the hall but the vast majority weathered the harsh climes of winter in Oertha to observe the choosing of a new Prince and Princess. Inside; banners were hung on the wall, tables were decorated with gusto, and the hall was filled by those around the Principality in attendance--a welcome sight as many Oerthans gathered this weekend in great numbers to partake in something special, the Winter Coronet and Investiture.

The opening court of the day saw some announcements and the swearing of fealty to the King and Queen of the West by the baronages of the various baronies in the Principality and by the Knights, Laurels, Pelicans, and other Peers of the Realm. In addition, Mistress Caitríona inghean ui Chionaodha was inducted into the Order of the Laurel for her many wondrous works in the artistic aspect of the Society. From there, those who would fight in the tournament to determine the next Prince and Princess of Oertha were brought in, amid great pageantry and splendor, to swear the oath and prepare themselves for the tournament.

Entrants to the Coronet Lists of Oertha swear the Oath. January 16, 2016.  Photograph by Yamano Yuki.

Yuletide Celebrations in Eskalya

The Barony of Eskalya, Oertha--The Barony of Eskalya hosted a Yule celebration in which there was plenty of merrymaking held in the warm hall. Tables were decorated for the season, colorful garb donned, and friends and family joined together to drive the cold winter away.

A group photograph at Eskalya's Yule celebration.  December 5, 2015. Photo by Halfdan Ozurrson.

Good Cheer and Dancing in Selviergard

"Sing the songs and dance the dances

For the season for mirth is here"

- from The Song of Selviergard

Barony of Selviergard, Oertha--The Barony of Selviergard celebrated the season of Yule with laughter and cheer at the much anticipated yearly activity. The event, modeled after a later-period Ball, was well attended by many people from both the Barony of Selviergard and the Barony of Eskalya (with an attendee from the far away land of Ravensfjord) ready to celebrate the holiday season with masks, later period clothing, and lots of food. Did we mention lots of food?

Friends gather at the start of Selviergard's Yule.   December 12, 2015.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.

Boniface Hosts Collegium

Barony of Winter's Gate, Oertha--The College of St Boniface hosted a Collegium in the Far North for those interested in learning more about different arts and sciences in the Society for Creative Anachronism. The classes ranged from Leather Turn Shoes to Calligraphy, from Mittens to Marshalling, and many things in between.

Baroness Ellisif a Reikiavik starts her class at the St. Boniface Collegium. November 14, 2015.  Photo by Halfdan Ozurrson.

The event was well attended by those from the Barony of Winter's Gate in addition to some visitors from the Barony of Selviergard. And while the weather outside was cold (it was called it a tropical heat wave by those who live in the area) the classrooms were warmed by the friendship of those in attendance and quite comfortable.

With so many interesting classes, as with all Collegiums, difficult decisions had to be made as to what class to attend while asking for notes from those classes missed. There were simply too many classes to choose from which shows the depth and breadth of talented people in the Principality of Oertha.

The Autocrat for the event, as well as all the instructors, should be commended on such a wonderful Collegium with a diverse selection of things to learn about. Many left the event with new ideas for old projects and new projects planned for the winter months ahead…exactly the way a Collegium should be.

The Selviergard Associated Press
Published in the December 2015 edition of The DragonTale
Event Date:  November 14, 2016

Celebrating Samhain

"The hall is festooned with bears…excellent!"

--Halfdan, Baron of Selviergard

The Barony of Selviergard, Oertha--Samhain is a wonderful time of the year when the veil between this world and the next is at its thinnest; allowing the spirits to enter our world and enjoy time with friends and family who are still living. Children often take this time to rampage for candy while adults usually have parties where many dress in spooky costumes and eat finely wrought foods shaped as skulls or other morbid designs.

The Barony of Selviergard hosted an event to welcome the season and feast, fight, and have fun in true Selviergardian style.  Members from around the Principality of Oertha came together to enjoy a fantastic event in a warm hall.

Two Rapier Tournaments were held; a "First Blood" and a Grand Melee.  The Rapier fighters included Donna Etain O'Rowarke, Magistra Cynehild Cynesigesdohtor, and Tiarna Brann mac Finnchad.  It was Cynehild that won the First Blood Tournament while Tiarna Brann mac Finnchad that won the Grand Melee; effectively sending his opponents to the afterlife.

The Rapier fighters participate in a Grand Melee.  October 31, 2015.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.

Super Heroes, Super Villains Clash

The Barony of Eskalya, Oertha--The Barony of Eskalya hosted a Samhain celebration in which participants were encouraged to come as their favorite super hero or super villain as they may have looked like in the time period of the Society for Creative Anachronism.  Many people attended, and the plethora of different themed clothing worn by the majority of the celebrants was quite fun to behold.

People dressed from many different aspects of a culture that is very well represented in the Society.  Marvel, of course, took the day, but DC, Star Wars, and even Nintendo was represented as well. "Seeing all the awesome representations of heroes and villains was amazing!" the Autocrat, Anna di Caterina Neri, declared after the event in her missive to the populace.

Super Heroes and Villains pose for the historians at Eskalya's Samhain.  October 17, 2015.  Photo by Halfdan Ozurrson.

Archers Take Aim

"Selviergard archers with bow and arrow in hand,

the apples may survive but not the beasts of the land."

--From The Chronicles of Selviergard

The Barony of Selviergard, Oertha--While the Fall Fling was a small event it was quite enjoyable for all who were able to make it out to celebrate a day of archery.  While mostly attended by Selviergardians, there was at least one couple from Ravensfjord and one person from Eskalya who came out to witness who would become the Barony of Selviergard's Archery Champion.

Tiarna Brann mac Finnchad and Baron Stephen de la Bere inspect the target.  October 10, 2015.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.