Guidelines for Consideration

Greetings Atlantian Rapier fighters…

For sometime now, people have been asking for some indicator of what is required to advance in the Academie d’Espee to Free Scholar, and also what is looked for in a potential candidate for White Scarf. After much discussion, the White Scarves have decided to present to you the general guidelines found below. Note that we did NOT seek to create a list of endeavours to be treated as a “checklist”. It was unanimously decided that it is counterproductive to create such a list. What we did use/alter were the Corpora guidelines for Peers of the SCA. We felt that they were comprehensive in their coverage and well written. You’ll note that the below list of guidelines is a list of duties a Provost/FS should fullfill.

When these guidelines are used to evaluate the possibility of asking a person to be a Free Scholar, the evaluation will be skewed to reflect that. The only difference from a Provost is the level of skill of the peer group and the degree of effort expected in showing skill, courtesy, teaching and honor.

Remember that Provosts are made solely at the discretion of TRM Atlantia. While the Crowns do solicit the opinions of the current members of the Order, like all other Atlantian Orders of Merit, it is TRM that make the final decision.

Also recall that Free scholars are made solely at the discretion of 3 agreeing Provosts. Again, while they do solicit the opinions of the other Provosts, Free Scholars and even non-Academie members, it is that triad that makes the final decision.

We hope that these guidelines are satisfactory. We realize that not everyone will be satisfied by what they’ll find below, but it’s what we deemed best. Any comments can be made to your local White Scarf, or Giacomo Vincente (FS Headmaster), or myself which I will pass onto the rest of the Provosts. Please don’t ask us to make a checklist, cause it WON’T happen ;-P.

I hope this finds you well,

In service,

Gunther van Drakenburg

Speaking for the WS of Atlantia

Criteria for consideration as a member of the Order of the White Scarf

They must be considered the equal of their prospective peers in the basic weapons of rapier combat.
They shall have been obedient to the governing documents of the Society and the laws of the Kingdom of Atlantia.
They shall have consistently shown respect for the Crown of Atlanta.
They shall have set an example of courteous and noble behavior.
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.
They shall have shared their knowledge and skills with others.
They shall have practiced hospitality according to their means and as appropriate to the circumstances.
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.
They should participate in Society recreations of several aspects of the culture of the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

The Duties of Provosts

To set an example of courtesy and chivalrous conduct on and off the field of honor.
To respect the Crown of Atlantia, to support and uphold the laws of the Kingdom of Atlantia and Corpora.
To enrich the Kingdom by sharing his or her knowledge and skills.
To support and uphold the Crown of Atlantia.
To enhance the renown and defend the honor of the Provost’s Lady or Lord.
To advise the Crown on the advancement of candidates for Provost.