The first Crown Tournament in Æthelmearc in more than a year took place on Saturday, August 21 at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in the Shire of Misty Highlands.
Out of a field of 16 entrants, Duke Sir Gareth Kincaid was victorious over Sir Arnþorr inn sterki.
Their Majesties Maynard and Liadain crown His Highness Gareth while Her Highness Juliana watches. Photo courtesy of Master Alaxandair.
The event was the first usage in kingdom of the SCARS (SCA Online Reservation System) to preregister and pay for events rather than mail checks.
The event also included an Æthelmearc children’s garb exchange, which was quite successful. The exchange will also be available at Summer’s End, Coronation, and Fall Crown.
Fall Crown Tourney will be Saturday, October 9 at the St. Paul Lutheran School in the Barony of Thescorre.
Maynard and Liadain. Photo by Duchess Anna Blackleaf.
Greetings unto Æthelmearc from Maynard and Liadain, King and Queen of these Sylvan Lands.
We are thrilled that the date for Our Crown Tournament has been announced for August 21, 2021 in Our Shire of Misty Highlands. Our Seneschal, Master Illadore, has provided an excellent video announcement with details here.
Our greatest wish is to host a grand tournament, boasting a large number of combatants and spectators showcasing and witnessing the prowess and chivalry of Æthelmearc.
However, as you may be aware, we are currently limited to 150 attendees. We therefore strongly request that combatants and consorts only submit a letter of intent for entry if they are confident of being present and participating in the tournament in Misty Highlands on August 21, 2021. Should the current attendance restriction by the BoD not be increased or lifted, this may result in those not running the event or participating in the tournament being unable to attend.
Furthermore, we ask that entrants into the tournament seriously consider what victory and being royalty during a pandemic entails. We encourage you to reach out to us with questions.
In order to get back on track as a Kingdom, the preferred date for Coronation is September 25, 2021. Alternate dates may include September 18 or October 1.
This is a very quick turnaround time, and entrants should consider the following prior to Crown Tournament as Our Heirs will be required to advise Us of their preferred option on the day of their victory; given that events and attendance are limited, Our Heirs may choose to have a virtual Coronation, at an event hosted locally or at another event scheduled on the dates above. Should none of these options be viable, Coronation will occur on the morning of October Crown Tournament.
Letters of intent are due to Us by July 21, 2021. We will limit those requirements outside of Kingdom Law to the following:
Prospective consorts must be present at the tournament.
Each combatant and consort must display a banner during the grand procession.
All modern armor and equipment must be covered. This includes modern sports equipment, company logos, bright-colored or blatantly plastic armor, etc. These may be worn but concealed with a heraldic tabard, surcoat, or similar covering. Modern footwear is acceptable if disguised or understated (i.e., black or brown).
Please also review the section of Kingdom law listing requirements included below. Contact us if you have any questions regarding any of these requirements. Be mindful that letters of intent must be postmarked or received by the Crown no later than 30 days prior to Crown Tournament (July 21, 2021). Confirmation of receipt will be provided as received. Please contact us via email if you have any concerns.
(Postal address included in email missive and available upon request.)
Letters of intent must include the following elements for both entrants:
SCA names
Legal names
Postal Addresses
Telephone numbers
E-mail addresses
Proofs of membership
Age (proof to be supplied at Crown Tournament) and
Proof of current authorization for Combatants.
We would also request that the preferred titles of both fighter and consort are included in letters of intent to ensure accuracy and promote pageantry (ex. Noble, Lord, THLady, Baroness, Sir, Mistress, etc.) There is also an online Letter of Intent Form available on the Kingdom Website here.
III-100 Entrants in this section of Law are defined as the combatant and consort entering Crown Tournament.
III-200 All entrants in the Crown Tournament must be members of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.
III-300 All entrants in the Crown Tournament must be 18 years of age or older as of the date of Crown Tournament.
III-400 The withdrawal of either entrant from the Crown Lists shall automatically eliminate both from that Tournament, except as provided below in paragraph III-1100. Either may withdraw at any point in the Tournament by notifying the Minister of the Lists.
