Caer Galen Midwinter & Investiture AS LX (2025)
| |
| Date | December 13, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Location | Barony of Caer Galen |
| Hosted by | Barony of Caer Galen |
| Event type | Winter Feast / Investiture |
| Baron | Wolfgang Sebastian Kolhammer |
| Baroness | Rowena Colebrook |
Overview
The Caer Galen Midwinter & Investiture was held on December 13, AS LX (2025) at the Church of the Lookout in Longmont, Colorado. The event featured the Lost in a Snowstorm theme and marked the investiture of Wolfgang and Rowena as the new Baron and Baroness of Caer Galen.
The event was held under the reign of King Simon and Queen Aria. Gregor of Bears Gate served as the event steward. The site token was a small vial of salt with a square of fabric tied to the lid, evoking the winter theme.
Investiture and Ceremonies
Morning Court opened with the official investiture of Wolfgang and Rowena as the Baron and Baroness of Caer Galen. Following their seating, the Baronial Officers were invited to swear their fealty to the new Coronet.
The Hamlet of Plattefordham
A unique ceremony was held to mark the conversion of the Shire of Plattefordham to a Hamlet. The presentation was split into two acts inspired by Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
- Narrators: King Simon and Queen Aria
- Spirit of the North: Her Ladyship Cairech
- “Gregorstern”: Gregor of Bears Gate
- “Aifecrantz”: Aífe Cham ingen Sáerbrethaig
- Additional Participants: Sharon of the Roses and Her Excellency Richenda
Court and Recognitions
During Morning and Evening Courts, numerous individuals were recognized for their service and skill. Highlights included the elevations of Hannah de Ávila and Michaelangelo Francesco di Genoa.
| Court | Recipient | Award | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Erasmus of Caer Galen | Golden Pheon | — |
| Morning | Erich Lightfoot of Studley | [Award Placeholder] | — |
| Morning | Viðbjorn Orðlokarr | Award of Arms | — |
| Morning | Hilarion Angelos Akropolites | Stag's Heart | — |
| Morning | Kassjan | Palmer's Lantern | For excellence in photography. |
| Morning | Fiadh Mac Tyre | Stag's Blood | — |
| Evening | Steigr | Stag of the Outlands | Scroll by Kökechin Qo'a and Eoghan MacIver. |
| Evening | Regalis dei Falchi | Flower of the Outlands | Scroll by Kökechin Qo'a, Yazida, Max, and Livia. |
| Evening | Alaine Chateau | Golden Pheon | Scroll by Regalis dei Falchi and Aileonora. |
| Evening | Elyenora | Award of Arms | Scroll by Aileonora and Yazida. |
| Evening | Neri of Elmet | Flower of the Outlands | Scroll by [Scribe Placeholder]. |
| Evening | Brigid inyun Shiun | Argent Hart | Scroll by Liv. |
| Evening | Marcelline of Caer Galen | Award of Arms | Scroll by Max and Yazida. |
Baronial Court of Caer Galen
Held within the Royal Court, the following baronial honors were noted:
- Storyteller of Caer Galen: Beta (Scroll by Max and Yaz)
- Harp of Caer Galen: Liv and Yazida, announced as the next Harps by the outgoing Harp, Kökechin Qo'a
- Monkey of Caer Galen: Kökechin Qo'a (Scroll by Max, Yaz, and Eoghan)
- Historical Tribute: The owner of the horse Rosey (who served on the inaugural senate) returned the senatorial sash, featuring a horse pin and a lock of Rosey’s hair
Elevations
Mistress Hannah de Ávila
Mistress Hannah de Ávila was elevated to the Order of the Laurel. Her vigil began following Morning Court. Her “Friendship Laurel Wreath” was composed of small, leaf-shaped glass beads created by members of the Outlands populace.
| Representative | Group Spoken For |
|---|---|
| Iohann | Order of Chivalry |
| Eglis | Order of the Laurel |
| Cainnleach | Order of the Pelican |
| Daciana | Order of Defense |
| Mika Longbow | Order of the Mark |
| Elisheva | Royal Peers |
Master Michaelangelo Francesco di Genoa
Master Michaelangelo Francesco di Genoa was elevated to the Order of the Mark. His vigil had been held since the previous night. For the ceremony, he wore a cassock made by Anneka.
| Representative | Group Spoken For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adrien de Calais | Order of Chivalry | — |
| Melissa of Monster Hall | Order of the Pelican | Spoken by Aldyth |
| Kitta | Order of the Laurel | — |
| Rand the Tracker | Order of the Mark | — |
| Nerissa | Order of Defense | — |
| Cecilia | Royal Peers | — |
| Briatriz d'Andrade | Order of the Walker of the Way | Speaking for Rosalind of Wellmark Keep |
Activities and Competition
Midwinter Lunch
A donation lunch themed around game meats was prepared by Mistress Aldyth.
- Soups: Pumpkin soup, potato soup, lentil stew
- Breads: Soda bread, Irish brown bread, gluten-free options
- Meats: Apple antelope sausage, fruited venison meatballs, smoked trout
- Sweets: Turku gingerbread, oreshki cookies
Tournament: Torches in the Blizzard
The Captain of the Guard Tournament featured a “torch” mechanic. Teams carried a torch holding a tennis ball (the Flame). If the torchbearer was killed or the ball fell out, the team became “frozen” and could fight but not move.
Arts and Sciences
The Winter Gear–themed A&S competition was judged by populace vote.
- Winner: [Placeholder]
- Entries: Garments, winter gear, storytelling
Points of Interest
- Yeti Bellowing Competition: Coordinated by Lady Fiadh
- Garb Grab: Fundraiser hosted by Sir Adriann to benefit a war truck fund
- Bardic Highlights: Included a modified rendition of “Red is the Rose” as a baronial tribute and a performance by the Mysterious Saracens presenting gifts to the new Coronets