[Ansteorra] Ducal Perogative

[KEYNA]

Holy cow!!! did you get cramped fingers after all that?? (smilling)
Mine would be in knots!!!
Keyna

-----Original Message-----
From: ansteorra-bounces at lists.ansteorra.org
[mailto:ansteorra-bounces at lists.ansteorra.org] On Behalf Of robert segrest
Sent: Saturday, November 10, 2007 12:23 AM
To: ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org
Subject: [Ansteorra] Ducal Perogative

I have been intrigued by the ducal perogative ever since I came to
Ansteorra.  To the best of my understanding, we are the only kingdom to have
this provision.  As a student of government, I find this variation on our
autocratic traditions to be very interesting as it seems to replace rule by
the strongest, with a sort of semi-oligarchy wherein dukes have the ability
to alter the selection process without necessarily obligating themselves to
reign.  Where most, if not all kingdoms have a provision that fighters must
be acceptable to the crown, we seem to forego using that tool in favor of
ducal eliminations.  I suppose that this provides an undesired fighter the
opportunity to beat an array of dukes and therefore take the throne in a
sort of trial by combat.  I'm not sure whether this is better or worse than
simply forbidding a fighter from entering in the first place, although I
suppose there is a small element of democracy introduced.  At any rate, I
 am continually amazed that a system of governance that theoretically should
be one of the worst possible methods for choosing leaders seems to usually
produce high quality administration, not only from our monarchs, but also
from the officers they appoint.  So much for the benefits of democracy.

As far as technical issues, I believe that the difference between a duke's
perogative and an ordinary fighters ability to withdraw during a list is not
entirely based on honor.  A duke may fight a round, soundly trounce his
opponent and then 'ducal out' allowing said opponent to proceed.  I believe
that an ordinary fighter who withdrew after winning a round would simply be
removed from the next round, without providing any benefit to the defeated
opponent.  

It is also my understanding that nobody, including dukes, may withdraw in
the semi-final and final rounds.  So whatever influence the dukes may be
able to exert is somewhat limited when it becomes most important.  Any
successful aspirant to the crown will have to defeat at least two opponents
after all ducal perogatives have been exercised.

I would love to hear from some of our older fighters/marshalls who may know
more about the history and thinking that led to this unusual custom.

Lord Fatthiopap Laszlo

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