Kensmen
The noble and nationally famous Circle of the Kensmen was first created by the legendary warriors, Iskandar the Grim and his close companion, Balynar the Elder (RIP) and enacted officially within Aratari Dagorhir via the Kingdom of Gwynedd by the hand of Her Glorious Majesty Queen Rayne of Gwynedd on the last Sunday of June 1983.
This heretofore unheard-of honor was first bestowed on Iskandar the Grimm, for this reason, he is called the AllFather of the Kensmen.
Minutes later, the honor was also bestowed upon Grand Kensmen Balynar the Elder (RIP) who wrote much of the original lore of the Circle of Kensmen. lore that is the core of the modern Code of the Kensmen to this day. Roughly 85% of modern Kensmen are of his direct lineage. His line has produced innumerable famous fighters in the SCA, Markland, Belegarth and Dagorhir.
Since its creation, the Kensmen have grown into an inter-realm and inter-sport brotherhood, with Kensmen and Swordbrothers appearing first in Dagorhir then throughout Markland, the SCA, and other groups nationwide.
This article concerns Kensmen as they appear in Belegarth and Dagorhir today.
Those interested in learning more about the Kensmen may visit their Facebook Page or their Discord.
The Way of The Kensmen
The rank of Kensmen is a title regarding combat and warfare. All Kensmen meet certain requirements for combat skill, tactics, leadership, melee ability, battlefield awareness, stealth and endurance. All Kensmen conduct themselves according to the Way of the Kensmen at all times, one of honor and of traditions known only to them.
The warrior, regardless of gender, wishing to earn the title of Kensmen, must first become a Swordbrother to a sanctioned Kensmen. To become a Swordbrother, the warrior must first petition a sanctioned Kensmen to be accepted for training. If the warrior is accepted, they shall be known as Swordbrother until such time as they have earned the rank of Kensmen.
This training shall last a minimum of two years, often considerably longer, (exceptions may be made for veterans with ten or more years of fighting experience but must be approved by a Grand Council). A Swordbrother’s training shall be considered complete when they have mastered the following skills and proficiencies:
I: The Swordbrother must master (be considered exceptional with) three weapons styles, to be determined by the Kensmen and Swordbrother.
II: The Swordbrother must prove they are proficient (competent) in all common weapons styles
III. The Swordbrother must then learn basic combat tactics, and develop a strong personal presence on the battlefield. They must be able to lead the unit into battle, and to have earned the faith of the unit to the point that the unit will follow them as they would the other Kensmen. This is a requirement. The Swordbrother must also learn leadership methods and responsibilities, melee principles, skirmishing technique, stealth abilities, flanking, etc…
IV: The Swordbrother must demonstrate expertise in6three non-fighting period arts. These can be any number of skills such as bardic (story telling, singing, musical instrument, etc…), cooking, leather, iron, or woodworking, as approved by their Kensmen. These skills are often proven either by showing a body of work (as in leather armor, carved wooden items, jewelry, etc) or by entertaining with the use of bardic skills at an event or campout, cooking at several feasts, etc…
V: The Swordbrother must learn to craft their own passable (local and national events) weapons and garb (Dag/Belegarth/SCA minimal garb requirements). By the time a Swordbrother is ready to attain the rank of Kensmen, they should have crafted a Historic (based on a historical period in time) of Heroic (based mostly on historical places/dates, with the addition of fantastical creatures/beings {dragons, elves, orcs, ogres. etc}) personna. The Swordbrother should have garb and weapons that reflect that persona as much as is possible. A good example would be a Norseman wearing chainmaille, armed with a bearded axe and round shield, or a Gael, wearing plaid pants, painted in wode, armed with a leaf bladed sword, and tall oval scutum. Kensmen are expected to be an example to others on the field, as well as off.
VI: The Swordbrother must learn to build and maintain a campfire. The manner and conditions under which this is to be done (friction, flint & steel, matches, etc.) is to be decided by the Kensmen.
VII: The Swordbrother must be able to show a working knowledge of local flora and fauna. They must be able to identify common trees and their uses, available edible and medicinal plants, as well as identifying the tracks and spoor of local wildlife. Additional tasks may be required by the Kensmen (build wilderness shelter, low impact hiking/camping, etc., as they see fit.
