ANST - "Active" Peers

[Michael F. Gunter]

> He has not been as visible lately because of his schedule with the FAA
> (rotating shiftwork doesn't always take weekends into account) the fact that
> right now he is in a 13 week school in Oklahoma City, which precludes a lot of
> traveling, and the fact that he has a serious back problem that shortens his
> ability to be in armor.

I have seen Sir Thorgierr at several events, spoke with him last weekend as a
matter of fact. We even discussed his classes and lousy schedule. So I do know
that he is around. But please allow me to use him as an example for a moment.
This is in no way a slam on him because I do understand his real life situation.

> My question for those of us rather "soapboxy" is, when a peer has life step in
> and interfere with participation with this game, do you then expect them to
> resign their peerage?  Are they not still peers even though they are not
> financially or physically able to attend events or be seen by nose-counters?

Since I was the "soapboxy" one I will respond. If you re-read my post I stressed
that someone who doesn't play is still a Peer. Still has input and still wears the

insignia. But they should not be considered "active" if they only show up on
occasion and don't demonstrate what they got their Peerage in.  I'll use
Thorgierr's
case. He has had a lot of classes and travels, frequently on the weekends because
he is trying to better his real life situation. This is terrific and I applaud his
work.
But I've seen him at a few events but never in armor. I haven't seen him train
students or fight. I have seen him marshal bouts and participate in the lists
sometimes and that is appreciated. But is he being "active" as a knight?

He is a knight and is entitled to all rights a privledges thereof. I happily
consider
him a brother of the Circle but I would classify him as "semi-active".

> I am not trying to start a flame war, or step on toes, as I am not a peer.  But
> when we begin drawing lines that include "Peers are people who always teach and
> attend everything", I start to have a problem with that.

Nobody said that. This is a discussion about what constitutes the moniker
"active" Peer.  "Active" Peers are at several events a month, promotes their
art, trains, participates and are a presence within the kingdom. "Semi-active"
Peers attend every once in a while, may have a couple of students they more
or less deal with, don't often participate in the activities but are around.
"Retired" Peers are ones you may see less than five times a year, don't train,
don't play at a kingdom level, really have no idea of the developments that
have happened since they stepped back.

They are all Peers. None of them should resign their Peerage.

> Thorgierr didn't bring his armor to Namron Protectorate because I had
> volunteered in the kitchen, and he promised to help me attend to our children
> while I chopped carrots and hustled to get the food out of the kitchen hot and
> tasty.  Isn't that also the sign of a peer?

Peers do as Peers do. I've missed tournaments because I was in the kitchen.
Peers do give up what they want to do because of the needs of others. That is
part of what makes them a true Peer.  Nobody said that Thorgierr was not a Peer.
Just not very active in the kingdom right now.

> Tyrca (who's right thumb still has no feeling from so much knifework in the
> kitchen Saturday!  Remember, we do this for fun!!)

I hope I've cleared up some misconceptions about my words.

Yours,

Gunthar

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