As most attendees pack up and head for home, Mistress Kayleigh McWhyte reports that the East Kingdom has claimed the majority of war points and is victorious in the 42nd Pennsic War.

This year’s Pennsic war ends at noon on Saturday, a day earlier than it has closed in the past, with an unofficial actual attendance of 9,913 people on-site. This is the lowest attendance since Pennsic 23 (1994), when the attendance was 9221. The last time the official attendance was below 10,000 was Pennsic 27 (1998) when the official Pennsic attendance is listed as 9,999. (All attendance numbers listed, except this year’s number, are sourced from the official Pennsic War website.)

Photo by Baroness Rainillt Leia de Bello Marisco

Having journeyed far, and safely arrived at the Great Pennsic War in the lands of Their Cousins called Aethelmearc, The King and Queen of the East, Gregor and Keina, came to the battles of Their Champions on Sunday July 28, Her Majesty placed, with care, the tabards reserved for these Champions upon their shoulders and spoke words of inspiration to all. Then She spoke of a war bard named Aneleda, who could not be present to sing that which had inspired all in years before, and urged Her Unbelted Champions to take up this same song – which they surely did for all ears to hear. The Unbelted Champions then fought ferociously, but when battle was done, it was sadly not they who had won. With regret their feet carried them back into the presence of their King and Queen.

Photo by Baroness Rainillt Leia de Bello Marisco

Next it would be the Belted Champions who fought, this time it was the East who returned victorious. His Majesty then spoke to all assembled and assured the Unbelted who were before Him that victory would be theirs again soon, and praised the seemingly unending stream of victories the Belted Champions had attained. King Gregor then honored them with the induction of all Belted Champions, past and present, into the Blue Tyger Legion.

Photo by Baroness Rainillt Leia de Bello Marisco

Next His Majesty called all the Chivalry ‘round, and spoke to them of one whom they had counseled and of whom He agreed ought to be counted within their numbers. He bade His herald then call the name Brennnan mac Fearghus. Brennan knelt before his King, head bowed and moisture threatening to spill from his eyes as he was told that this very night, upon the battlefield, he would sit in vigil to contemplate what joining the Order would mean, and to begin to prepare his answer for when he was called before the Rightful King and Queen of the East at the next Crown Tournament. A scroll with these details upon it had been created for him by Wulfgar Silverbraid and Theodora Bryennissa, called Treannah, and was read aloud at this time. This concluded all the business Their Majesties had for this day, and the Heroic Champions then took to the field.

Photo by Duke Edward Gray

On the morning of Wednesday July 31 before all assembled bade Their herald open Their Court. First they presented a Bowman badge to Alexandra Krakkensdottir, and then They requested the presence of Siobhan Inghean Cormaic. This gentle woman was rumored to have shot at the level of Master Bowman, and then and there The King and Queen of The East did induct her into the Order of the Sagittarius, presenting her with a lovely scroll created by Elsa de Lyon. This being all the business Their Majesties had at the time, They closed Their court and the Eastern Archers and her Allies then swept the field that day.

Photo by Baroness Rainillt Leia de Bello Marisco

In the evening of July 31 East Kingdom Royal Encampment to the great battlefield pavilion, and once Their Majesties East had ascended to Their thrones followed by The Prince and Princess, they called forward all Their landed Barons and Baronesses and invited them to take their seats to either side of the dais. Next Gregor and Keina welcomed into Their Court the King, Prince and Princess of Acre, and bade them sit beside them as well. First piece of business this evening would be to call forward Godric of Hamtun, Captain of the Archers, to celebrate their victory this day. 44 names were read aloud – for these names accounted all who had a hand in this victory. Then King Gregor called forward one of them, Nathanial Wyatt, for The King held in His own hand, Nathanial’s Golden Rapier pin. He spoke of how He had told Nathanial that he would need to earn the return of this pin, with a quest perhaps, but that now He saw fit to return this pin without quest or censure, for surely its return had been well earned.

Photo by Baroness Rainillt Leia de Bello Marisco

Then on to more business, and the herald called out the name of Rowan Orr. This young lady to be given her Award of Arms and a scroll created for her alone by Harold von Auerbach containing words written by Martyn de Halliwell.

Now a pause again as Mistress Michal Almond de Champagne was called into Their Royal Presence. Mistress Michal brought news regarding the volunteer point, and announced that the East and her Allies had won this point by a sizable margin. She further explained that the response to this new point in the scoring of the war had been so great that it would be done again, on an even grander scope, in the coming year.

Next the presence of Dunnchad Bjarnarson or one who might speak for him was requested, and Rowan Orr, this gentle’s sister, came forward once more. Dunnchad had been made a Lord of Their Majesties Court four years prior, but the lovely scroll made for him by Ignatia la Ciega and Aislinn Chiabach had never been given into his hands. The scroll was read and displayed and placed into Lady Rowan’s keeping to take to him.

Photo by Baroness Rainillt Leia de Bello Marisco

Now Kai of Owlsherst was called forward. Their Majesties had heard tell of this young gentles involvement in youth combat and wished to add him to Their Order of Gawain. With a green garter, and a scroll created by Brighid MacCumhal it was done.

Her Majesty next called for one she held dear, Duchess Anna Ophelia Holloway Tarragon, to come forward. The Queen spoke of the beautiful Queen’s Tea that Duchess Anna had arranged, and of her ideas for decorating the Battlefield Pavilion with more Heraldic Displays and for these things and more She saw fit to bestow upon Duchess Anna The Queen’s Honor of Distinction, the token for which was a finely wrought silver pin, and the promise of a scroll to come.

Photo by Baroness Rainillt Leia de Bello Marisco

Now two children, a sister and brother where called forward, Kiera and Logan of House Three Skulls. Her Majesty spoke of how many good things had come to Her ears about these two, and then called forward the Order of the Tygers Cub to add them to their ranks. But Her Majesty was sad, for She did not have medallions to hand to these two little ones – and asked if perhaps any of the older children in the order might be willing to pass their medallions on. Not a moment passed and two finely raised and generous youngsters, Eva du Vey and Bierla of Owlsherste, stepped forward and gladly offered to pass theirs along to Kiera and Logan. With the reading of their scrolls, Kiera’s by Vettorio Antonello and Logan’s by Aedth of MacGregor, and with the passing of medallions, it was done, and two more Tygers Cubs where made.

