Ealdormerean deeds done at Winter War in the East, 2005

Posted to the Legio forums, by Lord Ludwig, 2005

During the weekend of Feb 26th, I went to the Winter War in the East Kingdom, along with my wife Leslie (who patiently drove the RV in seriously crappy winter weather), Sir Evander, Laird Colyne Stewart from Ard Chreag, and two fighters from Bastille du Lac named Ratanicus and Edward dit Lion. I carried a message to the East Kingdom's King Thorson from Her Illustrious Majesty Queen Genevieve, and sent Her the return message. When I offered to tell Their Majesties about the event, They took me up on it. So, I wrote an Epic Style tale about it. They really liked it, and I'll post parts of it here if anyone is interested.

I didn't know until a few days ago that Laird Colyne broke two ribs that day in his last fight, due to the simultaneous landing of two serious spear thrusts to his chest.
My apologies for the funky spacing and such, since this is a cut-and-paste transfer, obviously.

Ratanicus is a recent member of the Legio site.

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Ealdormerean deeds done at Winter War in the East

We set out on our journey before the sun had begun to climb into the sky. Our eyes were full of swirling snow as I and my forbearing wife Lady Katherine fared our way. We were soon to meet the redoubtable Knight, Sir Evander and his unfaltering Squire, Laird Colyne Stewart. These two adroit nobles would soon rain steely blows upon the fearsome
warriors of the Eastern Realm.

We continued our wintery course, and were joined by two of Sir Evander's stalwart serjeants, Edward dit Lion and Ratanicus. One would be hard-pressed to find two other footmen more doughty and bold than they.

With our company now numbering six, our contingent travelled towards the Land of the Tiger, the Eastern Kingdom. Keeping a watchful eye for the venturesome troop led by valiant Sir Cennedi, we slipped across the Border Fords, and wound our way to the Winter War. To embolden our hearts, I read the missive sent by Her Majesty to her forces, and our spirits soared at Her inspiring words.

It was with ardent and earnest rejoicing that Sir Evander was greeted by his companions from the East. It was soon apparent to me that there must have been a schism in the East Kingdom. The Eastern Warriors were divided, and forming up on opposite sides of the field. Our side was led by the renowned Baron Conrad, one of the comrades of Sir Evander. With other nobles of high birth and rank, he scanned the field and planned his campaign.

The other side was commanded by the Ruler of the East himself, the indomitable King Thorson. The ground shuddered beneath His mighty tread as he reviewed his warriors.

Donning our armour, grasping our weapons tightly, our company followed puissant Sir Evander, the Captain of the Ealdormerean forces that day. The scarlet-clad Lupine Warriors would soon show their true mettle.

Clutching my polearm, I peered out at the enemy line that faced us, and waited for our signal. The Ealdormerean forces were arrayed on the left flank of the line. We were to counter any outflanking maneuver to that side, and charge forth to outflank them if the opportunity arose.

That opportunity did not come. Obviously, the Eastern Army remembered the might and prowess of the Ealdormereans, and a full quarter of their line turned to engage us, racing to surround us. We fought bravely, but were overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of their desperate fury. I saw my companions turning blow after blow away as a forest spears were thrust towards them and a legion of pollaxes began to decend. Alas, I was dispatched by a well-aimed spear, and I fell to the cold ground with only the thoughts of my Kingdom and my dearest wife to comfort me.

I was revived, and went back to regroup with my company. The lines were forming again. The plan of attack was the same, with the Ealdormereans forming the left flank, with the same objectives. We discussed our performance, and vowed to present a more unified front. I glanced at my polearm, wishing that I had more length to it, since it was originally constructed for use in tournament.

The lines met twice more then, with Your loyal troop resisting any attempt to outflank our lines. Each time we clashed, we were able to stand our ground longer before being crushed by sheer weight of numbers. The javelins whistled through the air, falling to the ground behind us, and yet we resisted to the last remnants of our strength.

Our presence there prodded the chagrin of the opposing force, for they knew that we would fall furiously apon their flank if given the smallest chance.

Brave Sir Evander's flashing blade eagerly bit into the helms and hauberks of his enemies, cleaving them in half as their ruined corpses fell. His squire Colyne struck down the foes before him as a smith beats with his hammer- strong, sure, unerring, and unfailing. The two serjeants Edward and Ratanicus pressed ever forward, like waves that
flash and race to the shore, slicing and carving deep rents into Eastern flesh. As for myself, I fought behind my steely barricade of comrades, keeping the East-Realmers back where I could, thrusting my polearm into astonished faces before me.

