The next Æthelmearc Youth Combat Champions’ Tourney will be held on Saturday, May 18th, at Æthelmearc War Practice in the Shire of Steltonwald. Anywhere from one to three Champions will be chosen by King Gareth and Queen Juliana, based on the fighters’ prowess and chivalry. Those chosen will serve as Kingdom Champions for the duration of Their Majesties’ reign.
Schedule for youth fighting at War Practice on Saturday morning:
9:00 am – List opens for inspections
9:30 – Authorizations
10:00 – Youth Champion’s Tourney begins
11:00-12:00 – Melees
Limited loaner armor and weapons will be available. We advise that your youth fighter bring their own equipment if at all possible.
The Youth Combat list will be on the main battlefield, to the east of the thrown weapons range and alongside Currie Road.
THLord Methias Weasel, Æthelmearc Youth Combat Marshal, will be the Marshal-in-Charge. If you have any questions about youth combat at Æthelmearc War Practice, please contact him at ae.youthfighting@aethelmearc.org.
The next Æthelmearc Youth Combat Champions’ Tourney will be held on Saturday, May 19th, at Æthelmearc War Practice in the Shire of Steltonwald. Anywhere from one to three Champions will be chosen by King Sven and Queen Siobhán, based on the fighters’ prowess and chivalry. Champions will receive the regalia from the current champions, Fritz (Division 1) and Fox (Division 2), and serve as Kingdom Champions until the next tourney is held by Their Majesties’ successors.
Schedule for youth fighting at War Practice on Saturday morning:
9:00 am – List opens for inspections
9:30 – Authorizations
10:00 – Youth Champion’s Tourney begins
11:00-12:00 – Melees and/or training with adult sparring partners
Limited loaner armor and weapons will be available. We advise that your youth fighter bring their own equipment if at all possible.
The Youth Combat list will be on the main battlefield, to the east of the thrown weapons range and alongside Currie Road. Look for a blue pop-up canopy.
THLord Methias Weasel will be the Marshal-in-Charge. If you have any questions about youth combat at Æthelmearc War Practice, please contact the Kingdom Youth Combat Marshal, Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.
Youth Fighters, pay heed! The Æthelmearc Youth Combat Champions’ Tourney will be held this coming Saturday, May 20th, at Æthelmearc War Practice in the Canton of Steltonwald. Anywhere from one to three Champions will be chosen by Their Majesties, King Timothy and Queen Gabrielle, based on the fighters’ prowess and chivalry. Champions will receive the regalia from the current champions, Karl (Division 1) and Timothy (Division 2), and serve as Kingdom Champions until the next tourney is held by Their Majesties’ successors.
Schedule for youth fighting at War Practice:
Saturday morning:
9:00 am – List opens for inspections
9:30 – Authorizations
10:00 – Youth Champion’s Tourney begins
11:00-12:00 – Melees
The Youth Combat list will be on the main battlefield, to the east of the thrown weapons range and alongside Currie Road. Look for a blue pop-up canopy.
For more information on Æthelmearc War Practice, see the Kingdom website.
If you have any questions about youth combat at Æthelmearc War Practice, please contact the Marshal-in-Charge, Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.
Youth Combat Melee. Photo by THLady Aaliz de Gant.
On October 29th, A. S. LI, the Barony-Marche of the Debatable Lands held its annual Agincourt event on a gloriously warm and sunny day. Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope reports on the activities held there.
Morning Court
The day began with a brief court. Queen Margerite called forth THLord Kieran MacRae, who received a Writ for the Laurel at Pennsic to present himself at Agincourt. Her Majesty asked if he was ready to sit vigil, to which he responded in the affirmative. However, Queen Margerite noted that Kieran was in fealty to another and must be free before contemplating elevation to the peerage. His Laurel, Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope, was called forward to receive back his green belt and release him from his fealty, after which the Order of the Laurel escorted THLord Kieran to his vigil.
THLord Kieran returns his apprentice belt to Mistress Arianna before going on vigil for the Laurel. Photo by Lady Àine ny Allane.
Heavy Weapons Combat
Agincourt has always featured heavy fighting, with combatants choosing to portray either the French or the English as they honor the famous battle of 1415 at which Henry V of England annihilated a much larger and better armed French force.
This year, 38 fighters took the field, including eight combat archers. The fighting began with a Warlord Tourney, from which THLord Tegrinus de Rhina and THLord Rouland of Willowbrooke emerged as the winners, becoming the captains of the French and English Sides, respectively. The French took all of the day’s victory points: Field Battle, Woods Battle, Combat Soccer, and Hold the Barricade, and as commander of the French side, THL Tegrinus was the overall Warlord Tourney Winner for the day.
