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History of the Barony:
The reign of Conmaol and Ximena, Part 1

Updated: Feb 9, 2003 

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Reports on happenings in the Barony from November 1999
through November 2001.

 

> Baronial Investiture (Nov 1999)

> Midwinter A+S (Jan 2000)

> Treason in the Barony! (Dec 1999/Jan 2000)

> Spring Crown List (May 2000)

> The 25th Anniversary of Duke John's Knighting (Jun 2000)

> Red Tower XXVIII — The Glory of Rome (Sep 2000): [flyer] [report]

> Artisans' Event (Nov 2000): no content yet

> 12th Night Celebration and Color Court (Jan 2001): flyer and report

> Early Spring A+S (Mar 2001): [flyer] [report]

> Demo at Stone Mountain Park (Jun 2001): no content yet

> Red Tower XXIX (Sep 2001): [flyer] [report]

> Hearth and Home Collegium (Nov 2001): [flyer] [report]

 

A New Baron and Baroness! A Spectacular Investiture!

November 20, 1999. As he said he would do before he was invested as Baron, Karl von Krük stepped down after serving in that role for four years. On this day in the 34th year of the Society, Conmaol O'Maelmocheirghi and Ximena Yannez de Talavera were invested as the newest Baron and Baroness of the South Downs by Their Majesties Aengus and Meaghan. Visiting royalty TRM Trimaris Mittion and Brighid and TRH Ansteorra Alaric and Kayleigh graced the occasion with their presence — and attended a planning meeting for Gulf Wars.

All the royalty and territorial barons and baronesses were treated to a special five-course lunch served by peers of the realm and organized mainly by Lady Emma and Lord Andrew. Sir Rodger ran a Swiss Five toys-for-tots tourney in the afternoon mud - I believe the winner was Viscount Cai visiting from Atlantia who also sang a grand version of the "Song of the Shieldwall" during the feast.

The hall was beautifully decorated with banners based on the Cantigas de Santa Maria, all of the windows being completely covered. During the feast the tables were all clothed in baronial colors. Along with the music from the Choristers and Peach Curry (see below), the Court was treated to the music of local group Assorted Kindling (Luke, Kiraanna and Kevin — Ludwig was out due to illness).

Lord Gershon and Lady Galatea were the lead cooks for the Mediterranean-themed feast. M'lady Lasrina handled the children's activities during the day in Galatea's stead.

Awards 

Conmaol O'Maelmocheirghi        South Downs     Territorial Barony
Ximena Yánnez de Talavera       South Downs     Territorial Barony

Molli Rose Kekilpenny           Sol Haven       Award of Arms (her second!)
  (her scroll was one of the ones that she painted herself!)

Alessandra di Pietro Cavaliere  Tal Mere        Award of Arms
Sion O'Madden                   South Downs     Award of Arms
Aeruin ní hEaráin o Chonemara   South Downs     Burning Trumpet
Morfydd ferch Bronwen           Sol Haven       Argent Comet

Katerina of Dunvegan            Eagle           Guiding Hand
Cian Kerr                       South Downs     Award of Arms
Guy le Strange                  Ravenwood       Grant of Arms
Christianna MacGrain            South Downs     Bough
Aeruin ní hEaráin o Chonemara   South Downs     Bough

Niccoló di Francesco            South Downs     Scarlet Star
Sveinn Thorbrandssøn            Rising Stone    Argent Lily
Gwynneth Annora                 Rising Stone    Argent Lily
Karl von Krük                   South Downs     Court Barony
John of Ean Airgead             South Downs     Augmentation of Arms

Cordell Drumroe                 Owl's Nest      Grant of Arms     
  (given later at the event; she is also known as Cordula)

Other highlights from Court

HRH Alaric of Ansteorra presented fine gifts to TRM Aengus and Meaghan as well as Conmaol and Ximena. He also presented two gifts to HRM Mittion, a touching gift and a zinger. The touching gift was one of the knight's chains that he, Alaric, had received upon his knighting. The zinger was a modern tunic that contained some advice relevant to the upcoming Gulf Wars — "Don't mess with Texas".

