To buy a copy online, go to www.laurelsvspelicans.com and contribute $1 using the PayPal button.  A pdf of the Guide will be sent to your email address.  Your donation will go to the Pennsic war chest and help fund Pennsic activities such as the Knowne World Party which is going to be held after opening ceremonies.

Here is the exact wording from society

D. Fiberglass Spears
4. All fiberglass spears must have a thrusting tip that is a minimum of 2 inches (50.8 mm) in diameter/cross-section and have 2 inches (50.8 mm) of resilient material in front of the PVC end cap, thereby providing progressively resistant give without allowing contact with the PVC end cap.

We will continue to be able to use the mod in kingdom but they need to be marked with green and red denoting an experimental weapon.

In service to the greatest Kingdom in the know world I remain
Osgkar Earl Marshal
- – -
Sir Osgkar, East
Consolamini oppressos, Opprimite commodos

Choose well whom you teach to war …

This got me thinking about conversations I have had in the past with potential applicants who were interested in the position.

The first thing to consider is why you would want to do this. The position of Kingdom Seneschal is not for glory. Your voice, your opinion, is the law within the Kingdom. When the crisis hits, when you think all is calm, and something comes up, it is up to you to deal with it. You are the leader of the team. At all times, you must rely on others, and remember that they are volunteers also.

You are responsible for advising the royalty on laws and policies. This means that you need to have an extensive knowledge of Kingdom and Society governing documents. You will need to remember that the royalty have stress of their own, and their jobs are as hard, if not harder than yours. Advising them means that you will need to properly instruct them on whether or not they can take desired actions, and, you will need to be able to tell them when they can’t, and why. Your job is to make sure that they are protected, and that their reign goes as smoothly as possible.
There are other things to consider as well. At times, the position can take a lot of your time. So, do you have the time available to do the job properly. Be it responding to emails, dealing with situations, or traveling to events, you need to make sure that you are available. Are you able to travel; do you have the transportation available to go to events? Do you have the financial means to travel to events, inter-kingdom events, society meetings, and to take time off from work? These are only some of the areas you must consider.

An important consideration is what the position can do to your relationships. How does your spouse, significant other, and/or children feel about you taking on this type of responsibility? Will they be able to handle the change in your time and attention being shifted to the demands of the Kingdom? This is a very important thought to consider very carefully.

Why did I do it? I did it to challenge myself, no other reason. I had seen the inner workings of what the job entailed; it had been in my house for two prior terms. I had no excuse of ignorance. For me, I wanted to help, and take on one of the hardest jobs in the Kingdom. And, let me tell you, it did challenge me!

Be warned, this position will change you. You will see things that you didn’t think possible. There will be surprises along the way. Be it an unexpected blow-up in a group that you didn’t see coming, to something that you wish with all your might never happened, you will need to deal with it. You will be placed in positions where you have to make a decision that leaves no one happy in the end. There are times that you will wonder if you have any idea what you are doing, and other times when you wonder why in the world you ever took it on.

However, with all the pressure, and difficult situations, there was a bright side that I would never trade in. I got to meet wonderful people. The position can take away the wonder of this hobby at times, but I got to see a different bright spot: the hard work that really great people do within this Kingdom and Society to make it work.

To borrow lyrics, because of having been Kingdom Seneschal, I don’t know if I’ve been changed for the better, but I have been changed for good.

Mistress Hedewigis Ockenfüssin, the current East Kingdom Seneschal, has encouraged anyone considering this position to contact her with any questions. If you are interested in the position, I would encourage you to speak with her. I am also available, and would encourage you to also speak to other past Kingdom Seneschals as well.

Mistress Katherine Barr

Click here to email questions/comments to Katherine Barr.

Katherine Barr wields her special weapon last year, Dietrich (who lost a bet and ended up as her weapon)

Baroness Katherine Barr, former Seneschale of the East, evened up the sides in the Laurels vs. Pelicans melee by joining the Pelicans yesterday. “I thought I would give the Laurels a fighting chance by not using my shield and sword, Dietrich, from last year.”

Fundraising for the melee was supposed to end tonight so the weapons makers had time to construct specialty weapons. Sir Michael of York and Lord Gregory of York, who build the weapons with a team of volunteers, have offered to extend the deadline.

