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<DIV><FONT face=Tahoma size=2><STRONG>Do you have what it takes?</STRONG> To be
the next Steppes Bard, that is! If you think you do and you would like to
compete for this most prestigious position, pray heed and read on!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Tahoma size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Tahoma size=2>The Steppes Bardic challenge will take place on
Saturday afternoon under a pavillion at the list field beginning at Their
Excellencies discretion. Target time for beginning the challenge is
approximately 3 pm.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Tahoma size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Tahoma size=2>Sign up for the challenge will begin at 11 a.m.
See HL Annes, the currant Steppes Bard, to state your intention to compete. You
will find her at the list field awaiting your statement of intention and to
record your name for the Bardic List. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Tahoma size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Tahoma size=2>The Bardic challenge will consist of 2 pieces. The
first may be your own or someone else's song, poem or story but will need to be
documented at least verbally prior to performance as to its period nature,
style, main theme (see below) and author. Written documentation is not
required but is encouraged. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Tahoma size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Tahoma size=2>Furthermore, this first piece must address the
main theme of this Steppes WarLord, which is Japan, Strength, Beauty and Honor.
It may address all 4 parts of the theme or may concentrate on any one or
combination of the 4. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Tahoma size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Tahoma size=2>The second piece must also address all, one or
some combination of the main theme of this Steppes Warlord. However, this piece,
in honor of the main theme of Japan, is to be a Haiku composed by the competitor
praising some act or emotion they have viewed at the event which epitomizes one
(or more) of the themes. Information about Haiku will be available from HL Annes
when you sign up to compete if Haiku is an unfamiliar form for you.
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Tahoma size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Tahoma size=2>Furthermore, Their Excellencies will expect their
newest Bardic Champion to perform a short piece at court so that all the
populace will be able to enjoy the skill of their newest Bard.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Tahoma size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Tahoma size=2>If you have any questions, please contact HL
Annes, Steppes Bard, at </FONT><A href="mailto:hlannes@ev1.net"><FONT
face=Tahoma size=2>hlannes@ev1.net</FONT></A><FONT face=Tahoma size=2>
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