Al-Barran Midwinter AS LX (2025)

al-Barran Midwinter & War Practice, AS LX (2025)

Their Majesties in the al-Barran Midwinter Feast Hall
Date	December 20–21, 2025
Location	Barony of al-Barran (Albuquerque, NM)
Event Steward	Rowland de Grey of Lincolnshire
Event type	Midwinter Feast / War Practice
Baroness	Adrianna de Tarente

Overview

The al-Barran Midwinter & War Practice was held on December 20–21, AS LX (2025) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The event celebrated Medieval Germanic Yuletide traditions, including the burning of a Yule log and the Ceremony of Lights, followed by a day of heavy combat preparation for the upcoming 2026 war season.

The event was hosted under the reign of King Simon and Queen Aria, with the Saturday festivities held at the Ballut Abyad Shrine Center and Sunday’s War Practice at the Menaul School.

The main event steward was Syr Hrolleif and the feast steward was Leonore of Black Diamond.

Activities and Points of Interest

The site token for the event was a simple wooden token attached to a piece of cord. Attendees were encouraged to decorate their site token with paint markers made available at the event and add their token to a tree in the feast hall as an ornament.

Key activities included:

• Horse Pinata: A multi-colored horse pinata measuring close to 12' tall was placed in the parking lot.
• The Yule Tree: Populace members are invited to trim the tree with symbols of life and hope, including hand-painted ornaments from the A&S station.
• Court Dancing: Hosted by Mistress Catriona nic Aoidh in the late afternoon.

Arts and Sciences

The Arts and Sciences area, located in the Fez Club, featured several drop-in workshops and structured classes:

• Scribal Workshop: Skill-building and instructional feedback.
• Fiber Arts Playground: An open space for spinning, weaving, and embroidery.
• History of Printed Textiles: A presentation and hands-on block printing workshop using Speedball inks.
• Heraldic Consultations: Hosted by Master Æðeluulf munuc.
• Roman Makeup: A workshop and demonstration with Lady Aurelia.

War Practice

Sunday’s activities at the Menaul School were dedicated to martial exercises in preparation for War of the Phoenix and Gulf Wars. Several heavy fighting scenarios were rehearsed including bridge battles, barrier battles, and field battles. Rapier fighters also rehearsed melee scenarios.

Leonore of Black Diamond held her vigil to contemplate her offer of elevation to the Order of the Laurel on site. An arrangement of refreshments and a late-period gown she had made were set out. Those interested could meet with Leonore in a vardo that had been brought to site for her vigil.

A small court was held.

Feast

The Midwinter Feast was served family-style with a focus on traditional German cuisine, overseen by the Baronial culinary team.

Midday Repast:

• Beef or elk goulash
• Vegetable lentil soup
• Leek onion peasant soup with fresh bread

Evening Menu:

• Soup: Spargelcremesuppe (cream of white asparagus) or onion leek peasant soup
• Main: Pork schnitzel with Jaeger mushroom sauce or potato and onion latkes (VG/GF)
• Sides: Spaetzle with butter, Gurkensalat (cucumber dill), Rothkohlsalat (pickled red cabbage), and steamed broccoli
• Dessert: Apple strudel with warm custard or gluten-free apfelkuchen

Court and Recognitions.

During the Saturday and Sunday courts, Their Majesties recognized numerous gentles for their service, skill, and contributions to the Kingdom.

During morning court, White Stag Principal Herald, Andreas von Meißen, processed into court and requested the presence of Æðeluulf munuc. Upon his entering court, Andreas declared that Æðeluulf was being named a Herald Extraordinaire owing to his heraldic knowledge and previous tenure as White Stag. Æðeluulf, accepting this honor, kneeled, and assented to a number of oaths while holding his right hand over the seal of the White Stag Principal Herald. Upon agreeing to the fifth oath, he was anointed with a small amount of water from a goblet he was then gifted. He was also given a white staff as a symbol of the ranking.

