De Tyre Household Charter

Revised 8-26 June, Anno Societas XXXIV Ratified 26 June, Anno Societas XXXIV (1999AD)

HOUSE DE TYRE is an SCA-based household dedicated to the recreation of the noble courtly culture of the Crusader States and the Kingdom of Cyprus, and all of the lands that would have maintained contact with them during the period of 1097-1344 C. E. This household is structured around a corps of fighting nobility, their ladies and their retainers dedicated in service to their King. The Heads of the Household reserve the right to amend or change this charter, in part or as a whole, as needed. The Heads of the Household will duly note and consider the sage advice of the Household Council in matters of change.

I. PURPOSE AND SCOPE

A. To serve the Middle Kingdom through ars martial, specifically arming and training members in both armored and light weapons forms, providing a tactical fighting unit to the Middle Kingdom in times of campaigning and war, and to support interest in and provide contacts for education and training new members of the Society in arts and sciences and the courtly graces.   B. To perpetuate enjoyment of the Society for Creative Anachronism (henceforth known as SCA) through activities focused towards recreation, camaraderie and social interaction (Party!)

C. To encourage service to the Middle Kingdom on an individual basis on the local and Kingdom l levels.

D. Motto of the Household: OMNI VIA NECESSARI-By Any Means Necessary

E. Household Fighting Motto: IGNIS ET FEROCITER-Fire and Fury

 II. HOUSEHOLD COUNCIL A. Heads of the Household: This is Robert’ de Tyre and Audelinde von Metten. Should be self-explanatory. Whatever they say regarding the household goes. Yes, it’s arbitrary. This is their household.   B. Succession: In the event of the death or resignation of Robert’ de Tyre and his lady, Audelinde
von Metten, the title of Head of the Household shall pass to Padruig Milne de Gordun (m.k.a.
Patrick Mills). In the case of Robert’s passing, Audelinde wishes to remain Lady of the
Household Emeritus, as she would become less involved in daily household affairs. Should the
Lady Audelinde predecease Lord Robert’, Robert’ de Tyre reserves for himself the option of
retaining the title Head of the Household, or to pass that title to some other worthy, with all
rights, duties and privileges enjoyed. Should Lord Padruig, as Head of the Household die, the
title of Head of the Household should escheat to ----------------------------------------- and Lady of
the Household should be Lady -----------------------------------, should they both choose to accept.
Should none of the above mentioned persons survive, the entire household should debate and
vote on whether or not to keep the household intact, and if so, who would best direct it.
It is sincerely and devoutly hoped that none of these scenarios come to pass, but we are mindful of the need to plan for such tragic possibilities, in light of the death of His Majesty Jafar al-Safa,
Baroness Kendra of Darkmoon and other noted worthies, and prepare for such best we might.
-----Lord Robert’ de Tyre

C. Warlord of House De Tyre: Commander of the Sable Panther Company

1. Chosen and appointed by fiat of Robert’ and Audelinde.
2. Act as COMBAT liaison to the general of the Constellation Army at Pennsic or other inter-kingdom wars, and as marshal of semi-annual House Champion Tournament.
3. Sees to the training, arming and armoring of soldiers in the Sable Panther Company, insuring their equipment and training will meet or exceed standards established in the
Middle Kingdom Marshall’s Handbook.
4. Ensures De Tyre unit has an appropriate combined-arms balance when mustered for campaign and war. (Victory Through Diversity)
5. Presides over The House Council and Business Meetings D. Chamberlain: 1. Chosen and appointed by fiat of Robert’ and Audelinde.
2. Serve as personal advisor to Robert’ and Audelinde. This position places the chamberlain
into a unique personal relationship with the Heads of the Household, and is to be given to
a close personal friend or confidant.


E. Castellan:

1. Chosen and appointed by Robert’ and Audelinde, on advice of household members.
2. Responsible for seeing to any and all business matters involving the household, to act as
a liaison to Kingdom or other households in the absence of the Heads of the Household.
May also appoint and designate deputies of their own choosing to more efficiently perform their duties.


F. Household Pursuivant

1. Chosen and appointed by Robert’ and Audelinde, on advice of household members.
2. Shall act as Voice of the Heads of the Household in court. The Pursuivant may also appoint and designate deputies of their own choosing, to more efficiently perform their duties.
3. Shall perform duties similar to their SCA counterpart EXCEPT in case of monetary
responsibility regarding the heraldic submissions process. G. Household Infirmarer 1. Chosen and appointed pending majority vote of Household at large and approval by Robert and Audelinde.
2. Shall serve in the capacity of Household Chirugeon. Must at least have Red Cross CPR and First Aid Training to qualify for office. Sees to health, welfare and safety issues in the household. Infirmarer may also appoint and designate deputies of their own choosing, to more efficiently perform their duties.