VIII: The Swordbrother must learn to read and write in ELDER FUTHARK, fluently. A Swordbrother should be able to translate into and out of ELDER FUTHARK easily.
IX: A Swordbrother must learn and commit to memory their lineage back to Iskandar the Grimm, AllFather of the Kensmen, or to Balynar the Elder, the original two Kensmen.
X: A Swordbrother must prove they are able to teach, as well as learn. If a Kensmen is unable to pass on their knowledge to the next generation, then we shall have stagnation. If the Kensmen are to continue to grow, then we must be able to teach, or our lineage shall pass away.
Upon attainment of these skills the Swordbrother must also show that they are portable, i.e., they can transport themselves to a battle and armor and accouter themselves appropriately and quickly.
The Swordbrother is then called before the assembled Kensmen and asked to recite their lineage back to Iskandar the Grim. In doing this we make sure the Swordbrother knows from whence they and whence the title comes. Also the Swordbrother must know the history of their House, and Unit. In this we honor our past and we learn wisdom from those who are our ancestors. The Swordbrother is then questioned further, to the satisfaction of all the Kensmen of the Council.
After the training period is completed, and the Swordbrother has shown all of the traits and accomplishments listed above, a Digital Announcement7 must be posted with the Swordbrother’s name and their Kensmen’s intention to elevate the Swordbrother at least thirty (30) days in advance of the Event at which they intend to petition the Council9. The Council of Kensmen shall be held and upon their approval shall the Swordbrother be allowed to ascend to the rank of Kensmen.
Here we give unto you the meaning of the "Two Years of Hell", a term first used by Kensmen Ragnarr Wyndhaven of House Redd. Not only is this time devoted to training, but also to learning the history of the Kingdom, the meaning of what it is to be a Kensmen, to understanding the rights and privileges of stated rank, and the laws of the kingdom, the rules by which we live and the roles that are expected of the Kensmen. We do not want foolish people that just follow orders, we want warriors with the power of thought and the ability to understand what is transpiring around them. Note here that this does not excuse a Swordbrother or Kensmen from following orders but enables them to interpret orders that are given to them.
Much has been said of the title of Kensmen over the past forty4 years since its inception. Over all, the Kensmen is a fighting machine. They are leaders, flankers, skirmishers and the most important element of our shock troops. They move fast and wear little armor. As individuals they are a force to be reasoned and feared on the field, as commanders they are decisive in battle, and as leaders they are examples to be followed. Kensmen hold their selves to a higher standard than the rank and file of the battlefield, never forget this. This is what draws promising warriors to us, looking for training and guidance, and it is through them that we shall continue…
The Council of Kensmen
I. There are three types of Councils, each with different attendance requirements, and powers therein are as described below. Whenever the Kensmen gather for a Council, Minutes must be taken and a best effort must be made to post these minutes online within a month of the event. These minutes shall be accessible to all Kensmen, for the purpose of preserving the history of the Kensmen9.
1. Grand Council: This type of Council is the only Council that can vote for and make official changes to the Code of the Kensmen and strip a Kensmen of their title and rank. The Grand Council can also elevate Swordbrothers to the rank of Kensmen. The following requirements must be met for any Council to qualify as a Grand Council: a. Twelve (12) minimum Kensmen must be present at the Council
b. The Council must be held at a qualifying Event
2. Kensmen Council: This type of Council is capable of elevating Swordbrothers to the rank of Kensmen, but has no power to affect changes to the Code of the Kensmen. The following requirements must be met for any Council to qualify as a Kensmen Council: a. Six (6) minimum Kensmen must be present at the Council
b. The Council must be held at a qualifying Event
3. Lesser Council: This type of Council results when the requirements for either of the other types of Councils are not met. Although this type of Council has no power to affect changes or elevate Swordbrothers, the Kensmen and Swordbrothers in attendance at a qualifying Event are encouraged to come together to share stories, Swordbrother progress, make introductions of new Swordbrothers, discuss future plans, and anything else the acting Grand Kensmen at the Event deems appropriate to promote fellowship among the Kensmen.