Then His Majesty called for Sir Diablu and Duke Andreas to come forward. Duke Andreas was present but Sir Diablu was not, and King Gregor spoke about how this Pennsic was the 20 years of Chivalric service.

Now Their Majesties bade Their herald call the name of Georg Kopman, and the man came forward. Business left by Their predecessors did They have with him – the awarding of the Terpsichore for all his work in the world of dance and a long due scroll made for him by Robert of Stonemarche with words by Nest Verch Tangwistel was given to him as well.

Photo by Baroness Rainillt Leia de Bello Marisco

Next to hear her name called out was Caoilfhionn inghean Fhaolain, who rushed forward at the sound, nearly losing her shoes in the process. Her Majesty spoke of the fact that not all was about this Lady’s husband this war, for Caoilfhionn is married to Brennan who had been honored the Sunday before. Queen Kiena spoke of the beautiful photographs that Caoilfhionn produced, and saw fit to gift her with The Queen’s Honor of Distinction because of them. With pin of silver and a scroll bearing this Lady’s own image painted by Sunniva Ormstung, penned by Kayleigh McWhyte and worded by Theodora Bryennissa, called Treannah, it was done.

Photo by Baroness Rainillt Leia de Bello Marisco

The next name called was that of Hiyato Miramoto. A quiet young man came forward, and Their Majesties spoke to him of the work he’d done as a thrown weapons marshal, the gaming night at Panteria that he had organized for the past three years, and told him of Their decision to make him a Lord of Their Court this day. A scroll created by Mariette de Bretagne was shown with Japanese writing upon it, and the English translation was read, with thanks to Ector Villalobos de Granada and Yuko Kamikawa for the Japanese words that spoke Their Majesties wishes.

Photo by Baroness Rainillt Leia de Bello Marisco

Now Dziuginte Litovka’s name was heard, and the cry went up for Dizzy to present herself, for it was by this name that she was often called. Her Majesty praised this woman for raising the level of simple authenticity to an art, for despite her attainment of peerage, she continued to present her persona of a Lithuanian farmer without wealth or noble connections with an accuracy of detail rarely found. For this The King and Queen wished her added to the ranks of the Order of the Maunche. A medallion made just for her and a scroll created by Jan Janowicz Bogdanski completed the act.

Photo by Baroness Rainillt Leia de Bello Marisco

Another of whom the Queen was quite fond was then called, Lucie Lovegood. With a dark blush upon her cheeks she did present herself, and Her Majesty spoke of the Known World Party from the Saturday most recently past, and of all the coordination and effort this fine woman had put into making sure it surpassed all of Their Majesties expectations. Her Majesty also mentioned the support of House Thanet in this work, and presented Lucie with a leather medallion and the promise of a scroll to come, as she was added to the Order of the Burdened Tyger.

Their Majesties Herald then mentioned a petition that had arrived, and Her Majesty insisted on reading it immediately, and had the presenter of this petition called forward, one Mistress Brid nic Shearlais, to speak of that which she and others had written. Mistress Brid besought Her Majesty to satisfy her request this one time, and spoke of the grace and courtesy of one Sir Osgkar. Her Majesty then had The Earl Marshal brought forward, as well as all the others who had signed this petition, and with a glove passed to Sir Osgkar from Baron Ernst, and the promise of a scroll, She made him a companion of the the Queen’s Order of Courtesy without delay.

Photo by Baroness Rainillt Leia de Bello Marisco

But there was another petition this night, one regarding an individual called only Dante of Pennsic Staff. This man came forward at the call of his name, and listened as the petition was read, detailing all the various tasks he had undertaken in his time on the Pennsic staff. Their Majesties saw his worth, and without hesitation made of him a Lord of Their Court, promising a scroll would be forthcoming.

Photo by Baroness Rainillt Leia de Bello Marisco

Then another was called for, one Alexi Gensel. Their Majesties spoke of the help he offered fighters newer then he, as well as his time spent as Shire Chronicler and for these deeds and more, They saw fit to make of him a Lord of Their Court. His Majesty then made comment of the scroll for this, which was the most difficult he’d ever need sign, and when produced all saw why, for this scroll was in the form of a wooden sword with tiny words painted upon it, created by Arden of Icomb for this gentle alone.

The herald cried next for Ana Ximenez de Hume. This woman came forward and mention was made of her singing and harp playing and of her upcoming journey to Interlochen Arts Academy. Their Majesties found these things most pleasing, and added her to the Order of Their Troubadours, with a scroll by Ignacia la Ciega and the promise of a cup on the morrow as a token.

Now Megan ni Phadraig was called to present herself, and as she knelt before the King and Queen of the East They asked of her time spent in the society, and found that she’d been active for more than 10 years and had not yet been made a Lady of Their Court. With a fine scroll created by Vettorio Antonello, and Their own Will it was done that moment.

Photo by Mistress Brita Mairi Svensdottir

The next name called was Their Majesties own Tyger Clerk of the Signet, one Kayleigh McWhyte, who with a look of surprise, rose and came to place herself before her King and Queen. Her Majesty spoke of all the hard work that was part of this woman’s job, of the organizing and coordinating, and tracking of details, and because of these things, They saw fit to add her to The Order of the Pelican. First They called for a member of the Order of Chivalry to speak of this candidate, and Prince Kenric claimed this right. Next a member of the Order of the Laurel, and Mistress Amy Webbe read a missive from Master Edward MacGyver. Then a Royal Peer, and Princess Avelina spoke with praise, and last a member of the Order of the Pelican, and Master Rupert spoke as well. Next a cloak made for her by her own apprentice, Heather Rose, was placed upon her shoulders and a medallion that had been worn by every Pelican member of her House Grog, and the promise of a cap of maintenance yet to come, then lastly only a scroll created with the finest skill would do for this particular lady, and just such a scroll was then read, and shown, created by Ro Honig von Sommerfelt and Carolyn de la Pointe, with worlds by the lady’s own husband, Ryan MacWhyte.

