The Barony-Marche of the Debatable Lands invites the Kingdom to an afternoon virtual 12th Night Social on Saturday, January 16th, starting at 1pm. Join us for socializing, games, entertainment, fighting classes, and more! Help us spread joy and cheer!
The full schedule with details and links to all the activities is here: http://bit.ly/12thNight21 . Use this document to navigate the event! Check out our plans:
A Main Room for socializing, and chatelaining. Drop in and see which of your friends are chatting. New folks are welcome to come in for intros and questions. You can do tech troubleshooting here, too!
Fighting Classes! — 1pm – Count Seto Gesshuko teaches “How to Stay Deadly with At Home Fighting Exercises” (1 hr) — 2pm – Viscount Sagan teaches “An Approach to Successful Training, Practice and Combat” (2 hrs) — 4pm – Jarl Steinarr Aggarson teaches “Reading Unknown Opponents in a Safe Way” (1hr)
A Game Room, hosted by Lord Angus MacDougall of the Debatable Lands: –Games include Carcassonne, 7 Wonders, and jackbox.tv offerings such as Quiplash, Talking Points, and Champ’d Up. –Exact games to be determined by the players. Come at 1pm to hop in early, but players are welcome anytime! [Note: some minor requirements outside of Zoom are needed for online gaming, see schedule for details]
Our Entertainment Room has many fun activities! –A merry Sing-A-Long with Lady Alysoun — I Genesii presents: “Arlecchino’s Adventure” & “Love Canals” (ages 16 and up only, pls) –Gift Exchange Unwrapping Party! Not part of an exchange? Bring your favorite holiday gift to show off! –A Bardic Circle, led by THL Silence de Cherbourg
We have an entire Movie Room just for Shakespeare’s 12th Night – every version! Presented by Master Alaric MacConnall. This activity starts at 11am and runs through midnight. See the event schedule (“Movie Schedule” tab) for the full movie titles and times.
We honored to host a Memorial Gathering in Honor of Master RemusFletcher from 3pm to 4pm. Details here.
At 5pm, all are invited to the Debatable Lands Baronial Court. Come on over to the Main Room to see your friends and chosen family be recognized.
The afternoon will conclude with a community chat after Court, same Zoom channel. See and chat and be of good cheer together. [Still want more? Shakespeare’s 12th Night Movies continue to midnight!]
Here continues the Record of the Reign of Gareth and Juliana, King and Queen of Sylvan Æthelmearc at the Region 1 Twelfth Night Celebration, January 27, AS 52, in Their Shire of Misty Highlands; as recorded by Lord Arias Beltran del Valle, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald, with the assistance of Her Ladyship Katharine McClung, Millrind Herald, as well as Lady Ragna Haakonardottir, and Lady Nichola Beese.
In Their first court in the morning:
THLord Donnchadh is sent to vigil
Their Majesties first invited before them the members there present of Their Most Noble Order of the Pelican. Upon consultation, the Order informed Their Majesties that one person was missing from their number, and they asked that this be corrected.
Their Majesties then summoned before them His Lordship Donnchadh Dubhglas. Having previously been given a writ to contemplate elevation to the Most Noble Order of the Pelican, Their Majesties then asked him if it was still his intent to join that august Order, which his Lordship confirmed.
Before sending him to vigil, Their Majesties asked that he be unencumbered by other commitments. So did Countess Elena d’Artois come forth and release his Lordship from his bond with her. His Majesty then accepted his Lordship’s squire belt from Count Jehan de la Marche to hold in safety until such time as his Excellency was present.
These things having been done, the Order then conveyed Donnchadh to the place prepared for his vigil.
Court was then suspended until the afternoon.
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In the afternoon:
Their Majesties first asked for a moment of silence to honor the memory of His Lordship Wolfgang Starke, well known and loved by many throughout the Sylvan Lands, who had recently passed.
As has been Their tradition, Their Majesties then invited those attending their first event in the society to come forward and receive a drinking vessel to take with them as they continue their journey in the Society. Seeing the energy with which many of the new members had thrown themselves into the activities of the day, His Majesties also awarded certain of them with sets of feast gear for their participation on the day.
Gentles attending their first event receive drinking vessels from Their Majesties.
Their Majesties then invited the event autocrat, Lord Fiachna mac Cennetig, to speak about the day’s activities. Lord Fiachna thanked Their Majesties and the populace for attending, and with the assistance of those running each event, named the winners of the various competitions held throughout the day.
