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 Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2007 2:04 pm
What exactly are White Scarves? How are the like and how do they differ from Knights? Are they a phenomena across the SCA known world, or found in only some kingdoms? If I've heard the term before, either within my own Shire or online, I don't recall doing so, much less any of the information surrounding it.
This question is mostly aimed at Sarah the Foole / Berzerker_prime who used this term in a post for the thread "Am I too harsh on myself?" but I would gladly hear from any who know.
In general, I don't know much about the rapier communities cross the SCA known world and am mildly interested. I don't have the time, energy or finances to join in rapier fighting, but I like to know things even if I'm not active.
Thank you!
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Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2007 3:04 pm
The Order of the White Scarf is the highest award given for skill and study of the rapier martial art. Members of the order are granted the right to use the title of Don (or Donna if they're female). Traditionally (at least here in Northshield) they are charged with upholding the honor of their queen and fighting in her name and for her protection. This is why you will often see the Queen of Northshield wearing a white scarf around her arm. I'm not sure what the traditions are in other kingdoms, though.
Not every kingdom in the SCA has the order in their OP. If memory serves, this is one of the big differences that Northshield adopted when we left Kingdom of the Middle and went kingdom, though Midrealm does have rapier fighting. There is at least one kingdom that does not have rapier fighting at all, Calontir. So it is by no means an SCA-wide order. Some people have said that this may be one of the big things which keep it from being a peerage order, though there are many arguments as to why this is as well.
Personally, I hold White Scarves in very high esteem, with one exception (not mentioning names, since it's purely a personal issue). In addition to being some of the most talented fighters I know, they're also excellent teachers, incredibly honorable, and just all around some of the nicest people I know.
Hope that explains it a little bit.
Sarah the Foole.
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Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 9:18 am
That jives with what I recalled of previous rapier talk at shire meetings. I couldn't have told you it was Calontir that did not have rapier fighting, but now that you say so it make sense. Many from Calontir who wish to do rapier do so with Northshield groups, least that is what I've gathered.
Other than rapier not being as wide spread as heavy fighting, what keeps it from being a peerage? I know there is hot debate as to if the White Scarves should be on level with peers, even if they are not actualy peers.
What made heavy fighting so prevelant and rapier, in some circles, so disregarded? Is it the "manliness" of heavy weapons? The stronger connection of heavy swords with Anglo-Saxon culture, vs the light rapier? The higher prevelence of heavy fighting in fantasy worlds, games and imaginations?
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Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 10:35 am
I live in the BMDL, in Æthelmearc, and many of our swordsmen and -women are also heavy fighters. We also have many White Scarves-- though I only know a few personally.
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Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 1:08 pm
Just out of curiosity, how might one defend the Queen with a rapier?
I'd be thrilled to see just how a cavalier with a fanciful scarf would try to stop an armored mob.
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Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2007 3:42 pm
The Spartan Effect Just out of curiosity, how might one defend the Queen with a rapier? I'd be thrilled to see just how a cavalier with a fanciful scarf would try to stop an armored mob. by pokeing them in the eye threw the grill of their helmet!
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Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2007 1:27 pm
Yay, point control!
mrgreen
Sarah T. Foole.
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