Thorfinna grafeldr, Order of the Hare Salient, 2023

I trow she sat at that cluttered desk
For a count of hours beyond knowing
Struck by her duty, offered to the Great Wolves
A gift to lands struck by plague
Stuck at that desk of which few still know
Upon which magic she struck.

‘Mid empty horn and gnaw’d bone
Her eyes gazed at unseen sights
Laughing aloud she shifted the Runes
And connected all alike.

For all her work on behalf of the barony, which she has dutifully served in many ways, forms, and means, and especially for her work creating ethereal content during the Great Plague, do We, Dubhessa and Joffr, Baroness and Baron of Skraeling Althing, induct Þorfinna gráfeldr into the Order of the Hare Salient, done on the 7th day of Góa, at Practicum in the Canton of Caldrithig, in the fifty-seventh year of the Great Althing.


Wording by Baron Colyne Stewart, based on Odin's Quest after the Runes (stanzas 137-144) of the Hávamál (The Words of Odin the High One) from The Elder or Poetic Edda, commonly known as Sæmund's Edda, part I: The Mythological Poems, edited and translated by Olive Bray (London: Printed for the Viking Club, 1908), pp. 61-111. Web version edited by D. L. Ashliman, University of Pittsburgh, https://sites.pitt.edu/~dash/havamal.html Accessed January 11, 2023.

Góa is a month on the Old Icelandic calendar that lasts from February 19 through March 20. The 7th of Góa is therefore February 25th.

Ines de Freitas, Award of Orion, 2021

 Decree of the King, Rattanicus, and the Queen, Isabel, first of those names.

Leaving aside the types and definitions of Justice, which many write about in unreasonable ways, it is Our intention to speak very briefly of justice alone, which is the reason royal power exists: to punish the evil and to reward the good.

And given that the King and Queen, whose reign is well-recorded, rule with justice – an act more pleasing to God than any other - We wish to speak about justice as those who have been greatly contented by the learning of one Lady, Ines de Freitas, who has embellished Our kingdom with song and scholarship in equal measure.

The King and Queen made vast use of the virtue of justice to bestow upon the Lady, Ines de Freitas, the Award of Orion, and on whose account we must consider that there was in this time the gift of justice, whose laurel and fruit is honorable fame in this world.

This was done on the 20th day of November, as We sat Our thrones in our land of Bastille du Lac, where We put Our hands and seal.

Wording by TH Lord Dietrich von Sachsen, based on The Prologue of the Chronicle of King Pedro I of Portugal.

Avelyn Wexcombe, Court Barony, 2021

 O, the Northrealm! A land so bless’d,

With worthy nobles of the best!

In Skraeling Althing look around:

Carrots of gold spring from the ground!

This work of goodly Avelyn,

Eighth to sit the High Seats and reign,

Well-beloved in all her land

(Naught to do with that sword in hand…)

Bent her will to learning and jest,

(Eastrealm friends say “Give it a rest!”)

These years of service now are past,

Like bounding hares they run so fast!

Rattanicus and Isabel,

Your lieges speak – all ears compel,

Silver now encircles your brow,

Let none gainsay what we do now.

Done this 13 th Day of November, Anno Societatis LVI (56), as We celebrate the Feast of the Hare in Our

Canton of Caldrithig, where we have set Our Hands and Seal.

Wording by TH Lord Dietrich von Sachsen, based on the humorous verse “The Foxe and the Welle”.

Dafydd ap Alan, Court Barony, 2021

 ‘Tis said that gold grows not on trees,

Nor can it be fish’d from the seas,

But in fair Skraeling Althing bright,

Golden Carrots are their birthright.

Give thanks unto Dafydd’s labours –

Eighth of the land’s chosen leaders –

Defends his people with his blade,

Survived a kidnapper’s raid,

A noble fam’d for rapier wit,

(Dragon Dormant prefer’d he’d quit!)

Though time bids all to say goodbye,

Let joy, like rabbits, multiply!

Isabel and Rattanicus,

Northrealm sovereigns now sayeth thus:

From our hands take this coronet,

That for your service none may forget.

Done this 13 th Day of November, Anno Societatis LVI (56), as We celebrate the Feast of the Hare in Our

Canton of Caldrithig, where we have set Our Hands and Seal.

