Her Majesty’s Royal Court

Third Day, Fourth Moon,
Twenty-Third Year of Recent Awakenings

In accordance with the will of Her Majesty and in upholding the duties charged to me as Senior Chronicler, I hereby submit the account of Her Majesty’s Royal Court.

Members of the Winter Court gathered in the afternoon of the third day of the fourth moon to attend Her Royal Majesty and Her councillors at a formal Court. Held in the throne room, the realm’s knights, courtiers, and honoured guests assembled to hear of promotions, news, and changes decided by the Queen, Her Consort, Her Son, and Her Ministers.

The court was opened by Sir Varick, who acted as Royal Speaker at this Royal Court, at half-past the third late bell.

Her Majesty Herself was a vision, wearing a most becoming gown of bejeweled cerulean satin, Her hair and fair figure adorned by jewelleries of platinum and diamond. Atop her platinum blonde hair rested a delicate crown of ice and frost. Her consort and Chancellor, Lord Boreas, complemented Her in garb of black, indigo, and cerulean, His shoulder-length hair held back by a platinum circlet. The Lord Chamberlain, His Royal Highness Prince Bertram, was an auburn-haired reflection of His father, also garbed in soft leathers and cloth of black and cerulean, a platinum circlet upon his brow.

Her Majesty greeted her denizens with love, welcoming them to the formal Court after more than a year since the last. She warned that Court may go long, as there were many announcements to make.

“There are changes coming to Our Court,” Her Royal Majesty announced, “changes which will alter the fundamental structure of the Winter Court, and things which will affect how some of you living here in the Inner Bailey go about your daily lives.”

Castle Marrach is known for its lack of change, and Her Majesty acknowledged that, stating is does not come easy to the Winter Court.

“It is not desired, nor welcomed, and only undertaken with great thought and reticence,” She continued. “The core structure of the Winter Court has remained immovable for millennia.”

Her Majesty, adept at crafting suspense, then called upon Her Ministers to announce their news.

Royal Chancery
From Lord Boreas, the Lord Chancellor, the Court heard that Master Raulison, through Sir Petris’ diligent training, shall take the helm of the Winter Watch as Corporal.

“It is my hope that his steadfast and loyal demeanor serve as an example to all who will flourish under his leadership,” Lord Boreas stated, acknowledging the dark-skinned courtier with a favoured nod.

Royal Chambers
The Lord Chamberlain, Prince Bertram, announced firstly that Master Leodegrance would officially take on the title of Master of Heraldry.

“(He) has been acting as Master of Heraldry for a good while now, working to restore the office to active status, training new Heralds, and returning the joy of trumpet practices to the Inner,” His Royal Highness informed the Court.

In less pleasing news, the households of Lords Dolph and Vestio, and that of Lady Charmiam, were declared inactive, freeing their membership to pursue other opportunities amongst the realm’s nobles.

Prince Bertram noted the status was not permanent, adding that “We look forward to a day where each of our Peers returns to us and we can welcome them back.”

Royal Treasury
Royal Treasurer Lady Calamity announced that the Treasury would be increasing coin rewards for both intrinsic promotion and wedding gifts, to both recognize and “incentivize stable, committed relationships and support those who are able to sustain them.” She also noted the gnomes of the Bizarre would begin to rotate stock every three to six moons, to provide a wider variety of items.

“The Office of Treasury would like to formally acknowledge those most active, and will proceed to do so once per year,” Lady Calamity finished. “With our sincere thanks for the life you breathe into the Realm.”

Those recognized by the Treasury were seras Kaira and Kathris, and ser Ilatai for the Outer Bailey, and Dame Josie, Mistress Auriela, and sera Vessa for the Inner Bailey. The Unity of Arts, Royal Army, and Hairstylists’ Circle were acknowledged as most active, open organizations. Finally, Lady Ezraella’s household was recognized as the most active in hosting public occasions of the Noble Households.

Royal Army
Sir Alrik, Lord Marshal of the Royal Army, announced that the Ranger Corps would become part of the official Royal Army, rather than listed as irregulars. Those who served as irregulars would be inducted into the Royal Army and given rank and title equivalent to their former roles.

