Queen Kiena, beautiful and fierce inspiration to King Gregor, will get on her hobby horse armed with a boffer lance to slay Laurels on Saturday, May 25th at Panteria.  Her Majesty has joined the Laurels vs. Pelicans fundraiser for the Pennsic War Chest on the side of the Pelicans.  The Pennsic War Chest helps fund the Knowne World Party, Royalty Dinner and other Pennsic activities.

With the addition of Her Majesty, Mistresses Catrin and Eleanor moved from the Pelican to the Laurel side to even up the numbers.  A good time for the watching crowd is the goal of the melees, which also explains weapons forms like broom, feather of doom and oar.

The current tallies for the participants are listed below.  If you want to help the crowd have fun, the peers have weapons and fund Pennsic activities, you can donate to a peer at www.laurelsvspelicans.com.  Don’t let a peer go out armed with only a dagger against Her Majesty’s steed and lance!

Despotissa Margarita Kofinopoia – $0.00
Maestro Dorio of the Oaks – $10.00
Mistress Eva Woderose – $15.00
Mistress Fia Carmen – $25.00
Duchess Marieke – $25.00
Mistress Mira Fiinvar of Argyle – $30.00
Master Ulric von der Inself – $30.00
Mistress Brita Mairi Svensdottir – $45.00
Mistress Anastasia – $48.00
Syr Cedric of Thanet – $50.00
Master Peter the Red – $55.00
Master Ekkehardt of Aokenwode – $65.00
Master Leiftameon – $70.00
Master Edward MacGyver Dos Scorpos – $100.00
Mistress Mirabel Belchere – $100.00
Mistress Dziuginte Litovka – $100.36
Her Majesty Kiena Stewart – $125.00
Mistress Eleanor Catlyng – $115.00
Mistress Catrin o’r Rhyd For – $236.00

Filed under: Events Tagged: Laurels vs. Pelicans, Panteria

For years, archaeologists have concentrated on Roman excavations in western Germany, largely ignoring its medieval past, especially when it came to Jewish history. Now the discovery of over 250,000 artifacts in Cologne, is revealing new insights into "one of Europe's oldest and biggest Jewish communities."

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William Shakespeare may have been the world's greatest writer, but he routinely failed to pay his taxes. This is the conclusion of a new study by scholars from Aberystwyth University which shows that Shakespeare was "repeatedly prosecuted and fined for illegally hoarding food, and threatened with jail for failing to pay his taxes."

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Somewhere in 14th century Croatia, a scribe must have had a few choice words for his pet cat after kitty left his little paw marks on the pages of the scholar's book. The discovery was made by Ph.D student Emir O. Filipović in the Dubrovnik State Archives. (photo)

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In a recent burial service considered an "historic event," 17 sets of remains of Jewish descent were laid to rest in Norwich, England. The bones were discovered in 2004 in a well, and are believed to be victoms of 12th century religious persecution.

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The Laurels vs. Pelicans will be fighting in a boffer melee to raise money for the Pennsic War Chest.  The War Chest supports Pennsic related expenses associated with the Royalty such as the Known World Party (which will happen after opening ceremonies), the Royalty dinner and the Queen’s Tea.  Rumor is that the Known World Party is something the populace will not want to miss this year.

More pelicans have joined.  Despontissa Margarita Kofinopoia, the Scourge of Somethingorother, hopes to take the field with a broom; Maestro Dorio of the Oaks, The Peaceful Negotiator, wants a Feather of Doom; and Master Ulric von der Insel is fundraising for a Giant Spoon.  The Laurels gained Mistress Eva Woderose, The Killigrapher.

The most senior peer in the melees, Master Leiftameon, added a specialty weapon of juggling clubs.  He received his Laurel thirty-three years ago.  If he makes the $100 level, the weapon makers will make clubs balance them so he can juggle them on the field.