III-500 In order to be eligible to fight or be fought for in Crown Tournament, a person must be a subject (as defined in Corpora) of Æthelmearc for one year immediately prior to Crown Tournament and be able to demonstrate a reasonable level of participation in Æthelmearc during that period.
The Crown may waive the above requirements if the entrants are subjects of the Kingdom and able to demonstrate to the Crown’s satisfaction by their own words or by recommendation of peers of the Kingdom that they have sufficient familiarity with Kingdom Law and customs and an acceptable level of participation.
III-600 Letters of intent must be sent to the Crown. They must include the following elements for both entrants: • SCA names • Legal names • Addresses • Telephone numbers • E-mail addresses • Proofs of membership • Age (proof to be supplied at Crown Tournament) • Proof of current authorization for Combatants
To facilitate complete letters of intent, a form is available on the Kingdom website as well as from the Crown and the Seneschal on request. Prospective entrants are encouraged but not required to use this form to ensure a complete letter. Letters of intent must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand-delivered to the Crown no later than 30 days prior to the Crown Tournament. The Kingdom Seneschal shall verify eligibility as defined in the Bylaws and Corpora.
III-700 No person shall enter the Crown Tournament without intending an honorable attempt to compete for the Crown. At the discretion of the Royalty whose Crown it is, the Kingdom Officers who administer Crown may step aside and have their emergency deputy administer the Tourney, so they may enter. In the event a Kingdom Officer should win Crown, the Law regarding Emergency Deputies and office succession will apply.
III-800 The entrants must be acceptable to the Crown or Their representatives.
III-900 No person fighting in or being fought for in Crown Tournament may administer the Crown Tournament.
III-1000 Any two people may champion each other in the Crown Lists (hereinafter referred to as a combatant couple so long as neither is championed by any other person.
III-1100 If one member of a combatant couple is removed from the Crown Lists for marshallate infractions or any infractions of the Rules of the Lists, both members are ineligible to continue in that Crown Tournament. If one member of a combatant couple voluntarily withdraws as a combatant in the Lists, the MOL and Marshal will confer with the withdrawing member to determine if they are also withdrawing as consort or if the other member may continue in the Lists. If the participant withdraws both as fighter and consort, both shall be ineligible to continue in that Crown Tournament.
III-1200 The preferred method of Crown Tournament is a double-elimination format.
III-1300 The winner of the Crown Tournament and the winner’s consort become the new Heirs to the Throne of Æthelmearc. They are each entitled to the Title of Crown Prince or Crown Princess, as appropriate to the individual’s persona.
III-1301 Upon ascending to the Throne, They may rightfully be acknowledged as Monarch and Consort with alternate Titles as appropriate to the dignity of the Throne.
Here continues the Record of the Second Reign of Gareth and Juliana, King and Queen of Sylvan Æthelmearc at A Draw of Swords in Their Shire of Misty Highlands; as recorded by Barón Arias Beltran del Valle, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald, with the assistance of THL Phelippe Ulfsdottir.
As has been Their tradition through both reigns, Their Majesties first called for those gentles attending their first event that day, and presented them with a drinking vessel to take with them as they began their journey in the Society.
Their Majesties then summoned the young lord Elijah, known as Diablo Thundercleese the Third, before them. They had seen his energy and joy throughout the day at the many activities that were part of the event, and it had warmed Their hearts so. In gratitude for the light he brought to the day, They gave him a token of Their appreciation.
They next called for the attention of Thomas Marekson. His name had been given to Their Majesties as one who could be the runner for the toy chest this day. So was the chest passed to him and he was sent from the court to conceal himself. Then were the children of the kingdom called forth, and after a reminder of the rules of the toy chest were sent on their way as well to find Marekson and the chest.
