Past Saint Michael's Tourneys
AEhelmearc Twelfth Night
Proclamation of the Deed of Arms
Certain companions of the Company of St. Michael make known to all
noble men the following matters:
Know that the said gentlemen have taken up an enterprise, for the
glory of God and the blessed Virgin, his mother, and my lord Saint
George, that good knight.
That is, the day of the celebration of Twelth Night, the said
gentlemen will be found in the lists, armed at all points in harness
of war, guarding a barrier with lance in hand to fight against all
comers with lance strokes. And afterwards, taking up the single
handed sword, they will fight as long as my lords the judges wish
them to.
Furthermore, the said gentlemen make known that afterwards they will
be found in the lists, guarding the said barrier against all comers
who wish to take up the two handed sword and fight as long as the
judges wish them to.
Next the said gentlemen will be found in the lists, armed at all
points, with axe in hand to fight against all comers as long as my
lords the judges require.
And finally the said gentlemen will be found in the lists to take up
the single handed sword and fight as long as the judges wish them to.
Alles Faire V May 26th, 2002 Shire of Hartshorn-dale
The road to the Castle of Love goes through a narrow pass, and at that passage there shall be certain gentlemen of the Company of St. Michael. These gentlemen have resolved that none may wish to perform deeds of arms at the Siege of the Castle of Love may pass by that spot without undertaking a deed of arms against them, either with spear, axe, sword or dagger at their pleasure, or all of these.
Also, it is the custom that each gentleman that wishes to perform deeds of arms at the siege must be accompanied by a lady or demoiselle, to do greater honor to the festival. And if any of these champions have no such lady or demoiselle to travel with them, we believe that they shall be able to find one among the fair ladies of these parts who have no champion.
LadyDay Tourney June 29th, 2002 Shire of Silver Rylle
To please the ladies, and especially his lady wife Isabel Ximenez de Gaucin, Lord Jayme Hume of Berwyk invites all who are in love or under a vow to attend a noble deed of arms to be held near his manor of Hume in the Shire of Silver Rylle. And all who wish may tourney in melee against each other for as long as it please the ladies. And further, members of the Company of St. Michael shall each bear that day as a token of an enterprise they have undertaken, a rod, a lace, and a garter. To win the lace, a challenger must fight one of them with sword and then with dagger. To win the rod, for nine blows each with spear, two handed sword, axe, and dagger. To win the garter, an equal number of opponents must fight the companions, freely aiding each other, until one side or the other is defeated. Further, there shall later be a noble gift for the lady who dances best or leads the most joyful life, and another for the lady that dances and revels best after her.
The Riding of the Marches May 11th, 2002 Canton of Northpass
The Challenge of Lady May's Servants, to all comers, to be performed at the Riding of the Marches at Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park in Carmel, NY. To run certain courses mounted, to shoot arrows both mounted and on foot, to fight on foot with spear, axe and sword, (to wrestle) and to cast weapons on foot. (And to cast the bar on foot and with the arm, both heavy and light.) I which am called the Lady May in all months of the year to lusty hearts most pleasant, am come accompanied for the surety of my person with divers gentlemen and yeoman apt and active to any exercise that shall of them be demanded. And I beg license for my poor servants, both of the Company of St. Michael and others, to exercise against all comers in way of pleasure and pastime the feats of chivalry aforesaid. And those that win the prize in these contests to be given chaplets from my hand to do honor to their loves and to their courageous hearts.
The Emprise of the Horn and the Pas of Roncesvalles. August 2001 (Pennsic)
Here are my comments on the Emprise of the Horn and the Pas of Roncesvalles.
I was very pleased with the way things worked out. A lot of different people worked hard on separate aspects of the deed, and fortunately these aspects all came together in the end. Physical set-up apart, the day (August 13, AS XXXVI) began with the principals, the two companies, and the officials of the day, gathering at the barn between 12:00 and 12:45. We then processed to the White Tournament Field: the closest part of the Pennsic fighting field, in the corner of Currie Road. We were able to begin at the stated time, 1:00 p.m. The principals were introduced and four judges appointed. Unfortunately, I remember only the two chosen by Niccolo, Duchess Eanor and Viscount Mordain; one of the others was a knight whose name I am embarrassed to have forgotten, since we have been introduced, and the fourth is someone whom I am even more embarrassed to have drawn a complete blank on. The judges were invested with white staffs, a la King Rene.
