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Traditions, Custom and Culture[Baronial Awards] [Baronial Champions] [Baronial Relics] [The Barons' Girth] [History of the Barony]In over a quarter of a century, Southron Gaard has developed a number of fine Traditions and Customs, based on history, practice and the fertile imaginations of its people. This section records some of these. Baronial AwardsIn addition to Kingdom Awards, Southron Gaard has its own special awards for members of its populace: L'Ordre du Coeur Loyal is the Barony's premier award for those who by their efforts, attitudes, demeanor and example to others, represent the ideals of the Dream. Blazon: Gules, a Canterbury cross and in chief three mullets argent Awarded A.S. XLII: THL Taddea di Giorgio Mellini The Order of the Tour d'Or is an award for services to the Barony, whether that service be in the field of administration, combat, arts and sciences, stewarding or other activities. The field of service will be specified at the time of the award, and it may be awarded to the same recipient for different fields of endeavour or for continued and exemplary service. Blazon: Gules, a tower Or, in chief three mullets argent, a bordure Or Awarded A.S. XLII: Awarded A.S. XLI: Awarded A.S. XL: Awarded A.S. XXXIX: Inaugural Holder: Sir Vitale Giustiniani To recommend someone for a Baronial Award, send a letter of recommendation to the Baron and Baroness of Southron Gaard. You may also wish to consider recommending them for a Kingdom Award.
Baronial ChampionsEvery year, for Baronial Anniversary (March/April), the skilled and puissant members of the populace of Southron Gaard compete to be named the Baronial Champions for the coming year. These Champions are:
DutiesIn addition to the duties mentioned for some Champions above, all Champions have the following duties:
NB: If fewer than three members of the populace step forward to contest for a Champion position in a given year, the post will be left unfilled for that year. Champion's OathNew Champions are asked, but not required, to take the following Champion's Oath when they are given their tokens: "Will you have it known to all, present and future, that you voluntarily swear that, if called upon to do so, you will to the best of your ability, whether by deed or word, consent or counsel, strengthen and defend the Barony of Southron Gaard, her tower, her lands and all her divers possessions, in good faith and without deception, against all malefactors and invaders, living or dead, who might wage war or make common cause against her?"Letters of IntentIn order to compete in the Baronial Heavy Championship, the Baronial Archery Championship or the Baronial Crossbow Championship, a gentle must first supply to the Barony or Baroness a Letter of Intent. In the words of His Excellency Bartholomew Baskin: "These may be scrawled on a nearby bit of slate, or calligraphed in your most elegant hand, but the key requirement is that they leave no doubt in the mind of the reader or listener of your firm intent and undoubted capability to wrest the Championship from all other contenders. Your letter will be read - an your script be legible - when you are introduced to the populace before the tourney, and we hope to exhibit them (those which are small enough to carry through the door) at the Baronial Anniversary Feast." Letters of Intent must be mailed to arrive well before the event to "Baronial Champions, PO Box 19-760, Christchurch" or likewise delivered in person to the residence of the Baron and Baroness or brought on the day and delivered to the Baron and Baroness no later than 30 minutes before Opening Court. Examples of Letters of IntentThe Barony has been privileged in the past to receive some remarkably, er, creative Letters of Intent, both in format and content. Here, for your edification, are a number of slightly anonymised extracts from past letters of intent, ranging from the formal to the absurd. All are to be encouraged! "Flee in terror, puny mortals! "This done to reflect the ideals and teachings of my Knight Sir M. and with the favour of my lady, Mistress C ... If however another shall better me on the field I shall hold them no malice but aspire to higher skills yet." "To their Excellencies "...If by some slim chance I should win, I promise to acquiit myself both valiantly and honorably as well as, as chivalrously as a knight should hope to act, to protect the Barony and its subjects from that which may confront it or its heads of state." "...Let it also be know that he will not resort to the use of ungodly contraptions in a blatant attempt to win at all costs, instead he will use only luck, natural skill and his long bow." "I should like at this time to beg the boon of being able to fight for your honour and glory in the upcoming Baronial Heavy Champion Tourney. Should utmost fortune smile and I be blessed with winning this benefice, I swear that I would constantly strive to fulfill any and all dutues thusly required of me, and I would work tirelessly to add glory to your names and to the Barony." "I beg humbly that you accept this most tardy missive and grant my wish to compete for your honour this day." "I hop mi myssyve fyndes yew welle & inn goode harte. I wright too beg too be a-lowed in-to your lystes bothe hevye and arching. Ryte well do I no howe hevye ways the burdyn of thys rolle but fox alle that I am your man. As to mi motyves evenn allowing for mi own vanitye and for the chans to wallope sum of the shivalrye (witch joye sum maye saye is reason enow to joyne the fraye) -- It would be mi honnor to represent thys Baronie defendying her good name against alle who wood impune it. So there!!!" For a particularly fine letter of intent, composed and scribed by Yseult Corista verch Edenevet in A.S. XLI, see this image (900KB).
