Scroll Text - Marguerite de Neufchasteau - Capstan 2026

Barony of Delftwood - A&S Award

Do know that we, Baron Ixac and Baroness Amalie, second of those names, acting with foresight for ourselves in the future, have decided to award one who gives away her skill and knowledge of cooking, sewing, and falconry to any and all in our Barony who wish to learn. We wish to give  Marguerite de Neufchasteau entry into the Noble Order of the Capstan. We wish this gift to be steadfast in perpetuity so that no one should presume to diminish it, and should any one be so rash to do so, let them be accursed. So do we sign this warrant and make our will law. Done at our Investiture, at the Feast of the Seven Deadly Sins, AS 60, on the 21st day of February, in the Barony of Delftwood.

  S29 - A.D. 697 or 712 (July). Wihtred, king of Kent, to St Mary's Church, Lyminge; grant of 4 sulungs (aratra) at Pleghelmestun, Kent. Latin with bounds

https://www.flickr.com/photos/calebreynolds/55049011353/in/dateposted/

Scroll Text - Cyrus Augur - Fleur 2025

Kingdom of AEthelmearc - A&S Award

The true Art of the Fleur has many meanings. It is the teaching the manner how to handle weapons safely, as offensive as defensive, as well as the teaching of the skill and strategy of where to move a chess piece upon the board. It is the dedication of teaching the new fencer how to hold a sword and where to position their feet. It is the quiet patience of explaining the rules of chess to any and all who wish to learn that ancient game. There is no doubt that the honorable exercise of the mind and of the hands is made right perfect by means of two things, to wit, Art and Science. Because by the one, We know the manner and method of how to do something, and by the other We show the world the beauty of the thing made or taught. And because the knowledge of the manner of the Art and of the Science does of itself teach us the skill of how to reason and create, and in the end, this is well pleasing to Our eyes. Thus do We, Andreas and Kallista, third of those names, lay down these words and induct Cyrus Augur into the Most Noble Order of the Fleur. Done this 15th day of November, AS60, at Our AEcademy and War College.

Inspired by Giacomo di Grassi's introduction to "The true Art of Defense"

https://www.flickr.com/photos/calebreynolds/54873523344/in/dateposted/

 Scroll Text - Thomas Byron of Haverford - Howling Wolf 2025

Kingdom of AEthelmearc - A&S Award

An open letter to The Companions of the Howling Wolf. The Crown of AEthlmearc understanding that there are only a few members of your Order, by Our count numbering 3 and 20, are so moved to add one to Our count and to the number of your Order. To wit We, Murdoch and Rioghnach, are so moved to send unto the Order one Thomas Byron of Haverford, Duke of AEthelmearc and one time Baron of BMDL. We have seen with Our eyes and heard with Our ears the joy in which he teaches the nature of period games to all who wish to learn their secrets. It is Our pleasure, therefore, that the bearer of this warrant be joyfully admitted within the Howling Wolf without fail or delay. Done on the Fields of Pennsic, AS 60. 

inspired by Open letter by Elizabeth I to the Mayor of London, 1596

https://www.flickr.com/photos/calebreynolds/54661153727/in/dateposted/

 Scroll Text - Ingvar Sviatoslavich - Sycamore 2025

Kingdom of AEthelmearc - A&S Award

Peace to all who hear or see these words of Murdoch, King by Right of Arms, and Rioghnach, Our Fair Queen of the Arts. Greetings to all Peers, Nobles, and Commoners of Our domains. Be it known that we have witnessed with Our eyes the skills and knowledge of Our faithful and well-beloved subject, Ingvar Sviatoslavich, long has he served Our lands with his knowledge of the garb of the Khazars. So impressed are We that We award him entrance into Our Noble Order of the Sycamore, allowing him to bear the badge of the order, Fieldless, Three sycamore leaves conjoined in pall per pale gules and Or. Done by Our will this 12th day of July, AS60, at The Bog Three Day, in the Barony of St. Swithin’s Bog.

inspired by a letter from Henry VII to the dean and chapter of Wells, dated April 9, 1495.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/calebreynolds/54613116147/in/dateposted/

