The Kingdom of Stanislaus: Functions and Rules

Functions and Customs
of the
Kingdom of Stanislaus

kindom heraldry

Section 1: General Functions of the Kingdom

1-1: The Valde Concilium (Great Council)

1-2: Kingdom Officers

1-3: Promotion in the Kingdom of Stanislaus

Section 2: The Guilds

2.1: Guild Structure

2.2: Guild Charter regulations

Section 3: The Chivalry

3-1 Council of Chivalry

*see Knights Manual for more information on the Chivalry

Section 4: Households

4-1 Household Structure

4-2 Starting a Household

Section 5: Laws of the Kingdom

Section 6: Membership and Dues
6-1 Starting a Chapter

Section 1: General Functions

1-1: The Valde Concilium

The Valde Concilium is the Advisory council made up of the highest ranking nobles of the Kingdom of Stanislaus. This council discusses issues brought up by the citizens and votes on additions to the laws, and rules of the Kingdom. The only exception is that The Valde Concilium does not vote or make rules regarding military actions. All offensive measures of foreign policy as well as combat rules and regulations reside in the Purview of the Council of Chivalry. All regulations voted on by the council are ratified by the Crown.

Members of the council include the King and Queen of Stanislaus, the Knight Commander, the Kingdom Seneschal,, the King of Arms and the Leaders of the major households and lands. In addition the King or Queen may nominate a Councilor at Large at their discretion.

A 2/3rds vote is required for ratification of any proposal in any council within the Kingdom

1-2: Kingdom Officers

The King and Queen of Stanislaus: The leaders of the Kingdom, who will be of the Royal Line of Valcore or married into the Household.

The Knight Commander: leader of the Chivalry under the Crown. This position is voted on by the entire Knighthood and it can be held by anyone of the rank of Knight or higher within the Chivalry. The King or Queen may hold this position in addition to their primary titles should the Chivalry be unable to choose a leader.

The Kingdom Seneschal: Leader of the Nobility in the Kingdom. The Seneschal has final word on promotions to Master and therefore the holding of the title of Lord. This person must hold the rank of Lord or higher and is voted into office by the Guild Masters.

The King of Arms: The leader of the Heraldry Guild. As the only Kingdom sponsored guild, the Heraldry guild’s purpose is the promotion, advancement and registration of armorial bearings in the Kingdom. The King of Arms approves all applications for new heraldry according to the rules of heraldry. Other Kingdom Heralds will act under the guidance of The King of Arms.

The Kingdom Steward: The chief organizer of all feasts and other revels. This officer ensures that food is prepared in a timely manner and in accordance with the standards set forth by the guilds responsible for food preparation. Also organizes and oversees Squires and Pages who are serving at feast.

The Kingdom Reeve: The person in charge of enforcing kingdom rules and regulations on behalf of the King and Queen. In charge of organizing the knighthood for security details at events where the mundane may attend.

The Earle Marshal : This person is in charge of enforcing all combat regulations in the kingdom. Organizes marshaling activities and reports to the Knight Commander

The Kingdom Minister of Foreign Affairs: the person tasked with sending out official communications to other nations. The only official voice of the Kingdom.

The Kingdom Minister of Commerce and Exchange: Handles the Kingdom financial system. Reviews and approves any expenditures from the Royal Coffers.

1-3 Promotion in the Kingdom of Stanislaus:

The Kingdom of Stanislaus is an enlightened nation and wishes to promote both the arts and sciences, and the military arts. Therefore we allow those of the peasantry to gain peerage by their pursuits in these fields of endeavor. To do this, citizens of the Kingdom of Stanislaus must join either the Knighthood or Craft or Service guild. Their performance and advancement in said organizations directly results in the granting of arms and title. This way we, the King and Queen of Stanislaus can be sure that those who serve us and the kingdom as a whole are the most competent and educated as possible.

Section 2: The Guilds

2-1: Guild Structure:

The guilds are set up in an ascending scale of achievement. To gain rank within the guild, a craftsman must show that their skill in their chosen field has increased. This is done by a Level Work. This is an item of art or example of achievement that is of the level they are trying to obtain.

The Guilds are set up with the following levels: Apprentice, Journeymen and Master.

Apprentice: this is the beginning level when the basic groundwork for the craft or skill is laid out.

Requirements to become an apprentice:

1. Must be a member in good standing

2. must possess basic medieval or renaissance clothing

3. must present themselves to a Master and request to become their Apprentice and then have their Master announce their status as Apprentice at Court.