“Where once it was thought as of impossible to ever step outside the walls of Castle Marrach, we have in recent years seen the necessity of such operations occur with regularity as the Army adapts to meet ever greater challenges and more foreign threats,” Sir Alrik proclaimed. “As such, the leadership of the Army together feels we can best do our job if the Rangers are folded into the ranks into the ranks of the Regular Army and expected to train and take on duties within the Castle on a daily basis as the Regulars do.” He noted that except in times of crisis, the former Rangers turned Army would be no different from current members. However, in those times of crisis, the Rangers would use their specific skillset to act as scouts and archers.

Like members of the Royal Army, former Rangers will be in uniform with badge and will “take up regular duties, answer duck calls, patrol the castle and be able to provide escort as their non-Ranger counterparts do.”

Former Rangers Masters Aratan and Nexian, and ser Tristan, were given opportunity to step down without dishonour, but elected to remain and will be sworn in as Ranger Serjeants.
The Lord Marshal’s voice took on a cold, ominous edge however as he declared the Army had “suffered a betrayal from within.”

After much shocking discourse, it was revealed that Sir Alrik’s plans for the previously announced changes to the Royal Army were brought to the attention of Lord Boreas by Yeoman Trystan, who was, before the court, dismissed dishonourably from the Royal Army.

“May she never be greeted with open arms by the Army again,” he concluded.

Intrinsic Promotions
Honoured Guests

• Sera Fenn, recognized for her work within the Sorcery Program, the Garden Society, and within the Royal Treasury;
  
• Ser Maireath, recognized for his work in the Sorcery Program, the Royal Pages, and the Royal Heralds;
  
• Ser Venture, recognized for his work as an artist of the Unity of Arts and swordsman within the Battle Guild.
  

Newly promoted, the honoured guests received snow short scabbards from the Queen’s handmaiden, Mistress Brighde, which recognizes their ability to bear small arms. Each, as they took their ceremonial scabbards, thanked the Queen and the Court for their recognition.

Courtiers
"The first petition we come to is one that was in truth met with some differing opinions of the ser, and yet none could deny that he is an intelligent and dedicated man, quick of wit and tireless in service and loyalty to Court and Crown,” Sir Varick began. “He is a Carpenter and a Herald, a Squire to our Prince, and yet perhaps foremost a stalwart and steady Serjeant within Her Majesty's Royal Army. His growth within the Castle has been as much a joy to watch as his presence brings joy to others. I give to you, the Court, the newest member of our Aristocracy. Ser Ilatai."

Ser Ilatai was unable to be present due to his duties with the Royal Army.

"We further add to our number,” Sir Varick continued. “This ser has been positively regarded by those within the Court. Having been known to many of us for some time. His ascension has been some years in the making but is no less worthy of note and praise. He has served the Castle as a craftsman, dedicating himself to being a Carpenter for over a decade, and yet is perhaps known best as a soldier, serving with distinction within the Rangers and the Royal Army and even further serving dutifully as Dame Eeva's Squire and within Lady Ezraella's Household as her own Equerry. Master Tristan.”

The fortunate ser stepped forward, accepting his snow long scabbard from Mistress Brighde, offering words of thanks.

"Mindful. Intelligent. Witty. Clever. These are some of the qualities that were repeated again and again regarding this petition,” Sir Varick noted of the next petition. “This sera and her dedication to service goes beyond any possible contestation. She has been a boon to Her Majesty's Royal Army and an established and dedicated member of the Garden Society and beyond even that a dutiful Squire to Dame Eeva. She has been a fixture within the Castle nearly since her waking, serving the Royal Army for near two years now. Her strength, intellect and clear sense of duty is clear to all. She walks the path to Knighthood in all things, and while perhaps this might be only a step upon her journey, she is nonetheless worthy of the distinction. Sera Kathris."

The sera stepped forward, receiving her scabbard, thanking the Crown and Court, and vowing to continue to serve with honour.

Sir Varick announced the results of the final petition with a smile, noting that "This petition carried with it the weight of the nearly unanimous approval of the Winter Court. This individual has been described as everything anyone could possibly desire in a Courtier. Her work within the Castle has been a tireless effort since the very day she woke. Serving as a Chronicler, a Scribe to the Chambers and filling the role of a Page as well has led her to become well acquainted with nearly every waking denizen. She has been a source of support and kindness to those young and newly woken as much as she has supported older members of the Court each and every day. She is described as gracious and generous in all things. And has dedicated herself to serving the Court and others in every capacity that she may. Sera Kaira."

