It is proposed that there exist in the Kingdom of Atenveldt, a Guild of Rapier Fighters devoted to the study of the art of defense with rapier. It shall be known as the Acadèmie & Company of Atenveldt.
Charter of the Guild of Rapier Fighters:
All rapier fighters shall be treated with equal respect, as "Brothers of the Blade", whether they be male or female, carry a white scarf from the Kingdom, a gold, blue-gold, or blue from the Guild, red as a cadet ( a system used in other Kingdoms ), or choose not to be affiliated with any group or school.
Purpose of the Guild:
To study and learn the most noble art of defense with rapier; the forms of civilian combat utilized by the gentility and street fighters of Europe
To teach the Courtly Graces necessary for survival and prosperity in the Society for Creative Anachronism.
The time period covered by the Guild is that of the late 15th to the end of the 16th Centuries.
General Rules of Conduct:
Uphold the honor of the Acadèmie and Company
Use period techniques, weapons, terms and clothing
Share knowledge of the Art with others
Follow Kingdom rules regarding rapier combat
Always leave the field of combat with honor intact
1. The Rapier Guild shall take two forms: The Acadèmie and The Company:
The Acadèmie:
The members of the Acadèmie shall be those individuals aspiring to conduct themselves as ladies and gentlemen of the court. This shall include instruction in the art of defense with rapier, the arts, courtly behavior and the noble pastimes.
The Company:
The members of the company shall be those individuals aspiring to conduct themselves as adventurers normally found outside of courtly circles. They shall receive instruction in gaming sport as well as the courtly graces necessary for continued survival and prosperity in the Society for Creative Anachronism.
The Guild shall have local branches in each Barony of the Kingdom. Members and prospective members of the Guild residing in Shires, Cantons, Colleges, etc., shall be attached to the Guild branch in the nearest Barony.
2. Membership:
All rapier fighters wishing to join the Guild will be given a copy of the charter.
All members of the Guild must sign their Baronial roll stating that they understand the rules and agree to follow them.
There shall be a local charter in each Barony, and a master charter for the kingdom.
Any Defenders of the White Scarf that join the Guild shall have the same voting rights as a gold scarf.
3. Rankings:
The members of the Acadèmie and the Company will wear specific colored scarves upon their left shoulder to indicate their level of expertise in the Guild.
The scarves of the Acadèmie shall bear the insignia of crossed rapiers and a quill pen.
The scarves of the Company shall bear the insignia of crossed rapiers and a buckler.
Prospect:
Any person wishing to become a scholar of defense in either the Acadèmie or Company shall fulfill these requirements: first, it must be known that their temperament is appropriate for rapier combat. Second, they must be able to demonstrate a complete understanding of the basic rules of safety. Third, they shall acquire sufficient equipment to meet the minimal standards of armament. And finally they shall express the desire to consistently practice the Art of Defense
Scholar/Bravado - Blue Scarf:
The Scholar/Bravado is expected to study the Art of Defense. This study shall include the proper execution of parry and thrust, with the use of the off-hand for defense. The scholar must also demonstrate knowledge of period footwork and wards. The scholar is expected to know Kingdom marshallate custom in regards to the acceptance of blows and proper etiquette of the duello. The scholar shall maintain competence in the art of defense with rapier and shall begin a pursuit of "courtly graces" and have begun to acquire period clothing to suit their persona as well as proper armament
Free Scholar/Swordsman - Blue & Gold Scarf:
The Free Scholar/Swordsman is expected to practice the Art of Defense. This shall include the proper execution of draw and tip cuts, the use of the point, and the use of off-hand weapons (defensive and offensive) such as the dagger, buckler, cloak and rapier. The Free Scholar/Swordsman shall assist the local marshals and Gold Scarves in performance of their duties and shall have an honorable reputation in the acceptance of blows. The Free Scholar shall participate in tourneys and train on a regular basis. They shall demonstrate improved competence in the art of defense with rapier and be known to practice the courtly graces/living history arts. They shall also own sufficient period clothing and armament.
Lieutenant/Swashbuckler - Gold Scarf:
This person is expected to excel in the Art of Defense. This shall include advanced proficiency in the use of the five standard weapon combinations (single rapier, rapier & dagger, rapier & buckler, rapier & cloak, case of rapiers) and the knowledge of period terms, techniques and styles. The Lieutenant/Swashbuckler shall participate in marshaling and the running of tourneys and shall assist in teaching the art of defense and assisting in rewarding the lower ranks. They shall also be known by their practice of the courtly graces/living history arts and their clothing and armament shall exemplify period style. They shall also assist others in selecting appropriate gear.
Advancement in Rank:
It is the purpose of both the Acadèmie and Company to Elevate their members in skill and rank. While not all members are expected to aspire to the heavy responsibilities of higher rank, each shall do his or her best to assist any and all fellows in achieving the highest level possible.
This is not a Cadet System. Students owe their allegiance to the Crown and the Art of Defense.
Anyone wishing to enter the Acadèmie / Company shall make their request known to the Guild Gold or White Scarf. It is at this time that the new member of the Guild signs the charter and declares for the Acadèmie or Company.
A person having fulfilled the requirements of a Blue Scarf may be advanced to the rank of Blue & Gold Scarf upon the recommendation of a local Gold or White Scarf and 2/3 approval of the active local Gold, White and Blue & Gold Scarves.
A person having fulfilled the requirements of a Blue & Gold Scarf may be advanced to the rank of Gold Scarf upon the recommendation of a local Gold or White Scarf and 2/3 approval of the active local Gold and White Scarves.
All scarves will be given at court if possible.
Removal of Rank:
While it is the stated purpose of the Guild to raise members in skill and rank, it sometimes becomes necessary to take rank away. When these times occur, it shall be done in this manner:
The Blue Scarf may be taken away by a 2/3 vote of the active local Blue Scarves.
The Blue & Gold Scarf may be taken away by a 2/3 vote of the active local Blue & Gold Scarf.
The Gold Scarf may be taken away be a 2/3 vote of the active Gold and White Scarves of the Kingdom.
In all cases, the fellow Guild members shall be notified as to the cause.
Return of a Removed Scarf:
The student who has had a scarf taken must remedy the problem which resulted in the removal of the scarf. The scarf may be returned by a 2/3 approval of the local membership of that rank. If a Gold Scarf is to be returned, the 2/3 approval must be of the active Gold and White Scarves of the Kingdom,.
4. Meetings:
Guild branch meetings will be held regularly to discuss issues, proposals, and advancements.
The Guild shall choose a President of the Acadèmie / Captain of the Company to preside over the meetings. This shall be a different person each meeting.
The Guild shall have a "Rules Lawyer" to make sure that everyone stays within the charter and customs of the Guild. This shall be the same person for a continuous period until such time that another wishes the responsibility, or the current person wishes to yield the office. The person holding this office can be removed for failure to fulfill the duties of the office.
There shall be an active/inactive list for voting purposes.
This charter was approved by Aaron and Alisandra, King and Queen of
Atenveldt on the last day of Their reign, AS 32.
We the undersigned within the Realm of Atenveldt do give our Oath that we will endeavor to study and learn the gentile art of defense with rapier. We avow that we will defend the Queen and these Sovereign lands and also avow that we will conduct ourselves with honor on and off the field of combat. We give our swords to the Queen and will always raise to the standard whenever we are called upon. We further avow to promote the art of defense with rapier and to share willingly of our time and talents for the benefit of all in the Acadèmie and Company. To this we give our signature...