STRIKE FROM THE HEART FEAT OF ARMS
Behourd in Australia, Feb. 13th, 2000

On Sunday the 13th of February in the fair Barony of Aneala, Baron Nathan Blacktower did call a Tourney of Accolades to honor the Ladies for Saint Valentines Day.

The Tourney was run as a single kill double elimination with each bout being the first to score three counted blows on his opponent all wounds were not acted out and the looser showed his defeat by falling to the ground. What made the day were the accolades for each fighter before each bout was to say words about his consort.

The day was warm and fine, the site a hidden bower. Promptly, at their Barons will, did the courtiers arrive. Three pavilions were erected and the list field delineated with multicolored bunting, many banners were displayed.  Most of the gallery chose to find a shady place and spread blankets

Constables, Lists and Marshals all worked hard to ensure all was done before court.

Court was held under the pavilion with the populace encouraged to find shade.  His Excellency Baron Nathan outlined the days events including the two competitions for the best and most consistent accolade from the fighter and the best lament for a dead lord from the ladies.

With cheers for the Royalty court was closed The bard of Aneala Lady Gwyneth ferch Adden told a story from the Decameron and the tourney began, the list was made up of two Knights, three squires and six men at arms. Lord Randall Mallard de la Guerre was forced to retire due to armor failure.

Sir Peter D'Gaunt Noir fought with great chivalry seeding blows to all he fought his accolades were earnest and eloquent.

Others whose accolades were of note were Lord Cuchlain of Chainbridge and Konrad Aethalwolf; both these gentlemen have exceptional armor, both fought well on the day

The memorable laments from the ladies were a quiet but visual faint from Lady Fionnuala o'Riordain, a well portrayed lament upon the field by Atilia Aethelwolf and Viscountess Muirghien demands for the return of the body of her dead lord.

At the third round break the Bearer of the Shield Adventurous was challenged. See chapter two of the Shield Adventurous for details.

The finals were between Sir Kane Greymane and Lord Cuchlain of Chainbridge and were fought single sword no shield first to score six counted blows.  The final count being close with Sir Kane winning the bout.

Sir Peter challenged all who had not met him on the field to combat apleasance, in the style of a final of the Crown list in the Kingdom of the West. Four of the competitors took up his challenge with the most notable fight being with Benedict von Griefswald.  Sir Peter and Benedict were at two and two when Benedict tried a flanking maneuver and Sir Peter struck him at far range in the arm. Benedict being unable to quickly change arms conceded the pass, Sir peter demanded they arm wrestle for a result Sir Peter asked his ladies pleasure as they appeared stalemated Viscountess Muirghien bid him concede which he promptly did.

At court the best accolade went to Sir Peter and the best lament to lady Gwyneth. Viscountes Muirghien again demanded the body of her lord this time it was delivered by six or perhaps eight young knaves. A potluck followed court and bocci was played on the green.

It doesn't get any better than this!

I know the knights Code of Chivalry, which is prowess, justice, loyalty, defense, courage, faith, humility, largesse, nobility, and franchise. However, I didn't really know of anyone that followed it before I met this man.

His name was Vincent. Never knowing his last name I just thought of him as someone to talk to. Soon after, I  learned how much he wanted to become a knight. We all have dreams, that was his. I respected him for keeping the code as well as he could, but at the beginning I couldn't understand why, if he wasn't a knight, that he would follow it.

On the 3rd of February, 2000, he was walking home from a college course he was taking when he heard a woman screaming. It turned out that the woman was being hit by her boyfriend. Vincent, without a second thought, ran to the woman's aide. He knew that she could not defend herself and he knew it was his duty to help her. Luckily Vincent was a very good fighter of martial arts and fought the man and one. He brought the woman to the security office where she filed a report against the man and he then took her home safely.

Vincent put his life on the line. He made a personal sacrafice for the woman, knowing that he himself could have been hurt. He is a man who I will respect for as long as I live. When he told me this story, he wouldn't even admit his deed. Instead he was boasting about how brave the woman was. He said to me " I should not be thought of as a wonderful person. The only thing I did was my job and that's all that matters to me. If only more people followed the Code of Chivalry, this world would be a better place."

Vincent has done an extremely noble deed and he taught me a lot in the process. Since then, Vincent was nominated for an award for an outstanding accomplishment and he won. However he still denies that he deserved it.

