ARCH - What If

[Patrick J. Cuccurello]

>  	Old age is setting in -- I'm not sure what you are asking me.....
> 	If you are saying that I'm presenting a case that archers should be
> considered for Centurians - why yes, I am. I think they should be because
> archers are invalid in melee combat.  Of course I haven't read the by-law,
> laws, folkways or mores on what it takes to be a Centurians so I imagine
> that I will probably get shot down in a minute gleefully by and archer.
> Currently Centurians don't think that is a good idea.  They like thinking
> combat is only sticks being held in the hand and hit not thrown....
> 	My personal take is combat is combat and should be judged by the
> fighter and the weapon choice.
> 	Of course, wait until you hear my opinions on art versus craft, art
> versus science, etc. etc.


I understand <<grin>>

My point was an earlier argument was that Archery should be covered under
the existing structure because target archery should be an art, and combat
archery should be combat.   The fact that the Chivalric community considers
this as a completely separate art precludes it from being part of it.  It
was for that reason the White Scarf was created for the rapier community.
The fact that performance on the target archery field is not considered in
Arts and Sciences competitions precludes it from involvement in that area.

That being the case, it is difficult to not use rapier example for the
archery area.  The parallels are the same. Consequently the only remaining
argument is whether archery is as "main stream" as rapier was when the White
Scarf was introduced.   My opinion is that it is for these reasons:

1.  It requires it's own administrative structure, and that structure is
already in place and has matured over the years  (the archery marshallate).

2.  It requires it's own logistics at events and area duly separated and
differentiated from other area  (they have their own archery field, list
boundaries, archery targets, conventions on conduct, and waterbearer/support
personnel.  They also have their own social gatherings within their group
with the "Archery Flight" pot-lucks sponsored at events).

3.  It has created it's own sub-culture within the SCA that many times does
not interact with other aspects of the game. They are their own defined and
recognizable group within the game. (Chivalric units camping together,
Rapier combatants camping in the same area, Equestrians camping with their
horses, Coursing people camping in the Kennel Lands, Archers camping near
the target field).

4.  When it does interact with other subcultures within the SCA, it impacts
them in a sizeable manner. (It is such a telling force upon the battlefield
that it is usually limited to only certain scenarios in order to not
infringe on the enjoyment of the Chivalric fighters).

5.  Involvement at SCA function is by a great enough number of people that
they are readily identified by what they are doing.  (This usually isn't two
or three people shooting at a target butt on the other side of the trees).

6.  Finally, in Period, where it was not a venue for the Nobility (except
for hunting), it was a documentable part of medieval society and was a focus
for much of history and pivotal battles.  Yet by its nature, was held
separate in medieval society from everything else and seldom entered into
the nobility of the Knightly class or Arts and Sciences of the time (except
in construction--which is not what we are discussing).


Now many can draw parallels with other portions of the SCA that fulfill many
of these criteria.  My point is that Archery fulfills *all* of these, and
has been doing so for many years.  Hence it is not only a distinct part of
the SCA but a mature one as well.

By saying that we don't need any more Grant level awards you purposely limit
your ability to change as society and people's perceptions change.  And for
what purpose, one less possible award given away at Court?  Can archery fit
in under any number of other areas?  Yes, if you are willing to place it
there and  **change the perception of the entire populous to match yours.
Even though most look at archery as something completely different than
combat or Arts and Sciences.**  This is also despite the fact that
historical documentation of the art and the SCA's societal dealing with
archers does not support the idea of lumping them in with another area.

Pet.

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