The Emprise of the Horn began with the challenge that spawned this whole thing, the fight with axes between Count Rhys and Lord Niccolo. Each of them was allowed 12 blows with the axe, the blows being counted by their heralds, who recited with each stroke the name of one of the paladins of Charlemagne. It was a vigorous combat. At one point, I believe, Rhys lost his axe but was still armed, and then recovered it. Niccolo was vigorous in attack, but in the end his defense failed him and Rhys struck him a good thrust in the armpit, one of the agreed-upon conditions of victory.
The Emprise continued with the promised combat of 12 upon 12, between the principals' two companies, Vert Horn (Rhys) and Argent Horn (Niccolo). Each companion was formally introduced, and Niccolo's companions assumed for this purpose the names of the paladins (a nice bit of swank!). The two companies proceeded to a strenuous melee, timed by the recitation of 12 stanzas of the Song of Roland. It was a melee in the field, with each fighter retreating to his own edge of the lists when struck with a good below, and returning to the combat.
That was a grand fight. First, the companions were arrayed in fine armor enough to thrill the heart of any man at arms, and their prowess matched their gear. Second, the day was a hot one, and the combat difficult as a result. Vlad, Niccolo's herald, had timed the recitation at about seven minutes, but in the heat it seemed very long. I watched closely, and then when I saw signs that combatants were not only tired but being overcome by the weather, I gave them a break after stanza eight. After a few minutes, they continued and concluded one of the best melees I've ever seen.
Fortunately the weather began to cool off after this, with a high haze cutting the sun's power, and even a bit of refreshing rain towards the end.
As planned, the Emprise of the Horn became the Pas of Roncesvalles when the two companies combined to meet 24 challengers. We’d had about 18 register in advance and by the time the Pas actually began we had 24 and a couple more (who were unfortunately not able to fight). We alternated Grand Melees with individual challenges. The first melee was in the field, as were all the individual challenges; it had been planned that there would be no combat at the barrier. But the cry among the challengers for barrier combat was so strong that the last three (?) melees were all at the barrier, which St. Michael's had prudently brought along. One melee, the second, was allotted to tournament companies who came under their captain and with their banner; the rest were open to all who wished to take part.
The individual combats were skilled and intense, and it is fortunate that the companies of the Horn were so prow or they might have found it difficult to meet the challengers' enthusiasm. As it was, the challengers found memorable fights and few were victorious. Without slighting anyone else, I think one of the most dramatic of the challenges was fought between two retainers of Vitus Litold, Nigel MacFarlane (of the companies) and his friend William (rest of the name escapes me) with 6 foot spears. It was exciting! I must admit I can't remember now who won -- I think neither lost anything by this deed.
In the last melee, following the advice of Viscount Mordain, I let the challengers fight until they were exhausted, keeping a weather eye on the companies to see they were fit -- and they were. We ended up finishing about an hour and a quarter before our planned ending time of 5 p.m. Such was the pace! The judges were, in the words of Duchess Eanor, happy to have no reason to intervene at any point.
This Emprise and this Pas were a high point of the Pennsic War for me, but I must say that the barrier fights at the Castle gate arranged by Vitus for the next afternoon was about as good, if simpler. It was a good week for chivalry.
Finnvar
|
Memebers of the Company of the Horn Argent Niccolo Barbaro Sir Felix the Just Philipe de Palmiers Nigel MacFarlan Vitus Witold Prince Drusillus of the Sun Master Roderick of Mandrake Hill Sir Brian Thornbird Kieran (sp? Full name forthcoming) Sir Logan of Seaforth Sir Stefan of Edgermont Richard Larmer |
Members of the Company of the Horn Vert Rhys of Hazlech Dafyyd ap Gwystl Valgard Stonecleaver Amelric Blackhart Mitchell MacBain Manfred von Halsstern Gafton Bonneville de la Croix Geoffry fitz Galen Galleron de Cressy Duncan of Wessex and von Halsstern David Rosensoldat Sichelgaita von Halsstern |
Let all princes, lords, barons, knights and squires of the East and other kingdoms, who are not banished or enemies of the King our Lord, know that on the second of June, in the Canton of Northpass, that the Company of St. Michael and certain others shall hold a very noble deed of arms, on horseback and on foot. And at the deed of arms there shall be noble and rich prizes given by the ladies and damsels, for those that do best on the field, and also for the bravest entry, that is to say for the splendor of their array and retinue, and the nobility of their bearing within the lists. And to better please the ladies, we ask that you outfit yourself with all that pertains to noble deeds of arms, appropriate harness, with crests, coats of arms, horses caparisoned with the arms of the noble tourneyers, as is the ancient custom. Moreover, those who wish to take part in the deed of arms should come to the helm show beforehand, to display their crests and achievements, or at least their shield or banner painted with their arms, or those of their group, household, or a device assumed for the day. Please bring this device, painted or drawn (8-1/2 x 11") to hang during the tournaments.