During the intervening al-Barran morning court, Syr Hrolleif revealed that Krampus would be lurking throughout the event, seeking out misdeeds and misbehaviors. Ilo de Faux played the role of Krampus, donning a black mask with large hones and a long, hooked nose. Baroness Adrianna de Tarente had decorated her mobility device for the event with the facade of a black pegasus. She made it known that the pegasus would be protecting the event from Krampus.

The following awards and honors were given over the course of the event:

Outlands Awards and Recognitions

Recipient	Award	Notes
Adrienna de Tarente	Queen's Cypher - Bearer
Aiofe of al-Barran	Stag's Heart of the Outlands	Scroll by Phaidra of Phaestos
Anthoine Leroux	Silver Tyne of the Outlands	Scroll by Alikina filia Elpin
Ays’e al-Rumiyya	Flower of the Outlands	Scroll by Saraswati mân Ikkam
Bo Dach	Cordon Royal of the Outlands
Christine Woayde	Queen's Cypher - Bearer
Constantine Cortez	Queen's Cypher - Bearer
Corbin de Heather	Cordon Royal of the Outlands
Diettrich Von Stuttgart	Stag and Chalice of the Outlands	Scroll by Sharon of the Roses This award also conveyed Diettrich's Award of Arms
Douglass Elspeth Mackintosh	Stag's Heart of the Outlands
Dragoslava Ikonnikova	Queen's Cypher - Bearer
Ealusaid of Ardrenk	Flower of the Outlands	Dragoslava Ikonnikova
Fay of al-Barran	Award of Arms	Scroll by Inea
Gareth Lightborne	Venerable Guard of the Outlands
Genoveva Meyer	Queen's Cypher - Bearer
Gerlin von Tiesenhausen	Sharparrow of the Outlands	Given a medallion by Mistress Karma, Scroll by Dragoslava Ikonnikova
Guy Herbert of Roteland	Stag of the Outlands	Asta Olafsdottir
Jago Redbeard	Court Barony	Scroll by Dragoslava Ikonnikova Coronet by Brennan MacDuffie
Enia al-Andulusiyya	Cordon Royal of the Outlands
Isibeal Macghillemhoire	Award of Arms
Joella of Blue Lyon's Keep	Queen's Cypher - Bearer
Jose Taberna de Torquemada	Cordon Royal of the Outlands
Khadijah bint Zamir	Cordon Royal of the Outlands
Karma Tinzin Khandro	Queen's Cypher - Bearer
Kata utama Geirr	Cordon Royal of the Outlands	Notably for contributions to scroll derby
Kawahashi No Shintaro Yoskikatsu	Stag's Heart of the Outlands Cordon Royal of the Outlands
Lorccan Ruad mac Uilliam	Stag's Heart of the Outlands	Cecilia Mowebray
Nezhdakha Katrusha Vydrinskoi	Queen's Cypher - Bearer
Phaidra of Phaestos	Cordon Royal of the Outlands
Salina Toresdottir	Award of Arms	Scroll by Phaidra of Phaestos & Mistress Inred
Tilla Chandler	Queen's Cypher - Bearer
Wilhelm von Osnabruck	Stag's Heart of the Outlands	Scroll by Genina the Wonder

al-Barran Awards and Recognitions

Recipient	Award	Notes
Dragoslava Ikonnikova	Scorpion of al-Barran	Scroll by Cecilia Mowebray, written in cyrilic
Natasha	Desert Fawn of al-Barran	Scroll by Enia al-Andalusiyya
Katherine	Desert Fawn of al-Barran	Scroll by Enia al-Andalusiyya
Lily	Desert Fawn of al-Barran	Scroll by Enia al-Andalusiyya
Sven	Antares Kano of al-Barran (Award) & Light of al-Barran
Tilla	Antares Kano of al-Barran (Award) & Light of al-Barran
Gerlin von Tiesenhausen	Watch Fire of al-Barran	Scroll by Elspeth Monypenny & Dragoslava Ikonnikova

The toy basket tradition was reserved for evening court. Roi Simon called upon Duke Xerxes of Calontir to carry the basket.

During the intervening al-Barran court, Krampus reappeared. He proclaimed that he sought for any instance of poor behavior throughout the event, but found none. He was ushered quickly from court. Baroness Adrianna de Tarente also took an opportunity to thank Asha of the Outlands for her garb, and Tala (of al-Barran) for her pegasus.

