Baronial Charter & Map

Barony of Red Spears Charter & Policies

ENACTED 9/22/2002, AMENDED 3/2006, AMENDED 8/2006, AMENDED 10/18/2009, AMENDED 2014,
AMENDED 5/2016, AMENDED 2/2023

Preamble: We, the people of the Barony of Red Spears, do hereby ordain and establish this Charter and
Policies to establish policies and procedures to better order the affairs of this land of Red Spears.
CHARTER

We declare these lands to be a Barony in the Middle Kingdom of the Society for Creative Anachronism. The
name of this Group shall be “Red Spears, Barony of ” and the Arms of the Barony of Red Spears shall be: “Or,
two boar spears in saltire surmounted by another palewise gules, overall a laurel wreath vert” as registered
within the Society. The Baronial lands range from the lands from the Region of Pentemere in the north to the
lands of Middle Marches in the south and from the Shires of Falcon’s Quarry and Barony of Brendoken in the
east to the region of Constellation in the west. In common parlance, this shall be understood to encompass in
the State of Ohio, the counties of Williams, Defiance, Van Wert, Fulton, Henry, Lucas, Wood, Putnam, Allen,
Paulding, Hancock, Ottawa, Sandusky, Huron, Erie, Seneca, and Wyandot, and designated by the Kingdom as
the zip codes listed in section IX.
Within the parlance of the Society, we declare our Barony to be a free and equal association of the cantons
within its boundaries, beginning with the Marche of Marshes, Canton of Hróðgeirsfjörðr (commonly spelled
Hrothgeirsfjordr), and others as they are formed.
As this Barony is a branch of the Society, we are mindful of the responsibilities incumbent upon us toward
the Society as a whole. As such we freely acknowledge that all the gentles in our Barony are subject to
relevant regulations and laws of the Society for Creative Anachronism and the Middle Kingdom; and that in the
event of conflict, Society rulings supersede Kingdom. Furthermore, we also acknowledge our responsibilities to
civil authority, and recognize that civil law shall supersede both Society and Kingdom laws. In case of conflict,
the higher authority will take precedence.
As Cantons are branches of the Barony, they will be mindful of the responsibilities incumbent upon them
toward the Barony. They will be subject to the relevant regulations and laws of the Society for Creative
Anachronism, the Middle Kingdom and the policies within this Charter; and that in the event of conflict, the
precedence of authority shall be: Society, Kingdom, Barony, Canton. Furthermore, civil authority shall
supersede as set forth by Society and Kingdom laws.
POLICIES
I. Baron/Baroness
Red Spears’ Baronage will consist of up to two people. Red Spears’ Baron(s) and/or Baroness(es)
will serve for a term as set by Kingdom Law. A Baron and/or Baroness may step down at any time any
time without prejudice.
The appointed Baron(s) and/or Baroness(es) duties and responsibilities are listed in Corpora and
Middle Kingdom Law.
II. Officers of the Barony
All Baronial Officers and deputies shall comply with Corpora and Kingdom Law regarding their office.
Baronial Officers required by Kingdom Law will constitute the Baronial Curia and will consist of the
Seneschal, Exchequer, Pursuivant, Minister of Arts and Sciences, Chronicler, Chatelaine and a
warranted Marshal.
Officers that may be considered part of the Baronial Curia if available: Knights Marshal, Rapier
Marshal, Archery/Thrown Weapons Marshal, Equestrian Marshal, Hound Coursing Marshal, Web
Minister, and Minister of Youth.
Baronial Officers are strongly encouraged to have a deputy that can assume their duties immediately
in the event the officer can longer perform their required duties.
Baronial Non-Curia Deputy Officer positions that may be appointed by an appropriate Baronial Curia
Officer.
a. Seneschal will appoint a Webminister, and may also appoint Historian or other deputies as
needed.
b. Knights Marshal may appoint: Youth Marshal, Combat Archery Marshal, Siege Marshal.
c. Rapier Marshal may appoint: Cut and Thrust Marshal, Youth Marshal.
d. The method of appointment will be determined by the Baronial Curia officer and at least two
other Baronial Curia members.
