I am pleased to share with all of you that I have been planning and plotting an event for Loch Avie – and all of Caledon – which will be so different from anything that we have ever experienced here that the excitement is building at a rapid pace among those that have heard me speak of it.
What is it? I shall endeavor to answer that question in my own words first, and I will then show you a pictorial display which should peak your interest.
We will be calling this exhibition the Tournament for Life
My Goals for this
1. Fundraising event for Relay for Life (kiosks all around the sim, VIP section of the arena for donors, vendors with unique items donated from Caledon and Torvaldsland)
2. New and inventive way for Caledonians to come together as a community
3. Opportunity to create relationships with peoples of other diverse sims
4. Explore the possibilities of creating our own tournament series in Caledon (jousting, horsemanship, steampunk creations, etc)
One of my oldest friends in Second Life, Telemachus Dean, is a warrior in the Torvaldsland sims. Several weeks ago I had the opportunity to watch him spar in the Scagnar arena. I was amazed at the strength and skill of these men – even in a relaxed practice setting as this was.
An idea began to percolate as I thought of several of my good friends in Caledon, both men and women, who had begun to express interest in having more diverse events offered. There has been increased interest in things like skirmishes, flight, medieval contests and the like. Beginning a tournament series became an obvious answer to me. I had enjoyed watching the brave men fighting in Scagnar and I felt sure that others would also enjoy such contests.
Soon I contacted Telemachus to determine whether he might have an interest in helping with such an affair. He was! I was thrilled. Next step was to discuss this with Desmond Shang in an effort to ensure that he would support such an event. He does! Step three: contact Lapin Paris about RFL benefits of the event. She is excited at the possibilities as well. We will soon be coordinating with the RFL team on vendors and other money-making ventures for RFL at this event.
What happened next went beyond my wildest dreams. I met with Telemachus and two other warriors, including Elric Wilberg, a noted builder in SL. We sat in Tele’s lodge and discussed the charity and my proposal. I expected some resistance as I am an outsider to them and to the Gorean community. Because of Tele’s influence in the community, and the information I was able to provide about Relay for Life, they immediately agreed to assist with the tournament planning. The most overwhelming part of this all, however, is that donations of time, builds, services, clothing just keep coming in from them. They have fully embraced this idea and want to be involved. I am moved beyond belief.
Tele then presented our proposal to the council in Torvaldsland in order to gain full support from the High Jarl (their leader) and the other warriors. He stood before them and explained the cause and our basic plan. Again full support!! And now warriors volunteering for the exhibition. It just gets better and better.
This weekend, prior to attending Duchess Gabrielle Riel’s Rez Day Spectacular, I attended the regular Saturday night tournament in Scagnar. This event is broadcast on Gor radio and is very well attended. At one point there were 60 in the sim. Below you will see some images of the event, which takes place in an arena very much like the one which Elric Wilberg has donated to me for use in the Tournament for Life. An incredible structure. Again I am astounded by the generosity and open hearts and minds that I have found as we make preparations.
I was also honored to have been introduced to the High Jarl. He expressed his full support of our proposal, and hopes to be able to attend our event. His life has been closely touched by cancer and is pleased to be involved with our efforts at fundraising. 
In the arena with Telemachus to my right. 
Best seats in the house.
Telemachus Dean in the Battle Royal - an impressive sight.
We hope to have the event in mid-May. We are waiting to learn whether Magnum will be able to referee the event for us, and we need to work on his time table. Will post to the events calendar and send a notice once something is set in stone.
We are accepting donations of weapons and steampunk items for a prize chest for the winner of the tournament. Thus far the High Jarl and a number of other Torvaldslanders have donated weapons and clothing items. As well, some of the generous free women and at least one slave have donated items for the event or to be placed into vendors with full proceeds going to our RFL efforts. Please contact me if you would like to donate something for the prize – or for RFL vendors.
“Your Grace, did you say free women and SLAVES??”
Yes I did. I have hopes of creating diversity in our relationships, and a tolerance among ourselves and other peoples. Torvaldsland is one of several Gorean-theme sims in SL. But as you have noted in my descriptions above, I have found generous and gentle hearts among these people. Telemachus and I intend to create cultural education notecards for our citizens. We will pass these to you prior to the event. We will expect everyone to behave in an appropriate fashion towards one another. We are all in this for a good cause, and to expand ourselves. And it should be great, good fun!
Oh! Did I mention that any free man present may join in the Battle Royal at the end of the tournament? Combat systems will be provided to entrants. Just for you, Mr. Somme. And you, Colonel O’Toole. And you, Mr. Pearse. And you, Mr. Wormser. And you, Mr. Scaggs. And you………oh well you get the idea. *grins*
There will also be a party in the Loch after the hour-long event. Things will be relaxed. I am told the slaves will be permitted to be in “normal clothes” and their rules more lenient. We will be able to change from our Victorian clothing into whatever pleases us as well. Plenty of Uisge Beatha to go around, as well as fun and games to move our RFL gains along.
More information to follow.
On a personal note, I was extremely pleased to be permitted to attend Telemachus’ initiation ceremony at the Sacred Mountain in Torvaldsland where he, along with two others, became full citizens of that land. 
Taking the sacred oath
A proud and moving moment at the Sacred Mountain
I look forward to providing more information to you on this event and possible future tournaments, which may include, but would not be limited to:
Samurai tournament (guests exhibiting)
Renaissance (guests exhibiting)
Creation of our own Caledon tourneys - steampunk faire, horsemanship, jousts, military combat, and the like
Comments encouraged. I cannot wait to hear what everyone thinks!
Swank & Co at Fantasy Faire 2022
4 years ago