Mistress Mirabel has already raised enough money to get a sheep, Mistress Dzioginte gets a shovel and Master Edward will have Cuddles, the Giant Scorpion of Doom.  Other peers are still in need of some fun weapons that the crowd will love.  You can see who you might want to support – and help support some Pennsic fun at www.laurelsvspelicans.com.

Filed under: Events, Uncategorized Tagged: Laurels vs. Pelicans, Panteria

Lack of funding for needed repair work threatens to close Canterbury Cathedral. Allegedly, duct tape has been used on pillars to hold them together.

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In a round room, with torrential rains falling beyond its walls, The Mighty King Gregor held His court at East Kingdom Southern Region War Practice. Surrounded by the local populace as well as all those who had traveled a greater distance, He welcomed the new Prince of AEthelmearc, Timothy of Arindale into His Court, and remarked on the excitement and joy surrounding having a former King of the East, and such a dear friend, win the Crown Tournament of AEthelmearc. His Highness AEthelmearc presented His Majesty with a gift and spoke of how nice it was to be welcomed so warmly.

The Thrown Weapons Marshal, Colin MacKenzie, was then invited by His Majesty to present tokens for excellence by thrown weapons fighters. Colin spoke about the new ranking system, and two gentles received note for achieving Throwers rank, they were Mattheus dei Conifix and Wulfram Bernhardt. A third, Alexander Makeristyne, became the first to receive the rank of Expert in Royal Round.

His Majesty then welcomed a representative of the shire of Owlshurst who had requested a moment of His time to come forward. Conall mac Taithlich was this gentle, and he presented His Majesty with a pair of beautiful wooden chests that had embattled molding, and where finished with milk-paint and linseed oil, made with his own hands as a gift for Their Majesties from the shire.

The next business for His Majesty’s court was two scrolls that had long awaited delivery to their recipients. Both pieces of business had been tended to in previous courts, but both scrolls still awaited the proper hands. First of the individuals to whom one of these scrolls belonged was Toshihiro Kanjin. This man had been made a Lord of the Court at Shire Wars in the year before this one, and now his scroll created by Kayleigh McWhyte, was read before him and handed into his keeping. The other of these two items was for Constancia Aelfwinesdottir, who was then invited before the King. She had been made a member of the Order of the Silver Crescent many years prior at Pennsic the 35 th. At long last she heard the words that had been penned on her behalf by Muirgheall O’Riein and received the beautiful scroll created by Ignacia la Ciega.

His Majesty then called forward Yasemin bint al-Hajjar and Hassan Ibn Abd Al-Malik. As they stood side by side before their King, Count Ruslan Novgorodcev was called forward to speak of why these two gentles had been brought to His Majesty’s attention. Count Ruslan spoke about Yasemin’s research into her garb and the time she took to create it. He mentioned her time spent on the archery range and her love of fencing. Then he spoke of Hassan’s time spent as a heavy weapons fighter as well as a fencer, and his love of Middle Eastern drumming. His Majesty found all of these worthy reasons to make Yasemin a Lady of His Court, and Hassan a Lord, and so it was done, and a scroll was promised to them each.

Next His Majesty required the presence of Kalara Corvus and Torstein the Indecisive. Again Count Ruslan’s words where required and he joined these two gentles before His Majesty. He praised Kalara’s fighting and garb making skills and after teasing Torstein about how he had been forced to choose his 2nd name for him that very day, praised him for supporting the efforts of the fighters and for his brewing skills. His Majesty remarked on how necessary these contributions where to His Kingdom, and found these two gentles deserving of being made a Lady and Lord of His Court, and a scroll was promised to them each as well.

Alana O’keeve was then called into His Majesty’s presence. Confusion crossed her face as she stepped forward before the King. He praised her for all of her work within His Kingdom, for her work as Shire Seneschal, with the archery and thrown weapons community, as Deputy to the Shire’s Herald and for her work at Herald’s Point at Pennsic and many other things as well. He welcomed forward His Order of the Silver Crescent, and tears sprung to Alana’s eyes. With the reading of a beautiful scroll created by Chrestinne la Pescheresse and worded by Alys Mackyntoich and the presentation of a medallion that had been held by Alys Mackyntoich, Griffyn ap Madoc and Brunissende Dragonette, Alana O’Keeve was made a member of the Order of the Silver Crescent.

