Documented from the Rolls and Files of the Coram Regibus of Thomas Byron and Ariella, Rex et Regina Æthelmearc: Being a True Record of the Business of Their Royal Court at the twenty-seventh War Practice, 21 May, Anno Societatis LI, in the Canton of Steltonwald. As recorded by Gwendolyn the Graceful, Brehyres, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald, with the assistance of Lord Arias Beltran del Valle.
Upon the youth fighting field, Their Majesties addressed the six youth combatants who vied for the post of Youth Champion and complimented them on their performance in the tournament. Her Majesty bestowed personal tokens to all of them for their comportment and enthusiasm, as well as to one very young gentle who could not wait to become a combatant. Mistress Arianna recognized Daichi as displaying the most chivalry and courtesy during the tournament. Court was suspended.
Their Majesties address the youth fighters before the Champion’s Tourney. Photo by Arianna.
Court continued upon the fencing field, where Their Majesties had words for Nicolo Loredan da Venesia. In recognition of his courtesy and skill with the blade, They Awarded him Arms and named him a Companion of the Order of the Golden Alce. Scroll by Shirin, Mistress Antoinette de la Croix, and THL Sophie Davenport
Their Majesties then desired to receive Don Clewin Kupferhelbelinc. They spoke with him of his prowess and the regard in which he is held. As proof of his achievement, They then called forward the Most Noble Order of Defense, and decreed that Don Clewin should return to Them at the Pennsic War prepared to answer whether he would join that noble Order. Scroll by Mistress Fredeburg Katzenellenbogen.
Don Clewin receives a Writ for the Order of Defense. Photo by Lord Ursus.
Viewing this company, Their Majesties wished to increase its numbers still further, and summoned Don Lodovick of Gray’s Inn, as one whom They would have consider joining the Order of Defense’s ranks. Their Majesties bade him return to Them at a future date to sit vigil and give Them his reply. Scroll by Mistress Fredeburg on wording by THL Beatrice de Winter. Court was suspended.
Master Lodovic receives a Writ for the Order of Defense. Photo by THLady Aaliz de Gant.
Their Majesties continued Court among the archers, where Baron Sogtungui Bataar was named a Companion of the Golden Alce and received Baroness Anna Eisenkopf’s own medallion. Scroll by Rowena Moore and Oleksandra Ivanova Baboyka.
Their Majesties also brought Lord Hrolfr Fjarfell before Them and spoke of his quick ascension within the archery community, both in skill and in leadership. They were minded to name him also a Companion of the Golden Alce. Scroll by Mistress Maria Christina de Cordoba upon wording by Ariadne Flaxenhair of Dragon’s End. Court was suspended.
Lord Hrolfr passing on the Archery Championship. Photo by Arianna.
Court continued in the Great Hall, accompanied by Her Highness Margerite and the Barons and Baronesses of the Barony-Marche of the Debatable Lands. Their Majesties gave leave to Their Excellencies to hold court.
Following the Baronial Court, Their Majesties were well pleased to receive Their Royal Cousin, Queen Avelina of the East, and invite her to join them. Her Majesty presented gifts in token of friendship, and received from Their Majesties further presents to seal Their esteem and regard for the sovereign realm of the East.
Their Majesties also received THLord Peregrine Falconer the Navigator, Ambassador from the Kingdom of Avacal, who delivered a gift basket from King Wernar and Queen Helene in gratitude for the hospitality that Æthelmearc has shown THLord Peregrine during his sojourns here.
THLord Peregrine delivers a gift basket from Avacal. Photo by Master Alaxandair O Conchobhair.
The Court then made the following announcement:
On May 22, 2016, do We, Byron and Ariella, King and Queen of Æthelmearc, expel James Henry Shaffer IV, known in the Society as Cadan Buri, from participation in any SCA activity.
