Written by: Meisterin Sarah von Feuerbach

Consulted and Sponsored by:  

Sir Bartholomew Hightower, Her Excellency Bethany of Windermere, Hachmood Karl Braden von Sobernheim, Farwnes Bronwyn Morgan, Mistress Casamira Jawjalny, Her Excellency Esther bat Baruch, Magistra Fiametta da Trastevere, Her Grace Kortland Stirling Mayfair, Meistra Magdalena Lucia Ramberti, Laurel Maysun al-Isfahaniyya, His Grace Morgan d’Antioche, Didaskalos Praxilla Taurina

Disclaimer:  

This document was collaborated on and sponsored by a small number of Artemisian Laurels.  It cannot and does not speak for the entire Artemisian Order of the Laurel.  Caution must always be taken to avoid speaking for an entire group of people and much more care must be taken when discussing Peerage Orders.  This document cannot and should not be interpreted as one set list of standards shared between all members of the Artemisian Order of the Laurel.  

This is an unofficial document which is in no way meant to be affiliated with the overall Artemisian Order of the Laurel. 

INTRODUCTION

The ultimate goal of this document is to provide transparency, clarity, and guidance regarding admittance to and the roles and expectations for the members of the Order of the Laurel in the Kingdom of Artemisia.  Please keep in mind that all members of the Order of the Laurel have their own thoughts and opinions and, as such, this guide is written with the intention of omitting individual and personal biases. 

The Order of the Laurel across the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) is the designated leadership for the Arts and Sciences community.  The Laurels are the stewards of the arts and sciences in the Society; it is our job to help encourage and facilitate the arts in any way we can.  This is achieved through teaching classes or one-on-one tutelage; encouraging the formation of guilds; judging or running Arts and Sciences competitions; attending displays, providing feedback and encouragement; and being examples of noble virtue, behavior, and decorum.

The SCA is a 501c3 non-profit organization that benefits from being tax exempt as an historical education society.  Without the educational status of our group, it would literally cease to exist as currently structured.  This means that the members of Order of the Laurel are the protectors of this status by being the recognized catalysts for the historical educational aspects of our group. Members of this order have proven that they can be trusted with the guardianship of this crucial aspect of the Society.

As an order that revolves around artistic prowess and historical research in the Society, oftentimes the Order of the Laurel is interpreted as subjective and indefinable.  Art in itself is extremely subjective and it is difficult to define what exactly is deemed as Laurel-worthy artistic prowess.  Once again, it is extremely important to note that all members of this Order possess their own opinions on how things should be managed, candidates, and any other matter that pertains to the Order.

It is our hope that this document can shed light on what exactly it is that the Order of the Laurel in Artemisia does and what we may look for in potential candidates.  Remember that part of the journey towards Peerage is taking it upon yourself to find out what your personal milestones should be and what it means to be a Peer.

  

ACHIEVING THE ACCOLADE

The Order of the Laurel does NOT have a definitive “checklist” for admittance apart from what is outlined in the Governing Documents of the Society (these are addressed later on).  It is important to understand that admittance is not a “reward”, but rather an offer for a sometimes difficult job.  Again, this cannot be stressed enough, this Order is subjective and limited to the perceptions and opinions of The Crown and its members.  The Order itself does not bestow Peerages, it can only advise the Crown of its (oftentimes conflicting) recommendations.  Below is a generalized list of qualities that are often discussed or looked for in a potential member:

