Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter, Perry, GA
Shire of Tir Briste
12-15 January 2018
Ellen and I left early from Easaraigh to avoid impending snow and travelled deep into the southern lands of Meridies for our Kingdoms 40th year celebration.
The trip was uneventful other than the usual congestion on the kings highway through South Downs, but that is to be expected in such an expansive and populated area.
We arrived to a late winter sun setting peeking over the horizon with a cold wind blowing across the site. Troll was quick and efficient. We made our way to our lodging in short order. On my way to our camp space, I ran across James Thomas, a former shire mate and welcome sight to see.
We chose indoor camping, which is an odd luxury in our Kingdom (and many others I imagine). We found the facility in good order with a 10’ x 10’ grid marked out in chalk on the floor. We setup a sun shade and added walls for our temporary dwelling. It was a pleasant experience with a couple of minor exceptions. Firstly, the lights stayed on to an early hour each night. Secondly, a cavernous room with a lot of people can be quite noisy. The two in concert were annoying at times, but not disastrous. We were thankful for the dry warmth the facility provided and a modern restroom nearby was a luxury rarely seen in camping.
On the eve of the 12th, Ellen and Asa (who had travelled from our Shire with Medb) had obligations to host, feed, and organize Sir Valdrick’s vigil ceremony for the order of the Pelican. Medb and I trekked with them to the vigil location and offered what assistance we could for the undertaking. Many nobles, peers, and commonfolk attended and offered kind words during the vigil. I think it went quite well (even better that it could have considering we were able to move it into a heated space). It was a long evening spent with good company.
At some point after the vigil had started, Countess Ameraulde arrived. Ellen and I had been expecting her. Having been away from Meridian functions for some time, it was a rare treat for us to spend time with her at an event. I should note that I mark this as important because she is a prominent figure in the SCA for both Ellen and I. She is a great friend and as family as someone can be without a direct blood relationship. Her and Hadi (my late knight) set the standard for much of what my SCA is to me. I know I would not be who I am today without them. Sadly, I was not able to spend a lot of time with her as the vigil was still running, and I was busy stirring pots and filling the need of the vigil as necessary. But, it was great to see her and know she had arrived safely.
On Saturday, I would make another attempt to get back into kit and a normal fighting routine. I chose to enter the Meridies 40th Year Anniversary prize Tournament. This was a daunting challenge, for any fighter.
I was able to get some warmup time with one of our former Shire mates, James Thomas. He has done well for himself in his move south to Trimaris and is looking good on the field. I met some of his compatriots that made the journey to celebrate with us. Among those Trimarians were Duke Kurn, who regaled me with stories of ‘Leeks’ and tales involving my knight, Earl Sir Benen.
In the 1st round of the tournament, I was involved in a 16 person round robin engagement. There were 4 rings of this in the first round (a little over 60 combatants). Fortunately, I only had to worry about 15 others in my ring. The fighting was fairly fast and challenging for me coming off inactivity. All the fights felt clean and tough. I crossed sword with His Majesty Midrealm, Duke Kurn, Sir Mandin, Sir Subadai and other peers and many belted and unbelted gentles (all were noteworthy I'm sure, but I'm horrible with remembering everyone's name). It was honorable fighting, exhausting for my part, and I would only go on to win 4 of my passes in the ring and failed to advance onward. I should note that Sir Subadai would go on to win the tournament. He was a worthy opponent and wicked with a polearm.
That afternoon, we all practiced ‘Hole in the Wall’ with Countess Ameraulde, her companion Mark, and others with the guidance of dance instructors in preparation for the Rose Ball. We then went to a giant court with representatives from at least 3 other kingdoms and all of Meridies. We witnessed the elevation of Sir Valdrick to Pelican as well as Guntram. Both worthy men.
Later that eve Ellen and I supped off site with Countess Ameraulde and Mark after a brief spin at the Rose Ball. It was a long day and the food and company were most welcome.
Sunday dawned with preparations for the Grand Procession. Banners unfurled, dressed for show, royal peers through the 40 year history of Meridies lined up and were announced as the history and accomplishments of our Kingdom was chronologically presented for the populace in attendance. It was a decent affair but, I think, as Meridians, we missed something with this activity. It felt under attended in many ways and we missed some of the grandeur that should have come with such an affair. Could have been the timing or many other things, but it should have been a bigger deal that it seemed to be. I carried the banners for Ameraulde and Hadi, Mark escorted the good Countess. And it was done.
Next came the remembrance ceremony. Tassles we adorned on riderless horses in memory of those that past before us. Hadi, Carlwyn, and so many others had tassles hung in their honor. Tears were shed. Memories shared. The lost were honored.
I did not fight in the Sunday tournaments, having thoroughly spent myself the previous day. So, I visited some merchants and saw what there was to be seen. I can upon Master Eriks rattan booth and found something that I had not noted before and, in all honesty, I found alarming.
I have seen and heard of a weapon referred to as a ‘fish bat’. The concept is simple. Our weapon requirement says a rattan stick must be a minimum of 1.25” in diameter. Much rattan is quite a bit larger that that. To this end, some enterprising individuals take rattan up to 3 or 4 inches in diameter and shave two sides of it down to 1.25” or so. Creating something that looks like a 2x4. This is what becomes a ‘fish bat’. For my part, I am alarmed by the practice as it created a very potent and dangerous weapon that can inflict some significant harm if wielded carelessly. The thing that I saw in Master Eriks both was a 6 ft shaft with a ‘fish bat’ at the end designed to be used as an unpadded glaive. Now, I don't care what camp you are in related to polearms (padded vs unpadded vs split). But, I cannot fathom in my mind, with my ~30 years of time in SCA combat, a scenario where I felt the need to have something that can literally cave skulls and break limbs on the same field as I am. Weapons made from this sort of construction need to be banned. They just bring too much force to bear in the impact area. I hope we see the light soon on this kind of thing, or ingenuity is going to make our friendly game turn into something entirely unintended.
So, back to the event. There as another court that evening and a feast followed shortly after.
The feast was a crime. There as more food that any person could bear. It was excellent, don't get me wrong, but we were all driven to misery by the quantity in each of the many, many, many removes.
After feast, Ellen and I stood in for an entourage shift to close the weekend. It was short and sweet as the day ran late. We bid TRM’s adieu and retired for the evening, spent, and content.
The journey back to Easaraigh was uneventful and quick. In reflecting on the event, I think it was a success, but maybe we tried to do too much in some ways. Additionally, the facility was top notch, but maybe a bit too mundane for SCA needs. But in the end, the people celebrated, time was shared with the good folk of the kingdom and our neighbors.
So, Happy Birthday, Meridies! Corona Vult!.
Well met friends. Safe journey to thee!
THL Eoin Mac Cana called 'Clyde', CACM, CKP, CAS
Warden of the Northern Plateau
Squire to Earl Benen Mac Tire, KSCA, OL, OP
Knight Marshal, Shire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies
