Standard Bearers 2008 XVI

Part of Clairiel's history display at Standard Bearer's 2008

The celebration of our Barony's 30th Anniversary took place at the Stow Armoury (In Gwyntarian territory, which they graciously allowed.) Shlomo was the autocrat and Pietro his deputy and Gatekeeper. Lady Sarra headed the kitchen.

To start the tournament, Their Excellencies had all the previous Standard Bearers then present stand in order in which they had held the standard and pass it one to the other and then to Their Excellencies. Each Standard bearer spoke of who they received it from and who they gave it to, so even those Standard Bearer's not present were represented. Present were the first Standard Bearer, Sir Will, followed by Sir Ephriam, Sir Conrad, Lothar, Crispin, Rutgur, and Silverthorne.

Bernhard Stürmære won the Standard, Miguel de Cervesa won Champion d'Epee, Ealdred of Gwyntarian won Champion d'arc and Cherise of Cleftlands was chosen as the Champion d'arms to great applause!

In Baronial court it was announced that those who previously had been awarded the Baronial Award to be Named were hereby made companions of the Order of Saint Clairiel.

His Grace Laurelen and Syr Theodric were inducted into the Order of Saint Clairiel.

Zsof headed a breakfast bar, Llwellyn ran a Bardic Brawl, Juliane Beauchamp taught dyeing and ran the artisian's Solar. Lady Alex organized a silent auction to raise money for the royal travel fund. Clairiel organized an amazing history display. The combatants were required to bring a tale of the Barony's history based on one of the Chivalric virtues. Kari won the prize; a set of blue and white goblets, for the best tale. Milesent arbitrarily chose Master Aiden as the new Premiere Dancer of the Dance Guild.

Clara d'Este's photos of the event are here: http://c3po.barnesos.net/~polaris/Photos/2008_04_05-StandardBearers/

Personal Memories

From Llywelyn:

Here's the wrapup on the Bardic Brawl at the 2008 Standard Bearers Tournament ("Never Trust a Barony Over 30").

The five participants (alphabetically by first name) and their entries were:

Ephraim ben Shlomo

   - "The Pennsic Progress" (an epic poem; by Ephraim) 

Llywelyn Glyndwr

   - "The Human Heart" (a sonnet; by Llywelyn) 
   - "The Seven Deadly Virtues" (words by Llywelyn; tune: "Padstow") 
   - Tie-breaker: "There once was a lass of Brendoken" (a love song; by Llywelyn) 

Lyonnete Vibert

   - "Do I Dare" (French 15th C. "ditty" in translation; author/translator unknown). 
   - "The Fairy Story" (modern song; author unknown) 

Sofia Tyzes (Zsof)

   - "Eikbrandr" (heroic tribute; by Zsof and Baroness Runa Eikbrandrskonna (aka Lady Alex); available in the Cleftlands Songbook 
   - "Where Are The Dragons" (by Andrew Blackwood MacBaine) 

Lady Ursula the Widow

   - "The Hoard," (poem by J.R.R. Tolkien; chant and drum part by Ursula) 
   - "Why Betty's Not in Tudor Garb Today," (words by Ursula, tune: "Where the Praties Grow") 
   - Tie-breaker: "Draco Invictus," (words and music by Ursula) 

Their Excellencies Edward et Milesent adjudicated. In spite of their excellent songs and poems and very entertaining performances, Baron Ephraim, Lyonnete, and Zsof were disqualified on technical grounds. Her Excellency called for a tiebreaker from Llywelyn and Ursula, and in the end they shared the prize: a copy of Beowulf signed by the author (thanks to Jared of Coventry for inscribing it "Best Wishes, Anonymous").

Llywelyn (Mark Cipra)