Why do you fight?
Heavy combat within the SCA is a personal journey of re-discovery, Finding within ourselves that which has been lost by the march of civilization. ("preface for later comments", I believe all fighters are equal when it comes to gender once you make a commitment to fighting you are a fighter, not male or female. Apart from some minor difference in power generation and frame weight transfer men and women are equals, gender doesn't define activities, there is no advantage or disadvantage you cannot overcome.)
Fighting has been shown to reduce stress, keep you in shape, increase your hand-eye coordination, endurance and reflexes. (most studies have been about martial arts but I see no reason why this wouldn't extend to SCA combat in any form)
SCA fighting requires discipline, honor, humility, control, freedom, aggression & peace. You must learn your limitations and work to break or bend them to excel. You can be any shape or size, whole or disabled because one important lesson I have learned is experienced beats age the majority of the time.
Do you fight to win? To learn or to teach? For Love, for loss? To grandstand or humility? To become a part of a group? To stand out? for all or nothing?
Do you fight for yourself or others? for glory and renown?
Is fighting for you something more than just being a "stick jock" something you cannot put into words, it makes you try harder and work to become a better person, More than just standing with friends and your SCA family? More than your upbringing or personal circumstances, beyond faith and personal ideals.
Why do you fight?
Because you can?
Tuesday, 7 July 2015
Saturday, 27 June 2015
Argent Annulet
Chivalry is hard to define and yet harder to teach, especially in this modern world we live in where things like Courage, Justice, Mercy, Generosity, Faith, Nobility and Hope are considered by many as "old fashioned" and trying to find a real world equivalent is difficult at best.
I was thinking about chivalry and walked past a roundabout, stood and watching for a few minutes (well it was about half an hour) watching the cars go their separate ways and seeing who would wait for whome,
I was surprised that many times the courtesy of letting someone else go is beyond what's required by the law (road code) In NZ we give way to the right, but why then were people letting those not on their right go first?
The roundabout could be used as a teaching tool to help newcomers with chivalry, a modern day example that they can relate to, and can be used to question and be questioned.
The Law (justice) Requires you to Give way to the right.
Mercy, to let those struggling or in the wrong lane go first.
Generosity, To let another pass before you when it is not there turn.
Faith, In knowing that it's your turn to go next.
Nobility, Not allowing every person to go before you when others are waiting behind you.
Hope, That others will follow the rules and not break them resulting in an accident.
Courage, Moving into your lane knowing that if others do not wait an accident will occur.
I present the Chivalric roundabout.
I was thinking about chivalry and walked past a roundabout, stood and watching for a few minutes (well it was about half an hour) watching the cars go their separate ways and seeing who would wait for whome,
I was surprised that many times the courtesy of letting someone else go is beyond what's required by the law (road code) In NZ we give way to the right, but why then were people letting those not on their right go first?
The roundabout could be used as a teaching tool to help newcomers with chivalry, a modern day example that they can relate to, and can be used to question and be questioned.
The Law (justice) Requires you to Give way to the right.
Mercy, to let those struggling or in the wrong lane go first.
Generosity, To let another pass before you when it is not there turn.
Faith, In knowing that it's your turn to go next.
Nobility, Not allowing every person to go before you when others are waiting behind you.
Hope, That others will follow the rules and not break them resulting in an accident.
Courage, Moving into your lane knowing that if others do not wait an accident will occur.
I present the Chivalric roundabout.
Friday, 19 June 2015
To Gild a Lily..
Expectations or lack there of,
I've been in the SCA for while now coming up on 3 years and I have noticed a curious correlation within my local baroney, some people are expected to perform most of the work while others have no expectations thrust upon them, While this is mostly voluntary like the duty of a squire to his/her knight others are less so, Like organising events.
We have a core group of people who seem to organise everything, while inclusion of new people is possible it seems to be oft overlooked when planning events, who will run future events if we don't start training them now? Some events are large and difficult enough already without the inclusion of untrained stewards/helpers but I believe it's critical to include even the newest members.
