The Donnan Party event was scheduled for March 28 in the Shire of Ballachlagan.
From the autocrat of the Donnan Party to the Known World:
As with other gatherings of large groups of people, the Donnan Party has unfortunately been cancelled. Our host site, West Liberty University, has altered its campus offerings in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and following their suggestion we are going to suspend our activities on their campus. We are sorry for the inconvenience this may have caused you, but look forward to seeing all of you once this crisis has passed.
Documented from the Scrolls of the Reign of Marcus & Margerite, King and Queen of Æthelmearc: the Business of The Donnan Party, March 25, Anno Societatis LI, in the Shire of Ballachlagan. As recorded by Maestro Orlando di Bene del Vinta, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald.
In the morning Their Majesties called for a moment of silence to honor the life of Baron Rodrigo de la Vega.
Next, Gavin Harris was called before the throne, where Their Majesties spoke of his ferocity and prowess as a youth fencer and bestowed upon him a Silver Alce. Scroll by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.
Gavin Harris receives his Golden Alce. Photo by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.
Doña Gabrielle was summoned forward to ask if it was still her desire to sit in vigil this day to contemplate elevation to the Order of The Pelican, to which she answered in the affirmative. The Order of the Pelican was then called forward. Mistress Fredeburg von Katzenellenbogen then approached and took back her belt so that Doña Gabrielle could sit in contemplation unencumbered, after which the Order of the Pelican escorted Doña Gabrielle to vigil.
Doña Gabrielle is sent to vigil. Photo by Mistress Arianna.
Court suspended.
In the afternoon upon the rattan field, Lord Oliver Sutton was called before Their Majesties who spoke of his prowess upon the field. They then called to be attended by the Order of Gage and did induct Lord Oliver into that esteemed order. Scroll by Lady Raven Whitehart and Mistress Mahin Banu Tabrizi.
Next, Their Majesties required that Duchess Morgan of Rye, also a member of the Gage, tarry a bit longer. His Majesty stated He felt it necessary to revisit a slightly erroneous statement He had made earlier that day in which He stated that all knights wore chain mail. To demonstrate His point further, called forth the Order of the Chivalry and presented her with a writ of summons to contemplate elevation to the Order of Chivalry. Scroll by Mistress Sthurrim Caithnes.
Duchess Morgen receives a Writ for the Chivalry. Photo by Maighstir Liam mac an Tsaoire.
Court suspended.
In the evening, Their Majesties gave leave to the children of Æthelmearc to chase after the toy chest and claim a prize.
Countess Elena d’Artois, Master Diego Miguel Munoz de Castilla, and Don Po Silvertop then came forward showed unto the populace a sword and dagger set which are to be part of the prize for the winner of The Wild Hunt.
Master Diego displaying the prizes for the Wild Hunt. Photo by Mistress Arianna.
Master Clewin Kupferhelbelinc then addressed the populace and announced that Lord Jacob Martinson was the winner of the day’s cut & thrust tourney and presented him with the victor’s token and charged him to return next year to run the tourney and pass the token to the next winner.
Master Clewin names Lord Jacob Martinson the winner of the Cut & Thrust tourney. Photo by Mistress Arianna.
Their Majesties then bade Master Clewin stay, and spoke of his passion for the steel art of cut & thrust and of how he has studied and shared his love of historical fencing, and in particular, the MS I33. Their Majesties then called for Their Order of the Fleur d’ Æthelmearc and inducted Master Clewin into that order. Scroll by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.
Master Clewin receives a Fleur. Photo by Mistress Arianna.
Ronan O’Connell was next called before the Throne and was awarded arms for service and helpfulness. Scroll by Baron Brandubh O’Donnghaile and Lady Alysoun of the Debatable Lands.
Lord Ronan receives his AoA. Photo by Mistress Arianna.
Next, Robert of Hawksworth appeared before Their Majesties and was awarded arms for his skill with rapier. Scroll by THL Tegrinus de Rhina.