The lines then broke into a general brawl. I found myself before a shieldman, and closed with him. Entangling his sword with my polearm, I reached for the mace that swung by my side and grasped it firmly. My arm rose and fell, smashing my weapon down towards his helm and hip.

Alas, my mace must have found no solid purchase, and I tasted his sword before falling into a confused heap of the dead and dying.

The lines reformed, and as I did glance to the side I was overjoyed to behold the arrival of valorous Sir Cennedi, accompanied by two of his squires. He had been deceived by a false and confusing map, a cowardly ploy by those who despaired before his renowned prowess. It is well that such a misguided plot failed, as must all that stand against such dauntless courage. Even so, he had been delayed, and had striven to arrive with great swiftness.

With the increased might of our troop, we were even more fearsome on the field. I had been given a long spear by the gracious Baron Conrad, and one of Sir Cennedi's squires held a long polearm. Our company resolved to quickly do some flanking maneuvers of our own! At the onset of the next charge, we drove deeply into their right. The two Knights charged to their right, and a counter-attack was launched against us. I was beset apon by three enemy warriors, and as I strove to thrust into the face of a foe pressing Edward, I was struck down by multiple blows.

All this while, my wife Lady Katherine busied herself by bringing water to the Ealdormerean forces during those lulls when we were regrouping. She was also keeping a keen eye on the movements of the opposing army. It was not long before she discerned that the Eastern King Thorson personally led each flanking thrust. He was going so far as to bend his body and hide behind the line of his men as he moved to the side that the flanking attack would be launched, so as to deceive our commanders. She brought this observation to me, which was then relayed to Sir Cennedi. The honoured Knight then moved to the Commanders, informing them of this new intelligence.

While I was not able to see it myself, my Lady wife reported later that the Commanders kept a close eye on the movements of the Eastern King, keeping adequate forces aside to counter his movements. There were two more engagements, and our army was victorious in those.

The last charge was a shining moment for Ealdormerean forces. More swiftly than ever before, we hastened across the field to our left, then turning sharply and plunging into the back of the enemy line.

Smiting down any enemies as they passed them, the Ealdormerean Company tore into the flank of the enemy line, filling their hearts with dismay. With skill and fortitude worthy of any Ealdormerean, Ratanicus slew King Thorson before the ashen faces of his men.

It was worth noting that the Eastern warriors are savage in melee, even breaking past their own shieldmen with a barbaric lust to smite and crush their enemies. Even so, they attack in force, outnumbering exposed opponents, and as I can well testify, seeking to overwhelm opposing polearms and spears. They have a great many Great weapons, which they wield in groups with practiced and deadly proficiency.

During this break between battles, I had the opportunity to approach King Thorson with the warm greetings sent by Your Graceful Majesty.

Since I have already told of that exchange, I will spare you those details. He struck me as being a very good-natured man, full of lively mirth and robust spirit.

The battle then moved to the bridges. I was disheartened by the lack of spears on our side, but we made plans for "pulse charges". We felt that if we could break through their lines, that we could swiftly slay any opposition.

Those of us with two swords, small shields, greatswords, and shorter polearms waited behind the shieldmen and spears for the command to charge. Our commander was eagerly collecting javelins and hurling them back at the enemy spearmen. Sadly, the command to Charge did not come forth, and as the shieldmen fell, our Squad went forward to fill the gap, where we were quickly speared.

At the second bridge, we once again waited for our signal as the spearmen on both sides did their deadly work. A signal was given, but was only heard by a few, brave Sir Cennedi being one of those. He leapt forward with two others, crashing into the enemy line with great fury, striking down two enemies before falling in front of their shields. Ratanicus was then speared in the leg, and fell to his knees.

Our line had been pushed back, so that I was to his right at the edge of the bridge. He began to shuffle forward on his knees as enemy spears began to be leveled at his face. I leaned forward, slapping down the spears that I could reach with my polearm as he continued to cross the bridge. Brave and resolute, he went beyond the reach of my polearm, and he struggled on tenaciously, fending off the thrusts that pushed and rang against his shield and upraised sword. It was all too soon that his left side became exposed during that onslaught. He was pierced by a cross-thrust, and perished on that bridge.

Another call for a charge came, and I answered, pushing across the bridge with another warrior. We advanced, disrupting the spearmen's attacks. My polearm battered the heads and faces of the opponents before me, until I received a crushing blow on my helm, and stumbling back, toppled, fell, and rolled off the bridge into the water. I cannot say how effective that charge was, although my wife swears that two enemies fell as well.