The Company of St. Michael extends a challenge to all comers at Alles Faire IV.
The Company of St. Michael and the Company of St. Mark will meet all comers in a noble passage of Arms. At three in the afternoon, we will meet comers from the East (East Kingdom, Atlantia, Drachenwald, Aethelmearc), at three forty-five those from the North (Midrealm, An Tir, Ealdormere), at four thirty the West (West, Atenveldt, Caid, Calontir, Outlands, Artemesia), and the South (Meridies, Ansteorra, Trimaris) at five fifteen.
Noble processions to the field are encouraged, and we suggest in front of the barn as a default starting point for processions. Each corner of the world shall fight for an forty five minutes, in melee across the barrier, and singly with spear, axe, two-handed sword, sword and shield, or dagger. If for some reason you cannot come at the time for your region, you may fight during the time set for another corner of the world, as long as those from that region are agreeable. Those from the proper region, however, will have first call on the opportunities for single combat.
If you wish to fight a single combat with spear, poll-axe, two-handed sword, or dagger and do not have one with you, we shall have two, and you shall fight with the one which pleases you best, and we shall use the other.
By the judgement of the ladies, certain of the comers who distinguish themselves by their gallant prowess and noble array shall be invited to stand with the defenders for the remainder of the passage.
Single combats: each pair fights until one or the other has been struck three telling blows to any legal target area. All legal blows count alike, and wounds are not acted out. Comers may choose to fight either Plaisance (No thrusting, except with spear. Dropping your weapon or falling counts as one good blow against you.) or Outrance (Thrusting allowed, and a thrust to the face of a barred helmet or an armpit immediately ends a fight, as does falling or dropping your weapon.)
Melee Across the Barriers: No thrusting, except with spear. After any telling blow, retreat to your end of the lists, cry your cry, and return to the fray. Again, do not act out amputations. The melee will start with an exchange of spear-thrusts, after which everyone switches to weapons no more than six feet long.
Sunday all are invited by the Company of St. Michael to a very noble deed of arms. For love, and goodness have many enemies and seek gallant and courteous champions to fight against these enemies with spear, axe, sword and dagger so that Sweet Grace may be freed.
Let all princes,
lords, barons, knights and squires of all the marches of the East and all other
kingdoms, who are not banished or enemies of the king our lord, know that on the
13th of May in the Canton of Northpass that the Company of St. Michael and
certain others shall hold a very noble deed of arms, on horseback and on foot,
in the form and manner following.
There shall be
three shields hung up, and all those who shall, by king-at-arms or pursuivant,
touch the red shield shall be bound to perform courses on horseback, running at
the ring and quintain and Saracen's head. And those that touch the black shield
shall do combat on foot with spear, pollaxe, sword or dagger at their pleasure.
And those that touch the blue shield shall take part in a noble melee on foot
with rebated swords.
And to better
please the ladies, we ask you to outfit yourself with all that pertains to noble
deeds of arms: appropriate harness, with crests, coats of arms and horses
covered with the arms of the noble tourneyers, as is the ancient custom.
Moreover, those
that wish to take part in the deed of arms should come to the helmshow
beforehand, to display their crests and achievements, or at least their shield
or banner painted with their arms, or those of their household or group, or a
device assumed for the day.
An achievement is
a piece of wood, in this case 5" wide by 8", painted with your name
and the arms, helm and crest that you will bear upon the field, displayed so
that your deeds and honor may be more clearly recognized. And for more on how to
make one, and models you can adapt for yourself, as well as for more on how to
prepare yourself for the deed of arms, you may visit the company of St. Michael
website.