Scroll Text - Ana Sirena de Valbuena - Scyamore 2025

Kingdom of AEthelmearc - A&S Award

All good and true citizens of AEthelmearc these present letters seeing or hearing, greetings from Bjarki and Gabrielle, King and Queen right well beloved. In recognition of the works that our dear subject Ana Sirena de Valbuena has rendered to Us, Our lands, and Our subjects, works of beading and embroidery, of illumination and calligraphy, of singing and sewing, We hereby offer to her admission in Our Nobel Order of the Sycamore, which confers the right to display the insignia of the order, fieldless, three sycamore leaves conjoined in pall per pale gules and Or. Furthermore, we charge her with continuing her work and improving her skills to the betterment of fair AEthelmearc. Done by Our hands, this 1st day of February, AS 58, in Our Barony of Delftwood at the Feast of the Seven Deadly Sins.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/calebreynolds/54247395287/in/dateposted/

Scroll Text - Thorir of Ætt Skyti - Golden Stirrup 2025

Scroll Text - Thorir of Ætt Skyti - Golden Stirrup 2025

Kingdom of AEthelmearc - A&S Award

Salutations to all unto whom these words shall come. Know you all that the feats of skill and labor of Thorir of Ætt Skyti has has been well observed. His knowledge of armor, clothing, and of all things a Norseman might know has pleased the minds and hearts of the Crown. Thus do We, Bjarki, King by Right of Arms, and Gabrielle, Queen of flashing blades, are moved to induct Thorir into the Most Noble order of the Golden Stirrup. We forbid that any one, with rash daring, infringe Our decree or in any way attempt to violate it; and We corroborate this, Our decree, signed by Our Hands and witnessed by those who are present on this the 11th day of January, AS 58 at the Kingdom 12th Night Tournament at Our castle in the Shire of Coppertree. 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/calebreynolds/54240515024/in/dateposted/

Scroll Text - Robert of Ferness - Golden Stirrup 2025

Scroll Text - Robert of Ferness - Golden Stirrup 2025

Kingdom of AEthelmearc - A&S Award

Come hear the words of your King and Queen, right trusty and welbeloved. Salutations to all unto whom these presents letters come from Bjarki and Gabrielle. Forasmuch as We, of Our special grace, in consideration of the true skill which Robert of Ferness has shown in the manner and nature of his dress; from hood to tunic to shoes he stands out as an example of The Dream. So pleased are We that We have affirmed and awarded unto him a place within our Noble Order of the Golden Stirrup where We had noticed his absence before hand. We further give him leave to wear the badge of the Order as he sees fit for one of his station and further give unto him all said rights and duties of the Order and demand that the Order receive and admit Robert, as mentioned before, without delay; and these Our Letters shall be your Warrant. Given by Our hand at Our castle in the Shire of Coppertree, at Kingdom 12th Night, on the 11th day of January, AS 58.

Inspired by Signet Letter for the Issue of Letters under the Privy Seal only (20 Nov., 16 Edward IV)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/calebreynolds/54240286046/in/photostream/

Scroll Text - Julie Alewife - Sycamore 2024

Kingdom of AEthelmearc - A&S Award

Come hear the words of the King and Queen of AEthelmearc, right trusty and welbeloved. Forasmuch as We, of Our special grace, in consideration of the true and faithful service which Our welbeloved subject Julie Alewife hath done unto Us and Our Kingdom, know that We have avowed and award unto her a place within our Noble Order of the Sycamore where We had noticed her absence before hand. We further give her leave to wear the badge of the Order as she sees fit for one of her station and further give unto her all said rights and duties of the Order and demand that the Order receive and admit the aforesaid Julie Alewife without delay; and these Our Letters shall be your Warrant. Given by Our hands at the fields of Our Crown Tournament, the 5th day of October, AS59 and signed with Our marks as:  Bjarki- King and Gabrielle - Queen.