Mistress Fia with her boffer rose at last year’s melee

“This event is too much fun to put road blocks up,”
said Sir Michael. “We want to give people every chance to rise to the level of incompetence that specialty weapons create. My kids are still talking about the bourbon bottle and Grendel’s arm that were used last year.”

The three participants still raising money for their specialty weapons are:
Mistress Fia Carmen, Delicate Flower of the Northern Army – Boffer Flower
Despotissa Margarita Kofinopoia, Scourge of Somethingorother – Broom
Maestro Dorio of the Oaks, The Peaceful Negotiator – Feather of Doom

Donations can be made via check, Paypal or in person. For paypal, see the Laurels vs. Pelicans website. To donate via check or in person, email Lucie Lovegood.

With the addition of Her Majesty, Mistresses Catrin and Eleanor moved from the Pelican to the Laurel side to even up the numbers.  A good time for the watching crowd is the goal of the melees, which also explains weapons forms like broom, feather of doom and oar.

The current tallies for the participants are listed below.  If you want to help the crowd have fun, the peers have weapons and fund Pennsic activities, you can donate to a peer at www.laurelsvspelicans.com.  Don’t let a peer go out armed with only a dagger against Her Majesty’s steed and lance!

Despotissa Margarita Kofinopoia – $0.00
Maestro Dorio of the Oaks – $10.00
Mistress Eva Woderose – $15.00
Mistress Fia Carmen – $25.00
Duchess Marieke – $25.00
Mistress Mira Fiinvar of Argyle – $30.00
Master Ulric von der Inself – $30.00
Mistress Brita Mairi Svensdottir – $45.00
Mistress Anastasia – $48.00
Syr Cedric of Thanet – $50.00
Master Peter the Red – $55.00
Master Ekkehardt of Aokenwode – $65.00
Master Leiftameon – $70.00
Master Edward MacGyver Dos Scorpos – $100.00
Mistress Mirabel Belchere – $100.00
Mistress Dziuginte Litovka – $100.36
Her Majesty Kiena Stewart – $125.00
Mistress Eleanor Catlyng – $115.00
Mistress Catrin o’r Rhyd For – $236.00

More pelicans have joined.  Despontissa Margarita Kofinopoia, the Scourge of Somethingorother, hopes to take the field with a broom; Maestro Dorio of the Oaks, The Peaceful Negotiator, wants a Feather of Doom; and Master Ulric von der Insel is fundraising for a Giant Spoon.  The Laurels gained Mistress Eva Woderose, The Killigrapher.

The most senior peer in the melees, Master Leiftameon, added a specialty weapon of juggling clubs.  He received his Laurel thirty-three years ago.  If he makes the $100 level, the weapon makers will make clubs balance them so he can juggle them on the field.

Mistress Mirabel has already raised enough money to get a sheep, Mistress Dzioginte gets a shovel and Master Edward will have Cuddles, the Giant Scorpion of Doom.  Other peers are still in need of some fun weapons that the crowd will love.  You can see who you might want to support – and help support some Pennsic fun at www.laurelsvspelicans.com.

The Thrown Weapons Marshal, Colin MacKenzie, was then invited by His Majesty to present tokens for excellence by thrown weapons fighters. Colin spoke about the new ranking system, and two gentles received note for achieving Throwers rank, they were Mattheus dei Conifix and Wulfram Bernhardt. A third, Alexander Makeristyne, became the first to receive the rank of Expert in Royal Round.

His Majesty then welcomed a representative of the shire of Owlshurst who had requested a moment of His time to come forward. Conall mac Taithlich was this gentle, and he presented His Majesty with a pair of beautiful wooden chests that had embattled molding, and where finished with milk-paint and linseed oil, made with his own hands as a gift for Their Majesties from the shire.

The next business for His Majesty’s court was two scrolls that had long awaited delivery to their recipients. Both pieces of business had been tended to in previous courts, but both scrolls still awaited the proper hands. First of the individuals to whom one of these scrolls belonged was Toshihiro Kanjin. This man had been made a Lord of the Court at Shire Wars in the year before this one, and now his scroll created by Kayleigh McWhyte, was read before him and handed into his keeping. The other of these two items was for Constancia Aelfwinesdottir, who was then invited before the King. She had been made a member of the Order of the Silver Crescent many years prior at Pennsic the 35 th. At long last she heard the words that had been penned on her behalf by Muirgheall O’Riein and received the beautiful scroll created by Ignacia la Ciega.

