Many populace members arrived on Friday to set up pavilions and encampments in preparation for a full weekend of activities that included tournaments, courts, bardic, and much more. Additional time on Friday was spent visiting with friends and family and laughter filled the campsite liberally.
The event opened early on Saturday with a fundraiser breakfast being served and Turkish-style coffee offered. Populace members waited for the event to officially open with court by relaxing and preparing themselves for the day’s activities. Later in the morning it was time to start the event with the opening court of the day that would lead to the tournament to determine the next Prince and Princess of Oertha.
In opening court announcements were given regarding the event and upcoming activities. The Autocrat of the event, Lady Sylvia of Thrace, welcomed all and gave information on what to expect during the weekend. Additionally, Mistress Anna di Caterina Neri, the Principality Seneschal, had some words as well.
From there His Highness, Prince Skeggi of Oertha, welcomed all to the event in which he made known his appreciation for all those in attendance for what was to be a joyous weekend. His Majesty, King Uther, had a kingdom court opened for business, first starting with calling Their Highnesses forward to swear fealty.
Afterwards Peers of the Realm were called forward to swear fealty as well and then His Majesty proceeded to inviting the populace to pay homage to the Crown of the West if they wished to do so.
His Majesty then called forward Lady Talorc Caer Arienrhold and presented her with a Court Barony. In addition to her title she was presented with a baronial circlet for her new position within the court of the West. There was much cheering from those in attendance.
From here, King Uther took the time to address the assembled populace about recognizing compassion and kindness in the Society. It was here that he encouraged everybody to write out a thank you note during the event and to present it to another person so that the recipients of these kind words would be encouraged to continue their works and deeds that exemplify the Society that we live in.
The court then transferred back to Prince Skeggi and Princess Kharakhan as they concluded court for the morning in which several awards and recognitions were given to members of the populace. The Order of the Orion was presented to Lord William the Archer for his skill in archery within the Principality of Oertha. While Lord William was not present, Baroness Elena of Winter’s Gate accepted the award and scroll on his behalf. Additionally, the Order of the Argent Flame was presented to Adelaide the Weaver and Arnthorr Hesthofdi for their exemplary hospitality.
More awards and recognitions followed with Sir Culann mac Cianain being presented with the Order of the Oerthan Sword and Lord Bartram Sinclair being presented with the Ash Leaf by Their Highnesses. The Oerthan Sword is a Principality award presented to those whose martial prowess and chivalrous behavior on and off the field is exemplary and the Ash Leaf is presented to those who excel in the fighting aspect of the Society on a kingdom-level.
With awards and recognition bestowed upon members of the populace it was time to start the ceremony to begin the Coronet Tournament. Seven fighters were called forward to take part in the Invocation. After presenting themselves and their Consorts to the populace and the Prince and Princess of Oertha; the fighters concluded the ceremony by taking the oath and choosing their opponents for the first round of the tournament.
Entrants to the Coronet Lists swear of the Axe of State at the Principality of Oertha’s Summer Coronet and Investiture. July 21, 2018. Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.