H. Household Draper

1. Chosen and appointed pending majority vote of Household at large, and approval by Robert and Audelinde. Reports to, and is deputy of Household Castellan.
2. Shall be responsible for maintaining and constructing Household regalia including tabards/surcoats, mantles, and other items listed in Section V. Draper may also appoint and designate deputies of their own choosing, to more efficiently perform their duties. I. Household Quartermaster 1. Chosen and appointed pending majority vote of Household at large, and approval by Robert and Audelinde. Reports to, and is deputy of Household Castellan.
2. Responsible for coordinating House De Tyre encampment on campaign; organizing
layout of encampment and communal equipment, registering of house members. Arranges storage, construction and distribution of loaner arms and armor, and other kit pertaining to collective Household use, and other duties as required by the Heads of the Household. Quartermaster may also appoint and designate deputies of their own choosing, to more efficiently perform their duties.   J. Champion of House De Tyre 1. Chosen by right of arms at semi-annual Household Champion Tournament, held at the
discretion of Robert’ and Audelinde, and subject to a vote of all Household members present.
2. In times of peace: - Issues and accepts all challenges given to and sent from the household, except
in matters of personal insult.
- Shall escort Robert’ and/or Audelinde on official household duties and in court.
- Bear Guntrada, the Household Great ax in household court. 3. In times of war: - Bear Household War banner IN BATTLE (Robert’ isn’t asking anyone to do a thing he hasn’t already done himself.)
- Fight in Robert’s squadron BEHIND Robert’, should he be present. If not, the Champion should stand at the center of the formation as a rally-point. K. Champion of House De Tyre for Ladies 1. Chosen by right of arms AND popular acclaim as the most chivalrous and fierce
female fighter in the Household Champion Tournament, held at the discretion of
Robert’ and Audelinde, subject to a majority vote of all Household members
present.
2. In times of peace: - Shall issue and accept all challenges from ladies able to answer said challenges given to and sent from the Household (save matters of personal insult), and as directed by the Heads of the Household.
- Escort the Lady of the Household, Audelinde von Metten, on official household duties and in court
- Bear Angelamorte, the Oath taking Sword of House De Tyre in household court. 3. In times of war: - Bear a banner marshaled of Robert’s and Audelinde’s personal arms IN BATTLE (Robert’ isn’t asking anyone to do anything he hasn’t done himself.) The Champion for Ladies has the option of carrying either a banner and weapon of choice, or a spear with a pennon marshaled of Robert’ and Audelinde’s arms.
- Fight in the Warlord’s squadron directly behind the Warlord, if /she is present, but should otherwise be at the center of the unit formation as a secondary rally-point. III. MEMBERSHIP A. Gentles interested in joining House De Tyre may approach the Heads of the Household or may request another member to the household intercede on their behalf. B. Induction Process 1. As this is Robert’ and Audelinde’s household, they reserve absolutely the right and honor of accepting or rejecting new members at their own discretion, and the right to override or change any of the following guidelines, as need arises. They do, however,
heartily request and respect the opinions and guidance of all members of the Household. After all, it’s their household, too. 2. An individual expressing interest in joining the Household (applicant) is brought to the attention of, and/or is introduced to the Heads of the Household. 3. If the applicant passes the initial Observation Checklist, s/he is placed under a period of silent observation for a minimum of six months. a. Points of Observation--these are the things that will be most clearly watched/examined during the observation process: - If joining the fighting squadrons, how well does the applicant demonstrate eagerness and speed in getting arms and armor assembled, making their own armor, training to an acceptable level for authorization, how skilled is s/he at fighting and how willing is s/he to accept training and/or command from others in positions of leadership in the Household?
- If a non-fighter, what skills has the applicant demonstrated, or demonstrated an interest in, and how willing is s/he to use those skills to benefit the Middle Kingdom and House De Tyre?
- Does the applicant "work and play well with others"?
- Does the applicant demonstrate courtesy, nobility and honor, or a willingness to emulate these principles? PARTICULAR ATTENTION IS GIVEN TO THIS POINT. b. Observation Checklist (called the "Insta-Boing" Checklist)--an applicant will be immediately rejected from consideration, or a current member subject to expulsion from the Household, for any of the following reasons: - Negative reaction/impression from the Heads of the Household. It is, after all, their house.
- Infighting and petty rivalry amongst yourselves (provoking/assault)
- Kingdom (Level 2) or Society (Level 3) banishment. The logic is any act precipitating Level 2 or 3 banishment is SERIOUS and should be put under review by the Household as well.
