[SCA-AE] Scribal issue

[Gwilym/Bill]

There seems to be a problem concerning scrolls and scribes. Which could 
be easily fixed. So here goes. Bear in mind that scribes not only create 
our wonderful scrolls, but they pay for the paints and paper as well.

So the High Sheriff of Nottingham plans an event. Lady Marion casually 
says to him 'If you need any award scrolls I can make them." Okay, says 
he, I could use one for the archers, and one for the swordsmen. And she 
goes on her merry way. A lot later the sheriff gets a communication from 
the Kingdoms Signet officer who informs him that the king is attending 
along with the Heralds, Ladies and such court people. "Do you need any 
scrolls when they arrive? Of course I do. One for the archers and one 
for the swordsmen." He forgot about Marion's offer.

Now comes the day of the event and Robin Hood wins the archery part and 
goes up to get his reward. And now there are not one, but two scrolls. 
And not one but two very unhappy scribes. Reason being that both put a 
lot of time into making a very nice scrolls, and which may not get used, 
since there is another in hand.

While this is a bit of a fanciful tale it happens all too often. How do 
I prevent this? It's easy! A phone call or email from both the sheriff 
and the scribe to the signet office would have prevented this. A  "I 
need scroll" call from the autocrat, and yes, "I have a scroll 
assignment" call from the scribe.  Now why should a scribe get in touch? 
It does two things. It prevents duplication, after all, the only 
'official' scrolls come with the blessings of  the Signet Office. 
Secondly it lets the Signet Officer know that you did a wonderful thing 
by making scrolls for that event. After all one day, you as a scribe, 
could be up for an award, and its can be noted that you went out of your 
way to do this for the sheriff and that you're currently an active scribe.

Meanwhile Lady Marion's scrolls didn't get used, so she's ticked off. So 
the next time the sheriff asks, the answer is no. And we would like her 
to not to be peeved but wish her to continue with her endeavors for the 
Kingdom.

Recently a gentle contracted with a scribe to do a 'special' scroll, and 
as most know 'special' scolls take an inordinate amount of time.. The 
gentle was unhappy with the amount of time that the scroll was taking. 
So there were some conflict issues. The Signet Office was asked to step 
in, but since this was a private contract and therefore outside the 
purview of the office, nothing 'official' could be done. However the 
Kingdom Officer did act on behalf of both parties and the issue was 
resolved. Again this points out the need to clear all assignments with 
the office. If you're going to contact a scribe about a special scroll 
that's okay, but let the signet officer know that this is being done. 
You'll find that Kingdom officers are very helpful and are willing to 
assist in many ways that your may be unaware of. Enough of my rant. Take 
these words to heart and by all means have fun.
 
Master Baron Gwilym
Archer and Scribe of Æthelmearc