The Armour Archive

Good gentles I ask that you give me a short time to rest before I speak to you of the contest That Jehan and myself had at Border Raids. I only write here now to let all know that I am safely back on my own lands.

Lachlann..who only recently has unloaded the baggage wagon.

Border Raids was good this year! Nice weather, good freinds, few problems (only 2 trips to the hospital & one concution from the house I was fighting with)
Personally I had a couple of ooops (stupid things done in the heat of battle)
Maybe I was in my own little bubble, but everything went smooth and I didn't see any yelling Knights.
Waiting to hear great deeds done by brave men.
Sedric

Man, it was so fun it was crazy. The weather was unbelievable for the second year in a row. Astounding. Meridies is a tough buncha dudes....they just don't give up.

On the 26th day of June, In The Year of Our Lord 2004, I, along with my wife HLdy Genevieve and friends Sir Ardion and Ld Celwyn traveled from Trimaris to the border of Meridies and the Kingdom of the Middle for a day of friendly sport. At this contest , I met for the first time, many good men and brothers in arms, Vitus, Sascha and Jehan to name a few.
Sascha made me aware of his being on quest to take the field and have a play the games of war with a number rough men who derive pleasure spending their time in pursuit of the chivalric arts. I agreed to assist him on this journey so long as we stood and played on the style of our fathers, being cudgel and shield.
After an active morning and a pleasant lunch, Sascha, bearing the shield of Sir Vitus, and I found a piece of ground that was to both of our liking, we made our friendly intentions known and we did proceed to commit such acts violence upon each other that no one could question the comradery felt at that time. I do confess now, as I did then, that I did land a foul blow as I struck with the side of my weapon. We continued until fatigue overtook us both and we knelt on the grass and yet we still played.
In the end we both retired to the shade for water an a much needed rest that we might finish the day in the melees.

Well played Sascha.

Edited to corect the spelling of Sascha name.

What a great time. Lachlann, well played old man! Look forward to your account.

Jehan, squire of Sir Vitus

The whole day was pretty inspiring. I was absolutely satisfied with Lachlann's efforts and presentation. The duel for the couter was truly great.
Now, the search for the next Champion of the Couter will begin.

I beg forgiveness of my cousin Jehan and the noble Sir Vitus for my tardiness in penning this missive but I have had to make arrangements with the barber-surgeon for the removal of a tooth and this has taken much time.

I had hoped to speak of this Deed that Jehan and myself have but recently done in great and glowing words but find that I simply cannot. The duel itself is unclear in my mind and it seems that much was done by instinct and the memory our bodies hold after long practice at arms. So I will instead speak only of that which is clear in my mind.

The day dawned sunny and glorious, a good omen for our meeting. I had labored long in meeting Sir Vitus’s requirements at the same time as preparing for the small bickering my knight had bid me attend.
I attended upon Jehen at the pavilion he had set up so that our ladies would have shade and refreshment close to hand. We spoke of the contest and inspected each others weapons. I offered not to use the thrust since so many good men have been grievously injured in tourney that way, but he refused saying that he thought enough of my skill and control that we would allow the tip. During the duel itself I was glad indeed that we allowed the thrust or his prowess would have seriously overshadowed that small skill I possess. I noticed he had a spare sword and thought of offering to use it instead of my own. I spoke of this to Sir Kane and he reminded me that I had sworn to strive my best and my best would not be what I gave with an unfamiliar weapon so I spoke of it no more.
When the appointed time arrived we gathered together in front of a large group as Sir Vitus spoke of what we were to do. His voice and the words he spoke were mighty indeed and glad I am that I was able to be a participant in this meeting. Sir Kane stepped from the crowd to show his support of me and called for a herald to answer these words. A good man named Brandr, squire to Sir Micheal of the Mace, came forth and spoke of my linage and how he thought it worthy that I as a squire to such a skilled knight of Meridies met with the squire of an equally mighty Middle kingdom knight in this way.
The fine gifts Jehan and the fair Loreli presented to my Yseabeau were well received and I thought of the small gifts I had prepared with a sinking heart. When I gave to Loreli that which I had crafted for her, her smile gave me hope that she did indeed think them worthy.
My squire brother THL Alan of the Brightlands helped me arm as I looked into the crowd assembled and once again my heart both quailed and was lifted by the weight of the doughty men and women there. Kings, knights, peers of all descriptions, squires and worthy men at arms had gathered before us to observe our conduct in this meeting. Glad I was that I met with a good man and not one who would seek to make of this a farce and so dishonor my lady.
As I said I had hoped to speak of the great blows and skilled defense we each used but I truly do not remember the fight that clearly. Only in bits do I remember it at all.

