The September commons meeting was held September 16th in Staten Island at Willowbrook Park, after Staten Island archery practice & picnic. (We moved it from our usual 3rd Friday to avoid conflicting with Queens Farm demo preparations.) Here are the minutes as recorded by Alienor Salton. The officers’ reports are attached at the end.
Attendance
Total of 15 people; only four officers. No quorum.
Suuder Saran, Viceroy
Alienor Salton, Seneschal
Sofya Gianetta di Trieste, Minister of Arts & Sciences, Historian
Mathghamhain Ua Ruadháin, Herald, Youth Marshal, Deputy Webminister
Francisco de Braga, Deputy Exchequer
Apollodora of Delphi, Deputy Chatelaine, Deputy MoAS
On the eighth day of September, in year fifty three of our society, their Excellencies Østgarðr, Suuder Il Kha’an and Lada Il-Khatun, returning home from their recent victories in the summer’s war, did progress to their canton of Northpass for the Feast of John Barleycorn, and therein did hold court.
Their Excellencies began by inviting all newcomers, who had attended no more than three events, to present themselves, and they expressed their pleasure to see the great number of gentles who stepped forward. Each of the newcomers was given a seahorse candle as a token of the province’s welcome and was invited to return again soon, and the populace cheered for their continuing participation.
Next their Excellencies requested to speak with a representative of the Barony of An Dubhaigeainn, and Lady Fiona the Volatile did make herself known, being Seneschal of that Barony’s Canton of Hawkes Reache. Their Excellencies described a request that had reached them from their noble neighbors to the east, who wished to hunt the wild rock doves which are found in the parklands of Østgarðr, in order that they might nurture their populace at the upcoming Feast of Saint Andrews. Being filled with love for their cousins, their Excellencies did grant this boon, delivering unto said Lady Fiona a decree allowing Prefect Titus and his representative Vetra trys Kaukoles to capture said poultry within their borders.
Their Excellencies next wished to hear the results of the day’s fencing tourney, and called for their champion Brendan Firebow, who had organized that trial. Lord Brendan spoke of the many fencers who had taken the field that day, recognizing Aesa Sturludottir as the winner of the day’s duels. There had also been a tournament to select Lord Brendan’s successor, and Alexander MacLachlan was named as the victor and new Provincial Fencing Champion. Their Excellencies bade Lord Alec join their entourage, and gave Brendan a necklace of green stones as thanks for his service over the previous year.
For a report on the archery contest, their Excellencies called for Conor Ó Ceallaigh, but that gentle demurred, stating that that the day’s challenge had been run by Arnbiorg Niálsdóttir, called Helga, and that lady did stand forth. She asked two archers to present themselves for acknowledgment, beginning with Lady Elizabeth Hawkwood, whose excellence had impressed all on the range that day, and their Excellencies presented her with a tassel to use in cleaning her arrows. Then Helga did announce Catelin Straquhin as the winner of the Provincial Archery Championship. Their Excellencies thanked Lord Conor for his service as their previous champion, and he delivered the regalia of that position to Lady Catelin, and their Excellencies invited her to join their company.
Next their Excellencies called for the results of the day’s youth armored combat, and heard from Eikaterine tin Elliniki, the East Kingdom’s Deputy Earl Marshal for Youth Combat. She told of the number of children who had fought that day, including several newcomers who donned armor for the first time. Following a closely-fought series of bouts, Alaxandair Morda, called the Mountain, had won the Province’s Championship for a second year, and her Excellency Lada asked him to hold her great hammer in court and stand ready should it be needed.
Then Sir Edward Zifran of Gendy was invited into court. He presented the Viceregals with a gift of sweets from the far-off lands of Ealdormere, which all assembled agreed would make a nice light snack. He did then call up two combatants who had braved the challenge he set before the fighters that day, Lord Robert and Lord Ronan FitzRobert. He praised the knowledge, chivalry, and fighting skills of both, presenting them with Ealdormerean treats, and naming Lord Ronan the day’s victor.