II. A Council may be held at any Event8that meets the requirements listed below:
1. The Event must be scheduled to include at least one (1) overnight, and provide acceptable camping accommodations.
2. The Event must strongly encourage all participants to wear garb.
3. Event attendance cannot exclude any Kensmen wishing to attend unless otherwise banned or suspended by the Dagorhir or Belegarth organizations or their affiliate Chapters or Realms or the Event Site.
4. The Event must be Digitally Announced7to the Kensmen at least ninety (90) days in advance of the commencement of the Event.
5. If the Event offers organized combat recreation, the combat rules and weapon construction requirements must be of an Official Foam Fighting ruleset with minimal deviation.
III. To attend a Council, you must have achieved the rank of Kensmen. Knights may be invited to attend a Council to give advice on what they may hear or know, however they have no voting capacity on the Council. Swordbrothers are required to attend the Council but do not have a voice in the Council, a Swordbrother may be called to answer questions asked by a Kensmen during the Council.
IV. All Kensmen in attendance at an event where a Council is called will be expected to attend. The Ranks of the Kensmen
I. Swordbrother is a warrior that has petitioned a sanctioned Kensmen to be accepted for training. If the warrior is accepted, they shall be known as Swordbrother until such time as they have earned the rank of Kensmen.
II. Kensmen is a title regarding combat and warfare. All Kensmen meet certain requirements for combat skill, tactics, leadership, melee ability, battlefield awareness, stealth and endurance. All Kensmen conduct themselves according to the Way of the Kensmen at all times, one of honor and of traditions known only to them.
III. Grand Kensmen shall be the oldest of the Kensmen, they shall be the oldest of their line that is living and active of all the Kensmen. The Grand Kensmen shall host and oversee all Kensmen related gatherings and Councils that they will be attending, in the event that the Grand Kensmen is not at an event the next Oldest Kensmen shall step in their place for that event.
IV. Grand Torque is an honorary title that is given to those who have mastered much of the period arts of the Viking age and have shared their knowledge with others within the ranks of the Kensmen proving to be a great teacher and artesian. This honor can be given to a Kensmen by the AlFather or by a Grand Council with a unanimous vote of the Kensmen.
Code of Conduct of the Kensmen and Swordbrothers
I. All Kensmen and Swordbrothers are expected to live by and uphold the code of the Kensmen with honor and act with honor in all that they may do.
II. Grounds for Removal: Any Kensman accused or under investigation for a crime that would be considered a felony is expected to self-report this matter to the council. If they are unable to report it personally, it may be done electronically or through other people. During this time, the Kensman is considered “Under Review2”.
a. If all formal charges are dropped, or upon the outcome of a “not guilty” verdict, the Kensman is no longer considered “Under Review.”
b. If an outcome of the legal process finds the Kensman anything other than “not guilty,” a removal vote will be forced at the next National Council.
c. Removal of a Kensmen requires a ¾ majority vote of the Kensmen in attendance at a Grand Council. The Kensman under review may speak their case, but does not vote on the outcome.
d. Failure to self-report a crime that would be considered a felony within one calendar year forces an automatic removal vote, regardless of the outcome.
Making of Swordbrothers and Kensmen:
I. A Kensmen must inform the Council that they are taking a Swordbrother, the reason for informing the Council is that the Council may have some information regarding the petitioner that the Kensmen didn’t already have, which may influence their decision to take that petitioner as a Swordbrother. Once done all Kensmen have the responsibility to make sure that the Swordbrother is trained in the ways of the Kensmen. Overall, the Kensmen are a family, and should be thought of as such at all times. We are brothers in all we do, our strength is in this one true fact. Face off against one, you face us all.
II. When a Kensmen comes forward to announce that their Swordbrother is ready to attain the rank of Kensmen, the Council must take a vote. Members of the Council may choose to have the Swordbrother brought before the Council, giving the Council an opportunity to decide if the
Swordbrother is ready and worthy to attain the rank that may be given to them. The decision of the Council to accept or decline the bestowal of the rank of Kensman MUST BE UNANIMOUS1. If the Council declines the request, the reasons for doing so will be explained, as will any necessary steps or tasks necessary to attain the approval of the Council in the future. At such a time that the presenting Kensmen and their Swordbrother feel that these requirements have been met, the Council may then be petitioned again to obtain acceptance into their ranks.
