Camp Meadowbrook
Cullman, AL
Hosted by the Barony of Iron Mountain
December 7, 2024
In the veiled, becalmed morning that bespoke of Skadi’s cold embrace, I made my way to the southern passes, out onto the rolling hills that lie below the Cumbrian plateau of northern Meridies. The highways were clear as I made my way listening to a bard’s tale concerning the 2nd book of the Bobiverse. The lands of Iron Mountain would be my destination and the fierce, hardy folk that make their home there would be my host for their annual Magna Faire, a holiday oriented event with A&S competitions, tournaments and merriment.
I made good time and arrived to the site, Camp Meadowbrook, just as activities were gearing up for the day's festivities. The camp, near Cullman, AL, is a renovated site that had suffered through severe storm damage several years ago. The current iteration of the camp is a modern conference center type of facility with wide open spaces and meeting areas inside and out for attendees to use. The Barony of Iron Mountain was using the camp again after many years and is hoping to use it more in the future.
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| Camp Meadowbrook |
I spent most of my time at the tourney field. I state this only to say that I missed most of the Arts and Sciences displays and classes that were held. I did catch glimpses of Sir Erik Martel’s diadems and tools display as well as Lady Ingridr Thorvaldsdottir’s paintings. Amazing skill on display in both. They both scored high in judging. There were several other entries and displays that I did not see unfortunately. At Magna Faire, there are two arts and sciences challenges. The Magna Faire open and a Kingdom Regional Faire are both offered for A&S entries. Entrants can have their submissions entered in one or both faires. The Magna Faire allows entrants to judge each other's work to determine the winner of each category and overall faire champion. The regional faire is judged by Order of the Laurel peers and scored on the entry's merit alone. I believe scores were announced for 5 or 6 entries from the Kingdom Regional faire. Dame Karis Pursey was the Magna Faire champion, but I did not get to see the winning entry to my chagrin. She did win several categories that were announced in court that afternoon to a raucus applause.
There were several classes taught throughout the day. I have provided a list of them here for your reference. Duchess Yasamin, who taught the 'Fancy Pants' class below as given a writ for the Order of the Laurel at court that evening.
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| List of classes at Magna Faire 2024 |
I was privileged to take part in a Toys-4-Tots tournament. The entry fee being a toy for donation. I brought several toys as did many others for both the armored and rapier tournaments. Over 200 toys in all from around 35 combatants. Huzzah!
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| Duke Garick and Sir Richard in combat during Toys-4-Tots tournament |
On the armored tournament field, we only had 9 combatants. The tournament was a double elimination tournament. Each fight was a best two of three passes to determine the victor. I went three rounds before I was out of the list. The two gentles in the final were the two that put me out, Sir Chinua and Duke Garick. All the fighters were very skilled and battled with grace and chivalry. Duke Garick won the day with sword and buckler. The buckler he wielded was a prize he won in a previous Toys-4-Tots tournament, so it has a neat bit of nostalgia and a good memory for him I hope.
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| Meridian Order of the Blade Invitation Tournament participants |
The rapier combatants had 2 tournaments. They had the Toy-4-Tots tournament in parallel with the armored tournament. The Meridian Order of the Blade also held an invitational tournament with 26 combatants participating. Duke Timothy was victorious in both tournaments. His voice could be heard all day to the tune of Malory’s Morte d’Authur. His commentary was much to the enjoyment of all within earshot. He also demonstrated great generosity in court by bestowing the prize he received from the invitational tournament unto the fighter he bested, His Lordship Roy MacLucas.
I was able to sit some brief time in a social vigil setting with Sir Seumas, who would be elevated in court by TRMs Barthelemy and Oda later. Being his third peerage, he was as close as a person can be to a professional at the art of the vigil. The affair was cozy and comfortable with a fire pit and a good assortment of appetizers. The conversation was light hearted with smiles and memories shared. My kind of vigil. He’s a good SCAdian and a good peer in all regards.
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| Seumas's Vigil |
I closed the day with some entourage time bearing the sword of state in court. Over my time, I have had this honor a few instances now. Generally, the sword is held upright like a standard in procession and in court when standing behind the throne. Other than holding it properly, knowing the queues in court for when it is to be used in the business of the court is important. It can also be a small endurance test to just hold the sword up for the duration of court. The task itself is relatively simple but, it is not ever a burden and one of the most important parts of the grand spectacle of a royal court.
The sword of state is heavy with a history of the hands of all the monarchs to have cleared it from its sheath. It has seen many trials and tribulations, numerous triumphs and celebrations, oaths sworn beyond counting. The weight of the sword is more than the sum of its making. It is the kingdom in material form. If you should ever be called to bear a sword of state, hold contemplation for those that came before and what that tool represents. Let the words of all those oaths spoken in its company flow through you and lend you strength. To bear a sword of state is not just a trivial function of service, it is an honor to hold dear and a part of the dream we create for our hobby. It is a privilege given to few and a way to pay homage to your sovereigns and to your kingdom. Treat it as thus and the weight of it becomes that of a feather.
Court business closed, I helped with tear down and load out before making my way back north to the lands of Cumbria, high on the northern plateau. My journey carried me home late in the evening, the bard’s voice continuing the Bobiverse tale from earlier in the day. Home, right where I left it, was bright and warm and welcoming. Farewell friends and safe journey unto thee.