This can be tricky as we also don't want to chase them away, too many expectations can drive a person away but too few and they are left feeling like outcasts which the SCA has a real problem with, a balance must be sought. A good chatelaine can help with this also but they must be on the ball and have contacts with that "core" group who do plan and scheme.
When I was a newcomer I remember well being lost and left out, my first event I knew only 2 people in a camp of over 200 and spent most of the 3 days in my campsite only coming out for events my "household" was a part of (which was few and far between), Now I know better.. I rock up and make things happen or ask to be included/participating, But this took time (and quite a lot of it) if I was asked to help out organise "blargh" I would have jumped at the chance. This is a lesson for me as well and I will be looking within my local group for those people being left out and try to bring them into the fold. (if they want to be)
I have found that a small group of people seem to do little to enrich the "dream" and that's their choice I guess and I have to live with that, But it's hard sometimes especially when those people complain about the outcome or criticize your hard work or the work of others (especially behind their backs). Sometimes I don't know how to deal with it or handle it badly, in the mundane world I can just ignore/walk away but as part of a group I feel it's my duty to address and try to fix their concerns so they can have a better time next time, I lie awake at night thinking of ways to please the unpleasable.. /sigh
I think there is only 1 - 2 people who actually read this so please ignore my rambling, it's designed as a record for me, but even if I write a years worth of posts and only 1 person finds value in something I have said I believe my job is done and so I can see how far I have come in later years to answer my own questions /thanks for reading my poor musings.
I've been in the SCA for while now coming up on 3 years and I have noticed a curious correlation within my local baroney, some people are expected to perform most of the work while others have no expectations thrust upon them, While this is mostly voluntary like the duty of a squire to his/her knight others are less so, Like organising events.
We have a core group of people who seem to organise everything, while inclusion of new people is possible it seems to be oft overlooked when planning events, who will run future events if we don't start training them now? Some events are large and difficult enough already without the inclusion of untrained stewards/helpers but I believe it's critical to include even the newest members.
This can be tricky as we also don't want to chase them away, too many expectations can drive a person away but too few and they are left feeling like outcasts which the SCA has a real problem with, a balance must be sought. A good chatelaine can help with this also but they must be on the ball and have contacts with that "core" group who do plan and scheme.
When I was a newcomer I remember well being lost and left out, my first event I knew only 2 people in a camp of over 200 and spent most of the 3 days in my campsite only coming out for events my "household" was a part of (which was few and far between), Now I know better.. I rock up and make things happen or ask to be included/participating, But this took time (and quite a lot of it) if I was asked to help out organise "blargh" I would have jumped at the chance. This is a lesson for me as well and I will be looking within my local group for those people being left out and try to bring them into the fold. (if they want to be)
I have found that a small group of people seem to do little to enrich the "dream" and that's their choice I guess and I have to live with that, But it's hard sometimes especially when those people complain about the outcome or criticize your hard work or the work of others (especially behind their backs). Sometimes I don't know how to deal with it or handle it badly, in the mundane world I can just ignore/walk away but as part of a group I feel it's my duty to address and try to fix their concerns so they can have a better time next time, I lie awake at night thinking of ways to please the unpleasable.. /sigh
I think there is only 1 - 2 people who actually read this so please ignore my rambling, it's designed as a record for me, but even if I write a years worth of posts and only 1 person finds value in something I have said I believe my job is done and so I can see how far I have come in later years to answer my own questions /thanks for reading my poor musings.
Thursday, 11 June 2015
Its a good lie.
I love the SCA, you will never find a better group of people to drink and make merry with, but it's all a lie.
The culture we epitomise as medieval life we create within the SCA, Isn't a true reflection of the medieval world. And why would we want it to be? I have been researching Chivalry and have now read many texts regarding the subject. (including Libre del ordre de cavayleria and translated copy of Livre de Chevalerie)
They mostly paint a drab gray world, surrounded by enemies, heretic's and Duty. Honor was what each lord decided it was and included no mercy for the lowborn, (in most cases, there is a story a knight who decided each man and woman were equal regardless of station, his name was William marshal, the truest knight who ever lived.) They weren't even considered people, animals were more valued. Chivalry (as we know it today) wasn't really adopted until late into the 17th Century, before that it was only limited to nobel's of sufficient station. (or nation)
In the SCA everyone is of Noble birth (low station) and as your deeds are recognised within the Group/s you can rise in station/rank, All power is an illusion and only what we attribute to it. The more you achieve the more you rise in respect within the Group, by word or by deed, Teach all and respect all.