III. When a Swordbrother is confirmed by a Council to become a Kensmen, their name and accomplishments are recorded in the book of the Kensmen. The ceremony is to take place as soon as the Swordbrother’s Kensmen sees fit but within one year of being confirmed. Kensmen may or may not seek the blessings of their Leader or Regent as they see fit but this is not required.
Now in the event that I Iskandar the Grim, The AlFather of the Kensmen leave this earth and enter the gates of Vahalla the following will take place after you have honored me and had one hell of a party, the Kensmen shall all review and vote on any changes to the code and all Kensmen within the ranks must vote on these changes and it must be a unanimous1 vote for a change to the code to be made. Changes to the code must first be written up and Digitally Announced7 at least ninety (90) days in advance of the Event that a Grand Council is anticipated to occur9. Code Changes shall be presented to a Grand Council for review and input before they can even be voted on, once this has been done a vote may be requested on the changes to the Code.
This is the Code of the Kensmen, it can only be changed by myself, Iskandar the Grimm AlFather of the Kensmen.
These are my laws for you all to live by,
Iskandar the Grimm – The AlFather of the Kensmen
APPENDIX I: Digital Announcements7:
I. As there is specific need for the Kensmen to communicate online, it shall be that all online announcements are to be posted to the "Kensmen Only" group on facebook/meta. It is the responsibility of all Kensmen to create their own facebook /meta profile (or use their personal profile), which will be added to the Kensmen Only group immediately upon notice to the Admins and/or Mods for said group. If a Kensmen does not wish to have a facebook/meta profile, they are actively choosing to remain uninformed of any announcements made to the group. They may ask a fellow Kensmen to keep them apprised of announcements made online, but cannot hold accountable any other Kensmen for failing to relay online announcements to them.
II. The Kensmen Only group shall maintain a maintenance team of no less than 3 Admins. These Admins shall be Kensmen with an active online presence and are responsible for ensuring that the group does not go defunct. At no time shall these Admins delete any posts, comments, or documents without the express agreement of at least one other Admin, and then must immediately follow-up with an announcement that the deletion has occurred. If more than 10 members of the group disagree with the decision to delete any post within 10 days of the deletion announcement, the Admins are required to restore the deleted post. Failure of any Admin to follow this procedure will result in their immediate removal from the Admin team, and subsequent appointment of a new Admin if necessary to keep the number of Admins at 3.
III. A back-up online platform (discord, a forum, etc.) or electronic mailing list must be discussed (in the Kensmen Only group), voted upon (passing with 3/4 majority of Kensmen who voted online in the Kensmen Only group - given a 30 day voting period), and implemented within 60 days of ratification of this Code amendment for the possibility that facebook/meta removes the Kensmen Only group or becomes permanently unavailable. That back-up online platform will replace the text of this subsection (III.) once implemented.
1 At Ragnarok XXXII (2017), it was decided to interpret unanimous as follows: "Unanimous amongst Kensmen present at [a National Event] Council"
2 At Ragnarok XXXII (2017), a process was accepted for review and removal of a Kensmen who has been accused and/or convicted of committing a felony. This process required the definition of the phrase “under review.” Under Review: A Kensmen who is under review has not been removed from the order, however, they may not take new Swordbrothers while under review and do not have a vote at Council.
3 At Ragnarok XXXVI (2023), updates were made to improve inclusivity and eliminate binary gender references.
4 At Ragnarok XXXVI (2023), updates were made to improve grammar and update the approximate number of years the Kensmen have been active
5 At Ragnarok XXXVI (2023), the reference to Lines was changed to Houses and the examples provided were removed as time had rendered them mostly irrelevant.
6 At Ragnarok XXXVI (2023), the use of the word “mastery” was changed to “demonstrate expertise in” when referring to Swordbrother non-combat period skills
7 At Ragnarok XXXVI (2023), an electronic announcement platform was announced and procedure for determining a back-up platform were included for online discussion and approval
8 At Ragnarok XXXVI (2023), Events in which a Council may be held were defined.
9 At Ragnarok XXXVI (2023), Council types, powers, and requirements were defined and keeping Council minutes was made a requirement for all Council types. Digital Announcement requirements were instituted for proposing changes to the Code of the Kensmen and for when a Kensmen wishes to present their Swordbrother for elevation to the rank of Kensmen