Morfydd, Molli and Aislinn from Sol Haven all became proteges of Bronwen o Gydweli.

Guy le Strange is leaving Meridies due to military reassignment.  

Michael of Riversbend and Konrad the Hunter were recognized for their work on the thrones for Conmaol and Ximena.

Æthelwynn, Saavogg, Seric, Elspeth, Blanchefleur {later known as Lilias, then Kristen} and Maximillian were recognized for their contributions in making the coronets for Conmaol and Ximena.

Closing a transaction unfinished from Kingdom A+S, Mistress Eleanor of Ashley presented Master Cathal with a "beanie bull." Why? Ximena is a protege to Cathal. At Kingdom A+S, Ximena also became an apprentice to Mistress Eleanor and the bull (among other things) compensates Cathal for the division of Ximena's potential resources available to her peer-associate relationships.  

Shair Fiachna (a.k.a. Theahtyn), after telling a short story about two kids growing up in Bryn Madoc (Conmaol and Ximena), called for his former knight and very good friend, Sir Ædward of Glastonburh, to share something he values very highly: a drink of water. Fiachna finds that water is much more valuable than blood. As he put it, "without water, your blood is dust."

Lastly, Baron Karl was gifted with a telescope by Conmaol and Ximena.  

Presentation Court

During the revel, Conmaol and Ximena received fine and sincere gifts from sundry gentlefolk:

Those gentles who decorated the banners decorating the hall came forth to formally present them as personal gifts to Conmaol and Ximena: Andrew and Emma, Rhydderch and Peryn, Roger and Serena.

Sir Jean-Claude von Adlerstaat, Baron of Iron Mountain, announced that the gift from his group wasn't ready (due to the condition of the thrones that Conmaol and Ximena were using). When the thrones are stained, the gift of a round tourney table, with matching stain, will be presented.  

Mistress Bronwen o Gydweli and her household, Ty Gafrewig Wen, brought a basket o' goodies from Sol Haven: two bottles of bubbly spirits, cunningly-crafted drinking glasses, candles, candlesticks, and a jar of homemade blackberry preserves.

The evening's revelry included European dancing, hosted by Lady Kiraanna Milkhalkova and Lord Luke Halfdan Vadersson, a bells and pillows tourney and an informal hafla of Middle Eastern music and dance. (Informal it may have been, but we had some of the best musicians and dancers around!)

The "Celebrity Deathmatch" Bells and Pillows Tourney

Master Cathal and Duke John called the fights... some of them were:

Three-way tie for Midwinter A+S Competition!

January 15, 2000. The Barony again hosted Midwinter Arts and Sciences. Three entrants, Damiano Elie Bellini from the Barony of Grey Niche and two ladies from the South Downs, Magdalena Margarete Kaufmann and Margritte of Ravenscroft all tied for first place with the same number of points awarded for their entries. In Baronial court Their Excellencies Conmaol and Ximena appointed Margritte to be their Arts Champion for the coming year. Margritte has served previously as Arts Champion of the Barony several years ago.

This year's A+S was low-key compared to last year's challenge with the Southern Consortium. There were about 60 entries compared to the 170 that brought victory to the shires in last year's challenge against the Barony. With fewer entries the judges had more time for commenting. In place of scrolls or tokens the entrants received a different kind of goodie for taking part at Midwinter — Mistress Elspeth gave out a bag of cookies(!) which were well-received by the participants. Elspeth coordinated the competition for the second year in a row and was ably served by Mistress Janet Gordon, OP who coordinated the performing arts portion.

In the evening Royal Court was held. Read on...

Treason in the Barony!

During Royal Court at Midwinter A+S (see above), Baron Conmaol asked Prince Gareth for assistance in a grave matter. The Great Bear, ready and willing to right wrongs with steel, especially when words fail, assured Conmaol that he would have it.