The Company of St. Michael and the Company of St. Mark will meet all comers in a noble passage of Arms. At two in the afternoon, we will meet comers from the East (East Kingdom, Atlantia, Drachenwald, Aethelmearc), at three those from the North (Midrealm, An Tir, Ealdormere), at four the West (West, Atenveldt, Caid, Calontir, Outlands, Artemesia), and the South (Meridies, Ansteorra, Trimaris) at five.
Noble processions to the field are encouraged, and we suggest in front of the barn as a default starting point for processions. Each corner of the world shall fight for an hour, in melee across the barrier, and singly with spear, axe, two-handed sword, sword and shield, or dagger. If for some reason you cannot come at the time for your region, you may fight during the time set for another corner of the world, as long as those from that region are agreeable. Those from the proper region, however, will have first call on the opportunities for single combat.
If you wish to fight a single combat with spear, poll-axe, two-handed sword, or dagger and do not have one with you, we shall have two, and you shall fight with the one which pleases you best, and we shall use the other.
By the judgement of the ladies, certain of the comers who distinguish themselves by their gallant prowess and noble array shall be invited to stand with the defenders for the remainder of the passage.
Single combats: each pair fights until one or the other has been struck three telling blows to any legal target area. All legal blows count alike, and wounds are not acted out. Comers may choose to fight either Plaisance (No thrusting, except with spear. Dropping your weapon or falling counts as one good blow against you.) or Outrance (Thrusting allowed, and a thrust to the face of a barred helmet or an armpit immediately ends a fight, as does falling or dropping your weapon.)
Melee Across the Barriers: No thrusting, except with spear. After any telling blow, retreat to your end of the lists, cry your cry, and return to the fray. Again, do not act out amputations. The melee will start with an exchange of spear-thrusts, after which everyone switches to weapons no more than six feet long.
The Knights and Squires of the Company of St. Michael have sworn to each wear the chains of a prisoner, as token of their enslavement to those they love, until delivered by the performance of a noble Pas d'Armes. And so they ask all princes, barons, knights, squires and gentlemen of name and arms without reproach to come well and nobly arrayed, and accompanied by suitable retinues, to deliver them of their enterprise at a noble Passage of Arms to be held Sunday, to meet in melee with spear, axe and sword, and also singly with either spear, axe, sword or dagger. And know that there shall also be a goodly helmshow, that all may view the helms and crests to be born upon the field. And the said deed of Arms shall be performed at:
Once again the breezes of spring invite both the awakening of love and the glory of battle to the Shire of Hartshorn-Dale.
The event will include a tournament on Saturday that will feature the most diabolical mix of martial prowess and courtly love that can be devised bymen (and women), and a Passage of Arms on Sunday. There will be an archery tournament, a novelty shoot, anda roving range. Also, a number of activities are planned especially for children including children's archery, tilting at the quintain, and castle building.
August 10 1998, Passage of Arms against the four corners of the world (Pennsic war)
On Sunday, the 24th of May, all who wish to come in good and honorable array to do proper and fitting honor to the wedding couple are invited to a very noble deed of arms. For love has many enemies, Wrath, Jealousy, Sorrow, Slander, Shame, Fear, and Denial, who hold Sweet Grace captive. And Lady Esperance, (or Hope) seeks gallant and courteous champions to fight against the enemies of love with spear, axe, sword, or dagger, so that Sweet Grace may be freed.
Because the tournament on Sunday is to be a special event in honor of the
wedding party, the wedding couple and autocrat have asked all who wish to fight
in the tourney to be free of visible anachronisms like modern sports
equipment, and to attempt to meet the 10' rule, that is, to appear authentic
from ten feet away or less, with the ladies to be final judge of who is worthy
to take part.
The tourney is scheduled to begin at 12:30, following the wedding ceremony, which is to begin at 11:00. The 20th c. wedding guests are invited to attend the tourney.
There is also an SCA tournament on Saturday. For more information on that tourney, reservations, and directions, click here. For more information about the Wedding Tourney, click here. (link to Galleron's e-mail). Note that the site is limited to 150 total (100 on-board), so those that wish to attend for the whole weekend or attend the feast on Saturday should reserve early.Ordinances for a Deed of Arms
First, the comers will show their prowess in the melee, and in combats a plaisance.