The day ended with a series of intense Tavern Brawls, in which Lord Ulrich von Baden, who had previously distinguished himself with a dive-in-and-slide goal that scored the final point for his side in Combat Soccer, was named Last Man Standing.
A Tavern Brawl. Photo by Baron Torvald Torgarson.
Videos below are by Baroness Constance Glyn Dŵr.
Rapier
Don Po Silvertop receives a rose from the Queen during the QRC procession. The outgoing champion, Lord Jacob Martinson, looks on in the background. Photo by Lady Àine ny Allane.
This year Agincourt was honored to host the Queen’s Rapier ChampionTournament. It began with the traditional presentation of fencers to the Queen, each one receiving a rose from Her hand. A huge list of 53 fencers competed, with the tournament fought as round robins in four lists with the top two in each list advancing to the quarter-finals. A noble gesture was made by Lord Magnus bastiano di Vigo, who ceded his spot in the quarter-finals to Countess Ariella of Thornbury that she might have the opportunity to do more fencing and increase her enjoyment of the day. In recognition of this act of kindness, Her Majesty, Queen Margerite, named Lord Magnus her inspiration of the day and bestowed upon him a Golden Escarbuncle at the evening’s court.
The final four fencers were Lord Durante de Caravaggio, Master Clewin Kupferheleblinc, Baron Eric Grenier de Labarre, and Don Po Silvertop. The finals came down to Master Clewin vs. Lord Durante, with Lord Durante winning the coveted title of Queen’s Champion, succeeding the outgoing Champion, Lord Jacob Martinson.
There was also a Free Scholars of the AEthelmearc Rapier Academy tourney run by THLord Jorundr hinn Rotinn, and an “Out of the Box” tourney run by Lord Markus Skalpr Grimsson, in which kills could only be made by shots to the head, arms, hands, legs, and feet. Both tourneys were won by Lord Ru Cavorst.
Video below of the quarter-finals through the finals of the QRC is by Brehan Lapidario.
Youth Combat
Agincourt likewise saw the Kingdom Youth Combat Champions’ tournament. Two enthusiastic young gentles fought three rounds with each of three weapons forms. In the end, Queen Margerite could not choose between them, and so she named Timothy of Arindale the Younger her Division 2 Champion, and Karl her Division 1 Champion. After the youth tourney, several adult sparring partners came forward to cross swords with the new champions, including THLord Rouland of Willowbrooke, Master Jussie Laplein, Prince Timothy of Arindale, and Lord Robert Pour Maintenant.
Karl and Timothy in the Youth Combat Champion’s Tourney. Photo by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.
Archery
Archery was, of course, at the heart of the original battle of Agincourt, and it was only right that the English did prevail in the shoot run by Master Alaric MacConall, though by a margin of only 2 points. Ronan O’Conall and Duncan MacCoulagh each made 10 point shots that gave the day to the English. Lord Takamatsu Gentarou Yoshitaka also ran a shoot by the victorious English to loot French cheeses, which was won by THLord Alrekr Bergsson with Baron Tofi Kerthjalfadsson coming in second.
Thrown Weapons
The Debatable Lands Baronial Champion tournament was the highlight of thrown weapons at Agincourt. The outgoing Baronial Champion, Master Clewin Kupferhelbelinc, ran the competition, which was hard contested. In the end, Lord Sanada Masamoto Kenshin O’no Kuma proved victorious and was named Champion, with Earl Thomas Byron of Haverford as his second.
Lord Kuma is recognized as Baronial Thrown Weapons Champion with Earl Byron as his second. Photo by Lady Àine ny Allane.
Arts and Sciences
For a second year, the event included an A&S competition run by THLady Sumayya al Ghaziya. Entries ranged from scrolls and cooking to research and ceramics. The winner of the single category entry was Lord Ian Campbell of Glen Mor for his ceramic tiles, while Lady Luceta di Cosimo won the multiple entry category for items including cookies and research into medieval burial practices. Lord Ian was inducted into the Fleur d’Æthelmearc at court later that evening. A slideshow of some of the entries is shown below
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Evening Court
After a Baronial Court where the winners of each competition were announced and rewarded, and various baronial awards were bestowed, Queen Margerite held court attended by Prince Timothy and Princess Gabrielle, as well as the Crown Prince and Princess of the Middle, William and Isolde. In addition to the accolades noted above, highlights from the evening court included the induction of Lady Cionaodh Gunn into the Order of the Millrind; the elevation of THLord Kieran MacRae to the Order of the Laurel, and Writs of Summons for the Pelican to Doña Gabrielle de Winter and Baron Robert O’Connor.