Their Majesties then called for the Autocrat of the day, Her Excellency McKenna Henderson. Her Excellency thanked the populace for attending the event that day, and introduced the champions of the tournaments held, Maisterin Fredeburg von Katzenellenbogen on the rapier list, and Sir Marek Viacheldrago and Sir Ulrich von Schwarzburg on the heavy list. She finally encouraged those able to stay the evening for the feast being prepared mere yards away.
Their Majesties then asked for the canine subjects of the kingdom to be brought into Their Presence. His Majesty told the populace of the largely-forgotten tradition of the Sylvan Pack, created to include a roll of kingdom’s loyal canines. Having seen the pack shrunk to almost none, Their Majesties added Atty and Ada, who were present, to the Pack and did also induct Molly Mullhund, Freya and Rosie in absentia.
In gratitude for the work many gentles had done during Their reign, Their Majesties took the opportunity to award Sigils of Æthelmearc to the following gentles: THL Phelippe Ulfsdottir, His Lordship Fiachna mac Cennetig, Baroness McKenna Henderson, Mistress Kelda Jurgenstochter, Lady Birna Rikardskona in blakki Bjarn, Lord Rikardr inn blakki Bjarn, and Lord Otto Boese.
Their Majesties once again asked for Lady Birna to attend Them. Birna had become known to Them for her work filling many needs, from meals to garb to waterbearing. They deemed her work to be good indeed, and of great use to many in Their Sylvan Lands. So did they create her as a Companion of the Keystone. Scroll is a work in progress by Lady Nichola Beese.
As the end of Their Reign drew near, Their Majesties also wished to add two others to the Order of the Keystone: Lord Robeke von Heidelberg and Lord Reinhard Dobbeler. Both had long served both the Royal house and the Sylvan Army for many years, supporting them on the battlefield. Both had also been frequently seen in service as a retainer during Their Reign, made all the more noteworthy as their estates were outside of the Sylvan lands. Scrolls for both were the work of Baron Caleb Reynolds and Lady Ceindrich verch Elidir.
Their Majesties then called for His Lordship Fiachna mac Cennetig who was standing as a guard of Their Court. Their Majesties had been angered to hear of one who had attempted to hide from Their gaze that day. His Lordship found this gentle also at guard, suspiciously behind Their Majesties in Court. So was Lord Otto Boese brought before Them. They told him of Their displeasure at his attempts to conceal his talent from the rest of the Kingdom. They then demanded that others accusing him of the same attended Them. So was the Noble Order of the Fleur d’Æthelmearc called to Their Court, and They did bid them bear Otto away to join their number, and to answer for his obfuscation. Scroll was a work by Eilionora inghean an Bhaird, with words by THL Arias Beltran del Valle.
Next did Their Majesties summon to Them Lord Olaf Steinbrjoter. Long had Olaf provided valuable service to his Shire, his family, his kingdom and Their Majesties, autocratting events, holding local office, and serving on Their reign staff. His work was noble indeed, and therefore was he worthy of greater nobility than his current station. To address this, Their Majesties declared him to be a Baron of Their Court. Scroll was a runestone created by THL Phelippe Ulfsdottir, with words by THL Arias Beltran del Valle, further styled by THL Eyja Bassadóttir of the Kingdom of Northshield.
Their Majesties then once again called for the attendance of Baroness McKenna, this time joined as well by Baron Cunedda Kell. Her Majesty had watch both of their Excellencies spend the day entertaining the populace and ensuring that a fun and successful event was had by all. So glad was She for their work, that both were awarded a Golden Escarbuncle and named Her Majesty’s Inspiration for the day.
Before Their Court ended, Their Majesties’ Jewel Herald, His Lordship Arias Beltran del Valle, begged a boon to speak before Them. That boon having been granted, he informed Their Court that he would regretfully be unable to attend the Coronation of Their Majesties’ Heirs, and so would his term of service draw to an end once again that day. He asked that he be allowed to return the regalia of the Jewel Herald to Them for safekeeping until such time as a new Jewel Herald was invested.
