Documents of Theory and Practice (Provisional Charter to Outremer Society)

I. Mission.

To recreate the life in the Outremer as it was in the medieval era to foster a greater understanding of the crusades and the crusader states. To act a united body for members to enjoy camaraderie and assistance. To be a "City" united to one goal, the enjoyment of medievalism by reenacting the city of Tortosa and it's outlying area circa 1100-1300AD.

We do this by.

I.a. To reenact in Manner, Dress and Traditions. Reenactment is an attempt to as closely copy or pattern after something from the past. Specifically the clergy of medieval Europe.

I.b. Manner, this is simple acting. To act and react as your "Medieval Persona" would.

I.c. Dress, this means your costume or garb. Avoid polyester & other non-period fabrics whenever possible." Keep to period materials if you can, natural fabrics like Cotton, Linen, wool and the like.

Research is the key, think of when your from, a 11th century Turk would not carry a claymore and a 12th century Crusader would not wear sneakers .So keep in mind your ecclesiastical role that you reenact in the society. Be as close to "Period" that you can. Simple leather boots or Chinese slippers are close in appearance for those newcomers to the hobby. Do your best, and do it well. Since we reenact the Church your garment should fit the role of your persona (no big clunky gold rings for a mendicant Friar). Also keep in mind on what weapons you should carry. If you are a cleric, remember not to carry 'live steel' (a blade of any sort).

Clerics had no reason to carry a blade. If they weren't fighters, they were peaceful and did not kill. (Being those who were not in fighting Holy Orders.) Clerics, from novices to Bishops were not allowed to cut living tissue. However, they WERE allowed to puncture it, as in archery, or to crush it, by use of a mace. Clerics, who were among their flock or on the Crusades, seeing to the spiritual well-being of the crusaders, often carried a mace of some sort. A blade was only used to cut food, but NEVER living tissue!

I.d Understand the traditions you follow, learn about the major rituals and customs that is appropriate to your place and era. Remember your Manner (I.B) & Dress (I.C) will help set your mood and make it easier to be in 'Persona.'

If possible, avoid contractions in your speech and be polite.

II: OBJECTIVE.

To foster interest in the crusader states of the middle ages through events, demos and fairs.

II.a Events- These are closed to the public and are for members and guests, here we all dress in our garb and revel in Persona, Tournaments of arms, archery, camping,games and feasts...song and dance, and so much more its beyond the scope of this paper but in brief means that we are to play the role of the Clergy.

II.b Demos- this is a small showing of our skills and abilities at schools or other areas to create interest and draw in new members. Often including armored fighting and teaching of history and of subjects from glassblowing to carpentry.

II.c Fairs as per above on a larger scale

III. PURPOSE AND SCOPE. To serve the state of our origin and the membership of our group. Best done through period display of our outremer personas.

III.a Fighters: will do it through ars martial, specifically arming and training members in both armored and light weapons forms, providing a tactical fighting unit to the city in times of campaigning and war, and to support interest in and provide contacts for education and training new members of the society in arts and sciences.

III.b CLERGY : and other non-fighters should perform ceremonies as needed.

In addition, they should do, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: teach, calligraphy & illuminate, brew, academia (research), & act as a diplomat and be respectful of the faith they portray.

III.c. To perpetuate enjoyment of The Outremer Society (henceforth known as the Society) through activities focused towards recreation, camaraderie and social interaction. Mainly by being a period presence for the enjoyment of others by our reenactment of life in the Outremer.

III.4. To encourage service to the society on an individual basis. Done with the Outremer theme.

III.5. To act as living symbols within the society by creating a medieval presence. This is to be continued into other medieval groups as well.

III.6. The Structure will be based upon the reenactment of the Outremer between the years 1100-1300 AD. This is the "Classical era" of the age of faith i.e. the middle ages. Members may have their personas be from any era in the timeline.

The society will respect its ranks and members and act as a period focus with in the society.

The Cartulary (Bylaws)

IV. Membership

IV.a. Membership is open to anyone who portray medieval outremer personae.