The bright mail and klapvisor of my noble cousin shining in the sun.
A mighty blow that I attempted to slip aside, that glanced from my shoulder into my helm.
The tiny opening in Jehans defense that allowed my point into his chest.
The momentary glimpse of the sleeve of the surcoat my lady had crafted for me as I reversed my weapon into a point down defense and thence into an slash that reached up into the body of Jehan.
The thud and crack of our weapons meeting time and again as we strove to land telling blows on one another.
The final blow that bade me call to Jehan that he had done enough.

Of the possible 20 received blows 18 had indeed been thrown. On my honor the great sword is one of my favorite weapons and never before have I fought with that much skill and for that I must thank you Jehan.
Now I must rest and prepare for the next challenger. I am hoping that a worthy warrior will step up at the War of the Diamond in September and challenge me there. If not there then perhaps at Gulf Wars In March. I had thought to make it available for Pennsic but now realize there is no way I can prepare properly for such a thing as this that quickly so I must beg your forgiveness if some one among you had thought to challenge there.
Jehan himself will be soon in another kingdom to oversee other lands and it is my thought for the Couter to work its way across the Kingdoms towards him in the Kingdom of Caid.

I also would be remiss if I did not thank several fine people.
Yseabeau, I truly do not deserve you.
Sir Kane, Duke of Meridies, thank you for the trust and love you show me by allowing me to be your sworn man and squire.
Brandr, thank you for speaking for me even though you were unprepared.
All the members of Shadow Legion that came to Border Raids to observe and support one of your own.

Sir Vitus, Lord Jehan and Lady Loreli, it is for you that I have the most thanks. You have allowed me to bring honor to my Lady, Knight and King. You each trust me to bear the burden this challenge truly is.

You have each and all given me much honor. Thank you

Lord Lachlann MacNiall, esquire

You flatter me with your kind words Sir Knight. Your preaux was matched only by your even temper and chivalric manner. I was honoured to have met you on that day. I look forward to meeting you at Pennsic.

Sascha St. Martin, Esquire
House Darkmoon

Sascha was responding to the praise of Sir Cedric, for those of you who may have lost track. This Sir Cedric is a true Preudome, and he honored us greatly by his presence, and by the presence of his countrymen.
As for the gifts that this squire Lachlann made for lady Lorelei...they were first rate. The needle case made from antler was jaw-dropping! The good ladies that attended you, Lachlann, tell us more of them, for they were so courteous, so well dressed, and so tolerant of my chivalric foolishness that I want the world to know more about them.
As for the Lady Lorelei, consort to my Squire...words escape me. She is beautiful, patient, witty in the extreme, patient....did I mention how pretty she is? Oh, she is also patient.
This was the most impressive formal Deed of Arms that I have ever seen attempted by two squires during my entire time in the SCA.

My apologies for hijacking.

Sascha, we will meet again soon, at that time I will sign your book. Or, of it is acceptable, I will pen an entry and send it to you.

Good Brother Vitus, our time traveling seems like a moment in memory next to the time spent on the field with men of honor.

The ladies I had the honor of escorting that day were my lady Yseabeau and her mother Cynthia.