Lord Robert receives his AoA. Photo by Mistress Arianna.
Their Majesties then call for Master Urho Waltterinen in order to present to him a token of garnet in commemoration of his being the 41st Jewel of Æthelmearc. Being not present, the token was received on his behalf by Baron Brandubh O’Donnghaile and Baroness Hilderun Hügelmann.
Doña Gabrielle de Winter then presented herself before Their Sylvan Majesties. When asked if she had been given good counsel this day with regard to the question as to whether to join the Order of the Pelican, Doña Gabrielle affirmed that she had, and that it was her wish to join. Their Majesties then required words from the peers of Their realm. Duke Malcolm MacEoghainn spoke of the courage expected of a knight, and how Gabrielle exemplifies this attribute. He spoke of how she leads others, inspires, lends aid and comfort, and does the things that need to be done. Maestro Bastiano di Iacopo shared a story illustrating the honesty and self-reflection of Gabrielle, and how these needed qualities serve to inspire us all. Mistress Fredeburg von Katzenellenbogen told of how an artist must have vision to be able to see possibilities, and how they must be detail-oriented. An artist must be able to see flaws in their own work, and that Gabrielle does all of this, and she stated how this quality enriches our society. Countess Elena d’Artois and Countess Anna Leigh spoke of the feelings of love and admiration Gabrielle creates in people, and of how this love and admiration lifts others up. Lord Nicolo Loredan da Venesia spoke on behalf of the populace and told of the impact Gabrielle has had on the populace, of her constant support of others, of her efforts to add others to The Society, and of how it was by her direct and continued efforts that he is here today. Having heard these words of Their peers and populace, Their Majesties were well-pleased, and called for a medallion and a cloak bearing this symbol of the Pelican, and placed these items upon Gabrielle. They then received her oath of fealty, and named her a mistress of the Order of the Pelican. Scroll forthcoming.
Mistress Gabrielle is made a Pelican. Photo by Mistress Arianna.
Her Majesty then sought to be attended by THL Ælric Ravenshaw, and name him as Her inspiration for the day for his efforts as the autocrat, and bestowed upon him a Golden Escarbuncle. Ælric then took a moment to announce that the winner of the day’s rapier scholar tourney was THL Ru Cavorst.
Lord AElric receives a Golden Escarbuncle. Photo by Mistress Arianna.
Lastly, Their Majesties thanked all of the artisans who contributed works of art this day to recognize others, and Her Majesty offered tokens of appreciation from Her hand.
There being no further business, this court of Their Majesties was closed.
Faithfully submitted,
Maestro Orlando di Bene del Vinta,
Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald
The Shire of Ballachlagan’s Donnan Party event on March 26 had its usual surfeit of heavy weapons and rapier, along with archery and thrown weapons.
Master Donnan MacDubhsithe, photo by Mistress Ts’vee’a bas Tseepori Levi.
The event began as a way to recognize the birthday of Master Donnan MacDubhsidhe by giving him a venue to receive the traditional fencer’s “birthday smacks.” It has evolved to include a heavy weapons muster for fighter to train for Pennsic.
The day started with the Court of the Imperatori, Tindal and Etain. Lady Julianna Ravenshaw explained the history of the event, and noted that while it was not Master Donnan’s actual birthday, it was the birthday of another gentle – Princess Ariella. Her Highness was presented with a cake, and the populace sang to her. The cake was later distributed with the lunch sideboard. The Imperatori then summoned Master Bastiano di Iacopo and asked if was ready to hold his vigil and play the prize for the Order of Defense, as he had received a Writ at Bog Twelfth Night in January. He answered in the affirmative and was escorted by the Masters of Defense to an area where he could meet with fencers and peers for that purpose. His elevation will take place at Coronation.