Baronial RelicsHere are presented the ancient and treasured Relics of the Barony of Southron Gaard. Fleur de Galant
The FLEUR DE GALANT was created countless years ago by Mistress Roheisa le Sarjent to recognise significant acts of chivalry or courtesy by members of the Barony, whether on or off the tourney field. The holder should wear it at all times and be constantly seeking a new candidate, to whom they award it at Court. If a new bearer is not found within two Quarter Days, the Fleur is returned to the Baron and Baroness, who will continue the search. Current holder: Lord Raife de Massard, awarded at St Crispins, AS XLII Thorfyrd's Torc
THORFYRD'S TORC was first presented by Thorfyrd Hakonsen in A.S. XXVI (1992), at the inaugural Thorfyrd's Torc Tournament. It was awarded to the victor of the tournament, who was then responsible for organising the next one the following year. This tradition continues, with the current holder being Sir Vitale Giustiniani, who won it in the AS XL "May Day" Muster. Thorfyrd's Arrow
THORFYRD'S ARROW was first found and presented by Alexander von Thurn (Simeon), named in honour of Thorfyrd Hakonsen, and is traditionally contested at Canterbury Faire. It is traditionally awarded to the final archer, whether bow or crossbow, who is able to strike the target while the distances are progressively increased from round to round, but of late has been contested in double-elimination duel scenarios. Current holder: AS 42 THL Sabine d'Anton won at Canterbury Faire Pen Gwynne War Pennants
The PEN GWYNNE WAR PENNANTS are four of a set of five pennants which were nobly and fairly won on the field of battle in the first Pen Gwynne War, held in A.S. XXVI (1992). This war was fought by the doughty populace of Southron Gaard against invaders from the then Principality of Lochac. They had dared to contest our long-standing, just and permanent claim to the Great White Southern Land, and so threaten the prosperity and serenity of our peace-loving, fish-eating, dinner-jacket wearing compatriots in that land. Although Southron Gaard acquitted itself so well that we won all FIVE war pennants, we took pity on our defeated opponents and allowed them to take one home with them, that they might never forget the lessons so firmly meted out to them on that occasion. St Jude's dagger
SAINT JUDE'S DAGGER is of much antiquity. As all virtuous men know, St Jude spent much of his time, ministering in the sacred climes of Mesopotamia, much renowned for its dykes. One sunny day, on the Lords business, Saint Jude was passing such a dyke, when he perceived an incipient leak. Being quick witted he plugged the hole with his finger, whereon he looked about for any soul to notify of his predicament, he perceived that other leaks were immanent as well. Not desiring to leave the first leak unattended, but keenly aware of the need for haste, he cut off his own finger and proceeded to raise the hue and cry. St Judes Dagger is recognised as the very implement he used to thus sever his passion. It has traditionally been awarded to the winner of the tournament held each year at St Judes Faire. Early in its life it was smote mightily and reft in twain, but a blessing was bestowed upon it and it was reborn, its dull grey hilt being transformed into shining gold. In recognition of its majesty, all recipients have glorified the dagger by the addition of a magnificent jewel, to which ends it has the magnificent visage it projects today. The Bardic Cup
The BARDIC CUP was first awarded by the Honourable Lord Duncan Kerr in A.S. XXX (1996) and was repaired and enhanced at the hands of Lord Aelfric Branwelather in A.S XLII (2008). It is awarded by the current holder at each Canterbury Faire to the gentle or gentles, from within or without the Barony, who provided the best bardic performance at the event. The Battered HelmThe BATTERED HELM represents an ancient and honorable tradition in Southron Gaard. It is awarded by the current holder at a tourney of their choice to the perpetrator of the "most fitting death" during the tourney. The recipient may then take the helm and cause it to receive a new dent in a manner and style of their choosing, before awarding it themselves at the next suitable occasion. The Helm has been so often awarded