The melee is assumed to be fought with blunted weapons. Thrusting is only allowed with spears, which are assumed to bear blunted coronels. Whenever you are struck a good blow to any legal target area, you must immediately retreat to your end of the lists. There you must cry your war cry, or that of your team, before you return to the fray. A neutral ground will be marked out within which you may refresh yourself if you like.
The combat will begin with exchange of spear thrusts. When the judges proclaim this done, you will put aside your spears, and take up other weapons. These weapons must not be of unreasonable length, that is, longer than six feet. You may use pole-arms, two-handed swords, or sword and shield. Once again, you may not thrust with these weapons.
Again these are assumed to be fought with blunted and rebated weapons. You may thrust with spear or dagger, but not with the other weapons. Each time you are struck a good blow, as above, you must concede that combat and give place to another, so that your injuries may be seen to.
This encounter will consist of a series of single combats of like weapons against like, with spear, two-handed sword, sword and shield, poll-axe, and dagger. And if you are lacking one of these, we shall provide two, and you may choose which one pleases you best.
First, the comers will be given the opportunity to fight with spear. Any comer that wishes to fight with spear will be matched with a defender. The comer will continue as long as he is able or willing. When a comer defeats an opponent, he may face another, or give place to another comer, if he wishes. And each defender who is defeated will retreat to give place to another, until no more defenders come forward, or until the comer can or will fight no more. And this continued until all comers who wish to fight with spear are satisfied, or until the judges say the time for that sort of combat is complete.
And then so with the two-handed sword, and so with all the other weapons.
With the rebated weapons, you may return to fight again as often as you like, unless there are a great many comers. In that case, the judges will set a limit on the number of times each comer may be wounded in the combats a plaisance, and then the comer will decide which challenges he wishes to undertake, and may continue until he is wounded that number of times. Once that happens, the comer may no longer fight in the single combats a plaisance. However, after resting, he may fight in the melee, if there is one held after the single combats, or as a champion in the combats a l'outrance, if he is chosen by Lady Esperance.
Then Lady Esperance will choose five champions from those who have proven most skilled, gallant, bold, courteous, generous and nobly arrayed. And if she is unable to choose among many worthy comers, she may require some additional encounters to test them further. And these champions will fight with sharp weapons against the Enemies of Love, one with spear, one with axe, and so on.
These combats are assumed to be fought with sharp weapons, and thrusting is allowed. Each combat shall be fought until both combatants have struck twenty blows, unless one or the other is defeated first.
Whoever drops their weapon, or touches the ground with any part of their body but their feet, is defeated, unless their opponent out of courtesy allows them to continue.
Whoever is wounded with even a single thrust in the pit of their arm, or to the face of a helmet protected only by bars, is defeated, for the judges will not let them continue with so grave a wound.
Whoever is wounded with three good blows according to the custom of the Society is defeated. Acknowledge each good blow to a legal target by saying "One" for the first, "Two" for the second, and so on. You may continue to fight normally until you or your opponent has been struck three good blows. The one who has been wounded three times must yield or fall, the other will have his wounds, if any, bound up. Wounds from sharp weapons will be retained from combat to combat, so that if you have been wounded once in a previous encounter with sharp weapons, you may only fight for two wounds more, instead of three. And this shall continue until the either the last of the enemies of love, or the last of the champions, is defeated.
And remember that sweet favors and joyful gratitude from the God of Love and your Lady are often won by gallant deeds, by courteous bearing, and by the noble and pleasing display of bright harness, gay surcoats, noble crests and honorable banners. And remember that it is against the enemies of love aforesaid against which you, or your herald, must make your challenge.
All who are to take part will be divided into two teams. The Company of S. Michael, and those that stand beside them, will be on one side as defenders, and the others shall be upon the other side as comers.
The day's combat will begin and end with a melee, which is assumed to be fought with blunted weapons. Thrusting is only allowed with spears, which are assumed to bear blunted coronels. Whenever you are struck a good blow to any legal target area, you must immediately retreat to your end of the lists. There you must cry your war cry, or that of your team, before you return to the fray. A neutral ground will be marked out within which you may refresh yourself if you like.
The combat will begin with exchange of spear thrusts. When the judges
proclaim this done, you will put aside your spears, and take up other weapons.
