Clyde's Travel Log - UNCHAINED Service of DOOM

Unchained Service of DoomThe Shire of An Dun TheineCamp Helen Harvest, AL03 November 2018

Credit Lady Asa Kolbrun

In the predawn light of November 3rd, AS 53, I took to the king’s highway to visit a Shire to our southwest called An Dun Theine. Accompanying me on the journey was a Lord Ronan of Easaraigh. We made good time over the southern highways as we descended from the plateau.

Our goal was the event 'Unchained Service of Doom'. The event was returning after several years of hiatus and of which, I had many fond memories from years past.

Ronan and I arrived at Camp Helen as the sun came over the treetops after an uneventful passage. Camp Helen was an excellent, well-kept facility that seemed ideal for the day's activities.

After warm, friendly greetings, Ronan and I trolled in and made our way to the field where we would spent most of our day. The weather was splendid for a fall day with regal blue skies filled with the warmth of autumn sunshine. 

There were three lists planned. The first, the 'Doom Tourney' to decide the newest member of the Legion of Doom. The Second, a List Class Mock Tournament to teach how to run and herald a list. And the last, The Service List. The Service List was a William Marshall tournament where entrants where canned goods were the entry fee. Each participant received 1 bead for 1 can. All proceeds when to the St Vincent de Paul Thanksgiving and Christmas Food Drive.

There were around 15 heavy combatants on the field, including Ronan and I. Most were familiar faces from our region of the Kingdom from all levels - novice to Knight.

The Doom Tourney was organized as a speed tournament. Each fighter was allowed 2 losses before leaving the field. Initially, we formed a line and paired from each end of the line until all combatants had an opponent. The first round was started and all combatants fought at the same lay on. Victors moved to one side of the field defeated to the other side. The pairing process was repeated for each side for each round until only two were left. In the end, Sir Randver won the day. At lunch, he was added to the rolls of the Legion of Doom and presented with the Doom regalia as was tradition - a Cloak of Doom (signified by the argent chain motif on purpure), the heirloom Chain of Doom (that carries tokens from each bearer from past Doom Tournaments), and the Sword of Doom (a relic gifted to the Legion by Duke John the Mad Celt). The tourney format was something new for me and was refreshing. I think I came out of it with a 2 and 2 record.

After some fun and energetic pickup fights, the List Class Mock Tournament was held. Several perspective list masters and mistresses as well as field heralds came to the field and ran an excellent and efficient double elimination list. Sir Erick Griffin was the winner of the affair. I don’t remember how well I did, but I do remember having a lot of fun.

After lunch, the 'Service List' was held. Through donations and entry fees, we all had more than enough tokens to stay on the field for a looooong time without concern of being ousted early. The field was open for 45 minutes. In the end Sir Caius won the day. I fought a lot, pushing myself to go as long as I could. Many of those engagements were against Sir Caius, he was a consistently stout foe the entire time. I did take one break, but was there at the end when time ran out. I was spent, happy and content. I fine time was had by all.

Lunch consisted of a stew along with some cabbage and sausage as well as some fruits and dessert. It was a hearty and warm meal was filling and sat well with me. It was very well done.

While I did not get to attend, there were many service classes held through the day on many subjects related to event and group planning and management as well as open discussions with kingdom officers, some of the service orders and peers. Lady Asa from our Shire of Easaraigh attended many of the classes and had good things to say.

Ronan and I had a ton of fun and were well spent as we retired from the field. I am glad for the return of Unchained Doom to the kingdom calendar. It was always a favorite event mine in years past. The Shire of An Dun Theine is an excellent host and gave us an enjoyable experience to remember. It was well worth the trip.

As the fall sun shadowed the sky, Ronan and I returned to the quiet, dark of the northern plateau to family, home and hearth with a joyful memory to share.

Well met friends. Safe journey to thee!

THL Eoin Mac Cana called 'Clyde', CACM, CKP2, CAS
Warden of the Northern Plateau
Squire to Earl Benen Mac Tire, KSCA, OL, OP
Knight Marshal, Shire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies