Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope reports on the Bog Twelfth Night event.

St. Swithin’s Bog Twelfth Night included a wide array of activities, including martial tourneys as well as the usual feasting and arts. It was held at a new site with more space than the traditional site, which permitted the addition of fighting and fencing.

The rapier tourney had an unusual format. Fencers were each given a pin with five ribbons. They were then required to challenge other fencers to a bout with any conditions to which both would agree: best of three fights for one ribbon, first to win five fights for two ribbons, and so on. Some of the fencers and their consorts even bet ribbons on the outcome of certain bouts. It made for an interesting tournament with a good bit of amusement on the part of fencers and spectators alike.

The heavy weapons bear pit tournament was dominated for a while by the chivalry, with Sir Alric of the Mists and Prince Timothy holding the field for long stretches, but in the end the winner was THLord Arnthor inn Sterki. All of the fighters enjoyed themselves, and good humor dominated the low-key list.

Over the course of the day, spectators and combatants alike were encouraged to vote for the most chivalrous fighter in both lists. For the heavy weapons list, Lady Svava of St. Swithin’s Bog was chosen most chivalrous, not only for her honorable combat, but also for her spirit. She later received a Golden Alce from Their Majesties. On the rapier list, Lord Gunnar UlfrBani not only won the tourney but was also chosen most chivalrous, then capped off the day by receiving both the Bog’s martial award and an Award of Arms from the King and Queen.

While the combatants were having their fun, Baron Iago and Baroness Emelia of St. Swithin’s Bog were faced with the daunting task of choosing their next Baronial Arts & Sciences Champion. Among the many lovely entries, they selected the painted mask made by Master Caoinleán Seanchaidh, called Tower, as the best item, and duly named him their A&S Champion, further enjoining him to enter the Seven Pearls A&S Competition at Ice Dragon.

There was also a silent auction of donated items, as well as a 50/50 raffle, both to benefit the Bog’s coffers.

THLord Sionn the Lost ran dancing throughout the afternoon, with many gentles including Her Majesty and the Prince and Princess enjoying a mix of bransles and English Country dances.

Late in the afternoon, Master Duncan Blackwater arrived with one of his birds of prey in hand. As always, he was then surrounded by a delighted crowd eager to see the bird and hear about how Master Duncan raised and trained it. Prince Timothy and Princess Gabrielle’s children were especially enthralled.

Shortly before court, the Monarch of Misrule was chosen by means of tickets which had been distributed to all of the non-peers as they checked in at troll. The gentle thus selected was Grace of Steltonwald, who then processed into court with the royalty, Baron and Baroness, and was given a throne on which to sit through Court. At one point during royal court, Their Majesties explained to Grace that, as Lady of Misrule, she should encourage “shenanigans,” and His Majesty went on to demonstrate how it is done by seizing several hapless gentles from the audience (including Grace’s own Lord Magnus Bastiano di Vigo) and joining them on the dais in a rendition of the can-can. This was only Grace’s second event.

A tasty lunch and the well-seasoned evening feast were created by a crew led by THLady Rosheen Rois O’Faye, who was awarded a Sycamore by Their Majesties for her skill in cooking and scribal arts. With His usual sense of mischief, King Titus silently beckoned the populace to tiptoe into the kitchen with Him to bestow this award on Her Ladyship there, rather than take her away from her feast preparations.

The highlight of the feast was the beautifully decorated individual pies served as the final remove, with diners receiving their choice of blueberry or cherry.

The evening ended with more dancing, again led by THLord Sionn. Though the weather outside had turned to freezing drizzle, all made their way safely home, pleased with their day spent with good friends, good food, and good fun.