“O Januarie, what myghte thee devinaille
To them who to Oertha on shippes saille?
What delices and mirth dust you see
At Oerthes corounet feste and reveli? ”
-Faunus de Arden, Autocrat
The Principality of Oertha, Kingdom of the West--In the snow-washed days of the beginning of the new year the Principality of Oertha once again held a great tournament to determine the next Prince and Princess of Oertha by Right of Combat. While the outdoors was cold; many stayed warm with fine wools and furs as well as by the warmth in the hearts of many as the populace came out to witness a grand event. This Winter Coronet and Investiture, an event celebrating the reign of Kenric and Dagmar and welcoming in the new Heirs, was a diverse and exciting event and one that will be remembered fondly by many people.
Alongside many Oerthans from around the Principality there were many notable visitors from the other expanses in the Kingdom of the West. Our esteemed visitors included Roger and Zanobia, the King and Queen of the West, Princess Helga of the Mists, as well as long-time Oerthans including Viscountess Aryana Silknfyre and Mistress Anne of Bradford, as well as a variety of visitors grand and noble from far off and distant lands.
People entered the Great Hall and signed in and visited before things got started; all of them ready for the weekend’s activities to take part in and experience. People gathered and visited as they waited for the opening court of the day to start the event. Before opening court, Lord Sevastian Agafangelovich Golystin was named as a member of the Queen’s Guard, an honor bestowed by Queen Zanobia’s own hand.
Opening court took place amid the beauty of a mechanically devised aurora borealis accented by candles—one of the most stunning and beautiful hall decorations seen in a while. From the opening statements from the Prince and Princess of Oertha, as well as Baron Faunus de Arden, the Autocrat for the event, the Invocation for the Tournament was begun with pageantry and splendor. Each fighter presented his or her inspiration for entering the tournament. Banners were processed in with some of the fighters and grand speeches were made including one, while not extravagant with words, was quite memorable—when presented for the invocation; Lady Úlfhildr Sverradóttir, who was being fought for by Lord Nikor of the Isle of Oaks, told the royalty in perfect Nikorian fashion that “Nikor fight…for me.”
Those who fight in the tournament take the Oath and prepare for the tournament. Photograph by Yamano Yuki. January 21, 2017.
With the end of the Invocation Court, the fighters prepared to head outside where the tournament would take place.
Thirteen fighters took the field that day. The populace, bundled in many layers of clothing to keep warm, witnessed a delightful tournament filled with chivalry, skill, and valor both on and off the field. The tournament was started by the invocation and at the words of the marshals the Coronet Tournament began.
Lord Hans Shaefer and Lord Sevastian in the Coronet Tournament. Photograph by Halfan Ozurrson. January 21, 2017.
The fights were crisp and quick, and a single bout and by double elimination determined who would progress in the tournament. The fights showcased very skilled and talented fighters from around the Principality who fought in the tournament to name their inspiration as Prince or Princess of Oertha the next day. But as with all tournaments, there could be only one winner. The populace watched the number of entrants dwindle slowly down to the finals.
The finals came down to Duke Skeggi Nyewcombe and Sir Søren j Alborgh. In the first fight Sir Søren landed a good quick shot on Duke Skeggi. The second round saw both fighters testing each the other with blows and blocks until Sir Søren landed a beautifully placed blow against his noble opponent, thus landing him the fight and the Coronets of Oertha for him and his lady amid the cheers of the populace watching the tournament.
Sir Søren names his Lady, Mistress Alienor, as Lady Borealis at the conclusion of the tournament. Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson. January 21, 2017.
There was hardly a dry eye to be seen as Sir Søren j Alborgh received the token of the The Borealis and conferred unto his inspiration, Mistress Alienor Fitzhenry, the title of Lady Borealis to be crowned the next day and to sit as his side as Princess of Oertha.
A series of pickup fights took place shortly after the Coronet Tournament as the fighters wanted to continue having fun in the snow. Additionally, many Rapier fighters took the opportunity to have fun outside as well. Many of the populace braved the weather to watch both groups.
After the fighting there was an evening court held for both the Principality of Oertha and the Kingdom of the West. This court would see many individuals recognized and honor for their effort and hard works.
