I had been in the SCA for just over a year when I attended Grand Outlandish V on 26-29 May A.S. XIII (1978). Held in the mountains outside al-Barran (Albuquerque, New Mexico), Grand Outlandish was the Must Attend event for many of us until the Principality of Artemisia was formed and we had our own Artemisian Games. This was a long drive with all our camping and SCA gear squashed into a car, but we enjoyed it anyway.

Many of the active members of the Shire managed to make it to Grand Outlandish, and it was a memorable occasion for several of them.

The advance guard of am Mor Salann Fasach arrived only five hours late on Friday afternoon. After rejoicing at this incredible achievement, the Hastle Castle contingent set up camp. Pre-arriving us were Stephen of the Mark, Evangeline, Owain of Seren Hold, Stephan Georg Howart, and Michael Munroe. The tent ascending the precarious heights successfully, we set about making a frenzied round of greeting old friends (“Where’s Ælflæd?”), and pursuing new acquaintances. Shortly thereafter, more of the shirefolk invaded and by careful maneuvering managed to surround and secure the “john.” (Anyone who thinks this is not an important and strategic maneuver has not camped in a campground with 300 people and only two “johns.”) Those securing this powerful strategic spot were Thorad, son of Bjorg and Elaine of the Lion’s Tale and their offspring. Also Rosemary the Starseeker, Desilie Collingwood, Leiannka Zorya of Vert Leo, and Michael the Lucky. Hastle Castle made another round of visits (“Where’s Ælflæd?”) and then turned in.

Saturday morning was woefully uneventful until 10:00 a.m. court which was at 1:00 p.m. Five minutes before court Lord Robert de Spencer and Sister Scholastica arrived and rushed into costume. (The offspring were clad in hurryup costumes because there wasn’t time to unpack.) As the people gathered for opening court (“Where’s Ælflæd?”), the poor field herald tried to marshal the largest procession this side of the crusades. At Court various awards and honors were given. Three of our shirefolk received their Awards of Arms, Jerilyn of Vert Silva, Leah de Spencer, and Gallowglass. We also were initiated into a delightful new custom brought to us from the Kingdom of the West. “The Clove Lemon” was passed from person to person spreading kisses everywhere.

Well onward. . . . In a mood of elation the shirefolk prepared their fighters, Thorad and Lord Robert and Michael the Lucky for the challenge matches. Their most worthy opponents zomped them but had to work to achieve that privilege. And finally the Lemon reached Hastle Castle (“Where’s Gunwaldt?”). Genevieve de Waterwood and Marie arrived that afternoon to complete the group of shirefolk who traveled the long distance to meet with friends.

A banquet that evening presented many medieval delicacies to our untutored palates. Even more delectable tastes were offered later that evening at the kissing auction. The Shire Varsity Clench-a-Wench Team bought HH Heinrich der Jäger and the Ladies of Hastle Castle bought Sir Mika as his bachelor party gift (his society wedding being planned for the next evening to Lady Thamzin).

(Among the many kisses auctioned off, Ferelith MacDonald’s kiss went for $20 and the Hastle Castle ladies (Ferelith, Jerilyn, and Rhonwen) as a group for $25 (what a bargain!).)

Sunday morning a brief court was convened before the coronet lists began. The belted fighters of the Kingdom were called forward and two husky gentlemen of their number started through the crowd crying “Make way, Make way!” The populace obligingly moved aside, including Lord Robert, who much to his surprise was dragged forth from the crowd by the belted fighters and was cast down before King Johan. His Majesty asked Lord Robert if he would accept knighthood from his hand and Robert replied that he was very willing and arose Sir Robert, Lord de Spencer.

Court was soon after dismissed and the fighters once again suited up, only this time for the lists for Prince of the Outlands. By late afternoon the numbers were reduced to only three. Left were Sir Raymond, Lord Sternedell, Sir Wilhelm, Lord of the Bogs, and Sir Bren, Lord Malokai. We are happy to announce Sir Wilhelm, Lord of the Bogs is our new tanist. Sir Wilhelm then named as his Lady, Lady Megan Andoniel of Glengalen.

(Three fighters from am Mor Salann Fasach entered the Coronet List: Sir Robert de Spencer, Thorad son of Bjorg, and Michael the Lucky of Lancaster.)

Sir Mika and Lady Thamzin were joined together in a Society Wedding by Abbess Beneficia. After which they invited the Shirefolk to a dinner of chili. (Thanks Mika and Thamzin, and best wishes from the whole shire.) The rest of the evening was devoted to revelry and debachery and bardic circles.

Monday morning consisted mainly of packing and closing court. Some final awards were received. Elaine of the Lion’s Tale received her Award of Arms and the Sword of Chivalry was given into the keeping of Sir Robert, until next Grand Outlandish, for his rendition of “Under the Mistletoe Bough.” A sword was won by Lord Gallowglass in the raffle. The shire presented lamps and scrolls to our godparents for their help in the birth of our shire. Our godparents are Sir Theodric, Lord Brecken Beaken, Lady Judith de Beaumont, Lord Mark Lasie, Lady Kathryn of Iveragh, Lady Mirhaxa av Morktorn, and Lady Kathleen Caslean an Bharraigh. Also Charles of Galway vicariously received his warrant of office.

The final scene of Court was the Kingdom of the West (through Duke Angus) saying that if we wanted the Barony of Califia (or if we didn’t want it) that we would have to come take it. King Johann’s reply was “There shall be WAR!”

Final preparations were made for leaving. Then Hastle Castle made its rounds of farewells, and more farewells, and more farewells. Goodbye Ælflæd! Goodbye Kathryn! Goodbye Mark! Goodbye Baldwin! Goodbye Gunwaldt! Goodbye Heinrich! Goodbye Daddy Nicky! Goodbye adopted stepmommy! Goodbye Marcus! GOODNIGHT JOHNBOY!

Compilation of tacky comments and defamation of characters by
Lady Ferelith MacDonald
Lady Rhonwen y Llysieuydd
Lady Jerilyn of Vert Silva

From The Questing Quill, Vol. II Issue VI, June, A.S. XIII

Thanks to the Outlandish Herald, another account of what happened at Grand Outlandish V, written by Kathryn of Iveragh, is available.