Once a member is accepted into the Guild as an Apprentice they are now on the track to becoming a Journeyman. The Apprentice’s Master now is responsible for the basic instruction in courtly manors, Skills of the guild and to help them acquire equipment necessary for the craft.

Jobs of the Page:

Must possess tools necessary for the craft or service of the guild

Must possess a field knife (short bladed hunting knife with natural or period handle) MUST be accompanied by a sheath. This is used for basic camp tasks at events such as rope cutting, food prep etc. This item is useful throughout the career of the Apprentice.

Must serve their master at feast and assist their Master in the production of the products of the guild

Must present a Journeyman level work to advance

Journeymen: This is the mid level in the guild. The member has shown competence in their chosen field and can teach apprentices the basics of the craft. The Journeymen should be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of all aspects of the guilds required information and be able to produce workmanlike examples

The Journeymen must do the following to become a Lord/Lady (Master Craftsman):

Must possess all the tools necessary to their field of endeavor
Must possess basic feast gear (Wooden bowl, platter or plate, Spoon (field knife used to eat with)
Must help the Lord of Arms develop and register heraldry

Must have said heraldry applied to a 18x 24 banner/tablecloth

Must serve their Master at feast at all gatherings until they attain Master level.

Must not disgrace their guild or the kingdom through overt drunkenness or boorish behavior

Must possess court garb (a finer grade of clothing, reserved for special occasions)
Must memorize the Code of Chivalry

Must endure the Nobles Vigil

Must be presented in court to recite the Code of Chivalry and to be presented their coronet by the Crown and receive the accolade.

Master: This person has shown themselves to be highly skilled in their field. The product is close to flawless and its functionality is unquestioned.

In addition, a high degree of decoration or enhancement can be seen. This person gains the rank of Lord within the Kingdom and has joined the Peerage.

A Master Craftsman must maintain their skills and show some form of effort in thair craft. this is done by doing periodic demonstrations or by instructing others in their guild in their chosen craft.

2-2: Guild Charter Requirements

To form a guild, you must register a charter with the Valde Concilium. This charter will contain the requirements of guild membership for your specific guild in the form required. In addition, the guild must register heraldry with the King of Arms. The heraldry registered should reflect the guilds activities. A proper guild charter should contain the following information:

1) A specific guild name, different from any other guild in the kingdom

2) A Specific medieval period craft or skill (Or skill necessary to the kingdom's operation)

3) A set of requirements for attainment of Apprentice, Journeyman and Master Craftsman

4) Must have 3 charter members to form (this can be waived by the king or queen)

5) Must within six months of forming, give a presentation of the guild’s craft to the kingdom at an event

Section 3: The Chivalry:

3-1: The Council of Chivalry

The Council of Chivalry is a legislative body made up of the assembled knights of the Order of the Sable Branch. Their job is to regulate combat events in the Kingdom, establish Marshals for combat events, drawn from within the ranks of the Knighthood, and to act as a command structure during times of war.

Section 4: Households
Households are a vital part of the Kingdom of Stanislaus, they are the local base from which members can attend fighter practices, guild meetings and other activities. They also help new members adjust to the ways of the Kingdom . It is HIGHLY encouraged that you join a household when you become a citizen.

4-1 Household Structure
Households are set up by either a noble or a knight and make up his or her retinue. Members of a household can include people of all walks of life including other Nobles! Knights often remain attached to the Household of the knight who squired him.
Households in the Kingdom of Stanislaus require the following officers:
Patron/Matron: Must be a noble of Lord or Higher or a Knight
Seneschal: can be any member of the household, promotes and encourages guild activity on the local level
Captain of the Guard: Can be held by any combat qualified household member: Controls all combat within the household to include fighter practices and duels.
Holder of the Coffers: Can be held by any member of the Household: Controls any funds generated, collected or distributed by the household.

4-2 Starting a Household
To start a household, the founding member must be a noble of at least the rank of Lord. They must petition the crown to form said household and must meet the following criteria:

Must be able to present 3 members excluding the petitioner who will represent the officers of the household as well as its founding members
Must present a charter at court that has been approved by the Crown.
For the household to remain viable, it must be able to prove activity 6 months after the charter has been approved
Must register a badge with the King of Arms
Must, within a month of charter approval, present a banner at court depicting the heraldry of the chief/patron of the household (this is the only instance, other than a Knight Bannerette where a noble would have a banner larger than his tablecloth.