Master Kieran MacRae swearing fealty as a Laurel. Photo by Lady Àine ny Allane.
Doña Gabrielle de Winter and Baron Robert O’Connor receive Writs for the Pelican. Photo by Mistress Arianna.
Food and Entertainment
The soteltie made by Lady Zianna. Photo by Mistress Arianna.
Of course Agincourt would not be complete without food. THLady Ottilige Rappoltsweiler and Edelvrowe Lijsbet du Keukere organized a lunch buffet of chicken, blancmanger, vegetables and fruit, while Meesteress Odriana vander Brugghe and her crew provided the evening feast. Supper began with a toast to the late Lady Adriana Ramstar, after which there were readings from the Canterbury Tales. Then dish after dish arrived including various meats, pies, rice, Brussels sprouts, and a large marzipan and cake soteltie of the Shield of Chivalry made by Lady Zianna beguy urdina de Zabaleta.
The evening was capped off with a performance by the ever-bawdy commedia troupe, i Genisii, whose show included a seasonally appropriate undead Pantalone attempting to control his daughter Octavia by means both foul and humorous.
Thanks to all of the photographers listed above, as well as Lord Markus Skalpr Grimsson, Lord Takamatsu Gentarou Yoshitaka, Master Morien MacBain, Lord Sanada Masamoto Kenshin O’no Kuma and Baroness Aemilia Soteria for providing information about various activities for this event report.
Youth Fighters, pay heed! The Æthelmearc Youth Combat Champions’ Tourney will be held on Saturday, May 21st at Æthelmearc War Practice in the Canton of Steltonwald. Anywhere from one to three Champions will be chosen by Their Majesties, King Byron and Queen Ariella, based on the fighters’ prowess and chivalry. Champions will receive the regalia from the current champions, Karl (Division 1) and Drake (Division 2), and serve as Kingdom Champions until the next tourney is held by Their Majesties’ successors.
Schedule for youth fighting at War Practice:
Saturday morning:
9:00 am – List opens for inspections
9:30 – Authorizations
10:00 – Youth Champion’s Tourney begins
11:00-12:00 – Melees
The Youth Combat list will be on the main battlefield, to the east of the thrown weapons range and alongside Currie Road. Look for a blue pop-up canopy.
For more information on Æthelmearc War Practice, see the Kingdom website.
If you have any questions about youth combat at Æthelmearc War Practice, please contact the Marshal-in-Charge, Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.
Last spring’s Youth Champions’ tourney. Photo by Mistress Arianna.
The Shire of Ballachlagan’s Donnan Party event on March 26 had its usual surfeit of heavy weapons and rapier, along with archery and thrown weapons.
Master Donnan MacDubhsithe, photo by Mistress Ts’vee’a bas Tseepori Levi.
The event began as a way to recognize the birthday of Master Donnan MacDubhsidhe by giving him a venue to receive the traditional fencer’s “birthday smacks.” It has evolved to include a heavy weapons muster for fighter to train for Pennsic.
The day started with the Court of the Imperatori, Tindal and Etain. Lady Julianna Ravenshaw explained the history of the event, and noted that while it was not Master Donnan’s actual birthday, it was the birthday of another gentle – Princess Ariella. Her Highness was presented with a cake, and the populace sang to her. The cake was later distributed with the lunch sideboard. The Imperatori then summoned Master Bastiano di Iacopo and asked if was ready to hold his vigil and play the prize for the Order of Defense, as he had received a Writ at Bog Twelfth Night in January. He answered in the affirmative and was escorted by the Masters of Defense to an area where he could meet with fencers and peers for that purpose. His elevation will take place at Coronation.
Court having ended, gentles scattered to don armor or pick up rapiers, bows, or axes and pursue the martial activities of their choice. The day being warm and sunny, the heavy and youth fighters went outside to the field behind the building, while the fencers took over the gyms to do Cut and Thrust training as well as hold classes on various rapier techniques. Master Benedict Fergus atte Mede, Kingdom Rapier Marshal, oversaw the authorization of about a dozen fencers in the new form of two-handed sword by various regional marshals. At noon the “birthday smacks” for Master Donnan began.
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Slideshow photos by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.