In period we would have had lowborn to do the grubbier tasks, this makes an interesting (in my mind anyway) dynamic of Service and duty, Service and duty is part of the game/dream, not a "chore" each of us within our group/s should serve those higher on the "ladder" and in turn those above have the duty to support the growth of those below, The goal is to grow the game, a lie to be sure as rising in station in Medieval times was a difficult enterprise unless you have large amounts of money, Artisan's skills, A large amount of time to devote or martial prowess; Within our Game/Dream you dont need either (although it doesn't hurt)
Medieval men and women have very different roles (although you would be surprised what some of the woman got up to) In the SCA we have a closer to equal playing field, some of the roles are dominated by women or men but nothing is barred from participation. We are of many names, households, countries and faiths but we come together as one whole for the Dream.
The SCA is the best kind of lie, but it is important to realise that it is a lie/untruth/misrepresentation of the life in the time we portray, because failure to remember the hardship or dark times is a disservice for how far we have come as a civilization and that is very important.
The culture we epitomise as medieval life we create within the SCA, Isn't a true reflection of the medieval world. And why would we want it to be? I have been researching Chivalry and have now read many texts regarding the subject. (including Libre del ordre de cavayleria and translated copy of Livre de Chevalerie)
They mostly paint a drab gray world, surrounded by enemies, heretic's and Duty. Honor was what each lord decided it was and included no mercy for the lowborn, (in most cases, there is a story a knight who decided each man and woman were equal regardless of station, his name was William marshal, the truest knight who ever lived.) They weren't even considered people, animals were more valued. Chivalry (as we know it today) wasn't really adopted until late into the 17th Century, before that it was only limited to nobel's of sufficient station. (or nation)
In the SCA everyone is of Noble birth (low station) and as your deeds are recognised within the Group/s you can rise in station/rank, All power is an illusion and only what we attribute to it. The more you achieve the more you rise in respect within the Group, by word or by deed, Teach all and respect all.
In period we would have had lowborn to do the grubbier tasks, this makes an interesting (in my mind anyway) dynamic of Service and duty, Service and duty is part of the game/dream, not a "chore" each of us within our group/s should serve those higher on the "ladder" and in turn those above have the duty to support the growth of those below, The goal is to grow the game, a lie to be sure as rising in station in Medieval times was a difficult enterprise unless you have large amounts of money, Artisan's skills, A large amount of time to devote or martial prowess; Within our Game/Dream you dont need either (although it doesn't hurt)
Medieval men and women have very different roles (although you would be surprised what some of the woman got up to) In the SCA we have a closer to equal playing field, some of the roles are dominated by women or men but nothing is barred from participation. We are of many names, households, countries and faiths but we come together as one whole for the Dream.
The SCA is the best kind of lie, but it is important to realise that it is a lie/untruth/misrepresentation of the life in the time we portray, because failure to remember the hardship or dark times is a disservice for how far we have come as a civilization and that is very important.
Tuesday, 2 June 2015
I realize I am remiss, And haven't mentioned physical conditioning. As with anything you can put in a much as you want to of time/materials/funds, but unless you're a natural you will need to workout to not only provide your "wind/stamina" but to build muscle and flexibility.
My routine on a weekly basis is:
Mon - Gym (cardio)
Tue - Pell (slow work)
Wed - Gym (Upper Body)
Thus - Pell (accuracy)
Fri - Gym (lower Body)
Sat - Pell (speed)
Sun - Fighters practice
Each routine is approx 1 hour at least (if i'm feeling energetic will extend the time) Including warm up and cooldown time total workout takes 1hr 30min - 2 hrs per day.
I won't cover the exercises in this blog and what works for me prob won't work for you. There's a lot of other information on the internet which covers this topic much better than I could.
