[SCA-AE] Crown Tourney Question/personal banner display?

[Marybeth Griffin]

Something I have not seen anyone say, in all the talk about heraldry
and money and all, is what I would expect is the *reason* for the
various requirements to enter crown - to show a level of involvement
with the kingdom that is appropriate for someone who wishes to rule
our fair realm.

If there were no requirements to enter crown, then yes, anyone with a
hot stick could win. But I believe that those who wish to rule, to be
our public face, to be the ideals of grace and chivalry, should at the
very least have passed some minor tests. And truthfully, the small
amount of money it costs to add on a heraldic submission is nothing
compared to the money already spent on armor, weapons, authorization
and travel, event fees - and if that couple were to win, the future
costs of being royalty. Much as there is a travel fund, it is not
enough to cover everything, and much as clothes and items are donated,
there is always a needed outlay of money from those who win crown.

Reality is a harsh mistress, but if we can attempt to weigh the scales
a little bit towards the nicer reality we wish to share, it should do
no harm. At least, that's the theory.

Alana Griffin