Meanwhile, the heavy fighters outside took advantage of the large field to have pickup fights as well as a round robin novice tournament. The Marshal-in-Charge, Lord Oliver Lengthorn, commented, “The unbelt round robin was a ‘warmup tourney’ thing that occurs at the beginning of each of our Region’s musters. After the round robin was over, many of the Knights in attendance took the field to offer the unbelted fighters a few passes and one-on-one instruction. The rest of the day we worked on small unit maneuvers in field battles and also drilled some tactics for limited front engagements.
We spent the day making our AErmy stronger. Though there is no individual winner to report, the entire Kingdom wins!”
After the tourney and warmups, the heavy fighters held field battles under the watchful eye of Augustus Tindal and Sir Thorgrim Skullsplitter.
Video by Arianna.
The youth fighters also enjoyed the fine weather, with the Kingdom Division 2 Champion, Drake, helping to train two brand new youth fighters. Master Liam macanTsaoire and Lord Rouland of Willowbrooke, both youth sparring marshals, took time out to fight against the youth as well.
Youth Combat photos by Arianna. Click to view as a slideshow.
Lunch was a buffet taco bar that also included fruits, veggies, and the Princess’ birthday cake.
In the afternoon the fencers held a Scholar’s Tourney for fencers who did not possess a White Scarf or Master of Defense. It had about 15 participants, and was won by Lord Markus Skalpr Grimsson.
Photo by Arianna.
As the day wound down, the Imperatori held their afternoon court, where they recognized many worthy gentles as noted in the Court Report. Most notably, THLady Fiora d’Artusio was inducted into the Order of the White Scarf for her skill on the rapier field. She was presented with a scarf from her husband, Master Will Parris, which he said was the first scarf he had received and which he had worn into many battles.
THLady Fiora d’Artusio is admitted to the Order of the White Scarf. Photo by Mistress Ts’vee’a.
Congratulations to the Shire of Ballachlagan on another successful Donnan Party!
On March 5, A.S. L, the Shire of Stormsport held its 20th Anniversary Bears event. Gentles from all over western Æthelmearc joined the fun and camaraderie of the day.
The Bears event was originally created to honor the “Three Bears” of Stormsport: Viscount Sir Bear the Wallsbane, Earl Sir Bearengaer hinn Ruadi, and Mistress Berengaria of Hainault. Mistress Berengaria no longer participates in the SCA, and Earl Bearengaer sadly passed away in 2007, but Viscount Bear was present and enjoyed the fighting.
The event featured tournaments in fencing, heavy weapons, and youth combat, as well as a silent auction and history display, not to mention lots of excellent food.
Sir Vladisla Nikulich organized a double-elimination rattan tournament which was won by Sir Aengus MacBain in a final round of combat against Prince Byron.
Prince Byron and Sir Aengus in the finals of the double elimination tournament.
New fighter Benjamin was applauded for his enthusiasm and endurance.
As fighters were defeated in the double-elim tournament, they moved on to a bear pit tourney in which fighters were awarded one point for a loss and two points for a win. Duke Marcus Eisenwald won by a fairly wide margin, but Sir Vlad called out the amazing feat of new fighter, Benjamin, who accumulated 76 points despite only winning six bouts.
The only unhappy note of the day occurred before the tournaments began, when Eisen Brehm of Blackwater slipped and fell after a warmup bout, painfully injuring his knee. He was sent by ambulance to the hospital in the company of Baroness Rynea, and fortunately the injury was just a sprain. Duke Marcus noted that all of the fighters were rooting for Eisen’s recovery and hope he returns to the tourney field soon. Eisen later said he plans to be back in armor by Ice Dragon in April.
In between bear pit tourney bouts, fighters had the opportunity to fight at a barrier provided by Sir Aengus.
THLord Kieran MacRae and THLord Jussie Laplein fighting at the barrier while Sir Aengus looks on.
Fencers also had two tournaments in which to compete, both organized by Duchess Dorinda Courtenay. Master Caleb Reynolds won the round robin tournament, while Lord Alexander du Lac was victorious in the subsequent bear pit.
THLady Minamoto Kumamoto Sakuraku vs. Baron Caleb Reynolds. Photo by Baron Magnus de Lyons.
The victors received chocolate as their prizes, because that’s what Duchess Dorinda said she would want if she was the winner. She also gave the winners “northern long-eared bears” (aka stuffed rabbits, because she was unable to find teddy bears), though 10-year-old Willa wheedled Baron Caleb’s “bear” away from him.
