Just a little less than two weeks from now, the East will have new heirs, chosen at Crown Tourney in the Barony of Stonemarche.  The event is being held a YMCA Camp Takoda, at 55 Fitzwilliam Road, in Richmond, NH. The autocrat, Lady Tessa Martini d’Agostino, was kind enough to take some photos at the site walk-through last weekend.

Richmond is about 20 minutes south of Keene, NH. For those seeking accommodations for the night,  a number of major hotel chains are available in Keene. There are also numerous bed and breakfast options within an hour of the site. The city of Keene has a helpful lodging guide available on-line: http://www.keenenh.com/lodging/

Reservations close on October 20. No feast spaces will be available the day of the event. Canadian visitors should contact the reservations clerk to request reservations. Stonemarche’s policy is to allow unpaid reservations for visitors crossing international borders to attend their events.

As has become custom, Gate will offer a separate check-in for tourney combatants and consorts, but the autocrat encourages them to pre-register if possible, for a speedier check-in. The procession will start precisely at 11 AM.

His Majesty, King Edward, shared his expectations for the tournament:

“This is Crown Tournament, and we look forward to the pageantry, honorable conduct and feats of prowess.  We expect all those who enter, to do so with the expressed intent to crown their consort heir to these Eastern lands and comport themselves with the grace, dignity and courtesy as befits such an occasion.  In short, we look forward to seeing the finest the East Kingdom has to offer. “

Some four dozen of the East’s finest warriors will take the field to vie for honor, glory, and the right to crown their chosen consorts. The Kingdom Seneschal has made the list available on her web site: http://seneschal.eastkingdom.org/docs/fallcrown2014.php

Regarding the details of the tournament format, His Majesty had this to say:

“This tournament will be a return to the traditional double-elimination bracket format; however, each match will be decided by the best 2 of 3 bouts.  The semi-finals and finals will be best 3 of 5 (the member entering the semi-finals with a loss, will start the semi-finals with a loss), and include weapons depth.”

For those needing more details who may still be having difficulty accessing the East Kingdom site, the complete announcement is reproduced below:

Crown Tourney
November 1, Barony of Stonemarche (Richmond, NH)

Hear ye, Hear ye! King Edward and Queen Thyra are pleased to announce that their Fall Crown Tournament will be held on November 1st at Camp Takoda in the Barony of Stonemarche. This event listing will be updated as information becomes available.

Camp Takoda is about a 20 minute drive south of Keene, NH. For those gentles wishing to stay the night, Keene has several lodging facilities ranging from quaint bed and breakfasts to well known hotel chains. The site is a beautifully wooded YMCA camp on a lake with well maintained paths. There are short walks between the lodge, parking, and fields. Please plan accordingly.

Letters of intent should be sent to http://fluidsurveys.com/surveys/shannon-7c/fall-crown-bc/ (preferred) or by direct e-mail to Their Royal Highnesses and the EK Seneschal. Letters should be received no later than October 1st. Victory in their Crown Tournament will require competency in multiple weapon forms.

For those needing a diversion, there will be an archery shoot. For those younger gentles, there will be several youth activities planned throughout the day. Dayboard will be included in the event fee.

EVENT SCHEDULE:

Please be advised that Their Majesties have requested to start the tournament no later than 11:30 in an attempt to beat the earlier sunsets at that time of year.

– 9:00 a.m. Gate opens. There will be a separate line available for entrants, their consorts and preregistered gentles.
– 10:00 a.m. Sign in for Tournament entrants
– 11:00 a.m. Procession of combatants and consorts. The tournament will follow immediately after.
– 12:00 p.m. Day board opens
– A short court will be held at the discretion of Their Majesties, upon conclusion of the Tournament.
– Feast for 150 will follow court.
– 11:00 p.m. Site closes

THE SITE: The Tournament Field offers some space for viewing pavilions and shades of all types, with the immediate surrounds of The Lists dedicated for periodesque structures. All viewing space will be available on a first come, first served basis.

A scenic lake rests a short distance from the tournament field, along with many lovely and rustic trails for exploring. During the day, there will be several fire pits available for gentles to warm themselves by, including one next to the fighting field. Bringing additional, personal fire pits is not permitted. The hall is large enough to seat over 200, although feast is limited to 150, there is enough room for gentles who wish to remain off-board to enjoy the festivities.

VEHICLES: Although there is adequate parking, much of it is not next to the tourney field. Vehicles will be permitted to drop off gear and then go park. Vehicles on the field will be asked to move before the procession begins and none will be allowed onto the field once it has begun. Under no circumstances will vehicles be allowed on the archery field.

