Pikeman's Pleasure 2010

By Magistra Nicolaa de Bracton

Pikeman’s Pleasure celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary this year, certainly one of the longest-established events in Ealdormere and most likely the one held the longest at the same site.  As usual, there was a full slate of activities for those who attended, including archery, rapier combat, thrown weapons, and armoured combat.  

Their Excellencies held Court and presented Lady Theodora of Petrea Thule with a Bear’s Heart and THL Mahault and THL Berend with the Award of the Golden Bear (their second).  Lady Rusalka announced her intention to step down as Rapier Champion and Lord William of Otterton (once known as Lord Griffin) as her successor;  however, he must first find a successor as Baronial Herald.

In Kingdom Court, TRM presented Freyjas Brynjarsdottir and Sandarr the Beardless with Awards of Arms.  They then asked Magistra Nicolaa to come forward. She then called Lord Thorolfr inn Smithr, who was heralding their court, forward to receive a Maiden’s Heart.

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.

Pikeman’s Pleasure 2008

By Magistra Nicolaa de Bracton

If you didn’t mind all the deaths, Pikeman’s Pleasure was an enjoyable late spring event.  People just kept dying all over the place.  Scores were kept.  And bodies were looted. It was all in good fun, however, as part of of a competition for best death.  While we did not see who won, we certainly had our favourite, as you will read below.

Archery is always a highlight at Pikeman’s, and this was no exception.  Both the IKAC shoot and the Exact 30 (in which participants had to score exactly 30 points on a target or be eliminated) shoots were won by Lord Gunther Wahlstadt.   At the thrown weapons range, Lord Grom was victorious.  Several individual armoured combat tourneys were held. King Aaron won the sword and shield tournament, Duke Edouard the short spear tourney, Lord Wulfric won the great sword tourney, and Lord Quilliam won the Warlord tourney

Their Excellencies also held a baronial court.  Lady Cecily Thatcher was given the Bear’s Heart for dedicated work at the gate at Petrea Thule events. THL Tiberius was given the Golden Bear for his contribution of prizes, particularly in leather, for the Late Winter Shoot.  Lord Griffin also received a Golden Bear for his gorgeous carved and painted leatherwork.  And in Their Majesties’ court, Lord Brendan Hunterson, one of Petrea Thule’s quieter but talented archers, received the Award of the Scarlet Banner.

It was noted at the end of Kingdom Court that Lord Streonwold had stepped in to herald Their Majesties’ court at the last minute, so Queen Rustique called him forward and presented him with a piece of cake. He had barely taken one bite when it was announced that he had been poisoned.  He proceeded to fall face first into the cake, which stuck to his face as he staggered about and ultimately succumbed. 

Floods and the Fian (Pikeman’s Pleasure 16, June 3, 2006)

By THLaird Colyne Stewart

The waters of Cynred’s Bath surged with mighty fury, gushing down the spillway and sweeping under the bridge, lapping about the boards. The rain was—at times—torrential, and the waterways of Petrea Thule were swollen and wild. Thusly, many of the festivities for this year’s Pikeman’s Pleasure, the 16^th of its line, happened inside.

Þorfinna and I arrived early and were mistaken for Cap’n Bloodfox and Cap’n Widow when we signed in at the gate. We quickly explained the mistake and the Guard of Petrea Thule took off the irons and let us go unfettered. We hauled our gear into the fighting hall, which is an arena in which the mundane locals play a game called ‘hockey.’ We used the visiters bench as an armour dump and changed, having some fun at poor Cadugan’s expense (who is a mighty fine sport).

While we armoured fighters were preparing ourselves, many merchants had set out their wares on the other end of the arena, and some fencers made use of the centre. There was an arts and sciences display somewhere, but I never found it as I stayed on the list field until it was time for feast.

Lady Tarian verch Gadarn arrived just in time for authorizations, and quickly put on her kit. She faced Lord Amelius Claudius Rattanicus in her primary authorization, which I am happy to say she passed. She is, as she beamed, now a real fighter chick. Another member of my canton, Lord William Donovan, authorized in double-handed thrust, pole arm and bastard sword.

After fighting some pick-ups the marshals ran a warlord tourney on a bridge marked out on the floor. My first draw was Her Lupine Highness, Jocea. We dueled mightily, both legging the other, until finally she slipped her sword point into my unarmoured arm pit to slay me, becoming not only my princess, but also my warlord. As the teams of two were set upon each other, Jocea turned to me and remarked that she somehow knew that we would face the team of Sir Edward the Red and Lord Edward dit Lyn, visiting from the East (where he had recently moved). I am ashamed to admit that I failed to protect my princess, and so we became subjects to Lord Edward, our new warlord. Eventually we ended up with three teams, one of them half the size of the other two, but made up mostly of members of the Order of Chivalry. A round robin was proposed, but in the end the small knight heavy team was spilt between the other two. We each took an end of the bridge for a best two out of three final. During the first engagement, Þorfinna single-handedly pushed back the entirety of her enemy’s line, in an amazing display of strength. I also had an outstanding moment on the bridge, though unfortunately for me it was comedic in nature. In our third battle I was on the right edge of the bridge, looking straight across at His Majesty Aaron, who had a spear. I knew that spear would be coming for me when we charged. The call came, I ran, I blocked the spear thrust. However, the thrust picked me up off my feet and sent me crashing off the bridge, laughing all the way.

I don’t even know who the victorious warlord was.

There then followed a spear tourney, single elimination tot here counted blows. I battled THL Ulvar van der Nederlanden, and then faced Sir Mordain Blackcloak. In our first engagement I ran past his defense and unleashed my inner badger (as Lord Wat of Sarum calls it) and chased him around the rink, making him duck and block and fight furiously to stay alive. I finally struck him on the shoulder but we both decided the blow had not been sturdy enough. We reset and I never got past his defensive stance again, and he struck me three blows to carry on (and eventually win the tournament).

