[Bryn-gwlad] Largesse and Prizes

[Thomas]

Greetings!

At a recent meeting with Bryn Gwlad guild leaders,
I was asked to provide more information about what
kinds of items are needed for largesse and prires. 

The following article was written for the June
newsletter; I offer it on this list as well
as not everyone receives the newsletter.  

There are many, many ways of giving to our
Society.  Items to be given for prizes and 
largesse are one way of doing so. 


"LARGESSE AND PRIZES" - by Baron Thomas
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It is a privilege of a landed noble to present 
gifts, largesse and prizes to people whose recent
accomplishments are worthy of honor and praise. 

Usually I present such items to honor those who have
won a tourney at an event or at the park; I may also 
honor those who have done well in a tourney or those
whose efforts helped make an event successful.  

It is often customary to present gifts to a new Crown
at Coronation - items which They may use as largesse. 
It is also courteous to present such gifts to a new
Baron & Baroness upon their investiture.  

Sometimes one may see items of largesse beside a 
work of art at a competition.  Largesse may also be
presented at any time to praise individuals for their
service, their inspirational performances, or any
effort which someone may with to recognize.   

Largesse may be given by anyone - and I encourage 
everyone to give generously to others, whether 
presenting a tangible gift, a performance in honor
of someone, or the treasured gift of word-fame. 

Who we honor and how we honor them is a way of shaping 
our Society.   Landed nobles often request the generousity
of the populace to help provide items to be used for 
largesse and prizes.  In Bryn Gwlad we have collected
"taxes" at Land Courts for this purpose, however this is
just persona play: "taxes" are always freely given gifts.   

At the recent meeting with the baronial guild leaders,
the question was asked what items make good largesse
or prizes do I like to bestow?  

A good rule of thumb:  what would YOU like to receive?
Please do not give worn books, old clothing, old bottles, etc.  
If it is stuff you don't want, please don't give it to me.  

I also prefer to not give modern items such as commercial
sunscreen, shower gel, duct tape, disposable cameras, etc. 
These are useful items at events - but not things I wish 
to give as largesse.  I always prefer things that look
and feel more period. 

Here are some items I like as prizes, gifts, or largesse:

AWARD REGALIA     
Woven belts for the Dreigiau Bryn have a specific 
black & white pattern with a handsew insignia of the order 
on one end of the belt.  The belt which was gifted to 
Sir Gideon was woven by Her Ladyship Myfanwy, and the 
insignia was sewn & stiched by Baroness Erika (who is one 
of the founders of the armigerous service order).  

Insignia for the Baronial non-armigerous orders:  the Muse, 
the Golden Martlet, the Cross Fleury, and the Dragon's Egg 
(we do not traditionally give insignia for the Silver Chalice - 
this honor gifts an actual chalice).   The insignia in the past 
of have traditional sewn, enamelled or painted on metal or shell; 
I've also received pins for the Golden Martlet and a sculpey 
badges for the Cross Fleury.  Examples of the insignia designs
are found on a Bryn Gwlad webpage:
http://bryn-gwlad.ansteorra.org/awards/

POUCHES   
All sizes of pouches are much appreicated and great 
for bestowing smaller tokens such as rings, clasps, beads, 
Bryn Gwlad coins, etc.  I have seen some fine woven pouches 
as well as pouches of leather and cloth.  

CANDLES
Candles almost always make good gifts in the winter 
(when they don't melt in the car).  The Herbalist Guild 
recently made a beautiful beeswax candle which was 
given to the Queen at Candlemas.   

BELTS
Woven belts ALWAYS make wonderful largesee!  
The Fiber Arts Guild has made some truly wonderful 
belts over the years as have non-guild members of the barony. 
Painted or stamped leather belts would also be great.   

GLASS
I don't know anyone who is currently making glass, though 
I've seen some lovely glass beads in the past.  I've seen some 
really beautiful painted glasses and plates given as prizes and 
war gifts.  Lady Celestria and Lord Esteban are among those 
who have painted fine glassware in the past.  I've also seen 
exquisite etched glasses by Her Ladyship Aerin and Lord Wilhelm.   

POTTERY
Handmade goblets, mugs & plates that have been painted
and fired have provided some great largesse over the years.
We also gave painted tiles as war gifts this year.  Mistress 
Clarissa is very talented potter as is Lady Pamela.   

WOODWORK
I love to give boxes for the same reasons as pouches - 
they are period containers for smaller items and also add 
much to the ambiance of a camp or a feast hall.  I would 
love to give handmade boxes, however painted store bought 
boxes are also very fine.   Lady Ysabeau has painted some 
very nice boxes which I've given to out-going champions.  
One can also find some pretty cool boxes at Hobby Lobby, 
if you watch for the sales.  Period game boards and game 
pieces also make fun prizes! 

SOAPS & LOTIONS
The Herbalist Guild has generously provided many handmade 
soaps, balms, and lotions which have been given to various 
visiting nobility as well as champions.   

CLOTH
A decorated table cloth can make a fine prize or gift 
of largesse.  Sewn and/or painted banners are also excellent.  
Clothing can make a good prize though it has to be something 
that can be worn by anyone: cloaks are a good example.     

METALWORK
Pins, broaches, clasps, armbands, torcs, circlets, and utensils 
are all most welcome.  Lord Sion used to make pins and torcs 
from copper, for example.  Master Peter has also made some 
beautiful medallions.  Lord Sean has made some fine kneecops. 
Weapons or chainmail also make great prizes. 

WEAPONS
Rattan and other materials needed for making weapons 
are ok, although I prefer to give finished weapons - which may 
either be used in tourney or hung above the mantel.   Spears 
are great!   Swords, daggers, arrows, axes, even scabbards 
and quivers are excellent prizes. 

LETTERS & ILLUMINATION
We always need scribes & illuminators to help create scrolls 
and letters of invitation on the behalf of the barony, however
special prizes and gifts can also be made.  Lady Kieran once
created celtic notecards that could be mailed and Lady Danielle
recently created a miniture scroll as prize for a tiny tourney. 

PERFORMANCES
I will sometimes use bards in my courts to praise 
the merits of others.  I also often like to integrate music 
into the courts.   Musicians have added alot to Candlemas 
and the courts at Castleton.   Please let me know if you're 
interested in doing something like this.
    
These are just a few ideas.  There are many other period-styled 
gifts that can be contributed.  If you're interested in offering 
something I haven't listed above, please contact me! 

You may choose to work with one of the baronial guilds 
or you may choose to create something independently.   
We many talented artisans in our barony, some of whom 
I've named above; there are MANY others - all of whom
would be glad to share what they know.  You may also 
wish to contact our local Arts & Sciences minister, 
Her Ladyship Amata, who is also a talented artisan 
in many ways.  

I praise all those who have freely dedicated their talents
and their creativity to honoring others in the past.  
Your generousity helps make our Society great.  

                   Thomas