All Baronial Officers and deputies are required to have a stable mailing address, reliable telephone
access and meet the requirements set forth by the Kingdom and Society. E-mail access is required.
Baronial Officers are expected to meet with their corresponding Canton Officers and will be expected
to guide their respective officers in their respective duties.
All Canton Officers will send a copy of their report to the corresponding Baronial Officer. All Baronial
Officers and deputies (if assigned), and group Seneschals will send a copy of their report to the
Baronage and Baronial Seneschal.
The Seneschal shall gather all items for the agenda of the Baronial meetings.
a. Any member of the Populace may submit an item for the agenda to the Seneschal at least
one week in advance of the meeting date.
b. If, due to time constraints, an agenda item cannot be addressed, it shall be given priority at
the next meeting or a special meeting.
c. The Seneschal will maintain access to the Baronial website and will approve content for the
website.
III. Officer Changeovers
Baronial Officers wishing to leave office should announce their intention to do so to the Baronial
Seneschal or at a Baronial meeting.
Openings should be listed as soon as possible by the Seneschal on the Baronial website, official
social media outlets, and The Spearpoint (Baronial Newsletter).
Canton Seneschals shall be informed of open Baronial offices and are asked to announce the
opening at the next regularly scheduled Canton meeting.
Individuals wishing to apply for a Baronial office are requested to submit an application letter to the
Baronial Seneschal, and the Baronage.
Application Letters must include the following as a minimum:
a. SCA and Modern name
b. Contact information i.e. address, phone and e-mail
c. Proof of membership
In addition the following is recommended.
a. An outline of previous experience, qualifications, and other information pertaining to the
office.
The Baronial Seneschal will acknowledge receipt of the application. If the applicant doesn’t receive
acknowledgement that each is in receipt of their application, they should contact the Baronial
Seneschal and Baron/Baroness to reapply. No application is official until the receipt of it has been
acknowledged by the Baronial Seneschal. A deadline for applying will be posted, no applications will be
considered valid if submitted after the deadline.
If there is more than one applicant for the open office then the candidate recommended to Regional
and Kingdom superior for the office shall be determined by a polling of the populace present at the
Baronial meeting where the recommendation is to be decided.
Upon deciding which candidate will be chosen to fill the office, the change of officer form will be
completed and sent to Regional and Kingdom superiors for the office as soon as possible.
The recommended candidate may immediately become the acting officer until warranted or
replaced by their Kingdom superior.
Outgoing officers are strongly recommended to work with their replacement to ease the transition.
Terms of office for all officers serving in the Barony of Red Spears shall be three years. At the end
of three years the office holder may request to stay in place for an additional term pending review and
approval by the Baronial Seneschal and Baronage, otherwise the office will be opened to all applicants.
a. Officers may resign at any time without prejudice.
b. All required officers’ terms should be staggered so that all offices would not become vacant at
one time.
c. There is no limit to the number of terms an individual may serve in an office.
d. Officers required to open an office may declare, at the time of opening, intent to serve
consecutive terms without the need to formally apply.
e. If an officer misses four consecutive Baronial meetings without contacting the Baronial
Seneschal or Baronage, this may be considered a resignation and the officer may be replaced
without prejudice regardless of the time served.
Appointments and removal from office are pursuant to Kingdom Law. Anyone who believes that an
officer is not fulfilling the duties of their office may contact that officer’s chain of command.
This procedure is for the smooth transfer of offices. In the case that a required office is immediately
left vacant an acting officer will be recommended to Kingdom to serve until the officer selection process
can be completed.
The only exception to this rule will be the office of the Signet. The Office of Signet will be appointed
by the Baronage with the approval of the Seneschal. The Signet may resign the appointed position
without prejudice at any time.
IV. Baronial Property
The Supervision of Baronial property shall fall under the realm of the offices of Exchequer and
Seneschal.
a. A Quartermaster of Baronial Property may be chosen by vote of the Baronial Curia or
populace.