After the bear pit, Master Diego Muñoz took over marshaling duties so that Duchess Dorinda could hold the field against the other fencers.
Master Caleb and Lord Alexander, fencing tourney winners.
Youth combatants had the opportunity to fight against adult sparring marshals including Sir Arnþorr inn sterki, THLord Rouland of Willowbrooke, and Prince Byron, and then compete against each other in a triple round robin tournament organized by Mistress Jenna McPherson of Lion’s Tower and won by Ulfr. In addition to winning the tournament, Ulfr was commended for his chivalry, receiving tokens from the marshals and Prince Byron.
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Through all these tournaments, the List officers, Baroness Anna Eisenkopf, Baroness Aemelia Soteria, and Lord Cionaodh mac Éamoinn kept things organized and moving.
A silent auction with many desirable items was held throughout the course of the day, netting the shire a goodly sum of money.
Many desirable items were donated to the Silent Auction.
There was also a display of photos and other memorabilia of past Bears events, including many pictures of the late Earl Bearengaer hinn Raudi, one of the other “Bears” (along with Sir Bear the Wallsbane) for whom the event was named.
Baroness Aemelia Soteria peruses photos from the Bears event history display.
Lady Ottilige von Rappoltsweiler supervised the Kids’ Kitchen, which had numerous children as young as 8 years old assisting in creating the sideboard lunch of spanikopita, fruits, veggies, bread, honey butter, and cold meats. This is the second year that lunch has been prepared by the children at Bears Event and, as last year, the children had a great time and did a fantastic job. The children also helped with the creation of a Bear Subtlety that was displayed during dinner At a brief court held by Prince Byron before the feast, the autocrat, Lady Leah Janette, gave each participating child a wooden spoon in thanks for their kitchen help.
Kids who helped cook the lunch sideboard are recognized by the autocrat for their service.
The event was capped off by a feast cooked by Lady Ottilige and her kitchen crew. The theme of the feast was “greatest hits” from past Bears events and featured foods that had been served at past versions of the event, rather than focusing on how medieval they might be. The dishes included baked chicken that had particular meaning to the cook as it was her first exposure to medieval food. Each dish was a wonderful memory of the past, which made it tastier. Of particular note were the “eggs” served with dessert which were cleaned and washed eggshells filled with whipped cream and a marzipan “yolk” that you ate with a tiny spoon. While this was a new addition to the menu, it was reminiscent of medieval illusion food and was a wonderfully creative way to end the meal.
Thank you to Meesteress Odriana vander Brugghe for information about the feast. All photos not otherwise credited are by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.
Once again, we invite all to brave the wintry cold and fight singles and then melee all afternoon on St. Valentine’s Day!
The Muster will run from 1 to 5pm on Sunday, Feb. 14 this year (we changed our initial choice of date to avoid the Superbowl). The location is the same as in previous years: Marshall Elementary School gym at 5135 Wexford Run Rd, Wexford PA 15090. Your hosting marshals are Your Royal Highnessess, Byron and Ariella (caram@pitt.edu or 724-933-4661). Be prompt for the one-on-one fighting, followed by melees in a gym large enough for at least 70 fighters.
Youth Fighting will run from 1pm to 3pm. Adult sparring marshals, if you were authorized two or more years ago, this is a good opportunity to renew your authorization to fight against youth under the supervision of a Youth Combat Marshal. Adult fighters who wish to become sparring marshals should contact the Kingdom Youth Combat Marshal, Sir Thorgrim Skullsplitter. For more information on becoming a sparring marshal, see the Æthelmearc Youth Combat website.
Please no smoking on school property, soft-soled shoes on the gym floor, and only water in the gym and outside hallway, which became the kids’ hangout/arts area last year.
Donations are appreciated to defray the cost of gym rental. We are looking forward to seeing everyone!
Yours In Service,
Byron and Ariella, Prince and Princess
This report was compiled by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope with assistance from O’no Kuma, Maistir Brandubh o Donnghaile, Master Alaric MacConall, Lady Katheryne Täntzel, Lord Robert MacEwin of Thornhill, Lady Melodia Beaupel, and Lord Robert Pour Maintenant.
Though the sun played peekaboo through clouds that brought intermittent cold winds and even the occasional tiny snowflake, the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Agincourt proved more fun for the folk of Æthelmearc than it did for the French on that fateful day in October, 1415.
The morning started with the Court of the Imperator, Magnus Tindal, in which he bade THLord Morien MacBain set himself on vigil, there to receive the counsel of the peers and populace regarding his elevation to the Order of the Pelicans.
