Barony of Stormhold

Greetings populace

We hope you are all well with plans under way for the coming festive season.

We had an excellent attendance at the November Monthly Bash, with 6 combatants contending the Heavy Tournament, with victory going to our Southern Duke, Sir Siridean.
We also had 4 combatants for the Rapier tournament, which Sir Siridean, as Earl Marshal, kindly supervised as Marshal, with a newcomer to the Barony, Connor, winning the day.
Her Excellencies target archery, with ghosts & ghouls trying to molest the Saintly Bees (of Bartholomew) was most popular, with many, young and old enjoying the shoot. Whilst Brodhir won the archery, we would commend everyone who particpated, especially the young - including young Marcus of Krae Glas, who came a close 2nd.
A lovely day, with many friends, old & new.

And over the coming weeks we have a bevy of exciting events in our region. The Rose & Unicorn Tavern, in the deep wilds of Krae Glas. The Lyos Memorial Picnic at Mt Franklin, a most lovely & picturesque location - both leading up to a complete Royal weekend, with William Marshal tournament & feast on the first Saturday in December, followed by a Rapier & Archery extravaganza (and I believe the archery this time may include Sea Monsters) on the Sunday (by Royal decree). So please attend the tournament or feast, and/ or attend John Gardiner Reserve on the Sunday from 11am and show off your skills with archery or rapier.

IMPORTANT - Please note that December Monthly Bash will commence at 11am till 3pm to allow for Royal travel times. It is likely there will be treats from the feast (if they don't all get eaten).

Now - we need to do some final planning for this Royal visit.

It is quite traditional to present gifts to Their Majesties when they visit your group.
Their Majesties are returning to Stormhold to meet & get to know you, the populace, as their last visit (Their investiture at Midwinter) was a whirlwind of formal obligations & meetings, thus were unable to meet many of the populace of our region (and they want to).

So, we would call on any artisans within the Barony (we know its a late call, sorry) that might have any small works they wish to be gifted to their Majesties to advise us of such - and we will present such works together during our court. Both of Their Majesties appreciate all efforts, as do we and we hope to show off such works.

Also on the topic of the arts - we would remind you all of the Baron's Leather challenge. In addition to the regular A&S competitions held at William Marshal (which we hope to see many entries for) we will also be judging the leatherworking competition - with a suitable prize to be awarded to the winner. You still have a few weeks - and like all A&S within the Kingdom, documentation is appreciated if possible.

Their Majesties wrote this in the latest copy of Pegasus "Heraldic display, whether at a tournament, feast or camping event, can help change the mundane into the beautiful. Help to make this happen by consulting with your local herald about your name and device, so that you can make a banner, shield, tabard or garb with your device on display for all to see."
As such - we hope to see many examples of heraldic display, especially at the William Marshal tournament. We will have some extra flag poles on the weekend.

We know that there are many of you out there that are new and may not have had much to do with Royalty - let us just say, they do NOT bite and are grateful when people come and have a chat with them.

This will be a great way to finish a splendid year, with next year starting with the Surveying Expedition.

Enjoy yourselves, try something new and together we will have an excellent & FUN time.

Master Hanbal al Barbari & Lady Ute Von Tangermunde
Baron & Baroness Stormhold

(PS - And remember, our Crown Prince is Celtic, so over the summer holidays, dust off your old Kilt or plaid and get ready for heralds to turn blue when their tongues get tied into celtic knots)