[Source: THL Thorfinna gra'feldr]
This site is an ethereal library to house the many written histories of the kingdom, baronies, cantons and shires of Ealdormere.
Showing posts with label 2009. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2009. Show all posts
Sunday, 27 October 2013
Pennsic XXXVIII 2009
By Magistra Nicolaa de
Bracton
The story at Pennsic this year could
have easily been the weather. The first week featured frequent cloudbursts that
had rendered the parking areas and roads a muddy morass by the middle
weekend. Opening Ceremonies was actually
moved to the barn because the field was so slippery, and parking enforcement
was even stopped temporarily. However,
except for some overnight rain early in the week, the rest of the War featured
ideal weather—sunny with moderate temperatures. Only on the final Saturday did
rains finally make a return.
Pennsic XXXVIII will be remembered as
the year with two wars in one—and Ealdormere was on the winning side both
times. The first conflict consisted of
East and allies vs. Middle and allies, and with sides very closely matched, the
East was victorious. The second War was
East and Middle vs. the Known World.
Again, in a close matchup, the Known World was the victor. Of particular note was Ealdormere’s
performance in the first two field battles, where at the end a number of
Ealdormerians, including His Excellency Percival, walked off the field still
alive. Also, after the battles on
Monday, Count Etian, Sir Evander and Countess Domhnail were added to the Scroll
of Honour for their leadership on the field.
On that day, a boon was begged by Master Ruslan of the East Kingdom
Septentria made an outstanding
showing in Thrown Weapons this year, with Lady Catriona winning two
tournaments. Septentria also provided
Ealdormere’s only participant in Archer Champions, THL Dafydd.
The Roaming Roman party, now in its
second year, was a rousing success, as the Romans managed to thwart a number of
Celts intent on stealing Senex Crepitus’ banners. Senex Crepitus also made an
appearance at the camp of Caesar later in the week to answer charges of wearing
confusing headgear, false advertising, and “TBD”. After a spirited defense by Viscountess
Moria, intense consultations with Caesar, consumption of snack packs and
Limoncello, confusing Latin phrases, and copious use of the words “Hail
Caesar!” Baron Footus was acquitted of all charges.
Several hereditary arm rings were
also passed on, before the traditional presentation of the Brass Balls of
Septentria. Baron Percival presented them to Thorolfr for leading a can-can
line on the last day of battle, but then he turned around, stated that “a great
injustice had been done,” and called the armed might of Septentria forward.
Lord Bjarn than spoke to the “brass balls” it had taken His Excellency to
authorize and fight at Pennsic, and presented the Balls back to Baron
Percival. His Excellency was then mobbed
by a group hug. Master Hector then came
forward to proclaim His Excellency as of the same blood of Aedan o Kincorra, Aedenesbrother. Just as the court closed, Their Majesties
hijacked the Baronial chairs to open their own Court and create Anne Tinker and
Tiberius of Warwickshire as Court Barons. Beautiful stained-glass scrolls by
THL Tarian were presented to their new Excellencies.
Just before the guests departed, two
other things of note occurred. First, Viscountess Moria took Lady Catriona as
her protégé and Countess Rylyn did the same with Lady Anneke. Second, Lord Bjarn was serenaded with Pennsic
Christmas carols. This was the final act of several deeds coordinated by Lady
Jocelyn to give Bjarn Christmas at Pennsic. After he had departed for the Roman
party on Monday, Lady Jocelyn and Baroness Nicolaa decorated his tent with a
Christmas tree from Lady Catriona, ornaments from Countess Domhnaill, Thor’s
Hammer gingerbread cookies by THL Asa,
twinking lights from Lady Jocelyn, and a stocking sewn by Asa and
stocked with Viking toys (including beer, foam axes, duct tape, toy rhinos, and
a complete set of “Viking” action figures) by Nicolaa. The carols were courtesy
of THL Asa and Lord Gunther.
Septentrians recognized at Kingdom
Court included Baron Foote and Baroness Grainne, presented with Maiden’s Hearts
for their fundraising work for Barony and Kingdom as well as their support of
Pennsic fun. Lord Bjarn’s auspicious
week continued as he was made a Companion of the Order of Thorbjorn’s hammer
and presented with a scroll in the form of an axe. The culmination was the elevation of Baroness
Gaerwen to the Order of the Laurel Laurel
As has become traditional, many
Ealdormerians gathered at the water’s edge on Thursday night for the boat
burning. This year, the boat was named in memory of Mistress Etaoin, who passed
away earlier this year. This has been a hard year for many Septentrians in the
loss of both friends and family members. Lady Mary Hannah’s flute playing added
a note of gentle calm to the ceremonies, allowing all to remember those who had
passed. The boat tried its hardest to cling to the shoreline, but was carried
to the centre of the pond by a Trimarian pirate who braved the waters of
Cooper’s Lake .