Like those before her, sera Kaira stepped forward, accepting the scabbard, and expressing gratitude for the honours bestowed upon her.

“To those of you who have this day ascended, you have Our heartfelt congratulations, and Our fervent hope it is but the beginning of yet more triumphs to come in each of your stories,” Her Royal Majesty said, Her mellifluous voice cool but welcoming.

Changes in the Winter Court
Queen Vivienne now began to reveal Her changes to the society of Castle Marrach, hinted at before the Ministers’ announcements and answering of intrinsic petitions.

“Gentle subjects of the Winter Court, for many long years the Realm of our Domain, this Castle Marrach has stood split in twain,” She stated, Her voice carrying clearly. “The great chasm that divides these two peaks of Ardan has served as the border between Our castle's two baileys, spanned by a great bridge that separates the two societies that inhabit this land."

She stated that our journeys begin in the Outer Bailey, the western half of the castle across the abyss from the Inner Bailey.

“The Outer Bailey is a place of wonder, of mystery and excitement, and of potential,” She noted. “So many paths stand open to the common denizens of the Outer, so many possibilities in this world where you are judged not by your gender or beliefs, your appearance, wealth, or bloodline, but by the merit of your soul, by the actions you take and the path you opt to pursue. It is a place where Our common subjects reside, and so Our expectations of them are common; treat those around you with respect, follow Our laws, and pursue your greatest dreams. Laugh and be merry, make friends, seek your true potential, and become the best version of yourself. Fates willing, perhaps even find love."
After a time, people may rise in rank and cross the Grand Bridge to the Inner Bailey.

“The Inner Bailey stands as a pillar of courtly life, where Our aristocracy lives – a place for those of you who prefer a more elegant way of living to the more 'rough and tumble' lifestyle of the Outer,” Her Royal Majesty revealed. “The Inner Bailey is Our own home, and Our Court is comprised of those We have chosen to live amongst, those who embody grace and intellect, those who practice eloquence and are gallant in their mannerisms, those who value the complex intricacies of courtly life. Some of you are here, perhaps, because you were aristocrats in another life and such a fine way of living calls to you again. Some of you, mayhaps, are only experiencing such a lifestyle for the first time here in Our home and have risen from the common life because the best version of you wishes to be something higher than what you were before.”

In Her wisdom, the Queen stated that She welcomes denizens who choose to walk either path, that as an Outer Bailey denizen or one who aspires to walk and live within the Inner.
“For some,” She acknowledged, “life in the Outer is preferable to that of the Court. Such subjects, we love no less for that choice. It is their story to choose, and yours your own.”
Once risen to the Winter Court, though, many doors close and former pursuits in the Outer Bailey must be abandoned, making room for those who awaken, but also limiting avenues of activity for the newly minted Courtier. Without industry and activity, many new courtiers become “listless,” the Queen noted.

“Over the last year We have given this matter much thought and sought a way to rectify it," the Monarch of Castle Marrach revealed. “The Crown has decided to move for a reformation of the Winter Court. This reformation will consist of three edicts which together are aimed at breathing new life and vigour into the Inner Bailey.”

Edicts from the Crown
First Edict: Unestablished Courtiers
The Royal Necromancer, Doctor Getheaht, will begin searching for souls who have memories of aristocratic lives to be delivered directly to the Inner Bailey upon resurrection. They will be given the basic trappings of the Winter Court, including a room, and be recognized as “unestablished courtiers.”

These unestablished courtiers will have a trial period in which they must prove their suitability to assimilate into the Winter Court. They shall experience some limitations: they may not bear arms, may not join households, and provide sanction or sponsorship to others. They will not be permitted to exit the Inner Bailey, and much as guards prevent guests from coming to the Inner, they will prevent unestablished courtiers from crossing to the Outer.

The Queen further noted that during this period of assimilation, the Courtesy Circle would act much like Awakeners to these new members of the Winter Court. As they seek their own path, with guidance of the Circle, a petition will be made to the Winter Court and Crown to welcome them as full members. Should this fail, they will be sent to live in the Outer Bailey.

Second Edict: An Intrinsic Reorganization of the Winter Court
Her Royal Majesty, Queen Vivienne, decreed that existing courtiers, who “did not enjoy such short cuts” and to not have their hard work and years of effort disregarded, be recognized as a new rank within the Winter Court.

