2018 is the 20th anniversary of Endless Hills becoming a Barony. In celebration, Their Excellencies, Verde and Fiona, have declared that there will be a Year of Tournaments, culminating in a Grand Tournament on January 1st, 2019. January 23rd saw the first qualifying tournaments.

Don Po ran the first Fencing Tournament. We had a great turn-out with 10 fencers coming in from groups across Æthelmearc and the East Kingdom to fence in the tournament. The format was a “Throw Me Under the Bus,” Bear Pit. The fencers fought their first two bouts like a traditional bear pit, but if they made it to their third fight, the fencer got to pick their opponent from anyone in line. The competition was furious, but in the end there must be a victor and that victor was Lord Lucha Delion of ACG. Initially tied for second place were Lady Jenevieve Spillane of Hartshorn, Dale, and Curt the Confused of Endless Hills, with Lady Jenevieve edging out second place. Lord Lucha also walked away with the Bragging Stick of Endless Hills. If you want it, track him down and challenge him for it.

On the Heavy side there were six heavy fighters who competed. It was a standard best of three Round Robin tournament. Completion was as close as it could be, with three fighters tying for the win: THL Lotharius, Lord Ulfkell Dongelsson, and Baron Cormacc mac Gilla Brigde. The three went into a sudden death round. First up were THL Lothar and Baron Cormacc, with Lothar coming out on top. Next up, Baron Cormacc fought Lord Ulfkell, with Cormacc taking the victory. The third match was THL Lothar against Lord Ulfkell, with Ulfkell coming out on top. Once again, a tie. This forced yet another round. After 2 very dramatic tie-breaker rounds, Baron Cormacc squeaked out a victory, with THL Lothar finishing second and Lord Ulfkell third.

Lord Lucha and Baron Cormacc are the first to earn one of the 16 spots for the Grand Tournaments.

There will be plenty more opportunities to earn a spot. There will be a Fencing Tourney the first Tuesday of every month and a heavy tournament the third Tuesday of every month in 2018. These tournaments are open to all combatants who are authorized in the fighting style that they are competing in. Both will be at 8pm with doors opening at 7pm, at the Jackson Township Fire Hall, 1160 Chase Road, Shavertown, PA 18708. Come help the Endless Hills celebrate the Year of Tournaments!