Barony of Ponte Alto Love & Beauty

Tournament of Love and Beauty
Competition Rules and FAQ

Registration

Q: How do I register as a fighter with my consort?

A: All fighters and consorts will be required to register on the event website here: Signup Form
This ensures that each couple receives their fixed amount of list space in order to participate in the Heraldry Challenge (for information on the Heraldry Challenge, please see the Scoring section of the FAQ). Those fighters who do not register themselves and their consorts in advance will not receive space for this challenge and will be given zero points.

Q: Who can be a consort?

A: A consort can be any person whom a fighter wishes to honor: their significant other, their friend, or their family member. Fighters and consorts can be of any gender or age. This tournament is designed to feature the consorts of the tournament fighters. We encourage fighters to select a consort who may not have been fought for in the past, in order for them to enjoy a day of pageantry and medieval tournament. As such, we would prefer non-fighting consorts, but recognize that established couples may desire to fight for one another upon the same field of battle.

Q: What if my device has not passed? How do I participate in the Procession and Heraldry Challenges?

A: If either a fighter or consort's device has been submitted and is in progress, it may be used for the day in order for those competitors to earn points. If a device has not been submitted then the fighter and/or consort is encouraged to use Baronial or Kingdom Populace badges for the day in order for those competitors to earn points.

Non-Challenge Competitions & General Information

Q: What if I'm not a fighter or a consort, is there something else I can do?

A: Of course! In addition to the winners of the Tournament of Love & Beauty, we will be naming winners of each individual activity. Not a fighter? Enter the A&S competition. Not a consort? Fight for an individual prize! Still want to process? Do it! Have an amazing heraldic display? Bring it! Just be sure to register for space (Signup Form). Just come and join in on the fun for the day.

Q: What else is going on during the day?

A: In addition to the Tournament and Individual competitions, we will be hosting competitions for Baronial A&S, Bardic, and Brewer Champions. There will also be an Open A&S Display if have something you want to show off, but don't want to enter any of the competitions.

Q: When and where will there be photography?

A: Lord Ronan mac Imair and m'lady Bryn will be set up in the barn during the morning in order to take portrait style photographs. Photography will be moved indoors to Sykes Hall in the afternoon.

Q: What is this I hear about shenanigans?

A: Well, a select few individuals, let's call them shenanigators, will be giving out special 'prizes' throughout the day. You may be awarded a prize for 'chivalrous actions', 'dramatic death', 'amazing garb', etc. The awards will be random, and everyone is eligible to receive them! If you are participating the Tournament of Love & Beauty and you receive a shenanigator prize, you will be eligible for bonus points.

Challenges and Scoring

Q: What will be the format for Armored Rattan Combat Challenge and how will it be scored?

A: TBD.

Q: What will be the format for Rapier Combat Challenge and how will it be scored?

A: TBD.

Q: What is the Procession Challenge and how is it scored?

A: At 11am all fighters and consorts will line up and process before Their Majesties, Their Highnesses, and Their Excellencies. The Procession Challenge will be scored on a scale from 0-5. If a fighter and consort do not process, they will earn zero points. Five points will be awarded to the couple who wins the Procession Challenge. The winner will be the Queen's Choice. Points will be awarded based on heraldry displayed by the couple, their entourage, and their use of a Herald to sing their praises. A couple who declares for each other as both fighter and consort must process together only once; procession points will be split between the two.

E.g.: Lord John Doe declares for Lady Jane Doe, while Lady Jane Doe declares for Lord John Doe. Lord John and Lady Jane process together once and win the Procession Challenge. The five points is then split, with 2.5 points going to Lord John and 2.5 points going to Lady Jane.

Q: What is the Consort's A&S Challenge and how is it scored?

A: Consorts may choose to participate in the Consort's A&S Challenge by entering a static display in order to earn points. The Consort's A&S Challenge will be scored on a scale from 0-5. If a consort chooses not to enter the A&S challenge, they will earn zero points. Five points will be awarded to the consort who wins the Consort's A&S Challenge. Those points will be added to their fighter's score. Points will be awarded based on quality of the A&S entry and documentation. A couple who declares for each other as both fighter and consort may choose to enter either one of two A&S entries, under the respective consort's name.

E.g.: Lord John Doe declares for Lady Jane Doe, while Lady Jane Doe declares for Lord John Doe. Lord John enters an A&S display as Lady Jane's consort and wins 3 points to be added to her score. Lady Jane also enters an A&S display as Lord John's consort and wins 4 points to be added to his score.

Q: What is the Heraldry Display Challenge and how is it scored?

A: A fighter and their consort may choose to participate in the Heraldry Display Challenge in order to earn points. In order to obtain space to be used for the Heraldry Challenge, a fighter and consort must register in advance of the event on the website here: Signup Form

Space allotted should be treated as a pavilion would be on the list field, with heraldic displays, chairs, hospitality, etc. The Heraldry Display Challenge will be scored on a scale from 0-5. If a fighter and consort choose not to participate, they will earn zero points. Five points will be awarded to the couple who wins the Heraldry Display Challenge. Points will be awarded based on the quality and quantity of heraldry displayed within the space allotted to the fighter and their consort. A couple who declares for each other as both fighter and consort will be allotted two spaces in which to display heraldry.

E.g.: Lord John Doe declares for Lady Jane Doe, while Lady Jane Doe declares for Lord John Doe. Lord John displays heraldry as Lady Jane's consort and wins 3 points to be added to his score. Lady Jane displays heraldry as Lord John's consort and wins 4 points to be added to her score.

Q: Who will be declared the winner of the tournament if there is a tie?

A: In the event of a tie, all consorts will submit a vote by blind ballot for the consort who best embodies the spirit of the day: the most joie de vivre or esprit de corps, if you will. The consort who receives the highest number of votes will be declared the winner, along with their fighter.