Skeldergate Hosts Baronial Fight Practice (May 2003)

By THL Colyne Stewart

In service to Septentria, my Lady and I went to Corwyn and Domhnail’s first baronial fight practice even though neither of us could fight. (In a previous fight practice Thorfinna had hurt her knee and I bruised some ribs running into a giant.) We could only watch with envious eyes as various Septentrian fighters took to the lists. The Hrogn were in evidence (as is only fitting since we were at Skeldergate) as were fighters from Caer Draeth and Ardchreag. Baroness Domhnail was fierce upon the field, while the baron was given lessons by Berus Jarl. (Corwyn also taught all watching that when a man as tall as his Excellency falls, it is as if a tree was parted from its stump. Once must quickly move aside or be crushed by its length. Just ask a certain limping Skeldergater.)

At a table nearby three good gentles worked on stone carving while inside the hall Skeldergate demonstrated its hospitality by providing a various assortment of treats and drinks. (This chronicler was denied the last chocolate chip cookie by a raiding Norseman with Aztec tattoos.) A herald’s table had been set up on one wall, while beside it others worked on chain mail and the repairing of old baronial banners.

It was an enjoyable night as we discussed upcoming events, office changes and the radiance of a part of our good baron’s anatomy. (You had to be there. Of course, if you weren’t, a poem has been written.)

As any baronial gathering it helped cement relationships between folk from different cantons and households. Hopefully future practices will happen soon.

Septentrian Baronial Fight Practice (May 5, 2002)

By THLaird Colyne Stewart

On May 5^th, Ardchreag was honoured to host a Baronial Fight Practice at Thompson Park in Scarborough. Fighters and fencers came from Petrea Thule, Eoforwic, Greenhithe territory, and Ardchreag. Many good gentles who do not fight sat and talked and sung songs and sewed and spun. It was a very good opportunity for people from across the Barony to meet in a laid-back friendly environment. All told there were approximately sixteen people in attendance.

While the fencers fought there was some one-on-one armoured combat, followed by shield wall drills. Thorfinna, a good gentle named Will, and I formed a shield wall while Baron Cynred, Tiberius (of Petrea Thule) and Druss (Squire to Sir David) poked, prodded and pulled at us. (I commented that all the experienced fighters were with spears, and all the newbies with shields. The Baron laughed and said, “Welcome to Pennsic!”) When it was over, we were told that if all the shield men in Ealdomere could fight as cohesively as us three our Kingdom would be in good shape. (The more experienced fighters then looked at each other and japed that all that would mean was that House Darkyard would be sicked on us.)

The practice lasted for two hours though it was another hour before all packed up their carts for the rides home. If this is an indicator of Baronial Fight Practices I hope they continue to be held on a regular basis so that all those in the Barony can get together outside of an event. It is good.