[WurmWald] Event announcement -- Rites of Spring, Illiton (Springfield IL) Mar 25

[Jenn/Yana]

Copied from the Middlebridge. This is considered a
local event (and it's fun, even if the language is a
bit sexist), and I'm willing to drive if people want
to carpool. Be thinking about it, this event occurs
the last weekend of Spring Break for the UIUC.

I'm sure even more (!) info will be posted soon at the
illiton website <www.illiton.org>.

--Yana

==========================

Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2006 20:17:14 -0000
From: "druminmychest" <druminmychest at yahoo.com>
Subject: Rites of Spring: Garden of Courtly Love

(pre-script: Man at armes, is a generic term for
fighter.. In the 
SCA it is also, of course not gender specific)

On this 23rd day of January, AS XL do I, Lord Robert
Downey, 
Sentinel of Cyrene,  humble servant of the Most
excellent Baron 
Gareth Thorne, and the Resplendent Baroness Catherine
Oakley, Sworn Vassel to the Peerless Dragon Throne
send greeting.

The wise and splendid Baron and Baroness of Illiton
have seen fit to declare that, on the 25th of March of
this year, a celebration of spring and love shall take
place for the pleasure of their subjects. I, as their
servant, have been charged with conducting a
tournament of armes of peace worthy of their lands,
and the Noble men at armes of the mightiest kingdom of
the Knowne World. To that end, I would cry to the
world their challenge. This is my charge, and my
message.

Hear ye! Hear ye! Hear ye!

Let all Princes, Lords, Barons, Knights, Squires, and
Gentlemen of 
armes of the Baronies of Shattered Crystal, of Carraig
Ban, of all 
noble Shires and provinces of the Great Kingdom of the
Midrealm, and those in all other Kingdoms of the
Knowne world, who be not banished nor enemies of the
King our Lord know that on the fifth and twentieth day
of March, In the lands of the Barony of Illiton, There
will be a very great festival of armes, and a very
noble tournament with armes of peace, in appropriate
armour, with crests, banners, and coats of arms of
noble tourneyers, as is the ancient and noble custom.
And this shall be known as the Tournament of the Tree
of Tears, for verily such a tree stands in the Garden
of Courtly love, and bears forth fruit both bitter and
sweet.  Noble men, know these things:

First: That all may know these combatants to be noble
and 
chivalrous, by the way they bear themselves, their
arms and crests.

Second: That those who fail to behave honorably will
be chastised.

Third: That ALL who take up the sword will surely get
good exercise in arms this day.

Fourth: That any Knight, Squire, or man at armes will,
by doing good deeds, gain mercy, strength, renown, and
increase in love from his gentle companion.

Fifth: That good Heralds will proclaim the worth of
his charge, and Honor be served before a gallery of
fine Ladies.

We send this message with love and brotherly defiance,
and for these reasons, we pray you meet us in such a
manner that fame and renown will spread to sustain the
nobility and increased honor of our lands, and that
every fighter who is lessened by not being a part of
this tournament, will thence forth practice the
exercise of armes more often, so he may be ready for
such days. 

Respectfully
Lord Robert Downey of Forfar, Humble Servant to the
Dragon Throne, 
Their Excellencies the Baron and Baroness of Illiton,
Student to 
Master Gunther Von Stein, Unworthy possessor of the
favor of Lady 
Constance ingen Chonchobair.

The Tournament of the Tree of Tears:

What follows is a description of the Tournament, and
the format for which noble combat can be had.
Following this, There will be 
sections of advice for how to participate, whether you
wish to be 
part of the Gallery, provide yourself as a noble
herald, or other 
opportunities.

Two noble and Worthy ladies will be chosen to be
honored this day 
from the Gallery. They will represent two branches
from the noble 
tree. Their inspiration will bring forth fruit of joy
for those 
Noble combatants who do well and honorably or fruit of
pain for 
those who would act in a shameful manner. The Gallery
of fine 
gentles who assemble should strive to help these two
ladies in their decisions, as well as encourage the
good men at armes to strive more heartily for their
pleasure.

The assembled combatants will be divided into two
companies, one for each of the ladies. Should a Knight
bring his Bannerette, or other tournament companies
wish to participate as a group, all effort will be
made to ensure they are in the company of the same
lady.

A "Knight of Honor" will serve the gallery, ladies,
and damsels. 
This noble person will give advice, answer questions
and point out 
good deeds and bad to the Gallery. If, at any time
during the 
combat, the Gallery does believe that honour has been
served by any one combatant, they will direct the
Knight of Honor to hold a spear with a white favour
representing tears of joy over the head of that same
combatant. He will thus be given mercy and will be
summoned to the Gallery for their pleasure. If the
Gallery does see an act not pleasing to them, the
Knight of Honor will hold a spear with a black favor
representing tears of sorrow, and thus summon the
combatant to them to receive their punishment.

After all Men at armes have seen to the comfort of
their Consorts, 
and all is in order, the Tournament will begin. It
will progress in this manner.

1.The King of armes and most excellent herald Pani
Alzbeta Mihallik will announce the tournament to be
open, and will introduce the two Worthy Ladies, and
the knight of Honor. She will then invite the
Combatants to introduce themselves to the Gallery
singly. At that time, She will assign each combatant
to their individual team.

2. The combatants should then retire, and arm
themselves in 
preparation for the first part of the tournament: 

3. The Grande Melee: The two Companies will lustily
deliver good blows upon each other's persons. This is
NOT war, but rather
grande melee. The melee will be fought as bouts
between individual 
fighters, with each combatant engaged with an opponent
until three 
good blows have been struck, or if either declares
themselves to be vanquished. If vanquished, that
combatant will return to his side, refresh himself if
he wishes, and rejoin the fray. Each combatant will
distinguish himself as teammate or opponent by calling
the name of his team's lady as lustily as he can. You
may rejoin the melee as often as you like, to seek
challenging opponents for the honor of your consort.
This will go on until all are well satisfied.