We moved back onto the third bridge, and this time, we wasted no effort on a half-charge. The entire line moved forward, and broke through the enemy. We swarmed through the gap, and chaos and confusion reigned as enemies struggled and swirled around each other. I found myself face-to-face with Sir Richard, and I began a swift series of smashing blows to his head and shoulders with my choked-up polearm as he tried a glancing blow against my leg. With each strike, he cried out "not dead, not dead"... which puzzled me greatly. Nonetheless, I continued my assault as he fell to his knees with another cry of "not dead..." I felt a sharp rap on my helmet, and retired from the field, although I was unsure of where the shot had come from. To say that the Rules of Engagement were being badly bent would be an understatement, but that is often the nature of war. Shortly thereafter, Sir Richard came over and laughingly said that the first shot I had thrown had been good, and that he had been saying "I'm dead! I'm dead!" as I
continued my flurry of blows. We chuckled together and parted to briefly rest.

There then came a bridge battle that was very confusing, if the truth be told. It was agreed that if a warrior was killed, be should be revived and join the side that had killed him!

There were men in blue fighting beside men in red, and when a charge was successful none truly knew who was his friend or his foe.

I took my confusion to be a sign to retire from the field. My lady wife insisted that I rest and recover from the battles, and I respected her wise words. My back had received wounds too great to allow me to continue.

The next battle pitched the Peers against the Knowne World. When the sides were arrayed, the Knights faced four enemies apiece. The non-Knights charged, chasing their quarry across the field. Sir Evander held his ground with two Brother Knights before finally falling under the rain of incoming blows. I was unable to see his fate due to the mass of warriors that surrounded them. King Thorson ran around the perimeter of the field, out-pacing most and eventually taking a defensive corner position. Sir Cennedi also hastened around the perimeter, but was slowed by a squad of five foes. He managed to
slay all five as he passed them. Swiftly, he joined the King of the East. The throng of warriors fell on them as a swarm of locusts on the grain. The pair fought bravely, but were slain together, surrounded by a hill of the dead.

There was an "endless resurrection" battle at the last. The large soft blocks that served as our bridge were now spaced out and transformed into lava. A touch of one of those bubbling tools was instant death to any unlucky soul. The lines formed and a general brawl ensued. Again and again the soldiers fell, went back to their line, and began their assault anew. Groups flowed and ebbed like tides, breaking apart as the soldiers were slain, and re-forming in new formations. The Ealdormereans fought on as I watched, bravely engaging their immortal foes without pause. Edward engaged one enemy
several different times, culminating in an intricate and viscious duel. He was eventually bested, yet as his opponent back away and began to rejoice in his hard-fought victory, he toppled into a lava pool. Such is the way of life.

The Ealdormerean forces all fought with great honour, fortitude, and prowess. There was great wonder in the Eastern Realm at the number and skill of the Ealdormereans, and we were given many sincere invitations to return. It should be noted in passing that as we observed the East Realm holding court, we observed the Royal Family and Retainers turning somersaults on those large spongey blocks. We were sore amazed to see such acrobatics during court, but reasoned that it must be an East Kingdom custom of celebration after war.
The journey home was filled with much snow and ice, and our arrival was later than we had anticipated. Regardless, the time was filled with much merriment and telling of tales. It was due to the efforts of my good Lady Wife that we came to be home safely. Save for a bruised knee for Edward and a sore back for me, we were all exhausted but whole.

Achievement of Arms Update

Aaaand another change to my achievement of arms, adding the badge for the Award of the Orion.

A Deed of Arms at War of the Trillium

At the conclusion of my deed of arms on Monday, I was approached by Lord Fulk Beauxarmes, my sword-brother and friend. He asked me if I would stand with him as one of three tenans at an emprise he was organizing for this summer. I was deeply honoured, and accepted immediately.

There is a Facebook event for the deed available; below I have pasted the proclamation Lord Fulk had earlier made.

Under the eyes of my Sovereign Lord the King of Ealdormere, Nigel II, and of his gracious Queen, Adrielle II, and also of their Heirs Prince Siegfried and Princess Ragni, do I, Lord Fulk Beauxarmes, give greeting, honour and all joy to those who hath taken up the most noble profession of arms in these northern lands.

For though I am but the most base and lowly of all the warriors of the Northlands, let all know that I be desirous of the advancement of the noble profession of arms, and also of the exaltation of the name and renown of my Lady Wife, the Honourable Lady Urraca de la Mar; and therefore I hath most humbly supplicated and entreated my aforesaid Sovereigns that I might be granted license and permission to perform a deed of arms at the War of the Trilliums, for it should be shame were so many noble warriors to be gathered in one place and no small emprise should come of it. And to this entreaty through their wisdom, mercy and the love of arms hath my most gracious sovereigns right generous assented to, even from such a low creature as myself.