• Artistic prowess
  • Is the artisan making art that is visually, audibly, or otherwise pleasing, serviceable, has the correct cultural and historical aesthetic, and/or succeeds in fulfilling its intended purpose?
  • Does the artisan have a body of work that demonstrates a long-term pattern of artistic talent and skill?
• Research skills and documentation
  • Is the artisan adept at proving that their piece or research is historically accurate and falls within SCA parameters for pre-17th century culture?
  • Is the artisan proving themself to be a subject matter expert?
  • Is the artisan demonstrating that they have read and correctly interpreted primary, secondary, or tertiary sources by creating or replicating something from it?
  • Is the artisan adept at recognizing a good source from a poor one?
  • Has the artisan looked outside of the SCA for sources?
• Teaching
  • Are they teaching classes?  
  • Are they striving to share correct knowledge with as many people as they can reach?
• Leadership
  • Are they a driving force for the arts?
  • Are they encouraging and inspiring others to follow an artistic path?
  • Are they serving in other regards such as event coordination, running activities, or holding officer positions?
  • Are they seen as a community builder?  Do they celebrate the successes of other artisans?
• Renown
  • Are they known as an artist not only in their local group but also in the Kingdom, and other communities of the Society?
  • Are they known for being exceptional in an artistic pursuit?
  • Have they made themself known to the members of the Order in their Kingdom?
    • Have they discussed their path or art with Laurels?  
    • Have they worked with other artists, especially Laurels, to advance their art, taking constructive criticism where appropriate?
  • Are they seen participating in various activities?
• Peer-like Qualities and Virtues
  • Are they demonstrating noble virtues in an above and beyond manner as befitting a high profile role in the Society?
  • Have they gained the respect of other members in their Kingdom as well as outside of it  for their forthright and noble behavior?
  • Do they get along with others?
  • Are they perceived as genuinely chivalrous?
• Other
  • Do they understand how the SCA functions?
  • Are they seasoned enough in the SCA to understand  the workings of the Society and are willing to participate within the already established framework?
  • Do they exhibit an understanding of Kingdom and Society Law and seek to follow it?
    • Have they read our Governing Documents?

This list by no means is objective with boxes to “check off”-  It is merely a representation of many of the characteristics looked for in an artisan.  Many of these listed prerequisites are subject to the interpretation of individual Laurels and how they view the artisan.  It is the responsibility of the artisan to demonstrate these qualities to the members of the Order and to The Crown.

THE ORDER OF THE LAUREL PER THE GOVERNING DOCUMENTS OF THE SOCIETY

*Copied directly with minor adjustments for context

General Requirements for a Patent of Arms 

Candidates for any order conferring a Patent of Arms must meet the following minimum criteria. Additional requirements may be set by law and custom of the kingdoms as deemed appropriate and necessary by the Crown. 

a. They shall have been obedient to the governing documents of the Society and the laws of the kingdom. 

b. They shall have consistently shown respect for the Crown of the kingdom. 

c. They shall have set an example of courteous and noble behavior suitable to a peer of the realm. 

d. They shall have demonstrated support for the aims and ideals of the Society by being as authentic in dress, equipment and behavior as is within their power. 

e. They shall have shared their knowledge and skills with others. 

f.  They shall have practiced hospitality according to their means and as appropriate to the circumstances. 

g. They shall have made every effort to learn and practice those skills desirable at and worthy of a civilized court. To this end they should have some knowledge of a wide range of period forms, including but not limited to literature, dancing, music, heraldry, and chess, and they should have some familiarity with combat as practiced in the Society. 

h. They should participate in Society recreations of several aspects of the culture of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. 

The Order of the Laurel: 

(i) Members of the Order of the Laurel may choose to swear fealty, but are not required to do so. 

The candidate must have attained the standard of excellence in skill and/or knowledge equal to that of his or her prospective peers in some area of the Arts or Sciences. The candidate must have applied this skill and/or knowledge for the instruction of members and service to the kingdom to an extent above and beyond that is normally expected of members of the Society. 

(ii) The duties of the members of the order are as follows: 

(a) To set an example of courtesy and chivalrous conduct. 

(b) To respect the Crown of the kingdom; to support and uphold the laws of the kingdom and Corpora. 

(c) If in fealty, to support and uphold the Crown of his or her kingdom. 

(d) To enrich the kingdom by sharing his or her knowledge and skills. 

(e) To advise the Crown on the advancement of candidates for the Laurel. 

