Here follows a list of the current challenges available for the Bardic Bedlam being held in Calontir.

Please note that there may also be challenges by Master Cerian, Master Owen, HL Dorcas or HL Mathurin and/or His Royal Majesty. If need be the list will be altered to allow for as many challenges as possible in the time allowed.

Dying is Easy, Comedy is Hard by Master Cerian Cantwr

Often sited as the last words of Donald Wolfit (also Edmund Gwenn, G B Shaw, and others), this saying is regarded as a truism amongst theatrical and comedy circles. Test the theory for yourself by writing a comedic piece (song, story, or poem) that either a) has no element of death in it whatsoever, or b) is all about death.

Mad Song by Lady Ingeborg

Challenge: write a poem in the form of a Mad Song Stanza. It may be of any length, with any tone from pithy to bombastic. The content preferably being "a happy,harmless, and verbally inventive brand of insanity.” Details regarding this form of poetry will be available on site or
you may obtain that information in advance of the competition by emailing the bardic activities coordinator..

Calontir Happy Songs by Lady Moyra

Tired of Death, Doom, and Gloom? Sick of Misery, Sorrow, and Fear? Have you had enough of Destruction, Heartache, and Tragic Loss? Then it is time to prove that Calontiri can indeed sing a different tune. Challenge: break out your most genuinely happy song or rewrite an exsisting one and give it a happy ending or a more upbeat feeling. Lets show them that we can find the silver lining, marvel at rainbows, and bring joy to our hearts.

Learning by the Numbers by Lady Genevieve

Challenge: Create a song which teaches about Calontir orthe SCA or any Period subject. The song should feature a Mnemonic Sequence of which the most popular tend to be counting songs.

Tom o'Bedlam by Lady Helena

Perform a piece that deals with Tom o'Bedlam. Choose one of the existing pieces or make up a brand new one!

"Welcome to the Bardic Safe Space" by Lady Alyna

This challenge is for anyone who has ever wanted to participate in a bardic event, but was too nervous or self-conscious to do so. A bardic safe space is a place free from heckling or criticism. We understand the courage that it takes to stand up and perform in front of other people, and that practice and a supportive and respectful audience can go a long way toward building the self-confidence to become a great bard. Bring your story, song, or poem to share, and welcome to the bardic community!

"When we wrote it, we didn't intend it to be a march..." by HL Dolan Madoc

Challenge: As an homage to the Calontir tradition of taking almost any song and making it a tune the army can march to. Please choose a song that is definitely NOT a march and turn it into one that IS...I mean, it's a good song, but can you march to it?

Poetic scroll text hodge-podge Sponsored by Master Andrixos

Entrants will draw from a hat an award for an achievement (eg Silver Hammer for Pavilion making, Torse for organizing demos), a persona, and a "bit of personal detail" ( eg also a harpist, long hair, brings four dogs to Lilies, dresses in loud colors). Entrants will have until the end of the day to write at least 14 lines of poetic scroll text for an award. The name of the honoree will be the creation of the entrant, giving a chance to match the name to the rhyme scheme or meter. Small bonus points for honorees of the clan of Rory mac Duncan ibn Rhauhri O'Dunchain. Details of this challenge may be altered to fit the flow of the day.

“What we need right now is a rousing pirate song” by Lord Hannibal the Oblivious

Challenge: Give us a new, rousing, fun-to-sing, and easy-to-learn pirate song. The style should be that of a call-and-response sea shanty. Lyrics should center on piratey things like plundering, drinking, and bawdy behaviour, and the funnier the better.