Yseabeau is tolerant indeed and has put up with much foolishness from me while remaining calm. She too is patient, fair, and quite skilled in the arts. I do sometimes worry about her mental state though as there is no other reason I can think of that she tolerates my own company.
Cynthia is a wonderful woman and had come to the border to see for herself what all the commotion was about. This was her first attendance at one of these events and I do believe that she will return.
The ladies did enjoy themselves greatly and were much impressed with the gentleness of the lady Lorelei as well as the manners of your squire, the good Jehan, and yourself. I thank you for your hospitality gentlemen. The lovely gowns Cynthia and Yseabeau both wore, as well as my own surcoat, came from the sewing room of Yseabeau herself. I did mention she was skilled in the arts did I not ?
They reside within the Barony you call home Sir Vitus, and I know that no harm or ill word would come to them where a gentleman of your rank and courtliness lives.

Sadly Her Grace Ilyssa, lady wife to my knight, and her entourage of the ladies Asha Devi and Masheed misheard me when I spoke of the time the meeting was to take place and so did not manage to watch the martial display Jehan and myself put on. I have been instructed that the next time I do something like this that I will be sure to speak clearly when informing them of the time.

Laird Lachlann MacNiall, esquire

To my Good Cousin Lachlann, squire of His Grace Duke Kane, Knight, does Jehan de Pelham, servant of Sir Vitus give greetings, and prayers for all good things, and the health and joy of your lady, Ysabeaux, and says further,

I have been overlong in replying, for we laid my grandsire to rest in the bosom of our lord Jesu Christi, only yestereve, so nenny to your delay, for it is well matched by my own!

My lady Lorelei has looked at me and smiled thrice on three different occasions since that day in memory of those gifts of love which you made. They are far the superior to those which I gave your lady. My lady has become a true believer, and loves it much what we did.

I have been approached by many who have said that they in their herte's lament missing this deed of arms which we did. It wounds me that there are many who did not see it who desired to see it, but we were pressed by wishing not to delay the desire of our fellows to continue in deeds of arms, and so difficult indeed the peril of trying to serve all noble purposes! We did the best we could, in choosing a place and a time where as many men at arms were to be assembled in the doing of deeds of arms as possible

I can see from your above missive that you understand that the burden of being a Champion of the Couter is hard indeed, and I am gratified in the extreme that you have taken the burden wholly upon you and I have faith that you will carry it forward and bring it to the next station intact and increased by your own very grete heart for renown and desire to increase the martial culture of men at arms everywhere.

You have done me grete honor, and I will always love your land, Meridies, for I have a friend in you, a son of that heart of chivalry and grace. You are worthy in every way and I beg you to strive forward to the full inheritance of your estate. It grieves me that my duties call me westward, for I will not be there to strive alongside you against the Tygre of the East this August.

Jehan de Pelham, squire of Sir Vitus

Good gentles all,

I was blessed to witness this fine display of marshal prowess, and to hear the fine words spoken that day. I find myself blessed yet again to read these words and be inspired.

Thank you kind gentles, for sharing!

You should have made yourself known to me.

The Deed of Arms was truly a site to see. Well done on all parts. I had the great pleasure of conversing with Prince Brannos during the Deed, he is….amazing.

Sir Vitus, I too missed the opportunity to make myself known to you, I apologize for that. You proved difficult to recognize out of armor, and I did not look as hard as I should have. I shall remedy that at my next opportunity. I did get to meet and speak with your squire Jehan. He is a fine fellow. – any man who can pull off wearing the late period pimp hat he had on, is OK in my book.

Regards,
Ulrich

Vitus wrote:You should have made yourself known to me.

Good Syr,

It was indeed my intent to call upon you and let myself be known to you once your most worthy Squire and my dear friend and cousin Lachlann had met upon the field.