Inspired by Signet Letter for the Issue of Letters under the Privy Seal only (20 Nov., 16 Edward IV)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/calebreynolds/54013466456/in/dateposted/

Scroll Text - Sarah Balangee - Sycamore 2024

Kingdom of AEthelmearc - A&S Award

Be it known unto all these present letters seeing or hearing, greetings from Murdoch and Rioghnach, King and Queen of peace and of war. In recognition of the works that our dear subject Sarah Balangee has rendered to Us, Our lands, and Our subjects, works of largess, of bookmarks  and building, of tokens and favors, We hereby offer to her admission in Our Nobel Order of the Sycamore, which confers the right to display the insignia of the order, to wit, fieldless, three sycamore leaves conjoined in pall per pale Gules and Or. Furthermore, we charge her with continuing her work and improving her skills to the betterment of fair AEthelmearc. Done by Our hand, this 15th day of June, AS 59, in Our Shire of Heronter, at Our Summer AEcademy.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/calebreynolds/53774712984/in/photostream/

Scroll Text - Joel de Grace - Sycamore 2024

Kingdom of AEthelmearc - A&S Award

Pray attend to the words of the Crown of AEthelmearc. Salutation to all unto whom these present letters from  Murdoch and Rioghnach, most beloved Monarchs of these Sylvan Lands. Forasmuch as We, of Our special grace, in consideration of the true and faithful service which Joel de Grace has done unto Our Kingdom, of which the making of maile and the teaching of the skills of its making is only in part of why We have taken action. Know you all that We have affirmed and awarded unto him a place within our Noble Order of the Sycamore where he and his skills shall thrive and prosper. We further give him leave to wear the badge of the Order as he sees fit for one of his station and further give unto him all said rights and duties of the Order and demand that the Order receive and admit him without delay; and these Our Letters shall be his Warrant. Given by Our hand at War Practice, AS 59. 

Inspired by Signet Letter for the Issue of Letters under the Privy Seal only (20 Nov., 16 Edward IV)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/calebreynolds/53718856987/in/dateposted/

Scroll Text - Scheiny of Dalhraidia - Sycamore 2023

Kingdom of AEthelmearc - A&S Award

Come hear the words of Gareth and Juliana, King and Queen of Sylvan AEthelmearc. We have heard the twisted tale of Scheiny of Dalhraidia, of how she has spun heads with her incredible weaving skills. When We heard of her work, We were hooked, for she is knot your average lady. Unraveling the secrets of inkle and tablet weaving, never a-frayed to intertwine art and science together in a way that is sew amazing. We see that tales of her skills were not fabricated, and We have seen the patterns of her knowledge as she sits quietly working, always telling the truth; never spinning yarns. We could stretch this out longer but We must wrap this up for we be-weave that she should be inducted into the tight Knit Order of the Sycamore and give to her the badge of the Order that she might keep as an heir-loom. And should anyone disagree with Our decision, We shall up-braid them most severely. Done on this 27th day of January, AS58, at BMDL's 12th Night Celebration.

Scroll Text - Elinor Walden - Sycamore 2023

Scroll Text - Elinor Walden - Sycamore 2023

Kingdom of AEthelmearc - A&S Award

Come hear the words of Andreas and Kallista, King and Queen of Sylvan AEthelmearc. We have heard Sew much about Our Welbeloved Elinor Walden and Needled to tell the Kingdom about her. Let Us Cut to the point and Gather Our thoughts. Nothing about her is quite what it Seams, she is Knot your average Lady. While she is always working and making garb, she never Seam-stressed. She never Quilts, she has never been de-Pleated. Never Unravels, she always offers Purls of wisdom that gets to the Knitty-gritty of the Fabric of the problem. She makes garb for the Shear fun of it. We have heard of her Pattern of Arts and Science and, Needle-less to say, We be-Weave that she has has earned Our attentions, and thus to We declare that she is a perfect Fit for the tight Knit Order of the Sycamore and give her the right to bear the Thimbles of the Noble Order. And if any seeks to Alter Our Tailor-made decision, We advise them not to be Spoolish and to keep their Darn mouths shut or else they might get Stitches. Done by Our hands on this 10th day of June, AS 58, at the Iris Festival, with all of Our Backing.

Scroll Text - Chrestienne DeWaterdene - Golden Mirror 2023

Kingdom of AEthelmearc - A&S Award

To all who shall hear or see these words, know that the Lord King Andreas together with the Lady Queen Kallista, confirm to Chrestienne DeWaterdene entry into the Most Noble Order of the Golden Mirror for works of wearable arts that hold up a mirror to that which is the Dream. Let all know that We do this in the clear knowledge that all that she wears is an inspiration to all within our Kingdom; from head to toe and all of the fancy bits in between, all that she makes and wears appear to have been stolen from a painting through sewing magic. This, Our Will, We commit to this warrant by Our Signs Royal and whoever might presume to violate the page of our confirmation will incur the wrath of Our indignation in addition to the wrath of Our Heirs and of Their Heirs and so on onto the end of the world. Given by the hands of Andreas and Kallista on the fields of Pennsic, in the year eight and fifty since the incarnation of The Society. 

inspired by a charter of confirmation from Istvan III, king of Hungary to Archbishop Peter of Split: 1163.