At the side of the area, Sir Evander MacLachlan began a feat of arms. The Lady Safrida Axehammer had baked some shortbread, and she had given it to Evander. However, to keep the shortbread, Evander had to fight one hundred fights, and win at least fifty-one of them. I believe I was the second person to face Evander in his feat, while he was still nice and fresh and rested and he easily beat me in the two fights we fought.

While Evander continued his challenge, a bastard sword tournament was held, which was won by Sir Rory Cennedi.

Around this time Tarian had turned the penalty box into our lunch counter, and fed those of us from Ardchreag (and our friends) a constant stream of cheese, bread, pepperettes, cake, cookies, strawberries and other refreshments.

More pick-ups followed, and one of the people I fought was my squire-brother Lord Brandt das Lederwerker. Brandt had disappeared for almost two years due to mundane concerns, and upon his return this spring had brought upon himself the ‘wrath’ of our knight, Evander for a bit of schtick he did at court. As penance, Brandt was told to seek out every person who had been elevated to the Order of Chivalry, all those who had been elevated to the Order of Thorbjorn’s Hammer, and all those who had received an Award of the Scarlet Banner during his absence and fight them. My Scarlet Banner, though received at the event after Brandt’s return, is dated as of the event just before his return, and so I was on the list. We fought three battles, all of which I won. Brandt, smiling, told me, “Boy, have you improved!”

The White Bear Fian—Septentria’s fighting order—then walked out onto the bridge. Sir Konrad Mattias Jaggaer von Dubrau, Sir Edward the Red, Sir Cennedi, THL Tiberius Brittanicus and I then challenged all who still had energy to face us in honour and courage until all were satisfied. Many brave and stalwart challengers answered the call, and we fought many group melees on the bridge, until we finally took a brief break. For Their Excellencies of Septentria brought us news of one who would challenge into our order. And so THL Baldric of Newcastle Emlyn was called before Their Excellencies and the Fian, and he made his public challenge, and his challenge was accepted as a good and right thing.

Sir Evander—also a member of the Fian—was then about to face his final fight, against his Majesty Aaron. Evander managed to defeat the King, and then learned that he had won sixty of his battles and thus got to keep the shortbread! However, in an act of largesse, he vowed to share the shortbread during feast (which he did, and it was delicious).

While the other fianna put back on their helmets, I walked back out onto the bridge, for our worthy opponents had been left waiting. I then faced three in single combat, losing the third bout, but winning the first two. The second bout was against THL Etain du Naval, a hulking giant with a reach almost as long as my body and great at the martial skills. We battled to and fro and I suddenly realized that we must be close to the bridge edge and so I gave a small nudge to the giant and he fell laughing into the drink.

More singles followed (with Þorfinna pushing Sir Konrad off the bridge), and then more group battles (with Sir Evander joining us for at least one). It was some of the most enjoyable fighting I have ever had the pleasure to partake in. In all the Fian held the bridge for an hour before we laid down our arms.

We then quickly changed for feast, which was a most scrumptious meal prepared by THL Augustyn of Ely and his staff. We sat at the end of a table beside Lady Ariana de la Rose and Lord Gavin of the Rozakii. I had never met Gavin before and found him to be a funny, affable fellow.

During the meal Their Majesties held an installment of Ealdormere Idol, and many good gentles stood up to entertain the crowd. The most skilled was Lady Raya of Petrea Thule, who sung a 7^th century Arabic song, accompanying herself on drum. Lord Rattanicus, who was to squire to Sir Siegfried Brandbeorn later that evening, was told by his future knight that he was to sing for the crowd. Though at first unwilling, Rattanicus rose to the challenge and did his best. However, Melusine (playing the part of Simon) grabbed Sir Nigel MacFarlane and used him as a gong to try and end Rattanicus’ pain (as well as everyone else’s). Rattanicus, oblivious, continued on. Sir Nigel was gonged many times until finally he ran up to the front of the room, swept Rattanicus up over his shoulder and carried the poor man-at-arms away. Other singers included Sir Konrad (who got points for his hand gestures depicting flying reindeer), Master Worgen (doing a Wolfman Jack impression, albeit unknowingly), Edward dit Lyon and Lord Martin Bildner. Everyone in the room then got one free vote to cast for one of the singers, though extra votes could be bought for one dollar as a fundraiser for the kingdom. The three people with the most votes would take part in the Ealdormere Idol finals at War of the Trillium. Rattanicus bought many votes for Sir Konrad to ensure that he was not one of the finalists. In the end Raya was in first (by a landslide, and rightly so), with Master Konrad in second (much to the delight of Baroness Alyce who wanted to face down her husband in the finals), and Master Worgen in third. Worgen beat our Rattanicus by one vote, which Rattanicus bought just before the books closed.

THL Anne Tinker presented a flask to Edward dit Lyon for being the most chivalrous upon the field that day. A toast was then raised to absent friends.

When feast was completed many folk walked out to the island in the rain to witness Haus Sternstaubt as it welcomed two new squires. THL Augustyn and Lord Rattanicus (previously men-at-arms) both swore oaths of fealty to Sir Siegfried to become his third and fourth squires.

I then rushed back inside to attend His Majesty, for Lord Wat—the King’s Champion—had asked me to stand in for him that day and attend Aaron at court. I leaned the sword of state against my shoulder and took my place behind Aaron in the procession and walked into court (managing not to catch the sword on the two low overhangs we had to walk under). As His Majesty took his seat I took my place behind him and got to watch court from a most interesting perspective.

As always, I can not recall all of what transpired, but I do recall a few things.

In Septentrian court, Lord Cadugan was given an Award of the Golden Bear for his brewing and THL Anne Tinker handed over the keys of Petrea Thule to Lady Mahild de Valognes. Lady Mahild was recognized as the new baronial archery champion, taking over from THL Augustyn.