IV.b. Non European Personas

Since many in the Outremer were natives of course native Saracens and Middle Eastern Jews are excellent personas to reenact.

IV.c. All interested in joining the society should live close enough to attend society meetings & sponsored events in their area, or in some way, follow the minutes from other society meeting outside your area, that will be posted on 'The Outremer Society's' e-mail list. This is only advise but offers greater rewards in your understanding of the hobby.

IV.D. Induction Process

IV.d.1. All paying members (or non paying, it does not matter within our group) of the society are open to membership unless... - Conviction of reprehensible crimes in the mundane world to include, but are not limited to; spousal abuse, proven child abuse and/or molestation, sexual assault, aggravated assault, underage drinking or any acts that could cause harm or sanction by the society. Such acts place us ALL IN JEOPARDY, and can result in arrest or conviction and banishment from the society.

- Conviction of a Capital crime while a member of the society.

IV.E. In the specific case of removal of a member, the membership must vote a two-thirds majority recommending removal. The final decision rests with the Prior, who is mindful that they must find them with mercy and kindness...and understand that they have the right to continue their persona nevertheless in other medieval groups unrelated to the Society.

IV.F. Dues -- See Membership on the Outremersociety.org web site.

IV.G. Organization

IV.G.1. The Outremer Society

The society proper will be composed of all individuals described in the membership section and all medieval groups and houses who agree to the terms of this Charter.

IV.G.2. The Corpora

IV.G.2.a. Duties and Responsibilities -- General

The Corpora exists to serve the needs of the society. It is the Responsibility of the corpora to recommend revisions and addenda to the Charter; to provide heraldry to be used in common by the society; to co-sponsor gatherings at large intersociety events (i.e. Pennsic, Estrella, Gulf Wars, etc.); to maintain the Calendar of the society.

IV.G.2.b. Presiding over matters of discipline

It shall be the responsibility of the corpora to preside over any inquiries which may result in sanctions against or removal of any member from the society. Should corpora find just cause for sanctions or removal, the case will be presented to the membership of the Curia for dispensation as provided for in section IVE.

IV.G.2.c. Ad Hoc Reservation

Corpora reserves for itself the right to make decisions regarding issues not specifically covered in the Charter. These decisions, called "Canons" will be placed second in precedence to the Charter.

The membership of the society has the right to appeal any Canon passed by corpora under this provision. Appeals must be submitted to the Canon Lawyer, who will then forward it on to the membership of the society. A 2/3 majority vote will be required to overturn decisions made by the Synod under these provisions.

Any appeal appearing on the list without the header of the Canon Lawyer will not be considered valid and any vote taken on the matter will not be binding.

IV.G.3. Composition and Membership

IV.G.3.a. The corpora will be composed of 3 members chosen from the membership of the society. Any paid member is eligible to sit on corpora.

IV.G.3.b. Members of the corpora are nominated to serve on the seat by the membership of the society. The candidate's membership will have been seconded by one or more of the current membership of the corpora, and elected by a simple majority of the membership of the society.

Nominations will be made to the President of the Society, who will then present the nomination to corpora for secondment. Once the required secondment is given, the candidate will be presented to the membership for approval.

IV.G.3.c. The current membership of corpora will be considered elected by acclamation upon ratification of this section.

IV.G.4. Officers

IV.G.4.a. President of the Society

The President will have general oversight of the operation of corpora. He will be responsible for presenting candidates for membership of corpora to corpora and the society membership. He will also have the responsibility for presiding over matters of inquiry that could result in sanctions against or removal of any member, as provided for in sections IV.E. and IV.G.

Corpora

IV.G.4.b. Secretary of the Society

The Secretary will be responsible for moderating the Society List, and maintaining the General Calendar of the Curia.

IV.G.4.c. Canon Lawyer

The Canon Lawyer will be responsible for submitting drafts of revisions, addenda, etc. to the Charter, as well as Canons passed as per section IV.G.2.c. Drafts will be approved by corpora before being submitted to the membership of the society for full ratification.

IV.G.4.d. Treasurer

This is our chief financial officer who keeps records for our group