By Lady Evpraksiia Solomoniia

As daylight wanes ever more with each passing day and the leaves on the trees flutter in a final, golden hurrah, the winds of change whip through the Outlands. Fall Crown tournament has brought forth new heirs and new champions. Some new faces graced these roles, others come with a fond familiarity.

In glorious Dragonsspine, nestled in the shadow of Pikes Peak, our good kingdom did gather at Golden Eagle Campground. The list was 19 strong, and saw three pairs fighting on behalf of one another.

Sir Falnor Lakemeirr and Baroness Kata utama Geri
Master Jorundr Sylfason and Baron Bernardo dei Medici
Lord Thorvald Bjarg and Lord Ryujin Tatsuaki

The Other Contestants
Duke Hrothger Monomakh fighting for Countess Ingridr Raudkinn
Duke Walrick de Blakeney fighting for Duchess Cecilia Eorl Mordygan MacGregor, Dux Outlandium fighting for Countess Ymanie the Midwife
Sir Aelric Kyrri fighting for Mistress Akilina Ianikitova
Sir Uighur-un Buqu Bagadur fighting for The Honorable Lady Johanna Morganstern
Master Thorsteinn Vandringsmann fighting for The Honorable Lady Anneka Mikaelsdóttir
Sir José Taberna de Torquemada fighting for Doña Genoveva Meyer Fechtmeister Erich Geisler fighting for Stalmeisterin Apollonia Zawmstricker
Sir Nicolae Rares fighting for The Honorable Lady Sharon of the Roses
Baron John Roslyn the Ox fighting for Master Cerridwen verch Ioreword
Don Yagu Tetsuya fighting for Noble Shirin Al-Sasan
Dominus Tiberius Aurelius Albinus fighting for Baroness Diana of Llanberris
Lord Reinhart Von Holzkirchen fighting for Mistress Auria of St. Golias

Spirits were high as people filtered through gate and combatants steeled themselves for a day of battle. The more punctual of attendees were treated to a ceramic site token featuring a Stag and Doe, ringed with flowers. Once those had been depleted, there was an alternative of leather, dyed a rich emerald, and stamped with a Stag. Both options were beautiful commemorations of the event.

One novelty of the morning was the presence of a journalist from KOAA 5 in Colorado Springs. It’s not often the SCA is thrust into the limelight but what a delight when it is!

Watch it here!
https://www.koaa.com/news/news5-originals/knights-fight-for-the-rule-of-a-four-state-medieval-kingdom-here-in-colorado

Morning court saw the bestowing of a Ragnar’s Hammer and Silver Tyne upon Robin Eclipse. The recognition commemorated Robin’s service and skill in assisting people with leaving site, and the scroll was a collaboration of illumination by Kökechin Qo’a and calligraphy by Eoghan MacIver.

The Order of Defense was then summoned forward. Domin d’Alsace spoke on behalf of a gentle he said demonstrated skills on the level of a Master of Defense but in a nontraditional fashion. It was with much fanfare that Apollonia Zawmstricker was called forward to receive an offer of admittance to the order. Her Majesty Queen Aria spoke highly of her regard for the Equestrian community, and her happiness that Mistress Apollonia’s skillset in rosfechten qualified her to become a Master of Defense.

Procession came with its standard flair. To much delight, Fechmeister Erich was accompanied by his goat, Sabine. Sir Nicolae’s herald, THL Cairech, set quite the irreverent tone by invoking Disney’s Robinhood, and cuing in a kazoo performance by the crowd. Through the remainder of the weekend, a kazoo could be found just about anywhere you looked.

I won’t belabor the goings on of the actual fighting. We’re all well aware of Duke-now Crown Prince-Hrothger’s victory. Hail the Dread Lord and Lady of All Argonia.

Evening court began and Eorann O’Connor was offered admittance to the Order of the Mark! The Outlands is truly lucky to have an abundance of skilled archers. Following the offer, Sir Christine, carrying a basket of toys, was chased from the hall by the many children present.

Following that excitement, Mistress Angel d’Auvergne of Dragonsspine was elevated to the order of the Laurel. I was quite taken by the sewing machine so lovingly carried in with her procession.

People who spoke for Mistress Angel included Sir Duncan Alastair MacRae for the Order of Chivalry, Baroness Adelaisa Bernois for the Order of the Laurel, Mistress Mary of Lyonshall for the Order of the Pelican, and Sir Rand the Tracker of Oak Hollow for the Order of the Mark, who was present but read by THL Meadbh due to illness. Graf Iohann der Vuhs spoke for the Royal Peers. Master Antoine de Vallier spoke for the Order of Defense, and THL Cecilia Caterina da Firenze spoke for the Populace.

His Excellency Bernardo was then recognized with a Ragnar’s Hammer. Buggius dei Medici and Sorcha MacGillivrey were then made White Scarves.

Also on show that evening, was a touching tribute to Amina al-Zahra, and their late steed, Venus. A beautiful poem was read and a statuette shown off to the crowd. The Outlands are blessed by Her Majesty Queen Aria’s abiding love for the equestrian community, a love that honors the legacy of Amina and Venus, who each graced our kingdom in their own way.

At last, we come to Sunday!

Two elevations, Windhover Bard, Princess Protector, Warlord, and site cleanup all before 6pm. Easy right?