Lord Rattanicus was brought forth, and made a challenge to join entry to the White Bear Fian. To prove that he did truly care for the safety of the barony—and especially for the safety of the baron—he presented Corwyn with a scarlet hand-made leather jockstrap emblazoned with a white bear. The Fian conferred and agreed to accept Rattanicus’ challenge, but only if he agreed never to make such a thing again, and that he had to wear the jockstrap to at least three events.

In kingdom court Their Majesties called Þorfinna before them. Aaron told her that many people had approached him and told him of her mighty shield push, and so impressed was he to hear of it that he presented her with an axe.

Lady Mahild presented THL Anne Tinker with a token for being such an outstanding and giving person. Their Majesties bade Mahild remain with them in court, and presented her with an Award of the Maiden’s Heart. The archers of Peatrea Thule (who had shot in the rain) presented Her Majesty with gold (which she shared with the crowd).

As I said, there was more, but I cannot now recall it.

When court concluded, I returned the sword of state to the Royalty Room, and came back to the arena to find Sir Konrad talking with Þorfinna. He told her that he had brought a gift with him that day, which he was to give to someone who had impressed him on the field. After doing some singles with Þorfinna earlier in the day, he was most impressed with her improvement since the last time they had fought, and therefore he presented her with a beautiful knife blade.

We then packed up in the rain and headed home, exhausted and happy.

The Fian Roars and Baron Fights Fifty (Pikeman’s Pleasure, June 4, 2005)

By THLaird Colyne Stewart

I always enjoy Pikeman’s Pleasure, and every year something else happens there which makes the event even more special to me. For those who have never been there, the event is hosted by the canton of Petrea Thule, in the Barony of Septentria. When you arrive at the site the main building is to your left, while an island is situated to your right, accessed by a small bridge. The stream—known to some as Cynred’s Bath¹—is at the bottom of a waterfall. Before you there is a riser of land, covered in green grass, followed by a higher plateau. Stairs lead up to the very top, leading past a wooden barn. Merchants usually spread their ware around the bottom of the stairs and across the first riser of land. At the top you see a wide strip of land which is usually given over to fighting and a sea of shades and tents. Before you lies a lake, home to many geese. If you go right you will pass by a bridge over the top of the waterfall. If you look down you can see the island, which also usually has fighting on it, and the left bank where the fencers cross blades. Continue across the bridge and you are in a huge grassy field with a gentle rise that houses both a thrown weapons and an archery range.

When we arrived, our friends the Van der Eychs had already erected their shade tent, which is known as the Squires’ Lounge. It was situated by the fighting field by the lake and made for an excellent spot to observe the event’s going’s on when you caught a moment to sit down. We spread out our chairs, tables, chests and food and then armoured up.

At Lady Mahault van der Eych’s request I went out with her and ran her through some spear drills, as she was hoping to authorize in that form. She was then run through her authorization, and though she seemed hesitant at first by the end she was showing good targeting and aggression and passed. I then fought as a partner for a re-authorization and a dagger authorization.

So I was well warmed up for the two Royal Tournaments. However, I didn’t do very well in either of them and was quickly defeated both times. Rattanicus of Bastille du Lac did very well, ending up in the top four or five in both. Count Sir Rory Cennedi won the first Royal Tournament, while Lord William Donovan won the second unbelted Royal Tournament.

Mistress Ælfwyn of Longwood then ran an Unbelts practice, where we were put through two scenarios. In the first we were divided into teams of two (with one team of three). One team was placed in the centre of the field, and she would then randomly call out for another team to come out and face them. Once one of the teams was defeated, the next team raced onto the field. This trained the victors to quickly reorganize and meet new incoming threats. One time my partner Rattanicus and I raced in to face the team of three (consisting of Baroness Domhnail Galbraith, Edward Fuchyn and Lord Etian du Naval). As we met them I saw Rattanicus run headlong into Etian, who hit Rattanicus’ shield with his great sword, knocking Rattanicus clear off his feet and onto the ground. It was very comical, especially to the onlookers who had a better angle then I did. Next, Ælfwyn split us into two teams of eight, with five people on the field, and the other three acting as reserves. It was a resurrection melee, so when you died you left the field and got in line, and this repeated over and over, always with five on the field and three off. This taught you how to enter a melee already in action. In my last entry onto the field during this exercise I forgot to identify myself and it cost me my life. I found myself quickly armed and looked around for a teammate that could benefit from my shield. I looked over and say Robert the Blue, who was on my team, legged and fighting with his pole-axe against Etian and his great sword. I ran over and blocked Etian’s weapon, leaving him open for Robert. However, as I did not identify myself as I came in, Robert saw me coming and clocked me on the head! It was agreed that both these exercises were excellent training tools (and fun to boot).

As we were cooling down from this Baron Konrad Mattias Jaegger von Dubrau—His Excellency Ramshaven—and my squire-brother Lord Tiberius of Warwickshire came over to talk to me. Konrad asked me why I had a belt end on my camail and I explained about how Tiberius had cut it off his belt at my squiring, vowing not to replace it until I had successfully challenged into the White Bear Fian². Tiberius went on about how he did have his eye on a new belt end… Konrad told me that the Fian was facing a challenge that day already, and asked me why I didn’t re-challenge at the same time. I had been thinking about doing so (and many of my friends had been prompting me to do so) but I had been hesitant and unsure about myself. However, I knew I would later curse myself for a coward if I did not try again, and so I agreed.

