2025 Hellsgate Commander's Crucible
A Summary of Ansteorran Court held at Commanders Crucible in the Stronghold of Hellsgate
by Maitre Etienne De Saint Amaranth
It was on the 29th of March, 2025, that Their Stellar Majesties, Jean Paul and Gilyan, King and Queen of Ansteorra, traveled to their Stronghold of Hellsgate, joining Their Excellencies of Bryn Gwlad in supporting the populace. This was on the Feast of Saint Joseph of Arimathea, who placed the body of Christ in his own prepared tomb following the Crucifixion.
While rain had poured on the area the day and evening prior, this day had no rain and in fact became almost uncomfortably warm (a sign of summer to come).
In morning court, Their Majesties welcomed newcomers and presented Sable Shields and then presented the following:
- Thorbjorn of Hellsgate – Award of Arms
- Robert of Hellsgate - Award of Arms
It was Their Majesties further pleasure to recognize the service of some to the Crown during their reign and they announced the following:
- Lorenzo Baglioni d'Aosta – Golden Star
- Myfanwy ferch Eifion – Golden Star
- Nicaize Maupetit – Golden Star
- Tuathal O’Sheils – Golden Star
- Vaszoly Bathorij – Golden Star
- Vittoria Maggiore – Golden Star
They then called the three peerage candidates sitting vigil at this event, Hals Ormr, Goldweard of St. Golias and Havaar Ericsson, and they paused their court and took those three and sat them upon there planned vigils.
During the course of the day, Their Excellencies of Bjornsborg handled one item of business for the Crown and presented:
Keakealaniwahine Kawananakoa – Award of Arms
As the day came to a close those gathered participated in feast and buffered their bodies against the oncoming court which promised to be lengthy. But start court did.
Their Majesties again called for newcomers and Sable Shields and then handed off to Their Excellencies of Bryn Gwlad to present some awards and to recognize the new commanders (competition winners).
When local business was completed, court returned to Their Majesties and they summoned Havaar Ericsson. Havaar was carried into court on a shield and Their Majesties declared an Althing and made judgement to change his rank and status and elevated him to mastery in the Order of Defense.
Their Majesties then recognized and presented the following:
- Osanna van der Linden – Sable Crane for Event Photography
- Sosha Lyons O’Rourke – Sable Crane for A&S Officer
- Robert de Fecamp – Sable Thistle for Bard Craft
Their Majesties then summoned the Order of the Pelican and called for the candidate, Goldweard of St. Golias. In the course of his ceremony, he was brought two cloaks; one was a full length cloak but the other was a small cloak made for rapier combat. Both were red, trimmed in ermine. Of special note were the words of Master Avery Shaw from across the Atlantic which had become separated (paper was in pieces) but were verbally sewn back together with only a few gaps; they were beautiful words, even with gaps, in a similar manner to landsknecht clothing. Their Majesties did elevate him at that court to mastery in the Order of the Pelican.
Their Majesties then recognized and presented the following:
- Erin of Hellsgate – Sable Comet for Hellsgate
- Aldonza Gonzalez Escajeda – Sable Thistle for Historic Martial Arts
- Esther von Winter – Sable Talon for Rapier Combat
Their Majesties then brought forward the Order of the Laurel and the candidate Hals Ormr. As part of this ceremony, Hals swore fealty in words written for them by their former Laurel and they were as amazed as the populace in her sworn constancy of the Northern Star, similarities with monk and hourglass keepers, and comparison to the clock of Salisbury Cathedral. Their Majesties did elevate Hals to mastery in the Order of the Laurel.
It was a long court, with three peerages, but all were happy to realize that court was still six minutes shorter than the court held at Bordermarch War of the Rams. Court concluded and the populace dispersed to warmth, campfires, homes and (in some cases) glasses of wine (thank you, Mistress Tatiana!).
