Ognyen's VERY Opinionated History of His SCA Times: Pt. 5

You know I abhor hurtful and negative rumor. Someone, and I speculate only in my mind about the source, has AGAIN started untrue stories. I hear of some things I am alleged to have said and done. I do thank the good gentle who approached me about the rumors. "Thank" is not quite a strong enough word; I applaud this individual for showing the decency, consideration, and courage in properly verifying an ill story! This gentle did not reveal sources, nor did I pry. You, who started the story, know who you are, and it shames me to know that persons I count among my friends can behave in such an inconsiderate and thoughtless manner. Rumor mongering does not go unnoticed by the mundane populace, and it sheds a very ill light on the group which we claim to enjoy. Some of you may, by now, be wondering what was said.

I deny the rumor of my not attending the Sedalia demo for religious reasons. I offer some evidence to support this denial. First, I, as seneschal, cannot give approval for a pagan demo. I cannot give approval for a Christian demo. I cannot approve ANY religious demo. This is in accordance with SCA law. I cannot prohibit you from performing such a demo, but if you use the SCA name in connection with a religious function, you most definitely run the risk of banishment from the kingdom as well as forfeiture of your SCA membership. The demos in Sedalia and Concordia were autocratted by the same individual, and I publicly, at a feast, appointed or at least indorsed the autocrat, and co-autocrat. I commend the co-autocrat who became autocrat on a job well done, despite the loss of the original autocrat, the rainy weather for Sedalia, and the poor mundane attendance for Concordia. I was given absolutely no indication that either demo would be themed differently from the other. I did, in fact, attend the demo in Concordia. If my rumored reason for not being at the Sedalia demo for its pagan theme were true, I most certainly would not have attended at Concordia. I would have publicly removed any SCA sanction for the demos, and reported them to the kingdom seneschal, had I thought either to be religious demos. Ask around, no one can find any person who can truthfully say I told them not to hold the demo using the SCA name. I did not attend at Sedalia, due to a Young Writers Conference which I attended with my son at CMSU that day. My son was one of just a few selected to attend. It was an important event for him, as one of his favorite authors was the guest speaker, and because he was selected for his writing of poetry from a great many hopeful writers. He was happy to attend, and he asked if I could do him the honor of being with him for this gathering. The Conference was scheduled prior to the demo, and I said I would go, long before hearing any date for the demo. I am, in addition to a seneschal, a daddy, and proud of it. That evening, I performed in a 4-H fund-raiser carnival, selling time in the stocks. This too, I did as a daddy. My kids had a ball, as did the many who got to use the stocks. (I include the fund-raiser, in case there's any ill gossip about my not attending the post revel on the grounds of religion or on who may have been sponsoring it. Can anyone name ANY post revel I attended? I think not.) I did not avoid the Sedalia demo due to religious discrimination on my part, nor because of who I thought might have been in charge.

I deny the rumor of not signing award recommendations on the grounds of the potential recipients being pagan. I can not and will not sign any award for something which I can't, with good conscience, verify. If the award is for service, I must be fully aware of the service as stated on the form. If it is for arts and sciences contributions, etc., I must be fully aware of the contributions. I will not sign, nor recommend an award for any Lost Forester who is not sincerely supportive of our group. I have signed recommendations and submitted recommendations myself, for individuals I know to be pagan, and will continue to do so in the future, if their contributions to the SCA and Lost Forest warrant higher recognition. This rumor doesn't cut it.

I believe that a discussion on religion in Lost Forest and the SCA is in order, and get your facts straight before passing on a story!

I have seen people get awards which I felt were long overdue. I have seen people get awards which I felt were undeserved. I have heard too many people whine because they have not gotten awards. Don't whine about it. Try to be noticed for that which you feel you deserve recognition. Awards are for going above and beyond expectations, and the wording should accurately reflect actual accomplishments.

The image we reflect to the mundanes greatly affects how we will be accepted, and the recruiting of new members. Too many see us as a sort of religion, and many fear religions unknown to them. Many see the SCA as contributing to moral decay of our mundane society by our overly flirtatious customs and conspicuous display of non-mainstream religions. When dealing with the non-SCA public, whether at demos, associating with potential members, and at SCA events where mundanes may witness our activity, we must exercise utmost control - morally, physically, and religiously.

