[Ansteorra-archery] the future ??

[Eadric Anstapa]

I don't really disagree with what the Carolingians have to say
particularly since they make their wishes known far in advance and
really haven't changed this message much in a number of years.

What is the purpose of branch, baronial, or personal champion?  In
particular what is the purpose of the Champion of a Landed Noble?

If the goal is to compete, and to win tournaments, and to take home
prizes then you don't need to proclaim or be proclaimed a titled
champion at the end of a tournament.

One purpose of a champion is as an instrument to settle conflicts
and disputes.  Another purpose to serve to guard and protect that 
noble.  When a noble is called to war it is also expected that he
will bring his champions with him to aid in the cause he will be
fighting for.

How many masters can a man dutifully serve?

If the Baron of Namron and the Baron of Wiesenfeuer have a conflict
that must be settled through contest of arms how would that
conflict be properly settled if the same man was serving as both of
their champions?

How can a nobleman trust someone to guard and protect him and to
always act in his best interests if that person is also in the
employ and a member of the entourage of another noble (perhaps even
a rival noble).

If you are the Champion of the Baron of Bonwicke AND the Champion of
the Baron of Bordermarch then where will you be on April 29, 2006? 
After accepting the responsibility of Champion if you heed the call
of one baron and not the call of the other then how can you say that
you have served both dutifully?  After failing to attend the call of
one baron and instead choosing to heed the call of another how will
ANY baron in the future be able to trust you to serve him and
discharge the office of champion well and dutifully?   If you choose
to avoid conflict and not attend to either then how have you served
anyone but yourself?

If a Baron can not commit to his allies that he will have his
champions and guards of unyielding devotion with him at war then how
valuable is that baron as an ally?


The Baron of Carolingia asks that people seeking to be his champion
consider themselves to be Carolingian and that they hold no other
positions that would divide their loyalties.  He does not say that
they can not hold other offices or that they can not hold other
oaths of fealty only that they can not have divided loyalties.  I do
not think those are unreasonable demands for the important office of
Champion.

In my opinion too many people take the office of Champion and
responsibilities that go along with it way too lightly.  The office
of Champion is not the same as simply being the winner of a tournament

When you go down to a local archery club and win their annual
tournament it is all about the prizes and the recognition that you
get from winning.  You are not expected to show any devotion or
render any service to that club.  Come and shoot and then leave no
strings attached.  

Honor, chivalry, devotion, loyalty, duty, and service are what sets
the SCA Championship tournaments apart.  It is part of the game that
we play  and why we are here and not simply shooting with the Texas
Archery Association.

Regards,

-- 
HL Eadric Anstapa
DSEM CA
eadric at scabrewer.com


Blackmoon <ld.blackmoon at cox.net> said:
> 
> GREETINGS
> 
> IS THIS THE FUTURE OF THINGS IN THE SCA ??
> THE BELOW IS FOR A THROWN WEAPONS / ARCHERY EVENT AT THE BARONIAL =
> LEVEL., IN THE EAST KINGDOM .
> YOU CAN ONLY BE CHAMPION OF YOUR LOCAL GROUP .
> OR IF YOUR NOT AN OFFICER ANYWHERE, YOU CAN ONLY BE ONE CHAMPION PER =
> EVENT YEAR .
> 
> SINCE GETTING TO COMPETE IS HALF OF WHY I GO TO ANY EVENT ,I TEND
TO SEE =
> THIS AS BAD.
>  UNFORTUNATELY , FROM WHAT I'VE SEEN , THIS POISON IS MOVING INTO =
> ANSTEORRA FROM BOTH COASTS .=20
> WHAT I FIND INTERESTING , IS THAT IT SEEMS TO BE CROPPING UP IN
ARCHERY =
> / THROWN WEAPONS  COMPETITIONS A LOT MORE THAN IN HEAVY OR LIGHT =
> COMPETITIONS .( CAN YOU SEE TELLING JOE KNIGHT & THE 3 FIGHTERS HE =
> BROUGHT WITH HIM , WHO JUST DROVE 500 MILES , THAT THEY CAN'T WIN ?  )
> 
> ANYWAY , BE SAFE, BE HAPPY, HAVE FUN
> ARTHUR BLACKMOON
> CHAMPION'S AGREEMENT
> 1. I consider myself to be a Carolingian, hold no office or
position in =
> any other barony or shire that divides my loyalties as a champion of =
> Carolingia, and actively participate in Carolingian activities.=20
> 
> 2. It is understood that I may have personal fealty to individuals
and =
> to the crowns of the East in addition to my loyalties to
Carolingia, and =
> that I will resolve any potential conflicts of these fealties in a
way =
> consistent with my personal honor.=20
> 
> 3. During my term I have the duty to defend and serve the Baron
and the =
> Barony of Carolingia, which I will do to the best of my ability.=20
> 
> 4. I will make every effort to attend Carolingian court and to
represent =
> Carolingia on state occasions. I will try to participate in as many =
> Carolingian Events as possible.=20
> 
> 5. I will fight for the glory and honor of Carolingia whenever
possible =
> and will serve Carolingia against her foes in times of war.=20
> 
> 6. I will strive to be an example of courtesy and chivalry, bringing =
> honor to Carolingia through my actions on the field and my behavior =
> towards others both on and off the field.=20
> 
> 7. It is my duty to organize the format of the competition for my =
> replacement, and to ensure that it takes place about one year
after my =
> selection.=20
> 
> 8. I will bear the trust of Carolingia, and any champions regalia
with =
> pride, and will conclude my service well.=20
>