and so "well" used that, on at least one occasion, the recipient felt obliged to remove all previous dents before being able to add their own. Current Holder: THL Richard d'Allier, awarded by Lord Dieter at the May Muster, AS XL. Better Keeps and BaileysThe BETTER KEEPS and BAILEYS award was first presented in the mists of antiquity by Mistress Eleonora van den Bogaerde (then Lady Morgana le Mar). It is presented by the current holder to those, whether from within or without the Barony, who are responsible for the fairest and most period encampment at Canterbury Faire. It consists of a small Keep and small bottle (replenished by the current holder) of a beverage known as "Baileys". Recent Holders: AS 42 The Artisans' Encampment, rep. Sir Sebastian The Caidan Shield
This is a former Royal Shield of the Kingdom of Caid, last borne here by King Edric III, and left in the keeping of THL Richard d'Allier upon the final departure of the Crown of Caid from these lands. In A.S. XXXIX (2005), at the request of Bartholomew and katherine, Baron and Baroness of Southron Gaard, and by the gift of Caid's then King, Direk Ivanovich IV, THL Richard's lady, THL Ethelind of Darkwood Keep, repainted it with the arms of Caid in escutcheon on a plain white "stranger's shield", and gave it a new purpose. It is now known as THE CAIDAN SHIELD, and is presented to a newly-arming fighter and held by them for no more than two Quarter Days, then passed on at Court to another new fighter as proposed by the holder and approved by the Baron of Southron Gaard. The name of the each holder is recorded on the back of the shield so that we may see the names of those who have come from such a beginning to become mighty in the field of martial prowess. Current Holder: currently with B&B Holders: Lord James of Southron Gaard, awarded at Yule, AS XLII Constable's CupIn A.S. XL (2005), at the suggestion of the incoming Constable, Lord Fraser Coney, a tradition was inaugurated whereby the Constable carries a Large Cup, to be filled from time to time by members of the populace who may have committed minor infractions at events, or be claiming lost property; the nature of said liquid to be negotiated with the Constable at the time of filling. The Cup was made by the hands of Brian of Bexley, father of Lord Ronan mac Brian. The Jewel of Southron Gaard
In A.S. XL, at the request of Bartholomew and katherine, Baron and Baroness of Southron Gaard, was inaugurated the JEWEL OF SOUTHRON GAARD, a beautiful token made by Sir Sebastian von dem Schwarztwald, and awarded to a gentle or gentles whose craft, display or instruction in the Arts & Sciences make them stand out among the populace. A holder should wear it at all times and be constantly seeking a new candidate, to whom they award it at Court. If a new bearer is not found within two Quarter Days, the Jewel is returned to the Baron and Baroness, who will continue the search. Holders:
Lord Scottaidh mac Uilliam, awarded at Baronial Anniversary, AS XLII The Crown SwordIn A.S. XLI, at the request of Bartholomew and katherine, Baron and Baroness of Southron Gaard, was inaugurated the Crown Sword of Lochac. This mighty weapon consists of the wondrously light blade used by King AEdward Staedfaste to win November Crown XL, and a fine hilt made by Master Sigurd Hardrada, assembled by Capitano Martucchio Lorenzo Cavalcanti di Medici and inscribed by Mistress Roheisa le Sarjent, with a lanyard woven by Lord Dickon Baskin. The CROWN SWORD is presented to a newly-arming fighter and held by them for no more than two Quarter Days, then passed on at Court to another new fighter as proposed by the holder and approved by the Baron of Southron Gaard. Holders: Raife de Massard, awarded at Baronial Anniversary, AS XLII
Harry's HelmAt Canterbury Faire, A.S. XLI, the former Page's Helm was renamed HARRY'S HELM in memory of a warrior and true son of Southron Gaard, and offered as a prize for valour in the Page's Tourney each Canterbury Faire. Harry's Helm was mounted and given an inscription by Lord Sventa Djaknson, father of the inaugural holder. Whenever it is awarded, the cheers for the winner will always be followed by "...and a cheer for Harry". Holders: Page's CoifThe PAGE'S COIF was first presented along with the Page's Helm (now Harry's Helm, see above) by Baron Master Sigurd Hardrada as a prize for boffer combat and, since Canterbury Faire A.S. XXXIX, has been regarded as a prize for chivalry in the Page's Boffer tournament. Holders:
