NOVICE DAY

Novice Day 2025! 
Come one, come all, come celebrate the accomplishments of our newest members.  We will have TWO (2) tournaments:  an armored combat tourney for the newest combatants to show their prowess, and a fencing tournament- both will showcase the talents of our novice warriors (within 2 years of their initial authorizations). 
Fighters and fencers please note:  The tourneys will be preceded by a procession of the combatants with their consorts/inspirations.  If a contestant doesn't have one, one will be provided. 
Combatants will be able to authorize today. 
There will also be archery and thrown weapons. 
Sunshades and tents are allowed around the perimeter of the field.  Due to the site's sprinkler system stakes are not allowed beyond this area. 

As the Arts and Sciences are an important and integral part of our Society there will be A&S (either a display or competition). 
This is open to all gentles who do not hold a Kingdom or Baronial level A&S award, nor have they won a major championship. 
There will be voting by both the Populace and the Laurels.

****SCHEDULE ADVISORY**** The schedule, especially for the tourneys, may be altered in the case of extreme heat or thunderstorms. 
Please be prepared to be flexible, and don't forget to bring water.  In case of rain fencing will be moved into the covered pavilion.  Tables will need to be moved to accommodate. 


SCHEDULE UPDATES:
Fencing:  Novice Day Fencing Schedule:

-Authorizations 10am-11am followed by procession of the novices (please check in with the MOL prior to the procession).  Authorizations will end at 11 to allow for procession.  Please be prompt.
-Immediately following procession the fencing tournament begins.  This tournament is open to all fencers authorized for 2 years or less.
-Tournament format:  round robin- bring your best (spears are disallowed for this tournament)
-Reduced armor during the tournament will NOT be allowed.  (If you have signed up for the reduced armor experiment, you may do pickups and classes following the reduced armor standards)
-Classes will be held following the tournament. 

Fencing classes:  Note:  Classes are open to all attendees, not just those competing:
1) "Longsword Basics" taught by Master Bobby Tytes:  In this class, we will be covering the basic longsword guards, the Mastercuts, and general concepts of the Lichtenauer system.  You will need:  Fencing mask, Gorget, Longsword (some loaners will be available)
2) "Melee 101" taught by Don Thora Kottr and John the Long:  In this class we will go over some philosophy and vocabulary we use, primarily in the East, as well as the most basic explanation of things in scenarios we tend to take for granted – what is a bridge battle? Edge of the world? Rez point, huh?
3) "How to be an effective harrier in melee (and not a cowboy)" taught by Don Ciaran Ua Meic Thire:  Sometimes you see someone in a melee running like hell being chased by a mob and it means something is going very wrong or occasionally very right.  Harriers in melee tend to be on their own or in small units and look a lot like cowboys but are very different.  In this class, we will discuss what a harrier is and how to be an effective harrier without becoming a cowboy.

- More classes may pop up during the day.  If the award ceremony takes place before the classes have ended, they will be resumed after the award ceremony.

A&S CLASSES:  "Cross-Stitching" taught by the newly minted Noble Valentine Ambrose.  Learn the basics of cross-stitching.  The teacher will bring kits for 12.
"The Life of the Executioner" taught by Franz the Executioner.  A brief overview of what being an executioner was like across countries and eras.
Throughout the day, Baroness Ellynor Redpath will have a table set up for garb measurements, clothing & fencing armor patterns, along with a list of resources to purchase garb and fencing orders from.  She will be there to help you take accurate measurements as well as answer and garb-related questions you may have.

ARMORED COMBAT:  Tourney is slated to start at noon.

**Dogs are permitted.  They must be leashed, and controlled.  Dog waste must be picked up by owner.  Failure to comply may result in ejection from site.**


Accessibility checklist:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HZQnd--kxKuH5LLl_qikowoyJA6lS6zm/view?usp=sharing

Site Opens: 10:00 AM
Site Closes: 5:00 PM