• Squire Wretch proposed a corpora change allowing Jovious to be awarded not only by Kingdom but by Subgroups as well.
--Squire Smiley asked that Mask and Dead be included in this proposal.
The Order of the Jovious is a very important award in our Kingdom. Although not a ladder award or a qualifier, it is recognition for an aspect of the game that is crucial for all of the provinces of the kingdom. The Jovious is given for outstanding attitude and good sportsmanship that results in the positive growth of Amtgard, and only one of these can be given out per reign. Currently only the Monarch of Golden Plains can give this award out but my belief is that all provinces as well as the Kingdom should be allowed to recognize a person in their lands who personify this ideal. It is my hope that this is considered.
More than agreed, as I have read the current requirements as per our new corpora, this seems at best silly. Outlying groups may well have members who are worthy of a Jovious. As Wretch originally spoke about, not a ladder qualifier, but a really nice way to get newer players into the spirit of the game.
I would have to agree with both of you. I can remember the first time I recieved this award. I had been I for about a year and half and was so pumped up abot it, that it give me the confidence to do more in the game.
Sir Jynx wrote:More than agreed, as I have read the current requirements as per our new corpora, this seems at best silly. Outlying groups may well have members who are worthy of a Jovious. As Wretch originally spoke about, not a ladder qualifier, but a really nice way to get newer players into the spirit of the game.
This has been in place for Mask and Jovious at least since version 2.5, and likely earlier. I agree it would be a welcome change.
Reading the corpora, I honestly see no reason for our version of the Order of the Mask currently. The Order of the Mask is given for "outstanding portrayal of a persona" and can only be given out by the Kingdom Monarch once a reign. However, excellent portrayal of a persona can be awarded just as well by the Order of the Dead, which all monarchs in our Kingdom can give as can lead to a Masterhood for role play. Role play in any aspect in the Kingdom is currently a rarity unfortunately, and the Order of the Dead covers all aspects in terms of award. Also, the Order of the Dead in other kingdoms is called the Order of the Mask, so it would also remove any potential confusion as well as keep the Dead as unique to our kingdom. I would propose the Order of the Mask be removed and the Order of the Dead be emphasized as the kingdoms award for both excellent persona portrayals and role play.
While I see everyones point on this, I have to disagree. I personally feel that both should remain kingdom monarch only awards. I see this as a way for the kingdom monarch to recognize players on a KINGDOM level. If they are taken away then that special recognition is also being taken away. I see that it is possible for people to be over looked for such awards. However recomendations can be made to the kingdom monarch. Also where previously kingdom all things and events were primarily held in one area, that is no longer the case and members are more likely to be recognized. There are 4 awards out of 14 that can be given only by the kingdom monarch. Often times a kingdom level award will mean more to some people than a local award and therefore the kindom monarch should be allowed to have the ability to grant awards that sub-groups can not.
I'm kinda on the fence with this, I can see it being good for a local monarch to give out these awards, but I also think that it coming from the kingdom is a better incentive for roleplay and good attitude, maybe if we could increase the number from just one jovious, to maybe one for each field if it is recomended from the local monarch to the kingdom monarch, then those who deserve it would get what they have earned, if it is taken from kingdom then it loses its, special-ness.
I know, I sould keep my outsider opinions to myself, but I would like to provide a little history on this subject.
Dead/Masque distiction:
Originally, there was a well defined distiction between and Order of the Dead and an Order of the Masque. A dead was for a particular instance of roleplay, like good portrayal of an Orc at a Relics Quest. A Masque was for portrayal of the persona one created for themselves. It was a high-flurb award for those who constantly played the part they set for themselves: talked in accent during games and feasts, put thought into how their character dressed and interacted with others, etc. That was why its was a once per reign thing, versus Dead which could be recognized for any thing from a dramatic death on the field to the way one played a particular monster.
Kingdom v. Local:
This is another thing that seemed to randomly change between the 1999 corpora and the 2008 corpora. Subgroups were allowed to give the award. The only Jovious I have ever earned came from Irongate in 2002, and for those who remember the circumstances around my getting it understand why it is one of the awards I feel very proud of.
Thurg and Arminius both have made really good points. I for one feel that distinction should be used once again for the 2 awards. The idea of kingdom being able to award more than 1 per reign or 1 per each subgroup per reign might be a great compromise for what we are discussing here.
I like the idea of possibly increasing the number that may be awarded. The copora also allows sub-groups to create awards as long as they are keeping with the sipirt of amtgard. If it is local recognition that is wanted is that not also an option? Kingdom keeps their awards (with a possible increase in the amount allowed) and have a local award.