I am Christian, both mundanely and as my SCA persona. As such, I cannot knowingly participate in any pagan ceremony. This is verifiable in that I was asked to give away the bride in a wedding which I was assured would be completely non-religious. When the word "gods" came into the ceremony as blessing the union, I got up and left. I did not, however, raise a big fuss, nor condemn the ceremony, nor declare my giving away of the bride as invalid. I would have been well within my rights to do so, but I did not because that too would be most offensive to the participants.

A Christian is to witness to others. I try to witness by example, but I will not pretend to be perfect. I try to be kind, to control my language, and be accepting of others. I try to be generous and helpful, no matter what religion the recipient may claim. I try to keep myself morally straight, and strive to insure our group reflects morals acceptable to the mundane populace. I refuse to say, "Thou shalt surely suffer eternal torment in hell lest ye change your wicked ways." I may be wrong in my own ways and be on the road for hell myself, but I must continue to do what I feel is right. There are many things I think about religion which I will not say, unless I am directly asked. I won't condemn one who holds beliefs different from my own; I'm not the Judge!

signed

24 Jul: Lord Garth, apparently told Wulfgar that he did not give the office of knight marshal to Justasien. I heard another rumor that indeed he had, and today, I received a call from Justasien stating that he had assumed the marshalate and that he has been holding practices at Grover Park on Thursdays at 6:30. He said that he heard that many had doubts, and I told him that if he could keep practices going, get warranted, and start getting more active locally, I'd have no gripe against him.

8 Aug: Last night's feast went very well. Despite my extra-busy week, and my forgetting most of the things I wanted to bring to feast, I managed to brief the 30 Sep demo, a whole-stronghold inventory, and the wish to have the exchequer position assumed from Ly Brecanni. Prior to the feast, I was informed of some alleged improprieties with Gold Key. I am hoping the inventory will help circumvent this in the future. Our new knight marshal, Justasien Morey, briefed that TRV fighting is going quite well. Planned, are woods, field and bridge battles, a village pillage, a temple raid, and a camp raid. He mentioned all these in 3 or 4 scenarios. I don't quite know how they will be combined. Archery is being planned, and is still pending a site inspection to insure safety. Feast is progressing nicely. The feastocrat, Leandra, made a purchase of meat she found on sale. It is stored at various places around the stronghold. (I have a bag in my freezer.) We had over 20 adults in attendance, and had a truly wonderful selection of foods.

Though the official announcement will wait until the October feast, Ld Ferogain is my proposed replacement for the seneschalate.

28 Sep: I thought I had more documentation, such as happenings from Tribal Revelries V, but, I cannot find it, so I will try to document it from memory.

Saturday morning, a meeting was held between their Majesties, His Grace Shadan, Ld Wulfgar, Ly Brecanni, and myself, over the incident of Wulfgar's striking Black Corwin. After this, I suggested that hard feelings weren't limited to Wulfgar and Corwin. Our distinguished guests suggested an officer meeting to clear up the disagreements. I don't know if anything was solved, but at least everyone knows that higher-ups are aware of problems, should they escalate. Otherwise, Saturday went as planned. Fighting was well attended, and I had several participants with my scavenger hunt, and feast was exquisite. Their Majesties Conn and Sile' held court and the following awards were given to Lost Foresters: AoA's to Duncan MacIntyre, Dorenn MacTigue, Justasien Morey, William Fargath, Leandra Aphear, Miguel Fernando d'Aquila, and a Leather Mallet for Ld Ognyen (me). The problem came Saturday night after court.

We all know that the site is discreetly wet. Too many people lost sight of the "discreetly" part and the night got too wild with drink. The fire pit area was strewn with broken bottles, and several hangovers were spotted by the park superintendent Sunday morning. We lost our site.

We also lost $71.00 over the event, and one gentle even bounced a check for site and feast.

It was overall, a good event. We had fun and we are not broke. One problem still exists over Dorenn and Justasien spending much more than anticipated (I heard $40, $80 and $250, and thought I heard something about only $40 worth of receipts; I don't know what's goin' on.), and their request for refund. I told them at the July and August feasts, that they needed to talk with the exchequer, Brecanni, before spending on anything for which they wished reimbursement. They did not talk with her, but now want refunds.

Another SLF problem deals with paranoia over Wulfgar and Brecanni having too much POWER in Lost Forest. Wulfgar had enough of the fussing. He split the MoA&S office between Ly Leandra and Ranwulf. He is contemplating giving herald over to Manfred or Duncan, and Brecanni is willing to give exchequer to any qualified volunteer. They're both fed up with fighting with the Warrensburgers.

