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morganwolf
Loch Salann/Arrow's Flight,
Artemisia
228 Posts |
 Posted - 01/09/2008 : 6:18:26 PM
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This seemed like the appropriate place to put this topic, I'm sure Sir Gregory will move it if it isn't. 
So, our other discussions got me to thinking- what, in *your* mind, defines a Peer? What qualities do you expect in a Laurel, or Pelican, or Knight? Which qualities do you think should be universal, and which ones order-specific? Do you think a certain Order is currently over- or under-populated? Fire when ready.
'i Hurddas Morgan Blaidd Du
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Duke Alan
Barony of 1000 Eyes,
Artemisia
300 Posts |
Posted - 01/10/2008 : 02:09:54 AM
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Morgan, excellent topic!
To me, a Peer is that someone that you can point a new person to and say "that's how it's done, that is the person you want to talk to". A Peer is someone who has bought in to the game and plays it to their personal maximum, ultimately adding to the game.
A Knight should be someone who fights with skill, grace and ease. Who can teach the fighting arts. Someone who can see a task that needs to be done and does it, frequently without being asked. A Knight should be respectful of all, lessers, equals and betters. A Knight should at all times be available to help the Crown. A Knight should at all times be ready to help and train and educate the newest fighter. A Knight goes out of their way to make the game better for everyone.
A Laural has the same qualities as above but in their specific area of the arts.
A Pelican shares these same skills and abilities. They train people how to "make things happen". And then a Pelican must do the hardest thing, and that is LET other people do those things they've been taught. It's easy for a Pelican to do everything themselves, but the really good ones train, then mentor, then monitor, the progress of the folks they're working with.
Finally Peers exist, THEN they are recognized. Count Ralph had a very good post on this in another thread. His advice to his squires are to "be a knight". I completely concur and have been giving that same advice. If you have those "peer like qualities" and act like a Peer, sooner or later, they will likely be recognized.
There are no guarantees, but that's how I've generally seen it in the past and present.
I really can't say that any Peerage is either under or over populated. When they're ready, they're ready. Population has nothing to do with it from my point of view, and from most of the Crown's point of view that I've been around (which is quite a few).
I very much look forward to other people's thoughts here. |
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morganwolf
Loch Salann/Arrow's Flight,
Artemisia
228 Posts |
Posted - 01/10/2008 : 10:07:56 AM
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thank you for your thoughts Your Grace, you remind me of something I was told long ago regarding rank-
Whatever your rank, treat those of lower rank as your equals; treat those of equal rank as your betters; treat those of higher rank as your friends.
While the first two parts are great advise, I have to say that, in my experience, living that third one can garner the reputation of being a brown-noser, suck-up, or "name-dropping social climber".
'i Hurddas Morgan Blaidd Du
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Aaron di Paladin
Arnhold,
Artemisia
129 Posts |
Posted - 01/10/2008 : 12:07:58 PM
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His advice to his squires are to "be a knight
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So how does one do that exactly?
inkslinger |
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Morejello
One Thousand Eyes,
Artemisia
407 Posts |
Posted - 01/10/2008 : 1:18:36 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Aaron di Paladin
His advice to his squires are to "be a knight
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So how does one do that exactly?
When I asked myself this same question, the answer I arrived at is:
What do I think a knight should do? Ok, do those things.
For me, what it means is not to do what Sir X does, or do what so-and-such says is knightly. For me it means to do the things that *I* see as being knightly.
Granted, I base those ideals off of the knights that I know and see and good examples, so it's not a standard I just pulled out of thin air. But in the end it's up to me to decide what I think being a knight means, and how I can be one.
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SirGregory
Loch Salann,
Artemisia
369 Posts |
Posted - 01/10/2008 : 1:32:13 PM
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I think it is important to point out the while there are those that have standards for what they think an SCA Peer should be or aspire to, it's still a make-believe title in a game. If you take those standards (whichever combination) and apply them to yourself and continue to aspire to them, it really doesn't matter if anyone bestows a make-believe title on you. The fun and learning is in the journey right?
It's nice to have a goal, but it's important to have perspective on a goal you have somewhat limited impact on. Soooo, I guess my point is I would advise the goal should be to get as close to those attributes you like. If you get the SCA super-fantastic-fun-time-award so much the better. Of course it's easy to say being one of those who got said super-fantastic-fun-time-award.
Gregory |
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morganwolf
Loch Salann/Arrow's Flight,
Artemisia
228 Posts |
Posted - 01/10/2008 : 4:35:31 PM
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Thank you Sir Gregory for the reminder that your white belt, chain, and spurs still require $5 to get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks.
'i Hurddas Morgan Blaidd Du
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Rodrigo
Arrows' Flight,
Artemisia
55 Posts |
Posted - 01/11/2008 : 6:19:58 PM
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I have always loved the idea of knightly virtues,but never had contact with anyone with "working knowledge" of them. Until I was introduced to the SCA. I have seen things I like and things dislike. But overall, I've seen what is (IN MY MIND) the virtues of knighthood. Honor, chivalry, generosity (in all things such as knowledge, help, gifts,moral support)loyalty, steadfastness,etc.I've read about the subject and have come to realize that, no matter who gives you a title, if you behave as a knight would behave, then you are a knight. Of course you must insert fighting skill in there too! So with that said, I was given a token of gratitude by my shire ,that I wear every day, that reminds me on a daily basis to aspire to knightly virtues in ALL aspects of my life. Including the mundane world. So, as was said already, behaving as a knight already has you on the road to knighthood. I truly beleive this and feel like I have a long way to go. Doing the right thing isn't always the easiest thing you know!
Rodrigo
Who wants to fight!? |
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What makes a Peer?