TOYS FOR TOTS TOURNEY
Martial activities began with the Toys for Tots charity tournament organized by Brillo el Dragon for his high school senior project. 15 fighters participated in a bear pit tournament that lasted almost 2 hours, contributing toys and cash to the charity. Sir Vladimir Mechnik, known as Sir Vlad Two Swords, was the victor, but the children who will received Christmas gifts as a result of the tournament will be the true winners.
The Toys for Tots Tourney. Photo by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.
YOUTH CHAMPION’S TOURNEY
At the same time, Their Excellencies Liam and Constance presided over their Youth Combat Champions’ Tournament, which had five young gentles similarly competing in a bear pit for the right to be named baronial champion.
Their Excellencies address the youth fighters. Photo by Arianna.
In addition to receiving points for winning and losing bouts, the fighters had the opportunity to receive bonus points from the Baron, Baroness, and Marshals for chivalry, sportsmanship, and feats of valor or humor. This resulted in not only many points of honor, but also some entertainingly dramatic deaths and a fair number of quotes from Monty Python. His Majesty stopped by and commended the youth fighters for their prowess and camaraderie. He also bestowed upon the newest youth fighter, Danny, a mug in appreciation of Danny’s skill in the Kingdom Youth Championship Tournament held the previous week at Crown Tournament. In the end, Ulfr, who had just stepped down as kingdom champion a week before, was the winner and named Baronial Youth Champion.
Ulfr vs. Danny in the Baronial Youth Combat Champion’s Tourney. Photo by Arianna.
FENCING
Once the youth fighters left the field to hold tavern brawl melees at the picnic tables on the other side of the feast hall, the fencers took the list.
For the dozen or so rapier combatants, Lord Cyrus Augur ran a round robin tournament with each round being best of three fights using progressive weapons forms: single sword, sword and parry object (or just sword), and then two weapons. Master Will Parris was the victor.
THLady Fiora vs. Lord Balan. Photo by Arianna.
After the tourney, there were melees, including a free-for-all called Paranoia. Fencers who were killed were out of the melee until the fencer who had killed them was also killed.
Lady Lucia vs. Lord Michael Gladewyne. Photo by Arianna.
THROWN WEAPONS
After a tasty lunch crafted by Lord Takamatsu Gentarou Yoshitaka and his kitchen crew, the tournament to choose the Debatable Lands Thrown Weapons Champion was hosted by last year’s Baronial Champion, Lord Halldorr Bildr Fintanson. There were 8 competitors vying for this honor, and all knew well the challenge the cold weather presented to the already daunting task. A qualifying round was held, after which 5 throwers were deemed worthy. The championship field included all manner of experience levels, from the most serious and experienced to a first time thrower who picked up knife and axe that day simply to try his hand. A steady hand he proved, for he indeed did qualify and acquit himself nicely.
The competition was a Robin Hood themed throw, and centered on the capture of Will Scarlet.
Thrown weapons participants. Photo by Zyla of Sebastion’s Place.
The competitors included Lady Verena Wittkopf, Baroness Aemilia Soteria, Don Clewin Kupferhelblinc, Karl Kupferhelbelinc (age 6), O’no Kuma, and the first time thrower, Duncan McClough.
There were four targets, with one axe target and three knife targets, two weapons thrown per target. The axe target consisted of a white castle with a double door. Five points were awarded for hitting the door, one point for hitting the castle, and 10 points for hitting either the hinges or the handles of the door.
The second target proved much more challenging. It consisted of a head and shoulder with an inch-wide cloak above and around the shoulders. 10 points were given for sticking your knife in the cloak so as to pin Will Scarlet to the wall for questioning, 5 points for a non-lethal strike to the head or arms, and 1 point for the rest of the target. However, a lethal strike to the head or torso would prove costly, deducting 5 points from your score. There was only one 10 point throw, executed brilliantly by Baroness Aemillia Soteria with a devastating knife to the cloak at the bottom of the neck above the shoulder, pinning her subject quite nicely to the wall.
The third target consisted of a small Baronial shield over the center bullseye, with smaller still round shield targets encircling it. Each competitor was given a shield to strike. Hitting the target at all was worth 1 point, while hitting your chosen shield was 5 points. However, hitting an “ally” shield would deduct 5 points, and hitting the Baronial shield, God forbid, was a devastating deduction of 10 points. This target was the most difficult yet, yielding few points to the competitors, but thankfully no one struck the Barony shield.
