Barriers to Entry as a Martial Peer?

Greetings friends!

Omnibus Proposal Flag

There was/has been recently a hotly debated subject(s) on how a Peer could be evaluated for inclusion into the Omnibus Peerage in the ‘Martial Peerage’ group. I think it’s an eye opening discussion with many voices. Many of which have obvious merits. The intent of this post is to spark discussion on the merits or pitfalls of the suggestions. This is not an endorsement of any or all of them, simply to explore the possibilities. Please realize we are not there yet, we need to get this passed, but the conversation is a good one.

Apples and Oranges

One of the points made, standardized groups (eg: Order of the Grey Goose Shaft, Companion of the Yew Bow). How can we select the best of a group in on Kingdom if the barriers to entry are far lower than another Kingdom? Do other Kingdoms have an equivalent where the standards are far lower or higher? Such as a RR score of 80 minimum versus 100 kind of thing (if considered)? Are members in one Kingdoms group far more knowledgable and proficient? Could we do ourselves a service by attempting to standardize* across the known world? Is inclusion in these groups required?

What else to consider.

We aren’t primarily an arts or service Peerage, so considering that arts or service aspects are certainly not a detriment to inclusion, but is this the target? If we focus on the arts for instance are we not sending a message that the individual more belongs in the Laurelate? Do we argue against ourselves by weighing heavily on arts and/or services? After all, again, a Knight is usually best known for their fighting prowess, not their dancing, service, or leather working. Though the aforementioned all speak to a well rounded individual. Could we not conclude that measuring skill in the particular weapon form is appropriate? (Clearly this isn’t always the case, in all of this, I am not speaking in absolutes. There are always exceptions)

Using scores as an indicator.

It seems when this gets brought up, it makes people defensive. Though score is by no means the sole or only factor, ones Royal Round rank might rightly be part of the discussion. It could be evidence there is provable participation in shooting events, as well as a willingness to improve ones shooting. If there is no recorded scores in anything, how else can we gauge participation and prowess? Can we make the assumption that generally a Peer in a martial activity (in their prime condition) is a person who will beat anyone at least half the time in their respective art (or whatever metric you may choose)? In some martial communities that would be included, there are contests to win, but perhaps not tourneys. But aren’t tourneys simply an abstraction for scores?

There is the argument that a Brewer doesn’t have show scores to be a Laurel, but one can assume a Brewer has entered A&S competitions, shown documentation, and defended/showcased their work and knowledge in some way. If this is translated to the Martial Peerage, what is the equivalent? Might it be RR scores? Wins in tournaments?

The case has been heard from others that this is a Martial peerage, therefore prowess is a ‘requirement’. Take for instance a Knight, they must show skill in all weapon types right? How can they show said skill, but by entering tournaments or the like?

The checklist.

It seems there is universal agreement there should never be a checklist of items one must do to be considered. Though our opinions vary widely on what that checklist doesn’t include, (if you get my meaning). Though there never should be one, one does kind of exist right? A Knight must fight with heavy weapons, wear armor, etc. There always exists a ‘list’, whether the ‘boxes’ are all ticked off or not is individually determined by the experience, wisdom, and intelligence we bring to bear on the decision process. I’ve never heard of a Knight that never struck a blow, though It may be possible (remember that we are never speaking in absolutes here).

Personal Note:

Friends I won’t hide the fact that I don’t know it all. There is a lot to learn about this process and the Peerage orders in general. By having discussions such as this, we are allowing people afflicted with ignorance, such as myself, a way to learn more in context. I hope this can be spark for good constructive conversation. This discussion doesn’t go into the other general PLQs that might well be considered for inclusion. This is more directed to the prowess of the individual.

Closing.

Please share your thoughts, help inform our friends if thee is ignorance, guide us if we are lost. Please share your thoughts by commenting below! I look forward to any conversation.