His Majesty then called forward Yasemin bint al-Hajjar and Hassan Ibn Abd Al-Malik. As they stood side by side before their King, Count Ruslan Novgorodcev was called forward to speak of why these two gentles had been brought to His Majesty’s attention. Count Ruslan spoke about Yasemin’s research into her garb and the time she took to create it. He mentioned her time spent on the archery range and her love of fencing. Then he spoke of Hassan’s time spent as a heavy weapons fighter as well as a fencer, and his love of Middle Eastern drumming. His Majesty found all of these worthy reasons to make Yasemin a Lady of His Court, and Hassan a Lord, and so it was done, and a scroll was promised to them each.

Next His Majesty required the presence of Kalara Corvus and Torstein the Indecisive. Again Count Ruslan’s words where required and he joined these two gentles before His Majesty. He praised Kalara’s fighting and garb making skills and after teasing Torstein about how he had been forced to choose his 2nd name for him that very day, praised him for supporting the efforts of the fighters and for his brewing skills. His Majesty remarked on how necessary these contributions where to His Kingdom, and found these two gentles deserving of being made a Lady and Lord of His Court, and a scroll was promised to them each as well.

Alana O’keeve was then called into His Majesty’s presence. Confusion crossed her face as she stepped forward before the King. He praised her for all of her work within His Kingdom, for her work as Shire Seneschal, with the archery and thrown weapons community, as Deputy to the Shire’s Herald and for her work at Herald’s Point at Pennsic and many other things as well. He welcomed forward His Order of the Silver Crescent, and tears sprung to Alana’s eyes. With the reading of a beautiful scroll created by Chrestinne la Pescheresse and worded by Alys Mackyntoich and the presentation of a medallion that had been held by Alys Mackyntoich, Griffyn ap Madoc and Brunissende Dragonette, Alana O’Keeve was made a member of the Order of the Silver Crescent.

Next name called for appearance before the King was Finnghuala Rowen. Quickly she was ushered before His Majesty, and she stood quietly as she heard Him praise the help she offered and work she did, and then she listened intently as the scroll created for her alone by Elsa de Lyon was read, and she too was made a Lady of the Court.

The herald then called for Robert the Tall to step before the King. The King looked him up and down and then He stood, and walked to stand beside him, and measured with His own height whether this man might have the right to call himself by Tall. Finding it acceptable, the King then called for His newest Silver Crescent, and Alana stepped forward again, this time to speak on Robert’s behalf. She told of how he’d come from the Shire of Silver Rylle to Owlshurst and now helped in both places, about how he was always the first to arrive and the last to leave an event – helping with all that needs doing while he’s there. She spoke of his love for archery, and about how he had become an archery marshal. These things the King found more than simply acceptable, and so Robert was made a Lord of His Court, and promised that a scroll would be forthcoming.

The call then came for Thorfinna of Owlshurst, and the King drew forward Linette de Gallardon as well, for Linette was to speak on Thorfinna’s fine qualities to Him. She pointed out the fantastic site tokens for that day, which could be used as bookmarks as well, and spoke about the eagerness with which Thorfinna had volunteered to create them. Linette went on to tell of how this fine woman offers and supplies help where ever it is needed. The King considered her words well, and saw their worth and the worth of this woman, and made of her a Lady of His Court at once, promising her that a scroll was to come.

Two names where called next. Mary of Montevale and her husband, Dominic Seamor. King Gregor made mention of words come to Him of 15 years of service from each of these gentles. Of all the various officer’s positions that Mary had held, of all the demos and journeys both within Montevale and even to other Kingdoms that this pair had made to help wherever they could. Then His Majesty called for His Order of the Silver Crescent, and spoke of how these two belonged among their ranks. First a scroll by Jonathan Blaecstan was read for Mary, and in the reading, it became clear that not just this King, but His predecessors Edward and Thyra had wished to see this done, as the date upon the scroll was marked as Dinning with King Vlademar at Mid Winter of Anno Societatis 47. Then a medallion commissioned for her by her own husband was hung around her neck and she joined the ranks of those around her. Then the reading of a second scroll, this one created by Sarra the Lymner and lettered by Kayleigh McWhyte for Dominic, and a medallion for him from his King, and he too joined these honored ranks.