However during this great contest of arms I was called upon to give service unto my King His Dread Majesty of Meridies. It was my very blessed fortune to present His Majesty with a pair of persian leather armour, known in the crusading lands as 'bauzubands'. His own arm harness was worn with much use and need of repair. Once my service to the King was finished a call to arms was given to take the field for the bridge battles.

I saw you many a time during the day, in service to your King, His Magnificent Majesty of the Middle, unfortunately the fortunes of war never had us meet in conflict. As the days activities continued I grew very weary and upon the days end did retire early.

I shall be traveling to the great Pennsic war and will attempt to meet with you there. I would consider it a great honor if you would allow me to show you some small hospitality, perhaps a shared beverage? And if we are smiled upon I would strive in deeds of arms with you, though my small skill might be unworthy.

Ulrich, I make no apology for my hat. It will be the cause of many deeds of arms, I am sure, which is intended! : )

Jehan de Pelham, squire of Sir Vitus

I bring this once again into view because Lachlann, squire of the Duke, Kane Redfeather, has given word to me that he is ready to seek a venan who will contend for the right to bear forward the Couter of Chivalry, and I desire that the tale of its procession be made available to all who might desire to be a part of the Compagnie of the Couter of Chivalry.

Jehan de Pelham, esquire and servant of Sir Vitus

Lord Lachlann,

My dear friend, the last I saw of you was at the behourd during Samhain. Our exchange that day was truely joyous to me. I myself am unworthy of this challange as you know due to my status as a country arminger of no great house and poor of kit. Regardless of that I wish to bear witness to this display of prowess and chilvary. I pray if you find a challenger before the next month in that battle to the south that we both will attend that you speak of it. It is my heart felt desire to attend this passage of arms. In addition if I may be of any assistance to you at this exchange let it be known to me. It is these acts that bring glory to men, not the foolishness and mockery that happens to often in our age. I pray you are well, and you have great and worthy challenger come forth.

Go with God, & St. George,

Lord Magnus the Black

Unto the right noble Lord Lachlann MacNiall, Squire in the service of Duke Kane Redfeather, tenan of the Couter of Chivalry, does Tiarna Uilleag o' Conmhaic, esquire of Shair Fiachna MacFiriach, does send most heartfelt greetings.

Good friend Lachlann,

It was with some regret that my suit to challenge for the Couter was refused last year, as there being some question in the Right Noble Sir Vitus that I may be worthy to challenge for the Couter.

With this in mind, I have taken it upon myself to prepare a coat to be worn in my colors under my hauberk and crafted a fine new shield and have otherwise readied my gear of war to be presentable amoung noble Men-at-arms, so that I may not make a mockery of such a great company.

If it please all concerned, I shall cast down the gauntlet once more in pursuit of being a part of this great legacy that has begun.

I shall be journeying to the great skirmish in the south in the comming month in order to serve His August Majesty Janos of Atlantia as Atlantia comes to the aid of its allies at Gulf Wars. May it please all that, having journied in the service of our Lords that we shall meet upon the field and have our Ladies meet, with ourselves bearing such gifts as may be befitting beautiful ladies, and also may we bring such ransom as may be required, befitting our ladies honor.

There I prey that we should cross swords in joy de combat with the contest being sword and shield until the count 15 telling blows should land upon one or the other. Should my cause be meet, may I be granted the right of temporary tenon of the Couter. Should my suit fail, I pledge to offer up such ransom as I may muster, so that honor may be satisfied.

This, I write in such good faith as a humble man-at-arms may. Pray that you know I remain yours in service and friendship,

Tiarna Uilleag o' Conmhaic
Esquire of Shair Fiachna

As long as this challenger presents himself in a way that I deem acceptable, then let this couter travel to Gulf Wars, and then back to Atlantia.
Where are my original stipulations for this ongoing deed? Jehan- find them.

My Lord Sir Vitus, what you said was like this, which gave all who would send their letter of intent word of how best to conduct themselves:

"To advance the fame and renown of both Johannes and Jehan, I have decided that this holy piece of armor must go forward into the world, so that other worthy men may have cause to engage in such an exchange that passed between the original Champions.