It was three years past and gone, and winter was upon the land.  The trees were bare and only brown grasses still stood, forlorn in the fields that had been so green.  As is the custom in the Barony of Thor's Mountain, in the laurel kingdom of Meridies, the warriors were called together, that a Warlord might be selected to command the troops during the coming war season.
    As is his duty, the outgoing Warlord set the time and place of the tournament.  Then, in a sudden burst of madness, decreed that the tournament would be fought as in a round-robin, the victor to be whoever defeated all of his opponents IN SUCCESSION.
    A full thirteen men stood upon the field that day!  Think, gentles, of the mighty knights you know.  Of the Dukes and Princes.  How many, of even THAT exalted rank could stand victorious over twelved bouts, one after another, uninterrupted, and with little time to rest.  There are some few.  Some VERY few.
    And so the day ground on.  Time and again would an older, more experienced warrior work up four... five... six victories, and the populace would begin to hope.  Then some ambitious young turk would strike him down in his weariness.
    Then, as the sky began to turn crimson and gold with the sunset, and the chill evening wind began to blow, a young squire, Christopher Goldmunson by name, showed great promise.  At six victories, he stood strong, and looked to have a chance, when, fresh from no less than an hour's rest, rose Eochar D'alain.  His armour was made up of worn and battered cast-offs, barely covered by a threadbare tabard.  His shield was the size of a Trimaran war-elephant, while poor Christopher was fighting two-stick.  Eochar grimly pulled on his ugly, 20-year-old helm and strode out upon the field.
    "You," he cried, to the surprise of the populace, who had heard no word spoken for hours, other than the hoarse croaking of the marshalls, "You!  Are you loyal to the Baroness, and the cause of Thor's Mountain?"
    Startled, Goldmunson replied, "For all my life."  (A moving aside:  he's a young fella, and born and raised here, son to Sir Goldman, also a native.)
    "And," Eochar continued, pointing his battered blade at his opponent, "upon your oath, will you serve the Baroness loyally, in war and in peace, with all your strength and to the best of your ability?"
    "I will."
    Eochar dropped his sword point to the ground and let his might shield dangle wearily.
    "Then I have no quarrel with you.  My lord Marshal, I yeild my cause to young Goldmunson."
    Goldmunson went on to win, and serve ably as our Warlord for his term of office.

I submit this to the Company of Saint George as a "Fine Deed," and worthy of Renown.

Ld. William McNaughton
Thor's Mountain, Meridies

Henri, Squire to Sir Luther Anshelm
Submitted by Baron Edward

THE SQUIRE'S TALE
Last summer I camped near a Caidian squire named Henri who was always well turned out, well spoken and well considered in his words. He had come to Pennsic with very little money (he was not from as well connected a family as so many squires). He budgeted very carefully, however, and allowed himself a certain amount to purchase items at the market.

Henri shopped for a few days before he found a men's ring that he so loved. It required all the money he had budgeted to spend in this way but he did not hesitate for a moment before making his purchase. He wore this ring night and day.

On Thursday, a great tournament was held and the squire got the opportunity to challenge a certain Count of the Middle Kingdom whom he idolized. They met polearm in a battle of counted blow that was a beauty to behold. The two danced as though they were lovers who knew the movements of the other like they knew their own hearts. The Count won the bout and Squire Henri was so moved by the joy of the moment that he quickly pulled off his helmet and insisted on giving the Count a token that was appropriate to the inspiration this Count had given him both on
the field and off. He pulled off his gauntlet and took from his hand the ring--the only luxery he had afforded himself at Pennsic. He gave it to the Count.

His Knight's Lady was standing beside the tournament field and when the Squire Henri left the field she grabbed his shoulders passionately, with tears in her eyes and demanded of him "Henri, what have you done?"

Henri answered simply, his eyes still shining with the glory of the bout and the joy of his own virtue and generosity. "The only thing I could do..."

...There is nothing more to say.
Sabina

I have only just found this site, else I would have written to you of this earlier. It occured at Lochac's May Coronet, AS XXX (1995). A month before this event I had atended my first major SCA 'do', Lochac's famed Rowany Festival (PLUG). There I met one of Lochac's more Infamous Characters, Earl Elffin of Mona (currently King Elffin of Drachenwald). He was, of course, throroughly evil, and a wonderfully gallant advisor to a newcomer.