September's feast was cancelled due to Labor Day. We have been actively supporting the Ren Fest. We had an article in CMSU's newspaper (interviews on phone and through written propaganda, photo shoot on 10 Sep), a segment on the KMOS-TV University Magazine (photo shoots and interviews 19 and 20 Sep on campus and at fighter practice, and 24 Sep at the RenFest), and did a demo for a Tolkein-themed restaraunt's grand opening.

26 October: I returned the call I received from Sally Burnett. She is student teaching at Blue Springs High School and wishes a demo. I told her that I'd contact some people to see if we could support one. I left a message on Ferogain's answerer, which was never returned. My call to her was to say that I hadn't forgotten about her. I asked if she made contact with Forgotten Sea people, and she said that she had, but that they couldn't do the demo. I said I'd try some more, but that the 6 November feast was the most likely contact time I would have. I invited her to the feast and she said that she'd try to make it.

29 Oct: Ferogain has the reigns of Lost Forest, at least locally. I've not heard from kingdom level of his acceptance. I will consider it truly official if I hear from higher-ups or if I see it in print in the Mews. My name is still on the checking account, and I am receiving a considerable amount of mail to the seneschalate. I guess I'll still open up the feast hall on feast night, but, I won't feel obligated to pacify the grumblers, nor stay til it's all over. I'll be moving some time near next spring, so I'm gonna take it easy in Lost Forest and enjoy!

I am, through letters (editted out) making an attempt to acquaint myself with my new home before I get there.

3 Nov: I finally received notification that my letter to the Ksen has been received. I've seen nothing yet, in writing which indicates that Ferogain has been accepted as Lost Forest's new seneschal.

6 Nov: With 20 in attendance, I heralded my last feast as seneschal. We had 2 new members, Scott and Nina'-Kay Emerson. The big news is that Parthalon and Roseamund are now married. Dorenn has been coordinating with Show-Me Christian Youth Home about fund-raisers, acceptable donations, and about demo's for the Home. SLF is going to begin practice on carols for performance for the kids. Practices are to be held on Thursday nights at Ferogain's and Molly's. Manfred has taken the reins on the money in SLF, and Ferogain finished the announcements at the feast as the up-coming seneschal. Duncan is putting together a directory of SLF membership to make meeting people easier. He also announced the desire for a demo for Westheart University's dorms. Our new MoA and MoS were shown my new wares of a deer-leg cane, antler walking stick and 2 daggers. Ferogain wishes to make feasts later by 1/2 hr to an hour. I explained to Molly, how to access the hall, in case I was to be late or not in attendance. Justasien was finally refunded about $70 for expenditures on TRV. Dorenn presented her receipts, but after Manfred had left with the exchequery. It was a most relaxing feast.

It has come to my attention that many other SLFers have gotten their Mews and TI. Mine has not yet arrived; maybe it will tomorrow.

7 Nov: My messenger box was truly graced with TI and the Mews!

9 Nov: Monday, I called Ferogain in order to insure participation in the Blue Springs demo, which I firmed the date of 17 Nov. He did not call me back yesterday, so I called to hear his findings. Unsure of whom he may have contacted, I left a message on Ld Manfred's voice scribe, and tried a call to Ld Duncan. I did not speak with either of these gentles, but I got to speak with Ly Molly, and she said that she would indeed support the demo. I then, at Molly's suggestion, called Ly Sine', KMoA&S, who lives in Blue Springs. She assured me that she would contact many others in the area. I am hopeful that the demo will have good support. I have no doubts that Molly and I could handle it quite well, but, more is better in the case of a demo for high schoolers.

10 Nov: Today, I sent yet another letter to the Regalia Coordinator, regarding the scepter I made some time back. I hope it can help in their records update. I also sent in a Kris Kinder table reservation.

16 Nov: I packed my things for tomorrow's demo, and as usual, I feel as though I'm forgetting something. I comfort myself in that I expect more than just myself performing, and that the demo's are only for an hour apiece. I plan for starting with personae descriptions for about 15-20 minutes then a brief telling about the SCA and then breaking into small separate demo's, somewhat like a mini Renfest. I hope things go well. Thus far, I have "Yes" answers from Ld Manfred, Ld Parthalon, and Ly Molly.