Scroll Text - Zanetto da Como - Golden Mirror 2023

Kingdom of AEthelmearc - A&S Award

To Our most reverend and beloved Zanetto da Como we send warm greetings. We have long witnessed and have been told of your skill of costuming, cobblering, furniture making, and the making of a 14th century encampment that is the envy of all who has seen it. For these and for the beauteous garb that you wear upon your back that inspires others to do the same that here, upon the fields of Pennsic, We wish to repay you for the skill that your have shown to all. For many days We have pondered in the manner and method of repayment, for We wish this gift to be everlasting. In the end We would give to you this warrant to take to the Noble Order of the Golden Mirror so that you may take your place among them as just recognition of all you have done. And we pray that this reward will inspire you to go on upward to still greater heights in the realm of wearable art. So say We, Andreas King, and Kallista Queen. 

inspired by a letter from Boniface to Abbess Eadburga, c. 735.

Scroll Text - Elena de la Palma - Writ for Laurel 2024

Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Writ

Your Excellency, We greet you heartly well, letting you wit that it seems like just yesterday that you came to Our Court from Our Cousins of Hispana, with scissors, needles, fabric and pins and a desire to clothe all in the style of the Spanish court. We have received letters and open credence also which Our Nobles of Counsel have shown before us of the work with not only the fabric of cloth, but the fabric of the mind within class rooms and crafting rooms. By Our commandment, We have had communication with the said Nobles of Counsel upon the work you have done for several generations of AEthelmearc Royalty and the years of teaching you have done for Our subjects, as well as of the service that you seem unwilling to shy away from. Therefore, Elena de la Palma, We have commanded, by the instruction and recommendation of Our Nobles of Counsel, that these words of commandment be written and read to you, as well as delivered in writing signed with Our hands, with copies sent to the Five Regions of AEthelmearc so that all shall know that We will and command you to set aside a time and a place and answer Us the question of whether or not you will join the Noble Order of the Laurel. And if it shall seem you this matter be jest, than we pray you these words were made in Our Name and signed with Our own hands for We would not wish this honor to be done by any other than Ourselves. And these Our words writ upon this paper shall be good and sufficient warrant of safe travel anywhere within Our Kingdom. Here signed Gareth, King, and here signed Juliana, Queen, the 13th day of January, AS 58, in front of Our Court at Our Castle in the Barony of St. Swithin’s Bog. 

inspired by King Richard the III to the Lords of his Council, AD 1483, upon the arrival of an ambassador from Isabella Queen of Spain.

Scroll Text - Marsaili Mac Lochlainn  - Sycamore 2023

Kingdom of AEthelmearc - A&S Award

Come hear the words of the King and Queen of AEthelmearc, right trusty and welbeloved. Forasmuch as We, of Our special grace, in consideration of the true and faithful service which Our welbeloved servant Marsaili Mac Lochlainn hath done unto Us and Our Kingdom, know that We have avowed and award unto her a place within our Noble Order of the Sycamore where We had noticed her absence before hand. We further give her leave to wear the badge of the Order as she sees fit for one of her station and further give unto her all said rights and duties of the Order and demand that the Order receive and admit the said Marsaili Mac Lochlainn without delay; and these Our Letters shall be your Warrant. Given under Our Seal at the fields of Pennsic, AS58 and signed with Our marks as: 

Andreas - King and Kallista - Queen.

Inspired by Signet Letter for the Issue of Letters under the Privy Seal only (20 Nov., 16 Edward IV)

 Scroll Text - Cassia Carataca - Sycamore 2023

Kingdom of AEthelmearc - A&S Award

Cassia Carataca, come hear the commands of Andreas and Kallista, King and Queen of AEthelmearc. It has been commented and conveyed to us about the cramped and compact capital letters that you have constructed and colored. So many comments have been communicated to us that We had to see with Our Own eyes your creative and coveted calligraphy that covers the confines of the minuscule card stock that you cover from corner to corner that We were so moved that We did Confer with the Noble Order of the Sycamore and charged them to make you comfortable within the Order where you may find camaraderie and confab with the council of the Order and achieve even smaller scrolls. And thus, like Caesar and his Consort, do We confidently confirm Our committal and make this consignment at Our Castle at the Pennsic Wars, AS 58.