Baron Tofi Kerthjalfadsson was then invited to approach and address the populace, to formally thank Mistress Euriol of Lothian for her service as emergency Chamberlain, and to introduce Baron Janos Meszaros and Master Augusto Giuseppe da San Donato as the new Chamberlains, in charge of Pennsic and Regalia, respectively. To illustrate his tremendous commitment to the glorification of the kingdom through its regalia, Master Giuseppe presented the Kingdom with a fire ring adorned by escarbuncles, to be used at the Pennsic Royal Encampment.
Maestro Giuseppe’s fire ring. Photo by Master Alaxandair O Conchobhair.
Next did Their Majesties invite Baron Robert O’Connor forward to formally thank him for his service as Kingdom Archivist, and to announce that his replacement will be Vrika ingen Domhnaill. Their Majesties wished him well in the fortunes that necessitate a move across Their southeastern borders and hoped soon to welcome him back as a subject of Greater Æthelmearc if Their Royal Cousins of Atlantia agree to the same.
Baron Robert O’Connor. Photo by Master Alaxandair.
Their Majesties received Dame Hrefna Ùlfvarinnsdóttir into Their Presence, and further invited forward those children in attendance. With the permission of their parents, the children were encouraged to go with Dame Hrefna to the rear of the hall for activities and treats to amuse them during the remainder of Court.
Their Majesties brought before Them Their current Youth Champions, Drake and Karl. Both were thanked for their service as champions, and witnessed as El Tigre was called to take up again the mantle of champion. El Tigre received the regalia of office from his predecessors and took up his place in Court. Scroll by Anonymous.
El Tigre accepts the position of Youth Combat Champion. Photo by Lady Àine ny Allane.
Then did Their Majesties call forward Sean Delamort, current Thrown Weapons Champion. They thanked him for his service and called forward the five finalists from the competition to determine his successor: Baroness Amelia Soteria, Master Tigernach mac Cathail, THL Rois O’Faye, THL Grímólfr Ormalfsson, and THL Gunther Grunbaum. Her Majesty spoke of the closeness of the competition, the difficulty and intricacy of the targets, and Their Majesties’ overall pride in the impressive display of skill exhibited by all the contestants. Though the scores were very close, Baroness Amelia Soteria was ultimately declared the victor, and thus was she installed as Their Majesties’ champion. Their Majesties also gifted her with one of the spears that supported the canopies from Their Coronation, as a keepsake and reminder of her Championship. Scroll by Lady Kathryn McLuing with wording by Lord Arias Beltran del Valle.
Baroness Soteria is named Thrown Weapons Champion. Photo by Arianna.
Next was Lord Hrolfr Fjarfell invited to come forward and be recognized for his service as current Archery Champion. Their Majesties thanked him for his dedication and for his entertaining competition, and then summoned Takamatsu Gentarou Yoshitaka-san to take his rightful place as Lord Hrolfr’s successor. Scroll by Raven Whitehart with calligraphy by Brandy Sinclair.
Yoshitaka-san accepts the position of Kingdom Archery Champion. Photo by Lady Àine ny Allane.
Their Majesties invited Edelvrouwe Lijsbet de Keukere to address the populace. She thanked those who helped to make the inaugural Scarlet Apron competition a success, and announced the winners of the three categories: For the Youth division, Simon Fjarfell, for his lamb sculpted out of ginger; for the Populace Choice, Mistress Tomasia da Collevento, for her peacock made of pie crust; and the first ever Scarlet Apron champion, Lady Elska Fjarfell, for her marzipan hens’ eggs and her “chevre chevre” (goat made of goat cheese), as well as other entries.
Lady Elska, winner of the Scarlet Apron competition, with its organizer, Edelvrouw Lijsbet de Keukere. Photo by Lady Àine ny Allane.