War of the Trillium V 2009
By Magistra Nicolaa de
Bracton
Trillium War, as usual, featured plenty
of archery, thrown weapons, rapier, and armoured combat as Ealdormere’s martial
forces prepared for the upcoming Pennsic campaigns. Baron Percival was an
enthusiastic participant as a fighter this year.
Another highlight was beadmaking,
hosted by members of DARC, featuring an oven built onsite.
Court at War of the Trillium was
particularly eventful this year (and not just because the King kept making
ladies cry.)
Septentrian court featured
the awarding of a Bear’s Heart to Lord Gunther for his work on the Ursus, as an
archery supporter, and for Eoforwic. He
was later presented with his Scarlet Banner in Kingdom Court
The Order of the Crucible was then
called forward and THL Dafydd ap Sion was inducted for his extensive research
into historical archery (particularly the Mary Rose finds). The Order of Thorbjorn’s Hammer was then
called forward to add its newest (and youngest) member, Lord Quilliam. Another
new Honourable Lord was also made that day: Streonwold Wulfesbana was honoured
with a Grant of Arms. He and his lady
are the only Ealdormerians to be given bare Grants of Arms since we became a
kingdom.
Lord Rhodri from Calontir was also
added to the Scroll of Honour for his enthusiastic participation in the short
time he was visiting Ealdormere.
The “gotcha” awards continued as
Baroness Xristinia was given an Augmentation of Arms. Baron Brand was then called forward to do a
presentation, which consisted of him hijacking Court as herald to call forward
Magistra Nicolaa, who was then made a Baroness of the Court.
Princess Adrielle then called forward
two of her apprentices, Mahault and Mahhild, and chastised them for “going
feral.” She then asked AElfwyn to come
forward and to bring up her apprentice Gaerwen, who was also implicated in the
misbehaviour. After Her Highness
reprimanded Mahault and Mahhild by taking away their spoons, AElfwyn was left
to deal with Gaerwen, who was now grovelling before Her Highness. She explained there was only one way she knew
to do so—and begged a boon to elevate Baroness Gaerwen to the Order of the Laurel
The evening’s festivities concluded
with a triple CD release party, celebrating new works by Dame Tsivia, THL Emer,
and Mistress Marian. Attendees enjoyed
refreshments, several live performances, and Ealdormerian trivia quizzes with
bags of loot as prizes.
Icelandic Althing 2009
By Magistra Nicolaa de
Bracton
The last weekend of September saw the
return of the Icelandic Althing event, sponsored by the Canton of Eoforwic and
held on the property of Lord Graeme and Lady Aurelia in Orono , ON
Although the Althing was not blessed
with the beautiful weather from the previous week, Thor managed to keep the
thunder and rain away long enough for a very successful event. The highlight was the presence of in-depth
living history displays by DARC and Regia Anglorum, taking the form of a street
where craftsmen practiced their trades. Members of DARC demonstrated
beadmaking, wood turning, pewter casting, blacksmithing, and cookery; Regia
members were showing pottery, a warp weighted loom, and period poultry (among
other activities). The two groups also
collaborated on a pit firing of pottery coordinated by Mistress Keja. There was even a currency system allowing
attendees to purchase items sold by the craftsmen.
Two law cases were decided by the
lawspeaker, Master Hector, and one of them led to a holmgang, fought on 3 metre by three metre cloak (as specified in
the sagas). Several Boat Battles (a
variant of a bridge battle) were fought, followed by a holmgang
tournament. Archers enjoyed clout shoots
and a duelling tree set up by Lord Michael of Brentwood ,
and a loot shoot provided by Baroness Nicolaa.
Thrown weapons was also available most of the day.
The day concluded with a hearty stew and bread provided by Orlaith and
Ioseph from Eoforwic.