Conmaol had the herald read a proclamation that charged several members ("a very nest of vipers") of the Barony with treason — guilty of laying hand on the baronial coronet; the symbol of authority that the Baron holds as the appointed representative of the Crown. Don't worry, there's a happy ending for some of the people involved.

The herald, being a bard of no small talent, read the missive with great fervor. In due time the Grand Inquisitor was called forth: Master Cathal who just HAD to remind the populace that "no one expects the Irish Inquisition!"

In time each viper was called forth. The bard and self-styled rogue herald Cellach, well-known for his ability to go about all the year in snow or on the royal roads without shoes or stockings or boots of any kind, was shown the implement that would bring the truth from him: a lady's fine leather shoe. The towering knight Rodger led crafty Cellach from the hall away from the eyes of the Court. Shortly the populace did hear such fearsome screams that some were overcome with emotion.

Then young Christopher, son of Borgar, was also brought up. Following the wisdom of many in a similar situation he gave his accusers the name of someone else to blame, but the first person who came to his mind — was his own father! Rodger led brave Borgar away...

Even those who hold the keys of authority in the barony were not untouched by these happenings — Lady Ella du Soleil, the barony's seneschal, was purportedly in on it. She was turned over to the custody of her peer and about to be led away when she very smoothly took the reins of her fate and spoke gentle words to Their Excellencies - that her fealty was like a leaky bottle. Saying this she held forth a fine leather bottle that she had made. Ella said she had learned the error of her ways and gifted the bottle to Her Excellency Ximena. All was forgiven and the herald reminded the populace that bribery works!!

Finally one of the co-autocrats, Mistress Erina Shanahan {later known as Aaisha bint Khaleed} was led away by the Inquisitor himself to meet an unknown doom.

SPOILER! { OK, now the mundane overview to my understanding: the last meeting in December featured a gift exchange game, some wag took Conmaol's baronial coronet, wrapped it up and put it in the pile o' gifts. Several of those who were actually part of this, and some who weren't, were called up at Midwinter to be part of the schtick. } << this is in (Windows) Symbol font...

A report on Spring Crown List — local edition

May 5, 2000. As they did at Dreamstone which was held at the same site but three short weeks earlier two generous ladies from Bryn Madoc, Lady Wyn and Mistress Signy, decorated the hall Friday night with lights and hangings and rugs. The ambiance was marvellous.

Max stood vigil Friday night to be knighted the following morning before the list. Rodger and Kytte with several men-at-arms on guard (Njal and Stephen were the ones I saw) and a table with fine meat, cheese and pastries greeted those who would visit and counsel Max on his vigil. I regret that I missed the knighting ceremony else I would tell you more of it.

There were 22 fighters in the list and three more bye fighters were employed. Two outstanding knights met in the finals. Baron Simon MacLeod inspired by his lady Baroness Katherine Radford of Dreywick (both from Sol Haven) led the winner's bracket. His opponent was Iarla (Earl) Ailgheanan (from Rising Stone) fighting for Duchess Ilissa the Nightwatcher (Grey Niche area).

The second bout of the best two out of three finals was rather spectacular: after Simon took Ailgheanan's arm, Ailgheanan spun clockwise around his back to strike Simon in HIS back, however Simon was steadfast and struck true — the bout was a double kill and was re-fought. In the end Ailgheanan was victorious.

Finishing behind them in the list were Sir Nikolai Ossetrov, our own Sir Gunther von der Aachen, and Lord Caedmon of Jorvik (a notable young fighter who fought with two swords rather than sword and shield; Lady Emma reported that he is also a superb dancer!).

Court

Sir Maximillian's lady wife Lethrenn and Stephen of Forth Castle were inducted into the Order of the Velvet Owl. Lethrenn quietly teaches horn carving and embroidery while Stephen's known for a near-obsession with the study and production of maille. Max got his peerage scroll (another superb work by HL Padraig O'Seachnasaigh) and then was stunned (in a good way) when King Gareth chose him to be his Champion. Later in court Queen Sabine chose Sir Gunther to be her Champion.

