Greetings friends!
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!
YIS 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