Inventory: The Exchequer, Seneschal, and Quartermaster, will keep an inventory of all items
purchased, donated, or otherwise acquired and considered Baronial property.
a. Baronial Inventory will consist of a minimum of the following information:
i. Name or description of each different item.
ii. Quantity of the listed item the Barony possesses.
iii. The storage location of each item in inventory.
iv. Whether the item is consumable and non-consumable.
b. Resulting inventory will be made available to the Populace at a Baronial meeting and/or
published in the Spearpoint annually.
c. New acquisitions should be added to the inventory lists immediately.
d. The Inventory may also be made available online.
e. Any items in need of repair, replacement, or disposal will be set aside until the matter can be
reviewed with the Populace at the next Baronial meeting.
f. Repair, replacement or acquisition of Baronial Property shall fall under Baronial Financial
Policy.
Storage:
a. Arrangements for the storage of the Baronial property are the responsibility of the
aforementioned officers and/or the appointed deputy. The Officers are not required to store the
property personally, but must know where it is and arrange for its availability when needed. The
Officers are not personally liable for the loss or damage to property.
b. Per Society and Kingdom policy, a contract will be put in place for storage of group owned
items of value.
Distribution and use:
a. Requests for use/loan of Baronial property by individuals of the Populace must be made to
the Baronial Quartermaster within a reasonable length of time and approved by vote of the
Baronial Curia or populace.
b. All items borrowed and returned shall be listed and borrower and issuer shall sign an
inventory form.
V. Events
Anyone wishing to hold a Baronial-sponsored event is required to submit an event bid including a
proposed budget to the Baronial Seneschal a minimum of four (4) months prior to the month the event
is to be held.
The bid will be presented at the next Baronial meeting for acceptance or rejection.
Proto-incipient and incipient groups hosting an event sponsored by the Barony must complete a
Sponsoring Organization form before the event will be announced in the Pale.
VI. Baronial Championships
Each Baronial Championship may be held nominally once a year.
The methods of selecting a champion and what champions will be selected shall be determined by
the Baronage.
The type and requirements of competition the Champions shall be announced at least four (4) weeks
prior to the Championship.
VII. Baronial Awards and Honors
To create and bestow awards is the privilege of the Royalty and the Territorial Baronage.
The Barony has created the following awards that may be bestowed by the Red Spears Baronage
and/or the Crown of the Middle Kingdom, from whom they hold these lands in fief, as they see fit.
a. Order of the Boarsbane (OB): Given for merit in service to the Barony, the arts and sciences,
or the arts of combat.
b. Commander of the Order of the Boarsbane (CoB): Given for achievement in service, arts and
science, and the combat arts.
c. Orde van de Zuil (OZ): Given for outstanding service to the Barony of Red Spears.
d. Order of the Ruby Chalice (ORCh): Given for skill and service to the Barony in the arts and
sciences. Badge: Or, a covered crystal chalice between flaunches gules.
e. Order of the Hildisvin (OH): Given for skill and service to the Barony in armored combat.
Badge: (Fieldless) A boar statant atop a Norman helm Or.
f. Order of the Boars Eye (OBE): Given for skill and service to the Barony in archery. Badge:
(Fieldless) A boar’s head couped close gules holding in its mouth a sheaf of five arrows Or
barbed and flighted gules.
g. Order of l’Épée Rouge (OER): Given for skill and service to the Barony in rapier.
h. Order of the Hastati (OHa): Baronial spirit award, awarded once a year.
i. Barons Honour Guard (BHG): Highest level Baronial fighting award. Badge: (Fieldless) A
winged boar’s head erased Or, wings elevated and addorsed argent.
j. Sisterhood of the Red Spear (SoS): Responsible for organizing projects to assist each Queen
during her reign. Badge: (Fieldless) On a boar spear head gules a rose Or.
k. Order of the Boars Heart (OBH): Given for hard work and service at events.
l. Order of the Golden Shoe (OGS): Given for skill and service to the Barony in equestrian
activities.
m. Award of the Boar and Gem (ABG): Baronial youth award given for service, arts and
sciences or martial activities.
n. Compagnia dei Porci Rossi (CPR): Given to groups for service to the Barony.