17 Nov: Having returned from the demo for Blue Springs H.S., I have good feelings. In support were only myself, Ly Molly, Ld Parthalon, and Ld Miguel. Had there been more, I believe we would have been quite pressed for time. As it was, we did pretty much as described above, but the time went quite a bit faster than anticipated. Rather than the 2 demos originally requested, we did 3 classes-worth of demoing, and another half-session. These kids and teachers seemed unusually appreciative.

20 Nov: I actually prepared a Thank-You note, along with more propaganda for the Blue Springs HS classes. I made a class note, or scroll rather, in early gothic, and decorated and painted the borders. I sent a summary of TI, and explained some of the things available to them, should the school elect to purchase an Institutional Membership in the SCA. I hope the package arrives in due time and in good condition.

4 Dec: Kris Kinder is over, as is our monthly feastmoot. A good time was had at both, though at Kris Kinder, we got no merchant space. I truly feel that is was most poorly planned, in that I sent my reservation a mere 3 days after receiving my Mews, and was placed at #4 on the merchant waiting list. It was not a waste, as I made many purchases through barter. I added greatly to my library, and got rid of much that I wished not to move. At our feast tonight, I placed many of mine other wares in eager Lost Forest hands.

8 Jan: I have returned from the monthly feastmoot, and am still pleased with Lost Forest. This is the first feast where Ferogain officially headed affairs, or more accurately, was acting as seneschal as printed in the Mews! I liked not being the one who "had to" call the shots. I gave away more items tonight: a moose antler hammer to Maximillian, who possessed a hammer I had made ages ago; a jewelry display stand to our new MoS, Ranwulf the Carter; a wooden SLF device, approximately 10" x 12", to Ferogain; a left-handed recurve bow in need of repair and an arrow stand to Dorenn; and a bundle of knives to Gold Key. We discussed TR VI and logistics of the event, coming to no firm conclusions, as without a site, we can set no date. We shall still keep with the Triatia assassination accusation theme. I presented a half-page flyer for the Mews to Ferogain, saying "Triatia, we know what thou hast done!" I am going to draft another saying "Triatia, prepare thy souls, the winds of justice are blowing." I wish I was going to be in SLF for the event. (If it is early enough this spring, I may be able to attend.)

I plan to form a new branch when I get to the Midrealm, if I cannot find one in existence. What follows is a proposed start:

DUTIES OF THE POPULACE

1. All members will treat those of lesser nobility as equals. All members will treat equals and superiors with respect due to greater nobles.

2. All members will learn about the Current Middle Ages and the historic Middle Ages, and have fun doing it. Members should learn accurately enough to teach others.

3. Members will assist other members as capable, disregarding possible adverse feelings there may be. Members will ask, but never demand, assistance as needed. Laziness or lack of motivation is an ill excuse for imposing on others, and will breed hostility.

4. Members will strive for historic accuracy when possible, and verisimilitude where accuracy is not possible, un-affordable, or unknown.

5. Based on the Anglo-Saxon hierarchy, members of the local group will be ranked as follows, and adhere to the requirements of each rank. These ranks are more for administrative convenience and a means for local recognition than anything else, and will not be used to foster superior/subordinate relations. All members will be expected to meet the expectations of the gebur and cottager at all times.

