Etiquette of the Hunt

[_RoyalCrafter_ 3343]

ETIQUETTE OF THE HUNT

 

 

PENNED BY THE HAND OF

STERLING PERCY AMADOR

On the 1st of Msitza ag Dargund, 469 E.S.

 

 

 

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VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG ELDERVIK,

 

The hunt is the most fundamental form of social activity since the inception of man. It is beloved by all, from nobles for its sport to commoners for its value. The importance of the hunt in society cannot be underestimated.

 

Despite its importance to us, few public hunts have been conducted as of late, nor is there a consistent practice of the traditions of the hunt. To preserve the etiquette and traditions of this beloved activity, this document was drafted.

 

This document follows the structure of the Etiquette and Traditions of the Joust, and as such it shall be split into two sections, the first outlining etiquette before the hunt, and the other during it.

 

ETIQUETTE BEFORE THE HUNT

Preservation

While hunting is an important activity, it is important to remember that excessive hunting may lead to the depletion of local wildlife, which not only damages the balance of nature within the wood but also hurts those who rely upon the hunt to sustain themselves.

 

Thus, ideally, hunting should be done when animals are in excess, during breeding or migration seasons. Hunting down animals who have grown aggressive and pose a threat to the local community is also honourable.

 

Planning

Hunting, despite its prevalence and popularity, is not a simple leisurely pass time. There is always the threat of injury and even death. Thus, before one departs on the hunt, one must prepare a plan and assign each individual partaking in the hunt a role.

 

Traditionally, the Master of the Hunt is responsible for organising this. If the Master is not available, then this responsibility is given to the most experienced and senior hunter. If those of noble houses are attending, it is the planner's job to give them a role that will allow them to sufficiently contribute, as well as to minimise the risk of danger. In accordance with this, participants will follow the route and information laid out by the leader of the hunt, who has to gather information, such as the location of the quarry, beforehand.

 

These roles are:
Tracker - the individual to leads the group by following the tracks of the quarry.

Horsemaster - the one who must take into account all of the horses present on the hunt, as well as ensure they receive treatment for their injuries.

Houndmaster - they serve a similar role to the Horsemaster, only with hounds.

Hunters - those who perform the physical act of chasing and hunting, either by bow or spear.

Porters - a position reserved for squires, pages and children. They are to assist their guardians by providing them bolts or arrows upon request and transport the supplies.

Prayer

A short prayer thanking GODAN for the bounty he provides and for safety must be given before and after the hunt takes place.

 

Heraldry

In all aspects of society, it is standard for those of a house to bear their symbols, emblems and sigils. The hunt is no different. The only change here, is the avoidance of wearing garish, opulent or flashy clothing and imagery, as a sign of respect to the hunt and the animal. It is also a matter of practicality, for one is more likely to be spotted by the animal if one is wearing flamboyant purple in the brown woods, thus spoiling the hunt. Simple armbands or cockades are sufficient to be used for distinguishing rank.

Equipment

Bows, Crossbows, Spears, Knives and other standard weapons may all be used on the hunt. Following this, magicks and weapons possessing a magical nature break the honour of hunting. They do not show the Hunters or the Hunted any fairness or any respect for the tradition by using such things. They may only be used in life-threatening situations.

Heavy armour such as plate is also not preferred, for much of the same reasons prohibiting overly flashy heraldry outlined in the section above. As well as it is too heavy for the swift movements required by horses within the woods. It is also too loud to allow the Hunters to sneak on a Hunt.

 

The most respectful attire is leather armour, it may be studded or be brigandine for protection, accompanied by cloaks suited for the forest. Guardsmen of any sort accompanied by the hunt may be allowed to wear armour since it is part of their duties. They are advised to bring Spears or Polearms.

 

Quarry Types
Not all animals are honourable to hunt. Small game such as foxes, rabbits and others are suitable for a starting hunt, a seasonal hunt, or as one to use to train wards and squires.

It would be inappropriate to take experienced huntsmen, to one of not sufficient difficulty. In increasing order of difficulty are the Stag, Boar, Wolf and Bear. Though one should not simply hunt the hardest creature. One must consider factors outlined in the Preservation section, as well as the symbolism of the animal. For example, the stag is the king of the forest, thus it would be a show of respect if it was hunted when accompanied by the Koeng.

 

It is also important to take into account the prohibitions upon certain types of animals by decree, such as the monkeys and cats of the Koenaswald.

 

 

ETIQUETTE DURING THE HUNT

Roles

As outlined above, the Master of the Hunt must give everyone a role during it. Thus it is equally important for all participants to follow their role strictly, lest the organisation of the hunt crumble which may lead to disaster.

 

Quarry

The hunters must act with dignity when hunting the quarry and not cause it any undue suffering. To purposefully prolong the quarry’s death is an act of wanton cruelty to one of GODAN’s creatures.

 

After the quarry is hunted, it is customary to divide the bounty amongst the hunting party. Out of politeness, a part must be offered to the person who had not the opportunity to directly participate in the killing of the quarry as a favour. This favour must also be given to the person of the highest rank at the gathering.

 

Horse and Houndmasters are given the second pick of the quarry for the tedious job of maintaining the animals.

The Hunters and Trackers get the third pick for their physical efforts.

Porters are given their claims by their guardians.

 

If there is not enough quarry to go around for everyone, bickering over the remains of the animal is petty and disgraceful. Instead one may gracefully forego their dues, in exchange for the first pick in a future hunt.

 

PARTING WORDS

I hope with this etiquette, the honourable traditions of the hunt will be upheld. So that the ritual of the hunt will continue to engage us, and provide us with bounty and a release from the mundane trappings of the courtroom.

 

 

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Sterling Percy Amador,

Koenas’ Advisor, Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Barrowlands,

Ward to the Grand Peer.

 

His Excellency, Aleksandr var Ruthern,

Grand Peer of Hanseti-Ruska, Duke of Vidaus, Count of Metterden,

Viscount of Greyspine, Baron of Rostig, Lord of Druzstra and Protector of the South

 

 

[Cally 344]

Somewhere, a widow'd hunter tsk's his teeth at the missive, wishing that the advisor would have done him the dignity to ask for The Master of the Hunt's dutiful signage.