Always, always warm up and cool down before excising it will save your fighting career and prevent downtime due to injury.
Finally have fun, it's a competitive sport, not a job if your not enjoying it change your routine so its something you enjoy, Play tennis as a warmup or go swimming, don't like running? Cycle instead.
Your will be surprise how much 1 hr a day can change your fitness level, you can always do more but keeping that 1hr a day up will make a big difference.
My routine on a weekly basis is:
Mon - Gym (cardio)
Tue - Pell (slow work)
Wed - Gym (Upper Body)
Thus - Pell (accuracy)
Fri - Gym (lower Body)
Sat - Pell (speed)
Sun - Fighters practice
Each routine is approx 1 hour at least (if i'm feeling energetic will extend the time) Including warm up and cooldown time total workout takes 1hr 30min - 2 hrs per day.
- Cardio is simply running or swimming/rowing machine.
- Slow work is exaggerated slowness in practicing strikes to build muscle memory and so I know when I ramp up the speed I won't injure myself or others.
- Upper Body, concentrates on arms and core.
- Accuracy is the same as slow work but at speed with a focus on targeting.
- Lower Body focuses on legs (I also throw a little core work in)
- Speed is the same as the other two pell work but focusing on delivering the blow at speed while still retaining accuracy.
I won't cover the exercises in this blog and what works for me prob won't work for you. There's a lot of other information on the internet which covers this topic much better than I could.
Always, always warm up and cool down before excising it will save your fighting career and prevent downtime due to injury.
Finally have fun, it's a competitive sport, not a job if your not enjoying it change your routine so its something you enjoy, Play tennis as a warmup or go swimming, don't like running? Cycle instead.
Your will be surprise how much 1 hr a day can change your fitness level, you can always do more but keeping that 1hr a day up will make a big difference.
Thursday, 21 May 2015
The Knightly Virtues
The Knightly Virtues
The Knightly Virtues has changed significantly and within the SCA it takes on different values as a squire I was introduced to the 7 Knightly virtues;
Courage
Justice
Mercy
Generosity
Faith
Nobility
Hope
The challenge come to applying these within the SCA or to your everyday life, I have found it hard and sometimes seems impossible but even attempting is "Knightly" Although I needed a better definition of the Code for without defining the virtues how can I apply them to my life?
How do you define Courage? Is courage standing before an enemy, Is it standing with a friend or is it Obeying your king? Sure straightforward right?, What if your friend is defending a town your king as ordered destroyed? This is unlikely to happen in the SCA (unless ildhafn invades *grin* ) but this example illuminates many problems with the chivalric code, it is not clear and provides gray area's.
I believe a Knight needs to walk the thin line between honor and honesty.
When researching Chivalric virtues I came across a very good definition of the virtues written by a group of Sca knights;
Prologue: Over the centuries, the meaning of "the Knightly Virtues" has shifted and changed with the times, and in truth has never been codified in a fashion that was universally accepted. What is moral and correct in one era, may be of little consequence in another. Conversely, great importance may become attached to a concept which was thought to be unworthy of the nobility, in bygone days. Simply put, it is the greatest duty of a Knight to have integrity and honor for the time and place in which he lives. The Knightly Virtues, as listed below, are meant to inform those who would be Knights, now.
Prowess (Valor, Excellence): Strive for excellence in all endeavors expected of a Knight, especially martial, yet also otherwise. Embody strength which is used in the service of justice, rather than for personal aggrandizement and gain. Use your martial, intellectual, and moral strength to resist and defeat all forms of tyranny over the minds and bodies of all mankind. Remember that your mind will maintain strength longer than your body. Long after you pass, your declarations of word and stands for principle, if they are Knightly, will still have power to affect the course of events.
Justice (Temperance): Seek always to understand and follow the "right" path, unencumbered by bias or personal interests. Recognize that the sword of justice can be a terrible thing, so its use must be tempered by humanity and mercy. Seek wise counsel in determining that which is "right", while making clear that your acceptance of input will not abrogate your role as arbiter. Accept that your judgments will create both delight and anger. Yet, if the "right" you proclaim rings true, and you invoke it without bending to temptation for expediency, you will earn renown beyond measure. Learn the difference between enforcing the letter of the law, and living within its spirit.