These weapons must not be of unreasonable length, that is, longer than six feet.
You may use pole-arms, two-handed swords, or sword and shield. Once again, you
may not thrust with these weapons.
This will be assumed to be fought with sharp weapons, with which thrusting is permitted. Each champion may continue to take part in the Passage of Arms until he has been struck a set number of good blows to the legal target area. The number of wounds that each may survive will be announced at the beginning of the tourney, since it will be greater or lesser depending on the number taking part in the tourney. 100 blows will be divided among the champions, so that if there are only ten taking part, each may survive ten good blows. If there are twenty taking part, each may survive five, and so on. If, for example, the limit is five, upon being struck the fifth time you must immediately collapse from your wounds or yield. This is a cumulative total for the whole passage of arms. Once you have been wounded the specified number of times, you may no longer continue to fight in the Pasage of Arms.
When you are wounded in any particular combat you must withdraw defeated to
have your injuries seen to, but you may return to fight again later as long as
you have wounds remaining.
You may, if you wish, yield without being wounded at all. There is no shame in
admitting you have been fairly defeated by an opponent of superior skill. If
wounded, you should not fall, or feign amputation: instead you may yield by
offering your weapon, or bowing or kneeling to your opponent. Your yielding
should be clear to both the ladies and your opponent, or else ladies will wonder
who had the victory, and your opponent might continue to chop you up.
The Passage of Arms will consist of a series of combats of like weapons against like, with spear, two-handed sword, sword and shield, poll-axe, and dagger. Each comer may choose to fight, or not to fight, with any or all of these weapons in turn. Each champion may decide for himself how many wounds he is willing to endure when fighting with any particular weapon, so long as his total for the passage of arms is not exceeded. If the limit was five, you might resolve yourself to endure one wound with each weapon, or fight all your combats with one weapon, or any other combination that pleased you.
First, the comers will be given the opportunity to fight with spear. Any comer that wishes to fight with spear will be matched with a defender. The comer will continue as long as he is able or willing. When a comer defeats an opponent, he may face another, or give place to another comer, if he wishes. And each defender who is defeated will retreat to give place to another, until no more defenders come forward, or until the comer can or will fight no more. And this continued until all comers who wish to fight with spear are satisfied.
And then so with the two-handed sword, and so with all the other weapons.
And if all the courses are accomplished, and time enough remains, the judges may allow some further combats for the ladies' sakes before the final melee. And then there shall be a short pause, and the surgeons do their work, and all wounds bound up, before a noble melee to end the day.
And noble prizes will be given for whoever fought best with each of the weapons aforesaid, as well as whoever held himself best in the melee, and whoever made the bravest entry onto the field.
This deed of arms is based on a number of medieval tournaments in which the participants took the roles of characters out of Arthurian legend. The Lady of the Forest Sauvage has summoned all to a very noble tournament. To reach it, however, the comers must brave the perils of the Forest, where the qualities pertaining to Knighthood will be sorely tested.
You will perform the quest as a follower of one of four great kings: King Arthur of Britain, King Pellinore, King Ban of Benwick, or King Lot of Orkney
In the Arthurian legend, it seems to be taken as a matter of course that whenever you meet an armed stranger you should immediately attack them with lance or sword. You may wish to introduce yourself first. Attacking your fellow vassals will be considered bad form. There is also peace between the followers of Arthur and Ban, and between those of Lot and Pellinore, but everyone else is fair game. On the other hand, since this is only unmotivated random violence, you need not carry matters to extremes. Honor will be more than satisfied if you end an encounter with the first wound on one side or the other.
You may also encounter mysterious strangers at the ford, who wish to have ado with all who wish to pass. They may, at their discretion, ask you to fight until either they or you have been struck with as many as three good blows. Or they may require you both to fight for a lesser number of blows, depending on circumstances. Humor them.
Every knight or other man-at-arms attempting the quest should be accompanied by a Lady or fair demoiselle, or, failing that, by a dwarf, page, or other servant. If you arrive without one we will try to assist you in making the appropriate arrangements.
When you arrive at your goal there will be a noble melee fought across the barrier. To pass the time until all make their way through the forest, there will also be lesser combats across the barriers, to amuse the knights and other gentlemen that have arrived first.