In the Court of Kenric and Dagmar it was Lady Mór ingen Donnchada who was bestowed the Diamond Willow for her service to the Principality. Afterwards, Lady Elena verch Rhys and Lord Hans Shaefer were noted for their great hospitality and awarded the Argent Flame. From there, the Oerthan Order of Grace was then bestowed upon Viscountess Violet Tailyeaour and Lady Elena verch Rhys—both noted for their courteous behavior to all. From there the Prince and Princess of Oertha invited Fella-Bjorn Gunnarsson into the Order of the Oerthan Sword for his skill in combat on the field.
The Sister Baronesses of Eskalya had business in the Court of Kenric and Dagmar as well. Trailed by two youths carrying the Ancient Coronets of the Barony of Eskalya, Baroness Cynehild and Baroness Clare returned these relics to their rightful owner; Viscountess Aryana Silknfyre. Her Excellency, Aryana, gave kind words unto the Baronesses and to the populace and received the storied historical items unto her person.
From there the Court of King Roger and Queen Zanobia started with Sorcha Caraman and Duke Skeggi Nyewcombe, escorted in by the members of the Guild of Defense, being brought forward before Their Majesties. Both Mistress Sorcha and Duke Skeggi were offered elevation into the Order of Fence, and both were quite honored with the decision by Their Majesties. Mistress Sorcha agreed to be elevated the next day while Duke Skeggi asked for admission at a later date.
Last but not least Mistress Saphira the Navigator was called forward and elevated to the position of the King’s Huscarls. The Huscarls members are asked to serve as the King’s house guard, specifically during war time and is, indeed, a most notable honor.
In the evening and after court, the Autocrat invited those who purchased feast tickets to enjoy the Tattered Tabard Tavern held in the hall downstairs in preparation for the grand meal. With specially selected music and the hall lit only by candles, the tavern was a beauty to behold and evoked a wonderful atmosphere for an amazing set of period dishes and delights.
High Table is ready and The Tattered Tabard Tavern is all set for feast to begin. Photograph by Yamano Yuki. January 21, 2017.
All of the items for feast were based on period foods from a variety of sources. Each dish was only modified slightly for the modern palate and then only with items that would have been a normal substitution in the time period. The first course consisted of artesian breads and Oyle Soppes, a version of onion soup served with stale bread underneath the soup. The second course was Roast Fowl with bread stuffing, vegetable fryttors, and baked root vegetables. The Roast Fowl was brought out with great pageantry to be displayed at High Table dressed as a goose—a fantastical illusion to behold. The third remove was Roast pig alongside Rysshews of fruyte and a custard of squash. The final remove saw a selection of scrumptious tarts.
Tales and songs were presented alongside the courses in the Tavern; and the entries for the Principality of Oertha’s Arts and Sciences Competition also took place at that time. The whole tavern atmosphere was immensely enhanced by these additions and made a very memorable experience.
The day ended with many people headed to homes or to their cabins to continue the celebration of the day’s event and to prepare for the next day. In the upper hall, Sir Duncan ap Llywellyn and Master Rodrigo de Reinosa took the opportunity to duel with miniature siege weapons. Marshmallows flew back and forth and there was much laughter by those witnessing such an event.
The next day opened with cold outside in typical Oerthan fashion; but that didn’t stop the activities planned to conclude the event. There were plenty of things to witness and partake in including a showcase of rapier skill, the final court of Kenric and Dagmar, the first court of Søren and Alienor, and a Kingdom court as well.
The Rapier Community, led by the West Kingdom Guild of Defence honored the Queen of the West with a display of period techniques from a variety of different Masters of the later time frame of the Society. The Queen braved the temperatures so different from her homelands and was amazed and quite pleased with the skill and prowess of the various Oerthan rapier fighters in which she gleefully noted in a later missive that “The enthusiasm for their martial art, and the research and execution of the various masters of defense was a joy to behold.”
A demonstration of Fencing Masters is put on by Lord Sevastian Agafangelovich Golystin and Mistress Sorcha Careman. Photograph by Yamano Yuki. January 22, 2017.
As with all Coronets there is an Investiture Court towards the end of the event. It is here that, witnessed by the populace and following tradition and ceremony, the Prince and Princess acknowledge the victor of the tournament and proclaim them as the new Prince and Princess of Oertha.
