2002-04-10 - 9:44 a.m.

OK�today we�re going to look at codes of conduct as they relate to honor within the SCA. But first, some programming notes. I�m Forest Gumping this subject big time (I decided to run so I did�) I don�t know how long I�m going to stay latched onto this, but I would guess a couple weeks minimum. Second, there is a lot of discussion generated by this topic�I�m getting emails, guestbook entries, entire diaryland entries and a ton of AIM conversations about this. Unless you tell me not to quote you, or to quote you anonymously, I�ll probably cross post some stuff into here. I know I�m not smart enough to figure this out by myself, so I�m going to use everyone�s input to work with this.

Now�back to the subject at hand. Yesterday I decided that honor was, at least to some extent directly associated with a code of conduct. By adhering to the code one can reasonably expect his actions to be interpreted as honorable. Again, this is the rub. Who makes the rules? Above is the definition for �society�, in particular look at �A group of humans broadly distinguished from other groups by mutual interests, participation in characteristic relationships, shared institutions, and a common culture.� This is the definition I�m going to work from.

There are, I think, two set�s of codes that must be observed. The first is the generally accepted code of your society. This is where the big difference is between the real world and here, and why a conscious effort must be made to maintain honorable behavior within the context of the SCA. The SCA has minimum standards of acceptable behavior. You cannot simply �define your own code�, you must start with this as a base. For example:

1) Play the game (bow to royalty, say �yes your majesty/excellency/grace/etc��)
2) Work towards courteous behavior (carry the ladies basket, open the door, say please, thank you, etc�)
3) Don�t disrupt the dream (don�t carry a boom box around, don�t yell and scream and make an ass of yourself, etc�.)
4) Don�t present the SCA in a bad light (don�t harass non-SCA people while in garb, don�t cause so much trouble at an event that mundane authorities are involved etc..)

These are just a few, but I tried to pick those that were specific to the society. In order to act with honor within the SCA, you first must accept these unwritten, often unspoken rules. If you break these rules, you can be sure that you will be talked to by many, many people. I think it a very important point�without embracing the tenants of the society, supporting the society and working for the betterment of the society, you will not be seen as acting honorably. Preservation of the social order is a key piece of any society, those who go against the society will be ostracized. Actions that would be seen as anti-society must be looked at closely, for they are the ones that will most raise the ire of your peers.

Once you accept these tenants, you can begin to build your own code. It is here where your more subtle problems begin�as one person said:

�A situation that I find particularly annoying:

Someone labels me dishonorable after I do something that violates his or her personal code of conduct. Or, even worse, when I do something that is different from what they think I should do, regardless of my feelings on the matter. Especially when the action falls within my personal code of conduct.�

I�ll address this more tomorrow, when I work on a question Lucia proposed, but in the meantime, let�s look at �A Code of Chivalry� by Brian Price�.

Justice: Seek always the path of 'right', unencumbered by bias or personal interest. Recognize that the sword of justice can be a terrible thing, so it must be tempered by humanity and mercy. If the 'right' you see rings agrees with others, and you seek it out without bending to the temptation for expediency, then you will earn renown beyond measure.

Loyalty: Be known for unwavering commitment to the people and ideals you choose to live by. There are many places where compromise is expected; loyalty is not amongst them.

Defense: The ideal knight was sworn by oath to defend his liege lord and those who depended upon him. Seek always to defend your nation, your family, and those to whom you believe worthy of loyalty.

Courage: Being a knight often means choosing the more difficult path, the personally expensive one. Be prepared to make personal sacrifices in service of the precepts and people you value. At the same time, a knight should seek wisdom to see that stupidity and courage are cousins. Courage also means taking the side of truth in all matters, rather than seeking the expedient lie. Seek the truth whenever possible, but remember to temper justice with mercy, or the pure truth can bring grief.

Faith: A knight must have faith in his beliefs, for faith roots him and gives hope against the despair that human failings create.

Humility: Value first the contributions of others; do not boast of your own accomplishments, let others do this for you. Tell the deeds of others before your own, according them the renown rightfully earned through virtuous deeds. In this way the office of knighthood is well done and glorified, helping not only the gentle spoken of but also all who call themselves knights.

Largesse: Be generous in so far as your resources allow; largesse used in this way counters gluttony. It also makes the path of mercy easier to discern when a difficult decision of justice is required.

Nobility: Seek great stature of character by holding to the virtues and duties of a knight, realizing that though the ideals cannot be reached, the quality of striving towards them ennobles the spirit, growing the character from dust towards the heavens. Nobility also has the tendency to influence others, offering a compelling example of what can be done in the service of rightness.

This could be considered either a personal code of honor, or if you are striving towards (or have achieved) Knighthood, a secondary social code of honor. I would think that most people would consider this a worthy set of rules to aspire too, and as I work on what my code of honor is, I will study these more closely.

Each person must determine what their code of honor is. This is a very individual decision, but has great group impact. Once you do this, you internalize, and then judge others by this. This is human nature, and something to be watched for. As you determine what your sense of honor is, you must decide how you'll handle differences of opinion. What happens when your honor and another's differs? How do you handle this?

I'll look at this in tomorrow's post. I think it will come in handy as I work on Lucia's question:

"*Honor question for Kenny: Who has the power to affect your personal honor? Obviously each person affects their own by behaving honorably or dishonorably. But can someone affect your honor by proxy, and how?"

In the meantime, please let me know what you think about today�s post. In summary my concepts were these:

1) Following a code of conduct is the first step towards honorable behavior.

2) Any social group has a base set of acceptable standards that must be the starting point for any person�s behavior within that social structure.

3) From that beginning point a person can further define his own honor code.

4) Any code must include provisions to deal with differences in opinion regarding two individual�s honor codes.

Well�that�s enough of that�

i�m out

Cynwrig

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