Their Majesties then called for the presence of Isabetta Simona da Murano. As a member of Their Majesties’ home shire, They have personally seen how Isabetta has worked to support her shire and take on a greater role in its activities, from making her garb, to assisting in the kitchens, and taking on work as a retainer. For these efforts were They moved to Award her Arms and named her a Lady of Their Court. Scroll by THL Phelippe Ulfsdotter.
Isabetta receives her AoA.
Their Majesties then called for the autocrat, Lord Fiachna to appear before Them once again. Their Majesties spoke to Lord Fiachna about the good humor and comportment for which he is known to many, and his gift for making and maintaining fast friendships and welcoming new members into Their home shire. He has also helped to secure sites for practice, and has made himself available to those in need of help. In recognition of his courtesy and spirit did they name him to Their Order of the Cornelian. Scroll by Master Ælric Ravenshaw.
Lord Fiachna receives a Cornelian
Lord Aydamur ibn abd Allah was next summoned before Their Majesties. Word had reached Their ears of his noblest of actions when faced with a grave injustice by a peer of the realm, acting to protect those at risk by said peer. His actions brought this injustice to light, and defended those affected by it. For this selfless action did Their Majesties deem him a gentle of great honor, and so added him to the number of the Order of the Cornelian, in an action applauded by the populace gathered that day. Scroll by Lady Rivka bat Daniyel.
Lord Aydamur receives a Cornelian
Their Majesties invited Master Alaxandair O’Conchobhair to appear before them. Their Majesties spoke to the populace of the efforts of Master Alaxandair in the office of the webminister, both for the Kingdom and Their reign staff. He is also responsible for the creation of the new fighter and marshal database. For these, among his other tireless efforts to support the Kingdom, was he given an Award of Excellence by Their Majesties. Scroll by Baroness Cecily of Whitehaven.
Master Alaxandair receives an Award of Excellence
Her Ladyship Astridr Vigaskegg was next summoned to Their Majesties’ presence. They thanked her for her efforts in keeping the Crown well fed, and for her willingness to assist in setup where needed no matter where she might be found. For all of these efforts and more was she, too, awarded by Their Majesties with an Award of Excellence. Scroll by THL Aibell Suil-uaine.
THLady Astridr receives an Award of Excellence
Their Majesties then called for the co-autocrat of the day, Lord Olaf Stenbrjoter to attend them again. His Majesty spoke about the effort and attention to detail put into Lord Olaf’s garb, presenting before those who see him the true image of a Viking. For this attention to detail and accuracy was he awarded a Golden Stirrup. Scroll by Baron Caleb Reynolds with calligraphy by Baroness Graidhne ni Ruaidh.
Lord Olafr receives a Golden Stirrup
Her Ladyship Katharine McClung was then called before Their Majesties. Their Majesties noted her Ladyship’s long history of service to the Kingdom and to her home Barony, acting as baronial herald, helping with events, and greeting newcomers, all over a career of more than two decades. For this work, did they grant unto her an Award of Excellence. Scroll by THL Aibell Suil-uaine.
THLady Katharine receives an Award of Excellence
Their Majesties then summoned before them Lord John Augustine Stag. As a member of Their home shire, Their Majesties spoke of the prowess he displays in the fencing lists as the victor of many tournaments, and for his devotion to practices in Misty Highlands. For his efforts in the arts martial was he named to the Order of the Golden Alce. Scroll by Lady Luca da Cola.
Lord John receives a Golden Alce
Lord Ragnar Gunnolfsson was then called to Their Majesties after being relieved from his duties in the tavern. As had Lord Stag before him, Lord Ragnarr has demonstrated his fencing prowess time and again, and marshals and runs local fencing practices. For his efforts in supporting the fencing community and his skill with the rapier was he too named to the Order of the Golden Alce. Scroll by Baron Caleb Reynolds will calligraphy by Baroness Graidhne ni Ruaidh.
Lord Ragnar receives a Golden Alce
Their Majesties then summoned Their Captain of the Guard, His Lordship Oliver Sutton before them. They spoke of a gentle present on the day who They required to answer some serious charges. So, following orders recalling the Kingdom 12th Night did His Lordship and other guards retrieve Lady McKenna Henderson from her duties in the kitchen. While retrieving Lady McKenna, Mistress Maria Christina de Cordoba appeared before Their Majesties to have words with her protégé as she was retrieved.
