baronial championships

at

emperor hadrians wall

April 29-30, 2006

Bordermarch Baronial Championships at Emperor Hadrian's Wall, April 29-30, 2006, could not be destroyed by the torrential rains which visited Friday night after most of site set-up, through Saturday mid-morning, because Baronial Champions are a matter of the heart, not a matter of weather.  The whole kingdom was hearing of the inclement weather reports. Dedicated die hards could not be driven from the wettest of wet grounds.  For such a thunderous beginning, the weekend had a bright and glorious finish.  Even the merchants who mopped out, yet stayed, were able to enjoy a bit of business Saturday afternoon.

By the time His Majesty Mahdi the Magnificent arrived to bring out the sun Saturday afternoon, 180 (this observer's guess) of HM's subjects gave tribute to Kingdom and Barony by their presence, participation, and preparations.  There were many helpers to make the event happen.  HL Therese d' Ivorie is truly back home now, having successfully stewarded an event upon which Odin seemed to have opened the skies. With great inspiration from her husband Lord Crabbie, she smiled and welcomed the merchants and visited many camps to say personal greetings and thank you’s.

Several new tables of the white marble look-alike persuasion, although far lighter in weight, were brought new for baronial use under the Commons tent or on site as needed.  Households and individuals are to be thanked for the use of those tables.  Lord Phocas served as Merchant-crat assisted by his friend for whom it was the first event, m'lady Tressa.

Breakfast hospitality was opened by Lord Elrique.  Standing Champions in charge of each venue dutifully carried our their competitions.  These retiring Champions were, Chivalric: Centurion Thomas Nilligant; Rapier, Don Ansgar;  Artisan: Lady Isabella; Archery: Don Christoforo. HE AmberLea assisted in paperwork at the list table. Marshals were HL Saundra, Centurion Morgan, Don Ansgar, and Don Tristan.

Great appreciation is owed to Champions who came prepared to conduct their competitions and relinquish their titles.  The Waterbearers and Chirugeons did an exceptional job, including training youngsters in waterbearing services.  They spoke well of our own Lord Slovaczek.

With Bordemarch being under the influence of Roman architecture from Emperor Hadrian's time, vast marble pillars dwarfed the list field. Those who set up, then took down due to threatening weather, then set up again, all the colossal Roman pillars and marble slabs are to be thanked repeatedly for their labors.  "Hercules!  Hercules!"

The three teen-men, Eric, Robert, and Daniel, who instantly responded to the flip of a wrist in response to helping unpack and load His Majesty Mahdi's furnishings are an example to anyone of what service means. Those who attended His Majesty Mahdi or Their Excellencies Caitrin and Armand as they sat in state or went about their duties gave a clear definition of devotion.  Beside or behind the royal noble family, Ld. Nicolai, Mi'lady Bianca Mondragon and Lady Geneva could be seen.  Woodcraft artisans of "Barefoot Boxes" presented new baronial thrones which are highly decorated by stain and burned-in replicas of the knotwork relief from in the baronial coronets, with 5 greater and 5 lesser point stars of Ansteorra visible above each shoulder and the arms of Bordermarch behind each headrest.

The various champions who took the many victories in fair play are as follows:

Chivalric:  Lord Lockland, Squire to Duke Drake

Rapier:  Don Modius von Mergentheim

"Youth" Artisan: Don Modius von Mergentheim (a little snaffoo about the scroll, but a wonderment of laughter at Court)

Archery:  Lord Eric Greyfox

Those who judged the Arts and Sciences displays were observed to take personal care with their constructive remarks to encourage the artisans, from whom arose Don Modius as a poet with a perfect total score.  Known judges were HE Countess Tessa, Lady Maise, HLy Therese' d Ivorie, Ly Carletta, and Ld Elrique.  A class in Treasury Office was taught by HL Saundra, attended by several Bordermarchers and others interested in service through financial matters.  A class in Heraldry was postponed.

At evening court, each retiring champion had especial parting words unto Their Excellencies and challenges for their successors.  The court rejoiced to witness an AoA to Now Lady Arianna and the announcement that HL Clara will become a Laurel at King's College. Ld Elrique received a Thistle for his cooking skills.

Our populace were happy to welcome Their (new) Excellencies of RavensFort to our event and to the Feast high table with His Majesty and Their Excellencies of Bordermarch seated along with  their new champions.  HE AmberLea sang  the now traditional "Company" as the feast line began.  Ly Quendolyn presented a fare of barley broth, crackers, breads, tender veal with pistachios, mock peacock -smoked- served with cheese or walnut-cherry sauce, green beans almondine, tubers roasted in oils, garden green salad, sorbet, or flam.

Most worthy of note is that some 20 first-time-eventers were brought forward to be presented to His Majesty and Their Excellencies.  His Majesty presented each newbie with a smooth black rock and His particular story.  His Majesty remarked that this was the largest group of new-comers he has seen thus far in his reign.

Fire by Night: Entertainment of juggled fire in the silhouette of the BorderKeep castle displayed by those who dare to develop the skill was applauded and drummed.

Thanks to Lord George for heading the gate; to Lady Kathileen for delegating and producing victorious award scrolls; to Lady Gabrielle for great classes in the MoC; to m'lord Kendal for setting out the signs on the highways;  to Count Simonn for being in charge of breakdown; to Lady Helene who assisted Countess Tessa tending to the  unlovely restroom / shower cleanups and many fine, lovely details about the grounds, and to site clean up and tear down workers who stayed late to finish all.

Now we begin the new year A.S. XLi with new champions.  May each reader be inspired by these champions' skills, talents, and desires to serve Their Excellencies of Bordermarch!

Long Live the Dream!

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Last modified May 22, 2006