Their Majesties, resplendent in Norse
clothing sewn by a team from Eoforwic, had a brief court and honoured two
gentles of Eoforwic: Lucrece de Montsoreau was given the Award of Orion for her
clothing research and construction, and Lord Hans Thorvaldsson was awarded the
Maiden’s Heart for his work as baronial seneschal and “camp mom” for Eoforwic,
including hosting Baronial Barbeques.
Later, Their Excellencies of
Septentria held a brief court while the rains attempted to dampen the
camp. They awarded a Bear’s Claw to Lady
Alof for her spear work and a Bear’s Heart to Lady Eithne Briansdottir for help with the kids around camp and her
general support of the Barony. They also presented Jacque de Sorde with
baronial patches and a little bear token for his fighting spirit and his recent
support of Septentrian events. Based on
the feedback from this event, it is Eoforwic’s intent to repeat it again in the
future, perhaps in two years’ time.
Fall Coronation 2009
By Magistra Nicolaa de
Bracton
Their Graces Roak and Jocea completed
their reign and Their Majesties Nigel and Adrielle began theirs on a sunny,
warm day in late September. The final
court of Roak and Jocea included the awarding of a Maiden’s Heart to Michael of
Brentwood, the naming of many scribes to the Scroll of Honour for their work
during the reign, and the elevation of Odette de St. Remy to the Order of the Laurel
A Pas d’Armes then took place at a
crossroads on the site, near where Their Majesties had pitched a tent with a
viewing gallery. His Majesty held the
field with his company of tenans (who ranged in age and experience from Duke
Eliahu to Lord Bleddyn) accepting challenges from those present. Particularly
notable were the two Dukes from Drachenwald in their finery. The event was marked by visitors from the
Middle and other kingdoms near and far, as Their Majesties are well-travelled. During a break in the fighting, His Majesty
Nigel offered Baron Tiberius the position of King’s Champion, and he accepted.
Nearby, an enthusiastic rapier list was also enjoying the fine day.
The feast was particularly
remarkable. Prepared by Baron Oakhammer
and Baroness Aibhilin and their household and friends, every dish was cooked
from period recipes—and every dish was tasty and served at an appropriate
temperature in a timely manner. Only the fried Mars bars offered to Head Table
diverged from this devotion to authenticity.
A second court was held in the
evening. Duchess Genevieve stepped down
as Kingdom Seneschal, her replacement being Baron Corwyn. Mistress AElfwyn also stepped down as Earl
Marshal and Count Edward the Red assumed her duties. Their Majesties also
accepted the fealties of the populace, presenting those who had sworn with
rings to mark their status. Next, a writ was read bestowing the King’s and
Queen’s Favours on the Kingdom
of Calontir
A Volley of Arrows 2009
By Magistra Nicolaa de
Bracton
The weather was much more cooperative
at Vest Yorvik’s archery-focused event on September 12, in its second year.
Archers enjoyed clout shoots, an IKAC, a variety of fun shoots, and the woods
shoot at the 3D target range (although initially the course was almost too
challenging—the archers had been told to shoot from the marks used by compound
shooters with laser sights). A small
number of fighters also used the day to good avail. Their Highnesses spent the last weekend
before their Coronation relaxing, shooting, getting fitted for clothing, and
enjoying good company and entertainment.
Bowstrings and Tall Tales 2009
By Magistra Nicolaa de
Bracton
A small but dedicated group of
archers and thrown weapons enthusiasts braved threatening weather for the
traditional creative fun of this yearly event.
The highlight was the woods shoot, which featured a wide variety of
challenging scenarios including shoots through castle windows, an “immature wand” shoot through brush, and a
swamp gas shoot. The course was made even more challenging by the torrential
rain that broke out part of the way through the shoot. Although the archers came back thoroughly
soaked, a fun time was still had by all, and the lunch table put on by THL
Melusine and the Bastille du Lac crew was worth the wait (and the yellow
jackets thought so, too).
Winter War 2009
By Magistra Nicolaa de
Bracton
As has become customary, Winter War
was the first large event of the spring and the first chance for armoured
combatants to begin to practice their melee skills for the upcoming warm
weather campaigns.
Ten teams entered the melee round
robin tourney. Eight of these teams
consisted of five unbelted fighters and two more were all-Chivalry teams of
four fighters. Three of the unbelt teams
(Septentria-Bjarn, Septentria-Tiberius, and Skeldergate) were from Septentria,
as well as one of the Chivalry teams (consisting of His Majesty Etian, Berus,
Nigel, and Worgen). Other teams
included the second Chivalry team headed by His Highness Roak, two teams from
Ramshaven, one from Ben Dunfirth, one from Trinovantia, and one from Rising
Waters.
