Martial Activities
A civil war is settled in the field, one bout at a time. These are the heavy tournaments confirmed so far, scenario by scenario, day by day. The schedule grows as scenarios are finalized.
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Wednesday, October 14
Tavern Brawl
On a cold, wet, gray English day, you and two comrades find yourselves in a warm tavern, enjoying a pint of ale and a lukewarm bowl of stew, when a trio of Stephen of Blois dogs appear outside. They shout that all of Matilda’s rabid rabbits should vacate the premises so they can drink in peace. This is inexcusable. You draw your weapons and prepare to defend your liege.
Format
3-v-3 bearpit, teams of three fighters. The winning team holds the tavern, no matter where they started. Combat archery is included, with full 360-degree engagement for the archers.
Prize
A clay mug.
Thursday, October 15
Raven’s Edge Dagger Tournament
The call goes out to all who possess courage, cunning, and a steady hand. Inspired by the fierce spirit of the Norse sagas, combatants test their skill in single combat with Society-approved dagger forms. Victory favors not only the swift strike but strategy, resilience, and the warrior’s heart. Sharpen your blades, don your finest attire, and earn a place among the honored champions of the North. Fortune favors the brave. Odin watches. Fight well.
Format
Daggers only, 16 inch maximum blade length. Atlantian speed tournament.
Prize
A hand-made and painted bog chair, a fine seat for the sidelines.
Longsword Tournament
Come one, come all, to experience and bear witness to the violent joy that is greatsword fighting. This year I, Count Eckehard, journey to England with the beautiful Countess Jane to lay a chain at the tomb of Sir William Marshall. It shall be the prize of this tournament in perpetuity. Come put your body to the hazard, that you may be worthy to bear this chain for a year, until the next War of the Wings.
Format
Greatswords. Single elimination. No thrusts; blade work only.
Prize
A chain made by Sir Jonathas Reinisch, laid at the tomb of Sir William Marshall. The victor carries it for the year and returns with it for the next War of the Wings.
The 12th Century Deed of Arms
In the 12th century a deed of arms, known in French as a fait d’armes, was a formal display of martial skill. The knights and noble combatants of the Most Noble Company of the Banner of the Elephant will hold the field and accept all challenges. They keep a simple gate, 9 feet wide by 20 feet long. To enter, every challenger must wear and display heraldic arms, a surcoat or a shield, in the old tradition by which fully armored knights were known to friend and foe alike.
Format
Each fight is 1-v-1. A challenger selects any one of the defenders, and the defender chooses the weapon style from five: sword and shield, greatsword, pole arm, florentine, and spear. The best of three bouts decides the contest. A single challenger may face up to five different defenders, three bouts each.
Who May Enter
Unbelts and knights displaying their heraldic arms on their person, as a shield or a surcoat.
Prize
The Ladies of the Rose bear witness and bestow a golden circlet for the most chivalrous, a purse of coins for the most victories, and a rose for the best display of heraldic colors.
Friday, October 16
Heavy Melee
Scenario details to come.
Iron Rose Tournament
Format and full details to come.
Prize
A sword crafted by Sir Marc.
The Rose Tourney
Format and full details to come.
Field of Roses Pickups
Combatants seek out an opponent and challenge them to a bout of their choosing: a single round, best two of three, first death from an off-side blow, even rock-paper-scissors. The victor names the person to whom the loser should deliver a rose. The defeated combatant then visits the Roses Pavilion, takes a rose from the Regent or their designate, and carries it to the named recipient. A fine chance to meet new people and practice gallantry and courtly graces.
Format
Pickup field, open to heavy and rapier fighters alike.
Saturday, October 17
Heavy Melee
Scenario details to come.
Chivalry Tournament
Held immediately before the Squire’s Tournament. Details to come.
Squire’s Tournament
The combined households of Clan Tavernier once again host the Squire’s Tournament. All heavy fighters in a fealty relationship with a member of the Order of the Chivalry are encouraged to attend and compete. It is a chance to network with fellow squires, forge bonds and friendships that last along your collective paths, and demonstrate grace, humility, and chivalry to those watching, with renown and a traditional prize basket on the line. Members of the Order of the Chivalry present at the war are asked to attend, sign the Squire’s Scroll, and help with group marshalling.
Format
Atlantian speed tournament, held immediately after the Chivalry Tournament.
Prize
A traditional prize basket provided by many and sundry artists and crafters, with a scroll signed by members of the Order of the Chivalry in attendance.
Before You Take the Field
Field Notes
Inspections & Authorizations
Held each morning at the Melee Field unless noted. Clear your kit before your first bout.
Wednesday · combat archery and heavy · 9:00 to 9:45 AM · Melee Field
Thursday · heavy · 10:00 to 10:45 AM · Heavy Tournament Field
Friday · combat archery, heavy, and siege · 9:00 to 9:45 AM · Melee Field
Saturday · combat archery, heavy, and siege · 9:00 to 9:45 AM · Melee Field
More to Come
Additional tournaments are confirmed and being placed on the schedule, including a Polearm Tournament sponsored by King Wilhelm and an Axe Tournament sponsored by Noble Duncan Coquille de Bordeaux, alongside the daily heavy melees. This schedule will grow as scenarios are confirmed.
Questions About the Field?
Reach the Marshals
Questions about a scenario, authorizations, or the heavy schedule reach the event marshals through the stewards.
Contact the Stewards