5.2 Selecting the Crown (SCA / Rialto)
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This article is from the Rialto FAQ, by Richard "Pug" Bainter pug@pug.net with numerous contributions by others.
5.2 Selecting the Crown (SCA / Rialto)
Current situation: In all kingdoms, the Sovereign is chosen by a
regularly recurring, double elimination Crown Tourney. The frequency
of this tourney varies by kingdom. The victor of this tourney becomes
the Heir to the throne (title varies by kingdom), and the person for
whom the victor fought becomes the Heir's Consort. After some period
of time as Heirs, they are crowned Sovereign and Consort.
Proposals: We have seen many varied proposals on the Rialto for
alternative ways of selecting the Sovereign. Each is treated
separately below. In all cases, take as given the opinion (both Pro
and Con) "We've never done it that way before."
1. Allow champions in Crown Tourney. A person would fight in Crown
Tourney for a couple. If that person is victorious, the couple would
become Sovereign and Consort. The fighter, in most versions of this
proposal, would be required to serve as Champion throughout the reign,
and would not be permitted to fight in Crown Tourney while they are
Champion. Pro: allows non-fighters to be Sovereign. Con: people
express worries about 'kingmakers' and hiring of champions.
2. Structure Crown Tourney as some combination of single combat and
melee. Pro: better selects the Sovereign for leadership abilities.
Looks more like historical 'wars of succession' to some people. Con:
too much opportunity for ugly politics in deciding who fights on which
team(s). Too unwieldy a tournament to finish in one day.
3. Select the Sovereign using some methods other than fighting
tournament. Various combinations of A&S combination, archery, fencing,
and so on have all been suggested at one time or another. Pro: allows
non-fighters to be Sovereign. Emphasizes something other than fighting
as the way to get ahead. Con: subjective nature of judging leaves too
much opportunity for ugly politics. There are no historical examples
of rulers being chosen by similar means.
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