We walked down to the island where Baron Sir Siegfried Brandbeorn called all to attend as he took his first dependents. He had THL Dafydd ap Sion, Lord Eirik Andersen and Lord Agustyn of Ely stand before him. Dafydd he took as his senior squire, giving him a fighting belt crafted by himself, Lady Þorfinna gráfeldr and I, and a dress belt that he had once worn. Next, he took Eirik as his second squire, with a fighting belt crafted by himself, Þorfinna  and I and a gorgeous dress belt crafted by the Van der Eychs which incorporated his own device, that of his knight, and that of his lineage. Lastly, he took Augustyn as a man-at-arms, giving him a fighting belt crafted by himself, Þorfinna  and I, and a dress belt crafted by the Van der Eychs. The dress belt had his device stamped into it, with places for all future men-at-arms of Siegfried’s house to place their own devices.

Their Excellencies Septentria then called the Fian to them and announced that Sir Cennedi and myself would be challenging for entry that day. First, Cennedi faced my knight, Sir Evander MacLachlan. To enter the Fian—after being found worthy by Their Excellencies and the Fian—the prospective member had to defeat a Fian member two out of three times, using what ever weapons form is agreed to by both parties. Cennedi and Evander faced off first with sword and shield, and then with great sword, with Cennedi winning both bouts to gain entry to the Fian. I then walked out to face Konrad.

In both of my previous attempts I had also faced Konrad, and we had agreed to do all fights with sword and board, as this was his best format. In my first attempt, at Septentria’s 25^th Anniversary event in 2003, I had gone 0-2 against him. A year previously at Pikeman’s I had gone 1-2, with our last decisive fight finding us both legged and armed at the end (though the good Baron had given up one of those as a point of honour). We faced off, exchanged a flurry of blows, and Konrad went down from a blow I didn’t even know I had thrown. I questioned him on it but he assured me it was good, and I was later told that it had been a nice swift shot. So we faced off again. This time it was a double-kill, with both of us taking the other’s head. This fight was nullified and we re-fought the second bout. This time he legged me, but I swung as I went down, and again caught his head. I had finally won entry into the Fian!

This was a milestone for me, and it was a big mountain I had been climbing for a long time, so I was a little overcome as my friends crowded around to congratulate me. I fell to my knees and hugged my lady Þorfinna and for a moment we were the only two people there.

After the Fian challenge there were two tournaments held, one in spear and one in bastard sword. At the same time, the good Baron of Skraeling Althing, Sir Menken Brechen, was facing fifty fights to mark his fiftieth birthday. This was also held on the island, by a shade tent surrounded by chequey flags. I faced Konrad in the spear tourney where he defeated me, and then I got in line to battle Menken. I only fought him once and he legged me quick. He also dropped to his knees and after I had thrown a few blows, he looked at me and remarked that I was definitely one of Evander’s squires (the tell-tale sign being the loopy shots we throw). The good baron then slew me.

Dame Eleanor Cadfan, the Baroness Skraeling Althing, gave me a token for participating in Menken’s battles, and then I followed Baroness Domhnail up to the lists to spar for a while. However, I had blown a leg strap and I was getting a muscle spasm every time I went down on my knees, so I quickly called it quits. (Luckily, Domhnail found Edward Fuchyn to replace me.)

I kitted down and sat in the Lounge, eating and drinking and talking. While resting in the shade we gave Eirik a squiring present: a belt box hand-painted by Þorfinna with Eirik’s ravens on one side, Ardchreag’s arrows on another, Siegfried’s phoenix on the third and the De Taahe star on the last. Her Majesty hid herself amongst us for a time until she was dragged off to get ready for court. When court began, the Fian was called before Their Excellencies Septentria. Then Cennedi and I were called forth and recognized as members of the order. We were each given a weapon and a piece of clothing to mark us as being so (Cennedi got a spear head and a Septentria t-shirt, and I received an axe head and a pair of sleep pants with polar bears on them).

Their Majesties Ealdormere then held their court, in which many good gentles were recognized, though I was a little giddy and did not note their names. Many from the canton of Petrea Thule were elevated to Lord and Ladies. The winners of the archery competitions were announced, and most of them were from Thule (which is known wide and far for the skill of its archers). Also, Lord Tiberius of Warwickshire was sworn in as the new Kingdom Earl Marshal.

After court we retired inside to enjoy an excellent feast prepared by THL Anne Tinker and other skilled chefs. We ate and drank, and Menken and Eleanor wandered the hall handing out presents, which included toy catapults that were soon firing bread balls across the hall. Master Sylard was sporting a fashionable cabbage leaf on his head, and this was soon making the rounds. While my brother Snæbjörn was wearing it His Majesty Edouard spotted what was happening and came over to our table. Snæbjörn took it off with a flourish and offered it to the king, who put it on, placing his crown solemnly atop it to gales of laughter and stamping of hands on tables. Later, a fashion show was held, for all those who had come sporting Menken inspired clothing. Just when everyone had thought the show over, a last Menkenette came sauntering up from the back, wearing a black and white checked strip of cloth across her chest, flipping her hair, calling herself Edwina. It was of course actually his Majesty, who won the show hands down. There was also a bardic competition to tell Menken stories, which was won by Her Excellency Ramshaven, Alyce de Sheppey.

After feast many retired outside where a cloven orange made the rounds. After lots of kisses and with clove on my breath, it was finally time to head for home.

1. Named after Baron Cynred, former Baron of Septentria, who fell in the water a few years in a row.
2. The White Bear Fian is a Septentrian fighting order that I had thus far failed to enter.

Battles at the Bath (Pikeman's Pleasure, June 5, 2004)

By THLaird Colyne Stewart

The pennons flutter overhead in the breeze that blows off the waters at Cynred's Bath. The good baron was not in attendance at the annual tournaments held that day by the watercourse that has taken his name, but many of the warriors present laugh as they relate tales of Cynred and his habit of tumbling into the waves. They sit and stand on an island surrounded by a tributary of a small goose ridden lake, at the base of a short waterfall. Though a breeze does blow, it is not cool, and the sun is warm upon their heads. On the shore of the lake, on a rise above them, spreads a small sea of pavilions and shades, under which lounge lords and ladies of the realm. Around the curve of the body of water, stretch the thrown weapons and archery ranges, already crowded with axe wielders and archers.