Between the two events I had an unfortunate encounter with a homicidal taxi driver. I landed rather badly, managing to remove most of my face, and break a few bones- in short, I looked hideous. I did not feel much better. However I had been looking forward to May Corornet since Festival, and my first question to the trauma specialist (after "Please hand me a bowl quickly.") had been whether or not I would be looking presentable for the Coronet in 9 days. I was not.

I went anyway, and was met with some very strange responses; do leave your face on when you wear Tudor is the only lesson I could cull. In the midst of a lot of uncomfortable "Urr, how are you my lady?", a familiar face appeared. It was the aforementioned Earl. "My Lady, you are not looking your usual self," he teased, then, more seriously "Are you all right, do you need anything?"

This was the pattern for the evening. Though never intrusive, Elffin appeared every little while to see what he could do to help. When I grew tired and pained he conspired with Princess Muirghen to invite me to approach the High Table during a quiet time in the feast. The Princess insisted I sit with her, and would not allow my protests that such a position was far beyond what I would feel comfortable with. The Earl brokered a compromise, he would fetch cushions, I would sit on the floor with my head in the Princess' lap (she is a nurse, mundanely, and most caring), and he would sit with me, telling silly stories and fetching water as needed.

He held to his word, telling stories so bad that I began to split my cheeks (literally) from laughter. Although our previous acquaintance had been limited to good natured banter and a few drinks in the tavern, he took time away from the major event held during his short stay in Lochac that year to make sure that a newcomer was made to feel as though she was amongst friends. I carry that memory with me, and will always rank it as one of the moments when the SCA'a tenet of courtesy to all seemed most real and achievable to me.

Arthen ap Rhodr
Nominated by Berach and Myfanwy, Baron and Baroness Flaming Gryphon

Last year, the ladies of Flaming Gryphon set a quest for their new champion. Arthen ap Rhodri, squire to Osmundus Thorkellson Ryddri, had been judged to be a model of chivalry, and much improved in his prowess. To help him improve his skills further, the ladies requested that during his year as Champion he fight 30 challenges in their name, and bring them proof of doing so.

At our annual Baronial Championship, on October 26, 1996, when his year ended, our Champion appeared before the assembled people of our Barony to explain how he had fulfilled his quest. He offered 60 small documents, each decorated with his arms and the arms of our barony and each also bearing a different heraldic achievement. These achievements were of the 60 knights he had challenged. Each document included the arms and signatures of great gentlemen from every kingdom in the Known World, attesting to their having fought with him in the name of the ladies of Flaming Gryphon.

While all were members of the Order of Chivalry, many of these gentlemen were also barons, princes, kings, viscounts, earls, dukes, and great officers of state. They include His Majesty Edmund, King of the Midrealm; His Highness Gareth, Crown Prince Meridies; and Chandra, Prince of the Mists. As his 60th combat, Lord Arthen chose his own baron.

We plan to have the 60 documents assembled into a book, which will be one of the treasures of our Barony. With the ladies of Flaming Gryphon, we applaud the fine deeds of our former Champion, who went far beyond what was asked of him and demonstrated to us all that he both understands and embodies the spirit of true chivalry.

Sir Richard (Dave Hanson)
Nominated by Sir Christopher Glendower (Glen Kyle)

Though I am not a member of the SCA, the importance and spirit of knighthood and chivalry is paramount to me. I, a knight of the jousting tournaments one sees at Rennaissance Festivals, take my business seriously. It is my opponent whom I wish to nominate, not for his chivalry (he is, after all, the 'bad guy') but for his prowess in tournament.

In one of our tournaments, which took place in the Fall of 1996, we were participating in a game of knightly skill known as the 'Castle Seige.' In this game, each knight rides simultaneously, hacking targets with sword on a course, then dismounting to climb the 'castle' (reviewing stand), delivering a rose to a maiden, and then firing a cannon to signify his victory. Sir Richard (Dave Hanson) and I were neck and neck at the point of dismounting and climbing the tower. As each of us climbed his side, he is out of sight of the other. While climbing, IN FULL PLATE (minus helmet), Sir Richard reaches a height of about 12 feet in the air, loses his grip, and then FALLS to the ground, landing on his back. Rather than laying on his back, as many would have done, he immediately sprang to his feet, began climbing again, scaling the tower AGAIN and WINNING the event. After this, Richard still had the strength to not only engage me in foot combat, but THEN in lance passes on horseback. This is indeed a feat of Strength and Prowess admirable by all.

