Long ago when our fledgling gryphon Kingdom still paid homage to the Atenvedlt sun, a  day of games was held to  entertain and excite the people of Artemisia. This was the birth of Artemisian Games. Once again the Ashley Forest will echo with the sounds of armored fighters crashing together, the ring of rapiers crossing, and the cheers of the crowds as Artemisian Games returns to the traditional site of Iron Springs campground.  

So what ,you might ask , do we have planned? The old favorite George and the Dragon tourney will bind you and another heavy fighter together as a fearsome dragon. You will face all challengers, er um, Georges. The winner of Best George and Best Dragon will be determined by number of victories. And of course we will have the crowd favorite, the Gladiator tourney. Throw "tomatoes" at your favorite (or not-so-favorite) combatants as they battle each other in four Meanest Mother pools to determine who will enter the weapon pit barehanded and fight counted blows with whatever weapon they can grab first. New this year, time permitting, we will have a tourney that recreates the story of the lone warrior at Stamford bridge. Stand as long as you can against each fighter in single combat to see who has the most victories. But just as that fabled warrior of long ago, your only weapon will be an axe. 

Rapier fighters fear not! We have you covered,. With a blanket. More specifically, a blanket tourney. Bring a trinket, a coin, a shiny stone and lay it on the blanket for entry. If you prove you are the most graceful student of the blade that day you take the blanket and everything on it. Parents , please do not put misbehaving children on the blanket. We will also have a rapier challenge tourney starting at site open and ending at sundown (or before court if applicable) Saturday. Seek out your fellow combatants and challenge them to a duel. The rules are yours to set, and the winner will get more than bragging rights.

We have youth combat planned as well!  Witness our fledgling gryphons as they charge into a mounted tourney you will have to see to believe. There is a host of  other youth activities planned as well. 

His Excellency Owen Howell will be hosting a Royal Round, so polish up your bow and your skills, and come shoot some arrows!

After the last sword is swung and the sun has set Saturday night join us for another Artemisian games tradition, a firelight bardic.