For purposes of establishing a Baronial Order of Precedence the Baronial awards shall rank below
all Kingdom level awards. The BHG, OZ, ORCh shall be of equal precedence and rank above the OH,
OBE, OER, and OGS which shall be of equal precedence and rank above the CoB which shall rank
above the OB which shall rank above the OHa, SoS, and OBH which shall have no precedence.
Other awards may be established in accordance with Corpora VIII. B.
VIII. Changes to Charter and Policies
When deemed necessary or requested by a member of the Populace, the Barony shall vote to open
the Charter and Policies to revision.
The Seneschal shall be responsible for amending the charter.
Any proposed changes or revision shall be published to the Populace for review and comment.
Changes shall be made by a vote of 2/3 of the Populace attendant at the next Baronial meeting after
the proposed change is published.
The Charter and Policies shall remain open until the Kingdom accepts Revision.
IX. Timeframe for Charter Review
The Baronial Charter will be reviewed at Baronial transitions.
X. Baronial Zip Codes
The zip codes encompassing the Barony of Red Spears in common parlance, shall be understood to
encompass in the State of Ohio, the counties of Williams, Defiance, Van Wert, Fulton, Henry, Lucas,
Wood, Putnam, Allen, Paulding, Hancock, Ottawa, Sandusky, Huron, Erie, Seneca, and Wyandot, and
designated by the Kingdom as the following zip codes:
43316, 43323, 43330, 43351, 43359, 43402, 43403, 43406, 43407, 43408, 43410, 43412, 43413, 43414,
43416, 43420, 43430, 43431, 43432, 43433, 43434, 43435, 43436, 43437, 43438, 43439, 43440, 43441,
43442, 43443, 43445, 43446, 43447, 43449, 43450, 43451, 43452, 43456, 43457, 43458, 43460, 43462,
43463, 43464, 43465, 43466, 43467, 43468, 43469, 43501, 43502, 43504, 43505, 43506, 43510, 43511,
43512, 43515, 43516, 43517, 43518, 43519, 43520, 43521, 43522, 43523, 43524, 43525, 43526, 43527,
43528, 43529, 43530, 43531, 43532, 43533, 43534, 43535, 43536, 43537, 43540, 43541, 43542, 43543,
43545, 43547, 43548, 43549, 43550, 43551, 43552, 43553, 43554, 43555, 43556, 43557, 43558, 43560,
43565, 43566, 43567, 43569, 43570, 43571, 43601, 43602, 43603, 43604, 43605, 43606, 43607, 43608,
43609, 43610, 43611, 43612, 43613, 43614, 43615, 43616, 43617, 43618, 43619, 43620, 43623, 43624,
43631, 43635, 43652, 43654, 43656, 43657, 43659, 43660, 43661, 43666, 43667, 43681, 43682, 43697,
43699, 44089, 44802, 44804, 44807, 44809, 44811, 44814, 44815, 44816, 44817, 44818, 44824, 44826,
44828, 44830, 44836, 44837, 44839, 44841, 44844, 44845, 44846, 44847, 44849, 44850, 44851, 44853,
44855, 44857, 44861, 44865, 44867, 44870, 44871, 44882, 44883, 44888, 44889, 44890, 45801, 45802,
45804, 45805, 45806, 45807, 45808, 45809, 45813, 45814, 45815, 45816, 45817, 45820, 45821, 45827,
45830, 45831, 45832, 45833, 45837, 45838, 45839, 45840, 45841, 45844, 45848, 45849, 45850, 45851,
45853, 45854, 45855, 45856, 45858, 45861, 45863, 45864, 45867, 45868, 45872, 45873, 45874, 45875,
45876, 45877, 45879, 45880, 45881, 45886, 45887, 45889, 45890, 45891, 45893, 45894, 45897, 45898,
45899.