Upon the island a fighter stands with a spear. His name is Lord Berend van der Eych, and he is of the house of De Taahe. Under the watchful eyes of several marshals he spars with a second fighter. The marshals gather and converse, and then nod. Berend is now authorized in spear.

Eventually all of the warriors are present, and the tournaments begin. The first is a Warlord Tourney, held on the bridge than connects the island with the mainland. The first two warriors to battle are Her Excellency Ramshaven, Alyce de Sheppey, and the young Scottish squire, Laird Colyne Stewart (called by the list minister 'Alice' and 'Cain' respectively). Her Excellency wins the bout, and becomes the first Warlord of the day. Once all the pairs have fought, these teams of two battle, until all the warriors are divided into two teams. The first, holding the island, are led by Baron Sir Siegfried Brandbeorn.

The second force is holding the mainland.. For the last battle the object is not to slay all those on the opposing side, but to get one fighter off the bridge onto the land claimed by the opposing side. Siegfried deploys his team defensively, with four fighters on the bridge, two held back as reserves, and four on the shoreline with poles and spears. The mainland forces elect to place all their fighters upon the bridge in an effort to storm right through Siegfried's line. This gambit would likely have paid off, if Lord Etienne du Naval, holder of the Sword of the Company of the White Hart, had not been part of that line. Turning his pole arm sideways, the hulking warrior pushes forward against his shieldmen, stopping the other side's charge and even pushing them back. Slowly, inexorably, the mainland’s fighters are slain or forced backwards until Siegfried's forces have claimed the shore.

The next tournament is counted blows, with spears. Sir Nigel MacFarlane eventually emerges as the victor of this long fought tournament.

Following is a counted blows tournament with polearms. As with the spears, the fighting is long and hard. Duke Sir Edouard Beausoliel is the day's polearm champion.

The Baron and Baroness of Septentria, Corwyn and Domhnail Galbraith, call for all to pay head, as Their White Bear Fian are to take the field. Colyne Stewart is to once again face His Excellency Ramshaven, Konrad Matthias Jager von Dubrau, in the lists for admittance to the Fian's ranks. Unlike his first attempt, Colyne fares much better, and it comes down to one blow. The challenge is a best two out of three. Konrad wins the first bout, Colyne the second. In the third, both warriors have been legged and armed (though this chronicler would point out that Konrad had given up his arm as a point of honour). The final blow is struck by Konrad, and the laird is laid out upon the ground. When it is over, it was remarked that Colyne has failed in his attempt, but Konrad loudly proclaims that he has not failed. He indeed would not fail until he stopped trying and came no more upon the lists to challenge himself and the order. The rumour is that Konrad and Colyne may again cross swords upon a Fian list at Ealdormere War Practice.

Two more tournaments are to follow. The first is a counted blow buckler tournament. This is won by Sir Nigel MacFarlane. The second is a bastard sword tourney, with Baron Sir Siegfried Brandbeorn emerging as the champion.

With the battles done, some of the warriors continue to spar, whilst others begin the laborious task of taking off their armour. Perhaps if they hurry they might still have a chance to loose a shaft or two.

Hurry they must, for court is to be held soon. A Royal and a Baronial pavilion are set up on the shore of the lake, and many move their own shades closer so that they might sit in comfort when attending upon the words of Their Majesties and Their Excellencies. The courts are brief, but many good gentles are recognized for their good deeds in various disciplines.

With court completed, those present hurry into the hall, for the feast has been prepared by THL Melusine de la Rose, who is renowned for her culinary skill. Truly, many remark that it was one of the best meals they have ever eaten.

During the meal, the prizes for the day's tournaments are awarded. These are wooden chests, hand crafted by Lord Augustyn of Thule, and are truly breath taking to behold.

Also during the meal, the fate of Misha is to be decided. Misha, a local inhabit of Petrea Thule, has been accused of stealing a horse. People are called forth to defend or condemn poor Misha, and in the end, the words of Lady Mahault van der Eych are found most compelling by Their Majesties. (In truth, by His Majesty, who is not feeling lenient to one who had likely stolen—not just a horse—but a nobleman's horse.) As Misha is led away by a hooded executioner, Mahault is presented with an engraved flask filled with scotch.

As usual at Pikeman's, dancing follows the feast, and laughter carries late into the night.

Thirteen Not so Unlucky (Pikeman’s Pleasure XIII, June 7, 2003)

By THLaird Colyne Stewart

A cloudy sky, a drizzle of rain. The morning of June 7 seemed to be continuing the weather patterns of May--cold, wet and damp. However, by the time my over-laden wagon rumbled into the site for Pikeman's Pleasure XIII the sun seemed to be battling the clouds. Undaunted by the threat of potential rain, several people began putting up sunshades at the top of the hill overlooking the small lake.

After getting our own shade set up, I lugged my armour bag up the hill and suited up for inspection. Today was to be a very busy and--at first--nerve wracking day for me. I was wearing about fifty percent new armour, consisting mainly of a new coat of plates that Thorfinna and I had been long labouring over. The benefits to the coat was its suppleness and maneuverability (which were both lacking in my old torso armour). However, plates don't absorb as much force as my solid bands did, so a gambeson was necessary (something I haven't worn since before I authorized). I find gambesons to be warm and constricting and they sop up sweat and smell real nice. I also had a new chain mail camail hanging on my helm which almost doubled its weight.

So, I had lots of new armour to try and get used to. To top things off, I had decided that I was going to try and authorize in polearm and spear (two-handed thrust) that day. My original goal was for Bonfield, but as that event takes place on grounds owned by my household, I thought I was being too 'safe'. So I decided to try for my authorizations at Pikeman's instead. When I was filling out the paperwork the marshal in charge, Lord Tiberius Justus Brittanicus, upon hearing I didn't have my single-hand thrust either suggested I try for it as well. Why not, I thought. Let's go all the way.

