Hello!

I've been playing for about 7 months now, in Northshield with the College of Tor Aerie and/or the Barony of Nordskogen. I've only had the chance to go to one event so far, so I'm still in the dark about a good number of things. I could probably ask our barony's wonderful Chatelaine these questions, or post them to the email list, but I thought posting them here might give me a broader range of answers.


First up... What can you tell me about swearing fealty? Is it to the actual people or to the institution the people represent? If I swear fealty to a King, does the bond only last while he is reigning? Or is it everlasting?

This is a game we play - and always remember - everyone plays at a different level. AS for swearing Fealty, it depends on you. Personnally I have sworn to my King and I feel it was too the Crown. Because of that - I feel I will be loyal to our King no matter who he is.

I advise you don't get too worried about this. I was at an event last year. Our Prince was there (Tir Righ) so at the end of Court we all got a chance to swear fealty. We did gladly! Right after I noticed a kind gentle new person was on his knees behind me. Trouble was he was from a different Principality. Yes, a new person from Avacal swore fealty to the Prince of Tir Righ. The Shame.......

What does it mean? Nothing. Remember broken promise is period! A new person made a mistake. The people from his group pointed out his shame (in fun only) and that was that. He has now gotten a chance to swear fealty to his own Prince (and managed to rib me for not doing the same might I add) and all is well. We all go about our game and have fun!!!

Fealty is a personal thing. Read the actual words (from the Populace Oath - Northshield Book of Ceremonies).

I here swear/pledge fealty/service and do homage to the Crown of Northshield.
I will faithfully guide to those who seek my aid,
Loyally serve the Griffin Realm,
And by my honour and actions, light the way.
Thus swear I, (……….).

What does it mean to YOU? The words state "the Crown of Northshield". There have been times when I have knelt before the King Queen and with thoughts of them personally in my heart, I have pledged fealty to THEM. Other times, I have done the same, but not knowing the Royalty as well, I have pledged fealty to THEIR OFFICE. It's a personal decision.

Is the bond only good for the reign? Is it everlastig? Again that could be a personal decision, but I would also ask you to look at the fact that with each new reign Knights are asked to swear fealty to the new King. I'm not really sure how the Knight / Master of Arms thing works - can somebody better explain?

Personally, I see each six months as an option to "renew" my pledge, if I so choose.

Cool, that's helpful.
Thanks, Lady Aveline and Madyn!