Alan Smith of Darkdale
Nominated by CPT, Stacey, and Lindsey Elliot

I recently was the recipient of a fine deed by one of your members. I was so moved by his chivalry that I am contemplating joining the SCA.

On the 14th of September, my wife , Amy, and our four year old daughter, Lindsey, were at the KC Medieval festival in Bonnersprings Kansas. We were just getting settled down to watch the upcoming match when a fighter, known to me only as Alan, sat behind us. My daughter noticed this tall, fighter encased in armor draped by a purple robe with a yellow falcon. She jumped from hay bail to hay bail until she reached him. Brandishing her sword she saluted him and bellowed "fight me! " Of course his honor could not allow him to fight this 40 pounder brandishing her 12-inch wooden sword, so he talked his way out of the conflict. To my enjoyment he moved down to our row and sat with Lindsey until it was time for him to prepare for the upcoming fight. During this short time he explained to Lindsey, and her parents, about the code of conduct between fighters and ensured the Lindsey knew that it was only pretend.

During the fights Lindsey stood on my lap, held her sword in the air and yell "ALAN" and the top of her little lungs. Each time her Alan was be eliminated from the fight she would be sorry for him and each time he won she would share in his glory.

Toward the end of the display, the audience was allowed to bid on a fighter so as to win a goblet provided by the SCA. I was able to secure Alan at a price of only five dollars in the bidding but I would have certainly have gone much higher for her Alan. Although, during the contest, Alan did not win, Alan did secure the admiration of my daughter by giving her a tiny bracelet made of leather and a couple of beads In return he was awarded with a kiss.

Although, I understand that since he was not wearing a white belt, he is not a knight, I do feel he holds true to the chivalry code of knights and his actions are very much appreciated by a father and a four year old fighter.

An Unknown stranger at Pennsic XXI
Nominated by Lady Elspeth Grizel Of Dunfort, OW, Midrealm

I make beaded award medallions, quite beautiful ones too. I spend hours on each of them making them so. But I found no luck selling them at Pennisc War XXI for a mere $15.00. I was dismayed. People were interested to the point of "oohing and ahhing" quite louding and exclaiming "OOOOHHH!" and "Oh my! Aren't those lovely!", but balked at the price. "I work on them for at least 5 1/2 Hours each," I said. They still walked away.

Sunday came and I had not sold even one. I was hoping to have sold at least a couple to get gas money for the trip home. I found myself with only $5.00 to get me back to Ohio. I improvised. I picked up my medallions and walked the main roads in camp as people packed up yelling "Midrealm medallions only ten bucks, need gas money!!!!" Again, I had many interested people, but now their money was gone. I was about ready to cry, just not undertsanding why they didn't sell. But I continued down the road, yelling the camp.

Within a few moments I met up with a bearded man with a walking stick. "My lady, those are lovley!" he said.

"Thanks, I had hope to sell a few, but I didn't, so, I am trying to get enough gas money to get home to Ohio," I said.

With a smile he reached into his pouch and pulled out a huge roll of money. I was shocked, how could someone have this much left after war, it was two inches thick and it all looked to be in twenties! He rolled off a twenty and placed in it my hand.

"Those are gorgeous, I don't know why you didn't sell any. You're selling them too cheap." Then he started to walk away.

"Sir, which ones would you like?" I asked holding out the medallions.

"Nevermind, you keep them, I'm sure you'll sell them." He smiled, turned and tromped down Runestone hill.

I was now on the verge of tears. I never saw this man before in my life, I never knew his name or where he was from, but, he changed the way I look the SCA. I remember this vividly. This is one of those rare SCA moments, when you realize you aren't in the real world anymore. And things are different here. People like this are a dazzling gem--one's whose splendor glows put next to lesser jewels. It will always bring a smile to my face when I think about him.

When I am at war I look for this man with the long beard and staff, hoping to thank him for a wonderful memory of how chivarly should be. This one story is the one I tell people as to the proof of the kind of people that are in the SCA.

If anyone reconizes this character, please contact me at scababe@dnaco.net, I would like to thank this man again...

Emrys Eustace, Esquire
Nominated by Berach, Baron Flaming Gryphon and Knight, and Myfanwy, Baroness Flaming Gryphon

Two years ago in our Barony, Emrys Eustace, Esquire, was proclaimed champion by the ladies of Flaming Gryphon after, as is customary in our barony, a tournament, arts and sciences display, discussion and secret ballot. Each of the gentlemen who has held this year-long honor has enhanced it. Emrys chose to end his year as champion by hosting a pas d'armes in which he and the assembled champions of our neighboring baronies would take the field against all comers.