First I took the field, polearm in hand, to spar with Master Trumbrand the Wanderer. I think my nervousness was telling as I was not aggressive at all and my defense was next to non-existent. So, sadly, I did not pass that authorization.

Someone then took away my polearm and handed me a spear. I had just done some six-foot spear training a few weeks before so I felt more comfortable with the spear. I was aggressive and managed to hit Trumbrand a couple of times to show my calibration. Happily, that authorization I passed.

I then took a moment to pop my helm and drink some water while Pelayo of Eoforwic walked onto the field to face Trumbrand in his first authorization. Pelayo fought well, and I am proud to announce that Septentria has one new authorized fighter in its midst! Wassail Pelayo!

THLady Kaylah the Cheerful, bearing her customary two swords, then put me through the paces of a single-hand thrusting authorization. For some reason I pulled my shots that were not thrusts (perhaps because I was too concerned over the thrust and was not so concerned on whether my other blows struck). My thrusts had a tendency to drift to the left or the right and the marshals said that is sometimes the case for short-sighted fighters who don't wear contacts to fight (like me). Luckily, the thrusts I did land were deemed good calibration and so I passed that authorization as well.

I then took part in my first ever tournament, which just also happened to be a Kingdom Royal Tournament. All the fighters were placed in a line and folded in half. Everyone fought the person they were facing and then the winners made line A and the losers line B. Each line would again fold and pairs would fight. Losers from line A went down to line B, while losers from line B were out of the tournament. I thought I was in for a two fight, two loss tournament considering some of the folk on the field but to my great surprise I found myself one of the last three to be standing on line A. With me was Count Sir Aaron Preslee Worgansson and Baron Siegfried Brandbeorn. When we were told we'd have to do a round robin to see who dropped to line B, I joked that we could save time and just send me down. I fought Aaron and lost, and then repeated the performance against Sieggy and did indeed find myself on line B.

When line B folded I found myself facing Duke Sir Roak, so I knew my time had come. I was determined to try and make Roak work for the victory and I believe it took the good knight about five minutes to finally break through my shield and take my head. He seemed determined to leg me first and I was honestly astounded at how long I managed to block the fast and furious blows that kept coming my way. When he did finally slay me I was congratulated on my shield work by onlookers, which made me very happy since when I first began fighting my shield work was incredibly sloppy (just ask my original trainers, eh Berus). In the end, Sir Roak won the tournament.

Next up was a three-man melee tournament. Since I didn't have a team I asked his Excellency Corwyn if he'd care to have me. Together with the newly authorized Pelayo we were deemed "The Right Hand of Life", since Baroness Domhnail's team was "The Left Hand of Death." As luck would have it, the first two teams to face each other were Corwyn's and Domhnail’s. I had a six-foot spear, while Corwyn had a round and sword, and Pelayo had a tourney heater and a sword. Domhnail had a sword and warheater, while on one side stood Dame Alyce de Sheppey with a nine-foot spear and Lady Seonag nic Thomais with a bastard sword. I suggested to His Excellency that Pelayo take Alyce as her spear had more reach than mine, and Pelayo had a heater which offered him more coverage than Corwyn's round offered him. I said I would go for Seonag since I had more reach than her, while Corwyn charged his lady wife. To this plan Corwyn agreed, and after giving Pelayo a quick talk about facing a spear we took position. Immediately, Seonag and Alyce switched sides so Alyce faced me and Seonag faced Pelayo. When the call to lay on was given Pelayo quickly scuttled around the front of the baron while I went around behind him so we faced the opponents we wanted to face. I didn't see much of the beginning of the battle as I ran right for Seonag and she and I poked at each other. I just couldn't quite get a killing blow in on her and suddenly Domhnail's shield filled my vision and I was quickly running backwards trying desperately to defend against her fierce assault. She finally slew me and I stood back to watch the rest of the fight. Corwyn and Alyce lay dead, and Pelayo bravely stood against Seonag and Domhnail but in the end fell.

Techniquely, our plan was perfect and if I had managed to get through Seonag's defenses our side may have won. As it was, I found out that Pelayo had performed his part of the plan flawlessly and had run inside Alyce's guard and killed her swiftly. So impressed were Seonag and Alyce that they took Pelayo before Their Majesties and praised his skill. Again I cry, Wassail Pelayo!

A team consisting of Aaron, Siegfried and Lord Wat of Sarum then went on to win the three-man melee tournament.

I took a short break and took Thorfinna her lunch. While I was fighting she was running a thrown weapons range beside the archery range. During the course of the day she had a score of throwers and had seven people throw Royal Rounds. I then sauntered down to the island where a six-foot lance over a barrier tournament was to begin. Seventeen people had signed up, which meant there would have to be a by. When I was seen I was dragged in so the number would be a round one, and no by would be needed. When my turn came I found myself facing Lord Angus Albani, who had been my first opponent in the Royal Tournament. The spear fight was long and very tiring and in the end Angus beat me three points to one. I then took the opportunity to sit in the shade of a tree, drink water and enjoy a soldier's camaraderie with his mates. When the tournament was finally over, Aaron emerged victorious.

Roak and Siegfried were then made captains for a grand melee, and we were divided into two teams. It was a limited resurrection battle (everyone had three lives). I was on Sir Roak's side (as he needed shields and I was using my sword and shield for the melee). I found myself in a shieldwall of four consisting of myself, Baroness Domhnail, Pelayo and Lord Robert the Blue. Robert and Domhnail had wardoors, so they were placed on the end. Pelayo and I were the centre and I gave him a quick overview of what to do and expect as part of a shield wall. In the first engagement the wall did fairly well, but drifted apart a bit. Though our side was victorious I lost all three of my lives (I think His Majesty killed me at least twice--all I kept seeing was this giant yellow thrusting tip coming at me).