Next before the King was Brandfulr of Owlshurst, and again the King called for Linette’s words regarding one of His subjects. She spoke earnestly of his help with everything, his work on projects that needed doing and in kitchens that needed another pair of hands. Again the King found her words to be well noted, and saw fit to make Brandfulr a Lord of His Court as well. Promising a scroll to follow at some time, not too far off.

Sorcha N’Eoghain was then called to stand before her King, and He bade Linette to stay and speak to Him of this gentle as well. A passel of her own children she was credited with drawing into youth combat. Her help always found at these demos, encouraging other children as well. Well known is the King’s joy at seeing the children of His Kingdom encouraged, and He praised her highly for these things she did, encouraged her on to more and rewarded her with the right to bear arms. Introducing the newest Lady of His Court, a scroll was promised to her as well.

The last name to be cried in this court was that of Kolbrandr Galti, and one last time the King called forward Count Ruslan to speak of this man. He spoke of Kolbrandr’s focus on heavy weapons fighting, and the King recalled fighting beside him this very day. Ruslan then made mention of this man’s love for all things Viking and the vast research that he did into the subject. King Gregor listened well, and nodding in agreement He spoke it done, and named Kolbrandr the last Lord of His Court made this day.

With that His Majesty rose, thanked all for coming out in that day’s rain and spoke of how greatly He looked forward to fighting side by side with Prince Timothy at Pennsic this year. –and His Court was closed, as all business had been done.

These are the events as I witnessed them this day.

Joyously in service to Crown and College,
Baroness Theodora Bryennissa, called Treannah
Vox Regis

The following warriors entered the competition for the glory of being the King and  Queen’s Rattan Championship:

• William Mac Crimmon
• David von Scheidegg
• Sterling de la Rosa
• Gryffyn Dunham
• Ivan Ivanov syn Dimitriov vynuk Tzardrkov
• Wilham De Broc
• Bran Mac Culann
• Heinrich Brauer
• Galfrid athe Grare
• Sigurthr Vigurhafn
• Duke Konrad der Lowe
• Karl Meerstappa
• Ryouko’Jin of Iron Skies
• Jibril al-Dakhil
• Brice
• William Ravenhair
• Wulfgar Silverbraid
• Nathanial Lysander
• Marcus Blackhaert
• Fionn Mac Cor Dhuibh
• Aiden of Coldwood
• Tycho
• Gunnvor Hausakljufr
• Saikhaw Saraw
• Bric
• Gavin MacKinnon
• Edward De Bosco
• Culann mac Cianain
• Jan Janowicz Bogdenski
• Luis de Castilla
• Lucius Aurelius Varus
• Konner MacPherson
• Klaus von Wallaehia
• Aethelhawk

*Some names may be misspelled due to poor handwriting

Four Atlantian Speed Rounds were held in four separate weapons forms. All combatants could fight in as many forms as they chose. The top four combatants from each round continued onto the sixteen fighter double elimination round.

The winner of each round is shown in bold. The top 4 combatants of the Atlantian Speed Rounds were:

Great Weapon

• Culann mac Cianain
• William Ravenhair
• Jan Janowicz Bogdenski
• Aiden of Coldwood

2 Weapon

• Jan Janowicz Bogdenski
• Ryouko’Jin of Iron Skies
• Luis de Castilla
• Sigurthr Vigurhafn

Single Weapon

• Konrad der Lowe
• Brice
• William Ravenhair
• Culann mac Cianain

Sword and Shield

• Konner MacPherson
• Griffyn Dunham
• Culann mac Cianain
• Konrad der Lowe

The double elimination tournament was held with eleven combatants. Culann mac Cianain was seated on the tree three times, Konrad der Lowe was seated twice, William Ravenhair was seated twice, and Jan Janowicz Bogdenski was seated twice.

There was a “Wheel of Pain and Perdition” that was spun to determine each pair’s individual bout format.

The Semi-Final combatants were Konrad vs. Jan and William vs. Culann. The bouts were two out of three.

The Finalists were Konrad der Lowe and Culann mac Cianain. The bouts were three out of five.