And so, being minded of the most puissant passage of arms of Don Suero de Quiñones, a famous knight of Leon who alongside his friends and companions in ancient days vowed to break three lances each upon a hundred challengers upon the Órbigo Bridge in Castile, let our Passo Honroso be of the form and manner following:

Upon a bridge at the War of the Trilliums shall be three tenans, each armed and armoured as pleases them best; and they shall hold the bridge against all who seek to come against them, either singly one to each or by threes all together, with matched weapons in honourable combat as is the custom of our Society; and they who fight shall discuss and agree upon which weapons shall be matched before their bout begins; and each bout shall last of three stout blows as is the custom; and should through chance or skill a tenan be defeated in honourable combat then shall the challenger take their place upon the bridge as a tenan upon the bridge in turn; and the tenans shall hold the bridge for one hundred bouts all counted for the joy and honour of the profession of arms and the exaltation of those who inspire them; and these three hundred stout blows shall be in remembrance of the lances of Don Suero Él del Passo; and also let there be a place set aside nearby that there may be private challenges as are wont to arise when so many noblemen and warriors do gather together in arms.

And for to make advancement of the profession of arms there shall be no preference of rank nor title, for so that the lowliest squire or man-at-arms might cross swords with the greatest of worldly lords without they be reproached or shamed; and that all who witness know we be not villeins, or routiers, or any such low persons, let all they who gather for this honourable passage of arms make proud display of their badge or heraldry, by shield and surcoat and banner and all the divers means of display, that the fame and honour of those who meet in this Passo Honroso be enhanced; and let each who make challenge of the tenans declare forth their name and style, and the name and style of the one who hath inspired them to do this deed; and so too shall the names and blazons be recorded in a book that their deeds might be remembered forevermore and not fade in the passing of years.

And in attendance upon the Passo Honroso shall be a gallery of good persons and true, and being chiefly ladies; and they shall decide amongst themselves and secretly which of the Great Virtues of Chivalry shall be their touchstone upon this day; and that gallery shall attend most closely upon the combatants upon the bridge; and they shall gather to decide amongst themselves which exemplar of that said Virtue be best displayed upon that field; and among all they shall award unto that single exemplar a riband to bear upon their arm or belt thereafter, that all might know the worth of that good warrior and true; and let the combatants know not which Virtue hath been decided upon, lest they be tempted to neglect any one of the Virtues of Chivalry in favour of any other, but rather let the Virtues be practiced and exalted all.

And by the word of my most modest and gentle wife, the Honorable Lady Urraca de la Mar, let this Passo Honroso be accomplished in the name of all those who give thankless service to the Society, be that service great or small, lest those who make sacrifice of their tasks think they do so unnoticed; but rather by this deed their service shall be honoured of us all, and be given deserved gratitude.

And to add greater faith and security to this letter, I Fulk Beauxarmes, seneschal of the Canton of Petrea Thule, have sealed it with the seal of my arms, written and dated from Petrea Thule upon the Feast of St. Osburga, this 5th day of April in the year AS 49.

New Blog Post About my Deed and Photos

Lord Fulk Beauxarmes has written a blog post about my Deed of Arms, including a comparison of chivalry and courtesy.

Lord Fulk with THL Thorfinna gra'feldr. Photo by Eirik Andersen.

Read the blog post here.

There are at least two photo archives out there of pictures from the event. My lady Thorfinna took over 200 photos on her cellphone, and THL Eirik Andersen (a semi-professional photographer, who is extremely well known in my kingdom for his photos) took over 500.

One side of the Deed's token. Photo by Thorfinna.

Thorfinna's photos can be found here.

Colyne with dagger, against THL Gann, with single sword. Photo by Eirik.

Eirik's photos can be found here.

The Deed of Colyne Stewart: Part 2

Photo by THL Thorfinna gra'feldr.

Many, many thanks to all those who came out, who did me the honour of crossing blades with me, who came to witness the event, or who assisted in running the deed. Special thanks to His Majesty Ealdormere who acted as the king-of-arms, to Her Majesty Ealdormere who was the inspiration, to Magistra Nicolaa who acted as the deed's herald, THL Jocelyn Cranewell who acted as scribe, and to Anton who served  as my man-at-arms. Just, stout blows were given and received, as were tokens. Honour flowed like water. Though all who took part fought well and good, only one could be awarded the prize--a greave made by my own hand. The judges (TRMs and Nicolaa) declared that the one fighter who had shone brightest with chivalry, courtesy and prowess had been THL Hans Thorvaldsson.

