A Look Back at Bicolline 1025

Quebec's most famous medieval tradition, the Grande Bataille de Bicolline, once again had a legendary edition last August. With torrential heat, record attendance, and unique performances, the Duchy came alive with the creativity of the players and the beautiful community that cherishes this universe. Representing the Les Artisans d'Azure & Nemesis by organizing quests for the Azure's Order or running the Coalition store in partnership with Calimacil, three of our employees had the chance to live this legendary experience. 

We invite you to follow the adventures of Riliane (Renaude), Dalio (Fred), and Médène (Mélanie) and learn their best tips for having the best possible experience at Bicolline next year!

Riliane's ceremonies

Riliane was visiting Bicolline during the Grande Bataille for the first time. Her goal was to learn about the game and attend ceremonies to find out more about this rich universe. 

On Wednesday, she took advantage of the end of the heat wave to go and cool off in the great river. It is essential for every Bicollinian to go there at least once, often during battles, to relax after a big fight. However, this last Great Battle had not been easy; a severe heat wave had taken the duchy by storm. Tuesday's great battle was even canceled, and the Bicolline organizing team worked tirelessly to provide cooling solutions to compensate for the closure of showers and water points.

She took advantage of the swim to get closer to an allied camp, the mysterious Hundar Camp, hidden away in the heart of the Norse coast, in order to learn more about the different guilds that reside there. Introduced by Casparian, she was invited to attend the mysterious National Holiday of the Terres d’Auquesse. An important ceremony, a powerful ritual dedicated to the devouring entity that rules over this country, is usually followed by a great celebration where all the country's people gather to celebrate their victories and their community.

Happy to not only be present, but to actively participate in this ceremony, Riliane hurried back to her camp to prepare. Unfortunately for the young adventurer, a downpour began just as she was setting off. After days of intense heat, the rain was met with thunderous applause, outdoor dancing, and smiles on many faces. However, there were also some misfortunes, and Riliane had to take care of her camp, which was now flooded with water. 

The details of the national ceremony and its bloody ritual were not revealed to us. However, Riliane gave us a detailed account of another ceremony she had the great pleasure of attending. As night fell on Thursday evening, the Navum Stellarum guild welcomed Riliane. While chatting with the guild members, she got to know many of them and learned about their shared passion for divination and the stars. This tea ceremony under the stars allowed her to observe the sublime Perseids. 

Dalio's battles

The fronts were deeply divided during this Great Battle. The theme, faith and forge, raised the question of the use of an important new resource, sytase, which had divided old alliances in order to reposition the chessboard of war. The fighting was evenly matched during the battles on Thursday and Saturday, with negotiations taking place throughout the week between guilds and influential figures involved in this important dilemma. 

Happy to fight alongside his friends and his nation, Dalio was keen to join forces with the Terre d’Auquesse to fight in the new fort. This is part of a major plan to renovate and improve combat in the Duchy of Bicolline, and the first stage, including a larger combat area and two tunnels, was operational for this summer. Dalio is still building his experience on the battlefield, wielding a crossbow and following his guild's archer contingent. He even ran into Médène, holding the line with his large shield alongside his guild, as well as several other artisans who exchanged mocking pokes.

Saturday's battle featured two different scenarios around the fort, the plain, and the surrounding forest. In the first scenario, Dalio helped his nation defend the rear of the fort, near one of the underground tunnels. The terrain was laid out in such a way that he was at a higher elevation, giving him a better vantage point from which to shoot down his enemies on the other side of his tiles. The nearby forest became his hunting ground as enemies attempted to organize themselves. In the second scenario, he operated around the front of the fort, while the attackers contested several gates throughout the battle. Dust blocked the crossbowman's vision, but never enough to prevent him from spilling his enemies' blood.

After the battle, it was only natural to take part in the great bathing ritual to refresh himself and continue the many discussions about combat anecdotes with the members of his nation. 

Médène's Quests

True to form, the hobbit was very busy during this great battle. Between doing a lot of roleplay, the quests of the Azure's Quests, the shows, and the activities, she certainly did not abandon her post as Country Knightess! 

Once again this year, the Hobbit picnic was a great success! The community was still able to gather around their meals and plan their next projects, despite the cancellation of their planned Hobbit-themed skirmish. 