The final and ultimately deciding target a “head” placed on the ground with an apple pinned upon the top. Competitors were to knock the apple off the top for 5 points, and doing damage to the apple’s skin would yield 10 points. But doing damage to the head would cost you a deduction of 10 points. This was by far the most challenging target. Not only was there a high risk for a miscue, but the target being on the ground presented a formidable addition challenge, as most throwers don’t practice throwing to ground targets. This point proved out in the end, with most competitors missing the target entirely or flirting dangerously close to damaging the head. In the end, only 2 competitors managed to knock the apple off the head: Duncan and Don Clewin, with Clewin being the only one to actually damage the apple, slicing the upper right portion of the apple clean off. This brilliant throw gave Don Clewin the Championship, with a total of 17 points. Three others tied for second with 11 points.
The throwing proved difficult due to the cold and wind as fingers became numb and knives became slippery and harder to control. However, there was never a complaint or a discouraging word heard by any on the throwing line. Her Excellency, Baroness Constance, marveled at the skill and aptitude of the throwers, especially in the cold conditions!
Congratulations to Don Clewin Kupferhelblinc on his victory. We know you will represent us well throughout the coming year. VIVAT!!
ARCHERY
Agincourt was the site of many populace archery shoots:
Lady Katheryne Täntzel ran a youth shoot for French vs English.
Master Alaric MacConnal ran a shield shoot of French vs. English, which was won by Lord Pavel Dudoladov for the English.
THLord Deryk Archer ran a hunt shoot. Ben Nemeth, a promising new archer from the Debatable Lands, took top honors in this shoot.
Maistir Brandubh o Donnghaile ran royal rounds, where King Tindal shoot his first ever royal round.
We shot through the rain, snow and sun. In the end, not surprisingly, the English proved victorious on the archery range.
However, the premier archery competition of the day was the Seven Pearls shoot. There were seven stations, jointly designed and marshaled by last year’s champion, Lord Ichikiero Osoroshi, with assistance from Meistari Urho and Maistir Brandubh.
Seven Pearls Archery competition. Photo by Baron Liam macanTsaoire.
Alas, due to the need to reschedule after weather canceled the plan to hold Seven Pearls at Archers to the Wald, only two baronies were able to provide champions to shoot: the Debatable Lands sent Lady Katheryne Täntzel while Delftwood was represented by Baroness Anastasie Delamour. To make the competition more interesting, they invited other archers to fill in for the Baronies not represented, as the Shoots were designed for 7 to compete against one another. Baron Edward Harbinger, Lord Takematsu Yoshitaka, Ben Nemeth, Lord Pavel Dudolodov, and Master Alaric MacConnal filled in for the other groups.
Shooters were awarded points based on their ranking in each end. All archers received between 1 and 7 point for each end of arrows, first place in each end received 7 points, down to last place in each end received 1 point.
The shoot opened with a one-minute timed round where each archer had to shoot 3 arrows each at 20, 30 and 40 yard targets for standard royal round scores.
The second shoot required the archers to remove all 6 pearls from a baronial coronet while shooting en masse.
The third round was a swan shoot at 40 yards, while the fourth was a baronial heraldry shoot, where all archers shot at the heraldry of the other baronies. The winner was the barony with the least hits on its arms, while the barony with the most hits on its arms received the least points.
The fifth shoot was comprised of period targets of a shield and wand, and the sixth was a pearl hunt, with 49 pearls on the target. Only seven were true pearls and worth points, but archers had to shoot all the pearls to find the true pearls.
In the seventh and final challenge round, after working through the range, each archer issued a challenge and all archers had three arrows to answer the challenge.
In the end Lady Katheryne bested Baroness Anastasie to claim the title of Seven Pearls Champion for the Debatable Lands, while Baron Edward proved the victor among the stand-ins.
Much fun was had by the archers on this cold afternoon. Lady Katheryne, Marshal in Charge, wishes to thank the other marshals and also Meistari Urho for providing loaner gear.
HEAVY BATTLES
The sides were chosen, French (blue) and English (red), with the marshals attempting to make them about even.
First there were a series of gate battles. Access was limited to a nine-foot gate, though the combat archers could fire more freely. The sides took turns being the aggressors with unlimited resurrections against the defenders who had none. Each side was the attacker twice.
After that, there was a series of five open field battles. The French won the first two, the English the final three.
Then a game was played where teams of three non-archers tried to cross an open field while a group of three archers fired at them. If any of the non-archers were ‘killed’ the entire team had to return to the starting line. If one was legged, all were legged.