Those currently recognized as “Courtiers” will now be known as “the Gentry,” which consists of Gentlemen and Gentlewomen. The Gentry exists above the status of our base courtiers, but below that of knighthood, and will be granted the base position of seventh link on the Chain of Being. In addition, they will also enjoy the privilege of being recognized as Master or Mistress.

The Queen bade the Court to give the Office of Royal Chambers time to make the necessary updates, as it would take time to document these changes.

Recognizing that the role of the realm’s chivalry has been much altered in the past decade, the Queen made it known that Knights Errant or Free Knights will be known as House Knights.

“It is Our Will that Our nobility shall be imbued with the authority to raise their own knights within their noble houses, to bear that house’s noble arms and serve their noble liege as that Lord or Lady’s knight directly,” Her Majesty intoned.

Like with unestablished courtiers, though, the Queen set limitations on this new privilege. These House knights must be drawn from the established Gentry, and there would be a limit on how many and how often this type of household promotion can happen. The House Knight is noted as a job title, not an intrinsic one, and should the noble house dismiss or disfavour the knight, the title will be lost.

“Those current errant knights will have a period of one moon from this day to find sponsorship as a household knight before their titles are revoked,” the Queen decreed. Additionally, as they are not ordained knights, House Knights may still act as squires.

Army Knights will exist within the same guidelines as that of House Knights, with the title being revoked upon release from the Royal Army, under the guidance of Lord Alrik.

Ordained Knights, those who have successfully completed a Knight’s Challenge, will form the Paladins of the Queen’s Guard, which is a contingent of knights raised by the Queen Herself and “dedicated to preservation of the realm, impartial to political motivations, and free of personal ambitions.”

Third Edict: Inner Bailey Societies
Similar goals and hobbies experienced in the Outer Bailey should be available to the Winter Court, though in a more refined, elevated form. Provisions exist currently for crafting paths, as an example. For those who pursued roles within the Keepers, non-Army martial roles, and Rememberers, have had no path open to them.

For those who have no Inner Bailey equivalent, the Queen decreed that the Crown is accepting and encouraging societies to form in the Winter Court.

“These Societies will serve as the Court’s answer to the Outer Bailey’s commonly known ‘guilds,’” She decreed. Membership within these Societies will require that one be of the Gentry or higher. The Queen noted that these societies must be unique in purpose and function from existing organizations enough to justify the Crown’s support. A basic charter describing the Society’s activities, goals, and benefits it brings to the Winter Court is required. Approved Societies will receive support for benefits of said Society.

“It is Our fervent hope that by opening the doors of the Inner to new blood, by revising Our Court system to support those new-found souls, and by providing new paths and opportunities for them to follow in their new lives here – and for all of you as well – that We may usher in livelihood and prosperity to the Winter Court. Such is Our Heart’s desire,” the Winter Queen stated, concluding Her significant changes.

Before doing so, though, the Queen recognized Lady Sinvy for her tireless work in the past year, especially the past moons, in documenting and preparing details for the upcoming changes.

A Tale of Two Petitions
“We hope not to encounter naked newly awoken in Our Inner Bailey as a result of these new awakenings, but eternity is a long time and all things are inevitable," the Queen noted, leading to a topic of security within the Inner Bailey.

The Queen noted that currently, only the Royal Inquisition has official jurisdiction in the Inner Bailey but does not have the manpower nor the scope of practice to deal with potential behavioural issues in the Inner Bailey. Two proposals, one by the Royal Army and one by the Royal Chancery, have been brought forward.

“As you have all just recently witnessed, those proposals do not coexist, and have been a subject of recent tension to some of those in the Court who have been aware of them," the Queen stated. Her Majesty revealed that both proposals will be put forward as petitions and at the next Court, the commentary of the Winter Court itself will help in determining who provides security for the Inner Bailey.

Both proposals were put before the court, and are summed up briefly below:

From Sir Boreas, Lord Chancellor:
The Winter (Black) Watch would be an extension of the Winter Watch that would patrol the Inner Bailey. Its uniform would be black to differentiate it from its traditional Outer Bailey cousins and be comprised of Gentry and Knights from the Winter Court. The Black Watch would be part of an overall Winter Watch, with the Grey Watch only permitted to arrest or intervene with commoners, and the Black Watch with both aristocracy and commons as needed.