Elevations

Sir Lycus at his elevation

A significant portion of the event was dedicated to peerage elevations.

Sir Lycus of Stag's Pass

Sir Lycus was first offered elevation to the Order of Chivalry at al-Barran champions on August 30, 2025.

At al-Barran Midwinter, Lycus was the first elevation of the day in a session held following the recess of morning court. Lycus was heralded in by Ilo de Faux. Amongst his retinue, one person carried a belt resembling a WWE champion's belt, baring the inscription "Barbeque Champion of the Known World." Before hearing from selected peers, Lycus was released from service by Falnorr Lakemeir.

Peers speaking for Lycus

Representative	Group Spoken For
Faris al-Muwallad	Order of Chivalry
Matthias Alexander Casca	Order of the Laurel
Mariana Vivia de Santiago	Order of the Pelican
Nerissa Della Badessa	Order of Defense
Karma Tinzin Khandro & Callum of Skye	Order of the Mark
Darius of Jaxartes	Royal Peers
Duke Xerxes of Calontir	Additional testament

Jaxx's testament was notable in that he concealed himself within the crowd before being called upon to speak and was wearing a silver colored mask to hide his identity. It was only when called upon that he approached and revealed his identity.

Lycus's spurs were the work of Zachariah and Adrien. Béla Kós presented Lycus's sword. The sword was originally gifted to Jarl Leif Ivarson. It was then passed on to Fionnghuala O'Rion who passed it to Falnorr Lakemeir. Near the conclusion of his elevation, Lycus elected to participate in the buffet ritual. Lycus's scroll resembles an amphora and is inscribed with the scroll text. It is the work of Dragoslava Ikonnikova.

Master Batu Mongo

Master Batu during his processional.

Batu Mongo was first offered elevation to the Order of the Pelican at the Outlands University Collegium on September 20, 2025.

Batu's elevation ceremony was the second of the day, following a brief recess after Lycus's elevation. It was unique in that it was framed as a trial. Batu was led in wearing handcuffs and a rough, plain brown tunic. Nicolae Rares heralded him in, reciting his many service contributions in a manner deliberately styled as criminal charges. After each, Baqu would refute these claims, reframing them in a positive manner. Immediately following Batu and Nicolae in the procession was an individual in a black executioners hood.

Peers speaking for Batu Mongo

Representative	Group Spoken For
Brennan MacDuffie	Order of Chivalry
Auria the Innocent of St. Golias	Order of the Laurel
Æðeluulf munuc	Order of the Pelican
Siegfried Stern	Order of Defense
Karma Tinzin Khandro	Order of the Mark
Zachariah de Kane	Royal Peers
Maria Theresa Sanchez Garcia	Populace

Following the peer testimonials, Roi Simon and Reine Aria announced that they would be elevating Batu rather than executing him. It was also declared that Batu was deserving of clothes befitting a peer rather than prisoner's rags. At this prompting, Æðeluulf munuc and Auria of St. Golias stepped forward and ripped the brown tunic off of Batu, revealing a brocade robe underneath. The robe was the work of Auria of St. Golias.

Batu chose to swear his peer oath upon lightning and his fealty upon Thunderhead, likely an homage to his role as Kingdom Historian-a role he originated. During his ceremony, he was presented with a cap of maintenance made by Uighur-un Buqu. He was also presented with a coat made by Hette (of al-Barran). At his vigil and throughout the event, Batu also wore a prayer shirt made by Khadijah bint Zamir.

His scroll is a work in progress.

Master Edric Capellarius

Master Edric receiving his scroll.

Edric Capellarius was first offered elevation to the Order of the Pelican at the Outlands University Collegium on September 20, 2025.

Edric's elevation followed Batu's after a brief recess. He was heralded in by Phaidra of Phaestos who gave a speech deliberately styled after the opening narration of Disney’s Robin Hood. Cecilia Mowebray accompanied the speech on ukulele, using the same chords from the film. Edric was escorted into court, followed by members of his procession who placed a wooden trunk, an abacus, and a display cushion bearing his Baron of the Court coronet behind him.