Finally, the traditional ‘Tavern Brawl’ was held, in which fighters began the melee seated at picnic tables and then jumped into the fight when the marshals called Lay On.
ARTS AND SCIENCES
THLady Sumayya al Ghaziyyah and Lady Astridr Vikaskegg ran the first St. Crispin’s A&S Competition, which is planned to be held annually at Agincourt in the future. There were 25 entries ranging from novices to Laurels and from fiber and costuming to calligraphy and illumination. Entries were judged based on Creativity, Workmanship, Aesthetics, Authenticity, and Complexity. While documentation was considered important, scores for it were only considered in the case of a tie.
Baron Silvester Burchardt won the overall St. Crispin’s Challenge with his piece of brocaded tablet-woven trim.
Brocade tablet weaving by Baron Silvester Burchardt. Photo by Arianna.
Prizes were also given to gentles in categories based on the arts awards they possessed. Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope won the Laurel category with a black hours Fleur scroll. In the Journeyman category, for gentles with Fleurs, THLord Ishiyama Gen’tarou Yori’ie won for his Suoh (Japanese garb). In the Novice category, for gentles with Sycamores, Lady Ceindrich verch Elidir won for her knitted stockings based on an extant pair made for Eleanor of Toledo. In the Tenderfoot category, for gentles with no Arts awards, Lady Abbatissa Dreye de Banneberi won with her sekanjabin.
COURT
After the day’s activities wore down, Their Excellencies and His Majest held court, processing in to the Debatable Choir singing the Agincourt Carol.
Baron Liam and Baroness Constance recognized their Youth and Thrown Weapons Champions, as well as the winners of the Seven Pearls Archery and other archery competitions, the A&S competition winners, and the winner of the Toys for Tots tournament, as previously mentioned.
Baron Silvester Burchardt is named winner of the St. Crispin’s A&S Competition. Photo by Arianna.
Brillo el Dragon addresses the Baron and Baroness regarding the Toys for Tots tournament that he organized. Photo by Arianna.
Maistir Brandubh o Donnghaile was called forward as archery marshal and noted that Lord Pavel Dudoladov and Lord Robert Pour Maintenant had achieved the Royal Round rank of Marksman.
Their Excellencies also bestowed awards on the following gentles:
Lord Markus Skalpr Grimsson receives a Blue Silver Comet for his tablet weaving and the authenticity of his fighting accoutrements. Photo by Arianna.
Lord Takamatsu Gentarou Yoshitaka receives a Gold Comet for his service, including building the gate for the Debatable Lands’ Pennsic encampment. Photo by Arianna.
Lord Robert Pour Maintenant receives a Gold Comet for his service as a heavy weapons marshal at practices and events. Photo by Arianna.
Their Excellencies then called for Sir Thorgrim Skullsplitter, presenting him with a scroll commemorating the Green Comet that had been given to him at Pennsic, and also asked him to convey the Toys for Tots tourney winner scroll and likewise a belated Green Comet scroll to Sir Vladimir Mechnik, who had left the event before court.
Sir Thorgrim receives his Green Comet scroll and scrolls for Sir Vlad. Photo by Arianna.
Finally, Their Excellencies had words with the Imperator, Magnus Tindal, regarding their plans to invade their neighboring Shire of King’s Crossing at the Shire’s upcoming Birthday B(r)all on November 7th in order to retake the lands “stolen” from the Barony-Marche many years ago. His Majesty, after expressing some concern, decided the invasion might be justified and granted Their Excellencies leave to execute this plan.
Imperator Tindal addresses the Baron and Baroness about their planned invasion of King’s Crossing. Photo by Arianna.
Baronial Court closed, and Kingdom Court commenced. A record of the doings at that Court may be found here.
After court, gentles retired to a splendid feast cooked by Meesteress Odriana vander Brughe and her crew, then wound the evening down with bardic activities and good fellowship. Those who stayed overnight in the cabins on the site were treated to a breakfast of bagels and yummy feast leftovers Sunday morning.
Congratulations to the Autocrats, Baron Liam, Baroness Constance, and Lady Isabel, for another fine Agincourt event.
The next Æthelmearc Youth Combat Champions’ Tourney will be held on Saturday, May 18th, at Æthelmearc War Practice in the Shire of Steltonwald. Anywhere from one to three Champions will be chosen by King Gareth and Queen Juliana, based on the fighters’ prowess and chivalry. Those chosen will serve as Kingdom Champions for the duration of Their Majesties’ reign.
Greetings all Heavy and Youth Fighters!
