[MR] A Small Request for Prospective Crowns

[Elaine Koogler]

My Lords and Ladies,
The recent (at Coronation) elevation of Mistress Elspet Byndelaise to 
the Order of the Laurel has occasioned a fair amount of commentary, 
mostly within the Order of the Laurel.  I think, however, that this is 
an issue that others should participate in, particularly those 
contemplating fighting in Crown Tourneys.

The current practice is that usually the members of the Order, and 
particularly the mentor of the prospective peer is notified in advance, 
to a greater or lesser extent.  In this case mentioned above, no one in 
the Order, save the mentor, was notified by the Crowns, as I understand 
it, less than a week in advance..  Usually the reason given for not 
letting friends and family know in advance is the concern that the 
surprise will be ruined. While I can understand this concern, I believe 
it is outweighed by the need to make sure that the day is memorable for 
the candidate.

The candidate is not made aware of their impending elevation until they 
are put on vigil in a morning Court.  The person has really no time to 
prepare, participate in the planning of their vigil and ceremony, and/or 
to make sure that friends and family can be present.  This is often a 
major consideration because family may be not part of the SCA...or may 
be from another Kingdom, and would need to make a special effort to be 
present.  The candidate has no chance to make sure they are properly 
prepared, mentally and spiritually.

What I propose is that we consider notifying the candidate by Writ, 
sometime before they are to be elevated,  of their impending elevation. 
This is done in a number of other Kingdoms, and has been done in 
Atlantia on occasion. Then, vigils could be done in one of a couple of 
ways...either have a "mini-vigil" at every event the candidate attends, 
or have the vigil on the day of elevation (preferred).  This gives the 
candidate time to get used to the idea of being elevated (and prevents 
problems in the occasional situation where the individual does not like 
surprises!).  It allows them to have a say in how their ceremony is to 
be organized and who will participate.  It allows the scribes time to 
get the scroll completed.  The candidate has time to prepare a Master 
work for display during their vigil (if a Laurel), not to mention having 
appropriate garb to wear for the ceremony.  It allows those close to the 
candidate to prepare gifts for the candidate...and for those either not 
in the SCA or who live in distant places (a real concern for folks in 
Atlantia, given the transient nature of our populace!) a chance to 
arrange to be there.  It also eliminates the problem of a secret being 
leaked and found out ahead of time by the candidate!

It is my hope that Crown aspirants will consider this as a reasonable 
and meaningful way to elevate gentles into the Peerage Orders.  Of 
course, each Crown is free to do this as they see fit.  However, if this 
were to become the customary way of doing things, then more would feel 
comfortable doing this in this fashion.

I remain, in Service to Atlantia,

Minowara Kiritsubo no Ason, OL, OP
  Draic Derg Herald

-- 
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, it's at the end of your arm. 
As you get older, remember you have another hand: the first is to help 
yourself, the second is to help others 

                        -- Audrey Hepburn