Their Majesties did accept that regalia but bid His Lordship attend them further before retiring from Their Court. They spoke gladly of his faithful execution of the position of Jewel Herald throughout both of Their Reigns, citing the great amount of leg work and detail that oftentimes went into the position. In recognition of his service in that role for a second time did Their Majesties create him also a Baron of Their Court. Scroll was a work by Mistress Graidhne ni Ruaidh.
There being no immediate business before Their Majesties, Their Court was then suspended.
Later, during the evening’s Feast:
Their Majesties announced the addition of three people whose petitions for citizenship in the kingdom had been approved, and so did Kasai, Grimr Illingr and Randa Felag become subjects of the Sylvan Kingdom of Æthelmearc.
Their Majesties continued to court to further recognize two others who had assisted them greatly during Their Reign, and so did they grant Sigils of Æthelmearc to Maighstir Liam mac an Tsaoir and Maisterin Fredeburg von Katzenellenbogen.
With no further business before Them, the Court of Their Majesties was then closed.
Here continues the Record of the Second Reign of Gareth and Juliana, King and Queen of Sylvan Æthelmearc at Vikings at Miklagard, June 1, AS 54, in Their Shire of Misty Highlands; as recorded by THL Arias Beltran del Valle, with the assistance of Lady Nichola Beese.
Their Majesties first called for Lord Meinolf Grimsson to attend them. As Kingdom Thrown Weapons Champion, Lord Meinolf had held a tournament to determine his successor that day. The event had come down to a sudden death final, but Lord Rikardr in blakki Bjarn had emerged victorious over the rest of the competitors. So did Their Majesties name him the new Champion, and bid him take his place in Their retinue.
But Their Majesties had further business with Lord Rikardr. In his time in the Society, he had worked to become a marshal in heavy combat, thrown weapons and archery, helping to revive the practice of thrown weapons in his shire and serve in many other capacities. In recognition of his service did They name him to the Order of the Keystone.
Their Majesties then called for the Autocrat of the day, Lord Fiachma mac Cennetig. Fiachna spoke about the events of the day and thanked those who contributed to its success. But before he could retire from Their presence, Their Majesties bid him stay a moment. They spoke of his long history of service to the shire and the kingdom, and to the society as a whole by helping to run the DART carts at Pennsic. They and others in the kingdom were moved by his work, and to recognize that service did They call for Their Noble Order of the Millrind, and added them to their number. Scroll by Lady Nichola Beese.
Her Majesty invited Master Donnan MacDubsidhe and Mistress Caroline of Burgundy to Their Court. She spoke of the joy she witnessed in their activities on the rapier field, and so did name them both Her Inspiration for the Day and awarded each a Golden Escarbuncle.
There being no further business before Them, the Court of Their Majesties was then closed.
Report by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope and Lord Christian Goldenlok.
The Shire of Misty Highlands lived up to its name on Saturday, October 10th, as gentles from all over Æthelmearc wended their way through foggy valleys and across hills just beginning to turn to autumn gold, heading to the site of the Crown Tournament that would determine the successors of the Imperatori, Magnus Tindal and Etain. The mist soon lifted, and the populace was treated to a perfect fall day of bright sunshine, pleasant temperatures, and great deeds of nobility.
The Imperatori, Tindal and Etain, wait for the combatants to process in. Photo by Lady Àine ny Allane.
The day began with the Kingdom Youth Champion’s Tournament. Five enthusiastic youth fighters from Divisions 1 and 2 assembled to hear the words of Their Majesties, then spent almost an hour in joyous combat. The bear-pit tourney allowed all of the young combatants to fight as much as they wished. Their Majesties made it known that they would choose their champions based on chivalry and honor as much as prowess, and the youth fighters responded with great courtesy. In the end, the Imperatori chose Karl Kupferhelbelinc as their Division 1 champion, and Drake Magnusson as their Division 2 champion. The Marshal in Charge, Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope, was assisted by youth marshals Mistress Fredeburg von Katzenellenbogen, Lord Matheus Weasel, Mistress Zoe Akropolitina, and THL Tegrinus de Rhina. The marshals and fighters also appreciated the great efficiency of Mistress Ekaterina Volkova, who tallied the wins and losses as MOL for this fast-moving tournament.