Gunther's consort Kora was appointed as ... Royal Assassin! If that weren't shocking enough Cecily du Chinon (from Rising Stone) was then brought out from the entourage to be appointed ... Kingdom Tart!!

Shair Fiachna (leader of the Southern Consortium) was appointed Royal Cobbler (after paying the appropriate brib... fees). He declared he wants to make shoes for the Queen. His ability to do this is somewhat questioned because he rarely wears them himself. King Gareth quipped that if he can find a cow big enough Fiachna can make shoes for him too.

Master Cathal took as a protege Fiachna's lady Myrte MacAlpin {later known as Maut}.

In Baronial court Conmaol and Ximena had their herald call for Albert Grozan to receive an appropriate gift for his service to the Barony — the rommel pot that Conmaol had made years ago. Sir Robert Greenheart accompanied by his squire Lord Muredach (who was in charge of Albert that day) accepted the gift on his behalf. A rather happy Muredach was seen much later that night rubbing the rommel to the amusement of all around him. Strangely, Albert was nowhere to be seen.

Conmaol and Ximena also had the herald call forth members of the North East South Downs Sewing Circle to receive largesse and recognition for the NEW field tabards worn by the field heralds and marshals that day.

Lady Molli Rose Kekilpenny from the Shire of Sol Haven and our local reeve Miramah oversaw the children's activities for the day. In court Miramah's lord husband Guillaume des Pyrénées (known for his love of games and now for eggs as well) accompanied "Miss Molli" along with several children made a presentation to, as Guillaume put it, the "various luminaries". The gifts, Miramah's idea, were goose eggs painted gold and decorated with the recipients' personal devices. Molli then presented the enthroned nobles with the latest copy of Penfeathers, the kingdom Pages' newsletter, which just happens to include my article on heralds at events.

The leaders of the band of Peach Curry, Chandani bint Razi and Sabah ibn Qadir were made Companions of the Meridien Cross in recognition of their contributions musical and otherwise. After feast Peach Curry hosted a hafla that went past midnight. Her Highness graced us with her presence there and enjoyed our music.

The new Kingdom Bard is HLady Morgan Rowanwaif and the new Kingdom Poet Laureate is Lord Ambrose Tallis. Both gentles are from Grey Niche and won out over excellent entries in the competitions held earlier in the day. From the song she wrote and sung it is apparent that Morgan has a good idea of what all a smart person should take to Gulf Wars. Ambrose served as the herald in the opening procession for those fighters who travelled from Grey Niche to compete in the list.

Baroness Irina of Bryn Madoc celebrated her natal day at the event and was called into court to receive a gift but I know not what it was. That's most of what happened in Court.

Awards received by local populace 


Maximillian Racheengel    Knight
Chandani bint Razi        Meridien Cross
Sabah ibn Qadir           Meridien Cross
Lethrenn Bikkisdottir     Velvet Owl
Stephen of Forth Castle   Velvet Owl
Maximillian Racheengel    King's Champion
Gunther van der Aachen    Queen's Champion

All would agree that the four-course feast by Caitlin and Niccoló was ambitious and filling. Many good gentles helped with its preparation and presentation. (This scribe could not get enough of the meats and desserts and bemoans that he does not have the food consumption capacity he once had in youth.)

I hear Mistress Erina's feast of Persian dishes for pilgrims was also quite good. I regret that I missed that too as well as the Red Rose Ball.

I also have the "kingdom edition" of this review on this site as well as parts of the original Web flyer.

The 25th anniversary of the knighting of His Grace, John of Ean Airgead

June 21, 2000. In the 35th year of our grand Society, a green meadow held a fighting field surrounded with small green banners on poles, pavilions all around, the day only briefly interrupted by a passing shower. Several score good gentles assembled there to pay homage to a local legend.