EXPECTATIONS FOR LAURELS

• Follow the general prescriptions of Corpora as outlined above
• Support and participate in the sponsored activities of the Order of the Laurel in Artemisia as they are able
• Actively encourage other artisans within their means and abilities.
• To attend circles of the Order as they are able
• To continue to create, learn, teach, and research to set an example for the current standards of the Order.
• Maintain the confidentiality of circles
• Comport themself in a manner befitting a high ranking member of the Society

PEER-LIKE QUALITIES AND VIRTUES

Peer-like Qualities, or “PLQs”, are the qualities and virtues that define a good Peer.  They are the characteristics that each Peerage Circle will discuss and expect out of a prospective member.  Everyone will have their own list and definitions for these concepts, so it is advisable to have discussions about virtues and what they mean to you.  There is nothing wrong with creating your own list of the qualities you find to be most important in a Peer and we encourage you to do so!  Below is a list of the generally agreed upon qualities that are looked for with (very) basic definitions for each:

• Prowess
  • How skilled the artisan is at their art.  Are they considered a master at it?
  • How skilled they are at research.
  • How skilled they are at conveying their knowledge and ability.
• Franchise
  • There are many definitions for franchise as it pertains to Peerage.  Below is a list of the most common explanations for it:
    • Possession of a “noble bearing”
    • Willingness to use their clout for the good of others
    • What their “brand” is, or in other words, what they are known for
    • Being magnanimous in their mannerisms
• Courtesy
  • How kind, polite, and considerate they are to others regardless of rank or other accolades.
• Honesty 
  • Integrity and sense of fairness
  • To be a trustworthy and reliable person
  • To speak truth
  • To be bound to their word
  • To refrain from gossip and spreading lies
  • To put the rule of law ahead of popular opinion
• Faith
  • Not to be confused with religious faith, this rather refers to having confidence and trust in others.
  • Over time, the goodness that is prevalent in the Society will win out and the benefit of the doubt is given to all.
• Loyalty
  • Obedience to the laws of the Society and your Kingdom
  • Displaying respect for the Crown and traditions of the Society and Kingdom
  • Displaying support for the populace and friends.
• Largesse
  • The purposeful giving of physical gifts, time, and/or resources with the overall goal of building up people and institutions within the Society. 
• Courage
  • The ability to say or do what is right even in the face of opposition
  • The willingness to try things that may be frightening or out of their comfort zone
• Restraint
  • Displaying self control

Once again, it is highly encouraged to discuss, share, and elaborate on your list of and definitions for the Peer Like Qualities.  You may put more emphasis on or weight into certain characteristics than someone else and that’s ok!  What’s most important is that we all strive to better ourselves as people.

OATHS

Vigilants of the Order of the Laurel are not required to swear fealty to The Crown like the Knights of the Order of the Chivalry do.  Upon elevation, however, Laurels in Artemisia generally will swear an oath to The Society or Kingdom that they will uphold traditions and laws, represent the Society as a Peer to the best of their ability, and oftentimes will include other promises.  Think of it like a wedding vow- many choose to use the traditional vow, but many compose their own unique ones.  No matter what oath you choose to swear, you will be held to it.

An example of a common oath many use:

Here do I swear by mouth and hand [fealty and] service to the Crown and Kingdom of [Artemisia]: to speak and to be silent; to do and to let be; to come and to go; to serve and to teach, in such matters as concern this Realm; in need or in plenty, in peace or in war, in living or in dying, until the Crown depart their throne, or death take me, or the world end. So say I, [state your name]. 

TITLES

Officially, the default title for members of the Order of the Laurel is “Master” or “Mistress”.  Generally, these titles are meant to convey that we are “master” craftsmen/women.

In recent years there have been discussions regarding the use of “Master” or “Mistress” and how it may be interpreted negatively in our modern times.  Members of this order are not blind to the impactful effects these titles have on many of our BIPOC members and may adopt an “alternative” title.  Usually the alternative title will be persona specific, or they may have a different accolade’s title they prefer.  Please do not feel uncomfortable asking a Laurel if they have a preferred title they go by, although most will simply state that they only use their title for formal occasions!

If the title “Master” or “Mistress” is uncomfortable for you to use, please feel free to research what title your persona would potentially call someone of this station.  There is nothing wrong with a little persona play and a catch-all title is a great way to implement it!  In addition, if you do not feel comfortable in addressing a member of the Order with a gender specific title, then “Laurel [Name]” is perfectly acceptable.

APPRENTICESHIP

Many Laurels take on students and apprentices, but it is not a requirement for them to do so.  Every Laurel/Apprentice relationship is unique in that both parties decide that it is a mutually beneficial enterprise.

