Unto the Subjects of the Kingdom of Æthelmearc, especially those who are martially inclined, Greetings from Duke Christopher, Seneschal.

The office of Earl Marshal will turn over at Twelfth Night.  This office is going to undergo some changes.  Traditionally, the Earl Marshal has been a heavy weapons marshal with significant experience marshaling the Lists and Wars.  The position is going to be modified somewhat.

The idea is to have the EM be an administrator and less of a marshal.  Thus, the primary quality of the successful applicant for this job will be that of an organized,  capable administrator.  The ideal candidate will have familiarity with a number of the martial disciplines, but, need not necessarily be an expert in any one of them.  The EM will supervise the chief marshals of each of the martial disciplines, such as rapier, siege, archery, etc. as happens now.

A heavy weapons marshal will be added who will serve as the senior marshal for rattan combat.  This person will be on the same level of the organizational flowchart as the senior marshals of the other martial disciplines.  If the EM does not have sufficient rattan combat experience to serve as the marshal in charge of Crown, the heavy weapons marshal will then serve in that capacity.  A Pennsic Marshal will also be appointed.  This person will serve a three-year term which will culminate with them serving as Marshal 1 at Pennsic.  Further details on this position will follow.

A deadline of November 1st was set for applications for Earl Marshal. There are no letters for this position at this time.  At this time I would like to call for letters for anyone interest in serving as Earl Marshal.  I would also ask for letters for the Heavy Weapons marshal.  The successful candidate here will have several years experience as a heavy weapons marshal and be comfortable marshaling everything from local tournaments to Crown Lists.

If you have interest in any of these positions, please submit your letter to me and Duchess Tessa, the KEM.  Courtesy copies should go to the Crown and Heirs as well.  I would ask that letters be submitted by December 1st.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Christopher Seneschal, Æthelmearc