Quest for Wit and Wisdom XLI

Hosted by Barony of Settmour Swamp - Pittstown, NJ

Event date: May 22nd, 2026 - May 25th, 2026

Event Last Modified: May 7th, 2026

Event details

This spring, the Barony of Settmour Swamp casts off into uncharted waters!  In honor of the daring spirit of discovery that shaped the Age of Sail, the 41st Quest for Wit and Wisdom will celebrate the courage of seafarers, merchants, and explorers who braved the vast and unpredictable seas in pursuit of trade, knowledge, and glory.

Our encampment will transform into a bustling coastal port—alive with sailors’ tales, merchants’ bargains, and the scent of salt air.  Travelers from distant lands arrive to trade wares and chart new routes...  but rumors stir of shadowy sails on the horizon, and not all who ply the waves are men of honest coin.

MORE DETAILS FOR MARTIAL EVENTS AND ARTS AND SCIENCES TO FOLLOW.

HEAVY WEAPONS:
The Corsair's Crossing:  A Heavy Weapons Tournament
A storm has descended on the port and not all who emerge from the mist fight under familiar banners.  Step up to the barrier and prove you have the sea legs — and the steady hand — of a true corsair.
This tournament is fought at the barrier, combat from the waist up, single sword, in a double elimination format.  But there is a catch.  Every fighter takes to the line bearing a cup of grog.  Spill your grog and you lose the bout, regardless of what is happening with the swords.  Concede the bout and you lose as well.  The barrier keeps your feet honest.  The grog keeps your nerves honest.  The sword is almost an afterthought.
A fighter who can weather the storm, hold their line, and keep every last drop of grog in their cup while exchanging blows at the barrier is a fighter who has earned their place among the legends of Settmour's Landing.
Durable cups will be provided.  The grog is water.  The humiliation of spilling it is absolutely real.
The last fighter standing — dry cup, steady hand, unbowed — claims the title of Master of the Crossing.

ARCHERY TOURNAMENT

THROWN WEAPONS TOURNAMENT

FENCING TOURNAMENT

BARONIAL BREWING COMPETITION

BARONIAL ARTS AND SCIENCES CHAMPIONSHIP

FEAST
A delicious feast will be prepared by Martina Maria de la Rosa.
FEAST MENU IS POSTED BELOW.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
Fri 5/22: 
4:00pm:  Site opens (DO NOT ARRIVE EARLY)
Gate Friday:  4-8pm

Sat 5/23:
Gate open Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm
10:30am Archery and Thrown Weapons setup
11:00am Archery and Thrown Weapons open
11:00am Shopping opens
11:00am Heavy authorizations begin, be in armor at this time
11:30am Heavy weapons inspections open
12:00pm Kubb tournament begins
12:00pm Heavy weapons tourney begins
1:00pm Artisans' Row opens
1:00pm Arts & Sciences Competition opens
2:00pm Fencing tourney begins
3:00pm Brewing Championship Competition begins
3:30pm Archery Competition begins
4:00pm Arts & Sciences Champions Judging
4:30pm Thrown Weapons Baronial Championship Competition begins
4:30pm Artisans' Row closes down
5:00pm Archery & Thrown Weapons close
6:00pm Shopping closes
6:30pm Feast begins
Late Night Bardic Circle

Sunday 5/24:
Gate 10:00am-3:00pm
8:30-11am Breakfast
12:00-4:00pm Quest for the Quill!
5:00pm Baronial Court
6:30pm Pennsic Camp Planning meeting

Monday 5/25:
11:00 am Site closes
_________________________________________________________
SITE RULES:
● Pets:  Pets are permitted, and must be kept on a leash at all times.  Certain areas will be off limits to pets.
● Alcohol:  No alcoholic beverages may be brought on site.  There will be a site-run bar available, and open until 12:00am.  This policy will be strictly enforced by event staff.  Anyone in violation of this policy will be removed from the site.
● Pond:  There is a pond on site but is NOT for swimming.

MISCELLANEOUS:
Children:
Children are most welcome, but please supervise your children at all times.  Anyone under the age of eighteen must be accompanied to the event by a parent or legal guardian.  The SCA youth waiver policy will be enforced.

PLEASE NOTE - NOT COMPLYING WITH THE ABOVE RULES WILL RESULT IN REMOVAL FROM THE EVENT.