Richard the Poor of Ely then presented the results of the brewing challenge that had been held that day. He summoned two gentles before the court, naming as winners Fiona the Volatile for the quality of her historical documentation, and Oliver de Bainbrig for the variety and excellence of his brews.
Their Excellencies next recognized the event stewards who had labored diligently to make the day possible, being Wilhelm Larsson, as well as Archubeas Grimoire, speaking highly of their efforts. Their Excellencies proceeded to read a roll of many names, enumerating those gentles who had assisted with various facets of the weekend’s activities, and recognizing them each with the Award of the Sea Star, at which the populace did give cheer.
The Il-Khanate did then speak about of their desire to recognize the work of younger members of the province who had contributed much to the vibrancy of the Province, and did announce a new award, the Order of the Sea-Urchin of Østgarðr.
To initiate the ranks of the new order, their Excellencies did first call forth young Benjamin of Northpass, praising his tutelage of the populace in period gaming, as well as his participation in dance and many other aspects of local events. He was presented with an embroidered hood as the regalia of the order, and an illuminated manuscript to mark the occasion.
Next their Excellencies called for Lord Alaxandair Morda, and inducted him into the same order, acknowledging his prowess in battle, his labors lugging heavy burdens at events, and his service in their court, presenting him likewise with a hood and warrant.
Then the Viceregals asked Mongu Chinua to step forward, and spoke of his great skill with a bow, and his leadership and years of teaching within the Province’s archery community. They felt this excellence deserved to be recognized, and so they called forth their Order of the Silver Sea-Lion and made him a member, and he was greeted by his counterparts in the order, receiving a tippet from the last member so inducted, and cheered by the populace.
Lastly, their Excellencies recognized Lord Conor, who had begged their indulgence for a presentation to the province. Said gentle did proceed to unveil a stained glass panel decorated with the sea-horse insignia of the province, made by his hand and enclosed in a wood frame by Mongu Chinua. Lord Conor explained that he knew the province was moving towards commissioning viceregal coronets and offered the stained glass panel to be auctioned off at a future date with the proceeds being used to fund that commission. Their Excellencies thanked him for his gift, and all assembled did admire his handiwork.
Their being no other business before them, their Excellencies did thereupon close their court and retire in anticipation of the evening feast.
These were the events of the day as recorded by their Excellencies’ Herald, Mathghamhain Ua Ruadháin.
[This poem was composed in August 2018 by Dorigen of the Grey Gate in honor of Viscount Edward Zifran of Gendy, a beloved figure who gave much to Østgarðr. Our thanks to Mistress Dorigen for sharing it with us.]
The Scriptures say: build not your house on sand, but on a rock, a strong foundation find. Behold the East, a fair and blessed land, which, past the time of memory or mind,
has built — nay, leaned — on Edward Zifran’s word, his counsel wise, and most of all his deeds (too numerous to mention), seen and heard; the Eastrealm gladly follows where he leads.
Laurel and Knight and Pelican is he, and bearer of a Viscount’s coronet; of custom, law, and of diplomacy his knowledge stands, nor has been equaled yet.
Through many realms his steadfast name is known: Edward of Gendy, strong foundation-stone.
The monthly commons meeting was held July 20 at the workplace of Ervald LaCoudre in Østgarðr proper. Here are the minutes as recorded by Mathghamhain Ua Ruadháin. The officers’ reports are attached at the end.
Attending
Total of 33 people, of whom 6 were remote via video conference.
Suuder Saran, Viceroy
Lada Monguligin, Vicereine
Alienor Salton, Seneschal, outgoing Webminister
Angelica di Nova Lipa, Exchequer
Beatrice della Rocca, Chatelaine
Sofya Gianetta di Trieste, Minister of Arts & Sciences
Mathghamhain Ua Ruadháin, Herald, Youth Marshal, Deputy Webminister
The June commons meeting was held June 15 at the home of Apollodora and Francisco in Northpass. Here are the minutes as recorded by Mathghamhain Ua Ruadháin. The officers’ reports are attached at the end.
Attending
Total of 29 people, of whom 6 were remote via video conference.