Once the Order had well welcomed Mistress Kayleigh, Her Majesty called forward Her 404 Army, claiming right to them through the champion She had chosen in Ryouku’jin of Iron Skies. The Eastern Queen spoke of this great fighting unit, of the joy with which they tackled every task, and She thanked them.

Photo by Mistress Brita Mairi Svensdottir

As they began to file out, His Majesty called Tanaka Raiko back, and commanded he stay a moment longer. The King made mention of the many things this man had accomplished, He spoke fondly of the relationship between them over the years, and of the efforts and deeds with which Sir Tanaka was connected, and then King Gregor claimed this man as the 17 could see the emotion overtake Sir Tanaka, for it was clearly seen in the very posture of his body. Then his own squire, Ryouku’jin, came forward, to present him with a Gunsen, or Japanese war fan, that he had made for this fine man himself, and read in both Japanese and English the Choka, or war poem, he had written upon the fan. Lastly a golden scroll prepared by Lada Monguligin with words by Mariette de Bretagne was read as well.

Photo by Mistress Brita Mairi Svensdottir

One final piece of business for this court remained. Their Majesties spoke of one who had long exemplified the qualities of Chivalry, and called forward Their own, Jibril al-Dakhil. Jibril was escorted into Their Majesties presence by the Lady Rainillt Leia de Bello Marisco, who had been his consort for many a year. When he knelt before Them, Her Majesty read from The Book of Jibril, and Sir Steffan spoke of the vigil for Jibril in the tower of the castle upon the battlefield. With that, Their Majesties escorted Jibril directly to his vigil, and Their Court was closed.

The following morning upon the field of battle, Their Majesties East called Jibril al-Dakhil forward to answer the question They had placed before him but the night before. He solemnly accepted the elevation to the Order of The Chivalry, and the first of four was called to speak for this candidate. The Royal Peer who spoke was Princess Avelina, reading the words that Duchess Aikaterine had written. Then next a member of the Order of the Laurel spoke, as Sir Geoffrey the Younger claimed that right. Now as a member of the Order of the Pelican it was Mistress Jovonne d’Esprit who spoke, and lastly for the Order of Chivalry Duke Lucan’s words were read by Sir Culann. Regalia next as spurs that had graced the heels of 10 ICOD Knights before him where placed upon his feet, and King Gregor’s personal sword was presented as a promissory for the sword that had not yet arrived, followed by a white belt from the hands of Duke Ronald Wilmot and lastly the golden chain was offered by Sir Manfred. Jibril spoke his vows of fealty upon that chain and the sword of state, and arose to receive the last blow he would take unanswered. As the Order welcomed this newest Knight, a stunning scroll created by Ro Honig von Sommerfelt and Carolyn de la Pointe and containing words composed by Michael Acrensis was read and presented. There being no further business that day, Their Majesties closed Their Court and the day’s battles commenced.

On the final morning of battles fought, Their Majesties saw fit to open Their Court once again. For Juliana le Chaluner had spent her Pennsic running the Battlefield Watering station, and was most deserving of becoming a Lady of Their Court. They spoke of her work, and praising her highly They made it so along with the promise of a scroll to be forthcoming.

These are the events as I witnessed them these days and as have been reported to me.

Joyously in service to Crown and College,
Baroness Theodora Bryennissa, called Treannah
Vox Regis

Photo by Mistress Brita Mairi Svensdottir

The Rapier Champions single war point at Pennsic was comprised of the results of 21 total bouts.  One bout was a twenty-on-twenty melee.  The other twenty bouts were single combat.  The Midrealm won 11 to the East’s 10, so the Midrealm took the point. Members of the East’s Rapier Champions teams are listed below.

Videos of all the bouts are included below and were provided by Gilchrist Monaghan.

Melee Team
Duke Edward Grey
Prince Kenric aet Essex
Baroness Brighid MacCumhal
Lord Lottieri Malocchio
Lord Thomas of Effingham
Don Alfonso Pontelli
Lord Erich Quik
Lord Llewellyn Walsh
Lord Melchior Kriebel
Baron Caine Ramsey

Singles Team
Don Nathaniel Wyatt (King’s Champion)
Don Davius Sainct-Jacques (Queen’s Champion)
Don Donovan Shinnock
Don Griffith Davion
Don Orlando Sforza
Don Quintin Brilliant
Don Ogedei Becinjab
Don Owynn Greenwood
Lady Isabel Chamberlaine
Lord Sean MacPherson

Photo by Baroness Rainillt Leia de Bello Marisco

There were 47 war points to be won this Pennsic.  The detailed breakdown of the points below is based on reports received by the Gazette.  We have been unable to confirm the Armored Bridge and Tower battle point tallies.  If the reports we received are correct, the East took 42 of the 47 points.

Photo by Baroness Rainillt Leia de Bello Marisco

Armored:
Allied Champions (1pt) – East
Unbelted Champions (1pt) – Midrealm
Belted Champions (1pt) – East
Heroic Champions (1pt) – East
Field Battle (5pts) – East 3, Midrealm 2
Woods Battle (7pts) – East 7, Midrealm 0
Tower Battle (9pts) – East 9, Midrealm 0
Bridge Battle (5pts) – East 5, Midrealm 0

Photo by Mistress Brita Mairi Svensdottir

Rapier:
Open Field Battles (3pts) – East 3, Midrealm 0
Champions (1pt) – Midrealm
Woods Battle (3pts) – East 3, Midrealm 0
Bridge Battle (3pts) – East 3, Midrealm 0

Photo by Baroness Rainillt Leia de Bello Marisco

Archery:
Champions (1pt) – East
Populace Shoots (3pts) – East 3, Midrealm 0

Thrown Weapons:
Competition (1pt) – East

SiegeWeapons:
Contest (1pt) – Midrealm

Service Competition (1pt) – East

King Damien in his Rapier Champions bout against Don Orlando Sforza
Photo by Mistress Brita Mairi Svensdottir

This Pennsic the Kingdom of Calontir participated for the first time in the Rapier champions with fighters who were authorized by Calontir in the form known as Cut and Thrust.  For three years, the Kingdom of Calontir has been using Cut and Thrust activities on an experimental basis.  On July 13 of this year, Their Majesties Damien and Issabell made Cut and Thrust activities official at their coronation.

