[Ansteorra] Province

[Lori Campbell]

Those of us who have lived in Mooneschadowe aren’t
surprised at all by their choice to take a unique,
untraveled road.  It is important that anyone not
familiar with them should know their decision was made
out of a deep love for their group, not any disdain
for Ansteorra’s traditions.  Had it been otherwise I
don’t believe our kingdom leadership would have
allowed this particular course of action.  

I believe Mooneschadowe's choice was based on a desire
to keep the leadership structure that works
effectively for them, while at the same time being
allowed to grow into something even more distinctive
and special.  Theirs is not “change for the sake of
change.”

I think Mooneschadowe is old enough to decide for
itself what it wants to grow up to be.  They know the
road ahead of them isn’t going to be easy, especially
with the caveats (over and above those required of a
traditional barony) they will be required to follow to
maintain their new status.  I’m sure they’ll step up
to the plate with enthusiasm and follow through in
their inimitable style.  

Whether or not kingdom made the right choice is pretty
much a moot point too.  I’m fairly certain the Crown
(both previous and present) and Kingdom Seneschal
agonized over this choice at great length.  There are
always risks involved when it comes to opening a can
of worms that other groups might not be ready to fish
with.  I think Master Modius’s announcement said it
well with points 101-104.  Any other group who might
want to follow in their Provincial footsteps will have
to fill the same big shoes.  Heh, no opposing
factions, single-minded purpose and +20 years on good
behavior.  

I don’t really understand the fuss about it at this
point.  The announcement that their petition for
Provincial status was going to be sent to the BoD for
consideration was made *very publicly* at Crown
Tournament.  There was no veil of secrecy involved. 
Anybody who wanted a say in either “preserving kingdom
tradition” or “encouraging the winds of change” had
plenty of time to make their feelings known.  

The only thing I really hate in all of this is the
misconception that baronies are evil places filled
with conflict.  Anyone privy to Mooneschadowe’s
pre-provincial bid discussion knows this perception
played a huge role in their unwillingness to even
consider baronial status.  Unfortunately it is a
misconception that many share (as we’ve seen) largely
because people are far too willing to give credence to
the kind of gossip that those who thrive on unrest
generate. 

The type of conflict Mooneschadowe sought to avoid can
– and often does – occur under ANY leadership
structure.  It happens in shires, cantons, baronies,
principalities and kingdoms. It is a product of
people, personalities and ambition.  As has already
been pointed out, conflict is generated when the
selfish ambition enters the picture (someone thinks
they can lead better than current leadership, or is
upset about not getting their way or
 etc.).  Anyone
who has been in this game for any length of time has
seen what I’m talking about.  It might be less overt
when there is no high profile royal/noble title
involved, but I am absolutely certain it can even
happen to a Province.

But I doubt it will happen in Mooneschadowe.  Their
uniqueness is based on their willingness to accept the
choices that are made by their leadership – their
utter lack of individual egos
 (for want of a better
word).  That, and they are simply more dedicated to
having fun than any other group I’ve known.  I’d have
to say that they consider energy put into
manufacturing strife as wasted (and they would be
absolutely correct). 

The gist of what I’m saying is that Mooneschadowe
could have chosen the baronial route and made it work
simply because of their dynamic.  I know Barons and
Baronesses that would give anything to have a populace
made up of such motivated, unselfish people.  They
want what is best for their group as a whole over and
above any selfish ambition.  

When they step up to show the Kingdom what a Province
is, I sincerely hope that this is what the world will
see.  If every person in Ansteorra could take a small
piece of this lesson back to their own groups I
believe this kingdom would be even more awesome and
amazing than it already is.

Countess Kat MacLochlainn, OP
Formerly of the Shire of Mooneschadowe


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