Wording by TH Lord Dietrich von Sachsen, based on the humorous verse “The Foxe and the Welle”.

Yamagata Tokimu'ne, Award of the Maiden's Heart, 2021

Snow blankets the land

The mountain sleeps under drifts

Its streams are frozen

Undisturbed by marching feet

Of bushi; they march to war.

One stands among them

Honour’d is Yamagata

Tokimune; serve

Your Ten’nō and your Jotei

Shugo of Western Province.

Rise, Hatamoto

Tono of the Okami!

Wolves howl your name

Kaylah and Trumbrand declare

The Maiden’s Heart – bear it now.

 

Done this 70th day of Winter, in the 54^th Year, by our decree.

 

Wording by Akashi Terumoto go-Taisho

Composed as a renga (連歌) format of poetry.

Nicola Canis, Award of Arms, 2021

 

Let all present and future know that We, Rattanicus Rex and Isabel Regina Ealdormerensis, in Our goodness and grace, have by this present letter given and granted and confirmed, through her homage and service, to Nicola Canis, the rights, responsibilities, and station of a Lady of the Realm; and further we do by this letter grant unto the aforesaid Nicola the right to bear the arms Per bend sable and azure, a three-headed dog rampant contourny tailed of a serpent maintaining in its tail a sword argent, for which a yearly annuity must be rendered in coin or in service, as pertains to the whole realm. And We, Rattanicus and Isobel and our heirs warrant the aforesaid Nicola of the aforesaid rights for the aforesaid service in perpetuity. With these witnessing on the 4th day of September, Anno Societatis LVI (56).

Wording by TH Lord Dietrich von Sachsen; based on a grant of land given by Nicola de la Haie.

Ana Yanka, Order of the Crucible, 2020

So we Kaylah, Queen by Right of Arms of all the North and Trumbrand, King of all the North, Grand Princess and Prince Septentrian, and Skrael, and of Rising Waters, and Ramshavenite, and Ben Dunfirthian, and of all the shires; do address ourselves to Lady Ana Yanka. We, T’sarina and T’sar, on all days with our subjects overseen what they have written and any items they make and any scribal work they do and who does well. And that subject we note and we reward.

All lands, cities and persons honour and glorify those who bear the works of honour wrought by such masterful scribes. Thus let us, through our own strength, humbly praise this diligent servant who in turn glorifies others with brush and pen. And through such praise, make it known that we did not reign in a poor and unknown land, but in Ealdormere, which is known and celebrated by all to the ends of the earth.

Because she does not destroy Our laws, but confirms them, does not diminish works, but extends them, and does not undo but strengthens, she has proven herself worthy of reward. And because the likes of her are rarely found in all the northern lands, or in the east, or in the west, We, by the rights granted to Us by the laws and traditions of Ealdormere, say that she shall be made a companion of the steadfast and glorious Order of the Crucible. Behold that We grant unto her the right to bear the badge: Gules, a mullet of seven points voided and interlaced and a double tressure Or, and proclaim to all that on the 29th day of February, AS LIV, she is invested with the honour that accompany such promotion.

Arise honored Crucible and serve the lands you love. Stand tall with the honor that has been granted you. Rejoice and be of good cheer.


Wording by THL Dietrich von Sachsen. Based off of the Eulogy to Kagan Vlaimir by Vladimir the Great; and 15th century royal letters.

Rylyn Buchanan, Award of the Maiden's Heart

In the year of the incarnation of the first Laurel Kingdom quinquaginta quattuor, indication of the 7th day of the final month. I Kaylah, Queen of Ealdormere, with the assent of the King of Ealdormere Trumbrand, in the fourth month of my reign, recognized by noble counsel the labours of Rylyn Buchanan who sat in the seat of the Trillium Herald. Accordingly, it is in all parts of the land that she has served our College of Heralds and our thanes, hersir, bondsman, and thralls. For it is with quickness of wit and fullness of heart that she has turned her skill and hand to the art and science of heraldry. She has collected great sums to account for the expenses of the college, and has proved she can consult in any land, in great hall or in summer field. . Accordingly, it is in the western part of the land that I give her the Award of the Maiden’s Heart, and the right to bear the badge of the award aforenamed, “Quarterly azure and Or, a heart counterchanged.” This I will take care to uphold to all common and other people as long as men have freedom to hear my words. Confirmation of the decree set forth in the most frequented place Bryniau Tywynnog

Wording by Dietrich von Sachsen. Based of the 805 CE Charter of Cuthred, king of Kent, to Wulfred, archbishop.

