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 Baronage 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
Outlands Court
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.
Caer Galen Court
Held within Outlands Court, Caer Galen Court began with the investing of new champions. Many new champions had been chosen during Wolfgang Rowena's tenure as Vicar and Vicaress, but could not be invested until a proper Baronage was in place. The invested champions are as follows:
| Champion | Role |
|---|---|
| Kassjan Ivarsson | Amhránaí Bard |
| Bailey of Caer Galen | Armored fighting champion |
| Vincent | Rapier |
| Recipient | Award | Scroll Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Kokechin Q'oa | Monkey of Caer Galen | Eoghan MacIver, Massimiliano Pontieri dal Sasso, and Yazida bint Zarif |
| Fiadh Mac Tyre | Book and Harp of Caer Galen |
- 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 was first offered elevation to the Order of the Laurel at Summer Coronation AS 60.
The vigil was held on site, with Mistress Hannah being placed on vigil immediately following morning court.
She was heralded into court by [Out of Kingdom Person]. The elevation ceremony began with the traditional returning of the protege belt to her mentor Mistress Briatiz d'Andrade.
| Representative | Group Spoken For |
|---|---|
| Iohann miles cognomine Vulpes | Order of Chivalry |
| Egill Þorisson | Order of the Laurel |
| Cainnleach Uiseir of Glendalough | Order of the Pelican |
| Daciana de la Slatina | Order of Defense |
| Mika Longbow | Order of the Mark |
| Elisheva bat Simon Halevy | Royal Peers |
Her scroll was the work of Elieth de Salazar of Atenveldt. Her friendship wreath, composed of a number of lampwork leaves, was made by Mistress Emeludt.
Master Michaelangelo Francesco di Genoa
Michaelangelo Francesco di Genoa was first offered elevation to the Order of Defense at Summer Coronation AS 60 alongside Robert Hunteman and Tahir al-Razi.
His vigil had been held since the previous night.
His elevation began with testimony from Andreas von Meißen on behalf of the Order of Defense that Michaelangelo was fit for the peerage. Michaelangelo was then heralded into court by Jehan Mór. Mistress Birgitta Andersdotther presented the collar of Master Govanen Blackwell to be included in the ceremony. Both the collar that would become Michaelangelo's and Master Govanen's collar were passed amongst the gathered Order of Defense.
| 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 Adrien 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