Royal Court: 23YRA 8th Moon

Seventeenth Day, Eighth Moon,
Twenty-Third Year of Recent Awakenings

In accordance with the will of Her Majesty and in upholding the duties charged to me as Court Chronicler, I hereby submit the account of Royal Court:  23YRA 8th Moon.

Around the sixth bell on the seventh day of the eighth moon members of Her Royal Majesty's Court gathered in the Throne Room to wait for the commencement of Royal Court.  

The Royal Family was bedecked in finery for the event.  Her Royal Majesty, Queen Vivienne paired a stunning snow trumpet sleeved kirtle with a cerulean velvet and ermine-trimmed sideless overgown.  His Highness was sporting a jet black and snow ensemble with an amber slashed sleeve doublet.  His Excellency sported a dashing grey doeskin surcoat.

Master of Heraldry, Master Leodegrance led the Royal entourage into the Throne Room and made sure all were settled before Her Royal Majesty greeted those present with warmth and welcome.  She explained that the floor would be open to those members of Her Court that wished to petition but first there would be a few announcements from Her and Her Ministers.  

Dual Petitions

Her Most Serene Majesty spoke first on the dual positions presented by the Lord Marshal and His Excellency, Lord Boreas.  She briefly touched on the history of the organizations and explained that with the new guests waking directly into the Inner as trial courtiers that some among the court may not be suitable for harmonious and lawful life in the Court and thus such things had to be considered now.  

She explained to those present that both proposals have been reviewed carefully,  "Though the application of the law is and remains the solemn duty of the Office of the Chancery, it is widely the opinion of the Court that the Royal Army is most suited in terms of manpower, presence, and ability to handle this task, and We have agreed with this point of view. As such, the Crown approves the Royal Army's petition for the jurisdiction of law enforcement over the Inner Bailey beginning immediately."

She then turned to Her Lord-Consort and asked Him to speak on the specifics of the change.  His Excellency shared His cordial congratulations with the new Lord Marshal, Dame Eeva before delving into the details.  

"So there is no confusion on the matter, the jurisdiction of the law will take effect as follows. For all crimes that occur in the Outer Bailey, be they Misdemeanor, High Crime, or Property Crime, the Winter Watch is responsible for the investigation. For all crimes that occur in the Inner Bailey, be they Misdemeanor, High Crime, or Property Crime, the Royal Army is responsible for investigation; this jurisdiction only applies to members of the Queen's Regular Army and shall not be granted to Irregular Army positions." He continued, "Furthermore, any crime regardless of the perpetrator's rank or the Bailey in which it was committed that falls under Treason and its related charges, Corruption, Consortion or Sedition remains the jurisdiction of the Royal Inquisition."

His Excellency was also careful to note that regardless of rank or location any member of the Winter Watch or Regular Army that happened upon a crime in progress was permitted to arrest a violent or dangerous subject of the Queen on the spot.  Jurisdiction would then immediately be transferred to the proper investigating force to take over with a report on the incident in question.  

Her Majesty then requested Her Ministers share any news or announcements with the court, starting first with His Excellency and the Chancery.  

Royal Chancery

  Order of the Stones

His Excellency started His time speaking of the Triangle and all the dangers the Keep has faced in the history of the recent awakenings.  He spoke of how our way of life has shifted, with many people at arms and even sorcerers standing to defend their homes.

"Long before the advent of these Awakenings, thousands of years ago, the enemy from beyond the walls assaulted this keep. An amalgam of the malcontent fae, unwilling and unable to accept the peaceful coexistence of man and fae that governs this Realm, sought to destroy us in a siege that lasted years. They very nearly succeeded." He paused here to let those attending absorb the weight of these words before continuing,  "In our darkest hour, when all hope seemed lost, a new Order was founded, one last attempt to push the enemy back. This Order, comprised of our greatest knights and warriors, was known as the Order of the Knights of the Stone, and their sacred duty was to together form the sword that would strike down our enemies."