Arwyn of Leicester, Order of the Laurel, 2019

THE GRYPHON IS MOST HIGH     HE IS TO BE PRAYSED

Let Greatness of Glory be his Principality, and Splendor, and Greatness of Retinue, and Valour and Boldness, and Courage, and Favour with the Gryphon, the bestower of Victory, to the people of Avacal. So long as flowers spread their perfume and daylight shines, with Sincere Love and Ancient Friendship, do We, Ivar the Black and Asney Grimolfrsdottir, who lean upon the Couch of Command in Our Kingdom of the Gryphon, highly advanced in Dominion, Noble in Courage and Justice, send praise.

As the maxim says “An equitable Ruler is the personification of Good in the World[1]”, and so do We find Our Princely minds wishing to make known what cannot remain hidden, being the esteem in which we hold Our loyal subject Arwyn of Leicester also known as Amira al- 'Aliyya. This Arwyn is a woman of Great Worth, beloved by her family and by our cousin the Shah, who considers her to be a fidalgo[2] of high rank. As she has great knowledge of saffron, golpar, shevid[3] and all the spices, and has been governing the accounts of her household, and made her knowledge available to all, do We elevate her in rank, advance her in prestige, and make her a member of Our most noble Order of the Laurel. With her do We then make the following contract:

1st We make her a woman of the pen[4] and grant her the right and title to sit in the royal palace[5] and name her moqarrab ab-hazrat sharbat-khana[6], over-seer of spices and desserts to Our court.

2nd It is granted that she shall pay no manner of Customes or tolles any kind of waye when buying or selling the commodity of spice.

3rd Free libertie, safe conduct and licence to come or sende her factors in trade throughout Our countrey, and to act as our Embassador and agent in the buying and selling of spice with Our cousins in other countreys.

4th That her Camel men, Carauans and Shipps will have safe harbour on Our roads, coasts and rivers, and that any who infringe upon them shall be brought to Us for judgement.

We expect all to fulfill these obligations[7] and be bound by Our stipulations, except a stipulation that makes unlawful what is lawful[8]. Fulfil this, Our agreement, for an agreement is obligatory.[9]

This is the intention granted by Ivar and Asney, who reside on the Couch of Justice and Splendidness , may Their dynasty last till the end of the world, and Their reign be prolonged till the consummation of ages! Done at the celebration of Yule, in the Barony of Borealis, on the 16^th day of Azar[10] in the yeare 1398, reckoned in the Society as the 7th Day of December in the yeare 54.

Wording by Maister Colyne Stewart of Ealdormere, based upon contracts between: ‘Abd al-‘Ali Khan, ruler of Gilan and England (14 April 1563); Shah Tahmasp and England (29 June 1566);  Shah ‘Abbas I and King James I of England (1615; modified in July 1697); the Treaty of Peace and the Frontiers (17 May 1639); and a letter from Shah Sulayman to Charles II (1677-78).

Sources

Dandamayev, Muhammad A. et al. “Contracts”. Encyclopædia Iranica, online edition http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/contracts-legally-enforceable-undertakings-between-two-or-more-consenting-parties accessed September 29, 2019

Ferrer, José Cutillas, “SPAIN: RELATIONS WITH PERSIA IN THE 16TH AND 17TH CENTURIES,” Encyclopædia Iranica, online edition, 2018, available at http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/spain-relations-persia-16-17-century September 29, 2019

Ferrier, R. W. “The Terms and Conditions under which English Trade Was Transacted with Ṣafavid Persia”. Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London

Vol. 49, No. 1, In Honour of Ann K. S. Lambton (1986), pp. 48-66 (23 pages)

Published by: Cambridge University Press on behalf of School of Oriental and African Studies

https://www.jstor.org/stable/617668 accessed  September 30 2019

Hanway, Jonas. An Historical Account of the British Trade Over the Caspian Sea: With a Journal of Travels from London Through Russia Into Persia; and Back Through Russia, Germany and Holland. To which are Added, the Revolutions of Persia During the Present Century, with the Particular History of the Great Usurper Nadir Kouli in four volumes. Volume one. London: 1753.