Calontir has no other Rapier program in the Kingdom.  Before July most Calontiri involved in Rapier carried authorization cards from the surrounding Kingdoms. “If you saw someone fighting [out of Kingdom] in a Falcon Tabbard before this date they were on some other Kingdom’s card”, said Their Majesties Damien and Issabell.  “We thank those Kingdoms for covering Our fighters and allowing them to participate in Rapier and C&T activities in the SCA at large.”

Society rules prohibit the use of percussive cuts in melee situations, so most of Calontir’s Cut and Thrust activities are focused on individual fights and tournament style fighting.  “If the Society level prohibition on percussive blows were to change I’m sure that most of us would be more than happy to line up shoulder to shoulder and engage an opposing line,” said His Majesty Damien.  Large group fighting suitable for melee situations isn’t practiced using this form.  When the Calontiri practice melee forms for trips out of kingdom or authorization, they change to Heavy Rapier rules.

Calontir’s fighter cards have a notation of “HR/C&T” for those that have passed their authorization. In order to receive this designation, a fighter must authorize in Heavy Rapier rules only fighting.  Two-handed weapons and parrying devices are also included in the testing for this designation.  Approximately 40 fighters are currently authorized in this form in Calontir.

Their Majesties spoke to the consideration made when Calontir adopted this style of fighting. ”We have worked very hard to avoid a split in the fabric that is Calontir. Most of the people involved have been rattan fighters. They are simply adding to their fun or find that their bodies just can’t do the heavier abuse as well as they used to.”

For Easterners, the difference between Cut and Thrust and traditional Rapier fighting may not be readily apparent as this form isn’t common in the East.  Mistress Alys Mackyntoich explained the difference this way. ”Cut and thrust is a subset of standard SCA rapier combat that uses heavier blades, heavier armor and a slightly different style of combat. It’s almost like a hybrid between heavy list combat and rapier. Cut and thrust requires a separate authorization.”

Mistress Alys explained further how these differences change the experience. “Unlike standard SCA rapier in the East, “cut and thrust allows percussive cuts — that is, a sort of hacking or chopping motion akin to the flat snaps of a rattan sword.   Additional protective gear, such as rigid back of the head protection, is required.  Because the swords are heavier and percussive cuts are allowed, cut and thrust style rapier allows combatants to use certain period techniques that work less well with lighter blades.”

Their Majesties Damien and Issabell spoke to how the Calontiri view their entrance into the Rapier community.  “We are looking forward to merging the current Calontir culture with the Rapier community. It might be said expect that the Calontir C&T behavior may be a bit different from what you have experienced from your local Rapier community too. We don’t have 15 or 20 years of tradition to follow and get the chance to build it from the ground up.”

The Great Hall at Pennsic 42 was filled with kingdom banners, tables of artisans displaying their skills, and the buzz of the crowds. Here and there intriguing items poked above the heads of the spectators: a large painting. Dresses displayed on mannequins. A folding German clothes closet. Welcome to the Known World A&S Display.

The East was well represented in a wide variety of skills on display. On the culinary front, Galefridus Peregrinus sat behind a number of small dishes of olives cured from different period recipes. Judith bas Rabbi Mendel talked to visitors about how the contents of the Jewish seder plate changed throughout SCA period.

Glass, ceramics, and metalworking were also represented by several Easterners. Bronwen Rose of Greyling’s table was covered with tiny enameled medallions in vibrant colors and exquisite detail. Elizabeth Underhill’s Anglo-Saxon glass bead replicas were beautifully displayed next to their documentation, while Brunisette la Dragonette showed off several examples of her pottery. A few tables away, Nest verch Tangwystl sat behind her lace working display. At the back of the hall, one table was bare except for a little card that read “Erec l’Claire / East Kingdom / Kufenschrank (Behind you).  A large wooden free-standing closet was, in fact, behind you. Erec L’Claire stood nearby, ready to discuss the cleverly constructed box that held his garb at Pennsic and yet folded flat into a car.

Wandering the room, one’s eye was instantly caught by Naomi bat Avraham’s boiled linseed experiment. Any documentation that starts off with “Trial 1: Catastrophic Failure” combined with a picture of a pot in flames is a definite attention-getter. Her project involved boiling linseed oil down and mixing it with lampblack for a period printing ink. Linseed oil can be temperamental stuff, though, and the first batch appears to have burned merrily. She had samples of the finished oil on display alongside vials of commercial calligraphy ink and commercial linseed oil for comparison.

Some highlights from other kingdoms (pictured below, clockwise from top) included Lady Sigrid the Beadmaker’s giant silk banner of a late period-style map of Northern Drachenwald in intricate detail, examples of Italian tin-glazed pottery by Matilda Hanscombe (Middle), a wooden wheelbarrow by Atlantia’s Sigrid Briansdottir, and Opus Anglicanum embroidery by Baroness Janina Krakowska (Atlantia).

Vivant to the Artisans of the Known World!

The Gazette gratefully acknowledges Elinor Strangewayes who submitted this article and provided all of the photographs included herein.

Unbelted Champions before the fight

Unbelted champions of the East took to the field at Pennsic to face off against the unbelted champions of the Mid.  “All members of the unbelted champions team trained incredibly hard to prepare themselves as well as they might for Pennsic”, said Prince Kenric. “The teamwork, dedication, and heart shown by the entire team, as well as those who were not chosen was an inspiration to me. I will look back on this summer and remember it.”

In the end, the Midrealm won this war point.  “We felt we put a great team together for this battle, but so did the Midrealm,” said King Gregor.  “They had a good plan, the personnel to execute it and I think they got us to commit to the fight they wanted.  In the end, our hammer broke on their anvil. The Eastern Unbelts fought their hearts out though and are already planning for next year. I’m proud of all of them.”