Loyalty (Obedience, Faithfulness): Be known for unwavering commitment to the people and ideals you choose to live with, and have professed to others. There are many circumstances where compromise is expected. Loyalty is not among them. While your loyalty must never be blind, it also must never be for sale. Be prepared for people to condemn you for your loyalty, when they lack understanding for the basis of your faith. At times, you may stand alone, being loyal to what was, rather than what is. Your final loyalty to a person or cause may be this; to speak the truth to them, no matter how difficult that truth is for them to hear, most especially if they have done wrong.
Defense (Selflessness, Sacrifice): The ideal Knight swears to defend his liege, and all those who rightfully depend upon him. Always defend your nation, your family, and those whom you know are worthy of your shield. In choosing the role of the Knightly Defender, you acknowledge that your place is in harm's way, between threats and those you defend. Although this path may be hard, costly, and even seem bitter to others, the Knightly Defender accepts this as an honor, rather than an obligation. In such times, a Knight inspires all with his example and good nature, even his enemies.
Courage (Integrity, Honesty): Being a Knight often means choosing the more difficult path; often the personally expensive one. Be prepared to absorb losses in service of the precepts and people you champion. At the same time, a Knight must remember that stupidity and courage are cousins – pointless risk or sacrifice is not noble. Courage means taking the side of truth in all matters, rather than allowing for the expedient lie. Manifest your truth whenever possible, while remembering to temper justice with mercy. Be prepared, as the purest truths can bring grief. In living this, a Knight upholds the highest truths and surpasses the greatest tests of the human spirit. The Knight exhibits power, with integrity and control, while acknowledging his risks and dangers.
Faith (Perseverance, Wisdom): A Knight must have faith in his beliefs. Whatever the Knight's beliefs may be, they root the Knight with the strength of certainty, and give hope in the face of despair created by human failings. Faith, like Justice must never be blind, yet must persist without compromise. Yet, the Knight must not mistake stubbornness for Faith. Truly holding to this requires genuine internal reflection; taking time to carefully examine values, and why they are held. The Knight who blindly accepts a belief without examining its consequences does the same as blindly accepting orders which lead to certain destruction, without benefit, to him or those he defends. Wisdom informs Faith, and that which is learned to be untrue is set aside, without shame, in the face of new knowledge.
Humility (Morality): Value first the contributions of others, and give respect where it is due. Do not boast of your own accomplishments; if they are worthy, others will naturally do this for you. As much fun as it is to tell a good story, tell the deeds of others before your own, according them their own word-fame, rightfully earned through their virtuous deeds. Let your own actions be ethical, so they speak louder than your words. Let others see by your example, that the Knightly path is worthy of respect and emulation.
Largesse (Generosity, Kindness): Be generous, in so far as your resources reasonably allow. Be known as a giver of gifts, who expects nothing in return. Remember that your gifts are often more important to the receivers, when in the form of your actions and words, rather than material things. A kind word often lasts longer in a person's memory than any object. Consider that nothing belongs to you, that you are merely the custodian of what you possess, and giving freely will come easy for you.
Nobility (Charity): Live with dedication to the greatness of character, by holding to the virtues and duties of a Knight. Remember that these ideals can rarely be reached or maintained, and that it is the quality of striving towards them which ennobles your soul. Nobility influences others, by offering a compelling example of personal dedication to the most beautiful expressions of the human spirit. Be Charitable with yourself and others in your speech, your actions, and your intentions. Teach the Knightly path openly to any who seek your counsel, and encourage them to excel. Recognize that this can be easy in any given moment, but as with all of the Knightly Virtues, you will never be finished. In certain ways, living into his Nobility gives the Knight his greatest reward, for if he is successful, he will be surrounded by noble friends; a band of great strength against the forces of mediocrity, cynicism, cowardice and corruption. The Nobility of a true Knight creates other Knights out of those around him.