Section 5: Laws of the Kingdom

Law 1: Respect to others: Abuse of others, verbal or physical will not be tolerated. Citizens of the Kingdom of Stanislaus will use proper titles and address all nobles with the respect due their office regardless of circumstances. If a kingdom citizen does not know the title or address of a specific noble, they may use the term Milord or Milady.

Law 2: Protection from theft: The possessions of others will not be touched, taken or otherwise disturbed without that person’s permission. Any thievery will be dealt with severely.

Law 3: Adherence To Chivalry: All combat will be conducted with one eye on the enemy and the other on the code of Chivalry. All citizens will respect this code.

Law 5: Wearing of proper clothing: All citizens of the Kingdom of Stanislaus will present themselves with proper medieval or renaissance attire at all kingdom events. In addition, the wearing of your Household Favor is highly encouraged. At tournament and war, it is mandatory. You must stay in garb for the ENTIRE event. The Kingdom will allocate loaner garb for new members and those whose garb may have become soiled.

Law 6: Reasonability for ones possessions: All kingdom citizens will control their property at all times. It is the members’ responsibility to keep weapons, armor and other dangerous and fragile items away from those unable to handle such.

Law 7: Protection from False Representation. Kingdom citizens will not lie or spread falsehoods about kingdom citizens. Falsely representing the kingdom to another nation for any purpose is a crime.

Law 8: Citizens of the Kingdom of Stanislaus who are under the age of 21 will not consume alcoholic beverages. Any violation of this rule is grounds for ejection from the event or sensure within the kingdom , at the descression of the Reeve. In additon, the use of illicit drugs or other substances is not permitted for any member of the Kingdom.

Section 6: Kingdom Membership and Dues:
To join the Kingdom of Stanislaus or to remain a member, you must fill out in full, the membership form as well as sign the waiver. The Kingdom of Stanislaus also requires the payment of yearly dues. These dues , in the amount of $25 Dollars go for such things as kingdom loaner equipment, events and other necessities. At no time will dues be used for personal gain or for activities other than those of the Kingdom of Stanislaus.
6-1 : Starting a Chapter:
The Kingdom of Stanislaus is set up as an absolute Monarchy with the King of Stanislaus as ruler of the Kingdom and has final say on all matters. However, if a person lives in an area not covered by the Kingdom Proper, they may petition the Crown to form a chapter of the Kingdom of Stanislaus.
This chapter is called a Canton and is set up the same as the Kingdom at large.
To petition for a full chapter, the Petitioner must be able to provide the signitures of three other individuals besides the petitioner who will act as the officers of the chapter. Having these four members, and a valid charter, that chapter will be known as a "Canton".
Rules for maintaining a chapter:

By submitting a petition for chapter status, the Castilan agrees to abide by the rules of the Kingdom of Stanislaus and to enforce said rules within his or her domain.
The granting of a chapter convays the right to use the Kigndom heraldry and name in any recruiting or public activities as well as re-posting of the rules, photos and other information for the purposes of gaining members for the chapter. In return, the Castilan agrees not to align his/her Canton with any other Kingdom, or medieval group without the expressed written permission of the Crown.
Dues for chapters are $35 with $10 going to the Kingdom coffers. A ledger containing a full accounting of the use of monies accrued by the chapter must be maintained and be available at any time for perrusal of any Officer of the Kingdom.
Once a chapter, the Leader of the Canton, known as a Castilan must submit a report to the Crown every six months. For the purposes of the internal workings of the Kingdom, the rank of Castilan carries with it the powers of the title of Lord.
Cantons must provide proof of at least three successful events per year either through picture or video to the Kingdom. These picures will be used to represent the Canton on the Kingdom Web site.
Events run by a Canton must be opened to any payed member of the Kingdom of Stanislaus and a full event announcement must be posted on the Kingdom Message Board under the Canton's name
As the Canton grows, the King may opt to raise the title of the Castilan to a rank higher, and may do so up to Prince. At no time may a Chapter raise above the rank of Prince unless that chapter is run by member of the Family of Valcore.
The Canton must have a Web presence. This can be done by means of posting a web site, a MySpace(R) page or by using a single page provided by the Kingdom. If the latter is chosen, the Kingdom will , at its descression post a web page detailing the Heraldry, Location , Contact Information and a picture from a Canton event. A one time fee of $5 will be charged for this service.
A Canton must serve Broccoli at at least one event in some form, Preferable covered in cheese.