Calontir Crown Tourney : Where Rattan Rings
Last weekend was Calontir’s Crown Tournament—and what a day! I helped out here and there. I had some great chats with friends, as one does. I even managed to snap a few pictures between all the action.
If you’ve never been to a Calontir Crown Tourney, let me describe it for you. The list field is set. And, the air practically hums with anticipation. This isn’t just a tournament—it’s a full-contact sport with bonus pageantry. The rattan weapons clash, and the mighty falcon of Calontir flies high (metaphorically).
Our fighters? Oh, they’re not just in it for honor and glory. Only in Calontir do you get to battle for the right to lead a Kingdom. You also get to lead the loudest sing-along in the Known World. And then there are the consorts, standing proud with that classic line: “I shall win you this Crown.”
For those not swinging rattan swords, there’s always plenty to do. Folks were sewing, painting, working on kumihimo, doing repoussé—it’s basically a medieval craft fair with excellent company.
Lunchtime even featured a special guest: Tikka Talk Food Truck (yep, Indian food on wheels!). I didn’t get to try it, though, because I was helping with the kids’ activity—painting bookmarks. No regrets, though—those little artists were on fire!
The afternoon court welcomed Calontir’s new heirs: Their Royal Highnesses Emerick Blackpool and Kolfinna Halvgrimsdottir. There were presentations from Their Majesties Orren Tokesson and Lyra of Spinning Winds. (Kingdom award details? Check out The Falcon Banner!) Honorable Lady Astrid Esbjörnsdotter, my apprentice, won the Blank Border competition. With two women portraying some shtick a boon was begged for Mistress Nesscia to join the Order of the Laurel.
After court everyting changed rapidly. The event steward had a hard stop at 7 PM. Everything had to be packed and gone—every last stitch, spoon, banner, and helm. With 200 people on the job, I think we just made it.
But here’s the thing. In the Knowne World, they say, “The purple pride of Calontir doesn’t just crown royalty. They crown family.” Whether you’re in armor, on the sidelines, or up to your elbows in paint, you leave a Crown Tourney with tired feet. Still, you have a full heart, and laughter echoing in your ears. And, you also have at least one new story to tell.