The morning began with the elevation of Mistress Sharon of the Roses to the Order of the Pelican. Donning a stunning green gown, she was first commended by her mentor, Baroness of Unser Hafen, Safiyya bint Faris al Dani. Returning Her Excellency’s appreciation, Mistress Sharon sang an excerpt from Wicked’s For Good.

For Mistress Sharon, Countess Adrien spoke on behalf of the order of Chivalry and her words were read by Count Zachariah. Duchess Mariana spoke on behalf of the Order of the Laurel and her words were read by Duchess Cecilia. His Excellency Teigr spoke on behalf of the Order of the Pelican. Sir Tracker spoke on behalf of the Order of the Mark and his words were read by Her Honor Meadbh. Countess Beatrice spoke on behalf of Royal Peers and her words were read by Countess Ymanie.

Mistress Sharon’s beautiful hood was made by Mistress Briatriz d’Andrade, formerly of Caer Galen and now residing in Artemisia. The scroll was made by Mistress Asta Olafsdottir.

Immediately after, we dove into the elevation of Master Robert Hunteman to the Order of Defense. Baron Lothar spoke on behalf of the Order of Chivalry. Baroness Kitta spoke for the Laurel. Master Thorvald spoke on behalf of the Order of the Pelican. Master Callum spoke for the Order of the Mark. Master Domin spoke for the Order of Defense. Duchess Cecilia spoke for the Royal Peers. Her Ladyship Isabeau spoke for the populace.

Master Robert was presented with a wealth of regalia to commemorate this honor. For the garb worn into court, Baroness Bryn made his hat, Lady Helena made the shirt and embroidered the cuffs and Lady Reina made the buttons. Her Ladyship Isabeau and Mistress Apollonia collaborated on his doublet with Mistress Angel embroidering the symbol for the Order of Defense. The scroll was a collaboration by Her Ladyship Remy Renée d’Orleans and Lord Nezumi Rei who did the calligraphy and illumination respectively.

HE Phaidra also had the pleasure of announcing the results of the scroll derby. 10 scribes submitted 88 scrolls. Noble Tala of al-Barran was the winner of Crown’s Choice. Baroness Kata útama geirr was the winner of Coronet’s Choice and somehow had time to create FORTY-SEVEN scrolls. Lady Regalis Dei Falchi was winner of Populace Choice. Congratulations and sincerest thanks to all of the scribes of the Outlands!

As the cherry-on-top to the morning’s festivities, Bronwen of Hindscroft was offered elevation to the Order of the Laurel for her excellent work in culinary arts.

The Princess Protector tournament saw a list of 30+ fighters. It was decided that each round of fighting, lasting approximately 10 minutes, would be interjected by a round of performance from those vying for the title of Windhover Bard. Bards were asked to bring two pieces, one of personal importance and one of importance to the Outlands. This saw more than 10 entrants, a near tripling of the previous year.

The assembled crowd was treated to pieces of song, spoken word, instrumentation, and some dancing. However, as the sun climbed in the sky, it quickly became apparent that the Warlord tournament could not wait until after Princess Protector as originally planned. Instead, His Majesty King Simon invited those interested in entering to join him in the field behind court. The afternoon carried along in a flurry of activity, seeing many entrants dart back and forth between the multiple activities they’d committed to.

Finally, Count Hawkrill rose triumphant as the Outlands’ newest Princess Protector. This moment in particular, following his win, was quite the standout:

“Your highness,” he beckoned to Crown Prince Hrothger, still slightly winded from his victory. “You’ve entered crown four times and won all four times. I’ve entered this four times…and won all four times.”

The field was then quickly cleared for Warlord finals. At His Royal Highness’s suggestion, finals were conducted with four foot axes as a nod towards Thunderhead, the great axe of state. Intensity simmered as Lord Primus defeated Count Zachariah in the first round and then Zachariah bested Primus in the second. The crowd held their breath. The two fighters circled one another. And then, a burst of gasps and cheers as Zachariah landed a solid blow to Primus’s ribs and thusly became our new Warlord.

A hasty round of deliberations and rearranged furniture brought us to closing court. All that was truly left was for the new Windhover Bard to be named. The arranged populace was honored with the presence of Countess Elizabeth O’Byrne. For those unaware, she knew Mistress Kyriel personally and helped to found the role of Windhover Bard in her memory. THL Cairech, misty eyed at all the office meant to her, spoke to its importance before naming the new bard: Evpraksiia.

Me!

When I say it came as a shock, I speak with no facade or facetiousness. Myself and THL Cairech have collaborated in the past several months to piece back together the history of the Windhover Bard. To now be a part of that history is quite humbling.

Not only that, but our research uncovered that several pieces of Windhover Regalia had been lost to time. Countess Elizabeth surprised nearly everyone by revealing replicas of those lost items. The Windhover Bard now claims a songbook, a cloak, a sash, a stool, and a goblet which I hope are treasured and preserved forevermore.

Another wonderful Crown Tournament in the books! Congratulations aplenty to all those honored and recognized. A million thanks to all who contributed in time and effort to making it so wonderful. A million thanks particularly to Sorcha MacGillavrey for her wonderful work stewarding the event! You and your team put together an unforgettable weekend.

Long live the King!
Long live the Queen!
Long live the Crown Prince!
Long live the Crown Princess!
Long! Live! The Outlands!

Yours in service,
Evpraksiia