We ran the melee a second time and this time I took a more active role. I began braying out orders to the wall based on what was happening around us. At one point we had stopped our advance too far away for our spears to attack. Behind me I heard Alyce say she couldn't reach the opponents with her spear but no one actually gave the command to move forward so I did. We advanced forward three paces and locked. This time, which lots of yelling, we stayed together and slid together again whenever one of us was killed or came back from a resurrection. Near the end of the battle Domhnail, Pelayo and I were arrayed with I'm not sure how many of our side still behind us (to turn and look would have invited a swift death). Facing us were only Wat and Lord Tormod of Kirk Andreas. Sir Evander MacLachlan ordered the three of us to engage Wat and when we charged Wat ran around in front of Tormod to draw us all together. Pelayo and I pressed on Wat and pushed him away from Tormod and with a bit of satisfaction I managed to fell the Lord from Sarum. (Wat, whom I duel with often and is a good friend, now has the distinction of being my first non-practice melee kill. Thanks, Wat!) Pelayo and I then turned to find Domhnail madly swinging her sword at Tormod and then she was standing alone. In that battle the shieldwall had done extremely well.

Trudging back up the hill I took the opportunity to drink some fluids, then I dropped my kit and went over and helped Thorfinna tear down her range. We got back over to the cluster of shades and tents just in time for Their Majesties and Their Excellencies to process into court. Septentrian court was brief, with only a few pieces of business. First, Augustine of Petrea Thule was named the baronial archery champion. Raffe Scholemaystre handed over the office of baronial seneschal to Baroness Adrielle Kerrec. In recognition of his service, Raffe was given a gold sun dial and a ring made from a bone of a bear. Lord Volodomyr Blahuciak, called Vlad, was awarded a Bear's Heart and Lady Anne Tinker was announced as Petrea Thule's new seneschal.

Their Majesties then began their court, and it was lengthy as a great many were honoured that day. First THLord Dafydd ap Sion was named the new Kingdom Archery Marshal. A number of Awards of Arms were then presented to: Tim of Petrea Thule, Eileen Lemesurier, Alana of Dublin, Mahild of Petrea Thule, Savinia Queville, Augustine of Petrea Thule, and Rembo Touloussa. (I apologize for any misspellings.) A nice touch from Their Majesties was to stand and officially announce the new Lord or Lady. Lord Melchior the Carver and THLord Dafydd ap Sion were awarded with Maiden's Hearts, while Lady Anne Tinker and Lady Keja Tselebnika were both inducted into the Order of the Wain.

Those of us staying for feast then went inside and set up for a feast being prepared by Lady Eileen. The first course consisted of food considered unlucky and was begun with tomatoes and mushrooms (both once thought to be poisonous). Their Majesties refused to eat any until Adrielle Kerrec had tasted them and survived. Much good food then followed, with lucky foods making up the second course. During feast a story telling contest was held and I am sorry to say I do not remember the name of the good Lady who won with her tale of a fearful tiger. Prizes were handed out for the Arts and Sciences competition held that day, but I unfortunately cannot remember the winners (I was too busy eating).

Since the event fell upon our anniversary, I rose and asked the hall to toast Thorfinna for though the day's theme was unlucky thirteen, I counted myself a most lucky man. Thorfinna toasted me back, to be followed by Master Konrad Matthias Jaeger who told a tale of a Pikeman's past where he first kissed the woman who would one day become his wife. It is an excellent tale and I urge you to ask him to tell it to you as he will do it more justice than I could by repeating it here.

The tables were then cleared as dancers took to the floor, accompanied by live music. A combination of fighting, food and lack of sleep the night before made me asleep on my feet and Thorfinna and I departed not long thereafter.

It was again, as in the past, my pleasure to be at Pikeman's.

On May 12 Ardchreag hosted its first Ard Troid (pronounced aard trej), which was a melee training and tactics night. As well, it was Corwyn and Domhnail’s second Baronial Fight Practice. Baron Siegfried Brandbeorn, Lord Volodymyr Blahuciak and Sir Berus Jarl ran the Septentrian fighters through their paces.

Cynred Takes His Yearly Bath (Pikeman’s Pleasure, June 1, 2002)

(written for the Ursus)

By THLaird Colyne Stewart

It was a fine sunny day in Petrea Thule, though the wind did guts harshly at times. We had come from across the Kingdom to celebrate the Pleasure’s of the Pikemen and, as usual, this was done by having many bridge battles. For those who have never been lucky enough to go to a Pikeman’s, a small river runs through the event site, which goes over a small water fall, swirls through a pond and then splits into two shallow channels to run around a lozenge-shaped island. From the shore to the island is a small bridge, and it is upon this bridge that the fighters battle.

This year the teams were led by Earl Sir David and Sir Evander after each won at the Warlord Tourney. The two groups met amid a flash of pikes, the darting of swords, the clang of shields and the call of “Havoc!” as Dusty tore through the ranks and died gloriously to allow his pikemen free shots at his attackers.

When all the fighting was over and done it was discovered that His Excellency Thegn Cynred Broccan, our exalted Baron of Septentria, had not fallen into the water. For years past he has done this, earning the shallows the name of Cynred’s Bath. This even with Tiberius and Roak giving him the occasional good-natured prod from behind. And so, not being one to break tradition lightly, Cynred walked up to the falls and threw himself in. Streonwald Wulfesbanna of Caer Draeth, and Septentrian Herald, not being one to let his Baron face a challenge alone, likewise plunged intro the water. Both were still in full armour.

There was much laughing and cat calling as the two sodden warriors pulled themselves from the murk. Eirik Andersen, Seneschal of Ardchreag, could be heard muttering, “Think of all those poor fish.”

And so our Baron is squeaky clean…for another year at least.