  https://books.google.ca/books?id=etApAAAAYAAJ&redir_esc=y Accessed September 29, 2019

 “Iran, 1400–1600 A.D.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/ht/?period=08&region=wai (October 2002)  accessed September 29, 2019

Marcinkowski, M. Ismail. “Dastural-Moluk”, Encyclopedia Iranica. http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/dastur-al-moluk Accessed October 1, 2019

ibid. “Tadherat al-Moluk”, Encyclopedia Iranica. http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/tadkerat-al-moluk Accessed September 30, 2019

Matthee,  Rudolph P. The Politics of Trade in Safavid Iran: Silk for Silver, 1600-1730.

Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1999. https://books.google.ca/books?id=5U0yECMV--wC accessed September 29, 2019

Minorsky, V. Tadhkirat Al-Muluk: A Manual of  Safavid Administration  (circa 1137/1725). Cambridge: W. Heffer & Sons LTD. 1943. Online at https://archive.org/stream/in.ernet.dli.2015.227105/2015.227105.Tadhkirt-Al-muluk_djvu.txt Accessed September 30, 2019

Mustafa, Grand Vizier.  “Treaty of Peace and Frontiers: The Ottoman Empire and Persia (17 May 1639)”. Pars Times: Greater Iran and Beyond, http://www.parstimes.com/history/iran_ottoman.html  Accessed October 1, 2019

Ranjbar, M.A. and Sehhat Manesh, R., 2016. “New Routes to Iran’s International Trade in the Safavid Era”. Ancient Asia, 7, p.8. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/aa.124 accessed September 30, 2019

Savory, Roger M. “COURTS AND COURTIERS vi. In the Safavid period”

Encyclopedia Iranica. http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/courts-and-courtiers-vi

accessed September 29, 2019

Shafaat, Ahmad, Dr. “Islamic Rules Governing Financial Dealings, “1988.  Islamic Perspectives, http://www.islamicperspectives.com/FinancialDealings.htm Accessed October 1, 2019

With Thanks To

Carroll-Clark, Susan. Private correspondence, Facebook Messenger, September 24 through October 1, 2019.

Leo-Roca, Carlos. SOAS Library, University of London.

---

[1] The original maxim is “An equitable Sultan is the shadow of God on earth”. (Mustafa.)

[2] Someone who was of a high rank could be known as a fidalgo. (Savory.)

[3] Spices native to Persia.

[4] The Safavid administration was split between the “men of the sword” and the “men of the pen”. (Savory.)

[5] It was a great honour to be allowed to sit in the Shah’s court. (Savory.)

[6] A moqarrab ab-hazrat was a manager in charge of a royal workshop responsible for expenditures. Moqarrab meant “confidant” and “hazrat” is an honorific. The sharbat-khana was the workshop that included spices, sugar and tobacco. (Savery. Minorsky. Marcinkowski.)

[7] The koranic verse 5:1 stipulates that agreements must be adhered to. (Dandemayay.)

[8] This is attributed to the Prophet Muhammad. (Dandemayay.)

[9] Several koranic verses teach that contracts must be honoured, including "O Believers: Honor your contracts" (5:1,) as well as "And fulfill every commitment. Surely every commitment will be asked about (on the day of judgment)" (17:34). (Mustafa. Shafaat.)

[10] Azar is the ninth month of the official calendar of Iran. It begins in November, ending in December, and lasts thirty days.

Ronin, Award of the Wolf’s Cub, 2019

Who praises young Ronin?

I, said the knight,

Due to his might,

I praise young Ronin.

Who saw him shoot?

I, said the archer,

Saw arrow’s departure,

I saw him shoot.

Who saw him fight?

I, said the soldier,

I saw no one bolder,

I saw him fight.

Who saw him work?

I, said the Pelican,

He made me believe again,

I saw him work.

Who saw him try?

I, said the Laurel,

This son so auroral,

I saw him try.

Who saw him worthy?

We, said the Queen,

With King convene,

We saw him worthy.