Dessert Challenge: In the spirit of All Hallows Eve, King Edward and Queen Thyra would like to issue a Dessert Challenge to those attending their Crown Tournament. Bring your best period dessert or treat (maybe a trick?) to be shared by those remaining during feast. The entrants will be judged visually by the populace after the tourney has concluded. No tasting until after the judging has been completed. The winners will be announced before feast begins.
For more information please contact Lord Richard le Hauke at crown_feast@northernarmy.org

DAY BOARD: Hard Boiled eggs, Bread, cheese, Sausages, Roasted chicken, Barley Chicken soup, Meat pasties, Brisket, Pickles,Sliced oranges, Apples, Grapes, Fine cakes
Gatorade, Hot apple cider, Hot honey lemonade
NIBBLETS: to be served around the start of court: Candied almonds with honey, Dates stuffed with cheese, Deviled eggs, meatballs, and any remains from day board.
FEAST: 1st Course: Homemade sourdough breads with assorted Butters, Potage of Oysters (Clam Chowder), Venison Meat Pie with Apple Furmente, Blaunche Brawen (white pork pate), Cabbage, Apple Fritters
2nd Course: Malaches Whyte (egg tarte), Smalle Byrdes (small birds stuffed with dates and mustard), Oven roasted veggies. Turnips, parsnips, and beets and eggplant.
Dessert Course: Dessert Challenge offerings, Apple pasty or other offering, Coffee, Tea, Apple cider, Hot honey lemonade
There is plenty of room in the hall for those who wish to remain to enjoy the entertainment during feast. There will be tables marked for those not on board. Dessert will be available for all who remain.

Site fees: Adults $10 advance, $12 day of; Youth 13-18: $5 advance, $6 day of
Children 12 and under are free
Please add a $5 Non-Member Surcharge for every Adult that is not a member of the SCA. All pre-registrations must be postmarked by October 20th, 2014.

Feast fees: Adults: $10, Youth 13-18: $10
Children 6-12: $5, Children 5 and under: free
Feast Reservation Deadline: October 20th, 2014
**Please note that with the exception of Canadian visitors, who should contact the reservations clerk,  the only good Reservation is a paid one.**

Information regarding severe allergies should be directed to the head cooks.

Make checks payable to: SCA NH, Inc. Barony of Stonemarche

Send reservations to: Lord Cynric the Dabbler, MKA: Ben Strauss
92 Beard Rd, New Boston, NH 03070, cynric_coa@gmail.com
Please include the following information with your reservations: Mundane names of everyone in your party, ages of anyone under the age of 18, and membership information (if applicable). If you would like confirmation, please include an e-mail address and/or phone number.

There will be NO REFUNDS for feast after October 25th. Considerations for site refunds will be considered but not guaranteed after October 25th.
ACCEPs: http://acceps.ansteorra.org/index.php

Autocrat: Lady Tessa Martini d’Agostino, MKA: Liz Rakich, 603 206-0185, liz@rakich.net
Feast & Dayboard: Baron Fergus Redmead and Lord Richard le Hauke: crown_feast@northernarmy.org
Children’s activities: Corwin Blackthorn: ixchillvalle@yahoo.com
Accessibility Liaison: Lady Mad Marion McGregor magzmommy@gmail.com
Merchant Coordinator: Lasairfhiona Inghean Cheallaigh Lady.Lasairfhiona.SCA@gmail.com
Site opens: 9:00 am Site closes: 11:00 pm
Site address: Camp Takodah, 55 Fitzwilliam Rd., Richmond, NH 03470

Directions: Our best suggestion is to use a GPS. The following directions may not be the most direct route for you. Please be aware that these are not main highways and may turn at crossroads. Please watch road signs carefully.
From the East: Take your best route to NH-101 W to Peterbourough
Turn Left onto NH-202 W follow for approximately 10 miles
Turn Right onto NH-119 W follow for 13.5 miles, Camp Takodah will be on the left.
From the South: Take your best route to I-91 N to Bernardston
Take exit 28A to 10 N for 13.5 miles
Turn Left onto NH 119 E follow 6.5 miles, Camp Takodah will be on the right.
From the North: Take your best route to I-91 S to exit 1
Turn Left off the exit onto Route 5 E toward Keene, NH for 1.5 miles
At Malfunction Junction, continue straight onto NH 119 E for 19.5 miles, Camp Takodah will be on the right.