Thank you friends!
deGrey_coatofarms_new2YIS respectfully,
Lord Cameron de Grey
Or, on a bend purpure between a wheel of cheese and a squirrel sable, three pheons palewise Or

* there is some movement in this direction already
More on the existing peerages: http://www.sca.org/docs/pdf/govdocs.pdf
Martial Peerage Page

Storvik Archery Practice

storvik_practiceTarget and Combat Archery practice this Sunday, 12:00 PM at the Adelphi Archery Range.
We will set up, and provide for any or all of: Royal Rounds, Seasonal Challenge (SSAC), as well as open practice. Some loaner gear will be provided.
We will have an IKCAC target set up so you can practice shooting. We have some loaner gear: gauntlets, crossbow, bolts, and helm. Feel free to bring your own!
If you need a ride, let me know. I can haul a few people if you all can meet me at Stadium Armory metro station (Stadium / South exit) by 11:30am -ish

Contact me if you have any questions!

YIS respectfully,
Lord Cameron de Grey
Or, on a bend purpure between a wheel of cheese and a squirrel sable, three pheons palewise Or

Location: http://bit.ly/AdelphiArcheryRange

http://bit.ly/CamerondeGreyGPlus
http://bit.ly/CamerondeGreyFacebook
http://bit.ly/StorvikYahooGroup

Update on BoD Meet and Greets

Hello friends!

So I got an update on upcoming meet and greets with the BoD!

“There is not an exact schedule as of yet. That is actually a work in progress.
Currently there is a Meet and Greet scheduled for Battlemoor in the Outlands. This gathering will take place on Saturday, September 5, 2015 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Town Hall.
Another is being arranged for Great Western War in Caid, but the exact date and time have not yet been set.”

So it looks like they plan as they go, which makes sense. But do be aware that they are occurring! It was suggested that we use the subscription facility to stay up to date on this and many more things, which I have done already.

“the best way to stay up to date on activities such as this. You can sign up to receive these in your inbox by going to http://sca.org/ and following the link in the red box on the right side of the page.”

nospam
Even better, they promised “no spam!”

And yes there are plans for the 50 year event as well!

As always friends, our friends on the Board get a lot of flack. Please always endeavor to be gracious. With regard to the Proposal, some are on our side!

YourServant,
Cameron de Grey

Go To Martial Peerage Page

Post Pennsic Meeting Wrap Up

Omnibus Proposal Flag

Greetings Friends,

We had two meetings on the topic of the Valiance Proposal(4) in the Thrown Weapons tent at Pennsic, and I want to try to convey what happened. I’ll start off with some reportage, and follow up with some personal comments (with a few spattered in among the notes). Some of what Is relayed is keyed off ideas shared by others. Also note I use target archery as an example several times out of familiarity only.

Both meetings were well attended. We had everything from Majesties to the general populace, which is what I think we all hoped it would be. We even had a member of the BoD (not speaking in their official capacity of course) The discussions were very informative and polite. We took turns speaking by raising hands and introducing ourselves as we spoke. For the most part those who attended seemed to be in support of the proposal. Some agreed there should be a peerage path, but opinion varied on how it should be implemented. Some thought it should be a unique peerage for each individual martial class.

 

A few points below under the heading: “Food for thought”

Did you know that TRM’s can create a Kingdom wide martial peerage? You might say, “Well it’s all or none!”, or “It isnt a Patent of Arms level order” but what if each Kingdom enacted the Valiance proposal on a Kingdom by Kingdom basis as a move in the right direction? It wouldn’t be a replacement for the Omnibus, but could it be a driving force?

“Some Kingdoms don’t even have [name of martial community]!” Someday they may. When those leaders rise and build their communities, they may be the very people that are worthy to fill the shoes.

Donate your service! Make sure you offer service to other endeavors such as A&S, troll, and more. Make sure people know you are from a martial community. Get your thrown weapons group together and as a group offer to help set up TRMs camp. Talk with the autocrat, and show up early to help set up the site.

Did you know that EVERY war(3), the BoD has a meet and greet? There happened to be one at Pennsic. For those keeping count, the number of Valiance supporters that went this year was zero. But now we know! Spread the word, EVERY war(3),  people need to go and let the members know this is still a ‘thing’.