Thus was it recorded in the musical tomes of the lupine kingdom, that Kaylah, Queen by Right of Arms, and Trumbrand, King of Grace and Patience, did look upon the many acts of Ronin, and found him to be a most excellent exemplar of Their lands. Therefore did They bestow upon him an Award of the Wolf’s Cub, given at the Harvest of the Huntsmen, in the Barony of Ben Dunsfirth, on the fifth day of October in the fifty-fourth year of the Society.

Wording by Maister Colyne Stewart, based on the children’s rhyme “Cock Robin”, originally published in ‘Tommy Thumb's Pretty Song Book’, c. 1744 (though its origins likely date back to the 15th century). This version only contained four verses, with an extended version appearing around 1770.  

Shahid al-Hasan, Court Barony, 2018

Do not ask Evander for poems of light praise

Nor Marioun for paeans of the unworthy

This fair work, this pearl of wisdom,

From the mouth and mind of the lords of wolves

Is one tale of justice done

Oh Northland, make us acquainted with Shahid!

For one moment make us not separated from his dignity!

What need the land of worthy men?

In Shahid’s hand his sword, my pen.

Wolves, do not fear for honoured  man

This white rose of trillium gardens

Champion in the field of war

Adorn upon his brow a pearl’d band

To Their court they claim him, baron,

In Caldrithig, safar five and twenty,

Three and fifty as we count the Jāmiʿah

What need the land of worthy men?

In Shahid’s hand his sword, my pen.

Wording by Maister Colyne Stewart, based upon the poetry of the 16th century Turkish poets Fuzûlî and Yahya bey Dukagjini, and a quote regarding the 16th century poet Riyazi  by Ziya Pasha (an 18th century writer, translator and administrator).

Court Barony, Catherine of Townsend, 2018

Evander & Marioun, by the grace of the North, King & Queene of Ealdormere, to all people to whom these presents shall come, greeting.

Know ye that of our especiall grace, certaine science and meere motion, we have given and granted, and by these presents for us, our heires and successours, doe give and graunt to our trustie and welbeloved servaunt Catherin of Townsend a corounet of silver adorned with six perles and declare her to be a Baronnesse of our Court. Provided alwayes, and our will and pleasure is, and wee doe hereby declare to all that this noble came to us by the Seas thither, voyaged from the country of the lion with two tailes, and did improve this our lupine reaulme by her very presence.

And forasmuch, as upon the finding out, if in our land, or in any remote countreys and territories, any should challenge OUR word, they shall attaine great Paine and peril: and that upon such injurie, wee, our heires or successours shall make open proclamation that those who challenge our word shall be out of our protection and allegiance, and free for all princes and others to pursue with hostilitie as being not our Subjects, nor by us any way to be advowed, maintained or defended, nor to be holden as any of ours, nor to our protection, dominion or allegiance any way belonging, for that expresse mention, &c.

In witnesse whereof, &c. Witnesse ourselfe at Caldrithig the 3, day of November, the third month of our raigne. Anno Soc 53

.

PER IPSAM REGINAM, &C.

Wording by Maister Colyne Stewart, based on Letters Patent to Sir Humfrey Gylberte June 11, 1578. http://avalon.law.yale.edu/16th_century/humfrey.asp

Friend of the Hare Award for the Barony of L’Île du Dragon Dormant, 2018

To all those present and to come to whom these presents shall come, and in particular our noble and worthy cousins to the east, the Baronesses Jeanne and Genovefa of L’Île du Dragon Dormant, from their humble and loving cousins, Avelyn and Dafydd of Skraeling Althing, warmest greetings and affection.

It has long been known, recognized, and understood the depth and strength of the bonds that connect the land of the Hare with that of the Dragon Dormant, even before the latter was given the honour of the baronial coronet. Though divided by geography and the occasional armed conflict, Our two baronies have long been united through the shared history and tradition of hospitality, given freely and warmly throughout the years.

Indeed, though your fighters have long proven worthy adversaries to the armies of the Hare, your merchants – who do business and trade under the auspices of Saint Hubert – have long received Us and Our subjects and kept Us rich in wool and linen. Through it all, you, your subjects, and your ancestors have stood as Our allies, Our friends, Our most frequent visitors.

Noble cousins of the Citie of Islands: we would share not only the great river of Saint Laurent that runs through both our lands, but the bounty of our friendship. To that end, from this, the first day of Our tenure on the High Seats of Skraeling Althing, who have it proclaimed throughout our host, that we recognize The Barony of L’Île du Dragon Dormant as a Friend of the Hare. Let this friendship be remembered through all the years, and by all peoples!

