I'm so confused...

[thanate]

Question for the SCA-types (Jillian and I were wondering this, after the spate of awards at 12th night)...

We know there are some SCA awards you get to find out about ahead of time (free scholar, where it's announced ahead of time so that part of the ceremony is fighting people... but apparently not provost, as there was one made w/o warning at 12th night, a non-fighting event?... and at least the latest knight-to-be gets a month of warning-- is that normal?) But the impression we have is that for the most part one doesn't find out ahead of time, particularly for high level stuff (Aedan's pelican comes to mind.) Why is this? And how is it determined what things you know in advance and what ones you don't?

Comments

[ccunning.livejournal.com]

You are correct that FS's usually know ahead of time, as they are normally asked if they wish to join the Free Scholars. Then the prize is planned by the sponsors and the other Free Scholars. In this case someone wanted to keep a secrect and have the prize that day. It was a definite change from the norm.

White Scarves are usually not told though. After they raised, or informed of the Crowns intention to raise them to the Order of the WS, a prize is usually planned, or if it is a fighting event they sometimes arrange for the prize to be played that day. Once again, someone wanted it to be a complete surprise and have the prize that day.

Big problem wih having the prize that day is that the person may not have their fencing equipment, or worse, the event may not be set for fighting, in which case there is a GREAT deal of scrambling and improvising.

--CC

[belfebe.livejournal.com]

Also, the notification for FS depends on the Provosts, as the FS is not a Kingdom Level Award, but a (very prestigious) rank within the Academie d'Espee (the guild, not the Kingdom Level Award named Academie d'Espee--Order of the White Scarf). It is not awarded in Court by the Crowns, since it is not for them to award, but it is done through the prize-playing and awarded by the FS sponsors, who are three Provosts.

Provost is a rank within the Guild too, while White Scarf is the Award, and given by the Crowns, after polling the Order. The thing is that most WS are members of the Academie (the Guild) and therefore are Provosts as well. I know, however, at least one WS who is not, and does not call himself a Provost. Confusing? A little, but it is not that hard once you get the idea ;-)

In regards to awards, it is an Atlantian tradition that it must be a surprise. That's why people are not told when they are getting one, such as the White Scarf or even the Sea Dragon.

Up until recently, Peerages were also a surprise. But since a Peerage involves a lot more preparation than any other award (what with the vigils, the food, the music, you name it), these days Writs are being given in many cases. A Writ is a notification that you will be elevated to the Order of [insert peerage here] at a later date. This ensures that everyone has a chance to prepare and for people who are from out of town to come and attend the ceremony as well.

I hope this helps clarify things.

[thanate.livejournal.com]

I was aware of the screwy academy/kingdom award thing with the scarves, but hadn't realized that was part of the distinction on presentation.

So basically you're just saying that it is that way because someone a long time ago said so, and any exceptions just are exceptions, although there's some trend towards letting people plan not to be doing something vital the day they get put on vigil, or other sensible things like that?

[belfebe.livejournal.com]

Pretty much. This has been the object of lots of discussion back and forth. It is a matter of tradition and custom. Just enough to confuse everyone ;-)

[greta-k.livejournal.com]

For many of the non-Peerage awards, the recipients are not told ahead of time. For the non-Royal Peerages (Knight, Pelican and Laurel), there has been a tread lately in the Kingdom to offer a Writ, so that the recipient can plan ahead. Some people do not want a Writ (I believe that was the case for Aedan). However, it is unusual for the recipient of a second Peerage, such as Master Roland (he has a Pelican), to recieve a Writ.

By the way - many other Kingdoms only do Writs.