The Plumes of Mooneschadowe
Charter

Goals

• Foremost, to further the art of the sword, the true practice of rapier play, and the nobility of gentle manners.
• Secondly, to provide a cohesive rapier force to represent the honor of the Shire of Mooneschadowe in military matters.
• Finally, to provide fellowship for likeminded fighters who wish to uphold the high standard of skill and style detailed in this charter.

There are several requirements that must be fulfilled before a Candidate may be inducted:

1. A current Plume must sponsor the Candidate. The Sponsor is the Candidate’s advocate, verifying that the Candidate possesses a character compatible with the goals of the Plumes.
2. The Candidate must demonstrate competence in each of the five weapons styles: single sword, sword and dagger, sword and buckler, sword and cloak, and case of rapiers.
3. The Candidate must demonstrate dedication to the art of the sword and the pursuit of honor, rather than an over-arching desire to win fights. This is proven by varied tournament experience against unfamiliar opponents.
4. The Candidate must demonstrate sportsmanship and knowledge of strategy by facing each Plume in a game of Chess.
5. The Candidate must demonstrate scholarship and wit by composing a sonnet (or by agreement, some other literary or musical work).
6. Finally, the applicant must be approved by at least 2/3 of the active Plumes in private ballot.

The Plume treats each weapon as if it were the true weapon it is intended to represent.

As a public mark of self-control and dignity, a Plume is required to yield in non-melee tournament when wounded in a leg, rather than fighting from the ground.

A Plume is bound to these constrictions of behavior only when decorated with the livery of his or her membership (scarf, tabard, etc).

The Plumes have 2 auxiliary companies:

• Foreign Legion - Membership is open to fighters who are not residents of the Shire of Mooneschadowe. Such a member is designated as Plume, Foreign Legion.
• Company of Ensigns - Youth rapierists from the 15-17 age group may join the Plumes. Such a member is designated as Plume, Ensign.

All memberships are equivalent by rank, with all the rights and duties of local members, excepting that members of an auxiliary company may not serve as Captain.

Captaincy is chosen by passage of arms.

On the Issue and Acceptance of Challenges

1. All challenges must be issued in writing or in the company of worthy witnesses.
2. The parties must meet within 2 weeks, or the challenger is deemed the winner.
3. The challenged party may defer, in which case the challenger wins without fighting.
4. The challenger must prove his case. Therefore, a mutual kill is a victory for the defender.
5. A duel to first blood is preferred.

On the Captaincy

1. The Captain must claim residency in the Shire of Mooneschadowe.
2. Only the Lieutenant may challenge for Captain.
3. This challenge must be concluded within 1 month.
4. The Lieutenant must defend all challenges before facing the Captain.

Regalia

Plume colors are purple and green. Green is a symbol of the Art we pursue, while Purple is a symbol of our Nobility.

A white plume is given as a token of membership.

A member may resign at any time.

Members absent from practice and events for a substantial period of time may be deemed inactive. A member deemed inactive may return to the Plumes with the consent of 2/3’s of the active members in secret ballot. The returning member is not required to "re-Play the Prize".