By Brita Svensdottir
Rapier Reporter, PI
Fifty-three rapier fighters entered the Novice Tourney. Entrance requirements were that fighters be authorized for less than 3 years, have no kingdom level rapier awards, and never have won a tournament. The tourney is run as a bear-pit, with losers leaving immediately and winners leaving after 5 wins. Everyone gets a prize in this tourney, with first place fencer choosing first.
Master Po Silvertop the Rogue has run this tourney for 16 years to encourage younger fencers. Maeve O’Morain said she likes this tourney because it allows her to meet new people from all over and face a variety of sword styles. She appreciates the courtesy and chivalry and the opportunity to fight people of a similar level.
The Rose Tourney drew 110 armored fighters and 106 rapier fencers – about twice what it has been in the past. Fighters had to be sponsored by a Rose and could not have a peerage in the martial form in which they were competing. Bouts were best two-out-of-three with points scored in the Bedford system. Each round, people were paired with people with similar scores. The tourney was run for at least five rounds. Duchess Seonaid of Atlantia was inspired to start this tourney by a rapier tourney she watched at Gulf Wars. She invites the Roses of the Knowne World to participate by sponsoring fighters. She loves watching fighters honoring their Queen. Since some return year after year, she loves seeing the growth, fun, camaraderie, honor, and chilvary.
Winners were: for the armored – Cormacc Macgilia-Prigde for Princess Anaya, both of Trimaris. For the rapier – Raphael DiMerisi for Duchess Vukasin, both of the Middle Kingdom. Both winners had 47 points out of a possible 50 points.
The Knowne World Baronial Championships had 38 participants, either baronial champions or appointed representatives. Fencers were invited to do pickups until their pairing was called. At that point, each fighter told their name barony, and kingdom and then answer two questions such as: “What do you do besides rapier?” or “What would you do as champion to encourage new fencers?” Then they participated in a one-and-done exhibition bout. The Baronial heads chose the winner, who was Fatima bint Malik of the Barony of Red Spears in the Midrealm.
Sergeant Arias Sanchez, Marshall, said this tourney showcases honor, chivalry, and prowess; everything good in the SCA. It brings out the best. There are no high stakes.
Meanwhile, the Tadcaster Militia Extravaganza Arcade invited fencers to challenge Tadcasters and friends for three rounds, winning a prize ticket for each win. The tickets can be exchanged for various carnival prizes.