From Sir Alrik, Lord Marshal:
The Royal Army would take on responsibility for upholding law within both baileys, but only those members with appropriate intrinsic rank would apprehend members of the Court who had broken laws.

Author’s Note: A full transcript of both proposals is to follow.

With that, the Queen bade Sir Varick to announce the end of Royal Court, and She and Her entourage left, followed by others of the Court in time.

In attendance at this Royal Court, in addition to Her Majesty Queen Vivienne, Her Consort Lord Boreas and son Prince Bertram were Ladies Calamity, Ezraella, Galatea, and Sinvy; Sirs Alrik, Petris and Varick; Dames Eeva and Josie; Mistresses Brighde, Euphelia, Juliana, Kaira, Kathris, Lilly, Rikka and Rosalind; Masters Ammanas, Colby, Leodegrance, Nexian, Radorcha, Tristan, and Vincint; Lieutenant Vessa, Yeomen Sigrun and Vaden; Corporal Raulison, Mistresses Filusae and Taite; seras Fenn, Trystan, and Fatealaria; and sers Harabec, Maireath, and Venture.

This chronicle will be subject to changes and corrections. I humbly ask all readers to please indicate to me discreetly, any falsehoods I may have mistakenly communicated. It is by means of the conservation of the Past that we continue to serve Her Majesty and give substance to those that follow.

In service to Her Majesty Queen Vivienne, The Office of the Chronicler, and the Denizenry of Her Majesty's Realm.
Mistress Euphelia
Senior Chronicler

A transcript of each petition is as follows:

Sir Boreas, Lord Chancellor:
Honoured Lords and Ladies of the Winter Court, valiant Knights and gallant courtiers and gentry alike, I come before this Court to address the need for a rigorous and dependable law enforcement agency to maintain law and order within the Inner Bailey, that will no doubt come with the awakening of new guests directly into the home of the Winter Court.

As the Lord Chancellor it is my responsibility -- No, it is my vital duty to maintain law and order within my Queen's kingdom, all things pertaining to the law fall within my purview. To maintain the scales of Justice in Her Majesty's Realm has been my life's work, and my great honour. In the many years that I have held this office, I have relied upon my Winter Watch to act as the physical enforcement of Her Majesty's law, as edicts and decrees describing the laws of this Realm must come hand and hand with those authorized and capable of upholding and enforcing those rulings.

The Winter Watch has a long and storied history of upholding the Queen's peace, its legacy spans centuries and its ranks have seen the rise of many prominent and honourable members of this Court. In fact, most of the Knights standing amongst us today began their service to the Realm within the Winter Watch. Sir Petris, Dame Eeva, Lady Galatea and even my tempermental colleague the Lord Marshal once wore the grey.

And so it is only natural to me that the same organization that has been entrusted with enforcement of the Outer Bailey's law for generations, continue to be permitted to do so into the future, with an extension of its jurisdiction into the Inner Bailey. Of course this is a matter of contention. It has always been well understood that the Watch's jurisdiction ends where the Grand Bridge begins, it is not the way of things, after all, that common Watchmen be permitted to judge the actions of the Court, to determine the guilt of a courtier or, fates forfend, a peer of the nobility, and place them under arrest. Common denizens, we can all agree, should not enjoy such broad powers over aristocrats of the Court, and for this reason, the Watch has always stayed in the Outer Bailey.

And so what the Chancery proposes is an extension of the Winter Watch itself, we have dubbed it the Royal Black Watch. An Inner Bailey branch of the Winter Watch, open only to members of the Winter court, both martial courtiers and Knights if it please them to serve with us. Do not misunderstand this to be 'another martial guild', fates know we have more than enough of those already. This proposal is simply for an extension of the existing Winter Watch, comprised of court members. Their ranks would still be Watchman and Armsman and they would still answer to the same Corporal as the regular Watch, but these officers would be distinct in black uniforms instead of the traditional greys, and their focus would be to patrol and safeguard the Inner Bailey as their grey uniformed cousins do for the Outer Bailey.

Jurisdiction to enforce the law in the Inner and arrest court members if need be would fall then to these black Watchmen and Watchwomen who are themselves of courtly status. A simple yet elegant solution that the Chancery can implement immediately. Her Majesty has spoken much this day about widening the allowances for members of the court to continue to pursue the paths they started in the Outer Bailey here in the heart of the Court, and so I ask what better demonstration of that than to allow those loyal Watchmen and Watchmen who once served the law in the Outer Bailey to continue that legacy here in the Winter Court? I ask all of you who respect the Chancery's commitment to law and order, those of you who value Justice and harmony to support the Chancery in this endeavour, and help make the Chancery's vision for peace and prosperity in the Queen's home a reality.

