From: schuldy@math.harvard.edu (Mark Schuldenfrei)
Message-Id: <9401181805.AA12183@math.harvard.edu>
Subject: Re: principality
To: DCROSS@bentley.edu
Date: Tue, 18 Jan 1994 13:05:46 -0500 (EST)
Cc: carolingia@bloom-beacon.mit.edu
In-Reply-To: <01H7TRNZASEQ000QTB@bentley.edu> from "DCROSS@bentley.edu" at Jan 18, 94 12:03:41 pm
Content-Type: text
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I wanted to refute some of Mistress Elayne's points, from another
perspective.

  1.  The kingdom is administratively too big.  We are all volunteers. Some
  of us know what we are getting into when we accept positions at the kingdom
  level, some don't (and therefore do not always do the job they would be
  capable of if the scope were more manageable.)

If the apparatchik of the East is too disorganized, then reorganize the
bureaucracy. An excellent example of how to do this is Meistari Fridrickr
Tomlinsson's reorganization of the Brigantia Heralds office. Recruit and
give authority to regional deputies.

  2.  More people would be able to participate in the ceremonial aspects
  of the SCA (being part of a royal household, or on the thrones).  There
  is always going to be a large number of us unable to participate in that
  aspect of the SCA if we don't win crown.  This would give more people
  a shot at it.

Perhaps true. But a Northern and Central region principality would be so
large that it would not appreciably increase any individual's chances. And
frankly, fighting in Carolingia is so deprecated right now, that I don't see
us having much of a chance anyway. Neither do I see being in a Royal
Household as being all that desireable.  I've helped a few times, and talked
with many members of such, and usually they can't wait until the reign is
over. I shouldn't be putting words in her mouth, but I bet Susan MacGregor
isn't too eager to see Kikuchi on the throne again any time too soon.

This of course, presumes that Carolingia is a member of that Principality.
If we aren't then we get none of those "benefits".

  3.  I see a principality as a route (long or short) toward kingdom.  A
  principality for its own sake I am not crazy about.  This would add an
  unnecessary layer of paperwork to the system.

If we presume that a principality is formed at the highest possible speed,
and goes Kingdom as fast as humanly possible after that, you are talking
about 4 years of principality status at least. Maybe more. One had better
love the solution for its own sake if we are going to have it that long.

And it's hardly a unanimous opinion among supporters of the Principality
that it go Kingdom.  It will take a while to develop a concensus, and that
development will add to the delay.

  4.  Quicker recognition for those who desrve it.  In a large group, it takes
  longer (often too long) for an individual to be recognized by the crown.  A
  principality can award AoA's and principality orders.  (I'm not sure about
  peerages.) If you have ever watched the wheels grind slowly, you know how
  frustrating it is.

Corpora does not allow Coronets to create peerages or awards of arms unless
that right has been granted specifically to them. There is no reason to
believe that every King or Queen will allow this to occur.

There is the solid argument that a series of principality awards would delay
Peerages, not speed them. It is unheard of now for a person to recieve a
peerage without the corresponding Kingdom level award, plus a suitable
waiting period between them. Do you have any reason to believe that a
parallel principality award wouldn't add to the process?
  
  For my own part, I think being part of a new group would be exciting -
  Starting traditions, keeping that of the East which is best and trying to
  correct the flaws.  

Didn't you just get a chance to do that with Aschehyrst?  I agree that a
Principality would be a nice thing, however. If it were the right one, and
done for the right reasons.

	Tibor