[MR] Bardic competitions at Hawkwood Baronial Birthday

[Dervila ni Leanon]

There will be a bardic competition at Hawkwood's Baronial Birthday. This
competition will actually be two rolled into one: one for the Baronial
Bardic Champion, and one for best overall performances.

The eligible categories are:
    - singing 
    - storytelling 
    - poetry recitation
    - instrumental music

Those competing for Baronial Bard must
    - read and be willing to adhere to the requirements posted at the
      Talontalk website
    - send in a letter of intent
    - offer documentation in the final round
    - adhere to the theme of the Seven Knightly Virtues (note: a piece may
   The first round will start at 2:00. Four finalists will go onto the final
round. Two of those finalists must be competing for Baronial Bardic
Champion. The performers will judge each other. Documentation is not
required (except as mentioned above), but it's always a good idea.

The final round will consist of performing in front of Hawkwood's Baron and
Baroness at the night's bardic circle. The Baron and Baroness will choose
both the Baronial Bard and the best performer. These may be two different
people.


This is a quote from "Chivalry, In My Opinion", by His Grace, Duke Mittion
von Weald of Trimaris.

7 Knightly Virtues

Prowess, which is probably the most hotly debated virtue, is not limited to
deeds of valor on the battlefield.  Prowess can be shown in any area of
endeavor, such as service to one's Kingdom, or in the arts.  Prowess is
simply striving to be greater than we are.  For in the attempt, we are made
greater for the effort.

Humility is a commonly misunderstood virtue.  Humility is the opposite of
arrogance or excessive pride, both of which are dangerous vices. Being
humble does not intend that one lacks confidence in one's abilities, but
rather intends that one need not call attention to one's own actions.
Humility also intends that we understand that we all serve each other, and
are better served for that understanding.

The virtue of Charity is the opposite of selfishness.  To be open and
giving.  To be willing to share that which you have gained, without
expecting a return.  For it is through such actions that we understand the
true value of ourselves.

Faith is a very important virtue to me.  The virtue of Faith does not
necessarily imply the belief in the divine, but rather the willingness to
believe.  If one lacks belief, then there can be no hope, which lends
credence to the voices of despair.  Cowardice is born in the Faithless, for
they have nothing in which to believe.

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the understanding of fear and
doing what must be done regardless.  A fearless man is not courageous, for
he has never known fear, and when fear finally grips him, he will be
useless.  The courageous man knows fear, but is inspired to conquer it
through virtue.

Temperance is understanding.  As simple as that sounds, it can be really
rather complicated.  With wisdom comes understanding, which is how true
knowledge is gained.  The man who is rash makes poor choices, for they are
without understanding.  It never behooves us to close our minds, as there
will always be other options to consider.

Lastly, but not least, is the virtue of Love.  It is argued that Love is the
well from which all virtue is drawn.  I suppose there is some merit to that
argument; however I prefer to think of it as an integral part of the whole.
Love takes many forms.  It can be your passion for your endeavors, or that
indefinable feeling which binds you to others or ideals.  Love allows us to
feel the pain of others, or their needs, which can in turn inspire one to
acts of other virtues, such as Charity or Courage