This was only the second pas d'armes to be held in our barony, and it far outshone our own first efforts. Emrys, a scholor of Middle English and also a herald, found a fair green field with an ancient tree for a perron. In faultless Middle English, he invited his fellow champions, competitors, and guests -- through personal invitations at court, written invitations delivered by post, and even (yes!) e-mail announcements. When the lovely day dawned, he took the field in new 15th-century armour and helmet. He had not neglected the site's appearance (banners everywhere, and perron shields for venans to strike), the proper forms (reading of the rules, appointing of judges, etc.), or the necessary heraldic niceties (the barony's heralds arrived ready to extemporise boasts and challenges for all).

Emrys and his three companions held the field all day, fighting some 50 bouts apiece, yielding only to personal and group challenges at the barrier arranged in the day's excitement. Many of the attendees rose to the occasion with new personal liveries, rehearsed boasts, and displays of chivalry much higher (and more widespread) than we have ever witnessed. One knight even appeared in disguise, holding the field in honor of Joan the Maid (the namesake of the local shire). All fortunate enough to have been present said that the day was their ideal tournament made real.

For this grand and noble tournament, sponsored solely out of his love of honor and combat, we nominate our friend and squire. It shines in my (Berach's) memory as the most chivalrous and beautiful tournament I've ever fought in. And as a spectator, I (Myfanwy) found it enthralling.

Lord Paul of Riverview
Nominated by Ken Zick

In the Year of 1988, a young chap named Paul founded a banquet in honor of his 6 closest friends and comrades. The banquet took place on the day after Christmas. Lord Paul of Riverview, as he came to be known, cooked a grand feast and presented to his brothers original sonnets he had written in their honor.

In the years hence, the Knights' Banquet has become a tradition, in which the 7 Knights of the Round Table of Riverview enjoy good food, talk of chivalrous Quests, and celebrate the bonds of friendship.

For this great deed we thank the blessed Lord Paul.

Maximilian of the Company of Saint Cadfael, Kingdom of Meridies
Nominated by Earl Sir Brion Thornbird ap Rhys, CSG

While attending the Company of Saint George pas d'armes at Pennsic War (August 15, 1996), Maximilian, fighting in company with Sir Malachi, valiantly demonstrated his prowess by introducing a new game which he introduced as the 'hastlitude'. In the hastlitude, each man wields a spear, which they must wield from within a circle. Moving outside of the circle counts as a strike against the combatant.

Next, during the second pass of challenges, Maximilian fought with valor against Yseult of Sommerhall, a Companion of the Company. It was fought skillfully, for the enjoyment of the gallery. And the best was yet to come. At the end of the combat, Maximilian removed his helmet, and gave it to Viscountess Yseult, mantling and all.

This gesture was far beyond anything required; beyond all expectations and the Company of Saint Georges salutes Maximilian, his Company, and his Kingdom for his chivalry.

Sir Lyon FilsHenri, KPR, Tidewater Medievalist Society
Nominated by Sir Wayland Westmore, Kt

A certain knight was away for many months on business. Consequently, he was unable to prepare himself for Phoenix Tourney (held on July 6, 1996), the Kingdom of Alairia's finest annual tournament.

Our hapless knight spent the day as a judge, watching as Knights, squires, and guardsmen put on their finest performances and greatest techniques to win the title of Phoenix Champion, the quintessential warrior of Alairia.

After the dust had settled and the tally had been counted (and Sir Leo nearly got his persona killed for questioning my status as a simple knight bachelor!) it was determined that Sir Lyon, Prince of Exeter (My Liege Lord, and the only reason Sir Leo is still walking!) had won the day. The first tourney Sir Lyon had ever won in his many years of warfare.

This years Phoenix Champion is... none other than Sir Michael Trevor, Baron of Trevor, Knight of the Phoenix Rising, Knight of the Argent Swan, Companion of the Azure Mask and the knight who sat on the sidelines all day judging because business must, unfortunately, come before pleasure.

Sir Lyon, a Prince of the Realm, had fought all day in the name of Sir Michael.

Sir Michael Trevor
Nominated by Sir Lyon FilsHenri, K.P.R.

I would like to nominate a Knight of the Order of the Phoenix Rising in the Kingdom of Alairia for his actions described below.