The following is a list of the unbelted champions and a video of the combat.  The war point was won by the Midrealm.  The video was provided by Captain Devon of Ayr of the Midrealm.  All photos by Baroness Rainillt Leia de Bello Marisco.

Master Angus Pembridge – Captain
Baron Brennan Mac Fearghus (Brénainn mac Fergusa) – Deputy Captain

Queen Kiena before her unbelted champions

Agrippa
Lord Ane du Vey
Lord Angus McHaley
THL Ávaldr Valbjarnarson
Cassius Pontus
Baron Constantine (Constantinius) von Drachenklaue
Lord Donnan Fitzgerald
THL Erich Hundeman
Lord Gavin MacKinnon
Lord Hrafn Odinsson (formerly Samuel of Lochleven)
Lord Ioannes Aurelius Serpentius (formerly John the Breeder)
Baron Ivan Ivanov syn Dmitriev
Lord Ivan Valfrekr Hroereksson (formerly Ivan Valfrekr)
Master Julien Lapointe

Unbelted champions and Their Majesties

Baron Karl Meerstapa
Lord Ketilfastr Thorkilson
Lord Klaus Winterhalter von Walachey
Lord Luis di Castilla
Baron Matthew Moraveous Avdenmork
Lord Matthias Grünewald
Lord Richard Crowe
Lord Ryouko’Jin of Iron Skies
Lord Sigurðr berserkr
Lord Sigurthr Vigahamarr het Saurfotr

The Unbelted Champions Bout

Lord Simon Gwyn
Lord Sterling de la Rosa
Lord Tiberius Nautius Maximus
Lord Tiernan MacAlpine
Lord Turi MacKinnon
Lord Ubu Sedere
Lord Wilham de Broc
Lord William Ravenhair

Alternates:
Lord Gryffyn Dunham
Lord Erich Von Hemeor
Baron Jibril al-Dahkil
Lord Harald Hokkenson
Lord William McCrimmon
M. Antonius Stabala
Baron Joseph Harcourt
Lord Christophe Lejeune
Lord Eoghan Bastard mac Lachlainn of Lochleven
Baron Valerian of Somerset
Baron Wulfhere
Vassilis Monevassios

The Belted Champions before the fight

The champions battle between members of the Chivalry from the East and the Midrealm was won by the East this Pennsic.  “The Belted Champions once again executed a sound plan with aggression and control,” His Majesty Gregor told the Gazette. “Duke Andreas’ right flanking unit drew out a larger Midrealm unit and kept them busy while the remaining Eastern Chivalry inflicted severe losses. To me , that was the key to the battle.”

The following is a list of the belted champions and a video of the combat.  The video was provided by Captain Devon of Ayr of the Midrealm.  All photos by Baroness Rainillt Leia de Bello Marisco.

Gregor leads his champions out on the field

Prince Kenric of Essex
Sir Alexander de Hautville
Duke Andreas der Eisfalke
Sir Cullyn mac Cianain
Sir Douglas Henry
Duke Edward Grey
Sir Gareth Grey de Wilton
Sir Gui avec cheval de Guise
Sir Ivar Volosatoi
Pan Jan Janowicz Bodanski
Duke Konrad von Ulm
Duke Lucan von Drachenklaue
Sir Mohammed Sevim Oglu Gowan Oglu
Tribune Omega Aurelius Serpentius

The Belted Champions in action

Sir Oscad de Segovia
Master Padraig dubh MacEanriug
Earl Ruslan Novgorodcev
Sir Thomas of Ravenhill
Master Wulfbrand Weigand
Master Wulfstan the Unshod
Alternates:
Sir Colin mac Eoain mec Lachlainn
Sir Manfred Albrecht von Halsstern

Populace War Points

This year there were three different war point shoots in which ALL archers could participate. This has been the case for many years, although the presentation, scoring and numbers of attempts differ. The populace shooting was offered Sunday through Thursday, so archers had five opportunities to shoot each of the three war point shoots. Before the week of shooting began, it was also ruled that archers did not have to do each attempt on separate days — they could make their own schedules and even shoot all fifteen parts on the same day if they wished to. This made it much easier for busy folk with many obligations to still make significant contributions to the war effort.

The three populace shoots were run as follows:

• Castle Window: At approximately 30 yards and timed (30 seconds); archers scored 1 point for each shot in the window slot, 2 points if the shot hit the black shape shown in the slot.
• Clout with Moat Monster: Shots landing inside the 30′ castle turret were worth 3 points; shots hitting either of the two standing guards in the turret were worth 4 points; there was a “moat” at approximately 50 yards worth 1 point, with a “moat monster” in it worth 2 points; 6 shots, untimed.
• Elephants: 6 shots, untimed; targets were soldiers atop elephants at 15, 35, 45 and 55 yards, worth 1, 2, 3 and 4 points, respectively; archers could shoot at any target they wished with their 6 shots.

After the range closed on Thursday evening, scores from all five days were totaled, and the East took all three populace archery war points! On the Castle Window, the final tally was 3265 to 1798; for the Clout, 5907 to 3824; and for the Elephants, 7899 to 4029. A head-count was taken on each shooting line, enabling averages to be calculated. It is worth noting that this year each archer scored a total of about four points on one try at all three shoots — under one point on the Castle Window, about one and a half points on the Clout, and just under two points on the Elephants. This is why it is so important for every archer of any ability to get to the range — every point matters, and every archer can make a difference!

Archery Champions Team Tournement

As was previously reported here, the East and allies team decisively won all three parts of the competition, thus earning one war point for the East.

This year, the Champions were honored to have all the Eastern Royalty shoot with them throughout the day! King Gregor, Queen Kiena, Prince Kenric and Princess Avelina each joined a different group to go through the Roving Range, then They shot with lines of Their archers on the Friend/Foe and Long Distance shoots. They shot just for fun — Their scores did not count in the tournement — but Their support was invaluable, and the team members enjoyed Their comradery.