Do we have a calendar of when the BoD meetings(1) will be? Can you go to a meeting? They apparently always have a Q&A session, so even if the Peerage isn’t on the agenda, go if you can and let them know we are still here, active, and care.

Some have a concern about how we can assess martial skill between Kingdoms. Perhaps homogenizing some system(6). Some orders look at Royal Round rankings, others look at service, A&S skill, teaching, and more. At the meeting it was suggested since this is a martial peerage, we should be looking at scores as a way to gauge prowess. Some are concerned that this may lead to a checklist of qualities. I believe that any or all of these things are simply indicators, not requirements.

Facebook is our stronghold. This is a good and bad thing. There are many people on Facebook, but there are plenty of people on Google Plus, Yahoo, and elsewhere. We can, and must be more inclusive and visible. This came up several times at the meeting. We can and should have a central presence outside of the walls of Facebook. To that end I created a page at web site to facilitate  being open to all who are interested(2). Please friends, let’s share resources and make sure we all have access.

 

My take away from this all, as well as previous thoughts over the year…

Forget the past. Some of you have been fighting for far too long. Some of you have given up. Some like to focus on the negative. This needs to happen because it is the right, and when implemented will be last Peerage issue that needs to be done. Don’t look behind, look ahead. Some of the communities that we are trying to convince don’t respond well to this defeatist mentality. Stay upbeat, on topic, and always move ahead.

If you are engaged by someone, be prepared. Know the proposal, Corpora(5), and Kingdom law. Do not let people get you off topic or digress. Stay positive and pithy. Also know when to pick your battles. Some want to argue only to hear themselves talk, and those minds may never be changed. Identify those people and do not engage them. It takes at least two people to argue!

Participate in the IKAC, TWIC, and IKCAC! Anything that is inter-Kingdom, promote it! Help other communities get inter-Kingdom competitions together! Talk to your marshals and MiCs, ask them if they are being run!

Figure out how we can cross pollinate. How about a three tier tourney: one scoring event in each thrown weapons, target archery, and atl atl. OR something like a contest that involves several aspects of the martial skill: Make and document an archery item (quiver, arrow, etc), participate in a period shoot, and offer serve the target community in some way during the event. Be creative, the ideas are limitless.

It is NEVER us versus them. Each martial community is only in ‘competition’ (for lack of a better word) with itself. Each martial skill has it’s array of weapons and skill sets. Any comparisons made with one martial group against another is not constructive. Each is different. Each community knows who its peers are if they exist. I believe every community has at least one person they can point to who can be assessed to fill this role.

“Don’t be shy!” Ask for court time to present awards. Organize with your autocrats and martial staff to get premiere locations for your martial activities. Showcase them. Talk to you Majesties, and Excellencies, staff and more. Make sure that all are welcome and invited! Involve as many outside communities as possible as referenced in examples above.

Make the events fun! Have a themed shoot. Instead of just Royal Rounds, create fun targets that challenge and entice! Perhaps set out an IKCAC target and let people use loaner gear for the bow, helmet and gauntlets.

This isnt about you, it’s about all of us. When you remove personal involvement from the equation, your vision may clear. It can be easier from the outside looking in.

“Never give up, never surrender!” This WILL happen, it is only a matter of time. Stay visible, vocal, polite, active, and informed. Make, show, and share your flags and favors.

YIS respectfully,
Lord Cameron de Grey
Or, on a bend purpure between a wheel of cheese and a squirrel sable, three pheons palewise Or

Go To Martial Peerage Page

Footnotes:
1: BoD Schedule: http://www.sca.org/BOD/mtg-sked.html
2: Unofficial Valiance Proposal Site: http://periodpersonas.com/village/martial-peerage/
3: Yearly Wars: http://www.sca.org/activities/events.html
4: http://endlesshills.net/valianceproposal.pdf
5: http://www.sca.org/docs/
6: eg: White Scarf