LOCAL HOTELS:
For those of you who do not camp, there are two near-by hotels in Clinton, New Jersey.
Hampton Inn Clinton (near the Walmart)
16 Frontage Drive
Clinton, NJ 08809
TEL:  +1-908-713-4800

SHOPPING:
A Walmart is approximately 3 miles from the site on Route 513.

Site Opens: 4:00pm Friday
Site Closes: 11:00am Monday

Event Location

Clinton Elks Lodge
2434 211 Sidney Rd
Pittstown, NJ  08867
Google Map

Directions:

Take your best route to Sidney Road in Pittstown.  It is readily accessible from I287, I78 and NJ22 and NJ202.

Registration Fees

Registration:
$45 for non-member (weekend)
$35 for member (weekend)
$30 for single day on Saturday or Sunday for members
$40 for non-members

Feast $15
Merchants' fee:  $5
Youth 17 and under:  Free

PAYPAL:
-- https://surveys.eastkingdom.org/index.php/453278 ---
A PayPal invoice will be generated within 24 to 48 hours of the online pre-registration survey being submitted.  Online pre-registration is not complete until the PayPal invoice has been paid.
May 17, 2026 is the final date for PayPal pre-registration.
This survey does ask for membership information but you will still need to provide proof of membership at the event. 

Feast:
$15 person,limited number of spots, first come/first served.
MENU:
Throughout the evening, diners will travel from port to port, tasting foods inspired by the real harbors, trade routes, and taverns frequented by pirates, privateers, and scoundrels of history.  Each course represents a new destination — from fresh provisions gathered in the Canary Islands to the spice markets of the Barbary Coast, the wild revelry of Tortuga, the infamous decadence of Port Royal, and finally a triumphant return to Nassau.
Expect hearty fare, bold flavors, lively storytelling, and a touch of theatrical mischief as our crew guides you through a night of adventure on the high seas.  Come hungry, come merry, and prepare to dine like pirates!
THE CANARY ISLANDS:
Mojo Chicken - Roasted chicken thigh with garlic, cilantro, olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemons, ground cumin, salt and pepper
Chickpea Stew - Chickpea, onion, garlic, kale, olive oil, paprika, vegetable stock and bay leaves
Biscuits & Cheese - Whole grain bread, honey, soft cheeses
The Barbary Coast
Moroccan Chicken - Braised chicken thigh with lemon, green olives, onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, olive oil, chicken stock, parsley
Couscous - Couscous with carrots, zucchini, chickpeas, onion, olive oil, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt
Almond & Date Salad - Pitted dates and almonds mixed with oranges, honey, rosewater and mint
Flat Bread - Cassava flour, salt, water
TORTUGA:
Boucan - Smoked pork shoulder seasoned with salt, pepper, brown sugar, and garlic
Black Bean Stew - Black beans, onion, bell peppers, garlic, tomatoes, cumin, oregano, bay leaves, and vegetable stock
Maduros - Fried sweet plantains, honey butter, and lime
PORT ROYAL:
Jerk Chicken - Chicken legs and wings, allspice, thyme, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, habanero peppers, soy sauce, and lime
Rice and Peas - White rice, kidney beans, coconut milk, onion, thyme, garlic, and salt
Cabbage & Citrus Slaw - Green cabbage, carrots, limes, sugar and salt
Rum Glazed Pineapple - Fresh pineapple grilled smothered in brown sugar, dark rum and butter
NASSAU
Beef & Ale Pie - Stewing beef, onion, carrots, mushrooms, dark ale, beef stock, flour, thyme, salt, pepper, and butter
Roasted Root Vegetables - Carrots, parsnips, and turnips roasted in olive oil and thyme
Pease Pudding - Yellow split peas, onion, butter, salt and pepper
Candied Citrus Peel - Orange peels coated in candied sugar
DRINKS
Citrus Sailor’s Water - Water, lemon, honey, ginger
Apple Cider - Warmed apple cider with cinnamon and nutmeg

Make Checks Payable to: All checks must be made payable to SCA NJ Inc./Barony of Settmour Swamp.  Please include modern name, SCA name and membership numbers, if applicable, and dates participating in the event.

Contact Information

Event Steward:

Emeline la Chauciere
(MKA Bethanie Wampol Watson)
233988@members.eastkingdom.org
quest-steward@settmourswamp.eastkingdom.org

Co Autocrat
Jon Renwick
govorpal@gmail.com

Send Reservations to:

Phelippe le Vigneron
(MKA Jeff Watson)
593 Brass Castle Road
Oxford, NJ 07863

Other Contact Information:

Merchants should contact the Autocrat directly with any questions or concerns.