Hey hey, it’s SCA Monday! Well, okay, we’ve had a few SCA photodumps lately… it certainly wasn’t my intent to start having them back to back, but heck, it’s a thing that’s occasionally going to happen I guess. I don’t control the SCA calendar, so it all depends on when events fall, and whether or not I’m free to attend.

This weekend past I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the Ealdormere Spring Crown Tournament, in which dashing heroes (and a barbarian) competed to earn for themselves and their consorts the right to become heirs to the Lupine Throne. While this event was heavily focused on beating each other up with sticks, it did promise to be a spiffy day of pageantry and whalloping, and it was also the first time I’d be able to bring the Gdaykids along for some Scadian shenanigans!

We had out-of-town pals crashing with us to make their attendance at the tournament less of a “Let’s get up at 4AM and drive across Ontario with our young child!” thing. I gave them a pule of blankets to utlilize for bedding since, well, I don’t actually have spare beds per se. I thought their attempt at a couch blanket fort was quite admirable and noteworthy.

Having arrived nice and early, the Gdaykids found some comfy chairs to rest in while the rest of us got to work unloading cards and setting up all the things.

There’s our man! Lord Alexander Gladstone, in his secret mundane identity. For the record, that’s not a print on his shirt, those are holes. He really is that buff… and he spilt his kale and spinach breakfast protein shake on himself before the event when he heard a particularly droll knock-knock joke.

By SCA standards, almost everyone in this pic is naked, while hefting tent poles and setting up ropes and the like. You’re welcome.

Totally period-accurate sunglasses. Totally.

Lostie MortymerXT brought with him the lovely Pal Ali, Pal Kat, and brand new Pal Erik, who by virtue of wearing an orange tunic with blue trim, is kinda like the Anti-Chris, given my usual choice in tunic.

The Lady Isabel Northwode, visiting from the Kingdom of the East. I love how open Scadians are not only to newbies like myself (yes, I still have no idea what I’m doing) but also to visitors from, well, pretty much anywhere. Is good times.

The Gdaykids dug through the pile of garb that is provided for new and visiting folks who may not yet have their own garb. Gdayboy swam in his tunic, granted, but we were pretty much amazed at how well Gdaygirl’s gown fit. Aww, my little princess!

Some fighters took advantage of the setup period to engage in some warmup biffery

Lord Alex Gladstone and his chosen consort Lady Morgana, who the Gdayclan were attending to support, took a moment to hear some words of wisdom from Her Grace Kaylah, who is quite beaty in all the things herself. That white belt isn’t just for show…

Part of my role as one of Lord Alexander’s supporters was to carry war banners in the procession. I press-ganged new Pal Erik into helping out, because (a) I didn’t really want to carry two banners myself, (b) I thought it might make for a fun memory for him, having been part of the proceedings in his first event.

The royal procession is always a neat thing to see, what with the King, Queen, and their assorted champions entering the court. The Reign Herald is often cut out of pics because he’s preceding the main body, but I wanted to make sure I caught His Excellency, Baron Percival, just this once 😉

Wassail! King Steinnar and Queen Lidr, looking damn regally awesome. Very happy to be discovering Ealdormere during their reign.

The Gdaykids also took up banners in the name of Lord Alexander and Lady Morgana. It was a family affair.

I’m proud to say both Gdaykids took their role very seriously, and did well for their very first SCA event. Also, ya know, huzzah for Alexander and Morgana… we were there for them, after all.

The challengers and their consorts presented themselves to the thrones, gave some neat speeches, and generally comported themselves as one would expect given the calibre of nobles competing.

Being the artistic soul that she is, Gdaygirl got a little creative while taking a break from events…

LIDR WITH THE LID OFF!!!!!

The fighting was even more intense than the sun beating down on my bald noggin. Since we were there to support Lord Alexander, he was naturally the focus of my pic taking, but nonetheless… for the record, that shield makes an amazing noise when struck.

The Lady Morgana, as consort to Lord Alexander, supported her champion from beside the list field.

I found out partway through proceedings that the Lady Morgana was supposed to have an escort at all times when beside the list field. I didn’t know, I’m still learning! Once I was properly informed, I ensured that my shiny head was at her side whenever Lord Alexander was engaged in brutal thwackery against his worthy opponents.

Each opponent brought their own techniques and degree of skill to the field, and the thwackery was most intense indeed.

Occasionally, the combat was halted to search for lost contact lenses.

Heavy Armour Breakdancing never really took off, but still has its ardent adherents. Oontz Oontz Oontz

The importance of stretching out your hamstrings before engaging in Full Combat Limbo is not to be underestimated.

The Lady Bethoc acted as Herald for our team, announcing Lord Alexander and Lady Morgana to the court. She’s neat.

Three writers in one pic. Any minute now an anthology’s going break out, I’m sure of it.

“I’ma hit you in the leg, okay?”

“Sure! Which leg?”

“This one. S’orright?”

“S’orright.”

“KNEEL BEFORE ZOD! … Wait, wrong movie…”

Over-the-head, behind-the-helm block? We can do that.

Planking: You’re doing it old-school

Meanwhile, the Lost-n’-Pals contingent enjoyed the beautiful weather beneath their sunshade, quaffed a li’l, and got their own version of stabbery on with their embroidery hoops.

Quilliam: “What the… is he hovering???”

Quilliam: “Marshals, can I get a ruling on hovering Alexanders?”

Marshals: “20 Push Up Penalty for breaking the laws of gravity!”

Quilliam: “You can do it, dude! Five more!”

Marshals: “Alright, LAY ON!”

Ambient music to beat your opponent up by was also provided, and hauntingly beautiful.

Periodically, one of the marshals would break out into an air guitar riff, and the combatants really had no choice other than to raise the roof accordingly.

Head bowed, Lord Alexander takes a moment to mourn the passing of a fine and noble opponent.

Erik is very serious about his needlepoint.

The kids had finally had enough, so we bundled into the Gdaycar and headed home. Clearly, someone had a decent day… and yes, I was pulled over at a gas station when I took the pic.

Wassail to the victor of today’s tournament, Prince Quilliam, and to Princess Domhnaill! Cheers also to everyone who had a hand in putting the event together and making it reek of awesomesauce.