- Spreading slanderous or malicious rumors about the household and/or its members. If an individual feels they cannot settle their differences within the confines of the Household in a positive and constructive manner, perhaps they don’t belong in the Household to begin with.
- Conviction of reprehensible crimes in the mundane world to include, but are not limited to; spousal abuse, proven child abuse and/or molestation, sexual assault and/or sexually deviant behavior, use of substances that are scheduled as illegal by the DEA or BATF, aggravated assault, underage drinking after warning, or any acts that could cause harm or sanction by the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. Such acts place us ALL IN JEOPARDY, and can result in arrest or conviction and banishment from the SCA.
- Conviction of a Capital crime while a member of the SCA (It has happened before).
- Any and all action that bring dishonor upon the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc., the Middle Kingdom and/or House De Tyre. 4. In the specific case of removal of a member, the Household must vote a two-thirds majority recommending removal. The final decision rests with the Heads of the Household, who are mindful that they must find the balance between justice and mercy.
5. After the observation period has been observed, the applicant is subject to a vote by acclamation by members of the Household present (it’s their household, too). If a consensus of members agree, the applicant is informally placed on an open observation period of at least three months. If after this period, the applicant is still acceptable to the majority, the applicant is informally offered membership in the Household.
6. Robert’ and Audelinde, with the Castellan, Warlord, Chamberlain and the sponsor of the applicant, will issue an informal offer of membership to the applicant. The applicant may and should take the opportunity to read theHousehold charter in its entirety. The applicant is encouraged to give voice to any questions or concerns before accepting or declining membership. If there are no objections from either side, and the applicant accepts this informal invitation, s/he may take the oath of household fealty at the next convenient Household court.
7. All members of House De Tyre are entitled to construct and wear a Household Cord: braided lengths of red, black, green and white cord (of leather, silk or of yarn), in some instances adorned with small bells. In some cases, the Heads of the Household may present new members with a cord at their oath taking, or to a group of fighters before a big battle, but this is entirely at their discretion.   C. Household Oath of Fealty
  1. Member: I, --------- swear (affirm) by head and foot and all between to serve the Kingdom of the Middle and this Household of De Tyre, and through my actions bring honor and credit to the same, and to keep faith with the Crown of the Middle and this noble Household as best I might. 2. Response: Today we hear and accept this oath of service and faith. Hear now our promise to support and uphold your endeavors, and to repay in kindness and generosity good faith and service, and a forsworn oath in the coin it deserves. D. Household Councilor Oath of Fealty
  1. Councilor: I, --------- swear (affirm) by head and foot and all between to serve the Kingdom of the
Middle and this Household of De Tyre, to uphold the standards of the office of ________, to diligently perform the duties thereof, and through my actions bring honor and credit to the same. I will keep faith with the Crown of the Middle and this noble Household as best I might.   2. Response:
  Today we hear and accept this oath of service and faith. Hear now our promise to support and uphold your endeavors whilst holding this office, and to repay in kindness and generosity good faith and service, and a forsworn oath in the coin it deserves.   E. Maintaining Household MembershipMembership in House De Tyre can be maintained by making contact with the Heads of the Household and the Warlord in person, telephonically, through letter or postcard, or via an in person proxy. Such contact must be maintained at least annually. If contact has not been made by any of these means after one year and one day, the member shall be considered to left the household. The exceptions to this are either mundane considerations, to include, but are not limited to, military service, transfer in civilian status or serious illness or disability.
Persons should consider their membership carefully, and remember that in essence, House De Tyre is a freely chosen association of friends, sharing a common interest. If a member is unhappy with being an associate of House De Tyre, or believes that they have a conflict of interest or of fealty, or find their interest in the Society diminish, they may submit a formal resignation in person or in writing. Such a resignation will be received without rancor or hard feeling, as it is understood that ultimately, modern day concerns must take priority.


IV. HOUSEHOLD HONORS AND AWARDS
 

A. Order of the Templar’s Tower--Fieldless, a cross formy Gules, a tower riven and enflamed.
For demonstration of chivalry courtesy, prowess and ferocity in battle against overwhelmingodds. Presentation includes a scroll with the story of the Last Stand of the Templars at Acre in 1291.   B. Order of the Sable Panther--Fieldless, a cross formy Gules, overall a panther paen passant
guardant maintaining in its dexter paw a mace, Sable, and below a ribbon "FOR MERIT".
Service award, given at the discretion of the Heads of the Household.