Next name called for appearance before the King was Finnghuala Rowen. Quickly she was ushered before His Majesty, and she stood quietly as she heard Him praise the help she offered and work she did, and then she listened intently as the scroll created for her alone by Elsa de Lyon was read, and she too was made a Lady of the Court.

The herald then called for Robert the Tall to step before the King. The King looked him up and down and then He stood, and walked to stand beside him, and measured with His own height whether this man might have the right to call himself by Tall. Finding it acceptable, the King then called for His newest Silver Crescent, and Alana stepped forward again, this time to speak on Robert’s behalf. She told of how he’d come from the Shire of Silver Rylle to Owlshurst and now helped in both places, about how he was always the first to arrive and the last to leave an event – helping with all that needs doing while he’s there. She spoke of his love for archery, and about how he had become an archery marshal. These things the King found more than simply acceptable, and so Robert was made a Lord of His Court, and promised that a scroll would be forthcoming.

The call then came for Thorfinna of Owlshurst, and the King drew forward Linette de Gallardon as well, for Linette was to speak on Thorfinna’s fine qualities to Him. She pointed out the fantastic site tokens for that day, which could be used as bookmarks as well, and spoke about the eagerness with which Thorfinna had volunteered to create them. Linette went on to tell of how this fine woman offers and supplies help where ever it is needed. The King considered her words well, and saw their worth and the worth of this woman, and made of her a Lady of His Court at once, promising her that a scroll was to come.

Two names where called next. Mary of Montevale and her husband, Dominic Seamor. King Gregor made mention of words come to Him of 15 years of service from each of these gentles. Of all the various officer’s positions that Mary had held, of all the demos and journeys both within Montevale and even to other Kingdoms that this pair had made to help wherever they could. Then His Majesty called for His Order of the Silver Crescent, and spoke of how these two belonged among their ranks. First a scroll by Jonathan Blaecstan was read for Mary, and in the reading, it became clear that not just this King, but His predecessors Edward and Thyra had wished to see this done, as the date upon the scroll was marked as Dinning with King Vlademar at Mid Winter of Anno Societatis 47. Then a medallion commissioned for her by her own husband was hung around her neck and she joined the ranks of those around her. Then the reading of a second scroll, this one created by Sarra the Lymner and lettered by Kayleigh McWhyte for Dominic, and a medallion for him from his King, and he too joined these honored ranks.

Next before the King was Brandfulr of Owlshurst, and again the King called for Linette’s words regarding one of His subjects. She spoke earnestly of his help with everything, his work on projects that needed doing and in kitchens that needed another pair of hands. Again the King found her words to be well noted, and saw fit to make Brandfulr a Lord of His Court as well. Promising a scroll to follow at some time, not too far off.

Sorcha N’Eoghain was then called to stand before her King, and He bade Linette to stay and speak to Him of this gentle as well. A passel of her own children she was credited with drawing into youth combat. Her help always found at these demos, encouraging other children as well. Well known is the King’s joy at seeing the children of His Kingdom encouraged, and He praised her highly for these things she did, encouraged her on to more and rewarded her with the right to bear arms. Introducing the newest Lady of His Court, a scroll was promised to her as well.

The last name to be cried in this court was that of Kolbrandr Galti, and one last time the King called forward Count Ruslan to speak of this man. He spoke of Kolbrandr’s focus on heavy weapons fighting, and the King recalled fighting beside him this very day. Ruslan then made mention of this man’s love for all things Viking and the vast research that he did into the subject. King Gregor listened well, and nodding in agreement He spoke it done, and named Kolbrandr the last Lord of His Court made this day.