Scroll Text - Coinneach Mac an Leigh - Fleur 2023

Kingdom of AEthelmearc - A&S Award

Now let all know that We, Andreas and Kallista, King and Queen of Sylvan AEthelmearc, acting with foresight for Ourselves in the future, have decided to give to one who gives away his skill and knowledge of woodworking and joinery to any and all in Our Kingdom who wish to learn. We wish to give and grant Coinneach Mac an Leigh entry into the Noble Order of the Fleur d'AEthelmearc. And further do We Give and Grant him such arms that he and he alone shall bear. We wish this gift to be steadfast in perpetuity so that no one should presume to diminish it, and should any one be so rash to do so, let them be accursed. So do We sign this warrant and make Our Will Law. Done at Our High Court, at Pax Interruptus, AS 58, on the eighth day of July.

 

 S29 - A.D. 697 or 712 (July). Wihtred, king of Kent, to St Mary's Church, Lyminge; grant of 4 sulungs (aratra) at Pleghelmestun, Kent. Latin with bounds

Scroll Text - Fine Fallain- Sycamore 2023

Scroll Text - Fine Fallain- Sycamore 2023

Kingdom of AEthelmearc - A&S Award

We are minded of certain books We have read: Lucian's "Dialogue of the Lofty Traveller", who flew up to the Moon, and thence to Cheese Heaven; a heroic book, called "The Man in the Moon", if you'll believe a Spaniard, who was carried thither, upon an Engine drawn by wild hamsters. And a thousand other Volumes, too hard to name. But today Their Majesties wish to tell the story of Fine Fallain, a singer in the Debatable Choir and, dare We say it, AN ACTOR! with the commedia troupe i Genesii. Not wishing this to turn into a farce, We shall get right to the point. The first being, you have entertained countless people upon the stage. The second being you have brought joy to countless more people with your music. The third point escapes Our minds at this moment, but We shall shake off all distracting thoughts and induct you into the Sycamore, Most Noble Order of Entertainers, Scholars, and other Creative People. Done by the hands of Andreas and Kallista, King and Queen of Sylvan AEthelmearc, on the XX day of XX at {EVENT}

inspired by the opening of La Commedia Dell'arte's "THE EMPEROR OF THE MOON"

 Scroll Text - Caleb Reynolds - Writ for Laurel 2023

Kingdom of AEthelmearc - Writ

Wherefore We, Andreas and Kallista, King and Queen not only of AEthelmearc but also of the various Baronies, Cantons, Shires, Colleges, and free lands and the divers peoples over whom We rule by Right of Arms and of Royal Mercy, do summon {VICTIM NAME} into Our Presence. Wherefore We have heard accounts of your pursuit of obscure subjects and have read the papers that you have written about {EXAMPLE + ANOTHER EXAMPLE} are moved to take action on this day of all days and present to you this Writ in which We do command you to seek atonement of any misdeeds and spelling errors you might have done while conducting research, documentation, and experimentation, and prepare yourself to sit Vigil and contemplate entry into the Most Noble Order of the Laurel at a day and time We shall agree upon. And if anyone should attempt to prevent the aforesaid {VICTIM NAME} from making his honest and lawful choice, let them know that they will fearfully render account in the terrible examination of the whole world by Our Judgment. The Coronets and Great Officers will confirm this Writ which We shall sign Andreas, King and Kallista, Queen, at our Coronation at Our Castle in The College of Silva Vulcani, the first day of April, AS 57.

inspired by British Library S 96 - A.D. 757. Æthelbald, king of Mercia, to Eanberht, abbot; grant of 10 hides (cassati) near the wood called Toccan sceaga

My writ for Laurel.

Calligraphy by Sophie Davenport. 20% of the wording by Po Silvertop, and the other 80% was written by me. Sophie asked me to provide her with nice words for a writ. The very same writ that was given to me. I have very evil and loving friends.