John of Ean Airgead, called the Mad Celt: Duke, Knight, Leader, Teacher, Artisan, and Humble Servant. He was knighted when what is now Meridies was a far-flung part of a larger land called Atenveldt. Five minutes after John was knighted, another was elevated to the Chivalry: the quiet man known as Galán-Schol of Eirmeathe, one of the first heralds of the Barony of the South Downs, and later Baron of Bryn Madoc.

The Oldtimers Tourney

Minimum age for entry: 40 years young. The combatants each had a yellow balloon attached to his waist to indicate (and perhaps remind them of) having no losses in the tourney. After a combatant suffered a loss, a red balloon was attached to the top of their helm.

THE FIGHTING HIGHLIGHTS!


John vs. Seric: Smackdown!

The contest devolved into wrestling and Seric, while trying to press John to the ground to pop the balloon, somehow popped his own.

William de Montegilt: Crazy Enough Ideas, But They Didn't Work.

William talked both of his opponents into joining him in unorthodox tactics. He lost his first bout by mutual bellyslam — only William's balloon popped. In his second bout he wanted to go one better and do a mutual headbutt. The towering knight Rodger, marshalling the contests, advised them not, not, NOT to do this. So they began to charge HIM instead!

Galán vs. Borgar: Acts of Chivalry, Part I.

Galán relinquished his leg and then his arm after taking those of Borgar. Galán still won the bout, but not easily.

Borgar vs. Saavogg: Acts of Chivalry, Part II.

Borgar relinquished his leg. Saavogg counseled his squire: "Stupid! Bad move!" Borgar still won.

John vs. Galán: Stirring Speeches, Part I.

"... and after twenty-five years, I never thought my friend Galán would let me do THIS!" John gleefully popped Galán's yellow balloon with his hand. Of course, if it was a red balloon, John would have used his sword... he'd have to... (the mighty Mad Celt stands under five and a half feet tall).

Galán vs. Borgar (again): Oh Yeah, There's a Balloon Up There!

Borgar knocked himself out of the tourney. After the first bout was a double kill: he readed himself to strike, brought his weapon over his head... POP... oopsy...!
 

THE FINALS!


Orlando vs. John: Stirring Speeches, Part II.

Duc Orlando, with golden voice, deferred to his former knight: "...for indeed, Sir, this is your day". John, in his usual manner, replied that Orlando wasn't getting out of it that easy. He also said with no trace of disrespect that Orlando, his first squire, was one his greatest achievements.

Note: Orlando did not enter the tourney in the first round, he came in later and accepted a loss as compensation... and still made it to the finals. At the time, Orlando was the only man to have won the Red Tower Tourney three times...

So, after the speechmaking, they went at it — in earnest, and the glory of the moment lent speed and vitality to the "oldtimers". They demonstrated to the populace why each had served as King of Meridies at least twice — they fought well.

I'd seen this one before — they Duked it out again as they've done at more than one tourney in the past. John won the first bout, Orlando the second... and John, fittingly, won the tourney that was held to honor him.

 

The Impersonation Contest

Rodger: Boy, I say, boy, you're hittin' too hard...

Orlando: Son, I showed you everything you know, but I didn't show you everything -I- know...

The Kid: Go ahead, hit me, I'm old and slow!

 

{* The Kid, who won, is the older son of Jean-Michel and Cibella - from the Shire of Forth Castle. A bit over five years later, he became the first youth rapier combatant in Meridies and won a tourney at Red Tower.}

Before They Were Oldtimers

Archivist par excellence, Ædward of Glastonburh, dug up a pair of pictures appropriate to the day to delight the spectators. One picture showed a younger John, in nasal helm and maille, posing at a local demo and looking properly menacing. However, the tone is twisted to the humorous, for behind him is a well-known eatery with the initials BK. Another picture Ædward brought showed a young face with fiery red curly hair and a beard to match — Saavogg's, from about a generation ago.

The Cookout

Members of Sir Saavogg's household and other folks grilled lots o' meat to go with the vegetables and bread and fruit that others brought. We ate well. We usually do...

 

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Original page posted: July 7, 2001. Links tested: May 24, 2008. Last tweaked: July 3, 2006.

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