Inter-College War, 11th to 14th of July, 2014. Hosted by St Ursula, Rowany.

The first College War in two years, and the first since we had won the Sword of Knowledge with our great prowess, and it had been stolen by the sinister Ursula! Or, maybe we just forgot it one time, who’s to say – certainly not Ursula!

It drew many Collegians, and other non-Collegians, from across the land to fight in tourney and war.

A special mention goes to the fighters of the College, who all fought valiantly in the Speed Tournament, with four separate Andronicans making it to at least the top four in three of the four rounds.

Best fight of the tourney goes to James Longstride of Andronicus and Skeggy the Hermanite – the duel was long, and entertaining, with both pole weapons fighters losing their weapons, exchanging weapons, drawing daggers, and grappling at close range until Skeggy came out on top, drawing a mighty cheer from the crowd and a brotherly embrace between the combatants.

The War was also fought well, with much fun had and many Ursulans slain. New Andronicans and old alike took to the shield wall and took up poles, with our archers having themselves a merry time of shooting down our foes. Despite heroic Andronican efforts, Ursula won the day with a great show of skill and strength.

Outside of battle; the feasts were memorable, if only for the company they brought and entertainment they provided; friends made in dorm-room chats were equally as entertaining, especially a conversation regarding the validity of following Elvis Presley’s dance moves as inspiration for fighting techniques; and Andronican plays by the fire (commedia dell’arte) drew great bouts of laughter (lubricated somewhat by alcohol), and preceded a great many epic songs and tales that earned deserved respect and praise.

In the A&S competition, we earned several accolades, including Caitlin Dai taking home the “Miscellaneous” category with her period-inspired and decorated dog-saddle.

At the end of the day, Ursula won the event, and thus the sword – but, when all seemed wrapped up for them so neatly, Alack! The Sword had vanished from the broom closet where it was so securely stored! Despite frantic searching, College War ended without the Sword being found – some other College had taken it from its now rightful Ursulan owners, perhaps inspired by their theft two years prior, and were not planning on giving it back any time soon. Instead of the sword they were given a Club to hold as a proxy.

As we left, many Ursulan “hit squads” inspected cars and baggage, desperately looking for the Sword. But, as they discovered, Andronicus is honourable in defeat: we did not take the Sword.