The Pentamere Free Company

A declaration of intent

"Nulli Soli Pugnabant"

The intention of the free company is a brotherhood of fighters interested in the exploration, furthering and teaching of the skills of honorable melee combat and leadership. To this end the company bands together to fight as a unit at melee events under the command of our annually elected Captain. The company takes upon itself the duty of striving to individually improve our martial skills. We shall assist those who seek our help in furthering their own melee prowess, be they of the company or not. We shall endeavor to fight with honor, for the joy of combat and not for the laurels of victory. We shall, by rotating our command, give all the opportunity to command and follow, thereby promoting leadership skills throughout the company. The company shall have no political aspirations nor be used for the self aggrandizement of its own members within the S.C.A.

The company shall consist of three parts. The first to known as the Companions of the Chain, to be made of the original founding members of the Company. To these individuals, shall fall the burden of keeping the company from straying from its stated purpose. They shall each have a vote in company matters and the right of veto. The second part to be known as the Companions of the Axe, to be made of all other voting members of the Company. Each shall have a vote on Company matters. To these individuals fall the burden of breathing life into the company and keeping it vigorous in its actions. The third part shall be known as Companions of the Company. These are individuals who would associate with the company and fight with us beneath our banner, but decline membership in the Company or have not yet been admitted as full members to the company. They shall have no vote in company matters, but may be asked to partake of discussions and advise the company at need.

All company matters will be discussed and decided by simple majority vote. A Companion of the Chain may veto a decision and the matter will be taken up by the companions in private. A veto may be over-ridden by a two-thirds majority vote of the Companions of the Chain. A Captain of the Company shall be elected each year to head the efforts of the group for that year. Captains should not serve consecutive years. The Companions of the Chain may remove a Captain prematurely by a majority vote.

The Captain shall bear the responsibility of mustering the troops at events, commanding them on the field, pledging the Companies swords for a battle and setting the direction of the Companies efforts for the year. All Companions shall pledge to support the Captain’s efforts on behalf of the Company. As the company grows, the Captain may appoint Lieutenants to assist him, or the company may elect them at need.