The Peerages

Michael F. Gunter mfgunter at tddeng00.fnts.com
Mon Jun 2 07:45:28 PDT 1997


Hello All,

Mistress Gunnora's response was wonderful.  Too many people look to get the award
and then forget what to do once they get it.

Advantages/Disadvantages to a Peerage?

Advantages:

Instant recognition no matter where I go.  I can approach a total stranger on the
field at Pennsic and explain a technique or make a decision in an argument and I 
should be dealt with at least politely.  Sometimes after I offer some advice and
I am rebuffed by either knight or non-belt I have gone off to don armor to make
a more "pointed" lesson. :-{)}

But anywhere I go I already have a group of social peers.  I won't have to sit 
quietly in a corner hoping somebody notices me.

I have achieved a goal I set for myself since I first heard about the Society, 
or the Middle Ages for that matter.  Personal pride.

Even if I stop fighting and never take it up again.  Ten years from now people
will know that once I had at least the favor of the Circle and just might know
something.

Um, that's about all I can think of for the moment.

Disadvantages:

Something I've been discussing on the armored lists touch just on this topic.

I almost resigned my belt a little while ago.  Not in protest of any person or 
anything but just to show that a knighthood is only an award.  Too many fighters
are foregoing everything for that belt and chain and forgetting to become honored
fighters.  My basic stance was that you should be known for your NAME and not your
RANK.  Being respected for who you are is the important thing and many people seem
to have forgotten this simple concept.

Disadvantages of my Peerage.  You are always on display.  Your fighting must 
always be among the best.  If you screw up what you say, it's worse because a Peer
said it.

Being lumped in with a very large group within the SCA.  How many times will I 
have to live down the acts of a belted lout in the East Kingdom? (Random example,
no specifics.)  The attitudes of "all knights are rhinoes" syndrome.

Sitting in Circle, arguing candidates is no picnic.  The Crown is obligated to let
you speak but is in no way obligated to listen to you.

Constantly trying to live up to what you think a Peer is supposed to be.  I have 
squires that I try to take care of, there are new fighters in my shire that I 
should be supporting, I need to take more offices and attend as many tournies and
wars as possible.  And I need to keep my fighting skills to the level that is 
expected of a Knight of Ansteorra.  The problem is that I'm tired and I would liketo just become a couch potato, unfortunately I feel the burdens of my office and 
don't let myself just rest.

Caring just too damn much!

The one thing that I wish is that Gunthar is respected as an honorable man and a
good fighter.  I'm too stupid to be political so I'll tell the truth as I know it.
I don't need a belt for the award of honor.

Well, that's my two pence.

Yers,

Sir Gunthar Jonsson                      "It is better to lose well than 
Kingdom of Ansteorra                               to win badly."


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