[Ansteorra] Question in general

[Marc]

Greetings Milady Erlina,

I will preface my answer by first saying that some laws and customs 
differ from Kingdom to Kingdom and I am from the East.

But I'd first say that the "positions" of Laurel, Pelican or Knight 
are not offices.  They are recognition of skill and service as well 
as recognition of those efforts at the Society level.
These levels of award are generally gained over a road that is as 
long or short as one's fate may cause.

One starts at some point in their "SCA career" and begins to gain 
recognition for their work, be it in force of arms(Knighthood), 
Service to the SCA(Pelican) or in the Arts and sciences(Laurel).  As 
one grows in such recognition, they come to the awareness of their 
King and Queen through letters of recommendation.  Soon they begin 
the path from local awards and recognition to "Kingdom Level" awards 
and then...should their skill and work warrant it...to the Society level.

Outside those positions, there are offices at the local and Kingdom 
level as well as the Society level.
     Kings and Queens are determined by force of arms in Crown 
Tournament.  This statement is a simplification of the method but is 
essentially correct.
         Once a King or Queen has served once, they are created a 
Count or Countess on stepping down from the thrown
         Once a King or Queen have served two reigns, they are 
created a Duke or Duchess on stepping down from the thrown
     "Landed"Barons and Baronesses are selected by the ruling 
Monarchs at the time of such a need.  Those Monarchs do take a 
"polling" of the group to be inspired, but are not
        bound by this(at least in the East) as the Baron and Baroness 
are their representatives in the Barony.
     "Court"Barons and Baronesses are selected and appointed by the 
Crown at their desire for service or other actions which those 
Monarchs have found of such extreme note

Kingdoms may be split into Principalities as is currently the case in 
the East, where we have the Principality of Tia Mara.
     These regions hold Coronet Tournaments to Select their Prince 
and Princess in the same way we select Kings and Queens

Beyond that are the offices that make our Society work.  Those many 
volunteers who handle jobs from the local to the Society 
level.  These volunteers are selected by the laws and rules put in 
place by that group and the Kingdom they reside in.  I am both the 
Baronial Herald and Historian from my local group, and have been 
elected to those posts.  The same can be said of my Lady wife, our Chatelaine.

While you can ask any officer, you have three officers specifically 
suited for further information on this.
These are your Seneschal, your Herald and Your Chatelaine
    Your Seneschal is that volunteer who is legally responsible for 
the proper running of your group.  Every group must have one and they 
govern the operation and legal compliance
          with real world as well as SCA rules and laws.
    Your Herald is in charge of a number of responsibilities 
including the understanding and explanation of Awards and recognition
    Your Chatelaine is the "Welcome Wagon", responsible for helping 
new members or even those interested in our Society to join in and 
get the most fun from any event(s) they
          attend.

I invite you to write me directly and recommend you reach out to your 
local group officers for better information suited to your home Kingdom.
If you are not aware of who those officers are, email me directly 
with your zip code and I will let you know as much information about 
your home group as I can find.
Much of this can be found starting with the SCA website, and your 
Kingdom's own website.

Yours in Service,
     Lord Mithgiladan the Herald


At 03:00 PM 7/22/2013, you wrote:
>Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Question in general
>
>I am fairly new. I have found that the only way to get information is to go
>to a baron or baroness and ask questions. I have no idea how to obtain any
>of the positions. I have even read the new comers guide on the SCA website.
>I know a few people who have donated time, talent, and many items; they are
>still on prot?g? status. Some are to humble to really step forward. So I
>honestly would like to know, what one needs to do to to obtain laurel or
>pelican (or any office for that matter)? This would be valuable information
>for newcomers and veteran SCAers alike. Any information is greatly
>appreciated.
>
>YIS,
>Erlina Netterville