He then announced that the Order of the Stones would be returning, sponsored by Himself and led by Royal Champion Lord Sicard, Knight-Lord of the Winter Court and Grandmaster of the Order of the Stones.  Sir Petris, Royal Provost would be acting as second and  Adjutant of the Order of the Stones.  Commencing immediately they would be accepting applications for those chivalrous wishing to join this Order of elite knights.

"As a Knightly Order, the Stones are chartered to provide training and education for its members in all things related to chivalry and the path of knighthood, not only training in armed combat, but in hosting training in the Honor Virtues and the Code Duello as well. The Stones are headquartered in their Chapter House in the former Inner Bailey gaol, which has been renovated to serve the Order's needs."

His Excellency continued by listing the benefits provided by those with interest in this order, "The Order is open to applications from any knights not already affiliated with another martial order, as well as their squires if they possess them, who may join as Squires of the Order. Additionally, the gentry of the Winter Court wishing to train with our Stones, learn the path of chivalry and work towards their knighthood may apply to join as men-at-arms or women-at-arms of the Order. Furthermore, in the Outer Bailey, active members of the Winter Watch are granted a standing invitation to attend the Order's training and events, and those who serve with distinction in the Watch may transfer to join the Order directly upon ascending to join the Winter Court should they choose to do so."

Royal Chambers

His Highness,  Prince Bertram jumped right into His announcements, cautioning everyone that he had quite a few promotions to address.

  Sir Varick  - Royal Speaker

Prince Bertram spoke on how gloriously Sir Varick handled his duties at the last Royal Court, complimenting him on the effort he put into it.   "Therefore, it is with great pleasure that the Crown formally recognizes him as Royal Speaker. I know he will continue to excel in the role and look forward to listening to him speak at many more Courts to come."

   Sir Tristan - House Knight

Following the promotion of the Royal Speaker, His Highness turned his gaze to then-Master Tristan.  He shared with the room a brief rundown of the history of then-Master Tristan and his duties within the Keep and for his sponsor, Ladyship Ezraella

Prince Bertram then announced Sir Tristan's elevation to House Knight to Lady Ezraella,  "In recognition of all of his service and efforts, Her Ladyship wishes to elevate Master Tristan to the position of a household knight, and after review and consideration, we grant approval for such."

   Mistress Auriela - Royal Seamstress

His Highness raised His finger, informing the court that was not the only news he had for members of Lady Ezraella's Household.  He joked about how most of the Court should be aware of Mistress Auriela as most outfits within the Inner were held together by her stitches.

"She has served the Clothiers tirelessly for some time, with never-wavering dedication, ensuring the Court is clothed while also working on her projects."  Prince Bertram finished his declaration, "Thus, after reviewing all of her efforts, Mistress Ermengarde has recommended that we name Mistress Auriela to the position of Royal Seamstress, and we happily do so."

  Mistress Kaira - Court Chronicler and Royal Archivist

Prince Bertram then turned His attention to this Chronicler,  "Mistress Kaira is someone who has adapted well to life here in Marrach, proving helpful in all sorts of various ways, be it serving in Lady Sinvy's household, acting as a Chronicler, or working with myself in the Chambers. She has also tied her dutiful service to a keen interest in the history of these Recent Awakenings, seeking to learn all that she can. And, most importantly, seek to share her love of knowledge and what has led her to learn with others."

Following this statement, he promoted this Chronicler to the positions of both Court Chronicler and Royal Archivist.  

Following His Highness's fantastic and heartfelt speeches on the promotions, he announced he had a more 'fun' thing to share.

   Harvest Festival

It was expressed by Prince Bertram that despite all the unpleasantness in the hunting grounds they have always been a place of comfort, joy, and adventure to Him.  It was these feelings that He wished to share with the Court and to do so He intends to hose a new event next moon in the Hunting Grounds that He will dub the Harvest Festival.

"All the specific details will be revealed closer to the actual event, but I can promise all sorts of new adventures to be had there. The Grounds hold a special place in my heart, and I hope to bring some of that to you all with this festival."