A group of important characters, the Company of Heroes, recruited adventurers to embark on a great quest to learn more about the mysteries that connect the elves, dwarves, and the plane of Arborea. After two nights of intense investigation, mystery, and even moonlit combat, they apparently found answers to their intriguing questions…

To solve more of its mysteries, Médène officially began her apprenticeship in inventions, an important branch that brings together several members of the occult. The invention meeting, which brings together all the members of this occult community, was the perfect moment to introduce her to this new art she was learning.

The major issues reflected in each ceremony, battle, and meeting were orchestrated around the forge and faith, fueled by two dwarves. Thus, they welcomed legendary heroes to the Dwarven Conclave, where Médène served as a bodyguard. They discussed many important matters for the future of their community.

In between, she took the time to visit the Tower of Magic and Occultism many times, where numerous quests are available to beginners and initiates of the magical and occult universe of Bicolline. It's a great way to keep busy, perfect your knowledge, and acquire valuable resources needed to learn spells. There's no doubt that this is a place Médène will visit often to continue her learning!

Q&A with Fred, Renaude, and Mel

Often, the best way to learn tips for getting the most out of Bicolline is to talk to people who have already been there and take advantage of their advice. So we asked the three of them a few questions to find out more! 

• Q: Any places to eat that are worth checking out at Bicolline?  

• Renaude: The pizza oven behind the Auberge; the portions are generous, and there are lots of varieties! For dinner, the poutine near the stage is a classic, even a ritual for regulars. 

• Fred: La Tablée des Roys is very good and has a great location near the Auberge. The cider is also not to be missed with a good meal! 

• Mélanie: La Tablée du Roy is also my favorite. The ingredients are always very fresh, and the meals are excellent.

• Q: What do you need to enjoy your Bicolline experience, apart from the essentials (clothes, sleeping gear, food, etc.)?

• Renaude: A medieval-looking bottle of water; it saved my life, especially with the scorching heat this summer! A mug to enjoy the many water sources is also an excellent option.

• Fred: A good hat to protect you from the sun is essential. In addition to being an extra costume item, it protects us during the day and keeps us warm at night. 

• Mélanie: A small notebook for taking notes is always extremely handy in real life, but especially at Bicolline. There are so many players, stories, and quests, and it always ends up coming in handy when we need it most! 

• Q: What place should we definitely visit during the Grand Bataille?

• Renaude: It's not very specific, but the old town at night, with the lights and life in the many huts, is a truly magical place that cannot be replicated anywhere else in real life. Otherwise, for stargazing, the new park (the old boat) is a great place for that! 

• Fred: The reputation of this camp is well established, but, if we have their warm permission, visiting the Nains-Génieurs’ camp is a great opportunity to see the creativity of Bicolline's imagination. 

• Mélanie: With the permission of the people who live there, of course, the Phoenix, Chimère, and Ragnarok camps are my favorites. Without disturbing anyone, it's already impressive to see these new constructions with completely different styles!  

• Q: What kind of event should not be missed at Bicolline?

• Renaude: The ceremonies! There are all kinds of ceremonies, and it's worth taking a few moments to watch them, but also to participate in them. 

• Fred: The ceremonies are also my favorite part, and there are ceremonies throughout the week. They're perfect for anyone interested in the game and its universe. 

• Mélanie: I always recommend trying the battles, even if you're not a fighter by nature. It's impressive and unique in the world to see medieval combat on such a large scale! You can also often come and admire the battlefield from a safe distance.

• Q: Any final advice for a new player going to Bicolline?

• Renaude:  Don't hesitate to talk to others and collect memories. I made a little frame with items that remind me of my adventures so I can keep those memories with me!

• Fred: Similarly, we were lucky enough to meet some wonderful people at this event. Don't hesitate to take a moment to relax in this beautiful chaos, near the Auberge, with a cold drink! 

• Mélanie: If someone is hesitant to try Bicolline, which is still a big investment to try the week-long experience, it is possible to volunteer. In exchange for hours of service, you can get meals, shower cards, or even discounts on admission. It's something that deserves to be better known! 

Have we missed any essential information about Bicolline? Do you have a story to share? Feel free to let us know and get ready for the upcoming events at the Duché de Bicolline, including the prestigious Bal Pourpre, which will be held for the first time in Quebec City next March. We will once again host the famous Panache Contest, while gearing up for the Azure Quests at the Great Battle of 2026!