Lady McKenna faces charges, then receives a Millrind
Upon her arrival, both Their Majesties and Mistress Maria spoke Lady McKenna on the serious nature of the charges levied against her. His Majesty then demanded she face her accusers, and so was Their Noble Order of the Millrind called to attend them. All those present in court had noted Lady McKenna’s tireless service as Army Secretary, on many a reign staff, as a shire officer and providing assistance at events. Her title no longer deemed fitting for her station, Their Majesties did add her into the number of that Noble Order. Scroll by Lady Gulsah Aydini.
His Lordship Donnchadh Dubhglas was once again called before Their Majesties. Having sat vigil during the day, They asked his Lordship if it was still his wish to join the number of Their Most Noble Order of the Pelican. Confirming his wish that it be so, Their Majesties then called forth the members of that order, before asking for words from the peers of Their realm on His Lordship’s worthiness for elevation.
Countess Elena d’Artois spoke first as a member of the Order of the Rose. She spoke well of the nurturing spirit he brings to those he meets. He can guide those around him to success with a well-placed word, and has gained the respect of his community and his shire in the process.
Count Sir Jehan de la Marche then spoke of his time with his squire, offering a verse to the populace telling of his prowess on the field, and his leadership of not one but two shires when that leadership was needed.
Count Jehan addresses his now former squire, THLord Donnchadh
Mistress Chrestienne de Waterdene next spoke as a member of the Order of the Laurel. She shared words about his devotion to the artisan community by encouraging arts activities and by creating more opportunities for those events to happen. He also has worked for authenticity in many of his personal endeavors, from fencing to garb.
As a Master of Defense, Master Annanias Fenne then spoke to the populace of Donnchadh’s skill with a sword. He is known to educate those around him in an effort to improve those desirous of bettering themselves, and betters the Kingdom in the process.
Finally, Master Ælric Ravenshaw spoke as a member of the Order of the Pelican. Master Ælric spoke of the service provided by His Lordship Donnchadh for the 29 years of his membership in the Society, a time which included terms as seneschal, marshal, chatelaine, and chronicler, as well as helping to found two chapters nearby and growing the cut and thrust community, and even serving in the military during his few breaks from the SCA.
Having heard the words of the peers of Their Kingdom, Their Majesties saw Donnchadh invested with the regalia and symbols of the Order before confirming him as a companion of the Pelican. Scroll by Her Ladyship Ismay Ponde.
Master Donnchadh swears fealty
Their Majesties then called for the presence of Her Ladyship Ismay Ponde, who came before them escorted by her lord, Count Sir Jehan de la Marche. Their Majesties spoke fondly of Her Ladyship’s long history of service to the Kingdom as a scribe and calligrapher for many a scroll handed out to award those gentles deemed to be deserving of them by many reigns. Her service to the dream had not gone unnoticed, and so did they deem it correct and proper that she be named a Baroness of Their Court. The coronet was placed upon her head by Count Jehan, who thanked Their Majesties for the opportunity, having been unable to place such on his lady’s head in the past. Scroll by THL Phelippe Ulfsdotter, with calligraphy by Mistress Antoinette de la Croix.
Count Jehan places the Baroness’ coronet on his lady’s head
Her Majesty then rose to speak about the many sights She had seen that day that inspired her. From the heavy fighters to the fencers, to the feats of strength and the artisans displaying their work, the spirit of camaraderie and fellowship was evident through the whole day. However, one lady stood out about the rest, and so did Her Majesty then call for Lady Charlotte Starke and name her as Queen’s Inspiration for the day, awarding her the Golden Escarbuncle.
Lady Charlotte Starke is named Queen’s Inspiration and receives a Golden Escarbuncle
Court was once again suspended
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During feast that evening:
Their Majesties bid the populace attend Their words as they had further business amongst them.
Lady Adelyn receives a Cornelian
They summoned before them Lady Adelyn Idesborn, who had returned victorious against an explosion most foul that prevented her presence in Their court earlier that afternoon. Lady Adelyn’s disposition as polite, courteous, and helpful had been evident to them from her arrival within the society. She can often be seen helping to organize projects behind the scenes of an event, and showing largesse to many in the process. For her displays of courtesy in many forms was she too named to the Order of the Cornelian. by THL Phelippe Ulfsdotter with calligraphy by THL Shirin of Susa.
There being no further business before Them, the Court of Their Majesties was then concluded.
All are Welcome on this day to enjoy music and song and dancing, good food, and good friends!
What is a Debatable Lands Twelfth Night like? Here are the top 12 things to do!