Court having ended, gentles scattered to don armor or pick up rapiers, bows, or axes and pursue the martial activities of their choice. The day being warm and sunny, the heavy and youth fighters went outside to the field behind the building, while the fencers took over the gyms to do Cut and Thrust training as well as hold classes on various rapier techniques. Master Benedict Fergus atte Mede, Kingdom Rapier Marshal, oversaw the authorization of about a dozen fencers in the new form of two-handed sword by various regional marshals. At noon the “birthday smacks” for Master Donnan began.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Slideshow photos by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.
Meanwhile, the heavy fighters outside took advantage of the large field to have pickup fights as well as a round robin novice tournament. The Marshal-in-Charge, Lord Oliver Lengthorn, commented, “The unbelt round robin was a ‘warmup tourney’ thing that occurs at the beginning of each of our Region’s musters. After the round robin was over, many of the Knights in attendance took the field to offer the unbelted fighters a few passes and one-on-one instruction. The rest of the day we worked on small unit maneuvers in field battles and also drilled some tactics for limited front engagements.
We spent the day making our AErmy stronger. Though there is no individual winner to report, the entire Kingdom wins!”
After the tourney and warmups, the heavy fighters held field battles under the watchful eye of Augustus Tindal and Sir Thorgrim Skullsplitter.
Video by Arianna.
The youth fighters also enjoyed the fine weather, with the Kingdom Division 2 Champion, Drake, helping to train two brand new youth fighters. Master Liam macanTsaoire and Lord Rouland of Willowbrooke, both youth sparring marshals, took time out to fight against the youth as well.
Youth Combat photos by Arianna. Click to view as a slideshow.
Lunch was a buffet taco bar that also included fruits, veggies, and the Princess’ birthday cake.
In the afternoon the fencers held a Scholar’s Tourney for fencers who did not possess a White Scarf or Master of Defense. It had about 15 participants, and was won by Lord Markus Skalpr Grimsson.
Photo by Arianna.
As the day wound down, the Imperatori held their afternoon court, where they recognized many worthy gentles as noted in the Court Report. Most notably, THLady Fiora d’Artusio was inducted into the Order of the White Scarf for her skill on the rapier field. She was presented with a scarf from her husband, Master Will Parris, which he said was the first scarf he had received and which he had worn into many battles.
THLady Fiora d’Artusio is admitted to the Order of the White Scarf. Photo by Mistress Ts’vee’a.
Congratulations to the Shire of Ballachlagan on another successful Donnan Party!
Documented from the Scrolls of the Reign of Magnus Tindal and Etain II, basileos kai basilissa Æthelmearc: the Business of Their Court at Donnan Party, 26 March Anno Societatis L, in the Shire of Ballachlagan, accompanied by Her Highness Ariella, Princess of Æthelmearc. As recorded by Their Silver Buccle Herald, Kameshima-kyō Zentarō Umakai, with the assistance of Gwendolyn the Graceful, Brehyres.
In the morning:
Lady Juliana Ravenshaw presented a history of the Donnan Party, being originally a birthday celebration held in honor of Master Donnan.Today, however, was not Donnan’s birthday, but it was Her Highness’s birthday, and so she presented Her Highness with a celebratory cake baked by the Shire. Her Highness was then serenaded by all assembled.
Princess Ariella celebrated her birthday at the Donnan Party. Photo by Mistress Ts’vee’a bas Tseepora Levi.
Master Bastiano di Jacopo. Photo by Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope.
Maestro Bastiano de Iacopo was invited before the Imperatori and confirmed that it was still his wish to hold the field in contemplation of elevation to the Imperial Council of Defense. The said Council was then convened and voiced their assent. Maestro Bastiano was given into their care to convey him to the field that had been prepared for him.
In the evening:
Sienna Ravenshaw was created a Companion of the Silver Buccle for her service in setup and teardown of events, watching children, and assisting with arts and sciences efforts in the shire. Scroll forthcoming.
Sienna de Ravenshaw receives a Silver Buccle. Photo by Mistress Arianna.
