Martial Activities
A civil war is settled in the field, one bout at a time. These are the scenarios and tournaments confirmed so far, day by day. The schedule grows as more 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.
Black Belt Tournament
House White Crescent welcomes all unbelted fighters to an Atlantian speed style tournament.
Format
Atlantian speed tournament. Open to all unbelted fighters, meaning anyone who is not a squire or a member of the Chivalry.
Prize
A custom made wooden box.
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.
Combat Archery, Roman Melee
Calling all archers and ranged combatants of the melee field. The challenge is a ranged Roman melee, fought in the round.
Format
Combatants stand evenly spaced in a circle, each with one quiver of ammunition. Weapons begin on the ground at each fighter’s feet. At the call of lay on, fighters take up their weapons and begin.
Weapons
Any ranged weapons allowed by Kingdom conventions, siege excepted.
Scoring
One point per kill. When shot, retrieve the ammunition that killed you and return it to the MOL to be recorded and reinspected. Three points for the last fighter standing. If you fire your last piece and are not the last standing, you count as dead and your point is awarded to no one.
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
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.
Siege Open Shoot
The Siege Engineers host an open range for everyone interested in shooting siege engines. Hope to see you there.
Format
Open range time.
Combat Archery Triad Melee Tournament
Come one, come all, and test your mettle in a 3-v-3 round robin ranged melee.
Format
Round robin tournament. Each team is three fighters, at least two equipped with bows, crossbows, or thrown weapons. One fighter may instead carry a shield and thrown weapon, or a spear, polearm, longsword, axe, or two-stick, and may also carry a thrown weapon.
Eligibility
All authorized combatants. No team may have more than one martial peer.
Military Tournament
Members and family of any military branch, currently serving or retired, whether Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard, are invited to enter. Members and their families may choose a champion to fight on their behalf. If you would like to fight but have no military affiliation, sponsors are available so you may take the field. Each contestant is recognized by naming their branch and rank.
Baconalia, Torchlight Tournament and Bacon
The Bacchanalia were Roman festivals of Bacchus, god of wine, freedom, and ecstasy. Baconalia honors that tradition with bacon and rampant joy. The Ladies of Vegas crave bacon and thrill to deeds of arms performed by torchlight. We provide the torchlight and the midnight bacon. You provide the deeds of arms.
Requirement
Weapon cutting edges must be clearly marked with contrasting tape, metal and color, not color on color.
Prize
There will be bacon.
Saturday, October 17
Historical Armor as Worn Simulation
A limited Historical Armor Simulation, also known as Armor as Worn. Combatants are held to weapon and armor interactions particular to this tournament, which are special and not necessarily SCA standards. Fighters are strongly encouraged to wear real historical armor.
Format
Single or double elimination bracket, decided by the number of fighters who take the field.
Chivalry Tournament
A tournament open to all members of the Order of the Chivalry. More 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, with their scenarios still being finalized. These include the daily Heavy Melees, a Charity Tournament sponsored by Duke Timothy of Meridies, an Ax Tournament sponsored by Noble Duncan Coquille de Bordeaux, a Polearm Tournament, the Iron Rose Tournament sponsored by Sir Signy, the Rose Tourney, and the Titan Tourney Finales. This schedule will grow as details are confirmed.
Questions About the Field?
Reach the Marshals
Questions about a scenario, authorizations, or the schedule reach the event marshals through the stewards.
Contact the Stewards