[MR] How to Make a Peer?

[ldmolly at md.metrocast.net]

Unto M’Lord Dughall-Eoghann (and to others gathered at the Tavern),  

Forgive my delay in sending my reply to your question. I was enjoying hearing what others have thought on this matter, and was concerned that my own thoughts would not add much value to the discussion. However, I am sending them to the Tavern and hope they add richness to what others have already offered.  

As folks have mentioned, _recognizing_ a Peer is the (relatively) easy part. Their Majesties ask for opinions and recommendations from the members of the specific Peerage orders within Atlantia, and then decide to offer a Peerage to the individual (or not, as their Majesties see fit). The planning for the candidate's elevation takes place before/during/after this offer, but I believe the process is typically the same for each candidate. 

Now, in your message you asked about _making_ a Peer, which is a much longer process, grin. When my Apprentice and I discussed this issue (“What makes a Peer?”), I struggled with how to answer her. The governing documents of the SCA give us some guidelines: 
-          They must follow the rules of the SCA and their Kingdom, show respect for the Crown, set an example of courteous behavior. 
-          They must be as authentic in dress/equipment as they can afford, share their skills/knowledge with others and offer hospitality within their means. 
-          They must learn and practice skills worthy of a civilized court: music, dancing, chess, heraldry and combat. 

Beyond all this, a Peerage is a job description, not just an award. Anyone should feel safe asking a Peer for advice about a new art project, a new volunteer task or a new combat technique, and expect an answer that is courteous, fair and knowledgeable. And the Peer should be able to provide that answer even if they are having a bad day, hungry/sleepy/thirsty or on their way to the bathroom. (Seriously, I cannot tell you how many people stop you on the way to the potty!!) Most Peers manage this balancing act admirably, but we’re all human. 

For those who struggle with courtesy, I will simply say that no one will want to learn from you if you are a jerk, and _I_ would not want to count a jerk among my peers (or Peers). No one wants to see a Pelican in tears while running an event, or a Knight losing it in the middle of battle. (As for the Laurels- I left them out as we’re all awesome! Just kidding.) 

I have always thought that an ideal Peer could be dropped _anywhere_ and better the SCA group around them. (Or create a group if one did not exist). Ideally (in my opinion), a Peer should inspire. I often found attributes from the people around me that inspired me, and tried to emulate those traits to improve the Society around me. Not all of my inspirations had been recognized as Peers, but they all possessed _something_ that made me catch my breath and say “I wanna be like THAT when I grow up!” It’s impossible to define, but like so many great things (love, beauty, inspiration), you know it when you see it.   

Sorry this message is so long, but you did not ask a simple question. I felt it deserved as full an answer as my (limited) experience could provide.  

Molly
(Mary Isabel of Heatherstone, OL) 
Barony of Dun Carraig  


On Fri 03/16/12 3:22 PM , Douglas Grant epiphianos at yahoo.com sent:
Greeting to all!

Syr Richard de Montbrai recently commented on the fact that the recent knightings were not 'spur of the moment' decisions, but were many months in the planning.  I must admit to an embarrassing lack of knowledge about the process in making a Knight, Laurel or Pelican - other than, 'Long, Involved and Complicated...'  Would anyone care to offer a more detailed description of the process?


Dughall-Eoghann LeGrannd