The members of this year’s East and allies team were:

Aaron the Arrowsmith
Aeddan Ivor (Atlantia)
Alberic maqi Droata
Alexandra Krakkensdottir
Aurelia Gabriana (Ealdormere)
Brendan Hunterston (Ealdormere)
Cadan Buri (AEthelmearc)
Colin Ursell
Collum Maxwell (Atlantia)
Dafydd ap Sion (Ealdormere)
Denys the Decadent (AEthelmearc)
Dietrich Saphir zum Drache (Atlantia)
Elizabeth Hawkwood
Esperanza Susanna Flecha (Atlantia)
Fintan Na Coilled (AEthelmearc)
Ghijskjin Van den Vaerst (Atlantia)
Godric of Hamtun
Graem de Cherbourg (Ealdormere)
Gregge the Archer (Atlantia)
Jehannine de Flandres
Kateryna atte Hagenes (Trimaris)
Kieran Bren of Bannockburn
Krakken Gnashbone
Kusunoki Yoshimoto
Li Kung Lo
Macsen Felinfoel
Magnus fra Jorvik
Miles de Locwode (Atlantia)
Nathaniel Wyatt
Nest verch Tangwistel
Nicolaa de Bracton (Ealdormere)
Phillip Reed the Facetious
Robert Cameron de Gray (AEthelmearc)
Ru (AEthelmearc)
Rupert the Unbalanced
Seamus McRay (Atlantia)
Siobhan Inghean Cormaic
Stephan Grimm (Atlantia)
Suuder Saran
Tamar Walshman
Thorlaeifr Hvitskegg
Thyra Eiriksdottir
Valgard av Mors (Atlantia)
Ygraine of Kellswood

Reports of archery results for this and past Pennsic Wars (and other significant archery achievements) are archived at the EK Target Archery website.

(Photos by Baroness Rainillt Leia de Bello Marisco.)

Pennsic War 43 Dates are announced and official. Troll opens on Friday, July 25, 2014, at 12:00 noon for Land Agents and site closes Sunday, August 10, 2014, at 3:00 p.m.

Pennsic War (note the page is currently in Off Season mode!)

Check the page at a later date/time for more information regarding Pennsic 43 (2014). As of the posting time, there are 325 days, 1 hour, and 13 minutes left until Troll opens.

So, you want to be the Pennsic Mayor?  Bids for Pennsic 45 (2016) will be accepted until 1 May 2014.  Please see the details of the bid process on the Documents page of the East Kingdom Seneschal’s Website.  All interested parties are encouraged to thoroughly read all of the pages linked from the box on that page.

Bid packets are to be copied to the Seneschals of the Kingdoms of Aethelmearc, the East, and the Middle, as well as the East Kingdom Crown and Coronet.

Pennsic 43 will take place July 25, 2014 – August 10, 2014

Reservations: Online prepaid registration will be available until Monday, June 16th 2014 11:59pm EDT.

Online unpaid registration will be available until Friday, July 11th 2014 11:59pm EDT.

The refund policy has changed. The cut-off date for requesting a refund is Monday, June 23rd 2014 11:59pm EDT.

Event site

Registration link

Duke Edward Grey, the Pennsic Warlord, has posted on Prince Brennan’s and Princess Caoilfhionn’s Website the early agreements from War negotiations with the Middle Kingdom.  The war points break down as follows:

25 points for Armored Combat
10 points for Rapier
10 points for Archery
2 points for Service
1 point each for Thrown Weapons and Siege.

The schedule for the war points is listed below.  Battle details can be found here but more information will be forthcoming, so check back again as we get nearer to the event.

Other useful links found on the website include:
A Greeting from the Warlord, Duke Edward Grey
Contact Information  for the EK Forces

Pennsic 43 War Point Schedule

Sunday
9:00 AM Opening Ceremonies

10:00-11:30 Allied Champions – 1 pt
* Allies request 80 to 120 men on a side.
* Number to be finalized Middle Saturday evening.
* Capture the flag. (Pennsic 42 rules)
* 1 hour resurrection
* Wait at resurrection point until released (every 5 minutes)
* Two flags, scored by moving flag to resurrection point
* Flag bearer must have gauntlets, and is engaged 360 degrees

10:30-11:00 Unbelted Champions – 1 pt
* 30 fighters, one pass
* Crowns may not fight. Heirs may
* No Allies

11:00-11:30 Belted Champions – 1 pt
* 20 fighters, one pass
* Crowns may not fight. Heirs may.
* No Allies

11:30-12:30 Break for Court business and to allow a rest between Allied & Heroics

12:30-2:00 Heroic Champions – 1 pt
* No one who fought in the Belted Champions Battle may fight in Heroics (except Heirs)
* Heirs will resolve a tie.
*Format is one on one, weapons need not be matched
*12 total fights, Principal: 3 Unbelts, 4 belts – no more than 2 Royal Peers between the belts & unbelts, 5 allied combatants of any rank.
* Double kills to be refought
*Whoever is ahead chooses the first fighter, then alternate.

2:30 – 5:00 Rapier Champions – 1pt
• 1 Melee (10 principal and 10 allies)
• 1 Queen’s champion bout
• 1 King’s champion bout
• 1 Cut & Thrust bout (from principal or ally)
• 21 Bouts (11 principal/10 allied) paired in advance.
• Dead is dead – double kills are not refought.
• A Tie is possible and results in no points.

Monday
10:00 Five Armored Field Battles (600×600 field): 1 pt each (5 total)
*Conventions will be the same as Pennsic 42, except:
* No side changes
* No siege
* All holds to be general & kept to a minimum

2:00 – 3:00 Rapier Field Battles: 1 pt each (3 total)
• There will be a 15 minute water break between battles.
• Death From Behind is allowed. All holds are general.
• A Friendship battle will be fought 20 minutes after the third warpoint battle.