To this end I shall prepare a relic box, which I will cover in gold leaf, and in this box shall be placed the Couter, and along with it there shall be a blank book, as well as quill and ink. The front of this book shall have Sir Johannes' arms upon it, and the back shall have Squire Jehan's arms upon it.

This relic, now in the hands of my good squire Jehan, shall be handed over to a challenger of his choice, and after this challenger has performed his courses against said squire Jehan, this relic shall be passed to him, and in the book the Champion of the Couter shall write about how he came to hold the relic. From that point forward, the Champion of the Couter must choose (or find) a worthy challenger for him to pass the relic to, and in this way the relic shall pass through the world, until the book has been filled with tales of worthy men. The challenger need not win the contest, but only prove himself worthy to take the relic for a time, then to await or seek out another challenger.

To do honor to the original Deed, I make these demands of any who would seek to become a Champion of the Couter.

Item- Your challenge must be worthy, and it must be sent or posted in writing, so that it may be cried throughout the world. If no challenger makes a declaration, the Champion may seek out a worthy man who personifies the worthiness of the original deed, and then inquire if he would like to carry the relic.

Item- A Challenger must present himself as a gentleman of christendom. He must come to the field with blazon upon his shield, and with rich gifts for the lady of the current Champion.

Item- A Challenger must leave his name and a copy of his blazon with the Champion, as well as myself, so that the location of the relic will always be known to me. In the relic box I shall include information on how to reach me.

I encourage the Challengers to be both bold and ingenious- I would certainly be most pleased to see a few group combats occur, or possibly even a small war, if the current holder of the relic has the ability to field a troop of his own to match the strength that any Challenger may present.

When the book has been filled, the last Champion shall seek out Sir Johannes, and the book and the box shall be presented to him. The Couter shall be, in the end, returned to my squire Jehan, for he and his lady to keep forever.

This I declare.

Vitus Von Atzinger, Knight"

Then specifically, to Lachlann, you gave this admonition and rede:

"To the squire Lachlann, armed servant of Wernherus Rudemann, King of Valiant Meridies, hail and well met. Vitus Von Atzinger, knight strenuous and chronicler of great and noble deeds sends his greetings with prayers to the warlike saints to advance your name among the good knights and squires of the world. May God protect the good name of the puissant Duke Kane, and may his squires serve him as good squires should.

Touching this Challenge of the Couter, begun by the noble and strong hand of my dear brother Johannes, I will tell you my heart, so that you may know what type of deed this should be.

I expect you to come to the field accoutred as a man of quality, and by this I mean that besides wearing your own arms upon your back, I would hope that you would have good harness on your limbs, clean to the eye and of the type that my lady would be pleased to cast her eye upon.

I expect you to come to the field with a man-at-arms, to carry your helmet and your gauntlets for you, as befitting a man of substance and honor.

I hope you see my meaning here, since my squire, myself and my retinue will be in our absolute finest array. We hope that you will match us in this regard, so that those who witness this deed of arms will never forget it as long as the practice of knightly arms exist here in the lands that tie our two kingdoms together.

May God guide you in this enterprise, and if there is anything that you require, feel free to ask it of me.

Touching the combat itself, it shall be restricted to greatswords -of six foot in length- and to the count of ten good blows. This is because of time restrictions- since if it is a thing that will be pleasing to my dread Prince Felix, you shall do this combat for his entertainment, and his time will be limited.

So arm yourself accordingly, and fail not in meeting the other requirements that I have set out above in previous letters posted here.
With respect and admiration-

Vitus Von Atzinger, knight"

This is what was determined to be best. If all who would be venan to contend for the right to bear forward the couter of chivalry and be tenan of the compagnie of the couter of chivalry follow it, then nothing but honor and pleasure can come to all who witness any deed which comes from it.

