Judges for the Emprise of the Black Lion

In the spirit of the 1460 treatise by king René of Anjou, four judges specially chosen for their fame of valor and renown of intelligence will be presiding over the Equestrian activities at the Emprise of the Black Lion XXI.

And you ought to know that the appellant lord always ought to choose half the judges: that is,
two from the country of the defendant lord, and the other two from his own country or elsewhere,
at his pleasure: and he ought right willingly to choose the judges from the most notable, honorable
and ancient barons, knights and squires that he can find, who have seen the most and travelled and who
are reputed wiser and more knowledgeable about feats of arms than other men.

-from A Treatise on the Form and Organization of a Tournament (c.1460)

Four renowned nobles will lend their intelligence, judgment, and presence to choose, in such a way to sustain nobility and increase honor, the winners of this year's Emprise tournaments!

Maestra Arabella da Siena

Member of the Order of the Pelican, Premier of the Caid Order of the Golden Lance, Defender of the White Scarf, and Marshal of the Society

Her Ladyship Briana Cassia

Member of the Lion et de la Lance, Lancer of Lions Gate, Cheval et du Lion

Mistress Bridget Rede of Dunvegan

Member of the Order of the Laurel, Member of the Golden Lance of Ansteorra, and the scholar and creator behind both the “Ride Before a Prince” and “Ride Before the Sultan” competition formats

Duchess Dagrún Stjarna Ulriksdottír

Member of the Order of the Pelican, Member of the Order of the Laurel

Food Preferences

The Emprise of the Black Lion has a longstanding (and completely above-board) tradition of competitors offering small gifts to the judges as a token of their esteem during the presentation of competitors by their heralds to the noble judges.

This is entirely optional, and can be a source of tremendous fun.

These gifts frequently include refreshments offered to the judges to help their day be more comfortable and pleasant. Typically the gift basket would be presented to the judges during the introduction, either by the herald directly or by another accompanying attendant. Competitors are encouraged to mark their gifts (or the basket they come in) with their heraldry, so that the judges might know from whom these gifts were provided.

To help match gifts to the preferences of the judges, we are pleased to share their food preferences ahead of time.

Maestra Arabella da Siena

Avoid: Alcohol (she does not drink)
She loves: Dr. Pepper
Dark chocolate

Mistress Bridget Rede of Dunvegan

Avoid: Anything with whey protein in it such as bovine cheese, milk, or cream (allergy)
She loves: Goat and sheep cheeses, especially soft ones
Any dessert that is safe to eat (does not contain milk, milk powder, etc.)
Fresh berries
Bread
Cider (not home brew though please)
Anything safe to eat with pumpkin spice in it

Duchess Dagrún Stjarna Ulriksdottír

Avoid: Flowers (allergy)
Melons / cucumbers / squashes (allergy)
Alcohol (she does not drink)
She loves: Charcuterie
Fruit and cheese
Trail mix

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