Tuesday
11:00 – Armored Woods Battles: 7 banners, 5 pts
* 2x 60 minute resurrections, sides switch between battles
* There will 4 resurrection points (2 each in the lower woods and upper woods), sides will start in either of their own res areas
* The Crowns (Or representative) will verify the positions of the banners prior to the battle.
* Two points will be awarded to the side with the most banners at the end of each of the two battles.
* Half hour between battles
* The Center banner will be timed for the duration of both battles. The side which holds the banner for the longest time will be awarded an additional warpoint.
* The East & allies will start on the southern side for the first battle.
* The Middle & allies will start on the nothern side for the first battle.
* The Crowns or chosen representatives will meet at AEthelmearc War Practice to determine the position of the banners. (4 of 7 expected to shift slightly)

After Armored Woods Battles – Siege War Point, 1 pt

2:00 – Rapier Woods Battle, 3 pts
• Both sides would prefer to use the lower portion of the woods for this battle however if a mutually agreeable arrangement of banners and resurrection zones cannot be found the battle site will revert to the upper woods.
• This is an unlimited Resurrection battle with Death From Behind allowed. Resurrection zone will be chosen by the side behind on points the day prior to the battle.
• Local Holds
• Three banners will be contested, equidistant from each side’s resurrection zone. There will be banner checks at semi-random times (20 +/- 8 min mark)(40 +/-8 min mark)(65 +/-8 min mark) to be randomly determined by the marshalate prior to the start of battle and not revealed to the combatants. The side whose flag is raised has control of banner. Majority of banners at each check receives 1 war point.

Wednesday
Service (hours from Sat, Sun, Mon) - 1 pt

Archery Champions – 1 pt
30 Total Champions, 20 Principal, 10 Allied. The shoot will be constructed with an intent to balance accuracy & speed shoots

Thursday
10:00 – Five Armored Bridge Battles: 1 pt each (5 total)
*Conventions will be the same as Pennsic 42 except:
* The two outside bridges at 18 feet wide
* Bridge 18, 27, 27, 27 , 18 separated by 54 feet
* Siege and archery in all 5 battles.
* Projectile weapons will only be used on the center 3 bridges
* Archers may not advance onto the bridge to fire
* Siege Engines will only deploy 50 feet from bridge end (from the mid-point between 1 and 2nd bridge and mid-point between 4 and 5th)
* No arrows or siege ammunition will be re-inspected between battles
* A point is awarded for ownership of 3 of 5 bridges.
* All contested bridges will be fought.
* No fighting on the hay bales. Incidental contact is ok.

Rapier Ruins Battle – 3 pts
• The rattan bridge structure will be modified into a variety of terrains (see attached). Three banners will be contested, one centered in the building, one centered in the broken field and one centered in the open field equidistant from each sides resurrection line. Resurrection lines will be 20 yards from the edge of the nearest structure or obstacle.
• This is an unlimited Resurrection battle with Death From Behind allowed. General Holds.
• There will be banner checks at semi-random times (20 +/- 5 min mark)(40 +/-5 min mark)(65 +/-5 min mark) to be randomly determined by the marshalate prior to the start of battle and not revealed to the combatants. The side whose flag is raised has control of banner. Majority of banners at each check receives 1 war point.
• Field to be set to a mutually agreeable state by teams from both sides using two bridge’s worth of broken field, one bridge built into the building. The next line of bales is the edge of the world
• Building walls will not be fought over.
• Broken field bales may be fought over, but not stepped over.

Thrown Weapons: 1 pt

Friday
10am – Castle Battle, 6 pts
* 2 – 30 minute battles with 3 banners.
* 1 banner per point
* 1 banner in fort, 1 banner in tower outside of fort, 1 in open field. Roughly in a curved line from fort opening extending south and then south west. See Map
*Switch sides between battles

Service (hours from Tues, Wed, Thurs) – 1 pt

Ongoing
Populace Archery Shoot – 9 points
Each archer may shoot up to 5 times, at each of the 3 traditional shoots, on any day or combination of days. No Archer may shoot more than 5 times at each of the ranges. Each shoot will have 3 points, awarded on Friday, after the range closes.

Photo by Cateline la Broderesse

Paid registration for Pennsic ends on Monday, June 16th at 11:59pm EDT.  The size of the land allotted to a group is determined by the number of people who preregister by this deadline.  Unpaid online registration is available until July 11th.  Preregistration is available at this website.

Due to the server downtime on the Cooper’s website yesterday, paid Pennsic Registration has been extended through 11:59pm, Wednesday, June 18th.

There is a link to register on the Pennsic War Site. The Cooper’s Site lists registration as closed, but has changed the date, and you are still able to register.

The Pennsic Signal Corps (PSC) is looking for interested gentles to help with the battles at the Pennsic War!

The PSC serves the Field Marshalate. Members handle the official timing (at the pleasure of the field marshal), display the countdown and signal flags, distribute and return the radios used by the marshals on the field, and perform any other tasks required by the field marshal to help the battles run smoothly. The work of the PSC is not noticed when done well, but it’s an important volunteer effort.

The ideal candidates for this work have an interest in the battles but are not fighting, are available at least one day of war week, are willing to come to the site of the battle about 1 to 1.5 hours before
the battle begins and stay for about 30 minutes after the battle ends, are willing to cry times for the countdown and speak clearly on the radio, be able to stand for the length of the battle (or bring a folding chair), be able to lift up to about 15 pounds (though not very often), be willing to support the field marshal as needed, be enthusiastic, and be ready to have one of the best vantage points for the battles.

Interested gentles should contact Lord Nicolas of Windreach. Please feel free to distribute this information as desired.

So, you’re going to Pennsic. The last thing you want to do is get held up at Troll, right? Follow these simple tips, and getting in will be a breeze!