Commenting on the fighting, THL
Justinian, who coordinated the tourneys, mentioned that all fought with
chivalry and grace, with few harsh words in the midst of some very hard
fighting.
The team commanded by Lord Bjarn was
victorious in the round robin section, followed closely by THL Tiberius’
team. The tourney was particularly
remarkable for the appearance of Baron Percival in his first melee
tourney. His report is included below.
Another highlight was the squiring of
THL Berend to Sir Nigel. Berend is
Nigel’s first squire, and the ceremony also marked the foundation of Nigel’s
new household. Their Majesties also made
Guillaume, lord to Countess Jolecia (and as of very recently, her husband) a
citizen of Ealdormere. He went on to
assist with the tourney, and will likely be seen frequently from now on.
Fighting was not the only attraction,
however; Baroness Tsivia spent the day sitting her vigil for the Order of the
Pelican. THL Anne Tinker coordinated the
vigil, including lovely food and special “mouchoir” attendants with tissues in
case the vigilee happened to get teary-eyed. (They were needed a number of
times during the day and during the subsequent ceremony itself). A number of dignitaries from as far away as
An Tir and Calontir made the journey to take part in Tsivia’s elevation, and
she was showered by many fabulous gifts.
A large number of rapier fighters
also turned out to play all day in a large list. The Daughters of the North ran their yearly
fundraising raffle. A number of A&S
classes were offered, and for much of the day, the band Talbot’s Cross provided
live music to event-goers.
The highlight of Court was, of
course, Tsivia’s elevation. She
processed down the aisle, resplendent in a red cotehardie, under a canopy of
crossed banners held by members of the Chirugeonate. Seven speakers spoke to the virtues of faith,
hope, charity, temperance, justice, fortitude, and prudence, and with each
virtue came the presentation of a gift.
Mistress Fiona was there in spirit, as a member of her household carried
an urn with some of her ashes, and Tsivia was invested with a medallion that
once she had worn. The ladies with the
tissues were very busy during the ceremony.
When it came time to read the scroll, it was revealed that there were in
fact two scrolls, technically “promissories” — one with text in the shape of a
Pelican by Lady Cerridwyn, and the other, consisting of text only, by Tsivia’s
old friend Master Robert of Two Cliffs (which nearly caused Tsivia to fall over
when she heard the name).
One comment heard during the ceremony
was that many enjoyed the “old style” approach with lots of pomp and
circumstance. Congratulations to the
newest Pelican and way-back Septentrian!
Ealdormere Twelfth Night and Tenth Anniversary Celebration 2009
By Magistra Nicolaa de
Bracton
The Canton of Monadh played host to a
combined Kingdom Twelfth Night and Ealdormere Tenth Anniversary celebration on
January 31. The event was held in a
small but well-appointed site in the Monadh countryside. Most unusually, the event afforded the
opportunity to indulge in a number of winter activities, including tobogganing,
skating, and horse-drawn carriage rides (all in medieval clothing). Fighting took place in a downstairs room,
with the upstairs area given over to merchants, games, and Ealdormere
history. Quite a crowd came out to the
event—approximately twice the 150 that had been expected.
A relic table was set out for those
who wished to display artefacts from Ealdormere’s history; one of the more amusing was an authorization
record showing that a certain Etain (now His Majesty and a knight) had not
quite passed his greatsword attempt. The
canton of Monadh had also put together a timeline of history with space for
people to add their memories. This was
completely surrounded by a huge collection of photographs of Ealdormerians
dating back as far as the late 70s and continuing up through recent times.
The highlight of Septentrian court was
the presentation of the completed kneeling pillow by the Canton of Vest Yorvik
and of new pair of baronial coronets.
Photos of both are included later in this issue. Their Excellencies also welcomed the newest
Septentrian, Gareth (son of Hector and Sara) to his first event with the
traditional gift of a stuffed bear.
Pikeman’s Pleasure 2009
By Magistra Nicolaa de
Bracton
The weather for Pikeman’s Pleasure
was glorious—not too hot and sunny—and once again visitors were treated to
Thuligan fun and hospitality, with plenty of archery, thrown weapons, rapier,
and especially bridge battles to take part in.
