[Ansteorra] Ducal Perogative (was: best of the best)

[Chris Zakes]

At 09:14 PM 10/31/03 -0600, you wrote:

>As far as In know only those of duch rank actually have the right to
>withdraw from Crown Tourney at any time for any reason. This is actually
>garanteed them in Ansteorra's Kingdom Law. Any others should not take the
>sword oath lightly. any thing can happen on any given day. in a nut shell
>unless you are a Duke, don't enter unless you have the ability to fufill the
>duties of the crown should you win.
>
>Darius

I don't think that's entirely correct. Here's the story as *I* understand it:

In the very early days of the SCA (AS single-digits), all knights were
expected to fight in Crown Tournament to ensure that there was a reasonably
large and competitive field. Dukes, having already sat the throne twice
were excused from this, because they'd "paid their dues" as it were.

Over the years, "Dukes don't have to enter Crown Tourney" has changed to
"Dukes may withdraw from Crown Tourney." But  it's not just the Dukes who
have this option. As David said, *anybody* may withdraw from a tournament.
If, for example, Joe Fighter suddenly falls ill or gets overheated, or a
vital piece of equipment breaks, or he realizes that he's losing his temper
with his opponent, etc. then it would be foolish to force him to continue
to fight.

	-Tivar Moondragon