Winter Court is a tradition that goes back to the earliest days of London.  The Romans used the long nights to host great debates and debauched parties.   Before them, the Welsh Kindred were rumored to gather once a year during the winter solace to air grievances and announce new progeny.   After Rome fell, Princes of London, first Saxon and then Norman, have invited all acknowledged and respected Kindred from across the countryside to London once a year.

Winter Court is less lavish then a Deava ball and stands on fewer ceremonies then a true Ventrue council.  And yet, it is seen by many as the most important social and political event of the year.  The Lancea et Sanctum got a grant for their first Temple at a Winter Court.    Prince Aschur sealed the support for his Praxis at a Winter Court.   Lord Raedan and Lord Alaric settled their decade long dispute over rights to the Market Square with a duel at Winter Court.  There is music.  There is dancing.  Often there are games.  Boons are traded, the Chamberlains give out praise and heap scorn and progeny are presented.

This year the very Charters that grants the Barons their Domain has been called into question.   For the last several years, undesirable Kindred have been rumored to lurk outside the city walls, occasionally preying on travelers.  The Baronies extend only as far as the city walls, but a century of relative peace and prosperity has caused the city to expand far beyond those ancient structures.   What to do about this has long been a matter of debate.   One night in early October, the Baron of Watling took matters into his own hands and led a small group of Knights outside the walls.    They hunted down several of the undesirables, including a handful outside of St. Brides Inne.

The incident has lead to nothing but disagreement and discussion.  Some say the Baron had no right to act outside of his Barony, which St. Brides Inne technically was.  Others point out that the Barons have been administrating matters both inside the city and out, unofficially, for decades.    The Herald came out and noted that the Prince had given his permission for the destruction of those undesirables who have been harassing the city.    Others figured that permission probably came after the fact to cover for his eldest Progeny.  The Archbishop noted, in Mass, that to kill another  Kindred was a Sin.  And the Undercity Nosferatu came forward and claimed that one of those who was killed was one of theirs – as was, in fact, acknowledged in the city.

Add to this the rumors that have been swirling about the state of the Prince’s Court – and the Prince himself.   Rumors about a division that threatens to tear the Lancea et Sanctum in the city apart.   The upcoming Winter Court promises to be one to remember.

Traditionally, Winter Court has been hosted and presided over by the Prince of London.  Over the last decade or so, however, a host has been chosen by the Chamberlains.   This year they have chosen Lady Rowena, who has opened the doors to Haynsworth House for this special occasion.