C. The Ermine Spot--Sable, and ermine spot Or.
Service to and for House De Tyre by an individual.

D. The Paen--Sable, seme’ de ermine Or.
Service to and for House De Tyre by a group.

E. The Saltired Gauntlet--Sable, on a saltire Argent, a gauntlet Gules.
For specific achievement in the sciences.

F. The Escalloped Maunch--Fieldless, on an escallop Gules, a maunch Or.
For specific achievement in the arts.

  G. Order of the Mace de Enflamme’--Fieldless, a panther’s dexter cubit-arm paen bearing a flanged mace enflamed.
Honorable and chivalric behavior on and off the field.

H. The Panther’s Paw--Or, a panther’s footprint paen.
Given to fighters for exceptional service in unit tactics/strategy and working well as a unit.

I Order of the Otter--Fieldless, an escallop Sable, overall and otter passant Or, in base a rondel Argent.
Given at Lady Audelinde’s discretion for service aid and succor in preserving and protecting life, limb and personal safety of his/her comrades.

  V. HOUSEHOLD BADGES AND REGALIA
  A. Household Badges: 1. Cords:
All members of House De Tyre are entitled to construct and wear a household cord.
(See section IV, B6).
2. Tabards/Surcoats:
Fighting members of House De Tyre are entitled to wear Household colors in battle and tournament. Simple fighting tabards are presented to new fighters for a one-year (1) probationary period. After successful completion of probation, if they have proven themselves worthy and honorable, they will be given (or may make) a surcoat or tabard appropriate to their persona, crafted in Household colors.
3. Belts:
All members of House De Tyre are encouraged to purchase a Household belt, the tip cast in bronze and enameled with the Household badge. These belts are made by a friend of the Household. Check with any House De Tyre member for details.
4. Mantles:
All members of the Sable Panther Company may wear a mantle on their helmets made of forest green and black fabric with a red cross formy overall. The Head of the Household and the Warlord may differentiate their mantles with gold piping.


B. Banners, Pennons and Heraldry:
 

1. Banners:
The House De Tyre Banner is a medium to large banner made of green fabric with three swallow-tails. It may be painted, embroidered or appliquéd. The banner shall bear the badge of the Household: Fieldless, on a cross formy Gules, a panther passant guardant Paen enflamed proper, maintaining in its dexter paw a mace Sable. The banner shall be trimmed in black and red edging as best suits the design, but shall not detract from the badge itself. The swallow-tails of the banner shall be blazoned in gold paint or embroidery with gold cross saltires and compass-stars. The center swallow-tail shall bear the motto: Ignis Et Ferociter on one side and the motto: Omni Via Necessari on the other.
There shall also be a war-banner, three feet at the hoist by five feet at the fly. The banner shall be parti-colored horizontally in green and black, and shall be trimmed with red extra-wide double-fold bias tape. The banner shall be painted and appliquéd with the badge of the Household, and bear the motto: Laciate Ogni Esperanza in gold paint. The war-banner may bear a pair swallow-tails of moderate length.

2 Pennons:

 There shall be lance-pennons to be borne on spears. These pennons shall measure six inches at the hoist and twelve inches at the fly. The pennons may bear two swallow-tails of moderate length. The pennons shall be parti-colored horizontally in green and black, and shall be trimmed with extra wide, double fold bias tape. They shall bear a red cross formy and a Roman numeral to designate a Lance, or remain blank.   3. Shields:
Each fighter shall maintain a shield for campaign and war. The shield may be made of any material considered legal to use by SCA or Midrealm standards. The shields should be painted green with a red cross formy overall, the panther should superimposed upon the cross. Fighters may place their personal armory in canton of the House De Tyre shield, to add to heraldic display.

4. House Champions Tabards:
Each House Champion shall receive two Champion Tabards; one made of velvet and embroidery, one on trigger, canvas or duck fabric with appliqué. These tabards shall bear the Household badge displayed prominently on the front, and shall have the following epaulet insignia for the individual champions:

Household Champion - Two crossed Danish axes surmounted by a Norman nasal helmet.
Household Champion for Ladies - A gold maunch surmounted by a sword.