Franchise (Accountability): Seek to live these virtues as they were meant to be lived. Accept no compromises in your commitment. When you err, make amends in as public or powerful a fashion as that in which you made the error. Explain yourself in the simplest, most clear terms, and never make excuses. Own not only your own mistakes, but the mistakes of others when theirs resulted from yours. Maintain in all ways possible the appearance and station of a Knight. As you wish to live, you must live. You must comport yourself in the present as the person you wish to become in the next moment, hour, day, and year. Do not try to live this way, actually do so. Know that you, and those who serve in fealty to you, are a reflection upon your fellow Knights, and keep their honor safe with your own.
Epilogue: Do not restrict your exploration of these Knightly Virtues to a small world, or exempt some portion of your life. Do not display them only to those who you think deserve them from you. Instead, seek to infuse every aspect of your life, and all of your interactions, with these qualities. Remember that your expression of the Knightly Virtues is most powerful when it is easier to do something else, something lesser, and that living these Virtues creates a Knightly legacy. Should you succeed, in even a small measure, you will be remembered well for your quality, and indeed be worthy of the rank and station of a Knight. Let your renown and word-fame become your Knightly reputation on the lips of those who have met you, as well as those who never will.
I find these a much more expansive set of Virtues and they do a good job of defining the roles it can play within each virtue, but it is an almost impossible code. I have found it very hard to live up to, maybe I just don't have what it takes to be a "Knight" or maybe that's the point, the code is an ideal virtue one to strive for but never reach for once we do what else is there?
We hold truth, faithfulness, generosity and loyalty to be modern ideals, But they are rarely upheld and often scorned as a weakness or old fashioned. But to be knighty I believe you must follow the Code and stick to it even when the night is at its darkest.
Be Knightley in word and deed, Even if no-one else recognises you, Know that the code will help you make more moral/rational/"right" decisions and that in itself is worthwhile.
The Knightly Virtues has changed significantly and within the SCA it takes on different values as a squire I was introduced to the 7 Knightly virtues;
Courage
Justice
Mercy
Generosity
Faith
Nobility
Hope
The challenge come to applying these within the SCA or to your everyday life, I have found it hard and sometimes seems impossible but even attempting is "Knightly" Although I needed a better definition of the Code for without defining the virtues how can I apply them to my life?
How do you define Courage? Is courage standing before an enemy, Is it standing with a friend or is it Obeying your king? Sure straightforward right?, What if your friend is defending a town your king as ordered destroyed? This is unlikely to happen in the SCA (unless ildhafn invades *grin* ) but this example illuminates many problems with the chivalric code, it is not clear and provides gray area's.
I believe a Knight needs to walk the thin line between honor and honesty.
When researching Chivalric virtues I came across a very good definition of the virtues written by a group of Sca knights;
Prologue: Over the centuries, the meaning of "the Knightly Virtues" has shifted and changed with the times, and in truth has never been codified in a fashion that was universally accepted. What is moral and correct in one era, may be of little consequence in another. Conversely, great importance may become attached to a concept which was thought to be unworthy of the nobility, in bygone days. Simply put, it is the greatest duty of a Knight to have integrity and honor for the time and place in which he lives. The Knightly Virtues, as listed below, are meant to inform those who would be Knights, now.
Prowess (Valor, Excellence): Strive for excellence in all endeavors expected of a Knight, especially martial, yet also otherwise. Embody strength which is used in the service of justice, rather than for personal aggrandizement and gain. Use your martial, intellectual, and moral strength to resist and defeat all forms of tyranny over the minds and bodies of all mankind. Remember that your mind will maintain strength longer than your body. Long after you pass, your declarations of word and stands for principle, if they are Knightly, will still have power to affect the course of events.
Justice (Temperance): Seek always to understand and follow the "right" path, unencumbered by bias or personal interests. Recognize that the sword of justice can be a terrible thing, so its use must be tempered by humanity and mercy. Seek wise counsel in determining that which is "right", while making clear that your acceptance of input will not abrogate your role as arbiter. Accept that your judgments will create both delight and anger. Yet, if the "right" you proclaim rings true, and you invoke it without bending to temptation for expediency, you will earn renown beyond measure. Learn the difference between enforcing the letter of the law, and living within its spirit.
