Miscellaneous > The Sallyport
SCA?
Eva de Carduus Weald:
Fair enough I guess. I suppose there is no perfect group, and if I want one that works in a way I think sensible I will have to create it myself but ultimately I do love the SCA, even if at times it makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. I love fighting, I love combat in general, I love the concepts of knighthood both martial and otherwise. But fighting isn't everything, in fact it is really quite a narrow thing overall and there is so very much more that could be celebrated to the same extent and I can't find a single group that does. *shrugs* no big deal really just meandering thoughts.
Sir William:
I think that as long as you're enjoying it, does it truly matter? Being crowned by might of arms or popularity contest- which would be more fair?
Eva de Carduus Weald:
I suppose it doesn't matter really. More the rose colored glasses shattering a bit. As for fair, I don't think any system is fair for everyone, but rather you have a very small subset of people to choose from. To be honest the job sounds exhausting, but I guess I like to champion those who might want the job but under the current rule set can't even have a shot either by choice or circumstance. Not saying I have a perfect answer, just trying to give food for thought.
Sir James A:
--- Quote from: Eva de Carduus Weald on 2014-08-19, 15:48:47 ---Being able to kick the butt of everyone else with a stick is not a solid basis for the head of government.
--- End quote ---
And strange women lyin' in ponds distributin' swords is no basis for a system of government, either.
--- Quote from: Thorsteinn on 2014-08-19, 21:01:22 ---Name me another contest that is fair.
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Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony!
--- Quote from: Thorsteinn on 2014-08-19, 21:01:22 ---That shows the person is willing to sacrifice time, money, and body to prove they are worthy. That shows they are willing and able to defend the Kingdom or Principality if need be. Who is willing to prove, not just boast, that they are good, and one that has no judges and no politics in the achieving of the Crown (or at least aught not to).
--- End quote ---
False. It shows that one person is able to beat another in combat on any given day. Some people can put 10x the level of effort of their opponent and still lose, due to conditioning, natural talent, unequal gear, or any other list of variables. The level of sacrifice of money, body and time is a poor measure of suitability, in my opinion.
--- Quote from: Thorsteinn on 2014-08-19, 22:36:40 ---one of the Rulers duties is to take the field with their army. Would you have the Army of Ansteorra led by a weakling or coward?
--- End quote ---
A good singles fighter does not make a good war leader, and fixation upon their own combat situation, to me, weakens their ability to focus on leading an actual group or army. Personally, I don't want someone on the front lines. I want someone on top of the hill, with an overview of the combat, able to see the entire situation, who can relay orders accordingly. It makes sense being a ruler's duty, as the consensus for choosing a king and queen probably came primarily from a group of fighters, not event organizers or administrative-type people (I'm guessing).
Me? I'll take a weak and cowardly strategic genius capable of leading an army to victory, over somebody who is better at hitting somebody else with a stick before they get hit themselves. ;)
--- Quote from: Ian on 2014-08-20, 17:07:57 ---I think what's going on here is that you guys are looking at this issue from wildly different perspectives. A king and queen in the SCA aren't really analogous in responsibility to a real king or queen in a real monarchy.
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Yep, this is the biggest point to make. It's odd, but you have to completely disregard history when discussing some things in the SCA, or it won't make any sense.
--- Quote from: Ian on 2014-08-20, 17:07:57 ---The titles within the SCA are confusing for someone used to the terms as they are used in the real world. A duke in real life is subordinate to a king. In the SCA a duke is just the title used to denote a person who has been king more than once.
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I had no idea about that, but well, perfect example of my statement above.
--- Quote from: Sir William on 2014-08-20, 20:11:59 ---I think that as long as you're enjoying it, does it truly matter?
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This is precisely why I've done armored combat (WMA/HEMA) for 3 years now, have possibly 1 or 2 wins in the course of those 3 years, and still love everything about it. It's not about a W or L for me, it's about having fun doing it... with a side of entertaining and educating folks too. :)
Eva de Carduus Weald:
Sir James, thank you. This is a fantastic post! I also agree with every point you made. Honestly I am loving the SCA as a whole I don't want anyone to think I am dissing it, but I think the way that a couple of portions of it are set up could be done better.
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