He was released from service by Tana à l'Esprit Fort.

Peers speaking for Edric

Representative	Group Spoken For
Raymond the Quiet	Order of Chivalry
Tana à l'Esprit Fort	Order of the Laurel
Y Port Lairge and Melodia Shaw	Order of the Pelican
Siegfried Stern	Order of Defense
Karma Tinzin Khandro	Order of the Mark
Cecilia Mowebray	Royal Peers
Asfirdr Riksdottir	Populace

Master Edric's medallion was specially cast by Domin d’Alsace. His scroll was the work of Ymanya Murray.

Master Mordygan Mac Gregor and Mistress Ymanie the Midwife

Mordygan and Ymanie at their elevation.

Mordygan Mac Gregor and Ymanie the Midwife were first offered elevation at the Outlands University Collegium on September 20, 2025. Their Bronze Age themed elevation was held the night before in their home. To conclude their vigil they shaved their heads.

As a married couple offered elevation simultaneously, they also elected to have a shared elevation. Their ceremony followed Master Edric's after a brief recess. The elevation began with a series of boasts by Simon, Aria, Hrothger, Ingriðr, Cecilia, and Iohann. Following each boast, the speaker would take a sip from the Warlord Drinking Horn. They were then heralded in by Nerienda of Elmet.

Peers speaking for Mordygan and Ymanie

Representative	Group Spoken For
Zachariah de Kane	Order of Chivalry
Matilda de Seton	Order of the Laurel
Mariana Vivia de Santiago	Order of the Pelican
Jorundr Sylfuson	Order of Defense
Callum of Skye	Order of the Mark
Sabiha al-Zarqa	Royal Peers
Brielle Riley	Populace

After the testimonies from selected peers, Mordygan and Ymanie were presented mantles and laurel wreaths. They created the mantles for each other and the wreaths were created by Mordygan.

Their scrolls were the work of Nerienda of Elmet and took the form of matching three-legged stools.

Master Mikhail Luchnyk

Master Mikhail at his elevation.

It is currently unknown when Mikhail Luchnyk was offered elevation to the Order of the Mark.

His elevation was the last of the day, taking place after a somewhat longer recess. He was heralded into court by Thomas Winterbourne de Kent. While both Mistress Karma and Baroness Eórann elected for bow arches at their elevations, Mikhail instead processed in through an arch of arrows.

Peers speaking for Mikhail

Representative	Group Spoken For
Brennan MacDuffie	Order of Chivalry
Sabiha al-Zarqa	Order of the Laurel
Ayse al-Rumiyya	Order of the Pelican
Otto Schwarz Herz	Order of Defense
[Name]	Order of the Mark
Slaine inghean Ui Sheanain	Royal Peers
Catrina Fraser	Populace

Belting Ceremonies

At least three peers and their students performed belting ceremonies at al-Barran Midwinter.

Karma & Annie

Karma Tinzin Khandro announced on December 15, 2025 that she would be taking Annie (of al-Barran) as her protégé and scout.

While originally planned for the midday feast, the belting ceremony was rescheduled to follow closing court during evening feast. The ceremony was held in the court hall. Mistress Karma read the ceremony, including several oaths which Annie agreed to. Annie was given a yellow belt, the symbol of a protégé to the Order of the Pelican. On its end, the belt had a painted depiction of a bee, Mistress Karma's personal symbol for community, hard work, and prosperity. To symbolize her becoming a scout, Mistress Karma also gave Annie a red glove. The glove also had an image of a bee.

Tariq, Elieth & Elusaid

During the brief recess inbetween Mordygan & Ymanie's elevation and Mikhail's elevation, Tariq ibn Yusuf ibn & Elieth Salazar held a brief ceremony in the feasting hall to commemorate the belting of their own student, Ealusaid of Ardrenk. Despite residing in Atenveldt, Tariq and Elieth often spend time in the Outlands and were the former Baronage of the Barony of Citadel of the Southern Pass.

John & Iohann

After closing court, John Wryght took on Iohann von Isenberg as a squire. The ceremony took place directly outside of the court hall.