Karl Kupferhelbelinc vs. Drake Magnusson. Photo by Mistress Arianna.
Once the youth fighters finished their tournament, the adults entering Crown Tournament assembled for the Grand Processional. 26 combatants were present to vie for the Crown, and each couple was presented to Their Majesties with a heraldic flourish and many banners flying. Once the procession was complete, Lord Thrain inn riki, who ranked lowest in precedence, set the tone for the day by challenging the highest ranking combatant, Duke Timothy of Arindale. The rest of the fighters then made their challenges and the tournament began.
Duke Duncan and Duchess Ilish process in to the tournament. Photo by Master Alaxandair o Conchobhair.
Long-Winded Tourney Coverage from Lord Christian Goldenlok
At Crown tournament, happiness, excitement, and inspiration were as beautifully abundant as the foliage of the fall season. A blessing from the Kingdom of Atenveldt, it seemed an illuminator gilded the golden sun as it made the fall foliage glow. The stillness of the lake painted the perfect picture of the majesty of our Kingdom.
The laughter of children and the clash of the combatants boomed throughout the valley and out across the lake. Lightning struck with each blow delivered, and when laughter abounded, it echoed so intensely that it seemed the entire Known World’s populace was gathered in fellowship, laughing with us.
The Shire of Misty Highlands was the setting for this most perfect atmosphere, which seemed to emanate the honor and glory of our fall crown tournament. With each passing list runner, herald, fighter, or consort, it was easy to become overwhelmed at just how alive the event was. As its vigor intensified, I found myself stationary, just looking at how the event unfolded before my eyes.
As I entered the site, I was greeted by Lord Arias Beltrane del Valle. He greeted me and directed me to where I would register. A fine southern region lady would accept my troll fee and place around my neck a token of admission. I heard the clanging of pots from the feastocrat, Lady Barbaia, and her helpers, resounding through the hall. I embraced the Autocrat, Mistress Juliana Delamere, who seemed rather popular as she had a line of people asking her about myriad things requiring her attention.
I excused myself and made my way down to the fighting. As I trod, I passed a fine gentle and his wife, Lord Olaf Steinabrjotr and Lady Mckenna Henderson, who were balancing large plates of food and drink to share with the populace. I intercepted them and relieved them of a tray of apples.
As I began my round of randomly serving refreshment, I had the opportunity to observe individuals in their respective pavilions. Canvas tents with pennants flying in the fall breeze framed the lists. In those tents sat the retinues of the fighters they were representing. Fine food spreads on a decorative cloth would be placed on long tables to be shared with others. Laughter and excitement was a common sight.
Since there were only two fighting lists, the populace was treated to an intimate view of the combat. I saw others in support, hurrying about. List runners would retrieve small wooden shields of heraldry from the heraldry tree, then place them on the appropriate list hangers to visually prepare the populace for which list the warriors would be entering.
Photo by Mistress Arianna.
The heralds would set the routine of the bout before and after each fight. Fighters would enter the list, salute the crown, make salutations to their combatants and their consorts, and begin their dance of destiny under the watchful eyes of the marshals. When the fight was concluded, those same list runners would bolt back to the Minister of the Lists (MOL) to report the victors. These ladies would record list advancements, announce who would fight next, and politely remind spectators to remove themselves from in front of the MOL table.
With all of this movement happening simultaneously, it’s truly a wonder that an event of this magnitude was so expertly executed. I attribute this to experience and the willingness to participate from the many volunteers that make these events possible.
The fighting was fierce and honorable, with no willing disregard for honor, courtesy, and chivalry; characteristics that are intrinsic to the Æthelmearc fighting community.
THL Marek vs. Sir Maghnus. Photo by Mistress Arianna.
The semi-finals saw Sir Arnthor inn sterki and Duke Duncan von Halstern emerge with one loss each, while Sir Thomas Byron of Haverford and Count Andreas Morgan were undefeated. Sir Arnthor and Duke Duncan were instructed that they must win twice to advance, but Sir Byron and Count Andreas had other ideas, and defeated their opponents in a single bout each.