Loyalty (Obedience, Faithfulness): Be known for unwavering commitment to the people and ideals you choose to live with, and have professed to others. There are many circumstances where compromise is expected. Loyalty is not among them. While your loyalty must never be blind, it also must never be for sale. Be prepared for people to condemn you for your loyalty, when they lack understanding for the basis of your faith. At times, you may stand alone, being loyal to what was, rather than what is. Your final loyalty to a person or cause may be this; to speak the truth to them, no matter how difficult that truth is for them to hear, most especially if they have done wrong.
Defense (Selflessness, Sacrifice): The ideal Knight swears to defend his liege, and all those who rightfully depend upon him. Always defend your nation, your family, and those whom you know are worthy of your shield. In choosing the role of the Knightly Defender, you acknowledge that your place is in harm's way, between threats and those you defend. Although this path may be hard, costly, and even seem bitter to others, the Knightly Defender accepts this as an honor, rather than an obligation. In such times, a Knight inspires all with his example and good nature, even his enemies.
Courage (Integrity, Honesty): Being a Knight often means choosing the more difficult path; often the personally expensive one. Be prepared to absorb losses in service of the precepts and people you champion. At the same time, a Knight must remember that stupidity and courage are cousins – pointless risk or sacrifice is not noble. Courage means taking the side of truth in all matters, rather than allowing for the expedient lie. Manifest your truth whenever possible, while remembering to temper justice with mercy. Be prepared, as the purest truths can bring grief. In living this, a Knight upholds the highest truths and surpasses the greatest tests of the human spirit. The Knight exhibits power, with integrity and control, while acknowledging his risks and dangers.
Faith (Perseverance, Wisdom): A Knight must have faith in his beliefs. Whatever the Knight's beliefs may be, they root the Knight with the strength of certainty, and give hope in the face of despair created by human failings. Faith, like Justice must never be blind, yet must persist without compromise. Yet, the Knight must not mistake stubbornness for Faith. Truly holding to this requires genuine internal reflection; taking time to carefully examine values, and why they are held. The Knight who blindly accepts a belief without examining its consequences does the same as blindly accepting orders which lead to certain destruction, without benefit, to him or those he defends. Wisdom informs Faith, and that which is learned to be untrue is set aside, without shame, in the face of new knowledge.
Humility (Morality): Value first the contributions of others, and give respect where it is due. Do not boast of your own accomplishments; if they are worthy, others will naturally do this for you. As much fun as it is to tell a good story, tell the deeds of others before your own, according them their own word-fame, rightfully earned through their virtuous deeds. Let your own actions be ethical, so they speak louder than your words. Let others see by your example, that the Knightly path is worthy of respect and emulation.
Largesse (Generosity, Kindness): Be generous, in so far as your resources reasonably allow. Be known as a giver of gifts, who expects nothing in return. Remember that your gifts are often more important to the receivers, when in the form of your actions and words, rather than material things. A kind word often lasts longer in a person's memory than any object. Consider that nothing belongs to you, that you are merely the custodian of what you possess, and giving freely will come easy for you.
Nobility (Charity): Live with dedication to the greatness of character, by holding to the virtues and duties of a Knight. Remember that these ideals can rarely be reached or maintained, and that it is the quality of striving towards them which ennobles your soul. Nobility influences others, by offering a compelling example of personal dedication to the most beautiful expressions of the human spirit. Be Charitable with yourself and others in your speech, your actions, and your intentions. Teach the Knightly path openly to any who seek your counsel, and encourage them to excel. Recognize that this can be easy in any given moment, but as with all of the Knightly Virtues, you will never be finished. In certain ways, living into his Nobility gives the Knight his greatest reward, for if he is successful, he will be surrounded by noble friends; a band of great strength against the forces of mediocrity, cynicism, cowardice and corruption. The Nobility of a true Knight creates other Knights out of those around him.