Done on the Feast of St. Domnus of Vienne, in our Hall at Feast of the Hare, in the 53^rd Year of the Society.

Laissez-nous serrer les mains ensemble; pour ce on se souvient:

Que l'on soit un Dragon ou un Lièvre, l’honneur reconnaît le sien.*

Wording by TH Lord Dietrich von Sachsen.

*(Let us clasp hands together; for this we remember:)

(Be thee a Dragon or a Hare, honor recognizes its own.)

Jonas of Skraeling Althing, Award of Arms, 2018

In the name of Evander and Marioun the Compassionate, The Merciful

Praise be to the sovereigns, Lord and Lady of the North, and blessing and peace eternal upon their line, our masters Evander and Marioun.

The annals of former generations are lessons to the living: a man may look back on the fortunes of his predecessors and be admonished; and contemplate the history of past ages and be purged of folly. Glory to Him who has made the heritage of antiquity a guide for our own time!

Know then, Commander of the Faithful, that there is one amongst the subjects of the North who made the glory of the past his own; for he has studied ancient books of the most eminent tutors, and perused the writings of the martial traditions of the Kings of Persia and India. In so mastering the lore of the sabre and excelling in the arts martial, that his fame has spread far and wide as a student of defence; and he has become renowned in his home province of Skraeling Althing.

When the King and Queen of Ealdormere heard tell of this man, they requested him to attend their court. And so it was on the 25^th day of Safar, in the 53^rd year, that they spake unto Jonas of Skraeling Althing – for such was he named – and began repeating these couplets:

                All who come before our thrones, know of what we do proclaim!

Let not one vassal, woman or man, this our mighty word defame

For wonderful is he and right worthy of our praise

And of our Scarlet Banner, Jonas’ honour we do name.

Wording by TH Lord Dietrich von Sachsen, based on the dedication and poetry of A Thousand and One Nights.

Laurenz Tonnemacher, Award of the Maiden's Heart, 2018

In the year quinquaginta tria, on the eighth day of September, in the presence of the revered baron and baroness of Septentria, their majesties Baldric by right of arms high king of Ealdormere, and Breyla, High Queen by virtue of inspiration, and of their heirs, and that of their chamberlain, and that of Trillium Herald, present in person, sitting in judgement.

Singly and with others, the honourable lord Laurenz Tonnemacher of Skraeling Althing, has undertaken a firm, free and unconstrained obligation unto our commissariat, effectually guaranteeing it with himself and his property. This solemn obligation has been received, and reciprocated, by the lady Ilsebet Jeghersche, the lady commissar, and by the undersigned notaries, on behalf and in the name of our sovereigns’ commissariat.

The honourable lord has properly ensured in the lands under contention between the East and Middle kingdoms, at his own expense, cost, and outlay, and in accordance with requirements and custom, saw to it that sound and adequate tent poles, and sound and adequate deployment for each tent pole, under the supervision and command of the lady commissar, were provided to ensure that our sovereign’s commissariat was provided proper shelter and supply.

It has also been agreed that the honourable lord has provided retinues, scribes, and other suitable officials in each and every place of the said contentious lands, and ensured that accurate maps were provided to their majesties’ captains and their aides-de-camp, for several years counting or starting from the first day, as pleases the sovereigns and their commanders.

And thus on behalf of the sovereigns, the High King and High Queen, in the presence and with the consent of their councillors, the crown solemnly promises and agrees to grant, make over and assign, in good faith and without fraud, for each of these services, as stated above, the Award of the Maiden’s Heart, to be proclaimed throughout their demesne.

It was also agreed between the said parties, the intention that the sovereigns would continue to honour and reward further service of the honourable lord, which they will exercise according to custom in such matters. Concerning each and all of these deeds, the High King and Queen, their heirs, and the councillors of the realm asked of us, the below-named notaries, to draw up public instruments in accordance with the counsel of the wise, but with no alteration to the substance of the meaning. This was done in Eoforwic, whereof we have placed our hand and seal.

 Based on the 1334 Naval Contract from the Papacy against the Turks. Wording by Dietrich von Sachsen..