1. Bring some food to share. Our event is free, even the food! It’s a potluck. All kinds of food are welcome! (Mmmm, cheese balls)
2. Bring and/or taste some cookies! A perennial favorite, Master Urho runs our favorite cookie competition of the year. Bring some to enter, or just munch on the entries and vote for a populace choice winner!
3. Bring your A&S project to display! The event features the Debatable Lands’ Arts & Sciences Championship and Display. There are no limitations, bring your projects, old or new, finished or in progress, to display. You can even request feedback from our top artisans. And if you’re from the Debatable Lands, enter the competition!
4. Bring some beverages. Wet site. Nuff said.
5. Snowball fight! Jasmine of Clan Tarn has her elves working overtime making stuffed “snowballs” for an epic tourney for young and old alike!
6. Get ready to laugh. The Best Commedia dell’Arte troupe in the Knowne World – I Genesii – will be *cough* performing *cough* …multiple times. Don’t miss the most beloved court of Misrule.
7. Bards welcome – the Debatable Lands Bardic Championship is also taking place. Only Debatable Landers are eligible for the Championship, but all are welcome to perform. The theme is the Old and the New.
8. Speaking of performances, the Barony’s own Debatable Choir will perform at 5pm. Let their dulcet tones wash over your ears and hearts.
9. Stuff and cash, cash and stuff… our Twelfth Night Auction of Forgotten Treasures ™ will delight you with the garb, gear, stuff and do-dads available at this silent auction. Have stuff you don’t need? Bring it to donate! But wait, there’s more! We also have a few fine merchants.. peruse their artwork, chainmail, and more!
10. Courts and vigils and courts, oh my! The event features Mistress Graidhne’s vigil and induction into the Order of the Laurel, as well as many other awards, Kingdom and Baronial.
11. Stay for the dancing! After evening Court, our event always has one of the best dances of the season in the entire Kingdom. Don’t worry, we’ll teach you!
12. Bring a donation for Paladin’s Pantry! The Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank needs food items, blankets, and more. Read more here!
If you are interested in requesting time for business on the Court docket at Kingdom 12th Night, please email me as soon as possible as the event is this weekend.
In service,
Orlando di Bene del Vinta,
Jewel Herald
The Kingdom Bard, Brehyres Gwendolyn the Graceful, sends this announcement,
Remember that you still have a few days to prepare for the Sylvan Bard Championship! As previously mentioned, Their Majesties’ wish is to celebrate Saturnalia at Kingdom Twelfth Night this weekend with pieces about the sun, light, the turn of the season and return of daytime, and/or candles or lights as sources of knowledge.
The competition begins at 1:30 but performers are welcome to gather at 1:00 pm to hang out and sing.
I hope to see many gentles at Kingdom Twelfth Night this weekend to participate and to support each other as we determine our next Sylvan Bard.
Come One Come All to the Celebration of Saturnalia with our Most August Imperiatori, Tindal and Etain, featuring the renown competition for Sylvan Bard of Æthelmearc.
Keep your strength up for reveling by partaking of the splendid lunch presented by Baron Janos Mezzaros, and after a day full of activities, you may choose to sit Above the Salt or Below the Salt for a Saturnalia Feast also created by Janos and his Company of Cooks.
You may choose your entertainment throughout the day: dancing (Instruction during the day and dance in the evening), an arts contest with roots going back to the the days of Cicero (more info to come), games of chance (including a Kingdom fundraiser) and games of skill.
Come in your most brilliantly-hued haute couture. As did our ancestors, we too will revel in the Roman fashion. There will be a Kings Choice and Queens Choice for best dressed in Saternalia sartorial splendor. And as the Sun turns, so too shall our social order, and as befits our celebration, our Lord and Lady of Misrule too shall make their choices known.
Merchants are welcome. In lieu of a merchant fee, we are asking for donations for the fundraiser. Due to limited space, you must reserve ahead of time. Please contact our Merchant Liaison Baroness Rosemund von Glinde (Wendy Hart, baronessrosemund725@yahoo.com, 716-949-4984)
Other activities and information will be forthcoming on the web and on the Kingdom and Twelfth Night Facebook pages as well as here in the Æstel.
Please send reservations to Edith of Winterton (Caroline Elliott, 38 Chateau Terrace EAST, Amherst, NY 14226, edithofwinterton@gmail.com, 716-574-1354). Please include an email with your reservation for followup. Please include any food allergies when you make your reservation.
