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

[sjfrench@uiuc.edu]

I will be attending as well:-))

                        -Lady Marina

---- Original message ----
>Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2006 10:03:03 -0800 (PST)
>From: Jenn/Yana <yanajenn at yahoo.com>  
>Subject: [WurmWald] Event announcement -- Rites of Spring, 
Illiton (Springfield IL) Mar 25  
>To: wurmwald at wurmwald.org
>
>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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