Tanegashima Hiromoto, Award of Arms, 2018

The hot sun rises
Over Iwashimizu;
Hachiman’s temple.
Baldric and Breyla, mighty
Imperial sovereigns
Summon before them
A loyal bushi; name him
Tanegashima
Hiromoto: Twin arrows
Crossed atop a turtle’s shell.
Veteran of war
Trainer of Ashigaru
He serves and is served.
Sews the seeds of future
And of victories to come.
Tanegashima
Bushi of southern islands:
Service is honoured.
Our court recognizes you;
Know now your worth as tono.

Done this 7th day of Summer, in the 53rd Year of the Society, by our decree.

NOTES:

Composed as a renga (連歌) format of poetry.

"The hot sun rises" is a kigo (季語, "seasonal word") for summer.
Iwashimzu Shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the the syncretic divinity of archery and war; this, along with the crossed arrows on the turtle's shell, is a reference to Hiromoto's heraldry.
Sewing the Seeds of the Future and Southern Island is a reference to the literal translation of Tanegashima.

Wording by Akashi Terumoto.

Tanegashima Masako, Award of Arms, 2018

The time of blooming;
Wild orange blossoms
Erupt like gunfire
Baldric, our great Ten’nō
Derives counsel from Breyla
His noble Kōgō.
In humility
Now kneels Tanegashima
Masako; who gave
Herself unto bushido.
In battle, fear flees her mind;
Punishes her enemies
And those of her lord.
As she raises up others
So shall we elevate her.
Tanegashima
Seed of the Southern Islands
Onna-bugeisha
Rise and take up your station,
As a hine of our court.

Done this 7th day of Summer, in the 53rd Year of the Society, by our decree.

NOTES:

Composed as a renga (連歌) format of poetry.

"Wild Orange Blossom" is a kigo (季語, "seasonal word") for summer, refering to the flowering that occurs in early summer.
"like Gunfire": Tanegashima is a name for a Japanese arquebus, and a play on her name.
"Seed of Southern Island": Another play on the literal meaning of Tanegashima, "Southern Seed Island"
"Onna-Bugeisha" is a female samurai.

Wording by TH Lord Akashi Terumoto

John Spooner, Award of Arms

Based of an English Patent of Arms, by THL Dietrich von Sachsen

To all Present and to come who shall these present letters see or hear, Quillium the King by Right of Arms of This Kingdom of Ealdormere, and Tangystle the Queen, greetings and love with humble recommendation.

Equity, will, and right ordains that virtuous men and noble undertakings be by their merits and renown rewarded; and not only their persons in this mortal life but so all after them know of the esteem We place upon them. Thus unto this end do we, King and Queen aforesaid, who by common renown and the testimony of others, have been well-reported and informed that John Spooner has well-pursued the woodworkers' art and so enriched our demesne.

Henceforth let him in all places be acknowledged and counted amongst the company of the lords of the realm with this Award of Arms. In testimony whereof we have set out hand and seal, on the 10th day of June, Anno Societatis LII.

Bera, Award of the Maiden's Heart

Droekvett poetry, by THL Dietrich von Sachsen

Stalwart Baldric, staunchly
Standing with grand Breyla:
Bera - Heralds hail her –
Harken unto throne-voice.

Rising Waters' wright of
written webs; our officer;
 From potter's wheel, wellspring:
Well she serves her sovereign.

Thoughtful, patient pupil
Pen awakens on parchment.
Greater hath she grown; to
Grasp the cusp of knowledge.

Breaker-of-Rings brings
the bright heart of Maiden
Of Bernadette to Bera:
Bear this honour always.

Done this 12th day of the year Anno Societas LIII, as we sit our Thrones in the Barony of Rising Waters and preside over the Tournament of Lady Mary.

Shimazu Nobuhisa, Award of Arms

Chōka (長歌, "Long Poem") which is a form of Japanese waka 和歌, by THL Dietrich von Sachsen

The Summer King Reigns;

Baldric-ten’nō, with glory
And Breyla, kōgō
Before them kneels a hikan
Of far Kyushu:
Shimazu Nobuhisa
Weathers storms of swords
As harbour on an island
Masters the seasons
Bountiful dishes always
Served with joyful heart.
Mikado says to you, Rise
Take your station as Lord.

Done this 7th day of Summer, in the 53rd Year of the Society, by our decree.