a. Gebur: New SCA member of less than 6 months. The gebur is expected to obtain and maintain the minimum SCA gear of clothing and feastgear. The gebur will learn SCA, kingdom, principality, and local policies and law. The gebur will find areas of interest and pursue them. The gebur should research a name and device and begin the registration process. The gebur will strive to meet the requirements for cottager. "It is my duty to learn all I can about our Society. I enjoy what I am doing, or I would not do it. I know I am inexperienced and will seek help as needed, knowing that even Their Majesties were once new and inexperienced. I will learn what "The Dream" is meant to be."
b. Cottager: The cottager is an active member of 6 months or more, and not bearing any SCA-level award. The cottager is expected to maintain activity to further the group and self. The cottager will strive to meet the requirements of the geneat. "I have a good idea of what is needed to make our branch function properly, and have found areas which interest me. It is my duty to develop my interests and assist in branch tasks. I will strive to live "The Dream."
c. Geneat: The geneat bears at least a single AoA-level award. The geneat is expected to provide inputs regarding local policy decisions, but does not decide on such policy, except that which may be directly related to an office held. The geneat should have name and device registered or in process. The geneat will strive to meet the requirements of the thane. "I am an example for less-experienced anachronists to emulate. I know what needs to be done, and volunteer my assistance where it's needed. I am well versed in Society and local ways. I am an information source for geburs and cottagers. If I do not know an answer, I will strive to find one. I will insure the smooth operation of my group by offering well-thought-out opinions. I will strive to live "The Dream."
d. Thane: A thane should always reflect the highest standard of chivalry. The thane bears award greater than that of single AoA-level. Also, any local great officer, as well as the chatelaine, will be considered a thane. The thane should have knowledge in, and promote participation in all Society activities: martial, arts and sciences, and service. The thane will assist all members as best capable. The thaneage will decide on policy which affects the group as a whole. The thaneage functions as a local witan, or council of elders. Prospective thanes must have the desire to become a thane, and have knowledge of the requirements of thaneage. "I am a servant to the branch and to our Society. I reflect what is meant by "The Dream." I know what is needed in most aspects of Society life, and strive to provide those needs for those unable to do so. I, with the rest of the thaneage, govern the branch in fairness and open-mindedness. I am not self-centered, and will support ideas and actions which could benefit the branch as a whole. I am the example, in thought, word, and deed, for all others to follow."
e. Officers, great and deputy: Often, officer positions are seen as positions of power. In the several offices I have held, I have seen no power what-so-ever. Officers are branch servants and administrators. They are contacts for, and report goings-on to kingdom-level. Officers are workers. Officers are always representing the Society, at or away from events or branch gatherings. Don't bring discredit on the group. "I am an officer for my branch of the Society for Creative Anachronism. As such, I serve my group and carry out my responsibilities in accordance with Society and local laws and rules. I am the representative for my area to higher levels in the Society structure, and am a Society representative wherever I may go, and in whatever I may do. I am highly visible, and will conduct all affairs in such a manner as will always bring credit to the Society."
f. The following is adapted from "Two Estate Memoranda" as in Everyman Library's Anglo-Saxon Prose, translated by Michael Swanton, pages 26-28.
The thane's law. The law of the thane is that he or she be entitled all honor due his or her rank or position, and that he or she shall promote interest and participation in three areas: martial arts, arts and sciences, and service. Also, further duties arise by order of the king, such as fulfilling responsibilities of office, guarding against disruption of the branch, providing for needs of others as is within his or her ability, and many other things.
The geneat's duty. The geneat's duty varies, depending upon what is determined by his or her superior officer, and the needs of the group, and of individuals. It is the duty of the geneat to respond to the needs of the thaneage for smooth operation of the branch, and to direct guests and new members to great-officers of the group.
The cottager's duty. The cottager's duty depends upon the needs of the branch. Sometimes he or she should work at the request of a geneat or thane. He or she will be given the respect due any Society member. The cottager is to insure group stability by shunning gossip and lending assistance as needed.
The gebur's duties. The gebur's duties vary; some may be challenging and other duties simple. He or she is to perform such tasks as is necessary to obtain proper accoutrements for Society life, and to learn as much about the Society as is needed. The gebur should assist with tasks, to learn their proper execution as often as he or she is able. The gebur is to be treated with respect, but must also earn it.

Serve in any way you can; it is most rewarding. One difference between the historic Middle Ages and the Current Middle Ages, is that you will find the more noble an individual is, the more un-desireable tasks he or she will perform. The reason for this is that the nobility knows what needs doing, and rather than to inconvenience another, making him or her enjoy an event less, the noble will act as the servant. Selfless service is what makes one truly noble. Kindness and courtesy is what our Society is about: it is "The Dream."

6. A minister of children is NOT a babysitter. If you have children, remember, you are responsible for their behavior at all times. Don't let them be a source of hostile feelings toward you.

7. Always leave an event or gathering site cleaner than when you got there. It reflects nicely on our Society.

ORGANIZATION

1. The shire or stronghold, depending on which status we pursue, is the overall organization for the entire area from which we recruit and perform our demonstrations. The shire will maintain at least the minimum officership and population required by law. All members will report activity to the appropriate officer. As funds permit, the shire will establish a bank account in accordance with Society law. The shire will hold at least quarterly meetings (monthly until hundreds get more active), two weeks prior to due date for kingdom-level reporting. (Thaneage meetings should be the week after kingdom reporting, to share reports.)

