The An Tir
Handbook, 3rd Edition, May XXXIII/1998
Tell Me About...
Being King And Queen
by ban-Iarla Daedin MacAoidh a'Mhonadh, Countess of An Tir
Although I am no authority, I would like to give you my thoughts on
the functions and duties of the Kings and Queens of An Tir. Allow me
to begin by saying that this should not be construed as a complete
list of the things that our Monarchs do or how They do them, but
should serve as an overview. Also, these conditions continue to change
over time as our situation changes. That having been said, allow me
now to continue...
Our Monarchs are chosen in a double-elimination single combat
Tournament held twice yearly in May and September. After the
tournament is held, the victor and his or her consort become the Crown
Prince and Crown Princess until their Coronation. Coronations are held
in July and January, so the victor in May becomes Monarch in July, the
September tournament's victor is crowned in January. The time spent as
Crown Prince and Crown Princess is the 'training period' for the
victor's Reign (although it is considered to be in poor taste for
anyone to assume that they will rule before their Coronation, as a
courtesy to the current Monarchs). Once one steps down as a Monarch,
one is granted entry into the Royal Peerage of An Tir (which is
considered to be like the 'Royal Family').
Functions of Monarchs:
- To preside as the ceremonial centerpiece of An Tir in courts,
state functions and inter-Kingdom functions (actually, at any event
that they attend!).
- To create Peers and recognize those members of Their populace who
They find worthy of meritorious award.
- To create and modify Kingdom Law and Kingdom governance policy.
- To marshal the forces of war in defense of An Tir's borders and to
defend the people of An Tir from harm both external and internal.
- To enhance the atmosphere and pageantry of our recreation of the
medieval period.
- To stand as the voice of the people and to use their council in
the governance of An Tir.
- To appoint Kingdom Officers and ceremonial functionaries (Barons
and Baronesses and Royal Patrons) to aid in the administration of
policy and rulership.
- To create or dissolve branches within An Tir according to Kingdom
and Corporate Law.
- To encourage and support the Arts and Sciences in An Tir.
Duties of Monarchs:
- To attend Their Coronation, the Crown Tourney to choose Their
successors, and Their successor's Coronation.
- To attend events both here and in other lands as the
Representatives of our Land.
- To create, negotiate and execute inter-Kingdom treaties.
- To harken to the council of the populace of An Tir.
- To stand as examples of honor, courtesy, chivalry, and
graciousness.
- To increase the honor and reputation of An Tir and to foster a
higher ideal of behavior and attitude.
- To bind Themselves in oaths of mutual support and allegiance with
those who swear fealty and support to Them and An Tir.
As you know, the fact that we have Kings and Queens sets us apart from
most other groups. It is something unique and special, and is part of
the magic of the S.C.A. But remember that all Monarchs are people just
like you, but with a pretty big job to do--just like officers in the
S.C.A. It is expensive and exhausting to be a Monarch, but it can also
be infinitely rewarding--particularly when recognizing those members
of An Tir's populace who are worthy of award. And it can be very
exciting to stand in the presence of your King or Queen as a member of
the populace of An Tir.
Kingdom of An Tir WWW site
Maintained by the An Tir Webteam
Page created: 21-Oct-1998
Last changed: 26-Mar-1999 13:55:17 PST
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This is the recognized Web Page for the Kingdom of An Tir,
of the Society for Creative
Anachronism, Inc. (SCA). The maintainer of this page is the An Tir Webteam. It is not a
corporate publication of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.
and does not delineate SCA policies. In cases of conflict with printed
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