IRONSTEED ON THE PEERAGE

(Note: This is exactly what it says. My thoughts and observations on the institution of the peerage. It is in no way, shape or form SCA policy. Further, no one died and made me God.)

A peerage is the King's way of saying "you're what we want to be when we grow up."
Ideally, peers are exemplars of all that is best in the society. This includes character and actions as well as skill.

A peerage is not a merit badge.
It's not a matter of completing a checklist. Character matters, perhaps more than skill. Commitment matters. Just being good at what you do is not sufficient. OTOH, it is necessary. (To make a period distinction.)

To become a peer act like a peer
Strive to practice the virtues of the peer. Those include generosity of spirit, courtesy and trying to live up to the ideals of the Society. Work at your art. Strive to learn and teach what you know. Work for the good of the SCA and its ideals.

Character, actions and skill are everything.
All the junk jewelry in the world does not make someone a true peer.

Being a peer will not improve your sex life, make people love you or even gain you much respect.
You're still you and a peerage doesn't change that. The people who think that being a peer will magically change them are going to be bitterly disappointed.

Making a peer is the most permanent thing a King can do.
Laws can be revoked by the next King. Other actions affect only the current reign. But we're stuck with a peer for as long as he or she continues to play.

The role of peerage circles is extremely limited.
The king decides who to offer elevation. By Aten law he is required to consult a circle of peers, but he doesn't have to take their advice. There is no method for polling the entire order. Circles don't vote, although the King may go around the circle and ask each peer's opinion. A peer can't blackball someone in a circle because only the King decides. There is no such thing as "being passed by the circle". In fact there isn't even a "candidate for the peerage" until His Majesty decides to ask someone if they will accept elevation.

Elevation to the peerage is not fair.
Even with the best will in the world not everyone who should be made a peer will be elevated. Some people who shouldn't be made peers will be through favoritism, politics, etc. It's been that way from the very beginning and frankly I can't imagine any system which would completely eliminate the problem.