From: bq434@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Michael A. Chance)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: I am still bewildered
Date: 10 Nov 1992 13:27:32 GMT
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH (USA)
Reply-To: bq434@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Michael A. Chance)
NNTP-Posting-Host: hela.ins.cwru.edu


Hallo, especially to William de Corbie!

William writes on a variety of things that he perceives as problems with
the SCA, and wonders if and how Drachenwald can attempt some type of
kingdom-level reform, once they become their own kingdom.

The answer is: Of course!

There are many things that can be done, at a kingdom level, without
violating either the letter or spirit of Corpora or any other
Society-wide regulations (like marshallate rules).

I've been thinking (I know, that's dangerous) about what "reforms" I'd
make, given the chance.  Nothing as radical as some that have been proposed
recently (both from the Board of Directors and here on the Rialto), but
definitely altering the way we do things.  And favoring the more authentic
attempts at re-creation of the medieval and Renaissance period than we do
now.  I'll tackle things in the order that William mentioned in his
posting.

1.  Names and Heraldry.  Things are getting better, as research gets
better.  Drachenwald can become the forefront of this trend, simply by
having firsthand access to both European onomastic and heraldic research.
For instance, the baronial herald of Nordmark could be a member of the
Scandinavian Heraldic Society, with dues paid by the barony.  And, in
return, pass along (in translation) the articles and research of that
society that relates to SCA activities.  The German groups could establish
regular contact with Der Herold; those in England and Scotland with the Garter
and Lyon offices.  And so on.  Plus, there is nothing wrong with
establishing a higher standard of authenticity or documentation support for
names and devices submitted by the Schwarzdrachen Herald than that of the
other kingdoms in general, so long as the guidelines are clearly spelled
out in the procedures for the kingdom heralds office.

2.  Martial Activities.  Establish the requirement for the awarding of the
kingdom awards for tourney combat and archery that strongly encourages the
use of period equipment.  For instance, instead of relying solely on high
scores (which rewards modern equipment), use a combination of high scores
*and* period tackle.  Thus, if you're still using a modern composite
recurve, you can't get the kingdom archery award.  You can still win "open"
category competitions, but the reward is for winning competitions with
medieval/Renaissance styles and equipment.  Similarly, the kingdom award
for tourney fighting should not be given to people with "techno-armor".
Folks fighting in plastic, carpet, non-authentic helm styles, and who look
shabby on the field won't be considered for the award, no matter how many
tourneys they win; those who can fight well in a good reproduction of
medieval or Renaissance armor are the ones who'll get recognized.  And do
away the the "traditional" SCA style of competitions.  No "King's Colors",
no elimination tourneys - find the styles of period competitions, and use
only those.

3.  Ranks and titles.  Eliminate the AoA, GoA, PoA distinction.  Either
you've been granted the right to bear arms or not.  Simply have plain AoAs
(for recognizing initial contribution to the SCA), awards with also grant
arms if the recipient doesn't already have them, baronages (landed and
court) and Peerages.  Nothing else.  And the kingdom level recognitions are
"awards" (recognition from the Crown), not "orders".  Thus, the only
"orders" are the Peerages, rather than a dozen or so "orders" for each type
of recognition.  And structure your award criteria to favor authenticity.
The award for running a good event should be for a good *medieval* event.
The award for dance or cooking or whatever should stress authentic
re-creations, not just "does a lot of this stuff and it looks good".

4.  System of Rulership.  As I remember the stories of the early days of
the SCA, the atmosphere was more one of a tourney society, like there was
in medieval Germany and France.  The winner of the main tournament was
declared "king" of the group until the next tourney, and the lady whose
favor he carried was declared the "queen of love and beauty" of that
tournament.  Thus, our "kingdoms" of the "Current Middle Ages" are really
just regional tourney societies, not "real" kingdoms.  The biggest thing to
changing the US sports competitions mentality is to get rid of the
elimination style Crown tournament.  There is nothing in the SCA governing
documents that specifies the type of tourney that can be held to chose the
next king; only that it is a heavy weapons tourney.  So hold a ransom
tourney.  Or a challange tourney.  Everyone contesting shows up, challange
fights are held from, say, 10 am to 4 pm, and then, on some predetermined
scoring system (perhaps a combination of challanges given, challanges
received, and bouts won) a winner is declared.  Much closer to a medieval
style tourney.

These are just some suggestions.  The main thing is, think about what you
want to accomplish, and find ways to reward the good without excluding the
novice who hasn't learned yet or hasn't the time or resources to become
"completely" authentic yet.  Let them develop over time, with a goal to aim
for.  Once folks see that autheticity is rewarded more than enthusiastic
fantasy, that's the direction people will head.  Or they'll find something
else more to their liking.  Either way, the goal is reached.

Mikjal Annarbjorn
-- 
Michael A. Chance          St. Louis, Missouri, USA    "At play in the fields
Work: mc3078@sw1sta.sbc.com                             of St. Vidicon"
Play: bq434@cleveland.freenet.edu
      mchance@nyx.cs.du.edu
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca