award stuff

[Lori Jones]

>  I've heard rumors of an archery award being
> mooted.  But then what about catapulters and other seige engine
> operators, and knife / axe / spear experts? 

> Daniel de Lincoln

At this point I'd have to agree that different awards for different 
types of armored combat would be too much.  I think precedence in 
this kingdom was set with His Highness Kein's last reign when HL 
Octavia de Verdon was given a sable falcon.  For those of you who 
don't know her, she can usually be found in wars or melees weilding 
a crossbow with extremely deadly accuracy.  It was this skill 
(along with tenacity and heart) that earned her the falcon.  If you 
ask the fighters who take the field with her (whether they be a 
spearman, in the shield wall or running cavalry), I think you would 
be hard pressed to find one that felt she had not earned this award.  

I guess it would be good to remember that there really aren't any 
awards just for *doing* something (no matter how long you do it).  
Recognition comes from doing something often and *well*  (plus, 
there's the added bit of luck thrown in that means someone points 
it out to someone who then points it out to the King, who then 
agrees that, yes, what they did *was* outstanding, and the person 
really *should* be recognized for it....).  

Please, don't think this means I'm expecting Knightings based on
archery, or missile weapons, or even outstanding fighting in melees.  
This type of thing has happened in at least one other kingdom, but 
I think it will probably be a long time (if ever) before it happens 
here in Ansteorra.  Just off-hand, I can't think of a knight made 
since I've been in the SCA (mid 1987) purely as a result of their 
war-combat related skills.  (Before I get jumped on, remember I said 
Knight, not Master).  If my memory is bad, please remind me!  It 
could contribute much to a discussion I was involved in recently...

-  Kat    >"<

************************ 
Katrionna MacLochlainn,  Centurion, SF
Barony of Wiesenfeuer, Ansteorra
************************

Lori Campbell 
Oklahoma School of Science and Math
LJONES at ossm.edu