2. The hundred is the next lower breakdown of the branch. The branch will be broken down into hundreds as the membership allows. Suggestion is as follows: a Larimore hundred, a Grand Forks Air Force Base hundred, a Grand Forks hundred (broken down as needed into more), and perhaps a Crookston hundred. The hundred may appoint officers, but these will not be considered thaneage. The hundred should be 2 or more households in the same area wishing to unite for activities. The hundred should have monthly meetings. The hundred is not a recognized group by the SCA. It cannot hold events without sponsorship by a recognized group.

3. The tun, or household is composed of two or more members who wish to associate with one another, and is entirely self-governing. It is not an SCA-sanctioned group, but the SCA recognizes its existence for heraldic purposes. The house lord/lady should register, through the branch herald, a name and device for the household. The person registering the device will own the device and authorize its use as needed. If this person moves or becomes inactive he or she may transfer the device through the herald, or the household must register anew. The household banner will be displayed only when the head of the household is present at a gathering.

4. The individual needn't claim allegiance to any household or hundred. The individual will report activities to the appropriate branch officer. Individuals will be nurtured by their recruiters until they elect to move on.

1. The SCA member lives his or her life so he or she is worthy of honor and respected by all.

2. The SCA member always plays fairly.

3. The SCA member is noble.

4. The SCA member displays valor.

5. The SCA member is honorable.

6. The SCA member is courteous.

7. The SCA member is loyal to kingdom, principality and branch.

8. The SCA member is loyal to those virtues of good and right for which the Society for Creative Anachronism stands: "The Dream."

LAWS FOR THE THANEAGE

1. A thane abides by corpora, kingdom, principality, branch and thaneage laws.

2. A thane or prospect abides by the Code of Chivalry.

3. A thane abides by the Oath of the Thaneage.

4. A thane or prospect supports the advancement of all combat arts, arts and sciences, and service, while educating him or herself in these areas.

5. A thane should have current Society membership.

6. A thane will resign the thaneage in writing, knowing that he or she will not be re-admitted except as a local great officer or chatelaine.

OATH OF THE THANEAGE

1. I honor all persons and avenge any wrongful injuries upon them.

2. I honor my word; my word is my oath.

3. I honor all thanes, and do not desert them in their time of need.

4. I do not raise my voice in anger.

5. I honor the hospitality of my host or hostess and make no breach of peace.

6. I honor the stranger or visitor as a thane and offer shelter and protection as needed.

7. I honor my name and make no false pretense about it.

8. I take as my sworn duty, the task of insuring long life for this branch and for the thaneage, and strive to live by the Code of Chivalry and abide by the Laws for the Thaneage.

9. I am fearless, and should death overtake me, I hope for the bodies of the enemies against that which the thaneage stands, to be heaped at my feet.

ACCEPTANCE TO THE THANEAGE

1. Great officers, the chatelaine, and those members with Grant of Arms or higher shall be considered by the thaneage to be thanes.

2. Former officer members, if they have performed their duties well, shall be called thanes.

3. A non-officer thane prospect will be invited to the thaneage when they have attained higher than an award of arms and have displayed those qualities considered by not less than 3/4 of the thaneage, at a regular meeting of the thaneage, to be thaneworthy.

DEFINITIONS AND EXPLANATIONS (editted)

GROUP: Any pair or more of people. I use the term to represent multiple persons representing other than the branch as a whole.

HISTORIC MIDDLE AGES: That period of time which the Society encompasses, for study and re-creation. Some say it is from 600-1600, and others expand it to include from the fall of Rome in 476 to after the English Revolution in 1650.

HONOR: high public esteem; honesty and integrity; worthy of respect. Honor can be gained by virtue of position, or it can be earned. Earned honor is to be highly respected.

NOBLE: Distinguished by rank or title; of admirably high quality. Remember, one can be "a noble" without being noble. Guard against it.

VALOR: Boldness and determination in the face of hardship.

VERISIMILITUDE: The art of making the mundane look period.

(from DUTIES OF THE POPULACE)

1. Our Society is about respect. Respect all sincere opinions, acts, and all people.

2. The Society is to be fun. If it becomes a chore, take a break or quit. It is also an educational organization. Educate thyselves and others.

3. Part of courtesy is helpfulness. Help out and ask to be helped if you need it. Don't take advantage of people. It will earn you disrespect.

4. Try to be as accurate as possible.

5. The local rank structure is designed to give the new-comer an idea of where the experience and knowledge is, at a glance. Thanes should not attempt to give orders to geneats, cottagers or geburs. The only orders that can be given are from a great officer to a deputy; and use common sense when you try it.