A young knight, not six months in his spurs, steps out to display his skill in a tourney for his Baron and Baroness' wedding anniversary, facing the very doughty swordsmen who taught him his craft. He fights well, especially in this contest which promises a prize not only for the victor, but for the finest display of chivalry on the field. Another Knight, some two years belted, reaches for a great axe to meet the newest knight, picking up his fellow's axe instead of his own. The weapon is far heavier, longer and more unwieldy than his accustomed weapon, and he gauges wrongly the momentum. By his error, the blow lands badly, injuring the new knight who has fought so proudly to this moment.

Since the young knight is unable to continue fighting in the tourney, the gallant knight Sir Michael Trevor, who did the injury, steps forth and commands that forfeits should be entered in his place on the list and that he will step into his injured opponent's place and fight in his name! So he goes forth, each fight declaring himself to be battling in the name of Sir Lyon FilsHenri. He fights bravely, and victory is his! When the Baroness comes forth to present him the prize for the greatest chivalry on the field, a cut glass bottle of tawny gold wine and two matching goblets, Sir Michael bids the young knight forward to claim the prize as his own.

As that young knight, I nominate Sir Michael Trevor, Knight of the Phoenix Rising and Baron of Trevor and Lakeston in the Kingdom of Alairia, to the Roll of Fine Deeds. Humbly submitted this 2nd Day of July, the fifteenth year of the Alairian Calendar, Anno Domini 1996, by Sir Lyon FilsHenri, K.P.R.

Lord Balin de Valiere
Nominated by Steffan ap Cennydd

Lord Balin de Valiere, Champion of the Queen of the East,took a vow to fight one *thousand* bouts at the 24th Pennsic War, and, despite the terrible heat, stood the field the entire War to fulfill his vow, fighting all day, every day, any who would meet him. He fulfilled his vow, and more. --- Steffan ap Cennydd--- (Co. of St. Michael)

Master Einar Hawkenson
Nominated by Sir Corwyn Greyrider

Allow me to call to your attention, honorable members of the Company of Saint George, a man whose actions and skill are known throughout his kingdom, but who should perhaps be best remembered for what he has NOT done. Let the Roll of Fine Deeds record the name of Master Einar Haakonson, Master-at-arms of the Middle Kingdom,for through sheer strength of character he has failed to accomplish that which many weaker men have proudfully done. In the Middle Kingdom (for those of you who are not aquainted with its ways) the tournament for the crown is by invitation only, and to beinvited is commonly held as a recognition of one's worth. The winning of this crown has come to be invested with an importance that tries the temper of men's characters, and makes it one ofthe few SCA experiences that differentiate between those who aspire to nobility and those who embody it. In the intensity and desperation of the final rounds of Midrealm Crown, the like of which I have not seen in the staid and temperate West, many of the leading lights of the Middle Kingdom have set their chivalry upon the field, only to sadly leave it there. In a kingdom so large, where so much is vested in its reigning, the temptation to victory at any cost has made a mockery of many a great man's honor. Now Einar Haakonson is a powerful man. There are few of any calibre who do not look to their fight nervously when Einar takes the field against them. Yet there is a wall that even Einar cannot breach that bars him from the Midrealm Throne. In the final rounds of many, many Midrealm Crowns, when victory is so close it can besized and measured, when each man reckons the price he'd pay to achieve that grail; not Einar's towering stature, nor his good sword arm, impelled by the strength of his heart and the love of his lady, nor all his skill and practice have yet been able to violate the rampart of his honor, to make the compromise that trades honor for a throne. And so, when a lesser man stands forth, crowned before the populace, Einar stands quietly, one among them. Now who can say if the victor does not silently wrestle with his conscience, or if Einar does not inwardly rage, their silence does not tell us. It does not matter, though, for greatness lies in the doing, and not in the intention. I do not tell this story to show you a good man among bad men, for truly the knights of the Midrealm are as Juste and Prowe as any in the Knowne Worlde. Nor do I say that Einar is a saint, for he is a man like all others. Yet, this message I would impart: That there are moments in this game of ours where the cost of playing does approach that of life in actual, and in those moments, even good men and those who aspire to goodness are broken on the anvil of desire. It is then, that this man Einar Haakonson has stood as a clear and shining example of honor lived, not espoused. He has placed or seconded in more Crown Tourneys than I can easily recall, and yet has never worn the crown. Until there are more opponents as powerful as he, whenever will.

