Montgomery Bell State Park (Burns, TN)
Shire of Glaedenfeld
May 24, 2015
The 4th event of the Hadi banner tour, Spring Crown List.
It was a day of old friendships being renewed, new friends being found and the raw satisfaction of deciding the next heir to our Kingdom through martial prowess. I was able to get a pic (above) with my old running buddy, Fionn. We started playing this game together back in A.S. XXIII (i.e. - 'The Good Ole' Days').
I daytripped Crown List with Marek. Crown Lists are an event that I have rarely attended over the years. I'm not sure why. I won't be able to offer much detail on the event other than the small piece that Marek and I attended. The full event encompassed a Kingdom Arts & Sciences competition on Saturday with Crown List on Sunday. We did not attend feast, but judging by the menu, it looked to be very much top notch.
My first was the one won by Hadi. I actually went to that one for his elevation, not the list. My second list was another with Hadi in the Arkansas. This was one of his attempt at the elusive duchy peerage. And while we had a good time, he did not win.
The third Crown List I attended was many years later right before I was deployed. Ellen and I watched and she took many pictures. It was in Nant-y-derwyddon. Then there was one in Thor's Mountain after I returned. Ellen and I hung out with James that day. Then there was this one hosted by Glaedenfeld. It was a first for Marek. I went with the intent to just enjoy the day and hoped to see some of the best in the kingdom at the peek of the art form vie for the elusive pointy hat and hard seat.
Fighting in crown is a fickle thing that I've always held the view should only be fought be those who are prepared to win and can manage the consequences of such an endeavor. I've seen, over the years, many people petition for entry in the list just for the sake of fighting the best heavy fighters in the kingdom. I don't hold to that, and thankfully we have MGT now, so it seems that Crown List has far less problems with 'thrill' seeking participants than it used to.
While there was a strong breeze blowing all day, the day was otherwise excellent in regards to weather.
The list ran as a double elimination with a best 2 out of 3 each round. There were 25 or so entrants and this made for a very long list that ran well into the afternoon.
While the list was predominantly represented by the early period styles of fighting with center-grip shields, there were a good number of other styles represented from ancient Mediterranean to later period european. Everyone was fighting sword and shield.
Everyones livery was in good condition and it seemed that all the combatants had made proper preparations to look their best. Well done.
There were many entertaining moments throughout the day. In one such moment, Sir Gnaeus fought Earl Sir Robert. What made it humorous was the fact that it matched one of the tallest fighters (Gnaeus) with one of the shortest (Robert). They sparred for some time at the start with Robert eventually taking a leg and arm from Gnaeus only to end in double kill.
The list ended with Sir Wulfstan defeating Sir Barthelemy. Like all the fights of the day, it was well fought. A traditional heater fighter in Wulfstan with the elusive, feint driven center grip style of Barthelemy made for an awesome final match. Wulfstan defeated Barthelemy in the third after splitting the first two matches evenly. Corona Vult!
During the day I was able to spend some time chatting with Sir Mandin finally. As a squire brother to my mentor, Hadi, his friendly demeanor and company is always welcomed. Additionally, I found my long time friend Fionn was in attendance. We went to high school together and he and I used to be thick as thieves in our early SCAdian days. Made my day.
There was also a charity tournament for Wounded Warrior. Marek and I donated, but I chose not to fight. Its just as well since the Crown List pushed late causing the whole schedule to run late.
With Marek needing to work early the next day, we departed site before dusk for the journey home. We had a great day just being spectators and observing the tried and true due process of the Kingdom in action.
Marek and I took a tough guy shot with Hadi's banner. Note the surly snarl...
Not much of an event report this time. Ill do better next time around.
Well met friends. Safe journey to thee!
Ld. Eoin Mac Cana, CACM
Squire of House Aspiring
Seneschal, Shire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies
Squire of House Aspiring
Seneschal, Shire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies
