Sergeantry

The Sergeantry is a program offered by multiple communities within An Tir. The program aims to develop and promote skills in martial abiltiies & strategy, chivalry & culture, and leadership.

History

Per the words of Her Excellency Sineidin inghean an Bhiadtaigh,

"The Sergeantry program was developed for the Principality of An Tir so that the Knights of our mother Kingdom of the West could pre-screen Chivalry candidates.. Those that passed the Sergeantry program – Aquaterra’s own Duke Thorin having been the first – were declared competent in all requisite book knowledge, culture, and knightly courtesies, leaving only on-the-field fighting prowess to be assessed, at which time the Knights would make the long journey north. The program has since evolved. An Tir is a mighty Kingdom, and yet we retained the Sergeantry program, unique in the Known World. It is now seen by many as a leadership development program, with military-based teachings and structure.

...There are rare times when an individual feels the Sergeantry is the right path for them, but are strongly attached to a group outside their home Barony through long-standing loyalties and commitments (example: Tir Righ’s Eric of Clan Smith, an Aquaterra Sergeantry Gallant). This scenario was discussed in the September Crown Noble Estate meeting (AS XLIX/2014). With the encouragement of Their Royal Majesties, the Nobles there assembled agreed that in such cases, the only righteous action is to support your populace member on their journey, for joining the Sergeantry is a very personal choice, and contributing to the Sergeantry anywhere contributes to the Sergeantry everywhere. It is strongly recommended that those who choose to train for Sergeantry programs outside their home group first approach their home Coronets as a courtesy – in this way all parties may comfortably move forward with full understanding and cooperation."

See also: Sergeant

Known Programs

Adiantum

Cohorts are the equivalent of the Courtier Sergentry class in Adiantum. Cohorts can be either Stewards (service-oriented) or Artisans (A&S-oriented).

The premier cohort of the Barony was Sumayya min Yibna.

Other cohorts of the barony include:

Cian Brutus'yn
Telisia Brutusdottir
Rose Atherton
Elizabeth Turner de Carlisle

Aquaterra

The Sergeantry of Aquaterra is among the most rigorous and comprehensive programs in An Tir, and it has oft been used as the model for new or re-vamped programs elsewhere. Sergeants are expected to not only demonstrate skills and knowledge upon completion of the program, but to continue to actively use the training as mentors, event stewards, military leads, and courtly retinue. The Sergeantry members form the Guard of Honor for the Baron and Baroness, and are an important part of Their advisory resources. Additionally, many ceremonial and service obligations are the sole domain of the Sergeantry.

The Aquaterra Sergeantry has 5 roles of equal rank:

• Sergeant-at-Arms
• Yeoman
• Gallant
• Courtier
• Lancer

Save for Sergeant-at-Arms, each role is specialized.

The Aquaterran Seregeantry Order supports and encourages its members to represent the Barony at home and when abroad at competitions or in volunteering. Members of the Order often rise to positions of leadership within the Barony directly because of the knowledge and experience they acquire during training.

The annual training cycle for Aquaterra begins each January. Candidates receive a special favor to bear, handcrafted by the hand of the Baroness, and enjoy the support of mentors throughout the course of their training. Preparation to successfully pass the annually held Trials may take one year or more. Weekly classes and other learning opportunities are offered in all the subjects in which a candidate is expected to gain some level of competency (or mastery in the case of their chosen martial discipline) – candidates are encouraged but not required to attend. All classes are also open to members of the populace; class information is posted regularly during the training cycle on the Reeds e-list and the Aquaterra Facebook page.

Upon successful completion of the Trials, the new Member of the Order is granted the right to bear the Sergeantry buckle specific to their discipline, and other duties and privileges that are outlined in the Sergeantry Charter.