| The Shire of Esfenn - History and Traditions |
Although its origins are shrouded in mystery, the Shire of Esfenn was first officially listed in March A.S. XVI (1982) Page. In November XVIII (1983), the Shire registered the following device:
Per bend sinister engrailed Or and gules, a salmon bendwise sinister naiant embowed to dexter base gules, enfiled of a laurel wreath vert, and a bulrush slipped and leaved Or
In July XXVI (1992), the fish was abandoned and the device changed to:
Per bend sinister Or and gules, a laurel wreath and a bulrush slipped and leaved counterchanged
And there was much rejoicing!
The Shire of Esfenn is known for the First Sword Tourney, where the First Sword of Esfenn is chosen by right of arms. The battles are traditionally held using a single sword only, to the exclusion of all other weapons. First Swords frequently go on to make great names for themselves. Former First Sword's include:
Theodric of Skane Gerstan Heah Leah Frederick of Holland Fabian Arnett von Schwetzingen Richard de Camville
Information on the 20th First Sword Tourney, held July 12, 2003, is here.
In the past, when Esfenn had a larger population, there were several events held each year. A bardic competition to choose the Troubadour of Esfenn, an archery tournament to determine the Hood of Esfenn, and a war with the Province of Southern Shores. (Unfortunately, the last war to be scheduled was cancelled, due to the Loma Prieta Earthquake in A.S. XXIV, and no one has been brave enough to reschedule it.)
Esfenn also had several tokens that were given out by the Seneschal: the Golden Bean (for service to the Shire), and the Golden Hearts (given to a male and female who most represented the "heart" of Esfenn).
Past Events
February 11, 2006
A Spring Pas d'Arms!
Esfenn (Hayward)
Greetings unto all lovers of Chivalry, Grace, Prowess and Virtue! Come and join the Shire of Esfenn and Chateau de Camville for a grand Pas d'Arms on the green fields of Sorendsdale Park in the Shire of
Esfenn. Noble Combatants can test their mettle against the "Enemies of Love" in a number of themed passes. The Gracious Gallery shall choose the champions of the day who inspire them with acts of valor, courtesy and courtly grace! The gallery shall also "punish" those who action offend the Aspects of Love-beware the Black Favor! The day shall end with a potluck barbeque (meats shall be provided please, if you can bring a small side dish to share).
Site Information: Sorensdale Park is a dry site. Flush privies and a playground are available for use. Parking is free. Pets are allowed. The shire is asking for donations of $5.00 to help with the food costs. Site
opens at 8:30AM, first pass will begin at 10:30AM (sharp..trust us you do not want to be late). Site closes at 6:00PM.
Autocrat; Richard de Camville (Michael Canfield) 510-886-1526
Directions: take your best rout to Hwy 880 and head towards Hayward. Exit at the Jackson St./Hwy. 92 exit and head EAST (if you pass Hesparian you have gone the wrong way). Make a RIGHT on Santa Clara Ave (this becomes Harder Rd-stay on it). Make a RIGHT on Jane. Follow Jane all the way to the end. The park is on the right hand side.