The victor of the Kings and Queens Rattan Championship and King’s Champion is Konrad der Lowe.

The Queen’s Champion as chosen by Queen Kiena is Ryouko’Jin of Iron Skies.

Congratulations to all of the combatants for a well fought tournament and a very fun day.

Yours in Service to Their Royal Majesties and the East Kingdom,

Lady Sabina Luttrell

East Kingdom Minister of Lists

Available weapons and their cost are:
Dagger – $25
Sword – $50
Sword and Shield – $75
Specialty Weapon – $100

The peers are listed below with their fighting nicknames and desired specialty weapons (if they have them).

Pelicans
Mistress Anastasia, Mistress of Organized Mayhem
Clipboard shield
Mistress Brita Mairi Svensdottir, Loving Battleaxe of Warm Wisdom
Viking battleaxe
Mistress Catrin o’r Rhyd For, Director of Carnage
Shake-spear
Mistress Dziuginte Litovka, Mistress Stickbait
Shovel
Mistress Eleanor Catlyng, The Gatekeeper
Quill Pen
Mistress Fia Carmen, Delicate Flower of the Northern Army
Boffer flower
Master Peter the Red
Lethal arrow of destruction

Laurels
Syr Cedric of Thanet
Drop Spindle of Fate
Master Edward MacGyver Dos Scorpos
Cuddles, the Giant Scorpion of Doom
Master Ekkehardt of Oakenwode, Master Bad Example
Oar
Master Leiftameon
Duchess Marieke, The Mighty Leaf of the North
Mistress Mirabel Belchere, Mistress Microvision
Sheep
Mistress Moira Finvar of Argyle
Distaff of Doom

The following warriors entered the lists on a gorgeous spring day to compete for the honor of becoming Prince of the East Kingdom and crowning their consort as Princess.

There were 4 round robin lists to start the day. The top 4 combatants (*starred*) were taken from each pool to compete in a double elimination tournament.

List 1
*Tribune Omega Aurelius Serpentius
*Earl Kenric aet Essex
*Pan (Sir) Jan Janowicz Bodanski
Syr Culann mac Cianain
*Baron Ivan Ivanov syn Dimitriov vynuk Tzardikov
Baron Jozef Ludwiczak of Lochleven
Lord Sterling De La Rosa
Lord Kennimathor of Lochleven
Lord Gryffyn Dunham
Lord Tiberius Nautius

List 2
*Duke Gaufred Kelson von Heidelberg
*Syr Cedric of Thanet
Master Julien de LaPointe
*Syr Marcus Blackaert
Baron Joseph Harcourt
*Baron Matthew Moraveous Avdenmork
Herr Heinrich Brauer
Lord Turi MacKinnon
Lord Stefan Joseph
Lady Gunvar Hausakljufr

List 3
*Duke Konrad Der Lowe Von Ulm
Mistress Moira Fionnbhar of Argyll
*Sir Wilhelm von Ostenbrücke
Thane Aethelhafoc Caegfindan
THL Avaldr Valbjarnarson
THL Tiberiv Ivlivs Rvfvs
*Don Luis de Castilla
*Lord Ionness Aurelius Serpentius
Lord Vladimir Bathory
Lord Hartmann Foscari da Ferrara

List 4
*Jarl (Count) Valgard Stonecleaver
*Sir Thomas of Ravenhill
*Sir Sichelgaita von Halstern
*Brennan mac Fearghus
Baron Jibril al-Dakhil
Lord William MacCrimmon
Ivan Valfrekr
Lord Rory MacLellan
Lord Gawyn O’Clery
Ivarr Rambison (Ibar Ramson)

The initial pairings for the double elimination tournament were:
Ivan vs. Kelson
Brennan vs. Marcus
Valgard vs. Ionness
Konrad vs. Sichelgaith
Matthew vs. Jan
Kenric vs. Cedric
Luis vs. Omega
Wilhelm vs Thomas

The Semi-Finals were:
Ionness vs. Kenric
Thomas vs. Omega

The Finals were: Kenric vs. Thomas

The winner of the Spring Crown Tournament and the new Prince of the East Kingdom is Earl Kenric aet Essex!

Photo couresty of Mistress Fiona O’Maille.