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
Caer Galen Midwinter & Investiture: Lost in a Snowstorm was held on December 13, AS LX (2025) at the Church of the Lookout in Longmont, Colorado. The event marked the investiture of Wolfgang and Rowena as the ninth Baroage 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.
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-ing" of Plattefordham
During morning court, 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. Featured roles include:
- Narrators: King Simon and Queen Aria
- Spirit of the North: Her Ladyship Caírech Liath ingen Ailpin
- “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.
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 |
Her scroll was the work of Elieth de Salazar of Atenveldt.
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 | Read by Aldyth |
| Kitta | Order of the Laurel | — |
| Rand the Tracker | Order of the Mark | — |
| Nerissa | Order of Defense | — |
| Cecilia | Royal Peers | — |
| Rosalind of Wellmark | Order of the Walker of the Way | Read by Briatiz d'Andrade |
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