Before entering into a Laurel/Apprentice relationship, you should consider whether the relationship is the right fit for you.  There are many factors that could determine whether an apprenticeship is the best step for you to take on your path to Peerage.  Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to help guide this decision: 

Apprentices:

• What are my overall SCA goals?
• Am I looking for someone to directly teach me my art or help hone my skills?  Do they need to practice the same art as me?
• Am I looking for someone who will teach me to be a more rounded SCAdian, teaching me how to better interact in the Society, or would I rather the relationship focus more on my art?
• Am I looking for someone to be an advocate for me in circle, clearly stating my intent and desire to become a Laurel, and bringing me advice from the Order as needed?
• Am I looking for someone who will be direct and honest with me regarding my failures?  How tough do I want them to be on me?
• Is it important to me that a potential Laurel is extremely active in the SCA?  Do they attend many events?  Do they travel to events?
• Must they live in my local area?  
• Am I looking for a close personal friendship or already have one with this person?  Is this someone I would be able to join on long roadtrips?
• Is it important to me that my Laurel has no other or very few Apprentices?  Or do I want to be part of a group of Apprentices?
• Do we share the same SCA philosophies?  Is this something that is important to me?

Laurels:

• Am I capable of helping and guiding this person to their goals?
• Must my student practice the same art as me?
• What knowledge or skills do I feel are best served to pass on?
• How tough am I capable of being?  Would I be able to be direct and honest with an Apprentice who may slip up?
• How active do I expect my Apprentice(s) to be?
• How many Apprentices and other students am I willing to take on at one time?
• Must they live in my local area?
• Am I looking for a close personal friendship or already have one with this person?  Is this someone I would like to go on long roadtrips with?
• How dedicated must they be to this path?  
• Do we share the same SCA philosophies?  Is this important to me?

CIRCLES

Peerage circles are not a big secret meeting with special connotations.  In most cases, they are held in confidence between the Crown and the Order because there may be ideas forming that need feedback first from a small group, which is less chaotic than a general call for opinion.  It may be gathering information to form an opinion about a developing situation or it may also include a fragment of a larger discussion about an individual’s qualities in artistic, martial, or service endeavors.  Frequently, discussions from Circle are not kept confidential and are readily disclosed by participants in order to garner feedback to the Crown or other positions seeking information (such as a Kingdom Officer).  Many items, however, are kept in confidence so as to not give false impressions or simply because they may directly affect an individual.

The Crown may call a Circle any time at their convenience, although The Order may also meet without Their presence (although they should be invited to attend).  When there are items up for a call for opinion, the Crown, Heirs, or meeting secretary may call for a polling from the members of the Order present.  The results of this are not binding for anyone to act upon, it is merely a poll of opinion.

Subject matter that may be discussed during a Peerage Circles include: business pertinent to the Order in a Kingdom or Society wide scope (e.g., new titles for use); candidates for all levels of recognition from AoA to Patent of Arms; upcoming events of interest such as a Collegium, War, or other event; a call for assistance or support of an effort on a Kingdom or Society level.

CONCLUSION

It needs to be restated that there is absolutely no checklist to gain admittance into the Order of the Laurel, but there are many essential steps you can take to move in that direction.  First and foremost, be introspective and determine if you believe you are putting your best foot forward.  Asking for advice and having earnest discussions about your path can be remarkably helpful in learning to move closer towards your goals.  The SCA is a group project with a community of people who are willing to help you become your best self and a great artisan (if you let them).  

 
Your journey is your own and the other artisans around you should not be viewed as obstacles, but rather, as helping hands.  Candidates are never measured against each other in a competitive format.  Instead, their personal qualities are individually measured against the level of expectation for being a Peer of the Realm and as an artist.  The Order is ultimately subject to the differing opinions of its members and The Crown, so establishing yourself as an invaluable leader and builder of the arts community as a whole is crucial to your own success.

The arts are very subjective and this document cannot speak to every individual Laurel’s specific opinions, so remember these are not rules but rather guidelines.  It is our hope that this guide helps illuminate your path and helps you navigate some of the more common obstacles of an artisan’s journey towards Peerage.  As with any hero’s journey, there will be unique successes and tribulations, and it is in the mastery of them that sprouts a successful Laurel.