His Majesty spied among the people one Alistair MacLeod, and demanded that he be brought forward and immediately placed under guard. Charges against the said Alistair were read, to wit, that he had been seen and observed conducting himself in all ways as a member of the nobility, retaining for persons of noble quality, and poaching of the royal lands in pursuit of the archer’s arts. Mindful of Their Majesties’ obligation to administer swift justice where due, They therewith conferred upon him the said rank of Lord, Awarding him Arms that his behavior would be known throughout the land as right and proper. Scroll by Baron Caleb Reynolds.
Alister MacLeod is held under guard while receiving an Award of Arms. Photo by Arianna.
However, cautious of the newly created Lord Alistair’s loyalty, Their Majesties further decided that he should not be released from the custody of the Guard until one could be found who would vouchsafe his conduct. Thereupon did They call for Arthes MacLeod, and Awarded her Arms as well, so that she, too, would be accorded all the rights and properties due to one of her status. Scroll by Baroness Alexandra dei Campagnella with wording by Lord Arias Beltran del Valle.
Arthes MacLeod receives her AoA. Photo by Lady Àine ny Allane.
Their Majesties desired to see Lady Elska Fjarfell once more. Well before winning the Scarlet Apron, the works of this Lady have been seen and remarked upon. His Majesty in particular praised her soapmaking as one of the most period projects He had encountered. Thus, being so firmly impressed with her skill and the depth of her research into soap and many diverse arts, Their Majesties saw fit to name her a Companion of the Order of the Sycamore. Scroll by THL Tegrinus de Rhina.
Lady Elska receives a Sycamore. Photo by Master Alaxandair.
Next did Their Majesties receive Sheik Durr al-Jabal al-Mustarib of Hidden Mountain. His Majesty spoke of Their Majesties’ desire to recognize His Excellency with something special, and therefore did They invite Master Christofano Vecchione forward to speak about the scroll he had created, in the Mayan style. It told of the accomplishments achieved by Sheik Durr and recognized him with a Keystone. His Majesty and Master Christofano both expressed the hope that others are inspired to let their imaginations guide them to create other works of art.
Lady Ottilige von Rappolsweiler was summoned to attend Their Majesties. Her Majesty spoke of this Lady’s enthusiasm for meeting challenges posed by individual dietary concerns, site constraints, budget constraints, and other obstacles, in the service of creating delectable menus for all to enjoy. So evident is her skill and impressive her research that Their Majesties were not the only ones remarking upon it. Thus were They moved to call in the Order of the Fleur D’Æthelmearc to witness as Lady Ottilge was named their Companion. Scroll by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova.
Lady Ottilige is inducted into the Fleur. Photo by Lady Àine ny Allane.
Before releasing the Order, Their Majesties called for The Honorable Lady Cassandra Matis to join Them. His Majesty observed that one who cures meats might have been disappointed on learning that Their Majesties could not partake, but that They were fortunate to have many, many, MANY volunteers to taste and offer reviews of Lady Cassandra’s work. Even Her Majesty Avelina and members of Their Majesties’ retinue were quick to attest to her skills, and Her Majesty East expressed her great joy at seeing Their Majesties name Cassandra also a Companion of the Fleur D’Æthelmearc. Scroll a work in progress by Master Jon Blaecstan.
THLady Cassandra receives a Fleur. Photo by Arianna.
Their Majesties next desired to receive Lord Aidan Gunn into Their Presence. Having earlier that day received a Comet in Their Excellency’s Court, this gentle’s worth was already known to Their Majesties, as well as long acquaintance with him and his works. In further recognition of his dedication to his Canton, Their Majesties did call for the attendance of Their Noble Order of the Millrind, so that They might Grant him Arms and name him a Companion of that Order. Scroll by THL Rachel Dalicieux.
Lord Aidan Gunn receives a Millrind. Photo by Arianna.