One particular non-martial highlight was the placing on vigil of THL
Odette for the Order of the Laurel
Although His Excellency was unable to
attend, Her Excellency Christiana did hold a short court, in which Magistra
Nicolaa retired as archery champion to concentrate on her heraldic duties with
Their Majesties, and the new archery champion—Lady Mahhild de Valogne—was named
to defend Their Excellencies on the archery range.
Spring Crown Tournament 2009
By Magistra Nicolaa de
Bracton
Crown Tourney was hosted by the
Canton of Caer Draeth in a new site in Holland
Spring Coronation 2009
By Magistra Nicolaa de
Bracton
Coronation took place in Ben Dunfirth
on April 25. The entire event was put together on short notice, but other
than a lack of indoor fighting space,
the site was quite pleasant and made more so by the presence of a balcony.
Etian and Valfreya ended their reign
with grace, hugs, and a few tears, making way for the coronation of Roak and
Jocea. Wearing Irish-style clothing,
their Majesties were crowned in the hall, amongst the people, and received
their fealties while standing on a large “rock” brought in for the purpose.
Senex Crepitus ran a lunch counter
with especially tasty food, as well as a fundraising raffle. Several new members went “under the yoke” and
were presented with their Roman military tunics as a token of their status.
One other Septentrian highlight was
the squiring of Baroness Dagmar Halvdan to Sir Wat of Sarum. (A photo can be
found elsewhere in this issue).
During evening Court, Baron Brand
stepped down from the office of Trillium Herald just in time to be appointed
Queen’s Champion. Magistra Nicolaa
stepped up as Trillium Herald. As his last piece of
business, Baron Brand promoted THL Cainder and Lady Liadin to full-status Heralds in token of their long
service to the College
of Heralds
Kingdom Arts and Sciences Faire 2009
By Magistra Nicolaa de
Bracton
Septentria was well-represented at
the Kingdom A&S fair. Lady Catherine Redewell from Eoforwic was a
Pentathlon entrant. Just a few of the
highlights: Lady Anne of Saffron Walden
displayed a liturgical cloth woven from flax grown in a church garden, then
processed and handspun. THL Liadin had a wonderful display of scribal resources
and examples. THL Medb, the outgoing
Pent champion, displayed sugarpaste playing cards. Lady Lucrece de Montsoreau displayed a
comprehensive project on horned headdresses, including two completed hats.
The Ealdormere Academy of Defense
also hosted the playing of four Provost prizes.
New preceptor Lady Jocelyn organized the event and invited Don Giovanni
from Trimaris to visit and help give those playing their prizes a little good
competition (as this was the first group to attempt the Provost prize, and part
of the rules involves fighting others who already hold the rank). Don Giovanni also presented a German
longsword class to both rapier and armoured fighters before the tourney
began. Septentria’s THL Gareth Campbell
was successful in playing his Provost prize and invested with a scarf making
him one of Ealdormere’s first three Provosts in the Ealdormere Academy of
Defense.
The victor in the Pentathlon was Lady
Alais de Poitiers from Skraeling Althing. Lady Rilla then handed the reins of
the A&S office over to Mistress Keja—who was then surprised by being placed
on vigil by Their Majesties for the Order of the Laurel
Crown Tourney 2009
By Magistra Nicolaa de
Bracton
The canton of Ardchreag hosted Crown
Tourney on October 31 at the Sikorsky Hall in Oshawa
Rain threatened throughout the day
and cold winds whipped through the site, but the tourney itself went off
without a hitch. The semifinals included
Duke Edouard, Viscount Mordain, Sir Wat, and THL Quilliam. Both Wat and Quilliam had gone undefeated
through the tourney and would ultimately meet in an all-Septentrian finals. In an interesting twist, Quilliam’s consort,
Baroness Dagmar, was Sir Wat’s squire.
The victor was THL Quilliam, and he and Baroness Dagmar were immediately
invested as Prince and Princess. His
Highness will be the youngest to ever rule Ealdormere and is the first graduate
of a youth combat program in the Known World to win a Crown Tourney. (His fellow graduate Lord Gaijin also fought
in Crown, his first, that day).
A sumptuous feast was served later in
the day, prepared by Lord Ludwig and Lady Sofi’a. Trick-or-treating between tables also took
place, as did a continuation of a game to foist a set of zebra ears and tail on
various unsuspecting guests. A short
Court also took place in which Baroness Nicolaa was presented with the Award of
the Scarlet Banner for archery.
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