It is not for me to say further, however, but it is for Lachlann, squire of the Duke, Kane Redfeather, to say whether he truly be ready to accept this challenge from Uilleag, or whether he will open it up for others to also make known their intent to contend for it, for it is his choice and responsibility as tenan.

Jehan de Pelham, esquire and servant of Sir Vitus

Sir Vitus, Jehan, Uilleag, and all other Gentles who wish to take part in this,

I do not know if there is time enough to make myself ready for this. There are but 25 days left until the border disputes of wave washed Trimaris and far ranging Ansteorrea begin. I have many calls upon my time with my lands to oversee, my studies at the University here in Oxford, and making ready my equipment for the battles to come. I have no objections to Uilleag as the next tenan for he is known to me as a good and noble man who is skilled at arms , but only concern that there is not enough time, for to attempt to do this only half way is to make of it a mockery, and that is something I will not allow.

I will attempt to make myself ready but I cannot make a promise that I am unsure as to the keeping of. I will keep you updated on this, that much I can promise.

I will how ever say this.
The original requirments Sir Vitus placed upon me are as well placed upon the one who challenges me.
These being:
Item the first- I require that you present yourself as a man of coat armour, with a written pedigree showing your lineage. This you shall present to me.
Item the second- that you would come to the field in harness befitting a man who seeks after knightly fame, with your personal arms upon your chest and back.
Item the third- that you shall bring a gift of richness to present to my
lady , regardless of the outcome of this contest. I shall, in turn, present a rich gift intended for your lady, and if you are lacking one, I require that you shall present this gift on bended knee to your Queen, to bring happiness to her and fame to you.
Item the fourth-Combat will be counted blows of at least 12, with no wounds acted out.
I would prefer weapons matched in length, the pollax or perhaps mace and shield. No dagger shall be carried as they are forbidden in the tourney.
Item the fifth- If you as challenger make good upon your challenge and do show yourself as a worthy champion, know that you shall carry away with you the Couter, its book and box. You will need to place within the book the story of your challenge and winning of the couter so that those who follow you may know of the cost you paid for it.

Unto my goodly friend and once boon companion Lachlann,

I truly know the sun does race once more upon its track bringing war and tourney season all that much faster. Indeed, I well know the value of proper time to prepare for such a worthy cause as was placed before all who would contend for the couter.

If the devine may grant you the time to be prepared I present to you these articles.

Item the first- I shall present myself with my written pedigree proclaiming my noble heritage. These patons of nobility I shall gift to you, so that you may recall the honor of my house, and that of my Master, Shair Fiachna.

Item the second - I have had my mail freshly cleaned of late and my helm burnished. The colors of my house I proudly wear, so that all may know me. It is not the custom of my people to bear thier arms upon thier person, but my arms shalll be present upon a standard so that all may know them and see that I am armigerous, and worthy of this cause. I prey that the presence of my colors upon my person and my arms born by my bearer shall satisfy.

Item the third- If you could instruct me as to your lady's colors and perhaps her charge, I shall have prepared a gift to promote her honor and that of her house. My lady and I will be honored to share what hospitality you or your house may provide.

Item the fourth- I propose a match of 15 landed blows with matched sword and round shield, as is the custom of my countrymen to fight such tourniments with. As a gift to you, I shall present to you both blades and shields, so that you may choose your liking. The tools that you choose, I gift to you, so that you may have memory of me, and the fine day that we should meet.

Item the fifth- I prey that this encounter shall prove me worthy of such deeds, and as I travel oft to foriegn lands and the many skirmishes that arise between goodly monarchs, I prey that finding a fellow to carry on this burden of the couter and the Chivalry it represents shalll allow it and the deeds that it inspires to travel yet further a field.

Item the sixth - should I prove myself unworthy, I prey that my ransom shall make ammends and another will be chosen to carry the couter forth.

This do I swear by all I find holy,

Tiarna Uilleag o'Conmhaic
Squire of Shair Fiachna