Royal Treasure

  New Gnome Updates

The Royal Treasurer, Lady Calamity, kept her updates short and to the point, but still filled with plenty of information.  She explained that the current gnomes were being relocated, to allow people easier access to shopping so they would not need to wait for bells.  She also relayed that 'general gnome' merchants would be returning each Bailey with a selection of wares that were popular previously.  

A more exciting update announced the arrival of a new gnome, this one focused on jewelry-related items.  One will be released in each Bailey on Saturn's at six late in either of the previously relayed locations.

She also sent out a small plea, asking guilds if they had any ideas for unique wares related to their skills or group to send them directly to her.  She noted she had received very few ideas from the guilds and groups of the castle so far, most randomly filtering.  She encouraged everyone to work together to send in some suggestions so that she might get gnomes stocked for each crafting group within the Keep with unique and fun wares.  

Royal Army

   Restricted Hiring

Lord Marshal, Dame Eeva, explained that she didn't have anything nearly as exciting as the treasury updates.  She only had the following change in the hiring process for the Army,  "With the renewed responsibilities of the Royal Army, and its already admirable roster of skilled men and women, I have discussed with the Crown to reinstate the previous restrictions on advancing into the Royal Army. To this end, from here out, future individuals will be required to be an Honoured Guest before joining the ranks of the Army as Yeomen and will be encouraged to have served dutifully and with honor in the Duelists, Winter Watch, or have some other form of martial education under their belt."

It was explained that this not only aids the outer groups in encouraging membership but also raises the bar for the Inner Bailey martial individuals.


Petitions

   Master Radorcha - Passed

Master Leodegrance continued with his duties announcing Master Radorcha to the Court so that they might hear his petition.  Master Radorcha began outright,  "Good evening, Your Majesty. And to the court. I wished to bring forth a petition for the Royal Garden to be renamed."

He followed this, explaining the wonder and the size of the area,  "This petition is to celebrate not only the gift of a decently sized forest within the Inner Bailey but to honor the person to whom this gift was given. To these ends, I put forth the idea of a renaming of the Royal Garden to the Queenswood."

This petition was met with the general approval of the Court and passed with the confirmation of Her Royal Majesty.  Thus the Royal Gardens will now be known as 'Queenswood'.

  Master Ammanas - Passed

Master Ammanas was also introduced by Master Leodegrance.  Once his plentiful titles were completed,  Master Ammanas relayed his hopes to the court.  "Your Majesty, I thank you for allowing me to speak before you this evening. On behalf of the Chancery's Office of the Judiciary, I humbly request that we be granted space for an office here within the Inner Bailey."

Reasons were cited, including encouraging newly risen courtiers to apply for positions of Scribe and find work to keep them active and awake.  The petition was met with wide approval and was also passed with the blessing of Her Majesty.   Queen Vivienne relinquished the use of Her old Audience Chambers to be used to create an Inner Bailey Chancery Office.

Her Royal Majesty confirmed there were no more petitions pending with Master Leodegrance.  Both His Highness and Master Leodegrance confirmed the lack of any more petitions.  With thanks to the Master of Heraldry, She bid him finish the night.  All listened and knelt with reverence as Her Majesty and the Royal Family departed for the evening.  

Those present included Her Royal Majesty Queen Vivienne, His Excellency Lord Boreas, His Royal Highness Prince Bertram, Ladies Calamity, Galatea and Sinvy, Lords Mirshan and Sicard, Lord Marshal Eeva, Dame Josie, Captain Vessa, Sirs Darvius, Petris and Tristan, Lieutenant Kathris, Serjeant Sigrun, Doctor Aloria, Major Vincint, Mistresses Auriela, Brighde, Filusae,  Isaria, Nariseth, Rikka, Rosalind, Taite and Master Ammanas, Leodegrance, Radorcha and Raulison,  sera Fatealaria, sers Daegal, Kayven and Venture and this chronicler.



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 Kaira
Court Chronicler