The Crown
The Crown is a term referring to the reign of the King and/or Queen of the Kingdoms of the SMA. Each Kingdom has it’s own crown, and each can decide how heirs to the crown are selected.Â
Normally a King/Queen’s rule last for 6 months. Partially through their official reign they will hold tournaments to select a rightful heir in case anythin should befall them. The world is a dangerous place, and ruling in dangerous lands is a hazardous job. Kings and Queens of all lands in all eras had to navigate through the rough seas of political intrigue and danger. As such, a wise King/Queen always has a plan for the continuation of the Kingdom in the unfortunate event that become the victims of foul deeds and plots of those that would seek to end their rule permanently!
So how is a new King/Queen selected? Normally this is done through tournament systems. At the moment it is decided soley through combat touraments where the victor is elevated to Prince/Princess along with their chosen Consort.
Currently being developed is formatting for alternate styles of selection that can be based off other or even all elements of the SMA life.Â
The Royal Peers
Those members of the Society of the Middle Ages who have served as the Crown of a kingdom or the Coronet of a principality, whether it be the one they currently reside in or another kingdom or principality, are members of the Crown’s extended family and comprise the kingdom’s Royal Peers. As such, they are expected to offer the wisdom of their experience as members of the Crown’s or Coronet’s Privy Council and to always behave as exemplars of the ideals of the Society.
As duties should always be balanced by privileges, and as service should be met with honors, these past Crowns and Coronets shall have the following recognitions and honors:
One who has served as the Prince or Princess of a Principality within the Society shall be recognized, upon completion of said term, with a Viscounty and named a Viscount or a Viscountess of the Realm. The recipient may use an alternate title if one is more historically accurate for his or her medieval persona. Holders of this honor are entitled to wear a coronet decorated with eight or more pearls at or just above the top edge of the coronet.
One who has served as the Prince or Princess of a Principality with the Society two or more times shall be recognized, upon completion of their second term, with a Marche and named a Marquis or a Marchioness of the Realm or allowed to use an alternate title that is more historically accurate for his or her medieval persona.
One who has served once as the King or Queen of a Kingdom within the Society shall be recognized, upon completion of said term, with a County and named a Count or a Countess of the Realm or allowed to use an alternate title that is more historically accurate for his or her medieval persona.
Holders of County or Marche honors are entitled to wear a coronet decorated along or just above its top edge with alternating strawberry leaves and pearls.
One who has served two or more times as the King or Queen of a Kingdom within the Society shall be recognized, upon completion of the second term, with a Duchy and named a Duke or a Duchess of the Realm. He or she may use an alternate title if one is more historically accurate for his or her medieval persona. Holders of this honor are entitled to wear a coronet decorated along or just above its top edge with strawberry leaves.
Those who serve as Royal Consorts are worthy of additional recognition, if only for supporting Their Sovereign before and during Their reign. Within and throughout the Society of the Middle Ages, each past Royal Consort is to be inducted into the Order of the Angelica at the first Royal Court the former Consort attends after the completion of his or her first term as a Royal Consort. Territorial principalities may develop their own recognition for former Royal Consorts in line with the Angelica theme.
Useful Information
Simply click on one of the boxes below to learn more about a subject.
Geography Terms of the SMA
Terms like Shire, Province, March, Castle, etc... can be confusing. Click here to learn the differece between the different levels of group from the local level to the Kingdoms of the Realm!
Nobility and Titles
Learn about what titles and recognitions can be achieved as a participating member of the Society of the Middle Ages.
Fealty and Homage
Learn the difference between Fealty and Homage, and how each play an important rol in the SMA!
The Councils
Learn of the imporance of Councils in the Middle Ages, and how they play a role in the SMA.Â
The Crown
Learn what The Crown is.
Who are Royal Peers?
Personas
What is a Persona?
What role does it play, and what does it mean to me?
Crowns and Coronets
Learn of the roles of Crowns and Coronets in the SMA, and what titles/positions wear them. Each represents a special honor in the SMA.
Guide to Knighthood in The Society of the Middle Ages
You can also find a wonderully comprehensive Guide to Knighthood that has been put together by Sir Galen of Bristol for all to use! Click Here to access the guide and start your own journey!
Frequently Asked Questions
Vistit the FAQ for answers to very general questions about the SMA.
Local Groups
Find a local group of The Society of the Middle Ages near you! This is a list of the offically recognized groups of the SMA throughout the United States.
Don't see the information you're looking for?
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