The Baron and Baroness lead by example – displaying themselves as living representatives of the Barony and will generally strive to look regal in public, wearing the coronets of the Barony and providing a Ceremonial focus.
They also serve as all around ‘cheer-leaders’ supporting and motivating members of the populace into the best people they can be. Sometimes this can take the form of general encouragement, but can also include making introductions to other people who share interests.
The B&B have two primary responsibilities; First, to act as local representatives for the Crown of Northshield – reporting and liaising to ensure the Barony forms a unified part of the Kingdom. Second, to provide local recognition to the local populace for their achievements and actions – generally through holding Court, creating and handing out Awards for various fields and drawing attention to the many good deeds that makes the Barony a fun place to live.
Baronial Warlord: In this time of peace, their Excellencies see fit not to fill this position.
The Warlord is appointed by the Baron and Baroness to organize and train the Baronial War Unit, which travels to big ‘war’ events to participate in the large-scale group combat in the name of the Barony.
The Baronial Champion is chosen by the Baroness from among the authorized fighters of the Barony as an example of chivalry and courtesy. He or she defends the honor of the Barony, the Baron and the Baroness, and holds the baronial sword during baronial courts, to add to the pomp and ceremony of these courts.
The Rapier Captain is appointed by the Baron and Baroness to organize and train the Baronial Rapier Unit, which travels to big ‘war’ events to participate in rapier melees in the name of the Barony.
The Archery Captain is appointed by the Baron and Baroness to organize and train the Baronial Archery Unit, which travels to big ‘war’ events to participate in the archery-related activities in the name of the Barony.
The Baronial Cupbearer is chosen by the Baron from among the members of the Barony as an example of chivalry and courtesy. He or she holds a tray with goblets for the Baron and Baroness during baronial courts, to add to the pomp and ceremony of these courts.
Our Society is built on the ideals of chivalry and courtesy, but runs by the concept of service. Without cooks, marshals, teachers, tent-raisers, hall-decorators, and so forth, no one would get to enjoy any of the activities we have come to know and love. The opportunities for service are practically limitless and the best part is, when everyone gives a little, nobody has to give a lot!
Officers in the Barony help coordinate and manage activities within the group to ensure that our activities and behind the scenes logistics are arranged so we have a hobby to enjoy.
Generally any current paying member over the age of 18 can serve as an Officer and vacancies are advertised from time to time via our Social media and mailing lists.
Officers also serve as first point of call for people with inquiries about their focus and as coordinators for volunteers.
A group Seneschal serves as the individual responsible for the Regional Group and their activities. In practice this equates to the roles of President and Secretary in other groups / organizations.
They are in charge of all the mundane issues of running the SCA, such as approval of the running of events and activities, ensuring populace numbers are sustained, and ensuring that the group/s they are in charge of are generally running effectively. They also handle a lot of the enquiries from the public.
The Exchequer serves the role of Treasurer – working closely with Officers of the Barony and Event Stewards to approve budgets, issues funds for purchases and expenses and provides oversight to ensure money is spent in a sensible fashion.
The Knight Marshal serves as the primary representative of the Kingdom Armoured Combat Marshal, overseeing all martial activities within the group and ensuring that all relevant safety procedures are followed.
In our martial activities, Marshals of various specialties serve as safety officers, conducting inspections of equipment and controlling the field of combat to ensure participants and spectators are safe. They are not referees or judges.
There are many heralds in the SCA, however a Baronial Herald serves as the primary representative of the College of Heralds within a region. Castel Rouge Herald is the title given to our Baronies Herald and they help consult and coordinate with name & device registration, the running of Courts and field announcements for tournaments and events.
Typically you will consult with the Castel Rouge Herald if you want to run an event and need to arrange a herald, if you wish to register a device or name or you are interested in becoming a herald yourself.
The Arts & Sciences (A&S) Minister is responsible for overseeing coordinating A&S within the Barony, generally in the form of A&S gatherings, or competitions at events.
The A&S Minister will generally be the person to talk to if you want guidance in any of the Arts or Sciences – they don’t generally know everything but can point you in the right direction. They are also on hand to offer assistance in entering any Baronial or Kingdom A&S Competition.
The Chronicler is responsible for the publications of the group. The Barony of Castel Rouge issues a free newsletter called “Chronicle” at least 3 times per year, which is made digitally available to all members of the SCA who live within the Barony. If you would like a complimentary copy, please click HERE.
This office has one main purpose: Welcoming newcomers to the Current Middle Ages. It is primarily the office designated to coordinate the education and orientation of new members. Ideally, all of the local group’s members should serve as in this capacity, seeking out new people and welcoming them, which would be consistent with the SCA’s ideals of courtesy. Since SCA members are occasionally preoccupied with other activities (such as martial arts or hosting an event), most groups designate one person to serve as their hospitality representative in carrying out the duties and responsibilities of providing a courteous and welcoming environment for the newcomer to the local group.
The Chatelaine is also the primary point of contact for newcomers requiring loaner clothing and/or feasting equipment for events (given advance notice).
The Group Rapier Marshal serves as the primary representative of the Kingdom Rapier Marshal, overseeing all light-armoured combat (Rapier + Cut & Thrust) activities within the group and ensuring that all relevant safety procedures are followed.
The Webminister is the officer who oversees the the official Castel Rouge website, and social media presence. If you have any questions, comments or ideas, please feel free to contact me.
The Baronial Goldkey is responsible for maintaining, and cataloging Baronial equipment and provides access to it to Stewards and Officers for the running of events.
The Signet serves as the primary point of call for arranging Award Scrolls within the Barony and coordinates local Scribal Artists in their service to Barony and Kingdom.
The Youth Officer helps coordinate Youth activities within the Barony and ensures that modern law regarding background checks and SCA policy.