A Challenge from the Company of the Star
to meet Their Number in Honorable Combat

Posted August 4, 1996

On the Nineteenth day of October in the Year of our Lord 1356, being a Saturday, shall the Company of the Star tenant the field on the road east of Calais a half days ride from the City. The Members of the Company shall stand ready upon the field one hour before Noon to receive those who would meet Their Challenge.

That evening there shall be a Grand Round Table to recount the deeds of the day, recognize the great and noble acts of the knights, and share a feast among the party.

Members of the Company are seeking out and issuing invitation to worthy Nobles of Renown that will present themselves as Venants at the said Field on the appointed Day.

The members are also issuing invitation to those nobles who might wish to witness the spectacle of the Challenges and take part in the surrounding festivities.

The Master and Sponsor of the Tourney shall be the Company's Knight of Honour Seosaidh. Sir Seosaidh is currently residing in France until such time as Edward of England can be removed from his homeland.

King John the Good of France has graciously granted safe passage to all Nobles of Good Repute who would travel to this Tourney in answer to this Challenge.

Two hours before the Tourney commences, the Ladies present may contest for a Prize at Archery.
In the First Round of the Tourney all of the Tenants and Venants whose colors are Red or Gold shall stand against all others in a Melee.

In the Second Round of the Tourney it shall be the place of the Venant to issue Challenge to the Tenants and the Venants may continue to challange for as long as he shall win.

In the Third Round of the Tourney it shall be the choice of the Ladies of the Gallery as to Who shall meet in Combat and how They shall be Armed.

In the Fourth round there shall be a Challenge to the Venants that shall test Their Courage and Prowess and yet until that time shall remain a Mysterie.

In the Fifth Round of the Tourney it shall be the place of the Tenants to issue Challenge to those of the Venants whom they wish to meet.

All Combats shall be a'Plaisance, or to three good blows, or other number as agreed upon by the Company.

PLEASE NOTE: This event is by invitation only. If you are interested in attending the event but have not received an invitation, please contact one of the people listed below. We are interested in expanding the number of people involved by wish to be sure that everyone attending understands and agrees with the goals of the event.

This event is not an SCA event. Although many things are similar there are several important differences. Please read the accompanying information carefully, and call if you have questions.

RULES of the Tourney

Each Combatant must provide himself with a Consort, a Lady for whose Honor he does fight.

Each Combatant must provide himself with a Banner bearing a device by which he may be known.

Each Combatant must wear a Surcoat and carry a Shield bearing the same device that he may be known upon the field.

Each Combatant must answer the call of the King of Arms to the Grand Procession, with their Pennons or Banners, their Heralds and Squires, and of greatest import the Lady that they may present Her to the Knight of Honor and to the Principals of the Company.

The combats shall be fought for Honor and Renown only. Ransom shall not be allowed.

A King of Arms shall be selected to cry the challenge of each combatant and to cry the progress of the Combats as they occur.

There shall be a Tree of Shields for the crying of Challenge.

At the Barrier there shall be no striking below the waist nor blows of excessive force.

In the Group Encounters there shall be no striking from behind.

The Tenants shall observe the Venants to see who best exhibits the chivalric virtues as understood by the Company, and will choose from amongst the challengers those who earn especial praise. Their praises shall be told at the feast following. The Venants shall also observe the Tenants in like manner for these virtues and comment on the same.

Upon conclusion of the challenges a closing Ceremony shall formally end the Tourney and all will retire to prepare themselves for the Feast.

All of the Tenants and the Venants shall meet upon the field and swear their adherence to the Rules of the Tourney.

  • ROUNDTABLE FEAST: If you are staying for the feast, remember your feast gear and remember that it is a "Pot Luck" feast. Bring a dish or two for the feast, in period style serving dishes. Try to bring a dish that is appropriate in recipe and/or nature for the 1350s. Lady Erika shall coordinate the type of dishes (meat, vegetable, desert, bread) for the feast. Please contact her by phone (monday-thurs 6-9pm) or by letter. Linda Latta, 11717 SW 99 AV, Gainesville, FL 32608, 352/495-9967.

  • CHIVALRIC QUESTION: (to be discussed at feast)

  • Sponsor for the event is Sir Seosaidh (Joe Latta, address and phone same as above).

  • Questions about the event may also be directed to: