Artisans, Scholars and Bards, Pay Heed!
You are hereby invited to share Beauty, Knowledge and Wonder with the Barony at our Harvest Feast on October 10, 2026!
Requirements & Eligibility
Champions need not be from the Barony but are officers of the Barony, thus must hold paid SCA memberships and be able to sign agreements for the holding of Regalia.
The requirements for Our Champions are as follows:
– Our Champions shall swear an Oath of Service to the Barony through Their Excellencies Dragon’s Laire.
– Your service as a Champion is exclusive to the Barony for the 12 months of your term.
– Represent Dragon’s Laire with honor and grace in Our lands, the Kingdom and wherever you may roam in the Knowne World.
– Wear and display the regalia of your Office at all events you attend.
– Share your knowledge and skill by teaching the members of Our Populace.
Guidelines for Competitors
Submit a Letter of Intent by Sept. 15th, 2026
Your Letter of Intent to enter either Championship is due to Their Excellencies and the Arts and Sciences Minister by September 15th. Your written documentation (for A&S entries) is due on October 2nd, 2026.
The letter of intent should include your SCA and modern names, contact information, specification on which championship competition you are entering (pick only one), what your entry consists of, a statement that you have read the requirements and duties of a champion and are willing and able to carry them out, and any space or equipment needs you anticipate.
| Baroness Furia Dommitia | DragonsLaire.Baroness@antir.org |
| Baron Conrad Cedricson | DragonsLaire.Baron@antir.org |
| Arts and Sciences Minister, Karl inn irski | DragonsLaire.ArtNSci@AnTir.org |
If you have questions, you can contact the A&S Minister via email or at Tuesday night social.
To Participate in the Arts & Sciences Championship
Our Arts and Sciences Champion shall be knowledgeable and skilled.
The goal of the Championship Competition is two-fold:
– First, to provide an opportunity for artisans to share their knowledge and enthusiasm, for their specific crafts and for the Arts and Sciences in general, with each other and with the populace; and
– Second, to select a skilled and passionate artisan to represent and inspire the Barony of Dragon’s Laire.
Artisans will share their knowledge and work with a single entry in the style of Athenaeum (follow this link to learn about Athenaeum). The format for sharing is up to you – traditional display, demonstration, formal presentation, interactive activity, or a body of work showing your progress as an artisan, as a few examples. Documentation of at least one page is required but can be as many pages as the candidate feels is necessary.
All entrants are expected to chat about their entry with the Populace during the day. Throughout the day, the Baron, Baroness, Arts and Sciences Minister, the Seneschal, and the current Champion will speak with each entrant. Their Excellencies will select the new Champions, considering input from the other officers and feedback from the Populace.
To Participate in the Bardic Championship
Scholarly Bardic studies are welcomed in the Arts and Sciences Championship (see above). Scholarly studies focus on the academic side of a bardic activity, rather than the performance. Bardic entries that do not focus on performance, but include demonstration, should be submitted for the Arts and Sciences competition. For Bardic performances, please keep reading!
Eligibility of Performances
Competitors may perform either a period piece or a period-inspired piece. Original works are encouraged and welcome, so entrants are not limited to historical material.
The performance format is open. Competitors may sing, tell a story, recite poetry, play an instrument, or present another bardic art appropriate to the SCA.
Time Limit
Competitors may perform one piece up to 5–6 minutes in length, or two shorter pieces of approximately 2–3 minutes each. This helps ensure everyone has an opportunity to perform while allowing flexibility in presentation.
Introduction
Before each performance, competitors should briefly introduce their piece by sharing its inspiration, historical background, or context. This introduction may be woven naturally into the performance as part of the storytelling rather than feeling like a formal lecture.
Judging Criteria
Judges should consider the overall quality of the performance, including:
- Performance and stage presence.
- Storytelling, musicality, or other performance skill.
- Connection to the spirit of the SCA and historical inspiration.
- Creativity and originality.
- Audience engagement.
- Overall impact of the performance.
Memorization
Memorization is not required. Competitors are welcome to use books, sheet music, notes, or other reference materials during their performance. The focus is on sharing the bardic arts rather than testing memory.
Content Guidelines
Performances should be appropriate for a general SCA audience and should reflect the ideals of courtesy, chivalry, and inclusivity expected within the Society.
Order of Performance
The order of performances will be determined by a random drawing before the competition begins.