Actually Gisele and I were talking with friends. With being signed off as a LHA fencing Marshall we saw it as a platform to start a Household. At a event we saw the need to build a group to support our current Barony, the LHA and the SCA. With the support of friends and founding crew, Jospine, Kaia, Philippe, Gabriella, Mathias, and Gisele we have started our journey.
FTMS Code I. Purpose and Scope
A. To help serve our friends in the LHA, SCA and DCC through Fighting units, Arts& Science and Entertainment. To provide various forms of training and education whenever we have the resources.
B. To encourage by whatever means reasonable or not, to service to the SCA, LHA DCC and FTMS on an individual basis on the local and Kingdom levels.
C. Motto of the Fortress; “For God and Country”
D. Fortress Fighting Motto “Never give up, Never surrender”
II, Household Council
A. Heads of the Household; The Fortress is led by the Lord Duke Philippe Provost. Duchess Lady Gisele Starkey Provost to act as the Duke’s right hand.
B. Succession: In the event of the death or resignation of Lord Duke Philippe Provost the position will be passed to the Duchess Lady Gisele Starkey Provost. In the case of the Duchess’s death or resignation the Quartermaster will assume the position. If all three positions become vacant the crew will vote in new leadership.
III. Membership
* Just a note from the Duke, let us not be focused on just numbers. When considering someone for membership, ask yourselves how would this person would add to the Fortress.Many households have huge numbers but do nothing for their members and their members are not involved. We want to avoid this by being involved, promoting, doing demos, events, both local and distant. Also for us to have training, practices, monthly meetings. There are a lot of good people out there with historical interests looking for a local home, let’s invite those people. We intent to invite and involve some of the local colleges.
A. Those people interested in joining FTMS may approach the Leadership, the Duke, Duchess and Quartermaster, or may request a member of the crew to stand for them at risk of life, limb and treasure.
B. Induction Process;
1. The leadership, Duke, Duchess and Quartermaster must decide who comes and goes into the Fortress, when in doubt the Duke always has the final word.
2. Those people expressing interest in joining the Fortress are introduced to the leadership of the Fortress.
3. After conversation the Duchess and Quartermaster they then will give their thoughts to the Duke. The Duke after consideration the Duke will advise the Duchess and Quarter decision before announcing
C. Removal of a current crew member falls to the Leadership of the fortress only. Duchess and Quartermaster will investigate and report only the facts back to the Duke. Based on their investigation he will decide if the member is removed and banned from he group.The Duke will not accept the following;
1. Infighting and petty rivalry amongst other crew members
2. Kingdom Level 2 or Society level 3 banishment. The Duke says any act precipitating level 2 or 3 banishment is serious and should be put to the review of the Fortress Leadership.
3. Spreading slanderous or malicious rumors about the Fortress or any member of its crew. If a crew member cannot settle difference within the confines of the Fortress in a positive and constructive manner, then they will walk the plank and not return.
4. 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 devian behavior, aggravated assault, underage drinking or any acts that could cause harm or sanction by the SCA, LHA or DCC. Such acts that place any member of FTMS in jeopardy, and result in arrest or conviction and banishment from the SCA, LHA or DCC.
5. Conviction of a Capital crime while a member of the SCA, LHA, DCC or FTMS (It has happened before)
6. Any and all action that brings dishonor upon the SCA, LHA, DCC or FTMS
D. Membership in FTMS can be maintained by making contact with the Duke, Duchess or Quartermaster at least annually. This can be done telephonically, through letter or postcard, or via an in person proxy. The exceptions to this are either mundane considerations, to include but are not limited to; military service, transfer in civilian status, serious illness or disability.
E. Persons should consider their membership carefully and remember that in essence, FTMS is a freely chosen association of friends, sharing a common interest. If a member is unhappy with being an associate of FTMS or believes that they have a conflict of interest or of fealty, or find their interest in the SCA, LHA, DCC or FTMS diminish; they may submit a resignation in person or writing. Such a resignation will be received without rancor or hard feeling, as it is understood that ultimately, modern day concerns must take priority.
F. FTMS Oath of Fealty, The Duke may pledge fealty to the King of his respective Kingdom. The Nobles and peasants are only expected to pledge fealty to the Duke. Since the crew may come from a different Barony and Kingdom, it is not expected the crew swear fealty to anyone but their own King.
IV. Household Honors & Awards
A. Duke’s Award; B. Duchess’s Award; C. Quartermaster’s Award;
V. Household Badges & Regalia
A. Dukes’s belt colors ; Dark Red
B. Duchess’s belt colors; Dark Blue
C. Quartermaster’s belt colors; Dark Yellow
D. Master Officers belt colors; Dark Orange
E. Junior Officers belt colors; Dark Green
E. Squire’s belt colors: Brown
F. MOA’s belt colors: ?
G. Household Flags & Banners must have the house crest/shield.
VI. Organizational of Household Fighting Units
Household structure does not supersede organization of a Kingdom and Barony at this time. Any Household organization will be decided by the officers and crew. At which time we will amend the Code.