2025 Steppes 12th Night
A Summary of Royal Court at Steppes 12th Night
by Maitre Etienne De Saint Amaranth
As the 12 day Christmas season was drawing towards its close, it was actually on the 11th night, January 4, that the Barony of the Steppes celebrated their annual 12th Night festivities (it being so rare for the actual 12th night, the eve of Epiphany, to fall on a Saturday). This day is also the Feast of Saint Rigobert of Rheims, who as Archbishop of Rheims was persecuted and exiled by Charles Martel; he who eventually returned to his see, but to prevent scandal and dissension among the faithful, did not try to recover his bishopric, and spent the rest of his days as a hermit.
And it was on this day that the Crown of Ansteorra, joined by their royal heirs, came to the center of their kingdom for there were several recognitions and business of great import between the Crown and their people.
As with prior summaries, this recorder of events is focused on the items happening in royal court or of kingdom significance. Their Excellencies, Sean Tabor and Esmeralda Malaspina, Baron and Baroness of the Steppes had several items of business with their populace; but such items are not reported herein.
Morning court opened and Their Majesties called for newcomers and those needing Sable Shields. Their Excellencies conducted their morning business and closed their court. Their Majesties, before pausing their court, called for the members of the Orders of Chivalry and of Defense. As those peers lined the aisle, Their Majesties then called for Magnus Creppinson and Lorenzo Baglioni d’Aosta, who had been previously announced as candidates for the Chivalry and for Defense respectively. Their Majesties announced that they would take these two and seat them upon their previously announced vigils for the day.
But first… they asked the Order of Defense if their order was complete. The order said no and Their Majesties had summoned before the court Marie de Girau, current Queen’s Champion. Marie was greatly surprised and others had a difficult time prying the Queen’s sword from her grip releasing her for her summons to her Crown. It was announced that she would sit vigil that day, in a space shared by Lorenzo, and would be elevated that evening.
Morning court concluded, the three candidates were escorted out by the Crown and the activities of the day got started.
In the early afternoon, as part of the mid-day feast, Their Majesties again had business before their populace and summoned Roana Alys FitzStephen to whom they presented a Sable Crane for Largesse that was awarded by Their Majesties predecessors, Sven and Antigone, but which had failed to reach her before this day. Their Majesties then summoned Antigone of York and bestowed a Sable Thistle for Block Printing.
At evening court, Their Majesties again called for newcomers and Sable Shields. They then summoned the Order of Chivalry and called for Magnus Creppinson. Magnus swore fealty, received the insignia and was Knighted by Their Majesties.
Their Majesties then turned court over Their Excellencies who conducted additional baronial business. Following this, Their Majesties summoned the Order of Defense and called for Marie de Girau. Marie was then elevated la maestra of the Order of Defense.
Their Majesties had other business with the populace and the following awards were given:
- Cwenthryth of Northwice - Award of Arms, (originally read into law 2024-11-09)
- Giovanni di Cellini - Sable Thistle for Spinning
- Nessa Faulkner - Sable Talon for Rapier Combat
- Suzanna the Herbalist - Sable Crane
- Sven Randullsson - Sable Thistle for Block Printing
- Davinus Sagittarius - Sable Talon for Armored Combat
Their Majesties again summoned the Order of Defense and called for Lorenzo Baglioni d’Aosta. Lorenzo was then elevated to the Order of Defense.
Their Majesties court then concluded and the evening drew to a close.