The children of the Kingdom were called forth and, with the assent of their parents, given into the care of Sienna Ravenshaw to keep them amused during Court.
THL Aelric Ravenshaw, the autocrat of the day, was invited forth and gave thanks to the event staff. He also announced that Lord Markus Skalpr Grimsson was the victor in the fencing tournament sponsored by the Æthelmearc Academy of Defense. Markus was presented with a scroll by THL Aelric Ravenshaw.
Lord Markus is named the Fencing Tournament winner. Photo by Mistress Ts’vee’a.
Susannah DeHart was Awarded Arms for her dedication to many arts and sciences, including brewing, crafts, stained glass, cooking and herbs, and for bringing her apothecary knowledge to the aid of her camp at Pennsic. Scroll by Lady Vivienne of Yardley.
Susannah DeHart is awarded Arms. Photo by Mistress Ts’vee’a.
Kaylee of Ballachlagan was Awarded Arms for her service as deputy exchequer and tollner, and her skill in dance and the scribal arts. Scroll by THL Aelric Ravenshaw.
Kaylee of Ballachlagan is awarded Arms. Photo by Mistress Ts’vee’a.
Wilhelm Isenhart was Awarded Arms for his prowess with fencing blades, his skill in woodworking, and his service to his shire in the kitchens, and in the setup and teardown of events. Scroll by THL Aelric Ravenshaw.
Wilhelm Isenhart is awarded Arms. Photo by Mistress Ts’vee’a.
Lord Oliver Sutton was created a Companion of the Keystone for serving as the Knight Marshal for Ballachlagan, teaching new fighters, assisting with the setup and teardown of events, and being part of the burgeoning Ballachlagan scribal guild. Scroll by Lord Tegrinus de Rhina.
Lord Oliver Sutton recieves a Keystone. Photo by Mistress Ts’vee’a.
Lady Dominique von Weissenthurn was inducted into the Order of the Sycamore for her research into period headwear and buttons, her skill in sewing, and her enthusiasm in teaching that knowledge to others. Scroll by THL Aelric Ravenshaw.
Lady Dominique von Weissenthurn receives a Sycamore. Photo by Mistress Ts’vee’a.
Lady Iaroslava Ivanovna was given Their Majesties’ Award of Excellence for her many years of service to the Kingdom. She was then further admitted into the Order of the Sycamore for her diligent research into the arts of Pysanky eggs, ceramics and dance. Scroll by THL Aelric Ravenshaw.
Lady Iaroslava receives the Award of Excellence and a Sycamore. Photo by Mistress Ts’vee’a.
Beatrix of Anglesey was presented with the Sigil of Æthelmearc for her service to the Crown.
Beatrix of Anglesey receives a Sigil. Photo by Mistress Ts’vee’a.
THL Fiora d’Artusio was elevated to the Order of the White Scarf of Æthelmearc for her research into and skill in the art of fencing and those arts associated with it: teaching, garbmaking, the works of the fencing masters, and supporting the fencing community. Scroll illuminated by Meestress Odriana vander Brugghe and calligraphed by THL Kieran MacRae.
Doña Fiora with her White Scarf scroll and the scarf presented by her husband, Master Will Parris. Photo by Mistress Ts’vee’a.
The Imperata presented Mistress Katla ulfheðinn with her token of inspiration, for though many had given of their time and effort to make the day comfortable for Her Majesty, Mistress Katla had, in Her opinion, gone above and beyond the call of duty.
Mistress Katla receives the Augusta’s token of inspiration. Photo by Mistress Ts’vee’a.
The Imperatori thanked all scribes and medallion wrights who had contributed their talents and largesse to enhance the Court’s proceedings.
There being no further business, the Imperial Court was closed.
In Honor and Service,
Kameshima Zentarō Umakai
高貴国境の王国の治部卿
Silver Buccle Principal Herald, Kingdom of Æthelmearc
The Donnan Party event was scheduled for March 28 in the Shire of Ballachlagan.