With that His Majesty rose, thanked all for coming out in that day’s rain and spoke of how greatly He looked forward to fighting side by side with Prince Timothy at Pennsic this year. –and His Court was closed, as all business had been done.

These are the events as I witnessed them this day.

Joyously in service to Crown and College,
Baroness Theodora Bryennissa, called Treannah
Vox Regis

Filed under: Court

A walk through old town Nuremberg, Germany takes visitors back in time to the Middle Ages. An 11th century castle, toy museum, the home of Albrecht Dürer and over six acres of brewing tradition make for a memorial travel location. Russ Juskalian of the New York Times Travel section has the story.

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The following is the report of Lady Sabina Luttrell, East Kingdom Minister of Lists, on the Kings and Queen’s Rattan Championship held in the Shire of Rusted Woodlands on May 4th, 2013.

The following warriors entered the competition for the glory of being the King and  Queen’s Rattan Championship:

• William Mac Crimmon
• David von Scheidegg
• Sterling de la Rosa
• Gryffyn Dunham
• Ivan Ivanov syn Dimitriov vynuk Tzardrkov
• Wilham De Broc
• Bran Mac Culann
• Heinrich Brauer
• Galfrid athe Grare
• Sigurthr Vigurhafn
• Duke Konrad der Lowe
• Karl Meerstappa
• Ryouko’Jin of Iron Skies
• Jibril al-Dakhil
• Brice
• William Ravenhair
• Wulfgar Silverbraid
• Nathanial Lysander
• Marcus Blackhaert
• Fionn Mac Cor Dhuibh
• Aiden of Coldwood
• Tycho
• Gunnvor Hausakljufr
• Saikhaw Saraw
• Bric
• Gavin MacKinnon
• Edward De Bosco
• Culann mac Cianain
• Jan Janowicz Bogdenski
• Luis de Castilla
• Lucius Aurelius Varus
• Konner MacPherson
• Klaus von Wallaehia
• Aethelhawk

*Some names may be misspelled due to poor handwriting

Four Atlantian Speed Rounds were held in four separate weapons forms. All combatants could fight in as many forms as they chose. The top four combatants from each round continued onto the sixteen fighter double elimination round.

The winner of each round is shown in bold. The top 4 combatants of the Atlantian Speed Rounds were:

Great Weapon

• Culann mac Cianain
• William Ravenhair
• Jan Janowicz Bogdenski
• Aiden of Coldwood

2 Weapon

• Jan Janowicz Bogdenski
• Ryouko’Jin of Iron Skies
• Luis de Castilla
• Sigurthr Vigurhafn

Single Weapon

• Konrad der Lowe
• Brice
• William Ravenhair
• Culann mac Cianain

Sword and Shield

• Konner MacPherson
• Griffyn Dunham
• Culann mac Cianain
• Konrad der Lowe

The double elimination tournament was held with eleven combatants. Culann mac Cianain was seated on the tree three times, Konrad der Lowe was seated twice, William Ravenhair was seated twice, and Jan Janowicz Bogdenski was seated twice.

There was a “Wheel of Pain and Perdition” that was spun to determine each pair’s individual bout format.

The Semi-Final combatants were Konrad vs. Jan and William vs. Culann. The bouts were two out of three.

The Finalists were Konrad der Lowe and Culann mac Cianain. The bouts were three out of five.

The victor of the Kings and Queens Rattan Championship and King’s Champion is Konrad der Lowe.

The Queen’s Champion as chosen by Queen Kiena is Ryouko’Jin of Iron Skies.

Congratulations to all of the combatants for a well fought tournament and a very fun day.

Yours in Service to Their Royal Majesties and the East Kingdom,

Lady Sabina Luttrell

East Kingdom Minister of Lists

 

 

Filed under: Heavy List Tagged: Kings and Queens Champions, Tournament Results

In the 14th century, Charterhouse Square in London was no-man's land, making it an excellent place to bury victims of the Black Plague. Now the site is the focus of archaeological investigations after being unearthed during construction of the city's Crossrail project. (video)

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