Sir Alrik, Lord Marshal:
Your Majesty, and folk of the Winter Court.

Some of you gathered here do not recall the days of the old Royal Guard, but I can see some of you who do. For the first half of these awakenings, the Royal Guard was responsible for Inner Bailey in the way the Watch was the Outer. Moreso in fact, for during those days, all High Crimes regardless of bailey were the Royal Guard's responsibility to investigate, make arrests and forward to the Prosecution to meet the Queen's Justice.

Crime today isn't what it was then. I took the opportunity to look through the old Justice Archives a few days past; in the seventh year of these Awakenings, the Old Royal Guard made thirty arrests for that year alone, for High Crime related charges. That's thirty separate case files in one year -- some of those involved a half dozen crimes per file. This Castle hasn't seen thirty high crimes in the last decade let alone in a year, and that was the norm once. It was a different time, aye, and we were good at what we did. And when the Watch fell inactive as it did at that time, we handled all the misdemeanours in the Outer Bailey too, we picked up their slack.

There was much work to be done, but also reward to be reaped for those willing to shoulder it, opportunity for a man to prove his worth. We saw some of the castle's quickest risers at that time, some of its youngest knightings, but that was because those men and women did year's worth of work for the Realm with every moon that went by. But the old Royal Guard didn't just face unruly denizens of the Outer or crimes of passion, it defended this castle during the invasion of Riven Hills. It protected this castle during the Shadow Rebellion, and the Conclave's Rebellion afterward. The men and women of the Royal Guard proved their worth both as a policing force and a military one, demonstrating that these two things can go hand in hand.

But all good things come to an end. For reasons I won't bother the Court with today, the old Royal Guard fractured, it's membership grew smaller and in time it was disbanded in this very room at Royal Court almost a decade past. There it would stay until some years later when it would be replaced with the Queen's Regular Army as you know it today, the spiritual successor of the Royal Guard but different in one key element; it lacks the authority to function the way it used to, it lacks the authority to enforce the law as well as dispatch invaders. And I say, "Why, when it has already proven that it can?"

The answer to that question is that the Regular Army is not the Royal Guard. The Royal Guard were a smaller, more selective group, all veterans of other martial guilds that had advanced to our ranks; former Preceptors, Armsmen and Corporals, Senior Duelists, many of them already members of the Winter Court themselves or in the very least, Honoured Guests with storied backgrounds and the respect of the Court. But the Army of today is focused on the threats of today, and we have adapted to face those threats. Where once a small but elite group was sufficient to handle murderers and burglars and drunken brawls, today we face enemies who attack in unprecedented number, with weapons and magic powers not before seen in our time. And so, unlike the old Royal Guard who only recruited amongst folk of rank, the Regular Army opens it doors to recruits fresh to the Outer Bailey. Any man or woman who wishes to take a spear and shield to defend our home against these threats, those people are welcome in my eyes.

My proposal as Lord Marshal of the Royal Army of Castle Marrach is thus; that the Regular Army be given law enforcing jurisdiction in the Outer Bailey once more, and further we be given jurisdiction in the Inner Bailey as well - but with limitations on rank. For Yeomen and Serjeants, those not of courtly rank, I propose only that they be given authority over the new unestablished courtiers the Royal Necromancer will be waking into the Inner - those that have not yet proven themselves worthy of the esteem and trust enjoyed by the established Winter Court. In turn, our Lieutenant officers, who are normally expected to be members of the Court already, would have full law enforcement jurisdiction in the Inner to investigate and arrest for those crimes that fall outside the boundaries of the commoner Yeomen and Serjeants in our ranks.

This gives us a system of jurisdiction that allows the Royal Army to once again uphold the law in the Inner and Outer, but without subjecting the Court to the discretion of the common folk. Commoners in the Regular Army, our Serjeants and Yeomen, would only be permitted to handle disruptions to the peace posed by these new trial courtiers, or in cases where they witness a violent high crime in the undertaking and are required to intervene for the safety of the Court. For all other matters, members of the court can expect only to be handled by Army officers who are themselves of Courtly rank.