Surprise and Delight: Preparing for an SCA Peerage Ceremony
Hey there, lovely readers! I thought this snipet was worth sharing with you.
SCA ceremonies and the whirlwind of events surrounding them can get pretty hectic and overwhelming. That’s why it’s super important to have your plans sorted out well before your apprentice or protege’s name comes up, to keep the surprise element intact. I figured I’d share the set of questions I asked my associate to answer. For some reason, these questions didn’t get tackled early in our relationship, as I intended, even though we’ve been together for several years. My bad. You know how it goes: “out of sight, out of mind.” But hey, no worries—it’s all good now.
If you’re from Calontir here are some questions you might want to consider answering in advance for an “in case of Laurel” scenario. And hey, these can easily be tweaked for a pelican or another kingdom too!
Information Collection
*What’s your SCA name and persona’s brief history?
*What are your accomplishments and contributions to the SCA?
*What’s your preferred ceremony format? (e.g., formal, informal, specific cultural inspiration)
*Do you have a preferred date or event for the ceremony( e.g. Gulf War, April Fools, 12th Night)?
*Who would you like to participate in the ceremony? (e.g., lord/guardian, friends, family)
*Are there specific regalia or symbols you want included during the ceremony? (e.g., household or family heirlooms)
*Would you prefer to receive a cloak or a coat?
*Do you have a preferred oath or promise to make during the ceremony (e.g., maybe in Middle English or Russian)
*Are there any specific traditions or customs you’d like to include? (e.g., music, poetry, cultural practices)
*Would you like to include any personal elements? (e.g., favorite colors, symbols, foods or themes)
*Is there someone you specifically want to create your scroll?
Planning an SCA peerage ceremony can be overwhelming, but preparation is key! Thinking about these questions ahead of time can really help ensure your elevation ceremony is personalized and meaningful when the opportunity arises.
So, dear readers, what are your suggestions? I’m sure I may have missed something. Let’s hear your thoughts!