Charter of Broch Ceoban

The Laws of Broch Ceoban

The name of the Clan/ Tribe/ Household is Broch Ceoban. The geographical center of the group (or governmental seat) is the residence of the Broch Ceoban Lord/ Clan Chief/ Tribal Chieftain at the time.

Broch Ceoban are a group devoted to the enjoyment, growth, and dissemination of knowledge of history and life in what is sometimes referred to as the “Arthurian Period” of Britain and surrounding geography. We research and reenact lifestyle and culture as it happened in the British Isles in the late 5th, early 6th century. We participate in organizations and activities including, but not limited to, the SCA, WMA, and the EMP.

The symbol/ totem of Broch Ceoban is the Horned King/ Antlered Man/ Master of the Hunt/ Herne/ Ceurrenos/ Sylvanus/ etc.

Any new activities that increase our knowledge and/ or reproduction of this fascinating period of history are encouraged. Cooking, language, folklore, music, building techniques, combat, costuming, religion, etc are all encouraged and welcomed. If you have a research or project idea that might add to everyone’s knowledge and reenactment experience, please get to it, and then share with the rest of the group.

The Broch Ceoban Lord/ Clan Chief/ Tribal Chieftain has final say in all things Broch Ceoban related (veto power, and etc), but is expected to make decisions with the best interests of Broch Ceoban in mind (not necessarily her/his own). The Broch Ceoban Lord/ Clan Chief/ Tribal Chieftain may resign at any time at which time s/he is expected to name a successor. S/he may also be removed and replaced in a violent coup (rattan weapons-based war/ battle).
Any coup to remove a sitting Broch Ceoban Lord/ Clan Chief/ Tribal Chieftain must occur at a mutually agreed upon time and place (preferably fighter practice). Both sides are expected to give each other sufficient time to prepare, but to also settle things in a timely manner.

The Council of Elders is made up of members who have been part of Broch Ceoban for 4 or more continuous years. The Council recommend new law and implement existing law pending final say so by the Broch Ceoban Lord/ Clan Chief/ Tribal Chieftain. The Elders are expected to act as mentors to newer members when appropriate.

Although we seek new members, we acknowledge that not necessarily all new members will be a good fit with Broch Ceoban. Not everyone gets along with everyone else. And if in real life you’re a Neo-Nazi, or a child molester, or an attorney for Exxon-Mobil, or something equally disagreeable, keep walking. We don’t need or want you.

Anyone member felt to have broken Broch Ceoban law, or doing something to the detriment of Broch Ceoban, something to bring embarrassment or infamy on Broch Ceoban, or that just plain did something to annoy someone else in Broch Ceoban may be reported to the Council of Elders and to the Broch Ceoban Lord/ Clan Chief/ Tribal Chieftain for argument of the case. Sanction up to and including expulsion/ permanent exile/ shunning from Broch Ceoban may be exacted against those members deemed guilty of some act/ crime against the good of Broch Ceoban. This requires simple say so by the Broch Ceoban Lord/ Clan Chief/ Tribal Chieftain, although the Council of Elders and other members of the populace should be included in the deliberation process. Other punishments/ measures may be meted out as deemed appropriate by the Broch Ceoban Lord/ Clan Chief/ Tribal Chieftain. Similar approach for rewarding and recognizing something done by a member of the group for the good of Broch Ceoban.

Although we participate under the auspices of larger organizations, Broch Ceoban will make efforts to maintain governance and an organizational system similar to that of guerilla forces and fortress towns in late 6th, early 7th century Britain. We also acknowledge that we will develop traditions that, while unique to this specific group, will reflect the period of interest and that will also enhance the enjoyment of membership for Broch Ceoban members.

All Broch Ceoban members must exercise respect for and take care to not damage any and all trees, natural areas, green spaces, private and public lands and property, etc.

Cruelty/ unkindness/ disregard for animal welfare or animal endangerment will in no way be tolerated. Similar goes for children and for adults not considered competent. For the purposes of this law, humans 16 and above and inebriated adults are still considered competent adults.

In-garb events are considered all-Broch Ceoban events, whether one is fighting/ competing or not. All Broch Ceoban members at a site where related activity and competition is taking place are expected to participate and support their group by being in period costume and acting accordingly.

All Broch Ceoban members are expected to share the load with administrative and financial duties. This includes, but is not limited to; paperwork, telephone calls, web administration/ operation, recruiting, organization, event planning and management, liaison with other groups, paying for supplies, etc.

Fighters are expected to practice together in order to develop group cohesiveness in combat. For purposes of insurance and liability, after one or two fight practices with us, fighters should become members of the EMP. Heavy fighter authorization in the SCA is also recommended for those who wish to fight and practice with us. Unless there is a force being fought in some war situation or other, routine practices are not to be considered the same as a war/ combat situation. Practices are for Broch Ceoban members to work on their combat skill and form, and for honing our skills as a single fighting unit for war, not for all-out fighting. Save the heavy stuff for the enemy.

Local, state, and federal laws trump Broch Ceoban, EMP/ SCA/ WMA/ whatever else law at all times. At no time is anyone to break real world law while involved in Broch Ceoban activities. Broch Ceoban members are expected to cooperate fully with law enforcement and similar authority figures when involved with Broch Ceoban activities.

At in-garb events, members are expected to make a strong effort to display period technologies and materials. When reasonable, out-of-period artifacts should be obscured by period objects and materials, or at least decent simulations

As part of our “welcome to the ranks”, a fighter who has sustained her/his first ass/ thigh bruise in the service of Broch Ceoban will be presented with the Award of the Baboun. S/he is expected to wear this award for at least 365 days from its presentation. Following her/ his first kill on the warfield in service of Broch Ceoban, an archer is to be presented with the Award of the Bloodied Quill. Other awards within Broch Ceoban will be awarded as suggested by members, and then if implemented and bestowed by the Lord/ Chief of Broch Ceoban and The Council of Elders.

Any rumor of warfare within the EMP and/or in the SCA should be brought to the attention of Broch Ceoban leadership immediately.

We all understand that Broch Ceoban members have real world responsibilities that trump any need for historical reenactment and living history activities. Members are advised that they should give priority to their real lives.