The cost for this wondrous affair is:
SITE FEE (includes lunch):
Adult: $14.00
Minor age 13-17: $7.00
Minor age 0-12: Free
Family Cap SITE FEE ONLY: $35.00
BELOW THE SALT (Site Fee + Below the Salt dinner)
Adult: $22.00
Minor age 13-17: $15.00
Minor age 0-12: $8.00
ABOVE THE SALT (Site Fee + Above the Salt dinner):
Adult: $27.00
Minor age 13-17: $20.00
Minor age 0-12: $13.00
For Children age 0-12 there will be an alternate Children’s Feast available at a children’s table in the feast hall for $3.00.
For those whose minor children do not eat event dinners at all, parents may reserve for them with site fee only. We will have a table in the feast hall for kids who are not partaking any feast whose parents are, so that the kids may still be in line of sight without taking a feast seat.
Off board tables will be available for people who wish to stay at the event and bring their own feast.
Please make your checks payable to: SCA NY, Inc- Canton of Beau Fleuve. A $5.00 non-member surcharge will be collected at the door from all non-member adults.
Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope reports on the merriment of Steltonwald 12th Night.
Master Tofi Kerthjalfadsson, Countess Genevieve du Vent Argent, Sir Magariki Katsuichi no Koredono, and THLady Anna Malakina. Photo by Baroness Cecily of Whitehaven.
The Canton of Steltonwald held its Twelfth Night event on the last day of January. Steltonwald is best known for hosting Æthelmearc War Practice, at which the entire Canton puts in countless hours of work, so for their 12th Night they made the decision some years ago to let others handle the work and just enjoy themselves. Hence, each year the feast is catered by a local restaurant. A few years ago, the event was moved to the Hyeholde Restaurant, an upscale establishment built almost 80 years ago to look like a French chateau. For $40 per person, 12th Night attendees were provided with valet parking, servers offering drinks and hors d’oeuvres, and a gourmet meal held in a large and beautiful private dining area where they could all enjoy each other’s company at their leisure.
Lady Teresa Alvarez receiving her Keystone. Photo by Baroness Cecily of Whitehaven.
Their Majesties held a court that spanned the entire evening, pausing the festivities from time to time to bestow awards on various gentles. Notable among the recognition given was a Keystone to the autocrat, Lady Teresa Alvarez, a Fleur to THLady Madeleine de l’Este for her skill in costuming, and a Court Barony to Master Robert Marsden.
Late in the evening Their Majesties called forward Master Jacopo di Niccolo and Master Creature Twinedragon, called Creador, and enquired of the populace which of the two was the “most evil.” While Master Creador’s son, Lord Gunther Schwartzrosen, maintained that his father was clearly the more evil for the simple act of having unleashed Gunther on the world, many others cried that since it was well-known that everything is Master Jacopo’s fault, he was obviously the more evil. Accusations flew back and forth. but in the end it was agreed to much laughter that they both men were truly evil.
Lord Vigo di Napoli. Photo by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.
After dinner and court, Steltonwald’s infamous “Mongolian style” gift exchange began, with Maistir Brandubh o Donnghaile and Master Kameshima Zentarou Umakai serving as masters of the ceremonies. Each participant had brought a wrapped gift which was placed on a table, and then received a number from Lady Teresa. As each number was called, the holder of that number could choose a gift from the table or steal a gift from another gentle. As usual, alcoholic items (especially several bottles of whiskey, rum, and gin) were hotly contested, but a highly decorated drinking horn, a beaded veil, and a bag of Japanese silks were also exchanged many times.
When the final gift from the table had been unwrapped, the heralds announced that the festivities were at an end, and gentles wound their way up the stairs to retrieve their vehicles. Some went home while others retired to a nearby hotel to continue their celebrations by the pools and hot tubs, cheered by a pleasant evening with friends.
Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope reports on the Bog Twelfth Night event.
St. Swithin’s Bog Twelfth Night included a wide array of activities, including martial tourneys as well as the usual feasting and arts. It was held at a new site with more space than the traditional site, which permitted the addition of fighting and fencing.
The rapier tourney had an unusual format. Fencers were each given a pin with five ribbons. They were then required to challenge other fencers to a bout with any conditions to which both would agree: best of three fights for one ribbon, first to win five fights for two ribbons, and so on. Some of the fencers and their consorts even bet ribbons on the outcome of certain bouts. It made for an interesting tournament with a good bit of amusement on the part of fencers and spectators alike.