The Seven Deadly Sins (Pikeman’s Pleasure, June 1, 2002)

By THLaird Colyne Stewart

Ah, Pikeman’s Pleasure: one of my favourite SCA events. Also, the anniversary of my first SCA sunburn. This year I had just the thing to combat the burning, searing sun: a hat. Yes, I’m a smart one all right.

Ardchreag’s populace turned out in force and set up two pavilions along the lovely river that ran through the event site. Still we had not enough room to house everyone. Those from the Chreag included: Thorfinna and myself, Berend, Mahault and Teah van der Eych, Gailana, Brandt and little Kyle, Iolanda, Olyfia, Ivanna, Wulfgang, Jean-Margaret, Tiarna, Vlad, Siegfried, Kenric, Tatiiana, Eirik and others that I’m likely forgetting. With us were four friends from down Greenhithe way: Misty, Wulfwyn, Aldred and Colin. (Strange to meet someone who’s mundane name is my SCA name. Colin’s middle name was Stewart.)

The wind that day gusted and swelled like a mad creature and the van der Eych pavilion could not take the buffeting. Eirik’s and ours survived the day though ours kept blowing out of its supports (we have to get some better pegs). Whenever a particularly harsh gust of wind blew everyone grabbed a leg of one of the tents to ensure they didn’t blow away. (Kind of like what happened at War Practice last year.)

Thorfinna took part in the Warlord Battle and ended up on Earl Sir David’s team by the end of it. (For those, like myself, who have never seen a Warlord Battle before, it is run thusly: two opponents face off. The victor is the Warlord, the other is their vassal. This team of two faces a similar team of two. The victorious Warlord now takes the other two as vassals. This continues until everyone is on two teams.) Thorfinna learned how to use her shield to good effect against Vlad’s spear as he battled her Warlord, under the gentle words of Earl Sir David. )”Push his spear, Thorfinna! Get in there! Block!” Earl Sir David led his team down to the river to face Sir Evander MacLachlan’s more experienced team. With Evander stood His Highness Roak, Duke Sir Finvarr, His Excellency Sir Menken, Sir Mordain, His Excellency Cynred, Aaron Jarl, Baron Siegfried and others equally skilled. Now, Earl Sir David’s team was a good one, but many were still newer fighters. Still, he lead them into glorious battle and they won almost as many engagements as their enemy. Still, in the end, it was Sir Evander who emerged victorious. Wassail Evander!

While the bridge battles raged, Berend and Iolanda shot the bow, Ivanna worked on a new Septentrian tabard and much conversation was had.

Later that day a Seven Deadly Sins Tournament has held, where a knight took on the part of each deadly sin. As there were only six knights on hand, Siegfried also portrayed a sin—that of Envy. My, how we all laughed to hear that. Eirik almost fell off his chair.

When the battles were all over, it was discovered that Cynred had not fallen in the water. For many years past he had always fallen in, giving the shallow river under the bridge the name of Cynred’s Bath. To rectify matters, Cynred walked upstream and flung himself into the water as it cascaded down a short falls and into a pool before the bridge. Not to let his Baron take a plunge he wouldn’t Stroenwald Wulfesbanna accompanied him. Both were still in full armour. I missed the plunge but as I was walking past the pong suddenly saw Stroenwald break the surface, quickly followed by the Baron.

At Baronial Court I was ensnared to ensure that the Baronial banner did not fly away and was given a Septentrian baldric to wear and a Septentrian patch as token. Kirstiken, former entourage of Countess Rustique and now entourage of Her Highness Arlette, gave us all chocolate as well. Seong, wearing her Champion’s collar, and Eirik stood behind the Thrones with Petrea Thule’s Seneschal Keja and Tiberius while we awaited the arrival of the herald, Stroenwald. Apparently, the bath hadn’t been good enough for him and he was in the shower. I suggested they have him herald court in a towel. Gaerwen engaged the crowd in conversation and Cynred regaled us with “Born on the List Field” until finally a calm, cool and casual Stroenwald strode up the hill. One young man had his Lady called up into court where he proposed to her! Many awards were handed out, though court had to get up and physically move inside as many of the Thuligans who were so awarded were inside working. Amongst the awards Melchior and Eileen were awarded Bear’s Hearts and Vlad was given a Bear’s Claw. Tempus Peregrinator was also given a Bear’s Claw and the Title of Officer of Misinformation for his efforts in confusing our southron neighbours with tales of Wallpaper Festivals, moose hatcheries and the like. When the call came for those who wanted to swear to the Isengesitha, Mahault van der Eych swore as a Scout.

Wulfgang and Jen-Margaret were invited to sit at head table during feast at Their Excellencies side.

While we feasted there was much entertainment. Earl Sir David had six roses, which he would give to those who stood and pontificated on the loveliness of their Ladies. I of course stood and won my Thorfinna a rose. (David had previously given Gailana a rose.)

Keja then called on all to come up and sing bawdy songs. Thorfinna, having written one only a few weeks past, was able to fulfill her obligation of opening a Septentrian hall, and sing a bawdy song at one and the same time. Although many fine songs and tales were told, at the end of the night Thorfinna’s was chosen as best and she received a CD entitled, “The Art of the Bawdy Song.”

Thorfinna later went to head table and told them a tale of her love for Septentria, which got quite an emotional reaction. Their Highnesses gave her a ring as token of her tale, and Gaerwen gave unto her a Septentrian patch and belt favour.

After dinner Eirik gathered up as many Chreaggers as he could find for group photographs. Thorfinna, Mahault, Gaerwen and I linked arms and sang, “We’re off to see the Wizard,” as we skipped from one location to another. As we all crammed on the bridge we hoped it would take the weight of so much camaraderie.

People began to hitch up their wagons as rain began to fall, and we eventually followed suit. When asked on my way out the door if I had enjoyed myself I laughed. It was one of the best events I have yet been to. For that I will always have a special place in my heart for Petrea Thule.