Sir Arnthor vs. Sir Byron in the semi-finals. Photo by Master Alaxandair.
In the end, only two brave knights remained. Sir Thomas Byron of Haverford stood the field undefeated. Driven by love for his lady wife, Sir Ariella of Thornbury, and determined to become the heir to the throne of Æthelmearc, he stood opposed by a man who is no stranger to ruling the kingdom, Count Andreas Morgan, fighting for the honor of the beloved Countess Kallista Morgunova.
Two proud sons of Æthelmearc met in the finals of crown tourney with greatsword in hand. The first of three bouts were initiated by the marshal, Count Jehan de la Marche. The first pass saw Sir Byron brought to his knees, then defeated with a thrust to the body by Count Andreas.
Finals between Count Andreas and Sir Byron. First round, great sword. Photo by Master Alaxandair.
Count Andreas chose to keep greatswords for the second match. Lay on was called, and the populace assembled was treated to a match that spanned the entire list field. Through an exchange of blows, and an intense moment of close-in fighting, Sir Byron rose the victor of the second bout.
Second round, great sword. Photo by Master Alaxandair.
Sir Byron chose to exchange his greatsword for a weapon and shield for the third and deciding fight. Count Andreas chose to match his weapons form. With patience, maneuvering, and timing, one well-struck blow to his opponent’s helm ensured victory and the eventual rule of Æthelmearc for Sir Byron.
Third round, sword and shield. Photo by Master Alaxandair.
“I have dreamed, dreamed so often of this moment.” Phrases like these are said everyday. Few however, truly witness what it feels like when others complete their dreams. For Sir Byron and Sir Ariella, those assembled were blessed with a magical and intimate moment in which we were offered a glimpse of what it was like for Sir Byron to complete his dream, or rather, compete and win the honor of actualizing his dream beside his wife. It was truly a moment which I hope will live in the hearts of those assembled for years to come.
Photo by Master Alaxandair.
Photo by Master Alaxandair.
Many heavy fighters such as myself see the battlefield beside their significant others. My fiancée dons armor and literally fights by my side. Many fight beside their spouses in the battlefields of mastering an art or science or the battlefields of service to the kingdom. Many of us journey with the support of our friends, family, and chosen family. Whatever the journey, Sir Byron and Sir Ariella, or rather, Their Royal Highnesses, Prince Byron and Princess Ariella, offer us a look at the top of the mountain. A pinnacle of what it looks like to dedicate their family, years of their lives, their hope, honor, and prowess, to achieve the opportunity to serve the populace of Æthelmearc and indeed the Known World from, eventually, the thrones of Æthelmearc.
You can watch video of the tournament finals and the crowning of Byron and Ariella as Prince and Princess here(with thanks to Master Alaxandair o Conchobhair, videographer).
Prince Byron and Princess Ariella. Photo by Master Alaxandair.
Kudos to the marshals, led by the Earl Marshal, Duchess Tessa the Huntress; the heralds led by the Sycamore Herald, Baron Robert O’Connor; and the list officers led by the Kingdom Mistress of the Lists, Baroness Rynea Ingen of Stormsport, who all did their usual efficient jobs to keep the tournament running smoothly.
THLord Darian Valski, recipient of the Shield of Chivalry. Photo by Lady Àine ny Allane.
After a brief respite, the Imperatori held Their Court, in which they recognized Their Youth Champions and bestowed awards on an array of deserving gentles. The Ladies of the Rose gave tokens to THLord Jussi Laplein and THLady Beatrix Krieger for their honor and courtesy on the field, and then bestowed the Shield of Chivalry on THLord Darian Valski, who was the only unbelted fighter to make it to the quarter-finals of the tournament.
Congratulations to the Autocrats, Mistress Juliana Delamere and Lady Barbaia of Sable Maul, along with their staff and all the people of Misty Highlands for a beautiful event.