Franchise (Accountability): Seek to live these virtues as they were meant to be lived. Accept no compromises in your commitment. When you err, make amends in as public or powerful a fashion as that in which you made the error. Explain yourself in the simplest, most clear terms, and never make excuses. Own not only your own mistakes, but the mistakes of others when theirs resulted from yours. Maintain in all ways possible the appearance and station of a Knight. As you wish to live, you must live. You must comport yourself in the present as the person you wish to become in the next moment, hour, day, and year. Do not try to live this way, actually do so. Know that you, and those who serve in fealty to you, are a reflection upon your fellow Knights, and keep their honor safe with your own.
Epilogue: Do not restrict your exploration of these Knightly Virtues to a small world, or exempt some portion of your life. Do not display them only to those who you think deserve them from you. Instead, seek to infuse every aspect of your life, and all of your interactions, with these qualities. Remember that your expression of the Knightly Virtues is most powerful when it is easier to do something else, something lesser, and that living these Virtues creates a Knightly legacy. Should you succeed, in even a small measure, you will be remembered well for your quality, and indeed be worthy of the rank and station of a Knight. Let your renown and word-fame become your Knightly reputation on the lips of those who have met you, as well as those who never will.
I find these a much more expansive set of Virtues and they do a good job of defining the roles it can play within each virtue, but it is an almost impossible code. I have found it very hard to live up to, maybe I just don't have what it takes to be a "Knight" or maybe that's the point, the code is an ideal virtue one to strive for but never reach for once we do what else is there?
We hold truth, faithfulness, generosity and loyalty to be modern ideals, But they are rarely upheld and often scorned as a weakness or old fashioned. But to be knighty I believe you must follow the Code and stick to it even when the night is at its darkest.
Be Knightley in word and deed, Even if no-one else recognises you, Know that the code will help you make more moral/rational/"right" decisions and that in itself is worthwhile.
Sunday, 10 May 2015
The rose before the thorn.
Fealty is an interesting thing, it means more than just duty or service. Fealty can use a useful tool for sorting out conflicting opinions, Allowing you to focus on who/what's important.
But! Must be used with caution and in moderation too much focus on one thing can lead you too miss important event around you, this was a hard lesson for me to learn.
My fealty is simple
Anyone in immediate Need/Distress
My Lady
My Knights Lady (or whom he/she favors)
The Crown
My Knight
My Kingdom's representatives
The Baron/ Baroness
My Local group
The peers
The general populace
Myself
Basically, it operates as a list of whome I can serve at any given time and allows me to choose where my service lies, its valuable and dangerous too much of anything is a bad thing, this includes service. If I followed this list religiously I would still be unarmed and unarmoured.
In Medieval times, an Armsman/Squire/Knight would be provided for by his/her liege so fealty was far more involved and demanding. A Bound knight/ squire/ armsman would live his life for the service of his/her liege. We can apply some aspects of this to SCA culture but must take into account the mundane world needs also.
Sadly or Fortunately, fully Period is almost impossible when it comes to fealty, the SCA is a game we play. I try to do the best possible to recreate medieval culture but unless I win lotto and can Hire an entire medieval towns work of labour and craftsmen, full immersion is not possible.
Just try day by day.
But! Must be used with caution and in moderation too much focus on one thing can lead you too miss important event around you, this was a hard lesson for me to learn.
My fealty is simple
Anyone in immediate Need/Distress
My Lady
My Knights Lady (or whom he/she favors)
The Crown
My Knight
My Kingdom's representatives
The Baron/ Baroness
My Local group
The peers
The general populace
Myself
Basically, it operates as a list of whome I can serve at any given time and allows me to choose where my service lies, its valuable and dangerous too much of anything is a bad thing, this includes service. If I followed this list religiously I would still be unarmed and unarmoured.
In Medieval times, an Armsman/Squire/Knight would be provided for by his/her liege so fealty was far more involved and demanding. A Bound knight/ squire/ armsman would live his life for the service of his/her liege. We can apply some aspects of this to SCA culture but must take into account the mundane world needs also.
Sadly or Fortunately, fully Period is almost impossible when it comes to fealty, the SCA is a game we play. I try to do the best possible to recreate medieval culture but unless I win lotto and can Hire an entire medieval towns work of labour and craftsmen, full immersion is not possible.
Just try day by day.
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