Reading or re-reading Mallory's Morte d'Arthur may help get you into the spirit of this quest. You may also wish to look at "How to prepare yourself for a tournament."
Adopting fictional or allegorical arms for the purpose of a tournament was quite common in the 13th and 14th centuries. If you adopt an Arthurian identity for the tournament, you can use the appropriate arms. Feel free to take the role of some specific character from the legend, just let us know so we don't have three Lancelots show up for this thing. You may wish to avoid taking the name of one of the Hot Sticks of the Round Table if you don't want a lot of ambitious young bachelors gunning for you.
As at the tournament at Hem described below, there are a number of roles for non-combattants. If you think you might be interested in playing one, let us know.
On Saturday all who are present and wish to perform the quest will be apportioned among the four Kings. Starting at 11: 00 a.m. Sunday quests will start heading into the Forest Sauvage, probably with two leaving every five minutes. Without knowing how many will attend, it is difficult to say when the last quester will depart, but if you arrive after noon we aren't making any promises.
In 1240 Ulrich von Lichtenstein, disguised as King Arthur and accompanied by six friends also in Arthurian disguise, traveled about Gerrmany seeking encounters. A particularly elaborate bit of Arthurian there occurred at the tournament held at Hem in 1278, with various local lords and ladies taking the roles of Guinevere, Kay, and Yvain, the knight of the Lion. The various roles involved a fair amount of play-acting, and Yvain was accompanied by a real lion.
In 1299 Edward I of England held another Arthurian tournament, in which the role of the "loathly damsel " was taken by a squire in disguise.
Later, at Sandricourt in 1493, the participants rode out into the woods near the castle, the "Waste Forest", each accompanied by a maiden, to seek encounters.
This past weekend I attended La Fete du Perron, the Gilded Pearl's 15th century Burgundian event. It was delightful: Excellent food, beautiful hall, and (most important to me) a really splendid tournament.
The tourney, le Pas du Perron Fe' (the Passage of the Magic Pillar), was designed by Master Galleron de Cressy and run by the Company of S. Michael. It was just wonderful, and I hope that he published his own description and research notes.
The field was about 60 feet by 30, marked off with a barrier of wood and fabric. The fabric sections were sheets bearing the badges of the Company. Banners and standards flew from poles all round the list, and pavilions surrounded the whole.
A pair of barriers divided the field in two, and a pillar (apparently of marble) stood at one end, bearing a large hourglass and a brazen horn.
The comers were divided into two companies for a melee to begin the day. The melee was fought across the barrier; fighters who were struck a good blow retired to the gate of their list and then re-entered the combat. They fought first with spears alone, and then with all weapons.
When the melee ended, the Damoiselle du Perron processed onto the field with her giant, her dwarf, and the Prisoner of the Pillar & his companions, hung heavy with chains. The Prisoner explained that he had encountered this magic pillar while riding through the forest, and had blown the horn handing therefrom, hoping this would signal the beginning of a great adventure. He was thereupon captured by the fiercesome and noisome giant, and bound in chain until he could redeem himself by feats of arms. He told how his noble companions, the Confraternity of Saint Michael, had put themselves in bondage on his behalf, to assist him in winning his freedom.
The Feat of Arms was fought thus: Each comer announced himself to the giant and the Lady, and entered the list to face the prisoners. He fought for one tenth of an hour, or until he was struck three good blows; and his opponents fought until struck a single good blow. These bouts were fought first with spear, then with pole-axes, and then with sword and shield. Many noble fighters displayed their prowess, several surviving their full time and facing down as many as ten of the prisoners.
At the end of this feat, the Lady pronounced herself satisfied and the prisoners were freed.
In celebration, the Company of Saint Michael, now former prisoners, meleed against the comers in the same manner as at the beginning of the day. They first selected several of the comers to join them, choosing those who had impressed them and the ladies with their great feats of arms.
When this second melee was finished, the Companions attacked and slew the hideous giant, tearing his legs from his swollen body, and slashing the meat from his gross bones. Repulsed by the giant's blood, the earth called down a great storm to wash itself clean.
All retired to the hall, where music and dancing and feasting lasted well into the night. Alas, I could not stay through the celebration; I apologize to those of my friends with whom I could not spend more time. But it was fine to see you all once again.
Arval d'Espas Nord
August 1996 (Pennsic)- King Renee Tourney