Sir Mordain Blackcloak
Nominated by Sir Finvarr de Taahe, Duke, OP

In the Society Year XXVIII, the Coronet Lists of the Principality of Ealdormere were held in the Barony of Skraeling Althing. ManyLords and Ladies fought honorably that day, but none more than Sir Mordain. At the end of the day, only two combatants remained to fight for the Coronet, Sir Mordain and Lord Cordigan d'Arnot. As was the custom, they fought three bouts; Cordigan was victoriousin the first, Mordain in the second, which left the final decisionto a third passage of arms.

In that last bout, Sir Mordain threw a blow that looked to all spectators like a true one, and Cordigan was minded to admit he was defeated. But Sir Mordain refused to accept Cordigan's submission, because he felt the blow was not good, and insisted the combatcontinue.

In the end Mordain was defeated and Cordigan became prince, but none that day could count this as any true defeat for Mordain, for whom chivalry meant more than any prize.

Sometimes virtue is rewarded in this life. Cordigan is now a knight, and deservedly so; and now Mordain is Prince.

Submitted by Sir Finnvarr de Taahe, who is proud that Mordain was once his squire.

Sir Andrew Shae Forestborne
Nominated by Baron Gunar Merielsson, OV

It is with the great pleasure that I submit to you, the honorable members of the Company of St. George, Sir Andrew Shae Forest borne to be admitted unto The Roll of Fine Deeds. It was at the Tournament of the Roses at the last Mist Coronet Tournament that I, Gunar Merielsson did meet Sir Andrew in single and Most Honorable combat. Having won the Southern Shores Warlord Tournament, I have been bestowed with the honor of wearing a most splendid surcoat. This is of fine quality cloth and is white with a lining of silver. It has dags hanging almost all the way to the ground and is shaped to resemble the wings of the gull. During my challenge with Sir Andrew, my sword caught the dags of my coat and brought the "wings"up ove my eyes blinding me. I braced for the blinded impact that I knew was coming. It did not. As I readjusted myself I looked questionably at Sir Andrew, who had not taken advantage of my situation. As I delivered the rose to his lady, I simply statedthat "It was not Sir Andrews sword that won this rose for you this day, but in fact it was his honor that struck the killing blow." This in my humble opinion is definitley worthy of being recognized as A Fine Deed.

St. Joan's Mission
Nominated by Alizaunde

I put foreward for consideration St. Joan's Mission, from this year's Pennsic War. They diverted money from the many, many needs of any pennsic-bound camp to buy food stuffs, specifically so they could feed anyone who came to their camp on Thursday afternoon.They advertised this service in the Pennsic paper- again at their own expense, I believe- and even delayed their arrival at a friend's wedding to be certain the late arrivals were fed.

When a chance remark was misinterpreted by one of their beneficiaries, resulting in many hungry people showing up for breakfast the next day, they used up their own personal supplies of eggs and butter to make certain none went away hungry. Some of the people who responded to their ad had not eaten in more than a full day.

Sir Osis Thorbjornson, King of the Middle Kingdom, (SCA)
Nominated by Lady Tabitha Dearval

Who at the Pennsic War did gift each and every Midrealm combatant with a pewter Thor's hammer, and who did much by his personal conduct to further friendship between the East and Middle kingdoms during this last war. To the champions of the East and Middlehe gave tokens by his own hand, signifying friendship amongst chivalric companions. His actions made a great impression notonly upon the fine Lady who sponsored him to this Roll, but also to the combatants at Pennsic War.

Eduoard Beausoleil, Middle Kingdom
Nominated by Earl Brion Thornbird ap Rhys, CSG

At the Pas des Sept Trevaux, held at the last Pennsic War, none earned so much renowned as Edward Beausoleil. At the helmshau on the Monday preceeding the tourney, Edward honored the assembled ladies by displaying a fine bascinet topped by a magnificent wooden griffen carved by his own hand, covered in gesso and a brilliant silver leaf. At the tourney, he fought many gentles, impressing both opponents and the gallery by his gallantry, prowess, andextreme generosity to his opponents. He was singled out by the Company of Saint George for his courtesy, and given a silver cup. As a tribute to his knightly conduct, the tournament societies sponsoring the tourney determined that he should bear the prize of the whole tourney, and thus by great deeds of valor and courtesy he has earned the very first place in this Roll of Fine Deeds.