BARONY OF MARINUS AWARDS
(And the Criteria used during Consideration and Deliberation)
[This article was inspired by the article written for the MOOT POINTS (October AS XXXI) by Laird Alasdair mac Iain of Elderslie which was adapted from an even earlier article from MOOT POINTS (February AS XXV). I take no credit for the outright plagiarism that you are about to read, however, I will be infusing some of my own words into and upon this honorable lord’s words to emphasize what my thought process is as Baron of Marinus when presented with the works of an individual and/or recommendations.]
These criteria are not exhaustive. They are intended to identify the kinds of activity we look for in considering gentles for Baronial Awards. If you are performing a service or providing a product that does not appear below, but fits into the categories, you are worthy of consideration. On the other hand, these lists are not like the Navy’s PQS program or the Boy Scout’s Merit Badge program. It is not reasonable for one to check off the things s/he has done and sit back expecting an award. Neither is it reasonable to presume that no one has noticed. (It is sometimes reasonable to assume that those attestant individuals have not written and submitted their recommendations as quickly as they meant to.) If you click on the award link you will be taken to the Kingdom Of Atlantia OP for that award.
The Oaken Oar is intended to recognize a person who has over a period of time performed service of a general nature that is beneficial to the Barony as a whole. Working in the kitchen at events, setting up event halls or baronial encampments, and cleaning up event halls are some examples. It might also be presented to an individual who has performed one or more acts that have rescued the Barony or some of its citizens from a risky, embarrassing or demeaning situation. It could also be presented to an individual who has carried out the duties of a demanding Baronial Office exceptionally well.
The Water Lily is intended to recognize a person who has shown some noteworthy ability in the Arts and Sciences and shares that ability with the general populace either through teaching or display bringing honor unto the Barony or benefit to its citizens. Examples include singing at bardic circles, playing a period instrument at events, cooking feast, writing or composing, sewing, illuminating, calligraphy, needlework, dyeing, brewing and so forth.
The Marlin is intended to recognize a person who has shown over a period of time noteworthy skill in the fighting arts (which include heavy weapons, rapier, marshaling, archery and scouting) and uses that skill to bring honor to the Barony or benefit to its citizens. This includes teaching the basics of fighting, teaching and assisting in the production of armor or weapons without remuneration, providing the general public with a “living pell” during demos, or providing leadership for the Baronial fighting unit.
These are two awards intended to recognize the works of children (being those persons under the age of sixteen and therefore unable to participate in the fighting arts) and are similar in criteria to the Water Lily and Oaken Oar with less emphasis on teaching.
The Coin of the Sea is an award of special recognition given at the discretion of the Baron or Baroness to deserving persons. It can be given to anyone and is the only Baronial award that can be awarded to an individual more than once.
The Brass Trident is intended to recognize a person who has consistently through continual labor brought honor unto the Barony and its citizens through constant unfailing performance of service or the exemplary execution of the performance or fighting arts over an extended period of time. The award may encompass any or all of the areas for the other Baronial Awards, or fall outside them completely. This is the Barony’s highest award. By custom, no more than three Brass Tridents may be awarded in any calendar year (being May 1st through April 30th).
The Marinus Company of Artificers
Membership in the Company of Artificers is intended to recognize a person who has shown noteworthy skill over a period of time in the crafting of items and has used that skill in service to the Barony or its citizens. The skill may be the manufacturing of new items or the repair of damaged or failed items.
[This is not an award per se, but rather a recognition of a person’s problem-solving capabilities and spontaneous engineering fabrication. For example, anyone could probably manufacture a shelter with a complete wood working shop, a lumber yard and fabric source just down the street, and the money to purchase the materials. But take that same person in a Pennsic encampment during a pouring rain in which the pavilion has collapsed and have them construct a shelter to house a couple of dozen people for a court which is about to commence in an hour. The person who succeeds is an Artificer. This membership also provides the Barony with a list of craftsmen.]
Order of the Stewards of St. Marinus
The order was created to recognize those members of the Barony who have successfully run several Marinus events or have successfully cooked feasts for several Marinus events. Members of this order routinely serve as mentors to new autocrats and feast cooks. Members of the order who were recognized for their work as an autocrat are called Hall Stewards. Members of the order who were recognized for their work as a head cook are called Feast Stewards.
The Order of the Golden Nutmeg is awarded for excellence in cooking.
ArnBiørn Bassí Dånsson
Servant to the Dream we call Marinus