Suuder Saran, Viceroy — by video conference in transit and then in person
Lada Monguligin, Vicereine — by video conference in transit and then in person
Brennan mac Fearghus, King of the East — by video conference
Alienor Salton, Seneschal, Webminister
Angelica di Nova Lipa, Exchequer
Sofya Gianetta di Trieste, Minister of Arts & Sciences
Mathghamhain Ua Ruadháin, Herald, Youth Marshal, Deputy Webminister
The May commons meeting was held May 18 in Whyt Whey at the home of the Seneschal’s father-in-law. The location of this meeting was shifted at the last minute due a storm in the north of the province. The officers’ reports are attached at the end.
Attending
Alienor Salton, Seneschal, Webminister
Beatrice della Rocca, Chatelaine
Mathghamhain Ua Ruadháin, Herald, Youth Marshal, Deputy Webminister
The April commons meeting was held April 20 at the home of Arnora and Ragnarr in Brokenbridge. Here are the minutes as recorded by Mathghamhain Ua Ruadháin. The officers’ reports are attached at the end.
Attending
Suuder Saran, Viceroy
Lada Monguligin, Vicereine
Alienor Salton, Seneschal, Webminister
Sofya Gianetta di Trieste, Minister of Arts & Sciences
Mathghamhain Ua Ruadháin, Herald, Youth Marshal, Deputy Webminister
Ervald LaCoudre, Armored Combat Marshal — Late arrival
The March commons meeting was held March 16 at the home of Wilhelm and Conandil in Northpass. Here are the minutes as recorded by Mathghamhain Ua Ruadháin. The officers’ reports are attached at the end.
Attending
Alienor Salton, Seneschal, Webminister
Angelica di Nova Lipa, Exchequer
Beatrice della Rocca, Chatelaine
Sofya Gianetta di Trieste, Minister of Arts & Sciences
Mathghamhain Ua Ruadháin, Herald, Youth Combat, Deputy Webminister
Richard the Poor of Ely, Historian, Deputy Exchequer
Wilhelm Larsson, Northpass Seneschal
Brekke Franksdottir, Lions End Seneschal
Seònaid inghean Mhic Aoidh, Deputy Chatelaine, Deputy Book Herald
John Elys, Deputy Chronicler
Conandil, Northpass Minister of Arts & Science, Northpass Chronicler
Apollodora of Delphi, Brokenbridge Minister of Arts & Science, Brokenbridge Webminister, Northpass Chamberlain, Northpass Deputy Minister of Arts & Science
Marion of York, Lions End Lieutenant of Fence
Francisco de Braga, Northpass Chatelaine, Brokenbridge Chronicler
Oliver De Bainbrig, Northpass Constable, Northpass Brew Master
The February commons meeting was held February 16 at the workplace of Ervald LaCoudre in Ostgardr. Here are the minutes as recorded by Mathghamhain Ua Ruadháin. The officers’ reports are attached at the end.
Attending
Suuder Saran, Viceroy
Angelica di Nova Lipa, Exchequer
Mathghamhain Ua Ruadháin, Herald, Youth Combat, Deputy Webminister
The January commons meeting was held January 19 in Whyt Whey at the home of the seneschal’s father in law. Here are the minutes as recorded by Mathghamhain Ua Ruadháin. The officers reports are attached at the end.
Attending
Suuder Saran, Viceroy
Lada Monguligin, Vicereine
Alienor Salton, Seneschal, Webminister
Angelica di Nova Lipa, Exchequer
Beatrice della Rocca, Chatelaine
Sofya Gianetta di Trieste, Minister of Arts & Sciences
Mathghamhain Ua Ruadháin, Herald, Youth Combat, Deputy Webminister
Ervald LaCoudre, Knight Marshal
Erich Guter Muth, Minister of Lists
Rufina Cambrensis, Chronicler
John Elys, Deputy Chronicler
Richard the Poor of Ely, Historian, Deputy Exchequer
Francesco Gaetano Greco d’Edessa, Deputy Historian
Wilhelm Larsson, Northpass Seneschal
Vika Grigina z Prahy, Whyt Whey Seneschal
Philip White, East Kingdom Minister of Arts and Sciences