Since the founding of the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism), we have been somewhat fixated on the idea of 'tournament'. In my mind's eye, this is exhibited as combatants in heraldic finery dueling for the honor of the person who's favor they wear. This concept is strong in our society. The idea of Crown List finds its footing in the original founding of the SCA in the Grand Tournament of 1966.
The
idea of becoming royalty by right of arms is a bit of a twist of history (i.e.
- 'anachronism') that we SCAdians put into play. The concept itself derives
from some late medieval ideas of 'king for a day' or from battles fought where
the outcome determines who will rule (i.e.- the battles in England during the
year 1066 for example). I would also suspect some fictional concepts are
involved (i.e. Ivanhoe). Probably a little of all of these ideas were added to
the mixing bowl to get our concept of Crown List. Regardless of its origins,
becoming ruler of a kingdom by right of arms if a very, very SCAdian thing to
do.
The
Crown List is a kingdom event that recognized groups within a kingdoms borders
can 'bid' on to host. Traditionally, the currently reigning royalty, Kingdom
Seneschal and Kingdom Earl Marshal consult on the bids and make a determination
on who 'wins' the bid. The hosting group provides the location, food, and
support for the Kingdom to run the list. The Kingdom Earl Marshal runs the
field along with the support of the order of Chivalry. On paper, it is a fairly
simple event considering that it has a very focused objective to find the next
heir. In Meridies, we also can have a 'Rose Ball' to celebrate and welcome the
new heirs. So, it’s a tournament followed by a party. That’s it.
Crown
List is a heavy combat activity. So, in order to become the ruling monarch of a
kingdom, you must be authorized in SCA heavy combat. Heavy Combat is a
foundation of the SCA. It is, as they say, part of our DNA. From time to time,
I hear of people discussing the use other methods to determine who will rule.
For my own part, I don't see a problem embellishing the Heavy Combat
requirement with other activities, but the tournament itself should always be
the focus. It's what we, as a society, came together to do. Its who we are.
Supplementing this base requirement should never become a burden or limiting
factor of the capability to hold a successful, honorable tournament. Anything
that detracts from this goal should be discouraged.
All
fighters recognized by a kingdom can apply to fight in Crown List. The keyword
is 'apply'. There are laws set forth in each SCA kingdom that governs who is
eligible to apply. Meeting these requirements is only the first 'hurdle' for an
applicant. After application, each candidate it reviewed by the kingdoms
current royalty in consultation with the Kingdom Seneschal and Earl Marshal.
The monarch can then accept or decline an applicant. It’s a royal prerogative.
I
have never been a royal, but I have known a few. The process of approving
applicants for Crown List is a weighty burden to bear in my opinion. I could
argue that it is one of the most important tasks a reigning monarch is given.
Every entrant in the list has a chance to be the next ruler of the kingdom.
Every one of them. Therefore, decisions made on who participates in Crown List
contributes to a ruling monarch's legacy.
Think
on that. Every person that fight's for crown has a chance to be the next heir
to the throne. That is a heavy concept.
If you put yourself forward to vie for ruling the kingdom, you have to
be prepared to rule the kingdom. The decision to fight for crown boils down to
time, ability, support and finance as I see it. Can you commit a majority of
your 'free time' to doing nothing by SCA activities for the next 12 months? Are
you fit enough to handle the mental and physical stresses of being the leader
of a kingdom? Do you have the people in your corner that you can rely on to
help you be a monarch? Can you afford, out of your own pocket, to travel
constantly across the lands of your kingdom without going broke in the effort?
If you cannot answer these questions in the affirmative, then you probably
shouldn't be applying to fight in Crown List.
So,
as the reigning monarch looks at the applicant, they have to assume that the
person is prepared for the role and that they have asked and answered the
satisfactorily the questions above. They also must know that the applicant has
met the requirements by Kingdom law. After those factors, now comes a simple
question. Is this applicant a good representative of this kingdom? It is my
hope at least, that this question is part of the decision process. As I see it,
every person that enters Crown List must be a good presentation of who we are
as a kingdom. When I look at the list and see who has been accepted, I want to
feel good about everyone on the list and think to myself, they would be a good
king or queen.
After
the deliberations have been completed, applicants that have been approved are
invited to attend Crown List. From this point forward, the individual
participant controls the fate of the kingdom. On their ability and virtue rests
the hopes of the populace. Our expectation, as a populace, is for a Crown List
that draws the spectators into the drama as a well fought contest of skill
unfolds before us that will lift the kingdom with floods of joy and pride in
its royalty and all of the combatants that vied for the honor to lead. Our
hope, as a populace, is that the new heir to the throne is molded though the
process of competition on the field to become the leader we need them to be.
So,
back to my initial question…What is Crown List? Crown List is a right we have
as SCAdians. It is protected by laws. It is overseen by trusted leaders. It is
made possible by the will of a kingdom's people. This culmination in action and
subtle nod to our history is who we are as SCAdians. It deserves our attention,
care and commitment each time it occurs. It should never be taken lightly or
for granted. As a leader, it should be considered with diligence and
forethought. As a participant, it must be dealt with dedication, honor and
chivalry. As a populace, it is who we are and wish to be. For all of us, it is
a piece of the Dream that we share.
Well
met friends. Safe journey to thee!
THL
Eoin Mac Cana called 'Clyde', CACM, CKP2,
CAS
Warden of the Northern Plateau
Squire to Earl Benen Mac Tire, KSCA, OL, OP
Knight Marshal, Shire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies
Warden of the Northern Plateau
Squire to Earl Benen Mac Tire, KSCA, OL, OP
Knight Marshal, Shire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies
