[MR] Peerage?

[RIKKER]

     I have been a member for over 15 years.  When I first heard about the SCA  back in 1975 I read and talked to people who were there at the first Crown tourney.  I believe I remember the invitation was for ALL forms of sword combat and that ALL forms fought each other.  Rapier against heavy epee against rapier,  heavy against foil.  No serious injuries happened.  I may be wrong but I believe I remember hearing that the first King in the society won with a Light blade against heavy opponents.  Where there not Knights in late period when "every one" carried "Light blades"?  Italy had been carrying light blades for at least 150 yrs. by the end of "Our Period".  What is the problem of declaring a Gentle that spends just as much time learning, practicing and working themselves through the greater number of ranks to become a DON / DONNA and as proficient in their style as a KNIGHT heavy fighter is in theirs?  To me the distinction does not
 make sense.  It's the same as a costuming Laurel saying to a Laurel in jewelry "your not worthy because you don't sew."  The distinction seems ludicrous.  A person that has attained the highest levels in Martial skills should be recognized as such no mater which style of fighting that might be.  I was told by I believe Duke Brian Tarragon that the original specifications for a Knight were to be proficient in ALL forms of SCA combat and courtly graces.  Not just heavy fighting.  But beings there has been a separation in styles, one should not be favored above the other.  Award them both the same.  Both take approximately 5 years of hard practice and study to become proficient.   I believe that much effort and commitment should be recognized.

When all is said and done,the less said and the more done the better! 
 
                                       Rikker
per pale counter ermine and ermine a Lion sejant efronte bearing a sheath of arrows a bag of coin a chief Or with three thistles proper.