I love this style of fighting, and hope to see more deeds and pas d'armes occur in the future. If you missed this one, there will be at least two coming this summer. One will be hosted by the White Bear Fian at Pikeman's Pleasure, and the other will be hosted by Lord Fulk at the War of the Trillium.

Photo by THL Eirik Andersen.

Favourite SCA Moment

On Facebook, Ealdormere's Queen has asked Her subjects to share their Most Memorable Moment in the SCA. This was my answer

I've seen so many things, and I've been able to do so many things, I otherwise would not have...how to choose just one? I have gained fond acquaintances, good friends, belt-sisters, raven-family, squire-brothers, sword-brothers, peers that truly inspire me...what one interaction with them can sum up the whole?

Was it emerging from my tent at my first ever War Practice (precursor to War of the Trillium) to find an empty camp save for a three year old Adelaide who had likewise risen early, sitting down by the firepit and having a fully fledged conversation with her? This being the same Adelaide I have had the opportunity to see blossom into a wonderful young lady, who once danced the colour purple for me, who loves animals in all shapes and sizes, and who is like a niece to me.

Is it my first Pennsic War, driving down the highway and suddenly seeing the sea of tents appear? Wandering the merchant area later one night and watching a shadow puppet show? Being accosted by street performers, spotting a leper, being winked at by a performer, scouring the stalls for a pennanular broach and finding one in literally the last shop?

Was it the first time I fought in battle at Pennsic War, where I stood with my fellow Isengesethr with Baron Cynred at our head, iron rings on our arms, clashing our shields and raising our voices in songs of glory and homeland?

Was it returning from War and singing Home as we crossed the bridge back into Canada?

Was it going to our first event, in fully researched garb we had made ourselves, and being praised by the Queen and Baroness Gaerwen, who told our canton seneschal we were keepers?

Is it this week, seeing just how many pictures of Gulf Wars feature my fellow Ealdormereans, especially our King and Queen Nigel and Adrielle, showing their nobility, strength at arms and grace?

Was it the pride I felt when first becoming a squire to Sir Evander and the joy it brought (even though that relationship would eventually end)?

Was it the renewed validation, and showing of my triumph over some of my personal demons, when I later took a knee and became Sir Nigel's fourth squire?

Was it when Adrielle took me on as an apprentice, proving to me that I had worth in the fields of the arts and sciences, and making me a member of House Arrochar on both sides of the family?

Was it taking part in the handfasting of my best friends and housemates, Master Berend and HE Mahault, one quiet night in the swamp at the Pennsic War?

It was all of these, it was more than these, it was everything. So much of the good in me has been forged by the people I've met and the experiences I've had in the SCA. To all of you, I give my humble thanks.

Challenge of Colyne Stewart: AS 48

In the name of Ealdormere and of the blessed queen Adrielle, Saint Finnvarr and Saint Gillian, I Colyne Stewart, to exalt my name and honour my fortieth year upon this earth, knowing full well the renown of the prowess of the Ealdormerean fighting force, have, from the date of this present letter, taken a piece of a greave to bear upon my leg until I be delivered from it by an Ealdormerean performing a deed of arms as follows:

First, to enter the lists on foot, each armed as seems best to them, having their dagger and sword upon their body as they wish, and having a pollaxe as well. And this shall be the number of blows for all the different weapons and arms: ten strokes with the pollaxe, without intermission (sans reprendre); and when these ten strokes shall have been performed, and the judge shall say, 'Ho!' we will give ten strokes with the sword without intermission, or parting from each other, or changing our harness. When the judge shall say, 'Ho!' we will take to our daggers in hand, and give ten strokes with them. Should either one lose or drop his weapon, the other will be able to do as he pleases with the one he holds until the judge shall say, 'Ho!'

So shall I meet each fighter who would don harness and meet with me in glorious combat.

And there will be in attendance a gallery, and this gallery will consist of citizens of upstanding moral value. I shall, after consultation with these witnesses, surrender my greave to the fighter deemed most noble and virtuous and preaux.

This deed will occur in the Canton of Ardchreag on the 14^th day of April of this year.

To add greater faith and security to this letter, I Colyne Stewart have sealed it with the seal of my arms, written and dated from Colynesburg, Thursday the 30th day of January in the year 48."

Based on “The Challenge of Michel d'Oris: 1400”, Enguerrand de Monstrelet, Chroniques, Book I, chapter ii as translated by Will McLean, 2001.