-Bring a government issued photo ID with name and date of birth. Your own ID, not someone else’s. College ID doesn’t count. It doesn’t matter if you just turned 18 or just turned 90, you MUST show ID to check in.
-You must be 18 or have a FULL legal guardian with you. Not your friend’s parent, your grandmother, your older sibling, or your aunt or uncle. If they are actually your FULL legal guardian, please have them bring the judge-signed/sealed paperwork proving this.
-If you are bringing a minor but are not their parent, but a FULL legal guardian, please bring the judge signed/sealed paperwork proving this.
-Bring proof of membership if you are a member. Yes, you CAN show proof of membership on your phone! Remember that there is not internet access at Troll, and if you do not have membership visible at the time of check-in, Troll will take others who are waiting while you bring it up. There are NO REFUNDS if you check in and find your proof of membership later.
-Please take a photo of your license plate, and the trailer’s license plate. Or write the number down. Or tattoo it on an available piece of skin. You don’t want to mess the license plate information up, or your vehicle might get towed. Another way to ruin a perfectly good Pennsic.
-Troll really does close at midnight (except on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of both weeks). If you arrive between midnight and 6 am, you’re going to have to wait elsewhere. Plan accordingly. No, it doesn’t matter if you pre-registered. If you arrive while Troll is closed, you are NOT going to get in.
-If you have preregistered, make note of your reference number (which is on your receipt). If the helpful volunteers at Troll can’t find your information any other way, they can look you up by your reference number.
-Bring CASH or CREDIT CARD ONLY to pay any fees. No coins, personal checks, traveler’s checks, barters, or personal slavery will be accepted.

The biggest things to remember are ID, 18, and midnight. Getting in should be easy, it’s getting to do everything you want that is hard!

Special thanks go out to Lady Constance de Saint Denis and Lord Mathaeus Blades for their contributions to this article.

All open vigils for which Writs have been given in advance by Their Imperial Majesties will be taking place on Tuesday of War Week (August 5th) at the following times and places:

Lillia de Vaux – Pelican: 4 p.m. until 11 p.m., Oaken Glen camp, next to East Kingdom Royal

Note added July 18: Oaken Glen is at the top of the block, closest to the Horde entrance. If you show up at the camp directly next to EK Royal, you’ll be in An Tir Royal.

Rainillt de Bella Marisco – Laurel: 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. in ICOD camp on N15, gate entrance on By The Way

Judith fitzHenry/the Uncertain – Laurel: 1 pm to 5 pm in the Barony of Bhakail’s camp in N11 with the entrance on Fletcher’s Road

Aethelhafoc Caegfindan (aka AEthelhawk Keyfinder) – Pelican: 9 p.m. to Midnight at ICOD on N15, gate entrance on By The Way

Their Highnesses wish to consult with the Companions of Their polling award Orders in person at Pennsic. If you are a member of these Orders, please make every effort to attend these important but brief meetings!

Please let it be known that we will be hosting our Pennsic order meetings and invite the companions to attend us per the following schedule:

Sunday, August 3, in EK Royal

• The Order of the Silver Crescent will meet from 8:00 to 8:30 pm
• The Order of the Pelican will meet from 8:30 to 9:00 pm

Monday, August 4, in the EK Battlefield Pavilion

• The Order of the Golden Rapier will meet following the field battles/friendship battle until 4:30 pm
• The Order of the Sagittarius will meet from 4:30 to 5:00 pm

Tuesday, August 5, in the EK Battlefield Pavilion

• The Oder of Tygers Combatant will meet from 5:00 to 5:30 pm
• The Order of the Chivalry will meet from 5:30 to 6:00 pm
• The Order of the Maunche will meet from 6:00 to 6:30 pm
• The Order of the Laurel will meet from 6:30 to 7:00 pm

Thank you,

Edward & Thyra

(Photo by Baroness Rainillt.)

Archery Champs on the line at Pennsic 42

The Archery War Points at Pennsic this year will all have a Safari theme, and rumor has it that the Saint Sebastian Shoot will as well!

Before we provide a brief run-down of archery matters, there is an important equipment issue to report: PVC Bows will NOT be allowed for target archery at the War. This decision, agreed to by the East’s Captain General of Archers and the Archer General of the Midrealm, came too late to appear in the Pennsic booklet. This is the result of a recent catastophic failure of such a bow. Master Godric of Hamtun, the Marshal in Charge of Archery this Pennsic, feels these bows and their manufacture require more extensive study of their safety and reliability, so they are now banned until further notice.

Be an East Kingdom Patriot!!!

Some archery ringers at Pennsic 42

Everyone can and should shoot the Populace Archery War Points and be an East Kingdom hero! Unlike most other martial activities, no authorizations are needed to participate in target archery — with just a bit of instruction, anyone can score points and help determine the outcome of the War. Most experienced archers have equipment they are willing to lend, so just ask one you know. Equipment can be used by multiple archers, it only needs to be inspected with each archer who will be using it.

An Overview of Archery at the War:

Please help with Archery Range setup on Monday 7/28. The more folks who help, the sooner we can start shooting.

Archery Champs at Pennsic 42

Classes, novelty shoots, instruction, activities geared to young archers and special contests will take place throughout the War. Check the announcements posted at the Marshal Tent on the range.

All Archery Marshals should attend one of the Marshal meetings (Thursday 7/31 at 5pm or Sunday 8/3 at 4pm) and EK Archery Marshals must sign-up and serve two shifts of two hours each.

Atlantia will again sponsor the day-long Saint Sebastian Shoot, on Saturday, 8/2, 10am to 5pm.

The Archery Champions Team Tournement (1 War Point) is scheduled for Wednesday 8/6 at 9:00 am. Practices/tryouts are scheduled for Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 5pm to 7pm.

Please note that the archery range is CLOSED from 5pm Tuesday until after the ranges are re-set following the Champions Team competition Wednesday afternoon.

Lord Alberic and King Gregor

The Populace Archery War Points (3 points x 3 shoots = 9 War Points) will run Sunday 8/3 through Friday 8/7, excluding Wednesday. Archers can shoot each of the three shoots five times during the War. The familiar Clout, Castle Window and Soldier shoots return again this year, but the castle turret of the Clout will be square.

Range tear-down will begin when war point shooting ends on Friday afternoon, and help is always welcome.

The results of the Populace Archery War Points will be announced at Closing Ceremonies Friday afternoon.

For more info, see the Pennsic 43 Archery web page, and watch for updates posted on-site.

(Photos graciously provided by Baroness Rainillt.)