Photo by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope
The heavy weapons bear pit tournament was dominated for a while by the chivalry, with Sir Alric of the Mists and Prince Timothy holding the field for long stretches, but in the end the winner was THLord Arnthor inn Sterki. All of the fighters enjoyed themselves, and good humor dominated the low-key list.
Photo by Arianna
Over the course of the day, spectators and combatants alike were encouraged to vote for the most chivalrous fighter in both lists. For the heavy weapons list, Lady Svava of St. Swithin’s Bog was chosen most chivalrous, not only for her honorable combat, but also for her spirit. She later received a Golden Alce from Their Majesties. On the rapier list, Lord Gunnar UlfrBani not only won the tourney but was also chosen most chivalrous, then capped off the day by receiving both the Bog’s martial award and an Award of Arms from the King and Queen.
Lord Gunnar with his Baronial award scroll for martial skill. Photo by Mistress Hilderun Hugelmann.
While the combatants were having their fun, Baron Iago and Baroness Emelia of St. Swithin’s Bog were faced with the daunting task of choosing their next Baronial Arts & Sciences Champion. Among the many lovely entries, they selected the painted mask made by Master Caoinleán Seanchaidh, called Tower, as the best item, and duly named him their A&S Champion, further enjoining him to enter the Seven Pearls A&S Competition at Ice Dragon.
Mask by Master Caoinleán Seanchaidh, called Tower. Photo by Arianna
Baronial award medallions in glass, entered by Lady Rachel Dalicieux. Photo by Arianna.
Pouch entered by Lord Ian Campbell of Glen Mor. Photo by Mistress Hilda
Embroidered pin cushion entered by Dame Vivienne Marie de Beauvais. Photo by Arianna
Beaded gown entered by Lady Andree of Snow Rose. Photo by Arianna
There was also a silent auction of donated items, as well as a 50/50 raffle, both to benefit the Bog’s coffers.
THLord Sionn the Lost ran dancing throughout the afternoon, with many gentles including Her Majesty and the Prince and Princess enjoying a mix of bransles and English Country dances.
Photo by Mistress Hilda.
Late in the afternoon, Master Duncan Blackwater arrived with one of his birds of prey in hand. As always, he was then surrounded by a delighted crowd eager to see the bird and hear about how Master Duncan raised and trained it. Prince Timothy and Princess Gabrielle’s children were especially enthralled.
Photo by Arianna
Lady of Misrule Grace of Steltonwald. Photo by Arianna.
Shortly before court, the Monarch of Misrule was chosen by means of tickets which had been distributed to all of the non-peers as they checked in at troll. The gentle thus selected was Grace of Steltonwald, who then processed into court with the royalty, Baron and Baroness, and was given a throne on which to sit through Court. At one point during royal court, Their Majesties explained to Grace that, as Lady of Misrule, she should encourage “shenanigans,” and His Majesty went on to demonstrate how it is done by seizing several hapless gentles from the audience (including Grace’s own Lord Magnus Bastiano di Vigo) and joining them on the dais in a rendition of the can-can. This was only Grace’s second event.
Photo by Arianna
A tasty lunch and the well-seasoned evening feast were created by a crew led by THLady Rosheen Rois O’Faye, who was awarded a Sycamore by Their Majesties for her skill in cooking and scribal arts. With His usual sense of mischief, King Titus silently beckoned the populace to tiptoe into the kitchen with Him to bestow this award on Her Ladyship there, rather than take her away from her feast preparations.
Photo by Arianna
The highlight of the feast was the beautifully decorated individual pies served as the final remove, with diners receiving their choice of blueberry or cherry.
Photo by Arianna
The evening ended with more dancing, again led by THLord Sionn. Though the weather outside had turned to freezing drizzle, all made their way safely home, pleased with their day spent with good friends, good food, and good fun.
A report of the events at Debatable Lands 12th Night, submitted by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope
Baroness Constance and her sister, Lady Sarab, in gowns crafted by Lady Sarab. Photo by Mistress Hilderun Hugelmann.
The Barony-Marche of the Debatable Lands’ Twelfth Night on January 17th was chock-filled with activities. The day began with a short Royal Court at which Their Majesties gave awards to several good gentles and then bid the attendees gather for a short “Get Well” video to be sent to Lady Ruadh mac Aodha, sister of Baroness Constance Glyn Dŵr and Lady Sarab bint Alima, who is in the hospital recovering from injuries received in a serious vehicle accident a week before the event. Then gentles scattered to partake of the pot luck feast, try their hand at arts and crafts run by Lady Aíbell ingen Chernacháin, shop the many merchant tables, peruse the entries in the A&S competition, taste the brews made available at the Taster’s Tavern hosted by THL Madoc Arundel, or just schmooze with friends.
