[MR] (no subject)

[Arthur Donadio]

Greetings:  

I wanted to take a moment to report on Storvik Novice Tournament (at least the parts I saw).  First, it was hot - really hot; but that's OK because the unbearable humidity made one forget all about the heat very quickly.  Second, it was a fantastic event and I thank Their Excellencies Storvik for a terrific time.  Lady Tirza and her friends kept a steady supply of food flowing all day beginning with bacon, eggs, and biscuits and gravy and ending with these little pastry tarts filled with things like crayfish or spinach, or almond paste.  Those were hard to stop eating.  Baroness Elizabeth did a great job as autocrat, things were well organized and timely, and Baron Sean got all the fighting in (even when I threw him a wrinkle).  The MOLs were patient and helpful, the marshalling was very good, and there were young folks constantly plying the combatants with water and gatorade.  I want to thank the heralds for making sure that the combatants were timely called to the field and no one had to spend a lot of time waiting in the sun.  There were a number of archery and thrown weapon ranges open throughout the day, and I know Padraigin and Benjamin enjoyed both the shooting and the instruction they received - I regret I did not get over there.  In every good sense, this Novice Tournament recalled my very first Storvik Novice over twenty years ago (which was my first SCA event). 
 
Since I spent most of my time by the armored field, let me hit some highlights:  I undertook to fight each of the novice (authorized for less than one year) fighters who took the field.  From memory, I fought Ascalon, Stoffell, Lea, Helga, Michael Finkas, Shaggy, Eirikr Ulfr, Alexei, and Gregor.  I hope I have not left anyone out.  Each of these new fighters approached our fight with surprising poise and confidence.  Both offense and defense were much better developed than I would have expected.  Each of these nobles is a credit to his or her trainer and I have marked this group.  I look forward to seeing them develop their craft.
 
The unbelted tournament was conducted in the very hottest part of a very hot day.  Three pools were formed and the combattants had to fight their way out of the pool to reach the final rounds (which rounds Her Majesty requested be fought with offweapons). The competition was fierce and skilled throughout.  Towards the end, and to no one's surprise, Jocelyn, Lucas, William, Ragnar Ribcracker, Brother Amos, Helmut and Gerhard were faring well.  When the dust cleared, our finallists were Amos and Lucas, with Amos taking the vicory.  I was moved to tell the unbelts that conteded that day that in them I saw the knights - the future of our Chivalry and that I and my brothers are well pleased.  
 
I know from speaking with Count Vlad, Duke Ragnarr, Sir William Thomas, and Sir Christian, that all the knights who helped marshall were similarly impressed.  So to those training our fighters in the Northern and Central region of the kingdom I say again well done - this weekend saw a proud display at Storvik Novice.
 
With thanks for the many kindnesses shown Her Royal Highness and me and Benjamin this weekend, and an apology to the many who served and I have not thanked, I remain
 
Yours in Service to Atlantia,
 
Cuan