Their Majesties then called for THL Alfrun Ketta to present herself before Them. They complimented her on her splendid and quite authentic outfit, and observed that her research and recreation of similar Norse garb has earned her wordfame not only within the kingdom, but from lands far and wide. Right mindful of the honor such praise brings, and how it reflects upon her efforts, Their Majesties felt that her rank did not befit her reputation. Therefore did They invite before Them Their Most Noble Order of the Laurel, and entreat and desire Her Ladyship to be taken into that Order’s custody so that she might return at Pennsic with an answer whether she would join them as their Companion. Scroll by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova.
THLady Alfrun ketta received a Writ for the Laurel. Photo by Master Alaxandair O Conchobhair.
The Tribe Tuatha Fieren asked that the Court announce that their annual pick-a-prize raffle would occur on Sunday, May 22, at 9:30 AM in the Great Hall.
The Court further announced that Their Majesties’ Curia would convene at 10:00 AM on Sunday, May 22, in the A&S Tent Number 1.
Her Majesty commended The Honorable Lord Cynwulf Rendell (in absentia) on his fortitude, determination, and gracious conduct as he earned the runner-up position in the competition for Archery Champion. Their Excellencies Magnus and Miriel, Baron and Baroness of the Rhydderich Hael, accepted Her Majesty’s token on Rendell’s behalf and promised to convey Her words of thanks and inspiration to His Lordship.
Their Majesties also thanked the event staff, the marshalls, combatants, artisans, and all others who made the day enjoyable for all. In particular, His Majesty expressed praise and admiration for those who did not “stay dry,” but who braved the elements to participate and make the most of the event, truly “practicing” for the days of War.
Their Majesties further thanked the scribes and regalia wrights who contributed their talents and largesse to enhance the Court’s proceedings. They most heartily encouraged any and all who have an interest in the Scribal arts to contact the Sylvan Signet.
There being no further business, Their Majesties’ Court was closed.
Faithfully Submitted,
Gwendolyn the Graceful, Brehyres
Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald
Unfortunately, “san” is both modern and informal. We should never use “san” in the Society no matter what you read in Clavel’s novel. The best one size fits all honorific to use is at present generally believed to be “dono”. This was thrashed out on the Japanese discussion group several years ago and people literate in Japanese generally agreed that it was the best option. For women, if you are feeling expansive, you might use “hime”. While the College of Arms would object to this usage, it is often used within the Japanese community in the Society. There are a number of other rank specific things that you can call people. But, that requires rather more effort to explain and put into practice.
If people are interested. I suppose I could develop a class on rank, office, title, and honorifics in premodern Japan for some Æthelmearc Academy or Heralds and Scribes Schola.
Incidentally, there have been significant changes in Japanese personal pronouns. Pronouns used today are rather different than what was being used even as recently as about a hundred years ago. Those pronouns are themselves quite different from what you will find in a lot of premodern literature. Or so at least I recall.
I wonder if anybody ever reads commentary posted to the Gazette.
Thank you for the clarification. You might wish to forward that information to the SCA College of Heralds so they can update the alternate title table: http://heraldry.sca.org/titles.html#table9
Thank you for the clarification. The title was taken directly from the SCA list of alternate titles (http://heraldry.sca.org/titles.html#table9). You might wish to offer them the corrections so that others are not led to the same usage.
A lot of the stuff in that table is crap. Further, the table is overly simplistic. I have wanted to modify the Japanese section for decades. However, doing so is pretty much the perview of senior heralds, and I am at best a simple country pursuivant at large. When I have attempted to suggest various changes to the College of Arms in the past, I have been blown off. This was particularly the case with one Palimpsest Herald who pretty much told me that he would refuse to forward any proposal of mine to the College of Arms. Fairly recently, somebody made a concerted effort to completely revamp the Norse titles, but I doubt that they succeeded. The currently published list predates that effort. I am having trouble finding the Norse proposals on OSCAR, so I have not checked the LoAR to see whether the changes were approved or not.
So, that is why I posted my note here in an attempt at being educational. This is not meant as a criticism of anyone involved in the recent court or in the Gazette article.