Táin Bó
The Great Cattle Raid
Arts and Sciences
Does your Shire have amazing artisans, performers, cooks or historians? Come! Show off your skills and expertise and, perhaps, sway the scoring to make your Shire the ultimate victor! We have many competitions below - there is also a tentative schedule for you to peruse.
Also, WE NEED JUDGES! All judges earn volunteer points and are eligible to earn gems for their shire. We would love to have judges knowledgeable in the following categories:
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Period Cooking
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Bardic
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Metalworking
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Fiber Arts
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Garb Construction
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Scribal Arts
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Ceramic and Glass
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Woodworking
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Research
You may use the quick links below to jump to the section you are most interested in.
General Arts & Sciences Competition
Bardic Competition
The general A&S display/competition has many opportunities to earn points! Please bring a small card with your name and the name of your entry affixed to a small cup or bowl to collect the beans that will be used by the populace to cast their votes. Every person who enters will be awarded a participation coin.
A winner will be chosen in each category and will be awarded a gem to add to their shire’s coffer. You may enter as many items as you like.
Competition categories include:
Most Authentic/Best Documentation (can be verbal if you wish)
Most Impressive (populace choice)
Best Display
Judges’ Choice
Best Embellishment
Metal work
Fiber (spinning, dying, weaving, knitting, etc.)
Garb (clothing, shoes, accessories)
Ceramics
Scribal
Written (research, poetry, etc.)
Woodworking
Children’s entry
Jewelry
Best use of cattle (pieces or depictions of cattle, things for or about cattle)
The bardic competition will take place during the potluck feast. No formal documentation is necessary, but if you are presenting a period piece, please be prepared to give a very brief intro (When, Where, and Who is all we need). Every person performing will be awarded a participation coin.
A winner will be chosen in each category and will be awarded a gem to add to their shire’s coffer.
Competition categories include:
Best Period Piece
Most Entertaining (populace choice)
Judges’ Choice
Best piece concerning cattle, raiding, or war
Period Cooking Competition
Make your best period dishes and compete to earn points for your shire! Please bring, in addition to your dish and any necessary serving utensils, a small card with your name, the name of your dish, and the ingredients (for allergy purposes) affixed to a small cup or bowl to collect the beans that will be used by the populace to cast their votes. Every person who enters a dish will be awarded a participation coin.
A winner will be chosen in each category and will be awarded a gem to add to their shire’s coffer.
Competition categories include:
Most Authentic/Best Documentation (can be verbal if you wish)
Most Delicious (populace choice)
Best Presentation
Best use of cattle (beef or dairy)
Brewing Competition
There will be a populous judged brewing competition. Please bring a small card with your name and the name of your beverage affixed to a small cup or bowl to collect the beans that will be used by the populace to cast their votes. Every person entering a dish will be awarded a participation coin. The winner will be awarded a gem to add to their shire’s coffer.
Period Encampment Competition
Have a period encampment? Sign up at gate for the period camp competition! Every entry earns a participation coin, the winner gets a gem to add to their shire’s coffer!