Windhover Bard
The Windhover Bard is a seated bardic position within the Kingdom, created to honor both performance and the preservation of history. The bard is granted the privilege of being seated at court, either to entertain in the moment or to observe and later craft songs, poems, or stories inspired by the events they have witnessed.
History
The position of Windhover Bard was founded in 2002, the same year that Mistress Kyriel of Windhover Cliff passed away. It was established in her memory, reflecting her lifelong devotion to the bardic arts.
The title itself draws from Kyriel’s name and home. Windhover Cliff was the self-given name of her residence, known for its striking sandstone rock formations. Her personal heraldry featured an American Kestrel—sometimes called a "windhover"—which became the namesake of the bardic role.
Regalia
The Windhover Bard bears the Windhover Cloak, a garment with an appliquéd American Kestrel on its back, representing the heraldic device of Mistress Kyriel. Along with the cloak, the bard also receives the Windhover Songbook, a collection of poems and songs. Each bard contributes a note, poem, or song to the book before passing it on, creating a living record of the role’s legacy.
Selection
The Windhover Bard is traditionally chosen through a competition held at the Fall Crown Tournament. The format, theme, and prizes of the competition are determined collaboratively between the Crown and the current Windhover Bard.
Holders of the Title
The following individuals have served as Windhover Bard since the position’s founding
| Number | Bard | Mundane Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Guernen Cimarguid | 2002 |
| 2 | Safya the Silent[1] | 2003 |
| 3 | Elaisse de Garrigues | 2004 |
| 4 | Cailte Caitchairn | 2005 |
| 5 | Morgan Rowantree | 2006 |
| 6 | Gwilim de Glamorgan | 2007 |
| 7 | Geoffrey Hatcher | 2008 |
| 8 | Biket filla Benjamin de Canterbury | 2009 |
| 9 | Rowen Brithwalt | 2010 |
| 10 | Bianca de Vittoria | 2011 |
| 11 | Jethro Stille | 2012 |
| 12 | Thomas Winterbourne[2] | 2013 |
| 13 | Rowland (Hroleif)[3] | 2014 |
| 14 | Kenna McKenna[4] | 2015 |
| 15 | Isabel la Biche d'Hiver | 2016 |
| 16 | Ronan na f-Fiacal mac Conaill | 2017 |
| 17 | Bryngerðr Þiðreksdóttir | 2018 |
| 18 | Ronan na f-Fiacal mac Conaill | 2019 |
| 19 | Dagný in óða | 2022 |
| 20 | Agmundr Thorolfsson | 2023 |
| 21 | Caírech Liath ingen Ailpin | 2024 |
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20030801094649/http://www.outlands.org/royalty_nobility.html
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20130527124738/http://outlands.org/Default.aspx?tabid=54
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20151220124425/http://www.royalty.outlands.org:80/
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20160605022313/http://www.royalty.outlands.org:80/