[Ansteorra-announce] Crimson Sands Tournament

[Coblaith Mhuimhneach]

The Tournament at the Oasis of the Crimson Sands approaches!

In a verdant oasis near the fabled city of Jerusalem, the two great 
12th-century rivals, Lionheart and Saladin, will come together for a 
moment in peace.  Their forces will meet in contests of strength and 
skill, share music and food, and exchange ideas with all hostilities 
suspended.  Come enjoy the exotic and the familiar alike, good fellows 
all, and celebrate this historic occasion.

The event will be held on October 31st through November 2nd at 
Castleton, in the Barony of Bryn Gwlad.  The schedule is jam-packed 
with activities.

Friday night will be made lively by a hafla at the Saracen camp and a 
campfire revel hosted by the Franks.

Baroness Suzanne Gabrielle Marie Beraud, of the Barony of Bjornsborg, 
will be inducted into the Order of the Laurel in Saturday's morning 
court, and Honorable Lady Myfanwy ferch Eifion, of the Barony of Bryn 
Gwlad, will be inducted into the Order of the Pelican in Saturday's 
evening court.

Champions will be chosen for the Barony of Bryn Gwlad in the fields of 
archery, horsemanship, armored combat, and rapier combat.  In addition, 
there will be archery, rapier combat, and armored combat tournaments 
for our youth.

Merchants will offer varied and tempting wares throughout the day on 
Saturday.

On Saturday afternoon the children will have an opportunity to play 
stool ball and later to aid the mysterious figure known as Maghrabi in 
his quest for the magical lamp that made Ala ad-Din a king.

A branch heralds' warranting class is scheduled for Saturday afternoon. 
  Everyone is welcome to attend.  Participants will learn what a branch 
herald does, how the registration process works, and how to get started 
researching names and designing devices.

Before Saturday's evening court, a delectable feast featuring humus and 
savory toasted cheese with bread to dip in them, beef stew with roasted 
apples, chicken fricassee with carrots and cabbage, and cherry tarts 
will be served.

After court, the Baron's Men will perform William Shakespeare's "The 
Taming of the Shrew" at the famous Curtain Theatre.

On Sunday morning, armored combatants will have an opportunity to 
participate in a session of Knight School, training face-to-face with 
members of the Order of the Chivalry and taking home a record of their 
comments and suggestions.

You can learn more about all of these activities on the event website 
<http://coblaith.net/fallevent2008/default.html>.  It also includes 
maps to and of Castleton, a complete schedule, tips on dressing to suit 
the theme and information on the real history behind it, and contact 
information for the event organizers (which you can use to volunteer or 
to ask questions).  There's even a page just for first-time event 
attendees, cluing them in to all the little things they need to know to 
enjoy the experience (which includes an explanation of what they'll see 
in court during the peerage ceremonies).

We look forward to seeing you there!


Coblaith Mhuimhneach
Webmistress, Tournament at the Oasis of the Crimson Sands
<mailto:Coblaith at sbcglobal.net>