Later in the day, Lady Ceindrech verch Elidir ran a pillow fight tourney in which numerous children and teens waged ferocious combat with stuffed animals as well as pillows. Even His Majesty, ever competitive, went pillow-á-pillow with some of the other combatants.
King Titus vs. Lord Hartman. Photo by Mistress Hilderun.
THLord Sionn the Lost taught dancing to an eager crowd of teens and adults, then Their Excellencies Baron Liam and Baroness Constance were faced with the daunting task of choosing a Baronial Bard from among the many talented performers. Entrants told stories, sang songs, and played instruments as they entertained the populace.
As the afternoon wore on, there was a hotly contested gift exchange, and a performance by the Debatable Choir, which led into the Baronial and Royal Courts.
The Debatable Choir performs a concert of renaissance choral music. Photo by THL Ishiyama Gentarou Yori’ie.
Their Excellencies recognized Lady Hara Kikumatsu as their new Baronial Champion for her Japanese garment, and thanked Lady Sumayya al Ghaziyya for her service as the outgoing A&S Champion and winner of the Seven Pearls A&S Competition.
Lady Hara Kikumatsu, Baronial A&S Champion. Photo by THL Ishiyama.
Lady Bugga Bilibit, outgoing Baronial Bard, spoke for herself and her Bardic co-Champion, Master William de Montegilt, who was too ill to attend the event, in recapping the bardic competition. Their Excellencies announced that they had selected Lady Silence de Cherbourg as their new Bardic Champion, to great applause.
Then Lady Abbatissa Dreye di Banbury was called to announce the results of the Baronial Brewing Championship. His Excellency Liam noted that he had asked Sir Thorgrim Skullsplitter to judge this competition along with Baroness Constance, as His Excellency does not partake of alcohol. Lord Valaric Dalicieux was chosen as the winner; although he lives in St. Swithin’s Bog, Baron Liam noted that there is no prohibition on having a champion from another Barony, and since there’s no Seven Pearls Brewing competition, Lord Valaric wouldn’t have to worry about competing against his own Barony.
Springerle cookies by Lady Luceta di Cosimo, which won King’s Choice in the cookie competition. Photo by Mistress Hilderun.
Their Excellencies recognized a number of gentles with baronial awards, as well as announcing the winners of the cookie contest and heraldic quest. The Canton of Steltonwald generously gifted the Barony with a large sum of money, as their coffers had been well fed in the previous year. The auction of useful things also brought in a goodly sum. But the highlight of the baronial court was when Their Excellencies bestowed the Barony’s highest award, the Copernicus, on THLady Elss of Augsburg. Her Ladyship has autocratted five 12th Nights, cooked feasts at many other events, performed with the commedia troup i Genisii, and served as Baronial Chronicler and a Thrown Weapons Marshal. Their Excellencies noted that all of the other members of the Order of the Copernicus are peers, so THLady Elss would be in august company.
During Kingdom Court, Their Majesties recognized many gentles for service or skill in the martial and peaceful arts. They also recognized Lord Madison Morai for his brewing, noting that his Apple Strudel Cordial had won both the populace choice competition and the Queen’s Choice.
In addition, They welcomed several newcomers attending their first event, instructing the populace to chant with Them to these new gentles, “We like you and we want you to come back!”
Court ended with multiple renditions of “Happy Birthday” for those gentles whose birthdays had recently been celebrated.
The evening was capped off with more dancing led by THLord Sionn, to music provided by the Debatable Consort.
Editor’s Note: There are moments that remind me why this Kingdom and this Society hold a dear place in my heart. And moments that remind me why the most important award that the Royalty give is the Award of Arms. This is one of these moments that does both as the newest Lord & Lady of Æthelmearc conveyed these heart felt words. I am grateful I call them friends. ~ Euriol of Lothian
From Lord Christian
You all make this society great.
Unto the populace who does reside in these most sacred Sylvan Lands of Æthelmearc, does one Lord Christian Goldenlok of House Sable Maul present greetings:
I am indeed humbled to be the newest member of the Kingdom of Æthelmearc to be merited the honor of an individual Award of Arms. In the youth of my privilege, I am moved to express again why I am so grateful to be among the blessed populace of Æthelmearc.
This is a special award to me. It is so because of the words of my Knight, Sir Gareth Kincaid, the talents of his lady, Mistress Julianna Delamere, and the writing of the lady who holds my heart; the scroll is personally touching.