C. Household Weapons of State:

1. Guntrada, the Household Champions’ Bearing Axe:
Guntrada is a Danish axe with a four-foot oaken haft, and is the official bearing weapon of the Household Champion. It is wrapped on the handle in crosshatched black leather strap and is studded in brass tack one third of its length.
2. Angelamorte, the Household Champion for Ladies Bearing Sword:
Angelamorte is a double-edged sword with a sandwiched crosshilt of brass and copper. It has a Brazil-nut pommel of brass and its grip is wire-wrapped in braided brass and copper wire. It is the official bearing weapon of the Household Champion for Ladies and is the Oath taking sword of House De Tyre.
3. Spears:
The Household shall maintain two bearing spears with eight-foot shafts, bearing Household pennons in appropriate Household colors, to be used for guard duties in Midrealm Royal or other instances, as required. (Section IV, B2)


D. Household Coffer Chairs:
Part of the Household Regalia shall include two throne chairs, called Coffer Chairs. These chairs shall be made of pine, and decorated with the Household Badge and as the Heads of the household sees fit.

 VI. ORGANIZATION OF HOUSEHOLD FIGHTING UNITS
  A. Heavy Armored Unit: 1. The unit shall be known as the Company of the Sable Panther, henceforth referred to as "the Company". The Company shall be designated a heavy-infantry unit, designed to withstand and deliver heavy shock tactics.
2. The Company shall be commanded by the Warlord of House De Tyre, and divided as he sees fit. There shall be an appropriate balance of combined arms to insure maximum effectiveness on the field of combat. The Company shall be subdivided into Lances, each Lance commanded by a Lance Commander. The Lance Commanders shall be assisted by two Line Sergeants, but the basic unit of a lance should be not less than five fighters. Further details shall be listed in the House De Tyre Combat Tactics/Strategy Handbook.


B. Uniforms and Rank Insignia:

1. All members who have fought in at least one Pennsic War with the Company are encouraged to construct and wear on the field a Household Tabard or Surcoat, appropriate to their particular persona. Personas dated before 1350 C. E. should wear a surcoat. Personas dated after 1350 should wear a tabard instead. Members with personas that predate the Crusades period may substitute a long or short-sleeved T-tunic in the same colors and arrangement provided it presents a uniform appearance. - The Surcoat shall have deep armholes to allow movement and air circulation in armor but should otherwise be closed at the sides.
- The Tabard shall be open on both sides with two pairs of ties made from extra-wide double-fold bias tape. 2. Household Tabards and Surcoats shall be parti-colored forest green and black, with the green on the wearer’s right side and the black on the wearer’s left, edged in red extra-wide, double-fold bias tape. These garments shall be knee-length or shorter constructed of sturdy fabric able to withstand the rigors of the battlefield. Cotton twill, trigger or canvas are acceptable fabrics. The fabrics should not be so heavy as to contribute to a heat injury. They shall have party colored forest green and black semi-circular epaulets, 8..5 inches wide by 6 inches deep. Each epaulet should be green on the right and black on the left. The left epaulet shall display the Badge of the Populace of the Middle Kingdom and a subdued colored Ranger Tab, if the bearer is entitled, above the Midrealm Badge. The right epaulet and the right breast of the Tabard/Surcoat shall display the bearer’s rank insignia, as entitled. The House De Tyre Badge, a cross formy Gules, overall a panther Paen enflamed maintaining in its dexter paw a mace, Sable, shall be displayed on the left breast of the Tabard/Surcoat, embroidered, appliquéd, or as a patch.
3. Rank insignia are gold stripes, 1/4 inch wide by 1 1/4 inches long, on a dark green background 1/4 inch around each side. [These stripes are commonly available at Army/Navy surplus stores in appropriate groupings and are called "Campaign Stripes" or "Hash Marks".] Rank insignia shall be worn on the upper right breast of the Tabard/Surcoat above the House De Tyre Badge and centered on the right epaulet. - Members with two or more years of service fighting with the Company may bear a single gold strip (total dimensions 0.75 x 1.5 inches).
- Line-Sergeants may bear two gold stripes stacked horizontally (total dimensions 1 x 1.5 inches).
- Lance Commanders may bear three gold stripes stacked horizontally (total dimensions 1.2 x 1.5 inches).
- The Warlord of House De Tyre may bear four gold stripe stacked horizontally and surmounted by a small gold star (total dimensions 1.5 x 1.5 inches). TheWarlord of House De Tyre may further differentiate his/her Tabard/Surcoat, if desired, by adding gold piping around the edges.
 
 
 
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