As the nights draw longer and the cold sets in it is considered tradition to join among the fire and tell stories. We sing songs, hold hands, and give words to the thoughts within our hearts; all in the hope that the long nights will become shorter and the sunlight will grow hot.
In the middle of these long nights, our imaginations run. We speak of spectres from the past, of myths, legends, and the creatures that walk under the moon and stars. We give voices to the things we see and hear, but cannot reason.
For Deck the Halls of Valhalla, we invite all bards to tell us their best winter themed stories. Speak to us of your own spectres, creatures, myths and legends to entertain us in the long night. Whether you seek to compete, to share your songs and tales or simply to listen and admire the tales of others, come and join us for…
The Østgarðr Provincial Bardic Championships
at Deck the Halls of Valhalla, an ethereal event hosted by the Canton of Broken Bridge
Where: Online via Google Meet at http://meet.google.com/kji-wfai-tkb
When: Saturday, January 29th – event begins at 6:00 p.m. EST, The Bardic Championship begins at 7:30 p.m. EST
Full Event Detail: https://www.eastkingdom.org/event-details/?eid=3774
Bardic Competition Rules
This year our Viceregents and Bardic Champion will be judging on several parameters for the competition. Two winners will be chosen from the competition: best populace performance and the new Østgarðr Bardic Champion.
Storytelling
Those that wish to compete to be the next champion must tell a story. The story can be in spoken word or in song. The story will be defined as: a piece of entertainment with a beginning, middle, and end. Historical documentation is not required, only that the song is appropriate for the theme of the event. Bonus points will be given for those that have short explanations or context for their piece and performance. Explanations/context must stay under 30 seconds to be considered for bonus points.
Contestants will need to keep performances under 5 minutes due to time constraints of the event.
Visual Components
Your camera is your stage! Those that choose to participate will also be judged on the visual components of their entry; this will include backdrop props, outfits, puppets, and everything in between. The quality of your webcam or microphone will not be considered for judging. Bonus points will be given for entrants that coordinate their visual components with the theme of the event.
There are no prerequisites for joining the competition, and participation in the competition is purely optional. There will be a bardic circle afterwards hosted by Nobilis Berakha bat Mira v’Shlomo.
We look forward to seeing you at Deck the Halls of Valhalla!
- Catelin Straquihin, Armiger and 2019 Bardic Champion