It is also deeply meaningful because the act is made so by the hands of both my King and Queen. I now feel that besides a flexibility in political freedom, it’s a way for the Kingdom itself to include me in a blanket marked not just by where I live, geographically. The award gives me great confidence, because the path I have taken these past few years has now been officially encouraged by the Kingdom, itself. I feel more connected to my kingdom than ever because of the kind actions of those I am in fielty to.
I always speak highly of my Knight, his fine lady, my House, and my shire, the Shire of Misty Highlands. Time has solidified those bonds. In my heart, those bonds are sacred and meaningful. They are my beloved.
For a moment I take liberty to speak highly of my fellow subjects of Æthelmearc and its King and Queen. I do so because as I have strived to form relationships with you, I have been met in turn with overwhelming amounts of warmth, compassion, encouragement, largess, empathy, love, acceptance, bruises, and inclusion. The events of the entire day during our Twelfth Night celebration was shining examples of those qualities.
I am ailed with beloved pride for my kingdom, but I am also grateful for having made friendships with so many of its subjects.
Although you may have read my words through your computer screen previously, it was always my intention to occasionally travel and personally reach out to you from my home in Misty Highlands. In the months that followed, every single one of the relationships I have formed with you is important to me. Every move of friendship returned has been overwhelmingly inspiring to both me and my love, Lady Adelyn Idesborn. You enhance the quality of my life.
In conclusion, to those who call my Sylvan Lands home, as the newest Lord of Æthelmearc I declare that it is my supreme honor to help hold high the torch of this fine society. I will carry, with instruction from my mentors, the flame of our kingdom proudly so as others may see the light of our Kingdom’s goodness and feel the warmth of its inclusion.
I am humbled to be the next generation of the Kingdom of Æthelmearc. The witnessed examples shown by my Knight, his household, and your participation in this great Kingdom have rooted in me a deep love and sense of wonder. I am inspired to be among you, and I am proud to proclaim that we are alive, we are well, and we are thriving.
In Glorias,
Lord Christian Goldenlok
From Lady Adelyn
I would like to take the time to genuinely thank and praise each person who attended the Twelfth Night celebration on January 10 who made me feel so warm, welcome, and at ease. I randomly saw people doing a type of weaving I had never seen before, and so they went out of their way to show me what they were doing, explain what it was, and tell me the history of it.
I had friendly acquaintances drop everything to include me in conversations and provide me with a loaner goblet and loaner feastware. Daniel Rufus, thank you again! I was asked to stand guard to the queen, where I was then included in conversation and was humbled by how kind and thoughtful so many members of our society are–both lowest and highest ranking. Thanks to Gabrielle de Winter for asking me to guard!
I was given delicious samples of mead, cordial, ale, and scotch by some of the best Brewers in Æthemaerc. Thanks to Rauðbjorn Loðbrok for not just watering us on site, but for sending us home with your award winning brew!
Lastly, I attended the most interesting and fun court I’ve ever been to where there was interpretive dance, genuine gratitude expressed to and by so many people, and above all, my Lord Christian Goldenlok and I were recognized by the kingdom and awarded arms. Gareth Kincaid and Juliana Delamere — Christian was overwhelmed by your words and artwork, I am grateful for having been included in the planing of his scroll! I cannot express how thankful I am to all those who made this possible. Anna Leigh and Titus Germanicus certainly are worthy and gracious leaders to our Sylvan Lands and I am beyond honored to have been recognized by them.
I also finally met face to face many people who up till now I have only interacted with online. What a blessing it was! Here, though, I would also like to apologize. The time was short at this event, and I did not get to talk to everyone Id like to have gotten to know better. Also, this is the first event I’ve been to where I did get to meet and talk to so many people who I don’t generally get to see in person. Being a person who is just naturally shy the first few times I talk to someone new, I struggled quite a bit to be as open and candid as I find it easy to be online. I wish to apologize to anyone who wanted to talk who I did not find the time to meet with personally, and I apologize to anyone who I did find time to talk to if I was a little clammy and introverted–each time I meet you in person my shyness melts away and I fear for you all the day I run through events blabbering to each of you without cease.
I would like to close by telling everyone in house, shire, region, and kingdom, I appreciate you all, for your kindness, your inclusion, your support, your largess, and how each of you has invested in making me a better person. I hope to honor each and every one of you with my actions and words as I move forward as a lady of these Sylvan Lands of Æthemaerc.