4. Rest: When appropriate, a hold will be called, and
the noble 
combatants will refresh themselves. This will be a
great opportunity for the Gallery to go among the
combatants, and bestow praise, tokens, or admonitions
to the companies.

5. Single Challenges: When it is time, the list will
be opened 
for single challenges. These can be delivered by a
personal herald, or arranged through the Chief Herald.
A barrier will be provided should a challenger wish
it. This would be a grand time for the fulfillment of
personal deeds of armes, and boldness is encouraged,
and will be well rewarded by the renown bestowed on
those who carry a thing well and to a noble
conclusion. This would also be a wonderful arena to
test your courage against a mighty foe, or strive
honorably to counted blows in a knightly weapon style,
to publicly take squires, or cry the love you hold for
your consort. The gallery, of course, is welcome to
show their pleasure or displeasure as they see fit.

6. Grande Melee: When it is deemed time, another, and
final 
melee will commence. It will be the same as before but
for one 
change. It is said that virtue is the noblest shield
against harm, 
so this melee will only be fought single sword, as was
done in 
ancient times. This will continue until all are well
satisfied.

7. Those who are to be most honored: Renown is a great
reward, 
and is not always given to one who is most prowe. To
that end, there will be two combatants who will be
honored above all others. 

a.The two honored Ladies shall consult together and
with the 
Gallery to determine who has pleased them the most
this day, That 
combatant will than be honored.

b. Renown is given most heavily by those who strive
also in 
armor, and who would know better that test than fellow
men at armes? At the end of the day, each combatant
will be given a scrip of parchment and ink, to jot
down the combatant who most impressed him that day,
for whatever reason. Thus, we will know who is held in
high regard by his fellows, and who is, in the eyes of
men at armes, worthy of praise.

There are many ways to participate in a tournament
such as this. One can gain much pleasure without
armor. I will thus lay aside high speech for a time to
speak plainly of these opportunities, and give some
suggestions. We all have wonderful imaginations, and I
know together we can do something magical.

Member of the Gallery: I have heard many people say
how 
boring "watching the fighting" is for non fighters.
This may very 
well be true, as there are few times in which the
"gallery" can 
participate. In a tournament such as this, the event
won't function AT ALL without the gallery. Shade and
refreshments will be provided, so you may sit and
enjoy yourselves, but there are MANY ways in which you
may participate in a tournament such as this. Here are
a few:

1. Bring simple "tokens" of appreciation to bestow
upon someone 
who impressed you.
2. Ask questions of the "knight of honor" if you need
clarification of something.
3. Speak with others in the gallery, and take your
ease. Remember those fighters out there should be
striving for YOUR pleasure. (but also remember to
watch them)
4. Deliver challenges to the companies if you wish.
Have you 
always wanted to see how your favorite fighter would
do with 
fighting poleaxe against Sir Killsalot? Go for it! If
you are shy, 
ask the King of armes, for she surely will carry your
challenge.
5. If you see a fighter who pleases you with taking
great care 
in his dress, demeanor, speaks well, always challenges
fighters with great skill, is forever fighting and
never takes a break, pleases you in any fashion, don't
be shy, do something about it! Give them praise;
words, a slip of ribbon, whatever. I guarantee you a
special moment will be created.
6. If you see a fighter who DISpleases you.. speaks
lowly of 
women, displays temerity, etc, then Do something about
it! Have him serve water to the gallery, have him
please you by creating a poem of love from thin air,
etc. This is much fun, but be careful. 
Consult the Knight of Virtue, for that Is what the
office is for.
7. There are many tidbits on the fun to be had as a
member of 
the Gallery. Search the internet, let your imagination
go! It really is fun, I promise.

Entertainment for the Gallery: Do you play a harp? Can
you sing 
period or stirring songs? Doing these things adds
immeasurably to 
the feel of an event such as this.  Hearing the soft
strains of 
appropriate music while in this setting can bring the
experience to a higher level.

Personal Heralds: If you have ever wanted to do this,
now would be 
the time. If you want to try something new! It's a lot
of fun! Look up some sources, and read a little about
how vitally important heralds were. Come and play! Add
some shtick. Sell your heraldic services to a fighter!
If you come to the event, and wish to participate as
such, I will have a signup for available heralds at
the list table, so Fighters can procure your services.

Chronicler of Deeds: Days as these should be
remembered so future 
damsels and Knights errant may learn from them. If you
are gifted 
with the high speech, it would be most appropriate to
construct a 
telling of this day, so that all may remember and
savor the taste of it.

Combatants: Ok, so you're a new fighter, and have
never been to 
anything like this. THIS is definitely for you. So you
can't speak 
in front of a crowd to save your life, THAT'S what
heralds are for. Events like this can truly be
magical. And they can stick with you for a very long
time. If you say you fight for the honor of your
consort, this is the venue to show it. Don't have a
consort? Find somebody! You know that dear lady who
always works in your group, but has never had anyone
fight for her? Now is the time to pay her back for all
that work. Make sure your consort is comfortable in
the Gallery, Spiff yourself up a little, so you may
reflect their worth, and boldly test your courage by
not only fighting honorably, but putting words and
deeds to it. Want to test yourself on the Anvil of
Virtue? This would be the time. Be imaginative!
Construct matching weapons and challenge a worthy
friend.  Hold the field in honor for your Baroness,
Make it special. Oh, and there should be PLENTY of
fighting opportunities this day as well. Bring your
banners, hire a herald, and help create a memorable
event.

Details for the Event will be posted at
www.illiton.org, or feel 
free to contact me Directly at roachster at housefallenstar.com

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