The Barons' GirthEnsuring that the people of Southron Gaard know in what manner they are to fly the flag. Whereas some of our folk have sought our counsel over matters of a sumptuary nature namely the size, style and form of Standards, Guidons and Pennons to be flown and displayed by Southron folk and whereas we have sought counsel with those who know such things we are pleased to declare that the following traditions shall apply in Southron Gaard. Firstly while it is a matter of science that metal breastplates, leather belts and trousers do not keep a constant size but grow or more commonly shrink with the passing years the girth of Barons is as constant as men's chastity. Therefore the Barons' Girth shall be the unit of measure for all such heraldic flags. Having consulted with Baron Sigurd and taken careful note of sketches taken at our own stepping up we have determined that the Girth is approximately 35 of the new inches. In standards, as in angling, size is important and we therefore determine the following. No person shall display or cause to be displayed any pennon which exceeds one and one third girths in length, any guidon which exceeds three girths nor any standard which exceeds eight girths except that they shall, at the occasion of the first event they attend following the Feast of the Circumcision, which as we all know marks a famous day in the Barony's history, perform for the delight of the assembled populace such songs plays or caperings as shall be seemly. Each year that they continue to make such a display shall they make this forfeit or else the Constable shall raise the hue and cry. While it is mete that those who wish may display their allegiance to Lochac, Southron Gaard and by use of the Caidan Cross, Caid, no person shall be bound to do so in any fashion and any who would do so shall be proclaimed "Weedy Pigeons" and the hue and cry raised except if it be during the hours of darkness in which case only the hue shall be raised. We further adjudge that puce, aubergine, magenta, taupe aquamarine and any colour that glows in the dark are colours of a foreign and generally unwholesome nature and that they have no place in banners in Southron Gaard unless the bearer shall be able to claim kinship with foreigners in which case the banner shall be regarded as merely suspicious but not malicious, malevolent or an object of ridicule. Depictions of buboes should be avoided like the plague. We have noted with caution the tendency to "split the tail" of the standard and in an effort to provide a semblance of propriety we suggest the following. That those among our folk who by reason of culture, rank, title, marital status or academic standing feel it is appropriate for their own needs or who have taken diverse vows or who have sworn fearful and terrible oaths may partition the tail of their standards, pennons, guidons or other form as they deem appropriate to their station but that those who do so out of vainglory one-up-manship or from a sense of fashion should not do so and that any who do should surrender to the Constable any such offending standard at least one sennight before Canterbury Faire, at which faire the Constable shall rend it asunder and cast its parts to the four winds and if the constable shall deem needful, the case being grievous, pin the rags to the offender, or if the offenders are unable to bring themselves to part with their standard pay unto the constable one shilling for each girth in length of the offending standard. None of these traditions shall, however, be used in any way to limit the rights of Southron folk to display upon such banners any mottoes, arms, devices, badges, achievements or logos as they shall justly or unjustly claim as their own nor shall it limit their right to graze upon such common land as the Barony shall acquire one and one half goats nor shall any save the King, His Queen or such Princes as he shall from time to time appoint to that station limit the right of Southron folk to keep and arm bears.
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