Order of the Argent Bear

The Newcomers Event Pas d'Armes (Challenge Tourney)

Aug 95, Barony of Eskalya

Sponsored by:

Tancred and Sorcha, Baron and Baronessa of Eskalya

Organized by:

Viscount Sir Georg and Lord Alfonso d'Strada

Description:

The event was organized as a fairly standard Pas d'Armes, except that the Company was not formed before time. That day, before the tourney began, the Knights and Royal Peers were invited to join Sir Georg in making up the company with the rest of the combatants becoming the Challengers. There were shields to strike for the various combats, a barrier, and lengths of ribbon were given to gallery members so that they could bestow them on combatants as they wished.

How it Went:

What can be said: The start of an era! There were almost certainly some period tourneys in Oertha before this, but none in common memory and there was a general concern that period tourneys would be too much trouble or too little fun. This one went well enough that Pas, Ransom tourneys and other Period-styled combat events now occur several times a year.

There were 4 members in the company, and about 8 challengers.

Lessons Learned:

Everything went about as expected, which means minor glitches here and there but no real difficulties. We didn't mix in melees with the challenge rounds, which we now know is a good idea. We also found that it was best to keep the counted blows to some reasonable range - one combat with 20 or 30 some (I think) landed blows with Pole-axes can pretty much end two people's fighting day.

Take me back HOME

Comments or questions should be mailed to truffa@alaska.net , please include the words 'Argent Bear' in the subject line.