6. Just be aware that kids can be disruptive, and control your own.

(from ORGANIZATION)

1. All administrative responsibility for the group falls on the branch. It may be a shire or stronghold. The advantage of being a stronghold is that rather than being disbanded and made non-existant should our officership fall below legal requirements, the branch would be put in dormant status. With the Air Force base and university being big parts of the branch, stronghold status might be our best choice.

2, 3. As the branch grows, we may wish to sub-divide it. I chose names for the sub-divisions from Anglo-Saxon structure.

4. The individual is the smallest part of the branch, and the most important. Every individual has the potential to make us great or to ruin us. Remember that when dealing with disagreements.

The reason for establishing the thaneage, is that despite our striving for chivalrous behavior, problems can and will arise.

The thaneage includes great officers and the chatelaine, because these gentles are in the position to know what is going on in their areas. The thaneage includes Grant of Arms recipients and higher, as their experience may help in policy decisions and argument negotiations. Former officers who have performed well, will be considered thanes as their past experience might be helpful as well, in various situations. It is my hope that officers and GoA gentles will display chivalrous behavior by virtue of their positions and rank.

Other gentles can be admitted to the thaneage after having acquired sufficient experience in SCA matters, and after having displayed behavior which reflects those qualities to which the Society strives. This is done as an honor to them, and to tap on their ideas for running the branch.

The reason I chose three quarters of the thaneage for acceptance of a non-officer, non-GoA thane, is to insure high standards are adhered to. A simple majority could leave nearly half the thaneage in opposition to a new thane and to his or her input. One third in opposition is still a sizeable proportion, and could readily foster a schism in the group. Unanimous concensus is nearly un-attainable, so I chose three quarters.

Why a law and oath peculiar to the thaneage? All gentles are expected to abide by laws over them. A written law makes reminders of un-acceptable behavior easier to make, and helps us to insure our behavior is above reproach. If we adhere to the standards of thaneage law and to the oath, what we agree upon, regarding policy and dispute-settlement will be most difficult for anyone to argue.

Why abide by the Code of Chivalry? The Code prohibits gossip, which is perhaps a branch's most dangerous adversary. The Code promotes fairness in all matters, and sets a standard to insure respect for the thaneage.

Why make points 5 and 6 part of the thaneage law? Society membership sets a good example. It shows that we truly do support the organization in which we participate. Resignation from the thaneage recognizes that anyone can become burnt out on politics, and may want out. The prohibition on re-admittance reminds thanes that loyalty is important. Loyal one day, and apathetic the next, undermines what the thaneage is about.

The Oath of the Thaneage contains some weighty statements. I'll try to clarify them:
1. To avenge a wrongful injury in our Society, is to avenge wrongful attacks on character. It means to dispel gossip and kill rumor before it kills the branch.
2. An Anglo-Saxon proverb sums this up nicely: "Don't promise anything twice: why should it be promised again, unless it were a lie before?" Don't lie or unknowingly speak un-truths.
3. A thane is to be supported by other thanes. If one is involved in a crisis, it is the duty of the thaneage to assist as effectively as we can. A fine example of this is that one member of my former stronghold had all his Society gear stored in his car. The car caught fire and all but the blade of his sword was destroyed, and the blade even had bits of molten metal stuck to it. One member repaired his sword and made a new scabbard without charge. Another gave him a new weapon, a wooden chest, and a full compliment of handmade feast gear, and others made him a complete set of new garb. Support like this should come without a second thought, but we sometimes forget. Making it part of the oath will serve as a reminder.
Point 4 is self explanatory.
5. Honor a host or hostess no matter how good or poor their service may be. Always be thankful for what you have, not begrudging for what you have not. Do not be disruptive at any gathering.
6. Honoring visitors is part of our dream. All are welcome in the Society. At times, we may have travelers come through our land. We should offer lodging, so they don't need to spend money unnecessarily. The favor might be returned some day.
7. Be proud of what and who you are. If you said or did wrong, own up to it; we all make mistakes.
8. Officers and thanes must never desert their branch when they're needed, and should always strive to keep the branch alive.
9. "Enemies" refers to attitudes and actions, rather than to physical people. The expectations of a thane are almost unattainably high. At times I fall far short, and I would not expect anyone to maintain the standard without erring. It provides us something toward which to strive.

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