However, before the Investiture of Their Heirs, Kenric and Dagmar had a few other items of business in court. The Diamond Willow was bestowed to both Viscountess Isabella Hawke and Baron Faunus de Arden for their services to the Principality. Afterwards, there was a presentation of new regalia for the Principality; two new haversacks crafted by Viscountess Violet Tailyeaour, Baroness Elisheva bint Sitt al-Sirr and Lady Elena verch Rhys who presented it to Their Highhnesses amid great “oohs” and “ahhs” from all those witnessing. Mistress Margarita di Calvi also received the Silver Ulu for her work in the kitchens at many events for creating delectable edible wonders.
Principality business was also conducted in court in which Sir Duncan ap Llywellyn stepped up as the new Knight Marshal for the Principality of Oertha thus relieving Sir Cyrus Aurelius from his long and honorable vigil.
More awards were presented afterwards with Mikael auraprestr, whom many in Oertha know as Father Mike, and Duchess Eilis ni Roibeard O'Boirne being admitted to the Oerthan Company of Wandering Wolves—an award for those who have contributed greatly to the Principality of Oertha but do not reside in these lands . Additionally, Lady Mór ingen Donnchada was acknowledged with the Coronets Favor for great services rendered unto the Prince and Princess. Last, but not least, The Shield of Chivalry was bestowed upon Lord Bartram Sinclair who showed great prowess and chivalry on many fields of battle. From there, and after the court was released, Prince Kenric gave his final words to the populace of Oertha and the Coronets of Oertha were passed unto the Heirs, Søren and Alienor.
After the Coronets were passed, there was a change in the Princess’ Champions, new lords and ladies of the court were named, new guardsmen selected for duty, and talented artisans were called to take their place in the court. Prince Søren thanked the populace for attending and stated that he and Princess Alienor looked forward to traveling throughout Oertha, seeing his beloved populace, and meeting new people during his reign.
After the Investiture Court notable events took place in Their Majesties court. The first of which was the admission of Mistress Sorcha Careman into the Order of Defense; the first person be elevated to the Order in the lands of the Principality of Oertha. Her ceremony was quite beautiful, and included kind words from many people, the gift of white silk scarves as a sign of her elevation, and a token that had been made the night before by Duke Skeggi Nyewcombe, The Honorable Lady Kharakan Saran, and Lady Cassandra of Winter’s Gate.
Duke Skeggi Nyewcombe offers newly crafted regalia for Mistress Sorcha Caraman who is inducted into the Order of Defense. Photograph by Yamano Yuki. January 22, 2017.
After the ceremony; Lady Celestria Textrix and Master Gavin Woodward were called before the King and Queen of the West and received high praise for their hospitality and were awarded the Crowns Favor. Viscountess Violet Tailyeaour also received a Leaf of Merit for her astounding continued works in the Kingdom of the West. Additionally, Master Fergus mac Thomais was honored with admission into the Royal Missile Company; an honor that also bestows with it a Grant of Arms. Afterwards, Viscountess Dagmar the Red was called before Queen Zenobia and thusly made a Queens Guard, and Lady Cassandra of Winter’s Gate and Baroness Clare Elana, known for their many skills, were made Queens Artisans.
The final business in the court of the King and Queen of the West was that Tiarna Brann mac Finnchad was called before Their Majesties and offered admission into the Order of the Laurel for his amazing works in costuming. Tiarna Brann mac Finnchad asked to accept the elevation at a later date so that he would have time to prepare and Their Majesties honored his decision commanding him to prepare a suitable vigil.
After the recognitions of many of the popualce, the King and Queen of the West thanked the Principality of Oertha for their hospitality. With three cheers for the new Prince and Princess of Oertha, the King and Queen of the West, and all the other Princes and Princesses of the West the event was officially over.
While Coronets come to Oertha twice every year each one is unique and full of fond memories. Each person, no matter if Autocrat, Peer, populace member, or visitor, leave an indelible mark on these events. This Winter Coronet and Investiture will be remembered fondly by many for it was a weekend where friends were made, honor shined brightly on the battlefield, a new Prince and Princess took the thrones, a great feast was enjoyed by many, and our loved ones were recognized for their hard works and efforts.
The Selviergard Associated Press
Originally published in the March 2017 edition of The DragonTale
Event Date: January 21-22, 2017
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